israeli politics

The Empty Chair - 4.10.25

The empty chair, the empty plate, the empty soup bowl.  Many many Israelis don’t even want to think about the seder coming up because it will remind us of those missing – those in tunnels, in hospitals, in mourning.  Apparently there are more people leaving the country for the holiday today than ever -some because they are stir-crazy, others because they can’t take the thought of enjoying themselves in this situation.  And still others because they are sure all the saber rattling on the part of Trump means something terrible – for us.

so set a place for us at the table, please – 

The Empty Chair – 4.10.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

lickin - 9.4.25

I’m trying so hard not to talk about politics – but it’s ruling our lives now.  And I can’t get that statement the president of the U.S. made about how all these countries are kissing his ass.  It reminds me of Joseph and his dreams of everyone bowing down to him, dreams that so infuriated his brothers they felt they had to get rid of him. 

And there are so many things going wrong with politics in my country it is amazing that I would pay attention to some other leader.  But of course the world is affected by what the president of the US does or doesn’t do, and our p.m. does his best to imitate  the behavior of the president.  

I just hope there isn’t an influence on bullies in the schoolyard…


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israeli politics

wine Bar in the Evening - 8.4.25

Picture a street filled with tables and chairs and young people having a wonderful time.  There are couples, and groups of friends, the music is not too loud, and the focus is on food and drink.  But very early in the evening I caught sight of a very nice looking guy with a metal leg, and my eyes followed him as he walked slowly with his crutch over to a long table of young men.  There was another young man with a cast, but all together they seemed to be having a rousing good time – without alcohol.  I became convinced these guys had served very recently in the front. And while we are all celebrating, we know exactly what is going on in the war, in the knesset, in court, in the country, in the world.  How do we do it?

Wine Bar Read Post »

israeli politics

just as I was Wondering - 6.4.25

Just as I was wondering why I had relaxed so much, why I had even considered taking a bath tonight, the alarms started – 10 rockets from Gaza.  one hit Ashkelon.  Shocking.   Three people lightly injured.  We’re so hungry for normality, we imagine it happening all the time.  We’re even ignoring the possibility of war with Iran – which may happen if the US hits.  Remember the Gulf War when the US attacked Iraq?  They immediately countered by bombing us.  

Ah, the hell with it.  I’m taking a bath.

 

just as i was wondering – 6.4.25 Read Post »

israeli politics

Egypt: An Israelite Returns

Although I wrote this book when I came home from Egypt, the day that Covid broke out everywhere, I never promoted it before.  But there was so much optimism in these photos and poems – I was overwhelmed by how much we had in common with our neighbors – how much of a past – for good and evil – and how much I wanted to be in touch with them. 

here is the link, and for the holidays, it’s really cheap:  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3V529FZ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1L4DWNQJ833KZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TU6OaU5YQD_HA_USAAkewAMXIwSnXcZM6XL9Zb79OJnGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.mAtQHShJx0gjV1buSQnqULSxb-B41xHqiM7PHhTeubc&dib_tag=se&keywords=egypt%3Aan+israelite+karen+alkalay-gut&qid=1743881610&sprefix=egypt+an+israelite+karen+alkalay-gut%2Caps%

2C205&sr=8-2

and free on Kindle unlimited.

check it out, review it…

And it’s a perfect read for Passover!

 

Egypt: An Israelite Returns Read Post »