Author Archives: israeltraveller

In the middle of 2019, I applied for the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program for Australian Educators. I was so over the moon when I was accepted and I felt a whole range of emotions about heading over to the Middle East, for what I knew would be an unforgettable experience. In 26 days I travelledContinue reading “The end…but I hope it’s just the beginning.”

The Machane Yehuda Market or ‘Shuk’ is the largest market in Jerusalem. It was such a find and I’ve loved every visit there. It sells everything from fruit and vegetables to specialty foods, and clothing to souvenirs. The market is the main traditional marketplace of Jerusalem and is filled with fascinating sounds, sights, and smells.Continue reading “Mahane Yehuda Market”

In 2019, I was lucky enough to mentor a keen Year 7 student who joined the ‘Zest’ program at the high school I teach at, Roseville College. This student chose to research a man called Charles Coward – ironic as his surname in no way reflects his actions. When this student was researching him, sheContinue reading “A Story of Hope: The Count of Auschwitz”

Have you ever thought about antisemitism in our own country? The below article shows that there was a 30% increase in antisemitism in Australia. As educators, this is something else we must try to tackle. A new report on anti-Semitism in Australia revealed a 30% spike in serious incidents involving direct verbal abuse, harassment, andContinue reading “Antisemitism Spikes in Australia”

On this trip, I have been most challenged by the notion that as a Holocaust educator, I have a duty to share the voices of people who became victims of this atrocity, because their ability to do so was taken away from them. But so often, my mind jumps straight to images of the impactContinue reading “I Should Like Someone to Remember that there Once Lived a Person Named…”

During our first day at Yad Vashem, we were taken on a tour of Israel by Ephraim (one of the Gandel organisers), so that we could understand the geopolitics as well as geography of the land where we will be spending the next three weeks. You can see from the map above that Israel isContinue reading “Understanding the Holy Land”

Today was the most incredible day of learning, growing and reflecting. We began our day with our first class at Yad Vashem (Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust), which is a 4km drive from our hotel. We learnt about two crucial topics today – Judaism and Yad Vashem’s teaching pedagogy. It wasContinue reading “Ruptured Judaism and Choiceless Choices”

It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good atContinue reading “My Journey in Israel”

An introduction to my blog! Thanks for following my blog as I share about my experiences in Israel. Just in case I haven’t told you in person, let me explain what I’m doing in this unique country. In June 2019 I decided to apply for the Gandel Holocaust Education Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarshipContinue reading “Why Israel?”