How did I get so lucky? I was one of 15 people selected to travel to Beit She’an, Cleveland’s sister city, in Israel. The trip, sponsored by the Jewish Federation, was a unique opportunity. I’m no bigwig in the Jewish community, but I have this tendency to think on paper, also known as writing. So here I go, writing a list of the things that impressed me most. It’s a way of saying thank you.
I am grateful for the following:
- The woman who, over tea, answered my possibly intrusive questions about kibbutz life. She told me about the changes she’s seen since coming to the kibbutz from England as a 10 year-old. She added recollections from conversations she’d had on the subject with her 90+ year-old mothers-in-law. Fascinating oral history!
- The Israeli teacher who took time during her sabbatical to come back to Gilbo’a School to introduce us to her students. She showed us games she had made to help them speak English that took many hours to construct out of colored cardboard. The school lacks resources, she said. (How much does the game of Twister cost back home, I wondered?) She is also preparing the children for a Spelling Bee. That’s dedication!
- The bright-eyed, responsive, fourth and fifth graders, who, without any pseudo-sophistication, were eager to meet and engage with this retiree. I didn’t see one eye roll!
- The Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian agriculturalists working cooperatively to save crops from pests without harming the environment. How little fanfare this gets in our newspapers!
- The 90 year-old Israeli agricultural researcher who is trying to find methods to stop the spread of Red Palm Weevil that is destroying trees around the world. He reportedly found the perfect place to conduct his experiments—a no longer needed bomb shelter!
- The families who invited us into their homes and cooked authentic meals from their countries of origin: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq and Kurdistan. When I saw their children acting as translators I couldn’t help but recall how I served that role when I came to America in 1951. It seemed I’d come full circle now helping to teach English to Israeli children.
- The serene and beautiful Valley of Springs. I couldn’t help chuckle when thinking of the well-intended concerns expressed by American friends who asked, “Is it safe to go there?” The Jordanian border is peaceful. The area made me feel hopeful about the future there.
- Yehuda Amichai, the Israeli poet who wrote, ‘Tourists.’ I can visit historical sites another time but this trip was about the people. Priceless.
- The staff of the kibbutz who were patient and helpful and always put up with our minor kvetches.
- And lastly, the professional pastry chef. For once I didn’t mind packing on a few pounds. Oh those lemon squares!
To all, I can only say, thank you.
— Lynda Zielinski, Maltz Museum volunteer, docent and Survivor speaker
