Continue reading »]]> When Vandalism Turns into Advocacy

Laura and Lihi Rothschild, Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Rutgers Hillel

Last Wednesday, April 24^th, a group of graffiti artists stood in front of Rutgers Hillel on College Avenue, and encouraged students to spray-paint with them on a 20-foot mural to show their support for Israel. This group of artists had originally gone to express themselves through their art on security walls in the West Bank, and ended up falling in love with the country, a feeling I can understand very well. Their Facebook page description explains that they use “the powerful and universal messages of art to educate, support, and provide awareness about Israel.”

                It has been one week since the Positively Israel: Artists 4 Israel event has passed, but I still cannot stop thinking about it. I personally had an amazing time at the event, and it wasn’t only because of the warm weather, free food, fun music, and good company. This was more than the normal Rutgers Hillel Israel events- it was a way to express support for Israel that would attract and intrigue ANYONE passing by, and not just those who already support Israel. By being located on a well-populated street, it forced students who may have had no prior knowledge about Israel to ask questions. However, at times I worried that the goal of raising awareness and messages of support to Israel wasn’t apparent enough, as it seemed that many students participated without fully understanding what the event truly was about. Perhaps, however, it is better to be more subtle about it and to engage students with fun and interesting activities such as having the chance to spray-paint so as not to overwhelm them, and if they want to ask questions about Israel, they were free to do so without feeling pressured.

                At the end of the day, it truly was a refreshingly new and unique way for us to express our love and support of Israel, as well as to engage new students that wouldn’t have been involved in an Israel-related event otherwise. If the event enlightened even just one student about Israel, then it was a total success.

(Laura Faiwiszewski 15′)

Continue reading »]]>  Art for Israel

Before attending the Artists 4 Israel event myself, I had watched a video clip on youtube. It looked amazing. I was so excited to have a chance to participate myself. As I approached Rutgers Hillel, I was not entirely sure what to expect because everyone was just sitting around.

Once the artists began working on the wall, I was hesitant to paint on my own because they were extremely talented. I was one of the first students given a chance to use the spray paint and I was nervous to do so because I did not want my small art work which was nothing in comparison to theirs to ruin the wall. Yet once I began, I realized there was nothing to worry about, these terrific artists were able to take anything and make it into a master piece. The time flew by, and I had a great time with everyone around us. The event I feel made Rutgers Hillel a positive talk on campus. I have seen and heard many people talking about this activity since the event and I feel proud to have contributed.

From left, Danielle and Ariel

(Danielle Schlisser 14′)

Continue reading »]]> April is Israel Month at Rutgers Hillel!

Sprint time is an eventful time at Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE). It’s time to remember those Jews and non-Jews, who gave their lives and health to guard the State of Israel, and then to celebrate to reestablishment of a Jewish state in the land of Israel.  This year marks the 65^th birthday of the state of Israel, a dream that came true.

Please follow the RHCIE Facebook fan page to learn more about up coming Israel programs.

Featured Events:

1. Yom HaZikaron— Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day. Yom HaZikaron is a day to remember all the fallen soldiers, recognizing those who devoted their lives to fight for Israel’s survival.

   In honor of this day we will be watching “Follow me, The Yoni Netanyahu Story.” Yoni Netanyahu is an Israeli hero with an incredible story. Following the movie showing there will be a vigil in honor of all the fallen soldiers of Israel and the victims of terrorism.

2.  Yom Ha’atzmaut– Yom Ha’atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day. Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement will celebrate Israel at the center of Rutgers University, in front of the Rutgers Student Center on College Avenue.

The Rutgers Zionist community will create opportunities to talk
with their peers about the spirit of Israelis. There will be t-shirts with your name written in Hebrew, a rock concert and of course a BBQ.

3.  Second Annual For Team Israel 5k– This program will raise money for the Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement while engaging the community and promoting Shomer HaGuf, ‘taking care of one’s body’. Sign up for the 5k fun run or 1 mile at this link.