My Dad's Story By: Max

Background info.
My dad is from a country in South America called Argentina. It’s in between Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, and part of Bolivia. The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, which in Spanish means “Good Air.” It contains many avenues, parks and plazas. Furthermore, La Casa Rosada (Pink House) is where the offices of the president and other government officials are. It faces La Plaza de Mayo, which is the cultural and historical center of the city. Also, most Argentines are of European ancestry, mostly Italian and Spanish. After Spain colonized Argentina, several waves of European immigrants came to Argentina. Some natural recourses are: industry, (28%) agriculture, (5%) and services. (67%) (World Book). Furthermore, the peso is the Argentine money; it is equal to 3.63 US dollars. This exchange rate isn’t so good.


La Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires

Here is some culture that I will tell you about: the Tango is the national dance and music of Argentina, it was also originated there. Soccer, is also some thing that is very important in Argentine culture, it is the most popular sport in Argentina, and in the world. Many Argentines enjoy it not only as a spectator but also playing the game. Now onto the food, Argentina is Very well known for their quality beef and wine, Malbec is an example of quality wine from Argentina. Also Argentines have a reputation for bring very well dressed, they get some of their ideas from Paris and (as my sister would call it) other Fashion Capitals of the world (World Book).

Now I will tell you some history of Argentina. The Economic Crisis of 2001, was the worst in Argentine History, many wealthy people moved they’re money out of the country. The government responded by not letting people withdraw money out of banks. Moving on a year, since 2002 Argentina has had three presidents: Eduardo Duhalde, Nestor Kirchner, and his wife, Christina Kirchner.

In 1976, hundreds of people died in terrorist attacks, this was known as “The Dirty War.” Military officials arrested Peron, (the leader at the time) and took over the government. This is the reason my father left for Israel.

The Story Begins.
In the year 1976, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the military was in power. Scared of the younger generation, they were oppressing people who thought differently. Many of my father’s, Hector Schamis, friends tortured and sometimes killed. He was forced to leave. My father was very scared.

He went to Israel, by himself, without his parents, (they weren’t getting oppresses because they weren’t the younger generation) and no friends. He brought little clothes. When he arrived, he went to a youth hostel. He worked on a kibbutz, which is like an Israeli farm. He had his own tractor with air conditioning and a radio. After a few years he decided it was time for him to go back to Argentina.
After staying in Argentina for approximately a year, in 1986 he left for America. He had gotten a scholarship to Colombia University, NYC. He was so excited, he was going to study social science, and in the biggest city in the US! This time he brought more clothes and some of his books. He accomplished many things in the Big Apple, he met my mom, and he was inspired to be a professor in social science. My dad may have been having trouble finding an apartment, but he was very happy in the City Of Dreams.

He says that some immigrants leave because they don’t fulfill their dreams. He certainly did, because now he is a professor at AU, (American University) in Washington, DC. And obviously, teaches social science. He inspires students every day to learn about politics in South America