When I was interviewed for my WOFI application, one of the first questions that I encountered was: why do people believe there are “two realms of Israel?” l was familiar with the term and knew that there was a great separation between the Chilonim (secular) and the Datim (Orthodox). However, as our visit in Israel continues I have discovered not just two but multiple realms, including the newest addition: the refugees. Majority of the refugees from South Sudan, Darfur, and other oppressed countries see Israel as a safe haven. No other countries are willing to take responsibility for the refugees and send them back to their homes where the death tolls are unimaginable. Israel, on the other hand, has taken thousands of refugees under their wing. Although not the most ideal place to alive, majority of these refugees dwell in southern Tel Aviv and have occupied Levinsky Park. Many independent organization and nonprofits are working to supply the refugees with necessary aid,and one of the the most visible organizations is Bina Bashchuna.
We had the privilege to visit Bina, a “secular yeshiva.” Although an oxymoron, Bina prides itself in being a place where students can study religious texts and find how they relate to social justice in Israel. When we walked in Bina we were introduced by the enthusiastic Itamar, who is in charge of the organization and coordinates gap years for high school graduates. During a gap year, a student at Bina would study biblical texts and relate them back to the modern world with a reoccurring theme of social justice. Itamar took us through a typical Bina discussion where we read about Rabbi Hillel and his determination to study the Torah. After our discussion we went around the corner to a deprived neighborhood, which over the years has become a hub for refugees and the blue-caller, foreign workers. Over the years Bina students have made a dramatic impact in the lives of the refugees. The volunteers set up book shelves in Levinsky Park filled with books of all topics and languages. The children’s books were all in Hebrew to educate the children and help them transition into the Israeli society.
I was very impressed by Bina’s accomplishments and I learned that before you judge/criticize a group of people or a country, you must first study and learn about their culture and people.