For my cultural project I have decided to focus on the mandatory involvement of Israeli citizens in the IDF. In my research I would like to explore the affect of this law on nationalism, political activism, community, international perspective, and on culture and society as a whole. Since Israel is a westernized modern first world country, I think this topic is especially important in understanding some of the cultural differences that occur between this nation and countries in Europe or versus the U.S. I think visuals and specific examples will be most successful in conveying this aspect of Israeli culture to an unfamiliar audience.
Having visited back in Israel I am extremely interested in catching up with some of the military related terms that have become mainstream language used daily in Israeli culture. In order to grasp the bigger picture of this culture I plan to research written texts, video clips, photographs, etc.
In order to gain a more personal perspective, I plan to interview one of the soldiers that accompanied my birthright trip and just recently was released from a paratrooper's unit and ask questions related to his experience of being Israeli prior and after serving in the IDF.
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