1. THE SEVENTH ANNUAL
STUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY
June 9, 2010
Program

2. 2010 HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT
ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE
Andrew Evans, St. Francis (Mark Fredette)
SECOND PRIZE
Victoria Chayes, Marymount (William M. Klein)
THIRD PRIZE
Steven Kezian, Loyola (Tika Lee)
FOURTH PRIZE
Gabriel Ning, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)
HONORABLE MENTION
Lauren Golem, Mary Star of the Sea (William Perales); Eliza Graumlich, Villanova (Brian Grisin)
Brett Homer, St. Francis (Mark Fredette); In Yeong Kim, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)
Savannah Luschei, Jserra (Melea Walden); Mack Macke, Servite (John Swoboda)
Alejandro Rodriguez, Cathedral (Hilary Aguirre-Yribarren)
Cristal Suarez, San Joaquin (Cindy Campbell & Kathleen DeSantis)
Marysol Uribe, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)
ART CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE
Yoojin Lee, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis)
Ashley Malpica, St. Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)
SECOND PRIZE
Brian Yi, Loyola (Tika Lee)
THIRD PRIZE
Camellia Mikhaili, Louisville (Mary Wilson)
Thecla Min, Notre Dame Academy (Nancy Coonis)
Julie Wuellner, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)
HONORABLE MENTION
Angheline Austria, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)
Nicole Kawamoto, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)
Allyssa Moscotte, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola); Dylan Nieman, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)
Vincent Spadone, Loyola (Tika Lee); Jordan Zarraonandia, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen)
POETRY CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE
Katie Laner, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James)
SECOND PRIZE
Marissa Delgado, St Joseph (Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich)
Jonathan Madson, Loyola (Tika Lee)
Camille Yadao, St. Monica (Siobhan O’Neill)
HONORABLE MENTION
Jennifer Echeagaray, Pomona (Allicen Naal); Sean Finck, Mater Dei (Colleen Hall)
Jessica Gresham, Bishop Montgomery (Bernadette St. James); Christian Mclain, Loyola (Tika Lee)
Elisabeth Scahill, Oaks Christian (Jan Allen); Steven Warren, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)
MULTIMEDIA CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PRIZE
Simone Hart, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola)
SECOND PRIZE
Nina Townley, Bishop Montgomery (John Fitzsimons)
THIRD PRIZE
Kevin Khamneipur, Loyola (Tika Lee)
2 HONORABLE MENTION
Anton Rotter-Sieren, Notre Dame (Vera de Artola)

3. THE JEWISH FEDERATION’S
HOLY LAND DEMOCRACY PROJECT
SEVENTH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
June 9, 2010
PROGRAM
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair
Shalom U’veracha The Holy Land Democracy Project
BENEDICTIONS Monsignor Sal Pilato
Berachot Superintendent of Secondary Schools
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Rabbi Mark Diamond
Executive Vice President
The Board of Rabbis of Southern California
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
REMARKS FROM Andrew Cushnir
THE JEWISH FEDERATION Executive Vice President/Chief Program Officer
AND PRESENTATIONS The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
POETRY PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
Teacher Commendation Bernadette St. James, Bishop Montgomery
Student Awardee Katie Laner
ESSAY PRIZE PRESENTATION
Teacher Commendation Mark Fredette, St. Francis
Student Awardee Andrew Evans
STUDENT RAP Siobhan O’Neill, St. Monica
“A Moment For Israel”
Raul Rios-Ramos
ART PRIZE PRESENTATION
Teacher Commendation Nancy Coonis, Notre Dame Academy
Student Awardee Yoojin Lee
Teacher Commendation Cynthia Madsen, St. Joseph
Student Awardee Ashley Malpica
MUTIMEDIA PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
Teacher Commendation Vera De Artola, Notre Dame High School
Student Awardee Simone Hart
CAPERNAUM TO THE CLASSROOM: Steve Viau, Mater Dei
A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE
THANK YOU Julie Bram
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Daniel Lieber
L’hitraot!
3

4. Poetry
4

5. First Prize Poetry
Katie Laner, Bishop Montgomery
Bernadette St. James, Instructor
A seed was planted, a plant grew
The roots imbedded in a promised soil.
The walls were built, but bricks crumbled
Falling far away from that sacred soil.
The leaves blew away from the plant,
But still were a part of its body.
The bricks constantly collapsed,
But the Wall still remained tall.
New plants of the same seed sprouted in far off places.
The spectrum of faces grew, the colors changed.
Roots of the same plant were calling Them home
Home! Exclaimed Zionism
To their soil, their soil where the Wall was;
Still strong and binding, thick as the roots bringing Them.
They went, despite the crumbling bricks,
Planting the new seeds of change.
For the soil, the soil; promised and sacred,
Is where the Wall was and the roots were planted.
5

6. Second Prize Poetry
Marissa Delgado, St. Joseph
Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors
I am Israel
I am Israel
I am the infant in swaddling clothes looking for my calling to the Family of God
I am Israel
I am the child with a life of friends, sports, and family
I am the student who develops a sense of pride, love, and knowledge
I am the graduate who is looking for the best position in the military
which suits my special skills
I am the young soldier that serves my country with both honor and pride so that
freedom may continue
I am the university student that perseveres for a degree so that I may
change the world
I am the general who is ready to train the youth to fight with honor
I am the mother and father that sacrifices everything for their children so that
they may have a better life
I am the rabbi and teacher that led the community to be the best
that they can be
I am the family that is strengthened by the life and love of this land
I am the infant, child, student, soldier, graduate, teacher, rabbi, mother, father,
spouse, general, politician, scientist, and family
I am Israel
6

7. Second Prize Poetry
Jonathan Madson, Loyola
Tika Lee, Instructor
Listen to the Struggle
Excerpt
Listen to their struggle;
Hear the faint cry;
Why has it been muffled?
Why has help been denied?
The spirit of this nation;
Forming one unique soul;
Not halted by intimidation;
One by God made whole.
Their deep connection ignored;
Their religion often overlooked and neglected;
Never given help to be restored;
Always rejected, never respected.
A house of terror;
Is that all people know?
This is one common error;
Only ever used for show.
The truth is far from what you’ve heard;
Photos are not always what they seem;
The news has caused visions to be blurred;
Is this nothing more than a flawed scheme?
Quietly listen to the struggle ignored;
Clear the clouds that conceal what is true;
Your vision of their society shall soon be restored;
Never take what is heard or seen at face value.
Change your view, just as mine;
Uncover the truth hidden by lies;
Help the right of Israel shine;
Preach message of unheard cries.
7

8. Second Prize Poetry
Camille Yadao, St. Monica
Siobhan O'Neill, Instructor
You and Me
Excerpt
A young boy takes my hand
He leads me through the streets of this Holy Land
A yamaka on his head, a smile on his face
“Come let me show you this place”
I follow as he leads
Until he takes me to see
A dark skinned boy and curly haired girl
Playing at the corner, so carefree
“See,” says the young boy
“They are just like you and me.”
He leads me once again
To meet more of his friends
A soldier fighting for his country
Knowing that this will bring honor to all and his family
“He is about your age”, says the boy
“He is just like you and me”
To the Western Wall is our next destination
A wall that gives the people so much hope and inspiration
“The closest thing we have to him.”
Says the boy
“For all our fears and suffering, we know that he listens.
They all pray just like you and me.”
We then walk to the sea
Yes the famous Sea of Galilee
Holy and precious water that the Son of man walked
Here the boy did not talk
He knows what I can see
A beauty, a place that calms both him and me
As I watched him
Crying for his home, crying for his people
I understand at that moment
This boy is my family
And Israel is also my home
I will protect it
This home for him and me.
8

9. Honorable Mention Poetry
Jennifer Echeagaray, Pomona
Allicen Naal, Instructor
Cryptic Mystery
Excerpt
Within the shadows of assumption
Lies an obscure mystery waiting to be solved
Disputing to be a nation
They made a declaration
The creation’s name was
Israel
So what do you assume?
A country of terror, of doom
But if only you knew
They’re just like me and you
School and religion are vital
Some may partake in a ballet recital
They do activities too
Listen to music just like we do
Sports, partying, and movies as well
On issues they dwell
As you can see
All that’s needed is to find the key
To unlock the unsolved mystery
9

10. Sean Finck, Mater Dei
Colleen Hall, Instructor
A Needle’s Eye Finds The Eye of A Boy
And this boy’s eye is cast across a land flowing with milk and honey
The six pointed star billows in the Holy Land
A single camel
Traipses through the barren desert
One such animal finds water here scarce as serenity
Green, red, black and white blanket the banks west of the Jordan
Where does one find the meeting point
When can two borders collide
Why three rockets must be fired
Who are the four innocent that died
Once the animal meets the child
Two differences can be seen
The faithful mounts the enduring
And the journey commences
10

11. Jessica Gresham, Bishop Montgomery
Bernadette St. James, Instructor
A Place We Call Home
Excerpt
The only place that feels like home
To live amongst people of our own
People of all nations and all colors
A place where we don’t judge each other
A place of acceptance, freedom, and peace
Of no restrictions or boundaries
We can raise our voices to the heavens above
And praise our Lord whom we love
A holy haven that was given to us long ago
Along with promise our descendants would grow
Enslaved from the Holocaust with no place to go
Longing for Israel the place we call home
But it was time to unite and take a stand
To take back Israel and fight for our land
And at last our strife brought us to victory
Israel was ours once again, ultimately
We wept for joy as we looked to the sky
For we knew only God could do something so upright
We controlled our own land, our own lives, our own fate
We rid ourselves of all the oppression and hate
The land our fathers walked had finally been returned
A place to express our faith and culture
To reestablish ourselves and build anew
And plan for the future of all Jews.
11

12. Christian Mclain, Loyola
Tika Lee, Instructor
Excerpt
To start off I guess I always assumed,
That the Middle East is just a big tomb,
The desert is rough,
Only made for those who are tough,
Tough enough to withstand war,
I was wrong to imagine a place,
Without hope, without a case,
Like an empty room,
Many people are misinformed,
Including me, I just moved on
Until about a month ago
They still hold their own as if one tribe,
They are very fair,
Giving everyone care,
Even people who shouldn’t be there,
I’ve come to find out,
There are many religions
At first it seemed strange so many different faces,
All from different places
Bringing cultures and beliefs
And in the end they’re all fighting for the same thing,
Justice and Peace.
12

13. Elisabeth Scahill, Oaks Christian
Jan Allen, Instructor
Excerpt
Today I saw a boy,
The boy saw me too.
We were standing in a hyacinth field,
I wondered who this boy was, where was his family.
The boy wondered the same thing about me too.
While looking at the boy the Hyacinths started to blow,
The wind took me far away,
Beyond where the hyacinths grow.
I saw the history.
I lived the history.
Why was there war, grief, and death?
I asked the age old question.
Why can’t we get along?
At this point we were back in the hyacinth field.
I looked at the boy
The boy looked at me too.
We shared a long loving hug.
He walked south and I walked north
He went to his historic land, Israel.
And I to Palestine.
Will WE ever meet in the hyacinth field again?
13

14. Steven Warren, Bishop Montgomery
John Fitzsimons, Instructor
The Israel Rap
I just learned a lot about Israel,
I used to think the place was miserable,
But after learning, I see what’s right,
And now I see that nation in a whole new light.
I used to think the people were obsessed with God,
And everybody in the streets wore Yarmulkes,
But I was wrong, so now I’m singing this song.
Did you hear about the war that was six days long?
All surrounding nations, against just one,
Oh, how on Earth could this fight be won?
But they pulled it off, and beat the odds,
And all thanks should be given to the Mossad.
In not even a week they had won a war,
And it was clear that they had more great things in store.
The nation’s very diverse, yeah it’s true,
In many ways it’s similar to the red, white, and blue.
But there are many differences, here’s a few,
The Burger King is kosher and McDonald is too.
14

15. Essays
15

16. First Prize Essay
Andrew Evans, St. Francis
Mark Fredette, Instructor
Excerpt
T hroughout history, the world has seen few words as powerful, as
controversial or as meaningful as Israel. This single word, originally
God’s chosen name for his people, has been used in so many ways,
and interpreted in so many different contexts, that one could
understand it to be an all-encompassing word. This grouping of
letters - a symbol of various, seemingly random topics, such as faith,
hope, persecution, Providence and survival. This word has, like the
people it represents, many faces, ranging from the battle-hardened
grimace of a soldier, to the bright smile of a rescued Ethiopian child
given another chance at life by this significant word: Israel. This single
word, with its complex history and people, is both the face of a nation
and the name of a small, yet vital outpost for democracy. The many
faces that Israel represents are united by these humble, yet potent, six
letters, and in their unity they represent the ideals of a people blessed
by God.
Israel is a mosaic of different parts melding with one another to
create one complete picture. As an oppressed people now blessed
with their reward, as a small presence of democracy in a hostile land,
as a united people in harmony, Israel is many faces in one. Israel is the
face of change, the face of a modern paradigm shift, the face of a
campaign to reclaim the land lost so long ago. Israel is the great
reward that God entitled the Jews, the great reward for all that they
have suffered. Israel is a truly blessed nation to have so many unique
customs and races, yet to have peace among its people. The face of
each Israeli citizen joins millions more that all represent one word:
Israel. From the Ethiopian refugee, to the young soldier, to the smiling
student, to the prayerful Rabbi, each Israeli’s face depicts the hope of
the nation rooted in faith. The faces of Israel are truly the links
between this blessed nation and the massive, multi-billion person
nation of God.
16

17. Second Prize Essay
Victoria Chayes, Marymount
William M. Klein, Instructor
Excerpt
T he day the letter for the draft came in began as fairly normal.
Now it stared at me, unopened in my hand as I held it, trembling. Oh,
it was all fine in the abstract: to protect our country, to protect our
freedom. Everyone serves in the army. Yet here, now, it was all too real. I
could go off and never come back, never see this darling little old house
again, never pray my Sabbath prayers with Grandpa, or eat Grandma’s
meticulously cooked meals. Panic began rising in my chest, and my
breathing came in short, sharp gasps. I didn’t want to go away from home.
I didn’t want to die.
All my life I had been pretending that everything was normal, that
everything was okay. I couldn’t ignore it now. My mother had been
murdered, and as much as I wished the world was perfect, it wasn’t.
And I wasn’t the center of it.
There were other mothers out there, with children, babies. There
were other people out there who could somehow rationalize killing
such innocents.
That letter on that table said that I had the honor of standing
between my brothers and sisters and those who would kill them. My
hand was trembling when I opened the letter for the draft that day.
However, I did not tremble in fear, or anger. I was trembling with pride.
17

18. Third Prize Essay
Steven Kezian, Loyola
Tika Lee, Instructor
Excerpt
H illary Clinton said, “Israel is not only our ally; it is a beacon of what
democracy can and should mean… If the people of the Middle East are
not sure what democracy means, let them look to Israel.”
Our two nations are bonded together in struggle for freedom, human rights
and democracy. America boasts a proud tradition of independence and
political achievement, a tradition that is only strengthened by our affiliation
and alliance with Israel. There are many similarities between the nation of
Israel and the United States of America that make Israel a “beacon of hope”
for democracy, including its struggle to maintain independence and support
freedom, its status as an asylum of cultural and religious toleration and its
pursuit of democracy and human rights.
Just like the United States, Israel is the home to a surfeit of different
cultures, religions and traditions. The Diaspora dispersed Jews all over
the globe and exposed them to various cultures and customs. While still
maintaining their Hebrew identity and traditions, they began to adopt
these cultures and customs. After the establishment of the modern state
of Israel, which opened its arms as a refuge for any Jew, many Jewish
people from around the world flocked to Israel, bringing their various
cultures and customs with them. Like America, Israel became an
immigrant nation and a melting pot of cultures. The nation of Israel
embraces these multicultural influences and allows them to flourish in a
supporting environment, establishing itself as a haven of cultural and
religious freedom.
It never occurred to me how similar the nations of Israel and the
United States really are. We Americans have always prided ourselves on
our pursuit of freedom and democracy, a tradition that carries on in our
support of Israel. Israel remains the best hope for democracy in a region
filled with tyrants, fanatics and failed states. In almost 62 years, this
nation has already transformed a land of little-to-no natural resources
into a nation which has a stronger educational system, higher life
expectancy, and more freedom for both its Jewish and non-Jewish
citizens than any of its surrounding countries. I have no doubt that the
nation of Israel has a long and prosperous future ahead of itself, and we
can only look forward to the great things to come.
18

19. Fourth Prize Essay
Gabriel Ning, Bishop Montgomery
John Fitzsimons, Instructor
Excerpt
I ’ve learned a lot about Israel in the past few weeks that opened me
up to what kind of country Israel really was. There were many
surprising things that I learned about Israel that I didn’t know before,
but the top three were: the different ethnicities that make up Israel,
the conflict between Israel and its neighbors and the lifestyle of the
Israeli people.
I have a friend from Tel Aviv, Israel who is an Ashkenazi Jew. He
defied all stereotypes about Jewish people; he looked like an average
person you couldn’t really tell was Jewish until you asked him. Before
I met him I thought that a person from Israel was religious, but my
friend wasn’t very religious. He did celebrate Passover though, and
after I met him, my understanding for the different types of Jewish
people grew. He was also a typical teenager: he played basketball
after school, listened to all the latest music, played video games and
attempted and succeeded in getting good grades… What set him
apart was that, since he was an Israeli citizen, he would have to join
the military at the age of 18. He talked about going to the military in
an honorable fashion. These past two weeks on Israel opened up my
mind to the “many faces of Israel” and changed my mind on how I
view Israel as a country. I’ve learned that Israel is a very modern
democracy… and the Jewish people of Israel have a very long history
in [the land of] Israel.
19

20. Honorable Mention Essays
Lauren Golem, Mary Star of the Sea
William Perales, Instructor
Excerpt
B efore this project, most of my class assumed that Israeli life was
completely centered on religious affairs, but to our surprise, their
lifestyles are very diverse and distinct. For example, I did not know
that their government is a parliamentary representative democratic
republic. Also, stemming from my ignorance, I believed that all of
Israeli citizens had a distinct, Middle Eastern look: dark hair, dark skin,
dark eyes. But to my surprise, the Holy Land is filled with racial
diversity. Perhaps that is what gives the country its rich culture and
interesting back-story. Just as the United States has its own detailed
history, so does Israel.
Walking away from this project, I have learned so much about Israel,
and I am proud to now have this knowledge as my own, not formed
from someone else’s opinion. When living life in ignorance, you miss so
much special knowledge and interesting detail. Learning about a
different country on a different continent, we discover that everyone
offers something unique and different to our world. When you add
different cultures together, a more abundant and diversified community
is created. Knowledge is a wonderful gift, so blessed are people who use
their minds to grow and learn about others and their world.
20

21. Eliza Graumlich, Villanova
Brian Grisin, Instructor
In Full
W hen I think of the Middle East, I envision miles upon miles of
endless desert. I see the color yellow. Yellow is for the sun (it’s
always hot there) and for the sand. I see people, too. I assume their
lifestyle is nothing like mine. Maybe the youth go to school, but I can’t
imagine them watching television or going shopping at the mall.
These people eat unfamiliar food. The way they dress is different, too.
I imagine the women and men donning long dark robes. How can
they bear the hot weather? The Middle East also seems to be plagued
by conflict and violence. When the region is televised on the evening
news, I see frightening images: soldiers crouch with ugly weapons,
civilians cry, bombs explode. These brief clips on the evening news are
the only glimpse I have had of life in this far-off land.
This project has really opened my eyes to the reality of the Middle
East and of Israel, in particular. Indeed, Israel can be an area of
conflict, but for good reason: it’s the holy land for three different
religious groups, all with deeply-rooted reasons to want the area for
themselves. Much like America, Israel is run by a democracy and the
government is divided into three branches. I also learned more about
what being Jewish means. All in all, I’ve learned that the Middle East
isn’t really that different from America. Whether we live in America
or in Israel, we’re all human.
21

22. Brett Homer, St. Francis
Mark Fredette, Instructor
Excerpt
T oday in the Middle East, Israel is the only real democracy! Most of
the governments in the Middle East do not have the type of
religious and personal freedoms Israel has. Israel is an oasis of hope
and freedom compared to its surrounding Arab neighbors. Israel’s
government is so fair, just and inclusive that there are three different
Arab political parties in the Knesset that are for the demolition of
Israel. Israel is also a modern country, not an archaic desert country.
Israel is the birthplace of the cell phone and voicemail technology. [It
is] a smart and very industrious country in the Middle East that does
not rely on oil. Unlike its surrounding Arab neighbors, there is
incredible tolerance in Israel for all the different cultures. 82.5% of
Israel’s population consists of Jews who come from all over the world.
Some of these Jews came from Germany and Russia during the
Holocaust; others came from Arab countries, Ethiopia and America,
all with one thing in common …
This is the homeland of the Jews, the same homeland promised to
Abraham and Moses by God three to four thousand years ago. Israel is
the one place in the world with a Jewish majority, so they don’t have
to live as a minority. Israel is the “United States” of the Middle East …
22

23. In Yeong Kim, Bishop Montgomery
John Fitzsimons, Instructor
Excerpt
B efore I had a lesson about the Holy Land Democracy Project, I did not
know about Jews. I am an international school student from South
Korea. In Korea, I did not learn about Jewish history deeply.
Even though we learn about World History, I only knew that Jews were
victims of World War II. As a Christian, I thought Jews were persecutors
of Jesus. I also thought they are blessed people because they are placed
in high positions in the United States. That was my opinion about Jews.
I never compared Jews and Koreans before this project …
23

24. Savannah Luschei, Jserra
Melea Walden, Instructor
Excerpt
T o an outsider, the Middle East might as well be lumped into one
country. The first impressions people get of the region are what
the media often proposes: parched desert, dehydration, war and
brutally oppressed women. While this visual is true for many countries
in the Middle East, this portrait often overshadows the Westernized,
democratic nation of Israel. It sounds like a paradox to the average
Westerner: Could a Middle Eastern nation remotely resemble Europe
or America? Don’t they live in adobe houses and ride tanks armed
with machine guns? Unfortunately, this type of ignorance is rampant
among people who know little-to-nothing about Israel, other than
what they hear in the daily news. This program helped me dispel
these beliefs, which I admittedly shared. Learning about Israel helped
me understand the people’s lifestyle and realize that, although there
are differences, Americans share many traits with Israelis.
24

25. Mack Macke, Servite
Joe Swoboda, Instructor
Excerpt
W hen “The Holy Land Democracy Project” was first introduced in class
and we were told we would be discussing Israel and the Middle East,
I was not thrilled. If there is one area I have not wanted to think more
about it, is the Middle East. To me, the Middle East brings to mind conflict.
I pictured selfish people who want to force their way of thinking on the
rest of the World. It meant a group of people who are so jealous of
Americans that they have become blind with hatred. The Middle East
brings to mind a dry barren desert, filled with people who are stuck in a
time warp, who eat bad food and have nothing to look forward to so they
strike out and take what others have.
When I thought of the Middle East, I did not think of Israel. Israel, in
my mind, was in the unlucky position of being right in the middle of the
conflict because of its geography and because it is the highly sought
after “holy land.” Israel is a place my parents talked about for
vacations so we could trace the steps of Jesus, but always decided
against because [they] didn’t think it was safe enough. Israel was just a
far off place that I really didn’t know or think much about.
After learning about this project, my overall opinion of the Middle
East has not changed but my impressions of Israel have. I was
surprised to learn that Israel is a democracy! I am embarrassed to
admit I thought they were governed by a ruler, like other surrounding
Middle East countries. Israel has sixteen or more different political
parties, and seats in parliament are picked based on the number of
votes for each of the political parties. Parliamentary elections are held
about every 4 years. These political systems are very much like ours. It
is hard to believe that this tiny country that is surrounded by
unfriendly, undemocratic countries has been able to survive and come
so far as a democratic society.
25

26. Alejandro Rodriguez, Cathedral
Hilary Aguirre-Yribarren, Instructor
Excerpt
I srael does have a lot of conflicts in and around it, but overall they
are trying to keep peace. I never knew everything that the Jewish
people have gone through throughout history. They have been
persecuted and exiled from other places. No wonder they wanted
their own country! I would have done the same thing. I would want
a safe place in which we are able to be protected from the people
that hurt us. It is called in Spanish, “una querencia,” meaning a place
you feel safe and you can be yourself. That is what Israel is for the
Jewish people.
Being my age in Israel is really hard, I would say. I worry about what
university I will get accepted to, where I am going to go (this is the
hardest one for me: my heart says one thing but my friends say the other)
and what my major will be. Someone my age in Israel has to worry about
going to the military and to war. We have the option to go to the
military, but in Israel … they feel it is a duty to help... As I said, Israel has
changed in my eyes. I now know all the struggles and all the great things
Israel has to offer. I would love to go visit Israel one day and meet people
who live there.
26

27. Cristal Suarez, San Joaquin
Cindy Campbell & Kathleen DeSantis, Instructors
Excerpt
T hrough learning about the historical importance of Israel to its people
and about the modern-day interests of Israelis, I have seen that the
people of Israel are intriguing individuals with every right to the freedom
of living a peaceful life.
For example, the history of Israel has helped me to see how important
this land is to the Israelis ... The land of Israel was promised to the
Jewish people by God and therefore holds a special place for them. In
70 CE, the Romans destroyed this ancient Jewish state and the Jews
were scattered, not always finding peaceful homes in the countries
they inhabited. This feeling of unrest led to the Jews wanting a
permanent haven. In 1897, Theodore Herzl founded modern Zionism
and multitudes of Jews settled in Israel. These numbers increased with
Adolph Hitler’s stirring up of anti-Semitism in 1933. It was in 1947 that
the United Nations established the Jewish state in Palestine. The Jews
wept for joy, as they finally had a land of their own, a place where they
could lead their own lives and worship freely. This history allows us all
to relate to the Israelis, as it shows us that the people of Israel want
what all people want – freedom.
27

28. Marysol Uribe, St. Joseph
Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors
In Full
C an you imagine the Middle East as a sand dune transforming into a
beautiful and prosperous country? It is no longer a rural and poor
place as I have imagined … from Biblical passages. This project has
tremendously changed my understanding of the Middle East, especially
Israel. It has turned [in my mind] from barren land to a modern and
successful state. Israel is like another wonder of the world.
The Israelis prosper with the willpower for survival and success.
Against all odds, in the span of sixty two years, Israel has developed an
energetic and ambitious society that is hungry for achievement and
success. This modern society has been the key to Israel’s success in
many of its fields, such as technology, architecture, medicine and
engineering. With the help of Israel, there has been an increase in
commodities and improvement around our world today.
There is a great similarity between [the values of] Israel’s Declaration
of Independence and the United States. Both countries were founded
by people seeking freedom and safety after suffering persecution and
discrimination. Israel is a society with formal equality of rights and
privileges. Israeli citizens can vote from the age of eighteen,
regardless of religion, race or gender – something that resembles our
political practice in the States. As a result, Israel is one of the rare
places where Arab women may vote. Israel is a great role model for
the entire Middle East …
28

29. Art
29

30. First Prize Art
Yoojin Lee, Notre Dame Academy
Nancy Coonis, Instructor
I sraelis have a fearful but beautiful history. I tried to sum up four
thousand years of their history by drawing seven faces of Israelis
including Jewish, Christian and Muslim. At the very right side of the paper,
there is a Jewish child with the kippah on his head. Many Jews are still
following their tradition. Beside the boy, there is an orthodox Jew
praying. I showed their tradition with their appearances, such as long
whiskers or beard as shown on the second from the left. Orthodox Jews
usually wear black suits with black hats. Next to him, there are two
soldiers. One is an “American” Israeli soldier and the other is a female
soldier. This is another distinction: that Jews go to the army, regardless of
their gender. A man next to the female soldier has gone through the
Holocaust. A lot of Jews died and were separated from their country and
family. Lastly, a Muslim lady at the end has covered more than half of her
face with the veil. These days, people hold many stereotypes toward
Israel. Not only veils and kippahs but also t-shirt and jeans are part of
Israel. I believe their history cannot be drawn on a piece of paper, but I
tried to give them different impressions as individuals.
30

31. First Prize Art
Ashley Malpica, St. Joseph
Cynthia Madsen & Linda Petrich, Instructors
T he Jewish people have a strong connection to their land because it
was given to them by God. They have been through many wars which
have made them, in some way, more attached to their land. My sculpture
represents the deep connection of the Jewish people to the land of
Israel. The flag in the hand represents honor and respect.
The hand is a symbol of God holding Israel and his presence with the
Hebrews throughout history. The blood running down the hand
represents the lives of the Jewish people that have been persecuted
throughout history. The sculpture shows struggle and faith, and also that
the Israelites never gave up. The hand turning into a tree represents
settlement and a new start. When the Hebrews were freed from Egypt,
they moved on and settled into the Promised land.
The banner at the bottom represents the birth place of the three religious
traditions. The grass growing around the tree represents the peace,
freedom and beauty of this new land. Despite the hatred and the wars, the
peace, beauty and freedom continue to ring throughout the country.
The small footprints represent the Jewish people moving to their
Promised Land. The footprints also represent the fact, which is evident in
the Shema (written in Hebrew on the scroll) that anyone is welcome and
accepted in Israel.
The scroll represents historical Jewish tradition. The Shema is a unique
prayer recited twice daily by Jews. This prayer has been passed down
for generations.
31

32. Second Prize Art
Brian Yi, Loyola
Tika Lee, Instructor
T his painting illustrates what I
have learned through my
project. Before, I had a general
sense that Israel was dangerous and
would do terrible things such as
blow up hospitals, schools and other
public areas, but through this
project I learned otherwise. The
Israeli soldiers are deeply concerned
with protecting the innocent and
use a system that does not allow for
fighting without ensuring the
public’s safety. My painting
represents this concept: in the
painting there are two Israeli
soldiers at the bottom, ready to fire.
At the top left corner there is a public school which is filled with enemy
soldiers. These two parts demonstrate the internal fighting going on in
Israel and the usual tactics the enemy soldiers use. The dove with the olive
tree branch symbolizes peace and the true nature of the soldiers. The peace
symbolism is to draw out the only reason that Israeli soldiers are fighting.
This is also an allusion to the Noah, story where the bird returns to the ark
with a branch. This allusion helps demonstrate that a future with peace and
freedom is the passion and motivation for the soldiers. Lastly, the six simple
words written below the dove are used to hold the painting together. These
words help break the consensus most people have about the Israelis. This
consensus is due to the media reporting only the news that will catch the
public’s eyes and not the truth behind the actions. The words represent the
good and peaceful nature of the Israelis, even during a war. This also shows
the motivation and passion the Israelis have for not harming innocent
citizens, no matter what. I was deeply moved when learning about the
Israeli soldiers. I personally think it is a terrible move militaristically, but one
that only helps demonstrate the deep passion for the peace and safety of
innocent lives.
32

33. Third Prize Art
Camellia Mikhaili, Louisville
Mary Wilson, Instructor
I srael is a land of many people, all with different opinions, beliefs and
customs. This diversity creates a culture that is united by the differences
of its people; debate and public opinion are part of being a citizen. Jews –
secular and religious – as well as Muslims, Christian and others call Israel
home. Israel has always faced challenge and opposition from its beginnings
as a nation, and Israelis often have to confront violence and serve their
country. In my drawing, I tried to capture the “many faces of Israel,” with
figures of children, students, musicians and soldiers. All comprise the image
of the Israeli flag.
33

34. Third Prize Art
Thecla Min, Notre Dame Academy
Nancy Coonis, Instructor
T o me, the “Many Faces of Israel” describes the cultural diversity that
Israel has to offer. The country is bustling with synagogues, churches
and other religious buildings. It is also bustling with Jewish citizens,
Africans, Arabs, Russians, Americans and many other ethnic groups.
34

35. Third Prize Art
Julie Wuellner, Oaks Christian
Jan Allen, Instructor
Excerpt
M y project is all about
the different faces
of Israel that come
together and make up the
flag or the country of
Israel. It is drawn onto
canvas in prisma colors
and it is made up of many
different faces or aspects
of the country of Israel,
but when you look at the
picture from far away, it
looks like the Israeli flag.
This symbolizes that even
though there is a lot of diversity in Israel, ranging from different religions,
age groups, ethnicities, histories and even hobbies; it is still one country
that is united. There are pictures of the three main religions: Judaism,
Christianity and Muslim. There are also pictures of all age groups, ranging
from babies to grandparents who live in Israel. Hobbies such as sports are
also depicted as well as some famous athletes, singers, politicians and
businessmen. In the collage, the aspects of farming and making the desert
green are shown, as well as the conflict between the Israelis and the
Palestinians. The different soldiers that are depicted throughout the
collage show this conflict. Everyday things that play a role in every society,
such as love, loss, friendship and family, are also shown through the many
pictures in the collage. Some major parts of the different histories of the
people who live in Israel are also shown, such as the Jewish Holocaust
survivors who are wearing the Star of David, and the story of the Ten
Commandments. Throughout the collage are words that depict a deeper
meaning of what Israel is, such as the name of the national anthem and the
year that Israel was declared a country. All of these many different things
then come together in the end to form the country of Israel, which is
shown by the many different pictures making up the one big flag of Israel.
35

36. We wish to express our deep thanks to
St. Johns Health Center
and
The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
for generously underwriting this event.
Their mission is to reveal God’s healing love
while improving the health of the communities
they serve in realizing this mission.
They acknowledge the importance of our youth
in bringing healing and health to our world.
36

37. The Jewish Federation’s Holy Land
Democracy Project educates non-Jewish
high school students throughout
Los Angeles about modern Israel by
sending their teachers there. The result
is a cadre of educators at Catholic, Evangelical and Charter schools who
have shared powerful, first-hand experiences with more than 22,000
diverse students.The program includes teacher training, a curriculum called
The Many Faces of Israel, and a contest showcasing students’ essays, poetry
and art depicting what they learned about the only democracy in the
Middle East. The resulting understanding of Israel creates a new perspective
on Jewish life around the world. Since the program's inception in 2004,
more than 50 schools have participated and more than 90 educators have
made this perspective-changing journey and returned to share their
experience with their students. Educators study the history and diversity of
the Jewish people, the democracy of Israel, as well as the challenges and
complexities of Arab/Israeli relations.
Tikkun olam, a Hebrew expression which means
“repair the world,” is a historic and core Jewish
value – and why reaching out to address the
needs of the entire community is one of the goals
of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
The central coordinating organization for the
Jewish community, the Federation fulfills this goal
by operating and funding a broad range of humanitarian programs on a non-
sectarian basis, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. These essential
programs offer food for the hungry, care for the elderly, help to battered
women, job training for those seeking employment, interest-free loans to
those in need, literacy programs for our young people, and much more.
37

38. We humbly thank all of the inspiring educators and outstanding schools
who have partnered with us in building bridges between our communities
and sharing the miracle of Israel with over 20,000 students in
Los Angeles, Orange County, Fresno and Bakersfield.
TEACHER SCHOOL
Hilary Aguirre-Yribarren Cathedral High School
Janice Allen Oaks Christian High School
Maria Andrade-Johnson Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Victor Arenas Bishop Amat Memorial High School
Randy Aust Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Joe Banfield St. Anthony High School
Maggie Bove-LaMonica Verbum Dei High School
Roxanne Brush St. Genevieve High School
Judy Burton Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Michele Butorac St. Matthias High School
Eric Cadena Chaminade College Preparatory
Cindy Campbell San Joaquin Memorial High School
Jennifer Campbell St. Anthony High School
Raul Carranza College-Ready Academy High School #7
Karen Chambers Verbum Dei High School
James Christopher Leuzinger High School
Edward Clark Damien High School
John Collins Pomona Catholic High School
Kat Cook Bishop Amat Memorial High School
Nancy Coonis Notre Dame Academy
Vera De Artola Notre Dame High School
Kathleen DeSantis San Joaquin Memorial High School
Roger DeSilva Notre Dame High School
Jeffrey Dewey Oaks Christian High School
Karina Diaz Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School
Jeanine DiCesaris-Kraybill Pomona Catholic High School
Stephen Felkner Junipero Serra High School
John Fitzsimons Bishop Montgomery High School
Mark Fredette St. Francis High School
Lisa Gabriel Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School
Shannon Gavin Rosary High School
Blair Gillam Oaks Christian High School
Marcos Gonzalez San Gabriel Mission HS
Margaret Govero St. Bernard Catholic High School
Brian Grisin Villanova Preparatory School
April Gutierrez Sacred Heart High School
Stephen Hagberg Oaks Christian High School
Colleen Hall Mater Dei High School
Holly Haynes Mater Dei High School
Kevin Hernandez Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School
Rodolfo Hernandez Bishop Amat Memorial High School
Michael Herrera St. Bonaventure High School
Stephanie Hofmann Gertz-Ressler High School
38

39. Shane Johnson Villanova Preparatory School
Mary Killmond Bishop Alemany High School
William Klein Marymount High School
Annet Kohen Granada Hills Charter High School
Carol Koppenheffer Mater Dei High School
April Kramer Chaminade College Prepatory
Claude LeBlanc Don Bosco Technical Institute
Tika Lee Loyola High School
Cindy Lee - Moon Notre Dame High School
Maureen Linehan Ramona Convent Secondary School
Cynthia Madsen St. Joseph High School
Aaron Marcarelli Oaks Christian School
Dean Marolla College-Ready Academy High School #5
Mary Marsella Garces Memorial High School
Chalio Medrano Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School
Sonya Mercado St. Bonaventure High School
Conan Moats Heritage College-Ready Academy 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
James Nielsen Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Lisa Nollette Rosary High School
Ray Nolte Damien High School
Marc Nuno St. Monica Catholic High School
Nate Nylander Oaks Christian School
Siobhan O'Neill St. Monica Catholic High School
Kristina Ortega Chaminade College Preparatory
Robert Pambello Heritage College-Ready Academy High School
Jason Parrot St. Bernard Catholic High School
Jeanette Pascua Notre Dame High School
Gary Pate Oaks Christian School
William Perales Mary Star of the Sea
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
Vanessa Sandoval College-Ready Academy High School #5
David Savage Notre Dame High School
Stephen Schumacher Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Michael Sifter Alverno High School
Bernadette St. James Bishop Montgomery High School
Joe Swoboda Servite High School
Maureen Tunstill Rosary High School
Steve Viau Mater Dei High School
Melea Walden Jserra Catholic High School
Chris Weir Servite High School
Josh Wilson Louisville High School
Mary Wilson Louisville High School
Robin Winkler Granada Hills Charter High School
Theresa Yugar Sacred Heart High School 39

40. Dr. Daniel Lieber, Chair
Ahavia Scheindlin, Director
Rabbi Hal Greenwald, Assistant Director
John Fitzsimons, Educational Coordinator
Advisory Council
Malka Blitz, Julie Bram, Gary Cypres, Eric J. Diamond, Irwin S. Field,
Abner Goldstine, Dennis A. Gura, Stanley Kandel, Leslie Kessler,
Sharon Krischer, Arlene Kupietzky, Dr. Daniel Lieber,
Linda Mayman, Marla Rosen, Faith Schames,Terri Smooke
The Jewish Federation Community Pillar
Sharon Baradaran and Glenn Sonnenberg, Co-Chairs
Marc Carrel, Vice Chair
The Jewish Federation
Jay Sanderson, President
Richard V. Sandler, Chairman of the Board
Jonathan Cookler and Ed Robin Vice Chairs
Les Bider and Sharon Janks General Campaign Chairs
Andrew Cushnir, Executive Vice President/Chief Program Officer
DIOCESE of SAN BERNARDINO
Exhibit photography and videography courtesy of Forrest Autenrieth.
Additional exhibit photography generously provided by Pini Dror Photography.