Jewish Teens Stand in Support of Israel

On Monday night, teens at Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JTConnect) took a stand in support of Israel. After hearing author, teacher, and poet Danny Siegel talk about how to make a difference in the world, the teens put those words into action.  Through Youtube and Facebook, teens heard from JTConnect graduates Nadav Chatinover and Micah Fielder, both of whom are currently studying in Israel.  Both Chatinover and Fiedler, feeling integrated into Israeli society, expressed the same sentiment:  Israeli resilience allows them to go about living their lives even in the face of this difficult situation.Ido Goldstein and Yuval Malchi, the Israeli Young Emissaries in Greater Hartford, also spoke with the teens, describing what it is like to be in America when many of their friends are currently in the army.  They invited JTConnect students to ask them questions and to meet with them to learn what Israel is all about.Following the lead of all the people from whom they heard, JTConnect teens participated in activities designed to support the State of Israel.  Teens wrote letters to their senators and representatives asking them to support Israel.  They created personal messages & prayers for peace to be placed in the Western Wall when JTConnect Executive Director, Heather Fiedler, visits Israel next month.  In a demonstration of support, many teens wrote to Israeli soldiers who have no families in Israel (lone soldiers) expressing their gratitude for defending the citizens of Israel. Finally, students created a banner that will hang in the hallway of the school.Heather Fiedler expressed the following sentiment:  "While some of our students have been to Israel, many have never traveled there.  It was touching to see how connected our teens felt and their willingness to support others from across the world."  JTConnect teens and their teachers will continue to monitor and discuss the events taking place in the Middle East with a watchful eye, discussing them in their classes as well as in informal settings as the year progresses.For more information, contact the JTConnect office at (860) 727-6110 or visit our website at www.jtconnect.org.JTConnect is a learning and social community that offers a rich experience for teens, enhancing their connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and values.  The program is designed for students in 6th through 12th grades.  Synagogue membership is not required.