Yocheved's Bookshelf

Courage and Hope: Inspirational Writings by Youth in Gush Etzion

It is a mitzvah and a pleasure to read this charming 2003 paperback, published by the Gush Etzion Foundation. A slim volume of energetic and hopeful thoughts penned by the youthful hope of Israel, "Courage and Hope" contains poetry, prose and drawings depicting the noblest of resolve and valiant personalities.

Yehuda Goldman’s startling poem "Suicide Bomber – Story" is cubist, witty and very moving. It describes a remorseless suicide bomber who is killed at sea "And became blind – I couldn’t see/ But by then it didn’t matter/’Cause I got hold of a giant ladder… Until at last I reached the sun/ But it’s too late, my feeling faded/And I slowly evaporated." Among Danya Amoils’ nightmare of losing her traveling businessman of a father and Gabe Mandel’s eulogy for his brother Lieutenant Daniel Mandel H’YD are the patriotic musings of proud Israelis. There are the cheerful observations of Nachson Mason’s "There are Lots of Good People in Our Country," Elisheva Harow’s mature and loving tribute to her murdered teacher in "Morah Dina," and other wonderful writings. The text is complemented by artwork. Rocheli Wolf’s stark illustration of a child clutching a beloved pet is worthy of a professional. Yonina Apfelbaum’s and Meital Kuchar’s drawings as well as those of other contributors are heart-rending. Selections are followed by an appropriate pasuk from TANACH, and though it is not possible to mention each writer’s entry here, all of them are precious.

According to a participant in the project, editor Karen Guth "…encouraged the young writers, edited their works in concert with them, and made countless re-edits of the work before going to press. She made every effort to keep her edits non-invasive in order to preserve completely these children's feelings and ideas as expressed in their writings. As a creative writing and literature teacher in Efrat, Karen loves to help her students find their own voice and commit their ideas to paper. This is her first opportunity to publish the works of her students, thanks to the Gush Etzion Foundation. Karen is encouraged by people in Efrat who are buying multiple copies of the book to bring as a gift to their hosts on Shabbat, rather than a cake or a bottle of wine. Entire Jewish congregations in the USA are buying hundreds of copies at once, presumably to give out for the High Holidays. This is good reading for Jews at this time." Guth deserves recognition for this volunteer-only project that is receiving such warm responses.

Courage and Hope: Inspirational Writings by Youth in Gush Etzion is an effort to "facilitate a dialogue between the students and youth in Gush Etzion and youth all over Israel and the Diaspora." Teachers and parents can make great use of the book as a sample of quality literature as well as a tool for camaraderie. Proceeds go to the Gush Etzion Foundation for the purchase of life-saving and life-preserving equipment. The eminently affordable volume is available by contacting the Gush Etzion Foundation via postal mail at D.N. North Judea 90433, E-mailing susanw@netvision.net.il or gushezif@inter.net.il, by calling 972.2.993.9933 or by faxing to 972.993.2169. In the USA, checks can be sent to the Gush Etzion Foundation at POB 1030 Manchester, NH 03105, fax number 603.627.0029 and phone number 603.623.1212. Learn more about the book and the Gush at www.gush-etzion.org.il.