Tel Aviv Diary - June 9-13, 2007

June 9, 2007

Analysis: Peace rally in a Palestine town by Joshua Brilliant

boycott israel poster

"Boycott Israel
Kickoff Rally July 1st at 12:00 GMT
Clifford’s Tower, York
Bring your computers and cell phones with their Israeli components, your medications for multiple sclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia and numerous other diseases, your state of the art medical equipment such as radiation free breast cancer diagnostics and ingestible video pill cameras, your environmentally friendly drip irrigation systems and other such Israeli offenses to Clifford’s tower in York. All of these Israeli products will be burned in the tower at noon.
Clifford’s Tower is the site of England’s greatest moment in her never ending struggle against Jewish hegemony and aggression. Without the fiery victory over the Jews of York in 1190, this fair island might have served as a base for colonialism and imperialism stretching from here to India and beyond.
The event will conclude with a live reenactment of the 12th century immolation. All pro-Israel British Jews are asked to report to the tower at 3:00 PM. Petrol and matches will be provided by the British Union of Colleges and Universities."

June 10, 2007

In the past I have noted some commercials that might go unnoticed. The national lottery now has an ad in their series that is primarily in Arabic. It isn't aimed at the Arabic audience primarily, but everyone.

Now I remember children who would cover their ears when they heard Arabic music (they were children when I was a child) because they couldn't stand the "caterwaulling." I'm sure this taste was determined by the cultural pressure to establish an Israeli musical culture but also by the understanding that this was the language of the enemy. The fact that this has changed in Israel is obvious in the existence of popular commercials with Arabic music.

Incredibly hot day today - I don't know about you but My globes are definitely warmed.

June 11, 2007

Jane Doe Buys A Challah & Other Stories Reading & Signing - Somet Sfarim - Tues, June 12, 7:30 pm, 163 Dizengoff St. Tel Aviv.

Yes, I have a story there - and yes I'm reading

Oh dear, I was running around all day and forgot to VOTE. And now Ami Ayalon is losing. Responsibility is crucial around here.

Why should I care? Because I hate the idea that Barak won by keeping his mouth shut so as not to remind us of what a prick he is.

But this is the least of our problems. It looks like Hamas is winning over Fatach, and it isn't certain that Peres will win the presidency.

The reading was wonderful and reminded me that there are some really good writers who write in English in Israel. But immediately after I had to meet with Orit,and as we sat in Idelson on Dizengoff, half the world went by.

June 13, 2007

Plus la meme chose.

Wait! I was supposed to be working, but couldn't keep from watching the voting on tv. And in the middle of the counting the dog complained about wanting to go out. But I didn't miss anything because all the way down the street I could hear the televisions of my neighbors. Shimon Peres is our new president. After 48 years as a member of parliament, he is now promoted.

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