Throughout icnext, we have worked together to define what it means to be a true leader. We’ve decided a leader is someone who dedicates themself to helping others by teaching and advocating for issues they have passion for. Elliot Glassenberg is a self-identified educator-activist who demonstrates these traits.
During the last year’s Seminars, our Cohort met on zoom calls and learned about Israeli history with Elliot. Today, we finally met him for a walking tour in Nevee Sha’anan (Oasis of Serenity), a refugee city in South Tel Aviv. Elliot is a leading activist for refugee rights in Israel. From the moment we met in person, Elliot captivated our group. He told us not to take photos of the neighborhood out of respect for the people living and working there.
As we walked the streets, Elliot taught us the chronological history of Nevee Sha’anan with passion. Elliots in-depth knowledge of the neighborhood’s history helped us better understand how external influences transformed a peaceful orange orchard to becoming the most diverse and populated neighborhood of exiles in Israel. By asking our group questions that made us think more deeply about the architecture, advertisements, and organization of streets, Elliot led us to appreciate the extreme diversity and history of Nevee Sha’anan.
Elliot works for BINA: The Jewish Movement for Social Change in Israel. After our tour, we had a reflection lecture in a learning center nearby. Elliot guided us with quotes from sacred Jewish writings to reflect on our visit to the neighborhood, and to learn more about social justice and activism. Today, Elliot inspired me with his dedication to improving the lives of refugees through examining history, and reflecting on his own blessings.