Tel Aviv Diary - July 22-6, 2010 Karen Alkalay-Gut
July 22, 2010
Sometimes all I want to do when I look around in this country is complain. There are so many things wrong - in the society, in the government, in education, in the health system. But because I have Ezi around to remind me of the way things were, even before the State of Israel, I very often wonder at the amazing achievements. The other day (which seems given what has happened in between like a lifetime) my cousin was recalling my aunt's life in Israel after the work camps in Poland - her back broken by hard work. I remember her 2 room shack, the trees, the simple and beautiful life they created out of so little. I am also certain that she would not have been a cripple had she lived today.
A few days ago we met with a friend who is one of the curators in the Israel Museum. The excitement at the renovations was palpable. And today, in the Times there is a review that proves it will be a very exciting place. Looks very modern and multicultural and I'm looking forward to seeing it soon. July 23, 2010 Because Orit chose to give birth in Tel Hashomer, which is out of my beaten path, I spend a great deal of time on the road nowadays, and have the opportunity to observe the problem that is constantly being discussed here of traffic accidents. People are texting, talking on the phone, looking around at other people, cars, etc. The one thing we should take into account is that driving is too easy now. When you had to keep your car in gear, you couldn't afford to look anywhere but where you were going, but with no choke, no shift, no hand signals to keep you busy, driving is a cinch. So you look elsewhere to occupy yourself as you speed along. In a way this is true of diplomacy - we rely on media to transmit our message, our image, etc. that we've forgotten that we have to keep our minds on the basic stuff. Like talking.
So I should mention the most important thing that has happened to me. this is the baby - at 6 hours of age. The marks from the forceps (don't ask) are fading.
July 24, 2010 If you are not religious, what is shabbat to you? To me it's holy. Even if there's no divinity, no religion, no synagogue. Even if I do nothing different. Where did that come from, you ask? Something inside. That's all. July 26, 2010 This is the day of love, Tu B'Av, and it is our 30th wedding anniversary, and the fifth day of grandson's life, and we are planning the protocol of a wedding, so there is a great deal of love that seems to be able to move mountains.
