israeli politics

If only we had managed to complete a constitution, this would never have happened.  In the Declaration of Independence, we promised equality for all, but now the proposed laws promise inequality in almost all aspects of life.   How can we not protest?

Today I met a guy who wasn’t protesting.  He said, we got what we deserved, we leftists.  I of course said it isn’t a question of left and right – it’s democracy.  “The hell with democracy!” he exclaimed “The US screws up democracy every chance they get.  Look what they did to the supreme court!  Look what the police do every time they think the cameras aren’t on them!  Democracy is fine on the books, but it doesn’t work.”  I was so flabbergasted I didn’t respond, but this issue needs to be addressed.  Here’s my answer:  We screw up all the time, and looking back, I can see we’ve made terrible decisions.  But this doesn’t make democracy something we can give up on.   

why protest – feb 20, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Jonathan Wilson’s book, the Red Balcony, will be available on Amazon on the 21st.  It’s on Kindle and Audible and worth reading.    

to register, click here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdM7fAUVWo-vxt6UiioGQ2SksFRQxmoFOHEM0ujC23LofaGaw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2kPyQpgHRWinMXJBXOHOhi6j90M5qh8xKaT2IuSHI4dhkghx4IzfQqRws

Jonathan will read and talk about the whole idea of writing about the period of the Mandate in Palestine and how it is relevant today.

 

wednesday with Jonathan Wilson Read Post »

israeli politics

Today is the day of big demonstrations – lots of people from all over the country marching.  Of course, the transportation system is not accommodating the people and it is beginning to appear that the situation is out of control. 

Instead of the demonstrations changing minds, however, or bringing the government to negotiations, they seem to be having the opposite effect – a greater, more stubborn division,  Just lie in biblical times….

 

big demonstration – feb 20, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Vilde Frang saved my day today.  Her performance of Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor, Opus 61 made me remember that art is integral to life, and that the tragedy that seems to be thundering toward us cannot overtake everything.  And all day I’ve been feeling politics

Even as we were going into the concert hall our friend whispered, “Who knows?  Maybe at the next concert we’ll have to sit separately from the men….”  And I whispered back, “that is the least of my worries.”

And then there was Vilde Frang, who played with her whole body and soul and helped us rise beyond all thoughts of politics. 

She reminded me that yes, this transcendence is worth fighting for.  This freedom is worth fighting for.   

vilde frang – feb 19, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

I haven’t written about Lior Schlein simply because he speaks in Hebrew, but surely some of you understand it.  This is what he says about the proposed reforms:

“When Bibi speaks of his trial he constantly promises – there is nothing there.  and that’s what he’s planning – he will destroy the country before he goes to jail.  And that’s what he’s doing.”

If you followed this, you might want to subscribe to his channel on youtube.

 

 

Lior Schlein – Feb 18, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

It looks easy – walking in the streets of Tel Aviv with a flag.  As we’re getting ourselves ready to go, friends start telling me what is involved for them.  They are all my age, and we should probably be in a comfortable chair with a good book, but they’re taking the bus or walking miles to the city to join in.  There they will walk and sing and listen to speeches for a few hours.   Then they have to find a way to get back on overcrowded streets and busses.  And it will take them at least a day to get over the effort.  And repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat. 

demonstrate – feb 18, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

You know I love Manta Ray – the great view, the uniformly good food, the not-outrageous prices.  But if you make a reservation, be sure to specify that you don’t want the table that is next to the kitchen and opposite the door.  

Actually, while the best views are sunset, my best meals have been in the summer, in the morning, on the balcony.

Restaurant Advice – Feb 17, 2023 Read Post »