israeli politics

lost computer 10.31.25

Fed up with my slow pace, Ezi ordered wheelchair service for me at the airport.  But perhaps because I wasn’t quite ready the wheelchair attendent had to wait and perhaps because of that he left my computer in the tray when he gave me my bag.  

And there it is – somewhere in a tray or somewhere else in the world – but not with me.  So I have been busy all days finding phone numbers of losts and founds, chasing an unfound computer.

What shall I do?  I certainly can’t concentrate on the politics in this busy busy land.  

and now we’re going into the weekend where nothing happens in lostandfound but everything happens by the minute in Israel.  

lost computer – 10.31.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

harlem - 10.28.15

Joy sent us tickets to her performance at the Harlem Stage and because it was Joy Harjo, and we love her and her works, we went.  But the wonder and the pleasure was increased a hundred percent by the venue.  The building itself is exquisite and makes you know and feel in advance that you are in an event.  Her latest book was distributed to the audience at the door, so that you would know what the ‘girl warrior’ event was about.  The audience was brought in at once, in a queue, and late comers went to the back.  I know this seems obvious, but it isn’t.  It makes the introduction to a poet an act of respect, and I appreciated it.  

And the stage itself was magnificent.  Look:

okay – don’t look  now – my computer is not behaving and i’m late for lunch.

just understand – the concept of respect for art was overwhelming to me.  

I’ll write more when I’ve calmed my computer down.

harlem – 10.28.15 Read Post »

israeli politics

phones out - 10.26.25

our phones have been out for a while – so Ive given up trying to talk to my friends.  In fact, I’ve given up.  The Jewish Book Council was so helpful about what has to be done with “Survivors” but I haven’t had a chance to and/or energy to get moving without a phone.  where is a pharmacy nearby?  i’d ordinarily find it online since I don’t know the neighborhood, but, hell, I’d rather stay on my couch.

so apologies to my cousins, my friends, my family, everyone.  I hope to be back in touch soon.

 

phones out – 10.26.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

my Fault - 10.24.25

I’ve been traipsing around the trains in NY without a mask, sleeping half of what I should, meeting with all kinds of people i shouldn’t have kissed.  No wonder I seem to have caught the flu.  But a good night at home should set me right.  so don’t give up on me – i want to visit Emma Lazarus’ grave on sunday.  we’ll see.

my fault – 10.24.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

choices in politics - 10.23.25

Isn’t there a ballot that says- these choices are terrible.  we demand worthy candidates?  

I’ve kept myself from voicing any opinion on the New York elections, but I can’t resist – doesn’t one of the candidates look like a smiling slave dealer?

Now that I look again, don’t all of  them?

 

Look at Ireland’s election – a direct vote.  Oh, how I wish the Irish were less insular and knew more about us.  And I wish we were wiser as well.

 

choices in politics – 10.23.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

no antisemitism here - 10.22.25

i keep getting baited to say bad things about Jews, Israel, or both.  I have nothing to say.  “Why do Jews in Israel love Trump? Why are they sucking up to them?”  “How could you possibly believe in the bible as a source of the jewish claim on Israel?”  “When are you going to leave that terrible country?”  An old friend assumes that I believe that Israeli has committed genocide, quotes numbers to me, and waits for me to denounce the country.  I say, let’s wait and see what can be repaired.  let’s see how much damage has been done to us.  let’s be kind to ourselves as well as the others and try to make things better.  I don’t believe we should be bashing ourselves on the head when everyone else is doing it for us.  And really think we should be helping each other rather than blaming.  so there.

 

no antisemitism here – 10.22.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

revelation? - 10.18.25

I promised myself to avoid everything connected to politics – both American and Middle-Eastern.  I promised myself to stay out – even of the “No Kings” demonstration.  Even though it was all around us.  “I’m cool.” I said – “I’m taking care of us now.”  So I’m standing in a shoestore surrounded by some of the most gorgeous shoes I will soon own, and the salesman asks me casually where we’re from.  We tell him, expecting the usual blank face, but he answers, “I’m so glad for you all that it’s over, after so much loss and bloodshed.”  And would you believe it, I began to cry.  So much bloodshed, I muttered, again and again.

So much for me being cool.  

No wonder I’m not being productive – just keeping us together.  It may be the first time I haven’t promoted a book, or done readings, or whatever.  just trying not to jump when a siren goes off.

 

revelation? – 10.18.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

speaking hebrew in the streets

one of the justifications we hear some time for a Jewish state is that Jews are endangered all over the world, especially now because of the bad name Israel has for having committed genocide.   

I’m not getting this much.  True, the salesladies in Macy’s don’t fall all over me when it turns out I’m from Israel.  But there is more hebrew on the streets here than anywhere,  I haven’t really confronted anyone and asked them if they have any trepidation about being attacked as a jew, but they all seem very much at home, and not at all worried about being identified.  Neither do the religious jews seem to be hiding their identity in any way.  But it’s interesting that i even thought of the link between anti-Israel feelings and the necessity for a homeland.  One of Robert Frost’s characters says “Home is when you have to go there, they have to take you in…” and suddenly it hits me on the New York streets – thank goodness you don’t have to go there.

this is a bit nonsensical, I know.  I’ve been doing too much unnecessary shopping.

   

speaking hebrew in the streets Read Post »