Week of activities planned at University of Oregon
By Jewish Review
At the University of Oregon, This Is Israel (a new student organization focusing on Israel awareness), Stand With Us and Oregon Hillel are hosting a week of activities for Israel’s 60th birthday.
All events are open to students and community members.
“Over winter break I visited Israel as a representative on Hillel’s annual Schusterman Leaders Assembly and was drawn to the immense amounts of contributions (medical, environmental, social) that Israel has made globally,” said Jodi Meyerowitz, who is co-chairing the celebration with Jamie Zebrak.
“I was inspired ... to make Israel’s 60th anniversary the biggest Israeli celebration that the University of Oregon has seen,” said Meyerowitz. “There is so much scope and need for people on campus and in the community to learn about, and begin to realize the many faces of Israel.”
The week’s main events occur on May 7 and focus on Israeli environmentalism. Direct environmental community service, fund-raising and hearing about Israeli environmentalism, students and community members will have the opportunity to influence environmentalism at home (in Eugene) and in Israel.
“We will showcase the environmental contributions and advances that Israel has made, and continues to make in the global community,” said Meyerowitz.
The day concludes with a fund-raising dinner featuring Noam Dolgin, executive director of the Green Zionist Alliance (www.greenzionism.com). The food will be kosher and will be made by a raw foods chef in Eugene.
Cost is $5 for students, $10 general. Funds will be donated to The Arava Institute in Israel, which focuses on environmental leadership and sustainable development.
Other events during the week include a film and interfaith panel discussion May 5.
On May 6, Israeli History as Biblical History will include Biblical Skits in the EMU Amphitheater (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); Israeli Culinary Institute at Hillel (noon-2 p.m.); and a Bedouin Tent at Oregon Hillel (8-11 p.m.).
On May 8, a carnival on the EMU East Lawn from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. will feature games, Israeli dancing, gaga, food, music and other activities.
The week concludes on May 9 when the Israeli Culinary Institute demonstrates how to make an Israeli Shabbat lunch. That evening, Hillel will host an Israeli themed Shabbat from 6-9 p.m.