If you have yet to visit Israel, let us assure you that there is more to it than newspaper images and headlines may have you believe. In fact, even travel brochures fail to capture the true colors of this tiny country, so here is our humble attempt at celebrating Israel on her 61st birthday: Welcome to iFEST, our annual Israel Festival.
iLove: Israel is one of the only countries in the Middle East whose government does not discriminate against its people based on their sexual orientation. This freedom of expression and acceptance are recognized internationally, as Israel is often a safe haven for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents of other countries. Additionally, World Pride held a festival in Jerusalem in 2006, an event that would be impossible almost anywhere else in the Middle East.
iVote: Israel is one of the only democracies in the Middle East, allowing all individuals to vote and express their views in a secure and democratic manner. Every group in Israel has a voice, including minority groups and groups with conflicting ideologies. Israeli Arabs, who make up almost 20 percent of the population, also enjoy the right to vote and to be represented in Israeli government.
iLive: Israel is home to a myriad of different ethnicities, cultures and religions living within the country’s small borders. Members of every faith are free to practice as they choose and live side by side with large secular communities. Moreover, Israel thrives upon its cultural and ethnic diversity, making it one of the only melting pots in the Middle East. Each group enjoys equal rights and acceptance in the eyes of the law.
iLearn: Israel is at the forefront of technological advances, all of which we enjoy in the United States. There are research universities all around Israel contributing to new technological, green and medical advancements that benefit the world at large.
Still wondering what iFEST is?
iCelebrate: As such a unique and progressive country, there is much to celebrate for Israel’s 61 years of independence. We, as members of Bruins for Israel, are thrilled to share the joy of this celebration with the UCLA campus community in a week of exciting events known as iFEST. We invite you to join us today for our biggest event of iFEST 2009 in Bruin Plaza from 10 a.m.”“2 p.m. Live, love, learn, celebrate ““ and let us bring Israel to you.
Kornfeld, Rafii and Rosenthal are all members of Bruins for Israel.