2007-2008 Student Awards

The Many Faces of Israel

THE FIFTH ANNUAL
STUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

June 12, 2008

Program

2008 HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT
DR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Jennifer Bane, St. Monica (Marc Nuno & Siobhan O’Neill) ($1,000)

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE ($500)
Chinyerum Okpara, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)
Sandra Lattouf, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)
Gabby Garcia-O’Connor, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)
Rachel Samec, Louisville (Josh Wilson)

HONORABLE MENTION ($100)
Christian Romo, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); Paul Ferrier, JSerra (Melea Walden);
Jerry Mathews, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James);
Theresa Duong, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen); Jillian Jones, St. Bernard (Margaret Govero);
Steve Shushnar, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); Josephine Sunga, Holy Family (Roger DeSilva);
Emily Park, Villanova (Brian Grisin); Hannah Hoffman, Villanova (Brian Grisin);
Kevin Kim, St. Monica, (Marc Nuno & Siobhan O’Neill); Caselyn Larino, Pomona (Allicen Naal)

POETRY CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE ($500)
Rouel Soberano, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)
Angeli Aguas, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)
Patrick Villar, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)
Danielle Fischer, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)

Dina Nichols, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon); Selene Smith, Marymount (Rita Morgan);
Ramin Sobati, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega); Adelle Barte, Louisville (Mary Wilson);
Nashaw Jafari, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons); Matthew De La Peza, St. Francis (Mark Fredette);
Steven Holtzen, Don Bosco (Claude LeBlanc); Jennifer Van Trieste, Louisville (Josh Wilson);
Audrey Stanford, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen); Sharlena Singleton, Pomona (Allicen Naal)

ART CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE ($500)
Leanne Villarivera, Notre Dame (Cindy Lee-Moon)

SECOND PRIZE ($300)
Becky Calvo, Louisville (Mary Wilson)

THIRD PRIZE ($200)
Abel Regalado, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond)

Lianna Preston, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill); Dakota Brown, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond);
Elaine Ortiz, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez);
A.J. Hernandez, Servite (Chris Weir); Stephanie Soto, Ramona Convent (Maureen Linehan & Elisa Perez);
Michael McGuire, Chaminade (Kristina Ortega); Chris Barlog, Bishop Alemany (Mary Killmond);
Edward Gomez, Servite (Chris Weir)

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARD
SONG – Nicole Del Castillo, St. Joseph (Linda Petrich) ($200)
2 VIDEO – 9th Grade Class, Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary (Fatima Nicdao)

THE HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT
THE FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
June 12, 2008

PROGRAM

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair
Shalom U’veracha The Holy Land Democracy Project

TRIBUTE TO SUPERINTENDENT Stanley Kandel, Holy Land Democracy
NANCY COONIS Project Advisory Council

REMARKS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE Nancy Coonis,
Superintendent of Secondary
Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

REMARKS FROM Terri Smooke, Co-Chair, Jewish Community
THE JEWISH FEDERATION Relations Committee,
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
Teacher’s Commendation Bernadette St. James, St. Joseph
Cynthia Madsen, St. Joseph
Reading of 1st Prize Poems Rouel Soberano, Bishop Montgomery
Distribution of Prizes Angeli Aguas, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE Nancy Coonis and Dennis Munoz,
Principal St. Bernard High School

SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARD Linda Petrich, St Joseph
Fatima Nicdao, Sacred Heart of Mary

Performance of Special Judges Award Fatima Nicdao and the 9th Grade Class
VIDEO Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary

CAPERNUM TO THE CLASSROOM Chris Weir, Servite High School
A TEACHERS PERSPECTIVE

ART PRIZE PRESENTATION
Teacher’s Commendation Cindy Lee-Moon, Notre Dame
Distribution of Prizes

Performance of Special Judges Award
SONG Nicole Del Castillo, St. Joseph

ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATION
Comments Linda Petrich, St. Joseph
Distribution of Prizes

DR. DAVID LIEBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Jennifer Bane, St. Monica High School
INTRODUCTION Dr. Daniel Lieber

CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Daniel Lieber
Tzeitchem B’shalom
3

Dr. David Lieber
Award for Excellence
Prayer Before Sleep
Jennifer Bane, St Monica High School
Siobhan O’Neill and Mark Nuno, Instructors

This morning, I pressed my head against the Western Wall of
Solomon’s Temple and I cried. Something inside me awoke,
my soul aflame like the bush that inspired Moses. My
fingertips gripped the ancient stone as I slipped my prayer
between the cracks of rock, and I turned to face the crowds
of other Jewish people preparing themselves to pray.

I could feel you through the rocks, traveling from my
trembling hands through my veins until you reached my
heart – and there you stopped. I turned back to the rock, in
awe, and I could feel your presence within me, drying the
tears sweeping over my cheeks. My body fought back chills,
but it could not resist – every hair on my body stood at
attention, and I ceased to even breathe.

I let you affect me. My skin tingled, and my eyes began to
see the world on a small but so meaningful scrap of paper
which was lodged somewhere in the stones that my very
faith was built upon.

On my way home, I walked rather slowly, because your
presence that I now felt so greatly was too sacred to disturb
with careless footsteps. The streets of Jerusalem filled with
the sound of prayers and songs from almost every window.
Now I passed by more buildings that were ancient, like the
Temple of Solomon where the wall I came to every week
stood for thousands of years, and suddenly the blood
running within me felt even older.

4

I love Israel. If someone told me I could never return to
Israel, as people have often told my ancestors, I don’t know
what I would do. I would have to be brave, like Jews before
me, but I would be so unbearably homesick. That is why
I came to the wall today, to pray to you. I thought about
this last night as I drifted into a deep sleep, and I thought
about the Diaspora, and of how my grandfather died in
the Holocaust, and suddenly I felt that I needed
to talk to you directly.

I am overwhelmed that this land I live in and carry so much
affection for is filled with violence, war and dissent. It is so
beautiful, and it is so much a part of me, that I too am
divided. I wait for the day when all Jews will join me and
press their hands against the wall.

When they feel the stone in my favorite place on this earth,
then they will want to return here, too. They will dream day
and night of returning to the roots they descended from.
I am tied to Israel, and today at the wall, I understood that.
I could feel the beating of the hearts of all Jews in the
world, and I realized that we are all striving to return to the
connection to one another – family. We are not alone,
I repeated to myself on my walk home through the
ancient city – we will abandon our fear.

Oh God of Israel – you have made us all one. We will
abandon our fear, because we are one.

I wish every Jew living anywhere in the world could hear
this. No matter what persecutions or setbacks that we suffer,
we will return to the land of our forefathers and the land of
our religion, whether it be Israel, or the arms of our God.

And because I really meant what I wrote on the paper I put
in the wall today I will say it again. I know it is short, but
sometimes there are few words to describe passion
– THANK YOU. .

5

First Prize Essay
Chinyerum Okpara, St Joseph High School
Linda Petrich, Instructor
(excerpt)

T he Jews’ connection with the Land of Israel dates back almost 4,000
years. God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would
inherit the Land of Israel as an everlasting possession. Biblically, Jewish rights
to the Land of Israel are eternal and unconditional.
Jews did not leave the Holy Land willingly; they were forced out during
the Diaspora (dispersion). Israel was invaded and Jews were deported into
exile by their conquerors … Yet these tragic events and the numerous
persecutions that have happened since have not silenced Jewish longing for
a home in the Holy Land, nor changed God’s promise to bless Abraham and
his offspring.
The Jews made a promise never to forget their promised land. To fulfill
their promise during their exile, the Jews initiated the concept of Israel into
virtually every aspect of daily life. To this day, Jews everywhere face toward
Jerusalem when reciting their daily prayers. A prayer for return to Zion is
part of the standard Jewish blessing over meals. The High Holiday services
and the Passover Seder meal conclude with the hope and promise of “Next
Year in Jerusalem!”
The restoration of Israel and the gathering of the exiles are at the core
of all Jewish prayers for redemption and for the coming of the Messiah.
Jews remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and the
exile from Jerusalem, with an annual day of fasting and mourning. At
the end of a Jewish wedding, it is customary for the groom to break a
glass with his right foot to symbolize the destruction of the Temple.
Through these customs and rituals, Jews show their trust in God’s
faithfulness and keep alive their hope to return to Zion.
After the Holocaust and the loss of 6 million Jews, two million of them
children, many Jews wondered whether it was possible to continue
believing in God’s covenant with Israel. The State of Israel was the
answer to what they were looking for. Israel became a State in 1948.
Having a Jewish state meant that Jewish children could grow up in their
own country where Jewish police, Jewish soldiers and Jewish citizens
protect the land and its entire people. To Jewish people, Israel is more
than just the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants, the
Promised Land is at the very center of all Jewish beliefs and practices. The
formation of the State of Israel meant that God has not abandoned his
people and that he is true to his word. 7

Second Prize Essay
Sandra Lattouf, Ramona Convent Secondary School
Maureen Linehan and Elisa Perez, Instructors
(excerpt)

W hen I first heard about the country of Israel, before I learned more
about it, a picture came to mind of what it would look like: a desert-
looking place with light brown clay houses and dirt roads. If you were
to ask me what people in Israel look like, before I was more educated, I
would say, “a bunch of people wearing robes and sandals. Men wear
those little hats on their heads and would walk around with the Torah
in their hands. And women are at home teaching their daughters how
to take care of the household.” Now I’ve learned that Israel is nothing
like my dim-witted picture… Jewish people have no real description, just
like Americans, Jewish people can come from any background, whether
it’s from Spain, Russia, Eastern Europe or Germany. Just like Americans,
they are also strongly opinionated and religiously bonded, and that’s
what keeps them together. It’s like everyone knows each other! I’ve also
found out that people don’t really dress like in my mental picture, either.
Actually, my mental picture seems to be more and more like a fantasy
than a reality as I go on with this essay.
So after I’ve explained all this to you, you might be laughing at me for my
outrageous and uneducated hypothesis. What makes my assumptions about
Israel truly tragic is the fact that I’m Arab. Both my parents emigrated from
Lebanon during the war and now live in Monrovia. I had no clue that Israel
was a democratic country, let alone it being one of the only democratic
countries in the Middle East.
Every time I hear the news about the Middle East, whether it is CNN or BBC,
they always show the viewers dirt roads and sidewalks, destroyed buildings
and villages, a desert-looking area with nothing on the land, and children
and women in robes. I have now found out, thanks to the project, that there
are two main reasons why these images popped into my mental picture: the
news only shows places which are usually small towns and villages that are
either being targeted by terrorists or occupied by an army, and that the
people shown wearing robes are either just simply poor or Muslims. And
because I have been educated, I can understand the news better, the people
shown on the news, and especially the people affected by the attacks. The
most important fact that I have learned is that even though these are people
who live across the world from me, there are not that many differences
between us. And because we are more similar than different, we need to
8 treat each other more like neighbors; better yet, like brothers and sisters.

Third Prize Essay
Gabby Garcia-O’Connor, Notre Dame High School
Cindy Lee-Moon, Instructor
(excerpt)

T he State of Israel is a democratic oasis in the Middle East. The tiny country
of Israel is dwarfed in size and surrounded by Arab neighboring countries,
many of which have totalitarian governments. The Jewish state was born out
of the worldwide suffering of the Jewish people longing for a place where
they could live free of persecution. This dream was finally realized in 1948,
with the emergence of the modern State of Israel.
Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. However, the demographics of
Israel are very diverse. Israeli citizens come from all over the world. Peoples
of all colors, beliefs and ethnicities reside in Israel. All people, regardless of
their religion or background, are given the rights and responsibilities that
come with being a citizen of a democratic state. One of these responsibilities
is service in the armed forces. The Israeli army is truly a citizens’ army, similar
to the Minutemen of the American Revolution.
Israel’s commitment to democracy can be seen in various ways. All citizens
have the right to vote, own property and express their opinions through
freedom of speech and press. Israelis are encouraged to be active in their
democratic government. As a matter of fact, throughout the day, the media
keeps the population informed of the government’s actions, thus motivating
their participation.
The Holy Land Democracy Project has helped me to understand why it is
important that the United States continues to support and assist Israel. We
share a commonality in that both countries were born out of persecution. Like
the United States, Israel believes in democratic rule, respect and acceptance of
different views. We presently live in a world that threatens individuality,
religious freedoms and democracy. Israel is a shining beacon of democracy in
an area of the world that is especially intolerant of anything that is not
accepted in their mainstream. Hopefully, Israel will inspire other nations,
ethnicities and religious groups to embrace tolerance rather than hatred.

9

Third Prize Essay
Rachel Samec, Louisville High School
Josh Wilson, Instructor
(excerpt)

A fter learning about Israel from the Holy Land Democracy Project
I realized there was much about Israel I did not know that I had
misunderstood. In everything from the size of Israel to the people, I
had views that were in some ways completely incorrect, and I really
appreciate knowing what is the truth and what is not.
It probably started the first day, when we looked at the many faces
of Israel, that I realized my errors. When you hear of Judaism as an
ethnicity, you also hear of common characteristics that generalize a
people. You expect people to look a certain way, and I had always
associated Jewish people with Israel. I personally thought of a certain
type of hair, face and clothes but right away I realized I could
completely misjudge people. By looking at a picture, I would place
people in categories completely unrelated to them. I did not expect
the diversity that was truly apparent from the lessons.
Before, I did not know how young a state Israel was. I thought it
had existed for a very long time. With so much attention given to
Israel, I expected it to be a huge place. When I learned the true size,
I was so surprised at all the controversy surrounding it. When I look
at a map, there are a lot of places that small I have never heard of,
but I am pretty sure most everyone has heard of Israel.
After this project I am more aware of the real importance of Israel. I
have always sympathized with the Jewish people while learning about
their religious history, because they have so frequently and wrongly
been persecuted. I think it is a good idea for them to have an area
where they are in control and can freely express their religion, write in
Hebrew and have their own flag. They need to have a place where
they are the majority and can be in control, free from persecution.

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Honorable Mention Essay
Christian Romo, St. Francis High School
Mark Fredette, Instructor

I n Christian’s fictional narrative, a young Israeli émigré is disillusioned by the
constant trials and hardships of Jewish history and decides to disconnect
himself from his faith and family. His wanderings bring him to a part of Poland
where most of his family had perished in concentration camps.
A chance encounter with an idealistic young Russian intent on making
Aliyah (moving to Israel) changes his view about his own future and that of
the Jewish people. After helping him find the Israeli embassy in Warsaw, the
protagonist finds himself face to face with an embassy official:
The man smiled and asked: “How may I help you?”
“Take me home,” was all I said.

Paul Ferrier, JSerra High School
Melea Walden, Instructor
(excerpt)

In every sense of the word, the Jewish people have throughout history
had a deep relationship with the land of Israel. This relationship was
founded upon the Jewish people’s historical, cultural and religious
connections with the land and has continued since in a tragic cycle of
persecution, conflict and restoration. Now such connections are disputed
… It is apparent that no race or religion is more religiously or historically
connected to the Palestinian region than the Jewish people. Based on
these two factors it becomes clear that the State of Israel and the Jewish
people have every right to exist where they are. The Jewish state, for the
sake of its people, should and must live on.

11

Jerry Mathews, Bishop Montgomery High School
Bernadette St James, Instructor
(excerpt)

I srael is the rare nation in the Middle East that promotes democratic
values. The country allows citizens to vote for their leaders and
allows citizens the right to a fair trial, traits that parallel America’s
established democracy.
Since their independence, Israel has applied the Law of Return. This
Law of Return states that if you’re at least one-eighteenth Jewish, you
may “return” to Israel. Once in Israel, this Jew is given full, complete
rights. They are also welcomed into the community, like a friend not
seen in years.
There are many hopes for the future of Israel… many people are
looking to unite Arabs and Jews for future generations. One of these
hopeful programs is the Hand in Hand School. This school allows
Arabs and Jews … to learn and play together. As they have stated,
they have an “eye for the future.” The current state of violence will
cease if parents teach their children to be tolerant of other cultures.

Thomas Duong, St. Joseph High School
Cynthia Madsen, Instructor
(excerpt)

T he face of a person contains many different textures that make
that face … The country of Israel is the same.
The history of Israel is the eyes and the nose of the face. The
people’s past watches out for mistakes long ago that should not be
repeated in the future.
The many cultures, religions and lifestyles are the lips and mouth of
the face. The culture of each person is the mouth, through which
speech is passed. The religions and lifestyles are the lips that hold the
culture together. Over the years, people with different faces came to
Israel to work and live. They brought all kinds of cultures with them
to spread in Israel. A state of so many faces of freedom smile at one
another with such pleasure that it gives a person a warm feeling of
happiness in their heart.
The many “faces’” of Israel are like a family, uniting together over
time. When a family like Israel becomes one, they all stick together …

12

Jillian Jones, St. Bernard High School
Margaret Govero, Instructor
(excerpt)

A t age 18, the Israelis start to hold many responsibilities; they are
able to vote and they have to serve their country by joining the
army. Men serve for three years and women for two. The Israelis
don’t really have a problem with serving their country, they would
rather die and keep their country strong than live and let it fall.
Israelis value their country because of what those before them had to
go through to gain independence.

Steve Shushnar, St. Francis High School
(excerpt)

T he first thing we learned about was Israel’s location among the
Eastern world. I learned that Israel is just a small piece of land
surrounded by many countries that are not in favor of an Israeli state.
In fact, these countries have invaded Israel, bombed Israel and even
attacked innocent Israeli civilians. It is not like such occurrences are
ancient history … just two years ago, Hezbollah sent 4000 rockets into
Israel and kidnapped 2 soldiers. For some reason, there were many
riots and protests in other Middle Eastern countries against Israel
doing this. That just made no sense to me. How could people be
against Israel taking out rockets that are aimed at their country?
Another thing that made sense to me after reading about the
country was why the United States has been supporting Israel so much
over the years. Israel is one of the few countries in the Middle East
that is a democracy. Since many countries in the Middle East do not
like Israel, they also do not like the United States because we support
a country that they do not like.
History has proven that Jews are not safe without their own
homeland.
The main viewpoint that I obtained through learning about Israel is
that this area is much more than a country to the people who live
there. It is their home. It is where they belong.

13

Josephine Sunga, Holy Family High School
Roger DeSilva, Instructor
(excerpt)

O ften when we think of Israel, our heads are full of blurred notions of
terrorism, war, Middle Eastern conflicts, the chosen People of God,
or simply an alien nation that claims superiority on religious grounds. The
physical face we assume for them is looking downward, head bowed in
silence, hands held close in prayer. What we ought to be paying
attention to, however, is the heart that lies behind those hands ….
The emotional face of Israel is always changing. It is in constant
fluctuation between the desire for a normal life and a sense of duty to
one’s country. Teenagers in particular are victim to contradicting feelings,
since it is always a struggle for them to balance their school, family, social
lives, religion and, on top of it all, an obligation to serve in the army. As
shown in the videos of the four Israeli teenagers, Sasha, Shlomi, Na’ama
and Yaki, courage for their nation and all they hold dear to them is very
easily challenged by fear for their own lives, fear of terrorism and death.
This chronic threat and anxiety proves that the face of Israel can change
in a second from valiance in doing God’s will to utter panic.

Emily Park, Villanova Preparatory School
Brian Grisin, Instructor
(excerpt)

U sually, culture and politics of other countries are hard to learn
unless one actually visits the country. However, this project was
very easy to understand because of the detailed explanation from the
book and the various pictures from the Power Point.
The news about wars and famine in the Middle East made me
believe that all countries in the Middle East are autocratic countries.
Therefore, Israel’s commitment to democracy was very surprising.
The election system in Israel was also different than what I thought.
Israelis vote for one party and its platform, and seats are assigned to
each party in proportion to its percentage of the total vote. This
system ensures a wide spectrum of political views in the Knesset,
including the major centrist parties, small parties and a number of
religious parties.

14

Hannah Hoffman, Villanova Preparatory High School
Brian Grisin, Instructor
(excerpt)

A fter years of struggles, the United Nations voted to establish a Jewish
State in Palestine in 1947. This was a landmark achievement for
Jews. They could finally claim the land that many believed God had given
to them, and act as any other nation. They could govern their nation as
they pleased, and decide how they wanted to live and worship.
Although Israel is the Jewish homeland, all are accepted to live and
worship there as they please. This freedom granted by the Jews
demonstrates their comprehension that not everyone believes the
same things …

Kevin Kim, St. Monica Catholic High School
Marc Nuno and Siobhan O’Neill, Instructors

K evin’s fictional account deals with the experience of a young boy
named Ephraim, on his first trip to Israel. Passover is coming soon,
and Ephraim and his mother spend their first full day in Israel in the
shuk (marketplace), shopping for the seder meal. A wrong turn down
an alleyway brings Ephraim face to face with a symbol which had
appeared to him, blurred, in a dream:
That shape was the Star of David. As she led Ephraim away, his mother
instructed him, “You should always take pride in it, Ephraim. Always.”

15

Caselyn Larino, Pomona Catholic High School
Allicen Naal, Instructor
(excerpt)

T he people of Israel, also called the Jewish people, trace their origins
to Abraham, who established the belief that there is only one God,
the Creator of the universe. Abraham, his son Isaac and grandson Jacob
are referred to as patriarchs of the Israelites. All three Patriarchs lived in
the Land of Canaan, which came to be known as the Land of Israel. The
name Israel derives from the name given to Jacob.
The people of modern day Israel share the same language and
culture, shaped by their Jewish heritage and religion, and based
through generations starting with the founding father Abraham.
Jews have had a continuous presence in the Land of Israel for the past
3,300 years. Jews have striven continuously to reestablish their bond
with the Land of Israel, although foes of the Jewish people did their
best to obliterate the Jewish connection with the Land.
After thousands of years of exile, the Jewish people have returned
to their land.

16

First Prize Poetry
Israel of Light
Rouel Soberano, Bishop Montgomery High School
Bernadette St James, Instructor

An ancient land rises in the east …
As the sun sets the mountains cast shadows
Enveloping the land in darkness …
But the sun always rises
And through the darkest of the dark
Light always prevails …

A sacred land shines in the east …
A city upon the hill
Upon which hope and freedom radiate
Like the warm rays of the benevolent sun …
In this land, people walk hand in hand
Basking in the freedom gained through hard years
Of fighting and conflict
Of suffering and death
Of pain and misery …
But also of hope and light
For a better future
As the shining land
Rises like a beacon out of the darkness …

18

A homeland stands in the east …
Standing united as God’s people
Standing united as people hoping for peace
Standing united as one human race …
In this sacred land of promise and hope
Of diversity and freedom
Of light out of darkness,
I promise to let the sun in,
Never ceasing to fight the good fight
Defending what is right
Protecting the very right
Of people to live and learn,
Never ceasing to always seek truth
And serve with honor …

As Israel rises in the East
As people live in freedom,
As the sacred land retains its promise,
As devotion and love for freedom hold true,
Israel shall never fall

And shall always be
Jerusalem of Gold,
Shining as a beacon of hope
In a dark land.

19

First Prize Poetry
Figment of My Imagination
Angeli Aguas, St. Joseph High School

Middle, meaning in between.
The Middle East which is located in between it all.
Caught in a trap were there is nowhere to fall.

This place is no longer a figment of my imagination
for I have a bit more of an interpretation.
I can now make the educated guess that none the less, they’re people.
Yet the difference being a majority wake up from a good night’s rest in fear
that they may shed a tear because of the loss of a loved one
brought to them by a gun.
To dare and think that bombs and combustion is their human consumption.
It’s a bit of a mind tease to think that at such a young age
you’re entitled to serve your country.
The same year they blow out their 18 candles they are handed 18 rifles or
something of the sort.
Yes, that may be an exaggeration but none the less they take pride in their home
No questions asked, they know their history.
I’ve went from a fabricated image of turbans, dirt roads and heat that you
couldn’t beat.
To fashion sense, stop lights, and a cool breeze that doesn’t seize.

Hearing the fictitious stories almost makes me want to
fall on the ground.
But now I seem to have found a bit more.

Over the course of 60 years they’ve been through it all.
In combat for peace and justice; their hearts are restless.
Seeking nothing but serenity;
Through dedication they have built a democracy.

I’ve went from a fabricated image of turbans, dirt roads, and heat that you
couldn’t beat
to fashion sense, stop lights, and a cool breeze that doesn’t seize.

20

Second Prize Poetry
Israel
Patrick Villar, Chaminade High School
Kristina Ortega, Instructor

O Israel,
land of democracy and home to all,
I see the sea of diverse faces standing proudly, tall.
A country with a historical past,
rich with stories of triumph and hardships of man,
I listen to your tales told by the faces of your people, Israel.

Through your people’s glittering eyes,
Reflecting rays of hope and light,
I see Zion forever grounded, shining so bright.
A free nation given to the Jews,
Rekindling hope in times of trial,
I watch your people standing united as one, Israel.

Amidst periods of darkness,
Tested by the fires of war and persecution,
your people have looked towards this solution.
A land free from genocide, endless death, and racism,
I see people free in the fields of Zion, Israel.

Fleeing from the pyramids and Auschwitz,
lands of death and oppression,
I see you now grinning with a proud expression.
Whether reform, conservative or orthodox,
your people united for survival, Israel.

Fighting for peace and democracy,
advocates and allies of all who cherish justice,
I can see your risen, waving flag, O Israel.
A democracy run by a cabinet,
Seeking to provide help for all,
I see your courts, Israel.

Stand forever proud and tall O Israel,
a holy land of an ancient past,
I hear the joyous singing of your people.
A country for all to know,
Devoted to justice and peace,
Israel, Israel
21

Third Prize Poetry
Danielle Fischer, Notre Dame High School

The earth has a face but a map is no mirror.
A speck on a map tells no stories.

When character overtakes statistics
It breathes life into history’s rigid words.
Characters.
A country of thoroughly united individuals,
The same core, but unique.
Normal.

Roots run deep
Follow the vein from fingertips to the heart
Trace up through mother’s blood,
In dust and stone and paper.
People flung like specks of ink
In streaks across the globe’s broad canvas
Banished too many times over
Some blended, watered down,
Some erased.
So the paper scarred, vowed never to forget.

New upon old. Remember.

Fear of the bleach, fear of dilution
Hope for a true physical presence
Hope to be worthy of the word of God;
Written to be sometimes close, sometimes distant,
Tattooed into the land, their history just the same.
Need of a common place to bleed to, to bleed for.

22

It’s remarkable, really.
A land so new, to skip the mistakes
Skip the social evolution,
The given violence that stained, mottling the history of other countries.
To be new, aware, intelligent
born into democracy
born into equality
welcoming immigration
and to still have culture.
Culture deep enough to compose a country.
Thousands of years in ink
to define, unite, defend.

New upon old. Remarkable.

Progressive, true, but others set it back a stage.
Back to when all ink was splayed, bleeding everywhere
People grabbing for space
no matter who belonged before.
Surrounded by woe-wishers
Yet wanting nothing more than peace
Despite the necessity to fight,
The willingness to fight
To prevent a fatal miss-stroke of the pen
One failure and home is physically lost.
So much at stake, but so much dignity
to value the life of the attacker
Knowing their face is the mirror.
Look for the humanity, at the person
Hope that they will do the same.

New upon old. Israel.

23

Honorable Mention Poetry
Adelle Barte, Louisville High School
Mary Wilson, Instructor
Jewish Roots
Do you know who I am?
I live a life,
Of long ancestry.
From the time of Abraham
And the promise of a land …

Light the path ..
The path to believe and hope for the people,
God’s people,
The Holy people of Israel,
The Holy Land,
My Holy Jewish brothers and sisters

Ramin Sobati, Louisville High School
Kristina Ortega, Instructor

The Little Nation That Could
What a great man Herzl was …

In 1903, there was a large immigration
From Europe to Israel, which started a foundation …
In 1948, the Jews rejoiced and gained Independence
At the ceremony, every Jew in attendance

The Jews are fighting for their own good
To preserve the little nation that could

Sharlena Singleton, Pomona Catholic High School
Allicen Naal, Instructor
There are different places in Israel,
Lots of faces there be
The lowest point is a salty place
Called the Dead Sea
Safe from persecution,
It is a homeland for the Jews …
24

Dina Nichols, Notre Dame High School
A Land and a People Connected
Canaan
God’s covenant
A place in history
Never forgotten

Diaspora
Jews away from the homeland
Yet still connected
By a common faith, culture, history
Some long to come back

A Declaration of Independence
A dream becomes a reality, Israel is proclaimed a state
Prayers are answered
A new beginning
To flourish
To thrive
To remember

Matthew De La Peza, St Francis High School

A Boy’s Hometown
Mom and Dad yelling at each other,
He storms out the door and runs to the beach.
Drops of sorrow down his face
Longing to see the face of his brother.

The sparkling ocean whispers in his ears,
“I am your home. I am truly yours.”

He closes his eyes and sees his sibling
On the battlefield.
Suddenly an explosion
Causes the water to start rippling.

As his mind races, he hears a voice full with pride.
Herzl speaks to him with reassurance,
“Have confidence, boy. We are strong…”
25

Nashaw Jafari, Bishop Montgomery High School
John Fitzimons, Instructor

Look over there my children,
Do you see that orchid?
It overflows this garden with its luscious scent
And gathers people from around the world
To wonder at its beauty.
This orchid shares the gifts it receives from God
Do not worry my children,
God’s grace will never run out
My children look at Jerusalem

Jennifer Van Trieste, Louisville High School
Josh Wilson, Instructor

Many Faces, One Shore
From afar, it’s all one color –
A violet, stormy shade of jade.
Each stone does not mesh with its brother:
One solid mass, one small country.

When pushed against by harsh untruths,
They pushed forward to their old home.
This red rock here lost all in youth
But found everything on this shore.

This smooth, black rock – typical friend –
Is just a girl like me. These pains
This teen could never comprehend …

This green does not share their beliefs,
But he is home as neighbor still.
He can still share in the stones’ grief,
Because he is still a stone as well.

These stones carry many faces,
Tell many stories of their hopes.
But they exist – one – a jade place;
One people come from many shores.

26

Steven Holtzen,
Don Bosco Technical Institute
Claude LeBlanc, Instructor

Expressions
Gems,
Shining bright, nature’s treasure.

Ruby, blood shed in Israel,
Blood shed in Israel’s name …
A face of Israel
Blanketed in misery.

Emerald,
Rolling hills and lands of honey,
Emerald fields stretched endlessly …
Lands bestowed upon them
by the Lord

Survival
Gems, wrought in the bellows of the earth,
Survive, enduring pressure,
Reforming.
To live on,
And be reformed.
Into a gem,
Wrought in the Lord’s guiding hands,
The craftsman,
To form a gem of countless faces
And matchless beauty.

27

Audrey Stanford, St. Joseph High School
Israel, Israel, Israel

Animals roam where the people of old proudly stood
Standing like ghosts on an open prairie
The griffon vulture flies free calling to the people below ..
Barely audible on the open wind …
This time not speaking of the past
But of the future …


Old ones with memories as countless as the stars
Glance wearily at the past
Placing their withering hands
On the shoulders of the youth
Youth glance up in a hasty rush
Latching on to the dreams of the children …
All together yelling


All together saying, crying, hoping, and wishing


28

Selene Smith, Marymount High School
Rita Morgan, Instructor
Israel, beautiful, cultural, unique, diverse …
But on the news, all we see?
Terror, fear, combat, difficulty
Our ignorance should be banned.

Did we never connect the dots?
Israel: an insignificant news story?
We should think not!

Rich in achievements,
But also in normalcy …
Israelis are more similar to Americans
Than most of us seem to believe

Democratic government and
Religious freedom. Please note:
A wide variety of people,
All with the right to vote.

Never again will israel be an apathetic subject
To Americans today,
Because we know it’s so much more
Than what the news anchor will say.

29

First Prize Art Contest

Leanne Villarivera, Notre Dame High School

I decided to show what I have learned about Israel in the form of artwork.
Each letter that spells out Israel has a picture symbolizing a special
meaning that I thought was significant.
The “I” represents the integration of American customs. People from
Israel are thought to be total strangers to most Americans, but they are
just like many of us. Israel has combined many American traditions into
their lifestyles. The many faces of Israel listen to the same type of music as
us and watch movies and shows that are shown in Israel as well. The two
hands illustrate the combination of America and Israel.
The “S” stands for shalom. Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. Israel
is know for having a lot of violence. I have learned that the many faces of
Israel are in desperate need of peace in their society. The wars have
impacted the many faces of Israel.
The “R” portrays religion and culture. I have learned that Judaism is not
only a major religion in Israel, but can also be a culture. The many faces
of Israel seek Judaism. I have learned that Judaism is a lifestyle to the many
faces of Israel. The people sacrifice time in order to worship and I greatly
admire that.

(continued)

31

Leanne Villarivera, continued

The “A” depicts agonizing pain. The many faces of Israel have been
through a large number of unfortunate events. Many lives, homes and
valuable possessions were lost in the wars, bombings, shootings and
horrifying killings. This picture illustrates a young girl expressing her
excruciating pain. This symbolizes that the impact of the war and all the
killings affect a majority of the many faces of Israel. This single face is just
one in a million of all the others who have suffered large amounts of
anguish and pain.
The “E” stands for equality. The many faces of Israel are very diverse.
Many faces of different cultures live in Israel. All the people there are given
the gift of equality. Every single face of Israel is treated like any other
individual. I just wish the rest of the world had this special gift. My
illustration for equality is the world and people standing around it while
holding hands. This shows that the many faces of Israel stand, hand-in-
hand. They get along and have not too many racial problems, compared
to other places.
The “L” demonstrates lives at risk. I have learned that living in Israel
means risking your life every day. The many faces of Israel have been
involved in numerous life-threatening incidents, such as suicide bombings.
My painting depicts a suicide bombing. The many faces of Israel are at risk
and do not even know it. Since Israel is such a small area, the death of one
Israeli can affect many people since everyone seems to know each other.
Learning about Israel has taught me to have a greater respect for the
many faces of Israel. This experience in being able to learn has opened my
eyes to the fabulous faces and lifestyles of Israel. I have learned that the
many faces of Israel are what makes this country so unique.

32

Second Prize Art Contest

Becky Calvo, Louisville High School
Mary Wilson, Instructor

T he photo above is a picture I made representing the “Many Faces of
Israel.” On the face is a picture of The Dome of the Rock, The Western
Wall, a map of Israel, and the Israeli flag. I thought it would be best to
represent how culture can be weaved into the heart of others.

33

Third Prize Art Contest

Abel Regalado, Bishop Alemany High School
Mary Killmond, Instructor

I n my collage for “The Many Faces of Israel” I have included many pictures
that vary in meaning. I have pictures of life in Israel, basically what occurs
there and how life is lived out. I felt that in order to get a better
understanding of Israel’s day to day life, I would have to search for themes
that represented the many characteristics of Israel. I wanted to reveal
these different ‘faces’ of Israel through photographs and symbols. You
have the faces of the sad and depressed, or even dead. You also have the
faces of the happiest children you will ever see. I added both of these
different perspectives so that one might look at this and realize that Israel
is a country like our own. With people and children who laugh and cry
just as we do. I also added the different scenery in Israel: From the
sculptures and the buildings, to the historical sites and the beautiful
pictures that capture the great beauty of the land of Israel. I added
pictures of the military and consequences of war. Children being exposed
to violence at so young of an age, armed with guns and smoking
cigarettes. It is hard to believe that a country with so much beauty and
with people just like ourselves could have suffered so much violence and
death over the years.
34

We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstanding
Catholic secondary schools who have partnered with us in building bridges
between our communities and sharing the miracle of Israel with over
10,000 students in Los Angeles, Orange County, Fresno and Bakersfield.

TEACHER SCHOOL
Victor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High School
Joe Banfield St. Anthony High School
Maggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High School
Michele Butorac St. Matthias High School
Eric Cadena Chaminade High School
Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High School
Jennifer Campbell Bishop Amat High School
Edward Clark Damien High School
John Collins Pomona Catholic High School
Kathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High School
Roger DeSilva Notre Dame High School
Jeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High School
John Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High School
Mark Fredette St. Francis High School
Margaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High School
Brian Grisin Villanova Preparatory School
Holly Haynes Mater Dei High School
Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory School
Mary Killmond Bishop Alemany High School
April Kramer Chaminade High School
Claude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical Institute
Cindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High School
Maureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary School
Cynthia Madsen St. Joseph High School
Mary Marsella Garces Memorial High School
Sonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High School
Rita Morgan Marymount High School
Denis Munoz St. Bernard Catholic High School
Allicen Naal Pomona Catholic High School
Fatima Nicdao Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High School
Marc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High School
Siobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High School
Kristina Ortega Chaminade High School
Jason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High School
Elisa Perez Ramona Convent Secondary School
Linda Petrich St. Joseph High School
Michelle Purghart Holy Family High School College Preparatory
Tomas Renna Bishop Montgomery High School
Susan Rizo Garces Memorial High School
Stephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Mike Sifter Alverno High School
Bernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High School
Joe Swoboda Servite High School
Melea Walden Jserra Catholic High School
Chris Weir Servite High School
Josh Wilson Louisville High School
Mary Wilson Louisville High School
Theresa Yugar Sacred Heart High School
35

Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair
Elaine Albert, Director
Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant Director
Dr. David Ackerman, Educational Coordinator
Advisory Council
Michael Altman, Malka Blitz, Julie Bram, Gary Cypres, Steven H. Feder,
Irwin S. Field, Cliff Goldstein, Abner Goldstine, Dennis A.Gura,
Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler, Sharon Krischer, Linda Mayman,
Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,Terri Smooke, Karl Sussman
Action Group
Dr. Parviz Afshani, Marc L. Benezra, Stuart Bernstein, Prof. Gerald Bubis,
Susie Chodakiewitz, Avi Davis, Deborah Kattler Kupetz, Ernest Z. Klein,
Paul Kujawsky, Dr.Ariel Malamud, Jo Ann Oster, Dr. Irwin Reich, Nathan D.Wirtschafter
Jewish Community Relations Committee
Terri Smooke and Glenn Sonnenberg, Co-Chairs
Marc Carrel, Vice Chair
Andrew Cushnir, Executive Director
The Jewish Federation
Stanley P. Gold, Chairman of the Board
Richard V. Sandler, Vice Chairman
Bettina Kurowski, General Campaign Chair
John R. Fishel, President

The Holy Land Democracy Project is a joint project of
The Jewish Federation, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,
the Diocese of Orange and the Diocese of Fresno.

www.JewishLA.org

Exhibit photography generously contributed by Orly Halevy

2007-2008 Student Awards

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