CATEGORY

Israel

"What is my culture"

Michael Steinlauf differentiates between modern Israeli culture and the Polish culture of years past.

Collecting for the Jewish National Fund

Jacob Schlitt talks about how he won a contest collecting money for the Jewish National Fund, and how he still feels guilt decades later for purchasing a watch with the prize money.

From Europe to Israel in the mid-fifties: DP camps and refugees

 Haim describes the transition camps he encountered in Southern France in 1949 on his way to Israel. He was astonished at the differing backgrounds of the refugees, and describes the boat crossing to Israel.

My Niece's Story

Lili Bermant tells her nieces story, from when she made aliyah to her marriage with a religious extremist and her eventual escape from the marriage and Israel.

Experiences with Arab Resistance on Kibbutz During Early Years of Israeli State

 Haim reflects on the ongoing moral debate about relations with the former Arab residents of the site of the kibbutz. He explains that he was officially part of the Israeli Defense Forces, recounts specific encounters he directly experienced, and describes a change of vocabulary regarding the Arab resistance over the years.

Developing Jewish Identity: From Culture to Language

Penina Glazer remembers her childhood and how being Jewish was "hugely central" to the formation of her identity. Discussing her formal Jewish education, she concludes that while learning Jewish languages has been a struggle, her knowledge of Jewish history is "not bad."

Why I Left the Kibbutz

Haim describes how childrearing protocol lead him and his family to leave the kibbutz. He recalls the emotion of finally being welcomed as a founder of the kibbutz years later.