5/26/2015
Today was packed with excursions, class, and a huge dinner. We started the day in the Jewish neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. We had to bring our passport along with us because all of the facilities are maximum security as a result of a history of terrorist attacks. Our first stop was AMIA, the Jewish community center and one of the victims of a major attack in the 90s. To commemorate the victims, a plaque of names and a large art memorial donated by an Israeli artist stand in the outdoor entry “room” of the facility. The art piece is composed of nine pillars (like a Hanukia) and illustrates different images from different perspectives.
We learned that AMIA stands at the center of daily Jewish life because 80-90% of the 300,000 Jews in Argentina reside in Buenos Aires. Many of these people came to escape the Russian pogroms and the last years of the second world war.
Next, we made a stop at the local shopping mall where we got to see the only kosher McDonalds outside of Israel!
After a quick snack, we visited the central synagogue. It was large and intricate, built much like a church. We learned about Jewish history and customs from a staff member and were able to look through the synagogue’s museum. Although I do not have any family in Argentina, I have Jewish family members who immigrated to other parts of the world to escape persecution. Therefore, it was particularly interesting for me to learn how these people built their new lives, and how their descendants live today.
Next, we saw another memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks and another developing historical memorial.
After the excursion,we headed back to the hotel for a class discussion with a local political scientist/historian. I was particularly interested to learn about the evolution of Peronism in the country, as well as the similarities and differences in political party structure here and in the U.S..
Finally, we ended a long day with a delicious group dinner at a nearby authentic restaurant!