Story by Donald H. Harrison; Photos by Shor M. Masori
SAN DIEGO –Twelve teens and their adult leaders who wound up a 10-day adventure Tuesday at the San Diego Zoo were awarded congressional certificates of recognition by U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego) for promoting international goodwill.
The students were participants in a joint program of the Jerusalem and San Diego zoos, in which Israeli students–both Jews and Arabs–who have worked as volunteers at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo come to San Diego for behind the scenes looks at the zoo as well as other attractions in the Southern California area. The Americans who participate in the program served as hosts, some of them providing lodging for the Israelis, and all of them accompanying the Israelis on their local tour.
Before handing out the certificates, Davis said she likes to attend the annual event because it is “one of the happiest occasions I come to.” In an apparent reference to the partisan gridlock in Washington, she added, “I need the happiness!”
She complimented the joint zoo program for enabling teens of different backgrounds to spend time and learn together, noting that without the zoo program these teens probably would never have occasion to meet.
Benjamin Sloman and Amani Alayan spoke afterwards in behalf of the teens. Sloman, who wore a suit and tie, said becoming a volunteer at the Jerusalem Zoo put his life on a different trajectory. “I used to have dreadlocks and long hair,” he said.
Alayan said she is happy to be a member of the Jerusalem Zoo, and made a point of thanking everyone, including the family that hosted her and those who made the arrangements for the trip. Chief among these was Coronado resident and professional fundraiser Helena Galper, who is the consultant to the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens — Jerusalem Zoo.
Robert Price, board chairman of PriceSmart, Inc., and a major financial supporter of the Jerusalem Zoo, said he was particularly pleased that two of the teens from Israel were “from the Palestinian community.” He paraphrased the late Mayor Teddy Kollek of Jerusalem as saying that one of the benefits of the Jerusalem Zoo is that it attracts people from all walks of life to enjoy animals in a neutral environment.
Luncheon guests in the Treetops Room at the San Diego Zoo observed a moment of silence in memory of Harvey Furgatch, and adjourned in memory of Elaine Hersh, two longtime supporters. Special tribute also was paid to Ellen Barnett, a San Diegan for whom the small lake at the Jerusalem Zoo is named.
The 20-minute program was emceed by Senior Judge Victor Bianchini, a San Diegan who serves on the Los Angeles Federal Court bench.
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com