Participants' comments about Jeremy Maissel's programs:
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Israel Seminars' Musical History Tour
"Another terrific, interactive program providing a different lens onto Israeli society."
Jay Sabin, Montclair, NJ
"Wonderful – great understanding of how music mirrored the feelings within Israel."
Bebe Isaacs, Mt. Kisco, NY
"I thought this presentation was absolutely amazing. I love Israeli music, and it was so great to be able to see the English translations, and the real meanings behind the songs. I also learned a lot more about Israeli history."
Benji Bernstein, Montclair, NJ
"It was an enjoyable way to learn about the history of modern Israel. Any time you use multi-sensory approaches to learning you have a greater chance of success. In addition, the musical choices were poignant."
Harriet P. Schleifer, Chappaqua, NY
"A provocative look at Israel's history through music. Made me think and Jeremy's questions encouraged great group participation."
Participant, Montclair, NJ
"Very informative, creative, sparked many memories. Looking forward to the next one. Thank you so much."
Lea Grossman, Monclair, NJ
"I have very little knowledge of the history of Israel. I found the music helped to bring life to the subject, and a depth of insight that would otherwise not have been there."
Participant, Pleasantville, NY
"Very informative and enjoyable. Great snapshots of struggles of Israel and its citizens."
Henry Klein, Pleasantville, NY
"Very good! Enjoyed the historical perspective and the music. Educational, emotional and thought provoking."
Participant, Mt. Kisco, NY
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Israel's Settlements: Building Blocks?
“Excellent exercise. It must be repeated in every Jewish community in the US.”
Ron Kaldor, Sacramento, CA
“A good beginning – but how much time do we have? Excellent facilitator – Mr. Maissel.”
Participant, Sacramento, CA
“Good summary of settlements debate and window on Israeli points of view…”
Chuck Adelman, Sacramento, CA
“This is a problem that will never be resolved because of strong feeling by a minority of extremists. The seminar leader was excellent in explaining the problem at hand and I wish the world would think like him. (Jeremy Maissel)”
Sol Schwartz, Somers, NY
“I learned much more about the geographical and political aspects of the conflict. I liked the role playing – it definitely helped in my understanding”
Participant, Katonah, NY
“Very interesting and provocative”
Participant, Somers, NY
“The seminar was very informative and I realized that the situation is complicated – which is not a revelation. The maps were excellent to understand the situation”
Participant, Croton, NY
“The evening was informative and interesting. The balanced presentation of material was educational. An excellent class.”
Susan Leff, Director University of Vermont Hillel, Burlington, VT
“This was a wonderfully balanced presentation. It challenged some of my stereotypes. But mostly it was nice to be in a place where more than one “side” was presented civilly in the same room!”
Gary Sturgis, Essex Junction, VT
“Involvement of participants very effective in taking characters (reading viewpoints). Learned a lot. Leader balanced, very good at taking questions but keeping hold of discussion – excellent. Appreciated slides information.”
Participant, Burlington, VT
“The format was creative, not one-sided & opened up many of the ongoing problems to deep thought. There’s nothing better than seeing problems through the eyes of those involved.”
Bucky Donath, Burlington, VT
“It was a very interesting presentation. I liked how it had a fairly narrow focus and presented multiple sides of the issue through personal examples. It helped me to confirm the opinions I already had.”
Participant, Burlington, VT
“It was helpful to me to hear different perspectives on this issue. As was mentioned in the presentation, we are often provided with generalizations. The maps were helpful to me as well, with regard to understanding exactly which part of Israel is the West Bank and where the settlements are located. I was interested in this program because I had felt that I had only a basic understanding of this issue.”
Participant, Burlington, VT
“I thought the agree/disagree exercise was very revealing and informative on how complex the issue is.”
Dakota Johnston, Burlington, VT
“Excellent.”
Howard Rosenbloom, Miami, FL
“Excellent!! The perfect way to present this issue. Gave us lots to think about.”
Myrna & Ralph Fistel, Miami, FL
“Excellent presentation, balanced, thoughtful.”
Bill Hochstelle, Miami, FL
“Very enlightening. Clear, concise, informative”
Cantor Don Bennett, Miami, FL
“The concept of having different people presenting the points of view was very good. It is better than a simple lecture because it helped me visualize the different views presented.”
Participant, Miami, FL
“Very informative and thought provoking.”
Participant, Miami, FL
“Excellent. Very educational.”
Regina Zekorner, Miami, FL
“Very well presented – good use of interactive presentation including audience participation. Good speaker – very provocative.”
Participant, Miami, FL
“Excellent method of presenting the material.”
Sherry Horwich, Miami, FL
“I was impressed with both the substance and the interesting manner of presentation.”
Michael C. Slotnick, Miami, FL
“Very engaging discussion!! Showed both sides very convincingly.”
Jason Klein, Miami, FL
“I learned more about the historical basis of the settler claims.”
David Tobolowsky, Miami, FL
“I thought it was very good and covered all areas of the discussion.”
Sally E. Zilberstein, Miami, FL
“Excellent, balanced portrayal of a very complex issue.”
Lynn Edelman, Dresher, PA
“Thank you for coming and allowing for this discussion. I thought the narratives were diverse and compelling. Thank you.”
Erica Goldberg, Philadelphia, PA
“An interesting approach to create an opportunity for people to hear a variety of viewpoints in a complex situation. I was interested in experiencing the resistance to this and the strength of emotions.”
Participant, Philadelphia, PA
“Excellent. Balanced. Learned a lot. Engaging.”
Sherrie Savett, Philadelphia, PA
“I thought that the ‘case study’ approach, presenting the complexity of the various issues at stake regarding settlements, was an excellent presentation device. It helped to minimize the passion expressed over what are very controversial & divisive issues.”
Betsy Rentz, Bryn Mawr, PA
“Good to hear different perspective on a very complex and emotional topic.”
Participant, Philadelphia, PA
“Excellent presentation. Interactive aspects really worked. Began with great emphasis on learning aspect and respect for each other.”
Participant, Philadelphia, PA
“Very well done.”
Participant, Philadelphia, PA
“It was very well presented with all sides represented – something that we don’t usually have.”
Violet Zeitlin, Elkins Park, PA
“Jeremy has presented a most interesting and in-depth seminar. He maintains a matter-of-fact approach which is much appreciated.”
Judy Franklin, Bala Cynwyd, PA |
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Gilad Schalit - At any price? The Israeli Public Debate about Prisoner Exchange
“Excellent pedagogy. Thought provoking combination of spectrum & stories was very poignant. Happy to discuss how to get more students to your programs”
Participant, Princeton University, NJ
“I was interested in learning more about the reality of the debate in Israel surrounding Gilad Schalit. I felt this discussion illuminated many of the real debates & how personal opinions very vs. national policy. I also appreciated the question - discussion format and really asking the difficult questions & learning what the challenges are to Gilad’s release.”
Participant, Princeton University, NJ
“Very well done.”
Yael Aronoff, MSU Assistant Professor International Relations and Serling Chair of Israel Studies, Mason, MI
“I found this seminar very interesting in all perspectives. The moral dilemmas are hard to navigate and the presenter addressed all very well.”
Participant, East Lansing, MI
“Very interesting program with good insights.”
Participant, East Lansing, MI
“I think the topic is very interesting. The presentation shows the complexity of this issue and highlights that there is no easy answer.”
Cindy Hughey, East Lansing, MI
“Very thought provoking, raises a multitude of ethical issues/dilemmas. Enjoyed the interactive aspects of the program.”
Kara Spencer, Lansing, MI
“Great presentation. Really liked the activity.”
Participant, East Lansing, MI
“I was very impressed by the presentation and I appreciated the interactive format. There are so many challenging moral dilemmas and the format did a good job bringing many up.”
Brian Palmiter, Portland, MI
“The various considerations, thoughts, weighed in to the decisions about prisoner exchange. The presenter did a great job. I liked his calm and encompassing views.”
Participant, West Orange, NJ
“This was well presented, showed the conflicting arguments and presented the moral dilemma facing Israel. It was also good because it elicited the participation of the group.”
Judith Wildman, Montclair, NJ
“Interesting interactive program. Well balanced and engaging.”
Aileen Grossberg, Montclair, NJ
“Used creative way to engage group in discussion and to elucidate different positions and dilemmas.”
Participant, Montclair, NJ
“Very stimulating.”
Participant, Montclair, NJ
“Great program.”
Participant, Montclair, NJ |
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Gaza Gameplan: Exploring the future for Israel's southern frontline
“Wonderful, clear and interesting presentation, beautifully spoken, knowledgeable with his subject, good choice of presenter.”
Natalie Morris, Mill Valley, CA
“Wonderful presentation – good audience involvement – good use of maps – personal info – slides – but still no answers – frustrating – good relevance to other Israeli cities and world interaction”
Dara Moskovitz, San Rafael, CA
“Thank you for coming to speak to us. This is exactly what we need…to hear about the Israeli side which we don’t hear about in the news!”
Participant, San Rafael, CA
“It was extremely helpful in understanding what goes on in Gaza since we’re filtered about what really happens in the area”
Steve Laskin Reese, San Rafael, CA
“The speaker is very good to a population that is not familiar with Israel & the Israeli side of the Middle East & Palestinian conflict. Very good PR that helps with the awareness of Israel that is not in the newspapers as is of the Palestinian photos & articles we read.”
Sally Kornhauser, San Rafael, CA
“The program was interesting and very informative. It’s always valuable hearing views and experiences from one who is living in midst of events”
Talma Solar, Philadelphia, PA
“Today’s Israel Seminar was insightful to me because it detailed strong points in dealing with the Gaza situation. I also found valuable the everyday dilemmas and the solutions presented”
Francesca Axe, Yardley, PA
“Brought the human element to the situation. Now understand about ‘code red’ and the brevity of alarm. Well done”
Participant, Dresher, PA
“Very interesting – I wasn’t fully aware of the current situation in the kibbutzim that were discussed”
Jamie Hartman, Philadelphia, PA
“The on-the-ground discussion of the Gaza situation. The moral dilemmas were also interesting – as were the participants’ reaction to each of them”
Sandy Kornhauser, Bala Cynwyd, PA
“Very helpful to clarify the issues about the Gaza situation”
Participant, Huntingdon Valley, PA
“I thought the seminar was superb! It was well planned and designed to allow the students the knowledge to become more empathetic. I felt the kids’ pictures and 15 sec. video were very powerful for all.”
Shilly Shetel, Horsham, PA |
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Israel Elections 2009
“Program was interesting, informative, stimulating. Took a complicated, complex topic of Israeli elections/parties and broke it down to a simple explanation and understanding. Jeremy was excellent”
Linda and Irwin Magad, Mundelein, IL
“Subject was cleverly presented and involved all attendees in seminar. Fun and very informative about an important and complicated subject which was made more understandable.”
Iris Lem, Schererville, IN
“Remarkable presentation which explains Israeli parties and politics in 90 minutes. I was very impressed that a subject that is so complex could be simplified and humanized”
Bob Mintz, Highwood, IL
“Excellent program. Very well organized. Presented in enjoyable manner. Very timely with elections coming soon. Handout was excellent. A+++”
Darryl R. Lem, Schererville, IN
“Really helped explain this complicated process of parties & coalitions. I didn’t understand it before & now I have a much better understanding of leaders & party stands on issues.”
Gloria Paper, Charlotte, NC
“Excellent presentation. I learned much about your electoral process”
Fred Lowenthal, Highland Park, IL
“Excellent presentation – very informative”
Sam Foster, Charlotte, NC
“Excellent program. Visual aids & active participation by audience made complex issues of Israel elections much more understandable.”
Barbara Waxman, Munster, IN
“I never really understood how the Israeli government works. I now have a very clear understanding of this process. Thank you for enlightening me!”
Ina Beth Mintz, Highwood, IL
“It was an excellent presentation and I learned a great deal”
Ellen Gitlin, West Bloomfied, MI
“Very interesting and informative”
Edith & Jack Heller, Buffalo Grove, IL
“Cleared up a lot of confusion! Good group activity – hands on – interactive”
Abby Ashkenazi, Skokie, IL
“Very well done, gave me much more insight into smaller political parties. Better understanding of how election is conducted.”
Participant, Munster, IN
“Very interesting – a novel way to present a complicated topic”
Participant, Beachwood, OH
“For the first time, I think I understand the election process in Israel, especially the reasons for the many parties. I am grateful for the information presented by the speaker”
Participant, Highland Park, IL
“A great interactive experience. Have a better understanding of the political process, who the parties are, and their platforms. The diversity of needs and attitudes of the citizens is now more clear.”
Participant, Wilmette, IL
“The presentation held my attention and made much clearer the confusing elections and politics in Israel”
Shelly Berk, Wilmette, IL
“Very informative, like the way the information was presented. Increased my knowledge tremendously”
Participant, Farmington Hills, MI
“Great methodology – participation. Shows Israel’s needs & trends re. elections”
Sheila Frank, Chicago, IL
“Help give us an understanding of the politically voting & procedures”
Participant, Libertyville, IL
“Good & very clever & clear presentation”
Participant, Jerusalem, Israel
"ההרצאה היתה ממצה אוביקטיבית ועיניינית. היה שיתוף מלא של הנוכחים. מורגש שהיתה השקעה רבה בהכנת ההרצאה. למרות היותי ישראלית ומודעת לנושא, ההרצאה עיניינה אותי ונהנתי מאוד. כל הכבוד!" גליה טל, קרית גת
(“The presentation was wide-ranging, objective and to the point. All the audience participated. A lot of work went into preparations for the presentation. Although I am Israeli and know the subject, the presentation interested me and I really enjoyed it. Kol Hakavod – Well done!”)
Galia Tal, Kiryat Gat, Israel |
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Sderot Strategies
“This was an excellent and truly compassionate presentation. I wish everyone had the benefit of hearing the story I have just heard”
Isaiah Sterrett (Boston College / Chestnut Hill, MA)
“This was wonderful. Extremely informative and moving, captured the seriousness of the situation in a brief period of time. Thank you so much. I now have a deeper understanding to share with my donors”
Caryn B. Lazaroff, (Senior Development Officer, Women's Philanthropy / Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Boston, MA)
“Very well presented, informative and thought provoking. Thank you. Sderot will be in my heart”
Anna Dyson (Leeds, UK)
“I've gone to a few similar talks and have found the speaker to 'preach to the choir' so to speak. After all, we are usually pro-Israel and it is easy to get the mob mentality. I liked that this was not the case during this presentation. The speaker was honest and calm (for a change) and did not promote an agenda. He let people talk and discuss/brainstorm. Good luck to you, thank you for your presentation, I enjoyed it a lot.”
Participant (Boston College / Roxbury, MA)
“I felt the program was a balanced and insightful look at a very troubling situation”
Marshall Tinkle (South Portland, ME)
“Filled with information. Very well presented. Easy to understand. Leaves you things to think about”
Emily Wilson (Boston, MA)
“Excellent. Interactive program worked well, have always felt a close connection to Israel”
Sandy Soffin (South Portland, ME)
“I've seen probably 50 speakers on Israel, mostly political/security related. As a 'professional' who works with students in the US - I would have to say this is one of the best”
Participant (Northeastern University, Boston, MA)
“Very balanced and informative presentation. Very useful and should be more widely presented”
Melvyn Benjamin (London, UK)
“Very informative and broad. Touched on many aspects of the problems in Sderot. Great interaction! Thank you”
Sophie Aronowitz (Boston, MA)
“Both moving and informative. A helpful discussion ensued & much knowledge of Sderot gleaned”
Craig Simons (Leeds, UK)
“Very interactive. Interesting. Personal stories. Varied between discussion and media, music, pictures. ”
Melissa Rischail (Boston, MA)
“Most informative meeting, Jeremy was well informed and he answered our questions most intelligently”
Mina Lindley (Leeds, UK)
“The presentation was very informative and moving. Jeremy reached into our hearts. ”
Sumner Feinstein (Peabody, MA)
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Election Reflections 2006
(For Melitz - Centers for Jewish Zionist Education)
"Outstanding! This program was exactly what I needed to help me through the maze of Israeli politics. The visuals and interactive learning were phenomenal. I got more in one evening with Jeremy Maissel than I could have with a pile of books, magazines and news shows! Really outstanding!"
Lynne Eisenstein (Atlanta, GA)
"As a politically perplexed Jewish American, Jeremy helped me to understand the politics in Israel. This was very informative. Jeremy is a wonderful speaker and very knowledgeable in politics”
Helene Cepler (Jericho, NY)
“Excellent program!! Gave us some insight into how the complex electoral system in Israel works. Will help us follow & understand the implications of the election and how this will affect the future of Israel & the Jewish people.”
Allan Bessen (Jericho, NY)
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Engaging Disengagement
(For Melitz - Centers for Jewish Zionist Education)
"I found the program one of the most informative sessions we have had all year. It truly illustrated the various views people shared about the Disengagement. The simulation was the best way to portray the significance of the issue.”
Randee Schneider (Palm Beach, FL)
"I originally came to the presentation to fill a seat (as a favor), but I found the presentation informative & interesting and it helped me understand not only the disengagement, but Israel in general. I had no strong view prior to this presentation, nor after; just a better understanding now. Thx!"
Seth Crystall (Morganville, NJ)
"Excellent, insightful, thoughtful, engaging."
Alexis Berk (Nashville, TN)
"Personalizes the complicated issues to enable us to better understand the depth & scope of these issues. Interesting character depiction – engaged all participants – many stayed after to ask questions to Jeremy. Kudos.”
Betsy Dobrick (Boca Raton, FL)
"This was a terrific program. Issues and ideas regarding the Disengagement were clearly presented. The presenter was knowledgeable. He had no political agenda. He was a facilitator. It was a highly rewarding evening”
Stanley Mandel (Marlboro, NJ)
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