israeli politics

National Library - 7.15.24

This is probably the most elaborate, inclusive, historical and innovative site in Israel.  We went as a group of writers and were all astounded by the grandeur and accessibility of the library.   

There is something so warm and inviting about this immense edifice.  I have been to the grand library at Alexandria and this establishment is more my style.  Modest and useful but enormous and inclusive.  I’ll be writing much more about it.  Check out the site:  https://www.nli.org.il/en

 

 

 

National Library of Israel Read Post »

israeli politics

tremp - 7.14.24

‘Tremp’ in Hebrew means hitchhike and comes from  the English word, ‘tramp.’  

This evening a number of politicians have been speaking about the terrifying results of criticisms by demonstrations and by news inquiries.  At best, they feel hindered by the irresponsible criticisms of their policies – at worst they feel threatened.  Since this morning there was an attempt on the life of the former president of the United States.  It seems our politicians are taking a ‘tremp’ on Trump.

We must be very careful to preserve democracy and dignity.

Tremp – 7.4.24 Read Post »

israeli politics

Mohammed Def may be dead.  I know we should be pleased, but our satisfaction comes from the success of the mission, not the death of a human being.  

The experts at our lunch table watched the footage of the attack and announced that the bodies being carried out of the bomb site were those of young men, soldiers and not citizens, and I’m supposed to be relieved.  Yes, they are Hamas soldiers and have raped and tortured and killed our people, but no one should rejoice in their death.

 

Def – 7.13.24 Read Post »

israeli politics

Human Shields - 7.13.24

We have been seeing the use of human shields in Gaza, the population in protected areas protecting their leaders.  But despite this, the major leader. Mohammed Def, was killed today.

This means we have to protect ourselves – I’ve opened the joint shelter, turned on the lights, opened the door to the building so passersby can come to hide if the rockets fall in our area.  We’re not shielding anyone or anything, but we’re targets for the expected revenge.

 

  

human shields – 7.13.23 Read Post »

israeli politics

Joe Biden - 7.12.24

I know this isn’t about Tel Aviv, but I have been identifying with Joe Biden so much I feel you should be aware of our limitations and attributes.  For years I have been messing up names.  It was at least twenty years ago when I stood in front of a class of hundred and referred to – what’s his name? Shakespeare.  I do things like that more often now, and it happens more when I’m under pressure, or when I’m talking to someone who is judging me.  But I’m also wiser than ever.  Really.  I’ve been through most of the situations we’re going through now.  I was born in war, came to Israel in time for the Yom Yippur War and have been around for every other tough situation in the middle east.  And I think the experiences taught me something people who live a normal life don’t experience.  And, oh yes, I’m a professor.  absent minded and retired.   But still publishing academic work.  Like Biden, it’s hard for me to move, hard for me to look into the sun, and hard for me to remember names.  

joe Biden – 7.12.24 Read Post »

israeli politics

poetry festival this year - 7.11.24

The annual Metula Poetry Festival, one of the highlights of the poetry year, will take place this year in Jerusalem.  It will take place at the Confederation House and at Mishkenot Shaananim from August 26-8, and I’ll be appearing on all three days.  Check the program out here  confederationhouse

For me the first day is reading poems influenced by prostitution in the holocaust.  The second day is about erotic poetry.  On the third day I’m supposed to be speaking about immigrant identity.  All this is stuff you’ve heard before if you’ve been reading this, but everyone who’s leading the panel has an agenda and will make it new.  

I am praying that by then we will have at least partially solved the problems that are creating this terrible war and these subjects will be relevant…

 

 

 

 

Poetry Festival This Year – Read Post »

israeli politics

staying home - 7.11.24

We were going to go to Tiberias today, but I’m a little sick and stayed in bed.  Now it seems there are a lot of rockets up north – and we did well by staying home.  People are being killed every day and we are doing nothing about the north – it’s as if we’ve given up taking care of 150000 of our citizens.

One of the results of staying home is being exposed to extensive news programs that have substituted for the educational programs that cost more money.  And the broadcasters, being exposed to much foreign news, are using more English terminology than ever. And we adapt most of them to our grammar so they become almost unrecognizable.  I’ll see if I can put together a list.

 

staying home – 7.11.24 Read Post »

israeli politics

a bit more about language - 7.11.24

We still say “Ahhlan” when we meet, even though it is outdated. We never say “Shalom Aleichem” and I’ve noticed that Arabs don’t greet each other with “Salaam Aleikum.”  Peace be upon you seems somehow to indicate that the peace comes from above.  We in the middle east tend to think that we’re responsible for war and peace.  We prefer thinking the enemy is to blame for war, and we are the ones who make peace.


“Besorot Tovot” also seems to have a religious feeling.  Better translated as “Glad tidings.”  “May you be sent glad tidings.”  

“Inquiry” scares people, as if it is clear someone has done something wrong, and our world is a mess.

 

 

  

what do you say when someone asks you how you are?  “Considering the situation, I’m fine.”  And when   

a bit more about language – Read Post »