Camel comes to campus to remember Israel

At about 7 feet 10 inches, Malachi the camel strolled around the Paws patio on Wednesday in honor of Israel’s Independence Day.

One of the big things people do when they go to Israel is ride a camel, according to Jen Weber, president of Towson’s Hillel.

“You don’t see a camel on campus every day,” Weber said.

The event was co-sponsored by Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, and Achot. The event focused on the culture and experiences of Israel. The day’s festivities included taking a ride on Malachi with a friend, as well as browsing the makeshift Shuk for jewelry or information on Towson’s Jewish organizations and Israel trip opportunities. The Shuk is an Israeli marketplace where individuals sell their own goods.

“There was a giant camel drawn in chalk outside the [Glen] Towers which brought me to the event,” sophomore arts major Natalie Goodmuth said.

Ilana Carduner, a member of Hillel, said that different parts of Israel’s culture were present at the event to represent different aspects of Israel. The Hillel organization at the University of Maryland, College Park hosted this event in the past and recommended bringing Malachi the camel to Towson’s campus from his animal park in Virginia.  

According to Carduner students were quick to sign up for the camel ride, however “riding the camel is not my cup of tea,” she said.

Students also sampled sesame noodle salad or hummus. Students also tried out Dead Sea products, visited an archeological dig, and visited a mock exhibit of The Western Wall, where you could write a note and stick it in the wall to later be taken to Israel.  Israel’s Independence Day originated from a moment in history when the British gave up Palestinian territory based on the U.N. charter. Now, this day is a time to embrace aspects of the Israeli culture.  

“We’re hoping for overall a positive Israel promotion on campus.  That’s one of the missions of all three of our Jewish organizations,” Matt Scher, event chair and coordinator said. “And we’re hoping that students can take away from this experience all the amazing aspects of the country that there are.”