israeli politics

A quiet morning.  After gym I packed my mail and went to the post office (strangely the only native Israeli in the crowd).  I didn’t have to go grocery shopping I thought because I had ordered a whole bunch of food from supersal, and after lunch thought I’d go to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled. 

That’s when I got the message from the supermarket chain that my order had been cancelled because delivery men didn’t come to work. 

Right.  The day of rage – Arab strike. 

Good for them.  Who could not identify with the poor people of Gaza who are being terrorized – never mind that our blasts are aimed only at military targets, they hit civilians as well.   

then wait a minute – what prescriptions?  the pharmacists I like are also Arab. 

wait a minute – the rockets have been hitting again – killing people who – like the people in the post office – are only here to work. 

maybe I’ll just stay home today and kvetch.  Work or any activity not immediately critical will wait.

 

 

may 18, 2021 – chaos 5 Read Post »

israeli politics

One thing that really surprises me whenever a rocket falls on some house here is how the inhabitants, the neighbors, the bystanders, as well as the police and ambulances, know exactly what to do to save lives.   Many of these people are Arab as well as Jews – and they are right there when it comes to protecting the lives of all concerned.

Even today, when there is supposed to be a ‘day of rage’ and a strike in the Arab population here, most of the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists are right on their job.  I find it amazing.

may 18, 2021 – the unsung heroes Read Post »

israeli politics

here i was hysterical that at any minute a rocket would hit my building, and then they announced that if we didn’t behave they’d attack Israel again.  So now I know I’ve got a few hours until they get it together, and I can take my shoes off for a little while.  

And suddenly I realized who I am playing chess with – Azmi Beshara.  When he was a member of Knesset here I loved his wit and humor, and then when he escaped to Qatar and started Al Jezeira I kind of forgot him.  Now his face suddenly appeared to me  – I may well be wrong, but somehow his face opposite me makes me understand and follow what’s going on.  

so if they can get their act together they’re going to wait until just after I fall asleep and then WHIRR the sirens go off and I grab my shoes and my phone and run down the stairs.   

Azmi, This time I’m fooling you – I’m taking a nap right now. Ha Ha.

 

may 17, 2021 – rockets over tel aviv? Read Post »

israeli politics

This is not the way I want to spend a holiday – certainly not Sukkot – My plan had been to be surrounded by children and grandchildren, or, as an alternative, getting a massage and mud bath at the Dead Sea.  But we’re not going anywhere – we’re too chicken.  And the kids should stay close to home as well, and not be influenced by a scaredy-cat granny.  (I’m usually much more of a heroine – but right now I’m not there.)

may 17, 2021 – chained to the news Read Post »

israeli politics

The rocket fire seems to be diminishing, although at least 200 rockets were added to the number I gave yesterday this morning.  And I’m so pleased that Egypt is deeply involved in the negotiations.  If there’s a chance for an agreement, the US and Egypt can really help.  

Today is Shvuot and last night we went to a dinner we’ve been going to for at least 20 years.  It is a traditional dinner for Shvuot with lots of milk and cheese (I am lactose-intolerant) and wine (gives me insomnia) so I had a sleepless night even though Tel Aviv was not hit with rockets.  I was also terribly uncomfortable with sharing pleasantries with friends when rockets were falling incessantly on the southern towns.  So I was a party pooper and left early.

We usually talk about the significance of the holiday at these parties, the gift of the Torah (to me particularly significance because of the gift of laws, of rules, and the difficulty of accepting rules) and the story of Ruth (which I love to make fun of but love)  but that night all we talked about was food.  

so here’s one of the poems:

Ruth

  Book of Ruth

 

“Sometimes you just can’t be subtle

with these Jewish boys.”

My mother-in-law says,

“Forget the ways of the Diaspora,

the flirty eyes, a glimpse of stocking,

the wise, backward glance.

Jewish men have a thing for shikses.

Shikses and feet.  Shikses

at their feet.

 

“So dress well, use all the nuit d’amour

you can absorb, and tell him all

about your relatives, especially me.

 

“The strategy is foolproof,

and I’m sure it’ll get you

into the tribe

eventually, if you just

 

beget the right kind of sons

red hair and blue eyes.”

 

may 17, 2021 – Shvuot Read Post »

israeli politics

at least – But who’s counting?  We’re kind of frozen – like when you’re on a race.  the “ready! set!” part.  Ever try to take a nap in that position? 

Actually I thought we’d have a cease-fire  by now.  And we’re not even close.  All the holidays – Shvuot and Eid el Fitr – got screwed up.  

 

 

may 16, 2021 – 3000 rockets Read Post »

israeli politics

it may be i can take a shower tonight or tomorrow morning, and maybe I can sleep without running to the shelter, because it was just said we took out the 16 rocket launchers that were aimed at us.  i imagine that if it is 16 launchers there are 2 guys to a launcher and all of them have families that will be mourning tonight.  

So how can I sleep with all those people mourning? 

may 15, 2021 – very quiet Read Post »