b'Bob DavisPROVIDING KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITIES OF ISRAELAfter he retired five years ago, Bob Davis became a student again. I started taking coursesmostly on academic topicsthings I was interested in that I never had the opportunity to study, says Bob. from Gaza hit and destroyed Sigals Ashkelon home while she and herBob received an email from The Associated during the son were there. The Associatedpandemic, inviting him to participate in their Insight gave her an emergency grant fromIsrael Forum e-adventure trips to Israel. Bob hadnt been its Israel Emergency Fundsetto Israel in 13 years, and he welcomed the opportunity up to provide some relief in theto learn more about the country.public shelters in AshkelontoThe lectures were tremendous, and the speakers help her rebuild.were wonderful, Bob says. One spoke on the political People in Baltimore weresituation in the Middle East, and boy, Im glad I watched amazing. I was overwhelmed bythat because it gave me insight. I was so glad to know the love and support, shares Sigal.what was going on and to have a way to look at it.I just couldnt believe how lovedBefore, I dont think I could have taken a position in a and fortunate I felt to be part of this amazing community. Iveconversation about the politics of Israel. I learned how received well over 200 messagesI can speak to people who criticize Israel. Now, I can that I am still responding to in mystand on my own. spare time.'