Combatting Israel-Haters Through Creativity And Innovation

Building Up Israel One Child at a Time

Shoving activist Jews out of progressive movements creates an interesting opportunity. Being shut out from one path to social change opens up new avenues for participation in organizations that make a difference. Rather than fighting to be accepted by the leaders of progressive movements — causes that have enormous baggage — it is wiser to ignore these odious anti-Jewish judgments and seek out ways of helping Israelis build up their society.

While many of the larger pro-Israel groups are well-known, there are smaller groups that seek participation either through volunteer efforts or by financial assistance. Personally I have enjoyed a month several years ago volunteering with Sar-El, sorting medical supplies on a military base.

Another organization is the Canadian Friends of the Jaffa Institute (www.jaffainstitute.ca). [Full disclosure here: I’m on the CFJI Board.] Since its founding in 1982, the Jaffa Institute has helped thousands of Israeli youth mature into productive citizens. Focusing geographically on the areas of south Tel Aviv and Jaffa, the Institute’s mandate is to assist at-risk youth and their families succeed.

The Jaffa Institute does so using a holistic approach to address the needs of the child and their family. That includes food distribution, counselling, language tutoring, mentoring and creating high aspirations, generating academic and social success, and developing programs that enrich the lives of each participant.

The approach is innovative and unique in the area. The Bet Shemesh Educational Centre provides over 300 disadvantaged boys, ages 12-19 with educational, counselling and nutritional support.  That’s a key age group where the temptation to drop out looms so large. The Stepping Stone Program helps at-risk teenage girls cope with the challenges they uniquely face. The Jaffa Institute offers English Enrichment programs, Technological Education so vital to children’s futures today, and a Science van that takes scientific education out into marginalized communities.

A special project of the Canadian Friends of the Jaffa Institute focuses on “Musical Minds.” This innovative program introduces underprivileged children to the arts. Children have opportunities they would not otherwise have – learning about music, drawing, sculpture, photography, video animation, drama and movement, arts and crafts. These programs have enormous side benefits. Participants develop social skills and personal self-esteem as well as discovering talents they would never otherwise get to realize.

One Door Closes; Another Opens

By shunning Jews, progressive causes have opened up a new door to creating social change that makes a difference.

So one way of fighting Israel-hatred positively is by becoming involved in the many Canadian organizations that genuinely help build up Israel. Ignore the hateful progressives and put personal energy and resources towards initiatives that bear fruit.

That’s the best solution.