israeli politics

This is a photo of my father, about 8 years after he arrived in America.  Next to him is the author, Israel Emiot. who had recently arrived – due to the efforts of my mother to reunite him with his wife.  He had been imprisoned in Birobijian and when freed, made his way to Israel, but was discovered there and brought to his wife.  

The reunion was not a pleasant sight, and one that should have been spared a tender child like me.

But you can see how much good the US did my father compared to the much younger Emiot.

 

emiot Read Post »

israeli politics

Speaking of funding, as chair of the Israel Association of Writers in English, I can remember the days when the government paid for our publications, for our activities, and even for conferences.  But the government pulled out long ago and we’ve been supporting ourselves through sales of our journal at readings.  Unfortunately, Covid cut our readings and our connections and our funding has disappeared.   So we’re in crisis and I’m going to try to ameliorate it tonight at the meeting of the board.  Wish me luck.  And if you take a look at our website here and want to help out, let me know.  my email is gut22@tauex.tau.ac.il. We really do our best to connect Israel with the world.

 

contributions Read Post »

israeli politics

It has always been more difficult to get a doctorate in Israel than other countries.  Our funding – for libraries, for grants and fellowships that allow full-time studies, the lack of renumeration for professors, etc.  All this makes it harder for studies.  But it happens.

And I really try my best to help out – I’m still doing dissertations with amazing students, most of whom are working full time and raising children at the same time.  Maybe it keeps me on my toes.  Maybe it makes it almost impossible for me to take vacations.  And I don’t get paid.  But I do get them through.   And once I get this batch through, I’m giving up.

dissertations – august 8, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Try whatever you can to enjoy the last few months of this country.  The beach, beer, neutral conversation.  Smotrich. No. Ben Gvir.  No.  Bibi.  No.  Grandchildren.  Pets.  The sea.   Carravagio.  The university.  The financial troubles.  The end of academia…

And the sea was crazy – We walked in, gave up after the third wave, and walked out for another beer.

beach, no politics – aug 8, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

I don’t remember when I was last on a train, but it must have been before Covid.  Now that I have spend the evening going back and forth to Rehovot, I have earned my miles.  First off, there is no charge for old ladies, and second the ride is clean, comfortable, polite and not painful in any way.   

But I would much have preferred staying in bed.

 

train – august 7, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

A few things directed my gut to tell me to stay home last night.  One was Ezi’s sleeping for hours and hours all afternoon and evening, and one was my own bloodpressure. And I had a feeling that this wasn’t going to be a fun and games evening that would make me feel hopeful.  So I happily joined my poetry workshop instead.  And then there was a terrorist shooting near where my son hangs out and I wasn’t sure he wasn’t there. And the demonstration – although crowded – was reserved and quiet in memory of the man who had been killed.  And when I finally got to sleep I dreamt that had I gone I would have been maced like my daughter had been a few weeks ago. 

It was all about my gut, not the politics, which only change in intensity from week to week.

 

gut feelings – august 6, 2023 Read Post »

israeli politics

Thinking that our kids deserve a day off from our grandchildren, we invited some of them over for the sabbath.  Then we invited the others for lunch.  Then I noticed Ezi nodding off.  How can we go to a demonstration when we’ve only had four hours of sleep?  One thing I’m sure of – I need a break. A sabbath.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

sabbath for parents – Read Post »

israeli politics

this is Shimon Peres’ granddaughter.  Her Hebrew talk is followed by an English one.  It scares me but maybe we should go low when they go low.  Anyway, it’s here:

The point is it is very hard to fight clean when the opponent fights dirty.  Peres always fought clean, even though there were all kinds of stories about him.  When I think of some of the dirty tricks that have been played by the opposition, it seems that Bibi has not only been the master, but he has also surrounded himself with dirty players.  And we have been so gentle…

 

tough talk Read Post »