The first thing to do when someone threatens a public servant is to protect him/her. Quietly, without raising the profile of the person or the idea. Then, without words, find out where that threat is coming from and stop it. Stop the entire community from where the threats are coming.
october 31, 2021 – war of words Read Post »
It was not a sight I’d ever seen before – children going from house to house with orange pails that had “Halloween” written on them. I don’t know what to make of it. What could it possibly mean?
And I couldn’t help but notice that the children were very overweight. Is it simply sugar worship?
october 30, 2021 – Halloween in the holy land Read Post »
Despite all the confusion of identity that is Jaffa, despite all the naming of Arab streets after Rabbis, despite the incredible mix of cultures, there is something about Jaffa that remains eternal.
This was taken from my nephew’s balcony the other night. It was his birthday party and the people we hadn’t seen for a long time seemed as if they had aged. So much has happened in the past years, so much pain, so much pleasure, and Yaffo remains the same.
october 30, 2021 – Jaffa Read Post »
We are probably the only people in Israel who have never ordered takeaway from WOLT before. Tonight was the night. But we got all screwed up with the time and at 5 ordered for 7:30. Then we realized everything would arrive at 5:30 and would be cold by the time the kids came. So we called the restaurant, that regretted they couldn’t help us, and I started getting my hot plate out to keep things warm.
That was when we got a message from WOLT – “We heard you’re having trouble with the order. Do you want to cancel?”
You think these things are so impersonal on the computer, but it turns out it’s probably some neighborhood kid running the whole delivery business – and he’s probably putting the chicken in the oven as we speak…
october 29, 2021 – takeaway Read Post »
Except for the parking lot, that is full of scouts gathering in groups in preparation for the busses that will take them to their weekend destinations, the military cemetery is quiet this afternoon. Miles of unfulfilled promise. And promises. “Don’t worry,” the old man says to the grandson who has just received his draft orders, “There won’t be wars like that anymore. It’s all computerized.” I think I’ve been hearing that line for ages – no more wars.
We are standing around a grave that somehow seems smaller every year. And I am thinking about how we study peace all the time but it is always theoretical.
And you and I know, it takes 2 sides to make peace.
But which sides are they?
If the Jordanians are flying in our military air drills as the Times of Israel noted today
, does it mean we will be fighting the Iranians together? Does anyone remember that long ago Iran was our friend and Jordan was our enemy? Do I really care?
All I really care about is the waste of all those great young guys in the military cemetery.
october 29, 2021 – military cemetery Read Post »
You’re in luck. Our building has to be renovated. And one of the problems is the weight of our books. This means I have to get rid of my stock of books. And I’ve published 30 odd books. Look them up here and tell me what you want at gut22@tauex.tau.ac.il and i’ll let you know the postage.
october 28, 2021 – book giveaway Read Post »
Every time I see the news of new settlements being built I clench up. Why? Why now? I know there is ideology and politics involved and I know I am very opposed to the concept of settlements, but I try every time to understand exactly what are the mechanics of the decisions. I never get it. What make them decide to allow exactly 1,500 palestinian units and build 3000 israeli units? what is the mathematics based on? Can someone tell me?
october 27, 2021 – settlements Read Post »
How strange it feels to let down one’s guard on the streets of Tel Aviv. To have lunch with kids in the middle of a crowded street. I know I’ve been doing it for months but I still can’t take it for granted. Now I can pay attention to the strange clothes and hairstyles of the crowds and not if they are wearing masks or not. Now I can actually listen to the stories of what the kids are up to and not worry if the children have been exposed to the virus.
The restaurant of choice for my granddaughter is Mateo on Bograshov. I chose less wisely and ordered a mere hamburger but the kids ate Italian and relished every bite.
october 27, 2021 – relaxing Read Post »
