Week #5 - Founding of the State of Israel, part 2. Plus, a look at the story of Gilad Shalit

We will start this week with a walk around the synagogue looking for ways in which "Israel" is represented.   What did we find?  Which locations had information?  Which didn't?  What messages is the synagogue sending about the meaning of "Israel"?


Gilad Shalit

we'll watch this video from Gilad's father trying to rally international attention demanding his son's release.

this video was released by Hamas during his time in captivity - it shows a commentary from Shalit.

here is a video broadcast from the military wing of Hamas, showing the capture.

he was returned to Israel this week.  Here is a brief excerpt of his first interview.

However, there are several questions remaining.

Here is a statement about Shalit's release from the URJ.

Here is a short poem about his release by a local poet.

Here is an editorial from the New York Times about Shalit and the implications of his release on the future of the peace process.

What do you think about all of this?



Founding of the State of Israel

What should a Declaration of Independence for Israel contain?  Why?

Here is the text of the Declaration of the State of Israel

As we continue our conversation about the founding of the State of Israel today, we will refer to this commentary on the Declaration.

We'll also look at the text of Hatikva, the Israeli national anthem.