Courage and Hope

A collection of poems, essays, letters, and art by over 55 youth in Gush Etzion.

illustrator: Meital Kucher

author: Karen Guth

illustrator: Meital Kucher

author: Karen Guth

illustrator: Meital Kucher

author: Karen Guth

illustrator: Meital Kucher

author: Karen Guth

Inspirational Writings by Youth in Gush Etzion is a collection of poems, essays, letters, and art by over 55 youth in Gush Etzion. This book was compiled in order to facilitate a dialogue between our youth and other youth, students and even adults all over. The message of unity and dedication to our homeland is prevalent throughout the pages, and we hope that it will spread far. The optimism expressed is truly inspiring, and our children do not understand why so many people consider them heroes. The only special aspect they see about their lives is how fortunate they are to be living in Eretz Yisrael, and their hope is that others will join them soon.

The young artist –Meital Kuchar, age 12.5 - who drew the cover, also has illustrations throughout the book - to match up with the stories, and also included are psukim from the Torah as well, to make it a bit educational at the same time.

Natan Sharansky's signature is on the back cover, along with his endorsement.

"Life in Israel is full of contradictions: The miracle of renewed Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel coupled with the challenges of building a modern State; the beauty of the land versus the unnecessary suffering of so many of its inhabitants; the natural exuberance of our youth contrasted with their somber acceptance of the continual strain of living with daily attacks against our existence.

This latter paradox is powerfully displayed in this volume of essays, poems and stories by the young people of Gush Etzion. Together, these children seem to represent the confidence of the Jewish people in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds - a youthful optimism which I have always shared and drawn upon. For a poignant glimpse of "real life" in Israel today, creatively expressed, this book offers a moving and unusual window."

- Natan Sharansky, Minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs