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Project Interchange trip to Israel: Day 4

By Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande

The American Jewish Council once again did an amazing job of making sure we received a broad understanding of what is going on in Israel today.  On Thursday we visited Ramallah in Palestine and met with the spokesman for the Palestinian Authority negotiating team. Both Israelis and Palestinians remain hopeful of positive discussions when Secretary of State John Kerry visits next week. He has a huge challenge ahead of him with these peace talks. Everyone brings to the table thousands of years of their people’s history as well as their personal experience to the discussions.

Friday we visited Yad VaShem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum, and it was an incredibly moving experience. It is difficult to imagine how a people moves forward after 6 million are murdered, including 1.5 million children. The museum serves as a stark reminder that there is true evil in the world.  The resiliency and spirit of the Jewish people is astounding.

The individual memorials also serve as a reminder to “Never Forget.” I was particularly drawn to the one for a doctor who took care of children whose parents were missing or killed.  When the children were ordered to be deported to a camp he went with them, reasoning he wouldn’t leave them alone in life nor should they be alone in death.  He is just one of the many heroes in the holocaust.

 

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Posted: August 10th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Caroline Casagrande, Israel, Middle East, NJ State Legislature | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments »

4 Comments on “Project Interchange trip to Israel: Day 4”

  1. Molon Labe said at 8:40 am on August 10th, 2013:

    It is sleazy and unethical for an elected official to accept lavish gifts from anyone, particularly from an organization that is trying to influence the political process. If Caroline Casagrande wants to visit the Holy Land, let her pay for that trip herself. Sadly, she chose to take a bribe. She is no different than a politician that takes an envelope full of cash. She is certainly no different than this guy (former Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt).

  2. WaaWaaaaaaaWaaaaaaaaaaaaah said at 9:14 pm on August 10th, 2013:

    I find it funny that commenters (Molon Labe or whatever it’s name is) like to tout leaders who are expanding their education and horizons.

    Just because the only place you have ever gone is Sesame Street, don’t rip on someone else. I mean comparing it to a bribe or Van Pelt is just seriously ignorant. Ronald Regean did educational trips too, so are you going to compare him to Obama now??? I mean come on.

    You have no credibility.

  3. SenseCommon said at 9:25 pm on August 10th, 2013:

    “Molon Labe”…looks like someone has watched 300 a little too much or at least thinks they are a Spartan hahah. Come’on man. You think you’re high and mighty or that you are ‘King’ Leonidas? I have read about the Battle of Thermopylae too buddy.

  4. SenseCommon said at 12:21 pm on August 11th, 2013:

    And another thing by the way Mr. ‘Spartan,’ you keep making it sounds like this is some sort of walk-in-the-park fun trip. Isn’t there a major worldwide travel advisory for US citizens? I guess it’s common for people to go to the Middle East & put their lives in danger for a ‘fun trip.’

    From what I am reading, she’s meeting both Israelis & Palestinians officials (in some pretty dangerous regions)…..and from memory I don’t believe they have the same point of view on domestic & foreign relations.

    So in closing, here’s your ‘two cents’ back or in your case, drachmas.