Feeling Like a VIP at ENP
By Jessica Shankman
ENP Volunteer Summer 2014, via Career Israel
Student at University of of Minnesota
It is amazing to think that only a few weeks ago I did not know the children at the Lod Ethiopian National Project at all. All of the amazing day trips we’ve been able to go on, programs we’ve done together, and time we’ve spent just hanging out at the center have made me feel a unique connection to these kids.
This past week, I was made aware of how the culture of the Ethiopian Jews fosters manners and respect. Even when the kids are having a hard time being convinced to do chores around the center or stopping whatever games they are playing to listen for directions, they are able to bounce back and regain attention in the end. They are considerate and are always making sure others are accommodated for.
For instance, this past Thursday, the center planned a trip to the Cinema City in Rishon L’Tziyon for the day. I had assumed that it would be like any other trip to the movies: popcorn, soda, and relaxation. However, in the company of the kids that came along, we quickly realized that this was not just a movie day—it was an experience. The kids were ecstatic when we realized that we would be sitting VIP for this movie. We walked in to a room that was full of gourmet pizza, salads, dessert and beverages and it was all for us! I found myself feeling just as excited as the kids. We were sharing this totally new and awesome experience with one another. Some of the kids came up to me raving that this was the best day of their summer and that they felt like “ballers.” Let’s be honest—I think we all did! What really impressed me about the day was how much patience the kids had even with all of the stimulation that was surrounding them. They could have trampled over each other to grab food and drinks before everyone else as I would have expected. Rather, I watched the kids act with subtle tact. They made sure that I had a seat and anytime anyone got up for food they asked if anyone else at the table wanted anything. They continually made sure everyone at the table had been served food and offered each other napkins, silverware and plates. Such small gestures, and yet it left such an impression on me. It was clear that they appreciate the trips that are planned during the summer and look out for one another as if they were family. It’s been such an amazing dynamic to experience. It was such a welcomed break from the daily life as well, with the impending war of the last couple of weeks. There is nothing as hopeful as to see young people living their everyday and enjoying themselves.
ENP Volunteer Summer 2014, via Career Israel
Student at University of of Minnesota
It is amazing to think that only a few weeks ago I did not know the children at the Lod Ethiopian National Project at all. All of the amazing day trips we’ve been able to go on, programs we’ve done together, and time we’ve spent just hanging out at the center have made me feel a unique connection to these kids.
This past week, I was made aware of how the culture of the Ethiopian Jews fosters manners and respect. Even when the kids are having a hard time being convinced to do chores around the center or stopping whatever games they are playing to listen for directions, they are able to bounce back and regain attention in the end. They are considerate and are always making sure others are accommodated for.
For instance, this past Thursday, the center planned a trip to the Cinema City in Rishon L’Tziyon for the day. I had assumed that it would be like any other trip to the movies: popcorn, soda, and relaxation. However, in the company of the kids that came along, we quickly realized that this was not just a movie day—it was an experience. The kids were ecstatic when we realized that we would be sitting VIP for this movie. We walked in to a room that was full of gourmet pizza, salads, dessert and beverages and it was all for us! I found myself feeling just as excited as the kids. We were sharing this totally new and awesome experience with one another. Some of the kids came up to me raving that this was the best day of their summer and that they felt like “ballers.” Let’s be honest—I think we all did! What really impressed me about the day was how much patience the kids had even with all of the stimulation that was surrounding them. They could have trampled over each other to grab food and drinks before everyone else as I would have expected. Rather, I watched the kids act with subtle tact. They made sure that I had a seat and anytime anyone got up for food they asked if anyone else at the table wanted anything. They continually made sure everyone at the table had been served food and offered each other napkins, silverware and plates. Such small gestures, and yet it left such an impression on me. It was clear that they appreciate the trips that are planned during the summer and look out for one another as if they were family. It’s been such an amazing dynamic to experience. It was such a welcomed break from the daily life as well, with the impending war of the last couple of weeks. There is nothing as hopeful as to see young people living their everyday and enjoying themselves.
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