israeli politics

the table - 18.1.25

I decided it was time to clear the table.  Even though the 2 glass tables we had worked for us for at least 20 years, they became too bulky for me too handle and not flexible.  So we went out and bought a very ordinary table that can expand, and today the Ukranian immigrants came to take them away.  

The new table arrives on Sunday and I am imagining it will be new beginning – a clean slate – that will allow me to find to imagine a way out of the terrible dilemma I see as our future.

 

the table – 18.1.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

relax for tonight - 17.1.25

 We’re in for some big emotional experiences in the next few weeks – at best.  If nothing goes wrong – and there are all kinds of things that can go wrong with this deal – we’re in for a very wild ride.  Each person returned to us – living or dead – will bring us great joy and great suffering.  So we have 2 days to relax and pay attention to daily life.

After that, we’re going to need all the strength we have.

 

 

re Read Post »

israeli politics

I don't hear the song yet - 16.1.25

it ain’t over yet.  

and I’m still praying for the lives of all of the hostages.  

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israeli politics

A surprising reading from my past - 1.16.25

30 years ago i read at the Library of Congress.  It’s a very sexy, jewish reading and I just discovered it today….

https://www.loc.gov/item/95770505/

Karen Alkalay-Gut and Jorie Graham reading their poems in the Montpelier Room, Library of Congress, Oct. 19, 1995

 

There was another time I read there, together with Dan Pagis, Yehuda Amichai, and Natan Yonatan.

Contemporary Israeli poetry

https://www.loc.gov/item/85754082/

 

a Surprising Reading from my Past – 1.16.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

Mishmar HaEmek is where the defense of Israel began.  The stories that our guide, Boaz Hadashi, told, reminded me of why I came to Israel in the first place.  His discussion of history and the beginnings of the defence movement made me realize the position of Israel today, the importance of co-existence, the humanity of socialism, and the possibility of the future.  I would love to be able to see what he does with Korea and Japan, where he’s leading a trip this summer. Look for him here

 

Mishmar HaEmek 2 – 15.1.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

Poetry and the Druze - 15.1.25

Some of my favorite poets in Israel are Druze, but I hadn’t considered their situation here in these troubled times.  

Vivian Eden opened my eyes:

https://www.haaretz.com/life/2025-01-15/ty-article/.premium/how-to-write-a-poem-in-the-midst-of-chaos-notes-on-a-poem-by-a-druze-israeli-writer/00000194-6472-d2ad-a19d-767fc13a0000?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_content=author-alert&utm_campaign=Vivian+Eden&utm_term=20250115-13:20.

I hope she’ll be around more to tell us about poetry in Israel.  We really learn so much more from poetry about the real atmosphere of a country.

 

 

Poetry and the Druze – 15.1.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

Mishmar HaEmek Part 1 - 14.1.25

Amazing that in all the years we’ve been going on trips around Israel, we never go to the same place twice.   Today was perfect for getting away from the news, which have been and continue to be cliffhangers by the second.  We walked on the Megiddo trail for hours and now I see I’m too tired to find pictures or tell you about the amazing guide we met at Mishmar HaEmek.  In a way his stories were the perfect antidote to the news today.

But you’ll have to wait for tomorrow to hear about it.  In the mean time check out the background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mishmar_HaEmek

mishmar haEmek part 1 – 14.1.25 Read Post »