israeli politics

I watch Zelenskyy and I think, “Boy does he need a vacation.” Putin, on the other hand, seems energized by the aggression.  Me, my eyes aren’t as worn out as Zelenskyy, but I’m taking a few days off.  I may be online and I’m going to be visiting some amazing archeological sites, especially Nabatean sites, but I’m not promising immediate reporting.  Wish me luck.

Even though I’m very reluctant to pack, put on all the many layers that are required for traveling in the desert, hate the sunburn I’m going to get, the dust in my throat, my eyes,  I still am looking forward to the wonder of the sand dunes.


march 12, 2022 – vacation Read Post »

israeli politics

Many friends of ours have been traveling a great deal, feeling that the pandemic is over and if they don’t do some touring now, they will lose the ability to move at all.   We have been doing with day trips in nature, primarily because of the fragility of Ezi’s antibodies, and with no progress in uncovering the secrets of where the Evusheld can be obtained, we are not making too many plans.  However, since we were sure that by now things would be somewhat better, we joined a group for an archeological tour of the southern Negev.  There are a few days before we will be off, but I am already exhibiting signs of anxiety – I’m not as flexible as I was just two years ago. 

There is just too much to worry about, and it’s not necessarily about traveling. One example: some of those guys fighting for Russia right now are Syrian, and they are learning too much for my taste – not only about warfare, but also about brutality.  Now that alone could make any one nervous.  But when you add to that the significance of the fact that the rest of the world tolerates war crimes, and Ukraine is fighting on its own, that’s another good reason to worry.

So maybe I’ll stay under the covers this week.  It just seems safer.  Anyway I’ve got a cold.

 

 

march 10, 2022 – traveling Read Post »

israeli politics

I just went to pick up my glasses – but wow the mall was crowded.  Everyone was there and I think they came with two cars apiece.  There was just so much going on in the parking lot that when I returned to my car I think there were at least four cars following me to grab my space. 

And with all the customers, everything seemed so attractive.  Nevertheless, I do not recommend going shopping in the near future.  Even if you gave away all your pillows and blankets to the people who said they were collecting for refugees, wait a bit.  

march 9, 2022 – mall Read Post »

israeli politics
i’ve been looking for him for years – my first cousin from Dneiperpotrovsk.  He’s probably not alive anymore, but maybe his sons are. and they need someone to take them in.  

there are probably other places for them to escape, if they need to escape, but they need to know they have a choice,  here in Tel Aviv.

march 8, 2022 – Sasha Kaganovich Read Post »

israeli politics

When my student complains that she’s been getting the run around in the university to change the title of her thesis, I start remembering all the running around other students have had to do for much less.  Then slowly the circle expands to include me and not only the university but every other institution I’ve encountered here.  And then our day begins.

Talk about run arounds!  We’ve been trying to get hold of the drug Evusheld, which was brought into this country 3 weeks ago but only approved for certain types of immuno-suppressed patients, and Ezi isn’t one of them.  I’ve forgotten how many places we’ve turned to for help, guidance, or the bloody drug itself, but it’s definitely a full-time job.  So far, nothing.   

Now why should anyone be surprised that the refugees who come here after a truly traumatic trip should be getting the same kind of treatment as all of us here do?  

Zelenskyy calls out “God will remember!”  But most of us are sure he’s not looking and we’ve go other priorities than to save lives, or even to ease the lives of others.  


March 7, 2022 – run around Read Post »

israeli politics, my life in tel aviv

We were sitting in Mantra Ray on the beach, talking about politics, high finance, operations and their success rate, and even the vague hamsin weather, when I spotted the sailboat seeming to float between sky and sea.  Ezi took the above shot.  Me, I took a less ‘artistic’ view. 

you can barely see the boat from my perspective – but it is precisely the small size of the boat that I identified with.  The helplessness we all feel in the world of massive forces which are determining every aspect of our lives.  I can’t even answer my friends who are all nervous and deserve to be calmed down with friendship.  I hope they will excuse me – I’ll be back when the skies are just a little more clear.  

march 6, 2022 – manta ray Read Post »

israeli politics

The rains have “bathed every vein in such liquor, of which virtue engendered is the flower”  as Chaucer said of April – but here it happens at the beginning of March, not the April of England,  And this year everything is greener and wilder than ever.    Everywhere we go, the smells are overwhelming.  Animals appear from nowhere.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Flowers burst out of unexpected places.           Besides the lushness, the sense of regrowth, what’s different?  We’re so anxious to escape the news as much as possible that everyone was out in nature.   Some of the refugees who have reached our borders seem to have local relatives.  But many have been caught at the border while their heritage is being checked – of course, there are donations and contributions but there is not enough information about what can be done to help.  So we escape to the wonders of  blooming nature, knowing we have to capture the good times while we can

march 6, 2022 – flowers Read Post »