Begin Center Bulletin, Vol. 5, Issue 13

JANUARY 15, 2009 | VOLUME 5, ISSUE 13

TOTAL NUMBER OF VISITORS SINCE OCTOBER 2004: 464,375



DOING OUR PART FOR CITIZENS IN THE SOUTH

As part of the Begin Center's involvement in extending social services for the residents of the southern part of Israel surrounding Gaza, we have made available to bone fide residents a free tour in the Museum. Dafna Shkedy, the Museum's director, has reported that as of today, 540 persons, members of organized groups, have gone through the Museum as well as an additional 156 persons, mostly families.

The Center is proud to offer its assistance, along with other cultural institutions in Jerusalem, to help alleviate the feelings of anxiety the population under missile attack are undergoing. From some of the comments, we have learned that the character of Menachem Begin, as a leader and as a stalwart believer in the Jewish People and its national purpose, has been of help to them in this difficult period.
One of the participants in this outreach effort, the Abbu Family, wrote a letter of appreciation, noting that they were quite grateful to have been able to visit a "site which instills love for our dear country which enabled us to learn about the people who have brought us this far and granted us, the Jewish people, the ability to be who we are. Thanks to all those involved in this sacred task."

BEGIN CENTER WEBSITE LAUNCHED IN HEBREW
After much work and preparation, the new Menachem Begin Heritage Center website in Hebrew was launched this week. We are still working out a few bugs and issues, as can be expected, but we invite you to peruse the site at www.begincenter.org.il to see the new look and style of the Begin Center presence on the internet.
We hope to launch our site in English in February.



JUNIOR KNESSET WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

A group of Senior Israel Experience students from Chicagoland Jewish High School who came to the Begin Center this week to participate in a modified version of the Junior Knesset program. Rather than teach an entire semester of civics before coming to a concluding day at the Begin Center in which students re-enact the passing of a law, this workshop forum allows students to arrive, gain some background knowledge and on a single issue, go through the process of passing a law in the Knesset.

The young people from Chicago were very enthusiastic and enjoyed the experiential workshop that allowed them to achieve an understanding of the Israeli political scene from the inside out.

Aaron Weinberg said, "It was so much fun. I'm on the debate team…I love Israeli politics and Israel." Jeremy Hulkower said, "It was certainly interesting and fascinating. It was fun to be Prime Minister for a day. It gave me a chance to learn more about Israeli politics."


UPCOMING EVENTS

Nahum Heyman's next sing-along evening will be on Tuesday, January 20at 8:00pm highlighting the songs of Mordechai Ze'era and Ya'acov Orland. This event will be in Hebrew.

The 4th annual Elitzur Lecture will take place on Sunday, February 15 at 6:00pm. Details will follow in later bulletins. This event will be in English.

An evening to remember Avraham "Yair" Stern will take place on Wednesday, February 18. Details will follow in later bulletins. This event will be in Hebrew.