Tag: hebron

A dive into the complexities of Israel and the Middle East

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

As long as I can remember, Israel has been a part of my life. All four of my grandparents were passionate Zionists, and they all visited Israel in the 1970s. I heard their stories of listening to the UN vote for the partition plan on a transistor radio and how they celebrated when they realized it would happen. The complexities of Israel were discussed at every family dinner table.

I was first exposed to the complexities in person in 1989 after my graduation from college when I spent a month in Israel with the American Zionist Youth Foundation (AZYF). It was during the first intifada, so there were a few things we couldn’t do, but overall we had a great deal of freedom. We had “off days” to explore on our own and took the bus wherever we wanted. We spent Shabbat day hanging out in a park, playing hacky sack, and interacting with those who joined us. We learned about the intifada and what it meant, what was happening, and spent many hours on the bus talking about the challenges Israel faced in 1989. I got as much as 21-year-old me in 1989 could understand.

Since then, I have been back to Israel 25 additional times in those 37 years with two more planned in 2026. The complexities have only increased over time. My 7 trips since October 7, 2023 have each showed me a different view of the complexities. Participating in the November 2019 Encounter intensive and meeting with leaders of Palestinian Civil Society let me dig deeper into the complexities. Visiting Kfar Aza and the Nova music festival multiple times helped me see another level of the complexities. I remember my first time at both. The anger and rage burning inside of me as I saw what Hamas did. My 2nd and 3rd time at Kfar Aza sitting at the table at our host’s home where the Hamas leadership sat on October 7th. In the same chairs they sat. Watching as Israel bombed Jabalia and struggling with the feelings of relief that the bombing brought. It’s not who I am but it sure was who I was that day.

I’ve also spent time in the West Bank meeting with Palestinian leaders of civil society. My first time was in November 2019 when I participated in the Encounter Intensive. Four (4) days of intensive interaction and experiences. You can find my blogs about those experiences beginning here. It was one of the most intense experiences of my life: Bethlehem and Ramallah, hearing so many narratives about their experiences. Some gave me great hope, while others reinforced every stereotype I had been taught. I went to listen and learn; it opened my eyes to many of the challenges that need to be overcome, including the teaching of hate from an early age. I witnessed what is possible when Israelis and Palestinians work together (through a program called Combatants for Peace, where former terrorists and former IDF soldiers get to know each other and commit to finding a nonviolent solution to the conflict). There is a need for patience, as the amount of work that needs to be done is great. I learned how harmful the funding of the Palestinian Authority (PA) from the EU and the UN is toward finding a real solution and how that ensures the status quo. The number of potential Palestinian leaders who believe in non-violence and finding a new path is significant, yet they are not given a platform because of the EU and UN funding of the PA.

Recently, I spent time in the West Bank and Israel with Rozana, an amazing organization that works on healthcare diplomacy. You can read my blogs about that visit beginning here. I had the opportunity to see hope in action, witnessing Palestinians and Israelis working together in the West Bank and in Israel to build relationships and friendships that create the basis for future peace. I became friends with Rozana staff who live in Ramallah and a number of Palestinian doctors who live and work in Ramallah. That experience and what I wrote inspired this article in the Australian Jewish Independent. Spending time in the West Bank with Palestinians highlighted the complexities even more. Most Israelis and diaspora Jews don’t spend time there and don’t speak with Palestinians, while most Palestinians don’t speak with Israelis or diaspora Jews. They never get to know each other as people; there is no understanding on either side without having these connections.

Western society wants simple answers to everything. Everything in the Middle East is complex, not simple. Nuance is everything. The use of Hasbara, where talking points are taught without any deep knowledge, has created more problems than solutions. There are generations of diaspora Jews who have only been taught the talking points and when confronted with things that aren’t talking points, have no knowledge or understanding. They feel lied to and end up with a negative attitude towards Israel. We need to embrace the complexities, teach the good, the bad, and the ugly about Israel. Failure to properly educate people about Israel hurts the cause.

A perfect example of this is the new season of Fauda. If you haven’t watched any of it, I urge you to start with season 1. The new season focuses on the events after October 7th. The amazing thing about Fauda is how it shows everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Another remarkable aspect of Fauda is its popularity in Arab countries; season 5 is the most-watched series in Lebanon and ranks among the top 10 most-watched shows in 43 countries, including Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, and France. The number of people in Europe now publicly acknowledging they didn’t understand October 7th until watching Fauda is astounding. The impact this TV show is having on changing minds is significant. I saw the Hamas 47-minute video, and it was horrifying; I witnessed things I will never forget. It impacted me deeply. Watching episodes 7 and 8 of Fauda season 5, which focused entirely on October 7th, brought it all back for me—sitting in my living room, watching the news for hours, shocked at what I was seeing. I recall the community vigil we held on October 8th in Orlando and the politicians who arrived in support. Watching the video and seeing the horrifying things Hamas did was chilling. Visiting Kfar Aza and Nova for the first time (I’ve been to them multiple times since, and it never gets better, only worse) was eye-opening. Fauda illustrates the complications present in all five seasons; season 5 was by far the most impactful, perhaps due to my own experiences in Israel since then, my connection to many hostages, visits to the Hostage Family Forum and Hostage Square, and seeing and feeling the effects on every visit since then.

A promotional image for the Netflix show 'Fauda,' featuring a lead character and a backdrop of Jerusalem. It highlights the show's position in the Netflix Top 10 rankings across various countries and territories.

Next month, I will return to Israel and really see two different sides of the complexities. I’ll spend seven days with the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF) exploring Israel through a security lens. Traveling with generals, lieutenant colonels, Mossad, and Shin Bet, we will see and hear things most people never do. There is still an opportunity for you to join us on this unique experience. As that experience concludes, I will shift to spending four days with the Board of Directors of Rozana, whom I wrote about above. Rozana works in the West Bank, Israel, and Gaza to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians while addressing the healthcare needs in the West Bank and Gaza. As I mentioned above, I spent five days with them in June, and it was a life-changing experience. I’m looking forward to going back to Ramallah and Hebron to see the work. I’ll get to be on a Zoom call with the Rozana medical professionals in Gaza, hearing directly from them what they are seeing and what is happening. I’m looking forward to spending time with my Palestinian and Israeli friends. At a time when hope is challenging to find, I’m looking forward to really experiencing hope in action.

Recently, Rozana announced a significant gift from Rahm, Ari, and Zeke Emanuel to fund the training of Palestinian pediatricians and pediatric nurses at an Israeli hospital. A new pediatric hospital is being built in Nablus, the first in the north of the West Bank, and these doctors and nurses will be able to obtain the training they need to better care for children in the West Bank. One of the amazing things about Rozana’s work is that when Israeli and Palestinian medical professionals train together, like in this instance, 99% of Palestinian medical professionals and 98% of Israeli medical professionals reported increased professional skills after training together. This work doesn’t just help those in the West Bank; it helps Israelis as well. This is hope in action. Rozana just released their 6-month impact report. Take a minute to read it and see what is happening and what is possible. In a place with incredible complexities, seeing what is possible is essential.

Israel and the Middle East are complex. We live in a world that wants simple explanations. Educating people isn’t easy, but it is critical. Too many people only have a TikTok education; they live and believe the slogans. It takes a TV show like Fauda to reach them. This tells me that it is no longer about not giving up the fight but rather changing how we fight. After 78 years since 1948 and the founding of the modern state of Israel, what we have done simply isn’t working, and we see that every day. It is time to change what we do and change the fight. I have found it amazing how quickly people stop their TikTok-driven commentary when I tell them I was just in Ramallah and Hebron and will be back in November. That I have Palestinian friends and am happy to put them in touch with me. That I work with an organization that provides two health clinics and a rehabilitation clinic in Gaza. That in June, I was in a bomb shelter as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel. Those with talking points about how bad Israel is have no response. When they try to bring up the “settler violence,” I tell them I was there and experienced it firsthand. I call it terrorism because that’s what it is—they are terrorists, not settlers. They don’t know what to do with that information. They don’t have answers to the facts.

We need to show people the realities on the ground. The vast majority of Palestinians want to live in peace and be left alone. This is particularly true in Areas B and C. The vast majority of Israelis want Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran to be removed from power and to allow them to live in peace. Until they walk the streets of Tel Aviv and see the vast diversity of people there—Arabs, Jews, Christians, Druze, Baha’is, and more—they don’t understand. Until they visit people in the West Bank and learn how they just want to live their lives, raise their children, and be able to move around easily, they won’t understand the realities.

I have always loved going to Israel because I feel at home. It’s the only place where I am a part of the majority. I also love visiting my Palestinian friends in the West Bank, where I am not the majority, but where I get to interact with people who share my values, who want to live in peace, raise their children, and live full lives. It’s amazing what happens when you meet the people and don’t believe the media and the stories we are told. Yes, there are terrorists. We saw them during the first and second intifadas. We saw them on October 7th. There are far more good people with whom we can build relationships. I look forward to when the ban on U.S. visas for Palestinians is removed so that some of my friends can come to the United States and you can meet them, hear their stories, ask them questions, have a meal together, and talk and laugh. Until then, I’ll see them in Ramallah and Hebron. I’ll see my Israeli friends in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Modi’in, and many other places. I’ll embrace the complexities and work to help people understand that when it comes to the Middle East, there is no simple answer. It is all complex. Our future depends on understanding and embracing the complexities and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort levels.

If you want to come join me in Israel or explore the work of Rozana in the West Bank and Israel, let me know. I’m happy to take you to explore it, challenge yourself and your beliefs, open your mind, and embrace the complexities and the opportunities.

Group of people gathered around a table outdoors, smiling and enjoying a social gathering in a scenic location.
Having a meal in the West Bank with my friends from Ramallah, Hebron, the UK, Australia, the US, East and West Jerusalem, and Jaffa.

The Center for Israel Education inspires and teaches

Posted on by Keith Dvorchik

Approximately 20 years ago at an AIPAC Policy Conference, I attended one of the breakout sessions to learn a bit more about a detailed topic.  The presenter, Professor Ken Stein from Emory University, blew my mind with details and facts that I didn’t know.  I sat there taking notes with tons of questions forming in my mind.  There were so many of them, I had to write those down as well.  After the session, I went up to talk with him and ask some of those questions.  It was an inauspicious start of a friendship and professional relationship that lasts until today.

My friend Professor Ken Stein

I made it a point to always attend Ken’s sessions at AIPAC.  I was amazing that he was the only speaker on Israel that I found nobody had a problem with.  They may ask tough questions, but Ken wasn’t trying to do Hasbara (trying to convince somebody you are correct) but rather shared the facts and allowed you to determine your own beliefs.  As a result of this, I brought Ken to Seattle and then to Orlando to teach about the history of Israel. 

In 2008, Ken created the Center for Israel Education (CIE), a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about modern State of Israel.  Using source documents, CIE provides context to a challenging topic.  A number of years ago, I was honored when Ken asked me to join the board of directors and I have been a member ever since. 

Each week, CIE provides information that is both timely and interesting.  Sometimes it is related to, “This week in Israeli history” while other times it relates to what’s happening in the world.   I find it interesting and learn a lot about people and policies that I didn’t know.  This week’s information was particularly interesting for two reasons.

The first reason relates to ‘This week in Israeli history’.  On Feb. 14, 1896, Vienna journalist Theodor Herzl published 500 copies of a pamphlet entitled “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”), declaring the need and justice of Jewish sovereignty 18 months before he convened the First Zionist Congress.  I’ve been to Israel 20 times and been to Herzl’s grave at least 20 times.  It’s a powerful place to visit as he was the person who had the vision of a Jewish state.   Whenever I am there, I find myself humbled by his vision and always remember his famous quote, “If you will it, it is no dream.”   That quote has inspired me throughout my career.

Theodore Herzl – the founder of Zionism

Interestingly enough, Herzl’s idea wasn’t limited to the middle east or to the historic greater Israel.  He merely wanted the Jewish people to have their own land where they were in charge and had self-determination.  He wrote about It wasn’t until the First Zionist Congress held in Basel, Switzerland with 200 delegates from across the Jewish world, that the goal to establish a Jewish State in the Land of Israel were explicitly adopted by the new Zionist movement.

Theodore Herzl at the First Zionist Congress in Basel on August 25, 1897

Herzl, as a secular Jew and journalist, was inspired by the Dryfuss Affair to find a way to keep Jews safe.  It was his vision to have a Jewish State, a homeland, where Jews would be in charge and Jews would be safe.  Where Jews would have the power of self-determination.  He didn’t care where it was, only that it existed.   It was at the First Zionist Congress that non-secular Jews, who understood the tie to the biblical land, ensured that the land would need to be in our historic homeland, not just anywhere.

The Dryfuss Affair on the cover of The New Yorker

Captain Alfred Dryfuss, wrongly convicted because he was a Jew.

It ties to the famous Chaim Weizmann quote.  When a member of the House of Lords asked him, “Why do you Jews insist on Palestine when there are so many undeveloped countries you could settle in more conveniently?”

Weizmann answered: “That is like my asking you why you drove twenty miles to visit your mother last Sunday when there are so many old ladies living on your street?”

Wiezmann said, ‘Mr. Balfour, if you were offered Paris instead of London, would you take it?’ … He looked surprised. He said: ‘But London is our own!’ Weizmann said, ‘Jerusalem was our own when London was a marsh.’ He said, ‘That’s true.'”

Dr. Chaim Weizmann, one of the great founders of the State of Israel

Having been to Israel 20 times in my life, there is something special not just because it is a Jewish state and the only place that I am in the majority.  Being in Jerusalem and standing at the Kotel is a direct connection to King Solomon.  It’s a direct connection to the ‘holy of holies.’  To 5,000+ years of Jewish history.  

Being at the Kotel is always such a special feeling

Going to Hebron and visiting the graves of Abraham, Jacob, Sarah, and Leah is a special feeling. (Isaac and Rebeca are also buried there but they are on the Palestinian side so Jews can only go there 10 days a year).  I’ll never forget sitting between the graves of Abraham and Sarah as my friend Harry Rothenberg led us in a discussion focused on the text where Sarah was told by God that she would get pregnant when she was 90 years old, and she laughed.  We explored not just the story but the love story of Abraham and Sarah.  It was incredibly powerful to do this between their graves. It’s something I will never forget.

We also learned that one of times when all of the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is open to Jews, Christians and non-muslims is during the Shabbat of Chayei Sarah. This is when Sarah dies and is buried in Hebron. There are 40,000-50,000 people who come to spend Shabbat outside the Tomb. They bring in catered meals, tents, and it’s a huge party. Watching the videos of the celebration put this on my bucket list.

In Hebron, the oldest complete building still used for it’s original purpose in the world. Inside are the caves (graves) of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

Below is the cave with the grave of Abraham, the patriarch.

Across from the cave of Abraham is the cave of Sarah our matriarch, where Abraham buried her himself.

The grave of Jacob, our patriarch. He wrestled with the angel and got the name Israel. It’s unbelievable to be at his grave.

The grave of Leah, our matriarch. Rachel was buried on the road (her grave is in what is now Bethlehem) while Isaac and Rebecca are on the side controlled by the Palestinians and are only accessible 10 days a year to Jews.

I’ve been the Tomb of Joseph, not too far from Nablus.  There is something unique and special being there, knowing his story and how integral he was to the Jewish people.  It’s hard to explain the feeling of connection, of thousands of years of history, and of peoplehood that occurred for me there. 

The tomb of Joseph in Nablus. When I was there it was packed with Jews praying over his grave.

Being in the Jordan River is another unique experience.  This is where our people crossed over to enter the land of Canaan after leaving Egypt.  The history and connection is amazing.  It was smaller than I expected and reminded me of the Ichetucknee River outside of Gainesville, Florida, that I used to go tubing down in the summer.  I had imagined this powerful river that was both wide and deep.  It’s the same river my ancestors crossed thousands of years ago as they entered ‘the land of milk and honey’ for the first time.

Rafting down the Jordan River is always fun – on one trip we went with a group of Muslim women who were fully clothed while we were in bathing suits. They started a splash fight with us and we had so much fun with them. 

As you drive through Israel you see the field where David slew Goliath.  In Tzfat you see the fields where Lecha Dodi was inspired, the mikvah of the Ari, various ancient synagogues.  In Akko the excavated buildings from the crusades exist.  You can see the Dead Sea Scrolls.  It’s a land filled with rich Jewish history everywhere that you turn.  That’s what Herzl didn’t understand but was smart enough to listen the First Zionist Congress.  It’s why the modern State of Israel is home to all of us.  It’s not just a country of Jewish self-determination.  It is our historic homeland, our past, present, and future.  It is tied to our souls as anybody who has visited there, Jewish or not, will attest.  I’m grateful that Herzl listened to the delegates at the First Zionist Conference and wouldn’t accept just anywhere.  Israel is my mother that I travel 6,500 miles to visit and it’s worth it every time. 

Looking out on the fields in Tzfat. This is what inspired L’cha Dodi and where they would walk out to meet the Shabbat Bride each Friday night.

Looking down at the Mikvah of the Ari from the 1500s. It’s inside the building. He used in the 1500s and I used in in 2021 and 2022. That’s the power of Israel for Jews.

The actual Mikvah itself. The Ari used it in the 1500s, stepping into the same pool (not the same water) as I did in 2021 and 2022.

The second piece of information that I found fascinating goes back to 1993.  During the Knesset debate over the Oslo Accords in September 1993, then Foreign Minister Shimon Peres warned that “There are in Gaza this year between 750,000 and 800,000 inhabitants. Within 20 years, there will be almost 2 million residents in the Gaza Strip. The population density leads to violence, the poverty leads to terrorism.” If you read his full remarks, it is fascinating to apply them to today. 

I met Shimon Peres more than 20 years (and 70 pounds!) ago. A truly special man and leader.

As Israel continues to respond to the horror of October 7th, there are more than 2 million people in Gaza.  Life there has led to violence and terrorism.  Hamas, UNWRA, and the UN have contributed to these problems.  At a JNF lunch event today, Ambassador Michael Oren told us that Israel is figuring out how many of the terrorists on October 7th were taught at an UNWRA school.  I’m afraid to see how high that number will be.  UNWRA ignored or allowed the strategic headquarters of Hamas to be built in tunnels under the UNWRA headquarters.  The textbooks are filled with antisemitism.  Even children’s programming is targeted to hate and kill Jews.  The Hamas version of Sesame Street, Tomorrow’s Pioneers, is focused on murdering Jews.  This clip blames the Jews for a character cheating in school.  Shimon Peres was right about the growth in Gaza and what the consequences would be.  October 7th proved him right.  The question is how do we move forward from here?

The textbooks provided by UNRWA to the Palestinian/Gazan children are filled with antisemitism and Jew hatred. 

In the same warning, Peres stated, “Neither do I propose that we talk of economic cooperation. Why? Because the Arabs believe that the State of Israel wants to dominate the region. We do not want to do the Arabs any favors. I am not even suggesting economic cooperation with the Arabs. All I am telling the Arabs is this: There are problems that will remain unresolved unless we tackle them jointly. We should make a joint effort only when problems are insolvable without such a joint effort.”

Was this Peres foreshadowing the Abraham Accords?  The threat of Iran brought Arab countries together to recognize Israel, forever changing the dynamic.  The Iranian problem was insolvable without a joint effort.  After October 7th, these nations did not abandon Israel.  They understand that Iran is the problem and that it’s insolvable without Israel being a part of the solution.  Could this be the basis for a new government in Gaza and perhaps the West Bank/Judea and Samaria?  Could this be the key to rebuilding Gaza and finally making it into the ‘Singapore of the Middle East’?  Could this be the basis for peace and a willingness to live together?

An incredible picture of the signing of the Abraham Accords as more muslim countries recognize and normalize relations with Israel.

I find myself looking to some of the great Israeli leaders of the past for inspiration on a regular basis.  David Ben Gurion.   Golda Meir.  Shimon Peres.  Yitzhak Rabin.  Moshe Dayan.  Menachem Begin. 

Picture of Ben Gurion reading the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall

When I saw this statue of Ben Gurion, I had to get a picture with it. The more I learn about him, the more in awe I am of who he was and what he did.

I think of current Israeli leaders such as Ambassador Michael Oren, Ambassador Ron Dermer, and the many Consul Generals I have had the pleasure to interact with and befriend.  We are wise to listen to their insights.  Michael Oren has a substack that I now subscribe to.  Their words are treasurers. 

Michael Oren speaking in Orlando this week at a JNF event. A future blog will talk about what he said.

Talking with and listen to Michael Oren is truly incredible. A brilliant man to learn from

Two of my favorite Ben Gurion quotes are: 

“Dare, Persevere, Succeed.”

“Pioneering is refusing to accept reality as it is.”

As I look back at Herzl and at the words of Peres; as I look forward to ‘The Day After’ and the Abraham Accords, these two quotes inspire me for the future of Israel.  And they inspire me personally.  We change the world by being daring, persevering, and succeeding.  And by being pioneers and not accepting reality as it is, we have the opportunity to create a new reality.  A new dream.  “If you will it, it is no dream.  Dare, persevere, succeed.  Refusing to accept reality as it is.”  Three quotes that sum up Israel and the Jewish people.  Three belief systems that will change your life and change the world.