From March 14-22, 2010, 25 students from Hillels at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas volunteered with the Jewish communities of Buenos Aires and Basavilbaso, Argentina.

University of Texas student Alex reflects on meeting with JDC Board member Howard Schultz and his wife Leslie while in Argentina.

During our stay in Buenos Aires, we had the privilege of attending the new Baby Help Center opening ceremony, which is now situated inside the LeDor VaDor old age home building.  Howard and Leslie Schultz and their family are major supporters of these projects, and they spoke at the ceremony about their philanthropy and relationship with the staff and families there.  It was incredible to see how they have been able to make such a lasting impact, and their energy and enthusiasm were contagious.

Following the Schultz’s speech, we were invited to attend lunch with them along with other JDC Board Members. This experience was nothing less than fantastic. Being able to meet and understand the mission of the JDC from its leaders, as well as collaborating with them and share our own perspectives, opened our eyes to their mindset and their vision for the future.  I think through our conversations we all finally understood the role of the JDC, and of ourselves, in our global Jewish Community.

My main takeaway from this experience is the importance of investing in infrastructure rather than individual people.  Infrastructure is sustainable, and can lead to an exit strategy for the JDC as the community in Argentina becomes self-sustained.  Continuous aid would create dependency, and is never enough.  This insight is fundamental for understanding how to work with developing Jewish Communities.

Howard and Leslie are also pioneers and supporters of the JDC’s Short Term Service trips like the one that brought me to Argentina.  I remember a saying from my days in the Boy Scouts: “It is easier to build a boy than repair a man”— the Schultzs are living up to this adage by investing in our global perspective and understanding of global Jewish needs, as well as inspiring local Jewish youth.

Their genuine interest in developing upcoming Jewish Leaders in North America is inspiring.  We sincerely appreciate their support.

Previous posts from Texas Hillels in Argentina: First Day in Argentina | Comunidad pequena, corazon grande! | L’dor Vador– “From Generation to Generation” | Pictures from our Service in Basavilbaso! | Remembering a Tragedy | Our Argentine Amigos!

From March 14-22, 2010, 25 students from Hillels at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas volunteered with the Jewish communities of Buenos Aires and Basavilbaso, Argentina.

Morgan from the University of Texas (in yellow shirt) works on a mural in Basavilbaso, Argentina alongside her Argentinean Jewish peers: Sabrina, Martin, and Natash

At the beginning of our journey, we were joined by a few Argentinean Jewish college students, all of whom are beneficiaries of JDC’s Net Scholarship Program.  Established at the height of the economic crisis, the program continues to give Jewish students attending tuition-free state universities much-needed assistance with their transportation, meal, and book expenses.  These Jewish university students also have access to summertime English courses, job training and counseling, and it encourages them to get involved in volunteer efforts on behalf of the community.

We had such a great time getting to know our Argentinean peers and volunteering alongside them.  Here is what Natasha, one Net Scholarship recipient from Rosario (a city 180 miles northwest of Buenos Aires), had to say about our time together:

… The ‘Yankees’ were fantastic!  Always open to everything and open to learning of our way of life.  It is these types of experiences that are truly fulfilling and even allow your own mind to open up even more. I think they’ll go back home valuing what they have a little more after seeing that there are people, even Jews, who still lack access to basic needs such as food or water.  Essential things in life we seem to take for granted.  I also understand that there is something further out there than Rosario, that my abilities to grow as a human being are endless…

From,

Natasha

Previous posts from Texas Hillels in Argentina: First Day in Argentina | Comunidad pequena, corazon grande! | L’dor Vador– “From Generation to Generation” | Pictures from our Service in Basavilbaso! | Remembering a Tragedy

From March 14-22, 2010, 25 students from Hillels at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas volunteered with the Jewish communities of Buenos Aires and Basavilbaso, Argentina.

Take a minute to imagine. The center for Jewish life in your community is full of people, young and old, students and professionals, on the first day of the winter break. People are going about their lives as usual, gathering with friends, taking care of business, discussing the weather. Picture these people. Your friends, family, the new guy you think goes to your synagogue, the community children, all gathered together at the most prominent Jewish center in your community. How happy and lively they are! How lucky are you to be standing here, in this beautiful Jewish center, the gathering place of the community? Then the last thing you imagine happens. A van, packed with explosives, comes careening into the side of the building, instantly killing 85 community members, and wounding 300 more. The community members, your friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers, which were so full of life and vigor a minute ago, now lay motionless in the rubble of the iconic building of the Jewish community.

Take a minute to imagine. For the people of Buenos Aires, this is not a nightmare, but a gruesome memory. On July 18, 1994, the Jewish community laid witness to the horrifying attack that led to the most Jewish deaths in a single location since the holocaust – the attack on the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) building.

Like you, they had no reason to be scared. Like you, they would have said, “This could NEVER happen to us.” Yesterday we remembered those 85 victims, because sometimes the impossible happens. We observed a plaque of names commemorating the lost lives. We stared in awe at the beautiful piece of art in the middle of the AMIA plaza, which displays a different image associated with the Argentine Jewish community, changing images as we walked around it. We left candles beneath the plaque of names as we performed a memorial ceremony for the victims. We realized there was no difference between the Argentine Jewish community and our own. We remembered the victims, people we never met, but people we could relate to. This could have been our communities; our friends, our families, us. Take a minute to imagine. Take a minute to remember.

~Zach Spiegel

The Monument to the Memory of the Victims of the Terrorist Attack on AMIA was designed by Yaacov Agam, a world-renowned Israeli plastic artist. Pictures from the group’s visit to the memorial can be found below.

Previous posts from Texas Hillels in Argentina: First Day in Argentina | Comunidad pequena, corazon grande! | L’dor Vador– “From Generation to Generation” | Pictures from our Service in Basavilbaso!

From March 14-22, 2010, 25 students from Hillels at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas will volunteer with the Jewish communities of Buenos Aires and Basavilbaso, Argentina.

Previous posts from Texas Hillels in Argentina: First Day in Argentina | Comunidad pequena, corazon grande! | L’dor Vador– “From Generation to Generation”

Hi everyone! Below are some pictures from our work in Basavilbaso! More to come.

(This post reflects experiences from day 4 of our trip!)

Hey y’all, it’s Alyssa from Texas!

Today is a day that I know me and the rest of the group will remember for the rest of our lives.  We woke up early this morning and had a glorious hotel breakfast spread (compared to the food in Basovilbasso!)  Then we hopped on the bus to the L’dor Vador old age home and Baby Help Center.  This place is absolutely incredible.  It is the only old age home and baby day care center combined in the world.

In the words of Vivianna, the head of Baby Help, “the old age residents who need love, and the babies who are neglected and are also in need of love can give the needed love to one another.”

It was wonderful seeing how our fundraised money is going to make such a difference in the new Baby Help Center along with our 200 lbs of in kind goods.  Thank you so much to everyone reading who helped us out with our fundraising and goods collections!

When we got to the Baby Help Center we split into different age groups to play with the kids.  Even though the children could barely understand us, we know it meant so much to them and us as well to play and just have a great time.  After a few hours of tireless playing, a group of JDC Board members and supporters, including Howard and Leslie Schultz, held an opening ceremony for the Baby Help Center, which has recently moved into its new location literally inside the old-age home.

There were speeches, wine, and treats.  Although this was a very exciting and fun day, it was very humbling to hear a story of how the Baby Help Center had changed one abused mothers life.  Not a dry eye was seen as she told about how the Baby Help Center saved her and her daughter.  It meant so much to us to actually see the children and know that the money we raised is going to a most honorable cause.

Next we were able to get a tour of the glamorous L’dor Vador facility.  It is the most spectacular old age home that I have ever seen in my entire life.  I know that when I retire I want to live here, because not only is the food amazing but the people and residents are incredible.  There is so much light and beauty that it doesn’t feel like an old age home, but more of a country club with room for 300 residents.  Knowing that the community has come together and created such a wonderful center for their elderly is really a sign of the growing strength of the Argentinean Jewish community.  The hope is that the L’dor Vador facility will become a model for the world mixing both the elderly and the community youth.

(This post reflects experiences from days 2 & 3 of our trip!)

Buenos dias familias y amigos!

It’s Brooklyn and Taylor, blogging on the bus from Basavilbaso to Buenos Aires!

After a much-needed night’s rest, we got an early start and jumped right in to our service project.  Although there are four remaining synagogues in the small town of Basavilbaso, we painted the exterior of the only synagogue in use today, Tefila L’Moises. This synagogue was built over 100 years ago, and upon our arrival, we quickly realized we had our work set out for us.  We painted the exterior walls, the gates, and a mural designed by UT students Morgan Bearman and Michelle Arbov.

Luckily, Nacho and his team of professional painters were there to oversee and instruct us in order for us to do the best job possible.  We were standing on scaffolds painting the high walls, meticulously painting fences, and finishing with triple coats. The mural is three-panels, spanning from day to night with two railroads (the industry that Basavilbaso was founded upon) meeting in the middle to symbolize the crossing roads of multiple cultures and the foundation of the Jewish town.

While working all day, we went in small groups to visit homes of JDC beneficiaries in Basavilbaso.  Seeing their poor living conditions and hearing their stories was a true eye-opener for all of us.  We realized the importance that our work had on the Basavilbaso community as a whole.

One woman we visited, Rosa, is a widowed, 67-year-old woman, native to Basavilbaso, living in a poorly structured home with her 47-year-old schizophrenic son.  The JDC plays a huge role in the wellness of her son, as they provide her and her son with medicines that they could not otherwise afford, because they both are unable to work.  While Rosa was telling her story, her son suddenly woke up and came to talk to us. We later learned that he usually spends his day sleeping due to his illness, but he simply wanted to ask us for a keyboard.  His mother explained that her son’s passion for music is what keeps him sane.  He is self-taught and plays at the City Hall twice a week, but for such an illness, that is simply not enough.  At the same time, her small home is poorly insulated, and has caused her son to also develop extreme allergies, which he needs medicines for as well.  Sadly, Rosa said that if she could afford to live in a better home, her son might not be diagnosed with allergies, which is what many of his medications are prescribed for.  It was so difficult to witness someone who had to prioritize great needs necessary for their survival.

Another beneficiary, Teresa Partricia, is a single mother of three and native of Basavilbaso. The recession hit hard in 2003 for Patricia and the family and it became hard to even get food on the table. Patricia’s home, which used to belong to her parents, is very humble but full of warmth. To add onto their difficulties, Patricia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer two years ago. The JDC offers money to Patricia to pay for her medical bills so she can continue working and providing for her kids. Patricia has two jobs, one as a secretary to a doctor in the morning and another job in the afternoon. Despite the language barrier, you could feel Patricia’s pain. She could not stop saying how grateful she was for the JDC’s help.

Word of the “gringos” spread like wildfire through the small town, and we became celebrities overnight.  While working at the synagogue, we were interviewed by local radio stations, as well as photographed and filmed by the director of the Facebook group “Los Gauchos Judios”- the Jewish Cowboys.

We finished painting for the day around six o’clock. During the break before dinner, a few of us gathered to play a game of futbol. To fully integrate ourselves into the culture, we played an intense game at the JCC’s concrete yard.

We ate dinner at the JCC with a few members of the Jewish community, including the President of the Jewish Community of Basavilbaso. We made a few toasts and speeches to one another, with the helpful aid of translators, to say thank you and be thanked for our work here. Dinner included gefilte fish and spinach cannolis followed by delicious ice cream. As our food was settling, we gathered outside for a bonfire to conclude our time with community. Again, a few more toasts were made. When living in a small town, who wouldn’t be thankful to have celebrities like ourselves come visit? In all seriousness, the thank-you’s were mutual. Off to bed it was after a long day of work.

Wednesday morning was another early rise and we went straight to the synagogue to finish our work.  As we were making final touches, members of the community came to the synagogue to thank us again for our work. We heard over and over again the phrase “comunidad pequena, corazon grande” – small town, big hearts. We realized how special our work was and felt the warmth of the community. The now beautified synagogue remains to be a landmark for the pride of the remaining Jewish community.

We ate lunch at the small JCC and hopped on the bus. “Adios Basavilbaso y Hola Buenos Aires!”

From March 14-22, 2010, 25 students from Hillels at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas will volunteer with the Jewish communities of Buenos Aires and Basavilbaso, Argentina.

After 3 hours at the Dallas airport, 10 hours in flight, 4.5 hours on the bus, and 3 empanadas, we finally made it to our first destination in Argentina: Basavilbaso.

We joined our Argentine fellows and visited one of the first synagogues, cemetery, and Jewish schools in Argentina. We learned about the history of Jewish immigration from Europe to Argentina. It was great listening to personal accounts from family members of the founders of the Argentine community.

Afterwards we went to one of Argentina’s several JCC’s to have dinner and learn more about the economic meltdown of 2001 and how the JDC and community members responded.

Even though our spirits want us to go out tonight and enjoy our time in Argentina, our bodies have forced us to call it a night since a long day of painting awaits us tomorrow.

Buenas noches,

Alan, Aaron, and Josh

¡Hola!

With the date of our trip steadily approaching we met today February the 24^th to discuss some of the logistics of our trip and educate ourselves on both the culture of Argentina and the Jewish motivations behind tzedakah. We first discussed the teachings of Maimonidies and Rambam, comparing them to our own interpretations and thoughts on the subject of “gemilut hasadim.” Then, the mother/son Zornberg duo provided an interesting powerpoint and discussion that highlighted some of the more important features of what we plan to experience in our travels. We learned a bit about the history of Argentina and the migration of Jews to this very unique part of the globe and had an opportunity to ask questions and snack on an Argentine “dulce de leche” called “alfajor.” Finally, we updated everyone on individual committees and progress thus far ensuring that our plans our well under way. Our group looks stronger than ever and with a quick tally of our fundraising efforts we are ensured of this fact. So far we’ve totaled over $6,000! Anxious to begin our journey, we await our final meeting before arriving in Argentina.

Adíos,

Renna and Josh

With winter break officially over and the new semester underway, the group met Thursday evening for our second time to discuss the events to take place until our highly anticipated trip to Argentina. Starting fresh with a meet-and-greet type mixer, our group members reacquainted themselves with old friends and sparked new relationships with others in a wonderful exercise to solidify the group and ease the tensions of first time encounters with our peers.

The room came to life, filing with energy and excitement as we recounted stories from our lives to gain a greater understanding of the individuals that make up our unique group of volunteers. This activity served even greater purpose with the beautifully poised and inspiring words from Devora, as she stated some of the basic goals of our group and shared with us the great importance that our volunteering efforts hold in the practice of “tikkun o’lam.” Providing some perspective on the profound impact of our work, the group was more than excited to continue with the rest of our goals for the evening.

In a brief survey of our fundraising efforts thus far, our group was delighted to find that the hard work of a number of its members has already begun to show light. Already amassing over $2,000 in donations we feel as though we are well on our way towards meeting our fundraising goals and show great ambitions for all of the tasks at hand.

Following this update we divided ourselves among three committees to discuss future plans for our continuing fundraising success. A brief session of brainstorming produced some interesting results and served to display what great enthusiasm our group holds for such work. With planning well underway and the bonds of our group strengthened we closed our meeting in good form and plan to meet back in a week to check on our progress.

Hasta próximo tiempo. Ciao.

-Josh

¡Hola! 

Congrats to everyone picked to be part of this amazing group!

Today marked our first orientation at the University of Texas at Austin. As incentive to get us to stay for two hours during finals week, pizza and refreshments were offered as we mixed and mingled to await everyone’s arrival.

While a few people were absent getting flu shots and who knows what else, we went around in a circle explaining one item of importance that we had on us. From cell phones to broken wallets, and from rings to JCC cards, each group member received a little tidbit of insight into everyone’s soul. And what Jewish gathering would be complete without some form of Jewish Geography? So, we literally played it! Paper plates with different locations/places of interest around the world were written on the front and spread out on the floor. As someone read a question like, “Where are you from?” the group members ran to that plate accordingly. Gotta love group building games!

We also got to pair up with someone in the group we did not know that well. With our partners we read two different quotes and discussed questions that followed. We then, as an entire group, discussed the importance and relevance of these quotes and how it pertained to our job as a member of this JDC Short-Term Service group. Although some of the questions were hard to answer– a consensus as to what it meant to have a sense of responsibility as a Jew was unveiled.

Next came the brainstorming. Everyone was pretty excited to throw out ideas for the best way to start our fundraising. After winter break, we decided we will specify what exactly we plan on doing. Some ideas were: tango lessons, fundraising party w/raffle tickets, “tip jars”, band showcase, Argentina night dinner, 3 on 3 tournament, something that has food and alcohol…just to name a few. Even though Argentina is a couple months away you could just see the excitement on everyone’s faces.

We have an awesome group with great ideas and I know we are all excited to start making a difference on our Latin adventure! Adios!

Until next time :)

Robyn