israeli politics

The Wall.  The play we just saw – from the book by Dorit Rabinyan – is about a love affair in New York between an Israeli and a Palestinian that falls apart when they return to Israel and eventually the wall gets built that – in addition to their fading of the romance – keeps the lovers apart.  It had all the right arguments but I kind of wish it ended differently.

And it doesn’t seem to me very strange for two people to fall in love – and even marry if they grow up in the Middle East.  In fact, it is surprising it doesn’t happen moree frequently. 

 

november 1, 2021 – living fence Read Post »

israeli politics

Today is the day we’re letting in tourists for the first time in a long long time.  This means Ezi and I have to start being more careful than we’ve been in recent months.  No matter how strict the rules are, there is going to be a rise in the numbers.

Nevertheless, my need for a change of scenery and a rest from the intensive work involved in leading the IAWE , supervising doctorates, running a household, etc. is absolutely necessary.  We have already taken a leave of absence from this year’s Israel Trail because this year is all about climbing the hills around Jerusalem.   

But I think what we need is a good play this evening and a little visit to the Dead Sea tomorrow.  

Some people here think that traveling abroad is the most important thing they need for their sanity.  It’s a great idea, but we can live well with the relative safety of being tourists in our own land.

november 1, 2021 – tourists! Read Post »

israeli politics

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 »

israeli politics

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 »

israeli politics

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 »

israeli politics

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 »

israeli politics

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 »

israeli politics

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 »