israeli politics

We are probably the only people in Israel who have never ordered takeaway from WOLT before.  Tonight was the night.  But we got all screwed up with the time and at 5 ordered for 7:30.  Then we realized everything would arrive at 5:30 and would be cold by the time the kids came.  So we called the restaurant, that regretted they couldn’t help us, and I started getting my hot plate out to keep things warm.  

That was when we got a message from WOLT – “We heard you’re having trouble with the order.  Do you want to cancel?”  

You think these things are so impersonal on the computer, but it turns out it’s probably some neighborhood kid running the whole delivery business – and he’s probably putting the chicken in the oven as we speak…

 

october 29, 2021 – takeaway Read Post »

israeli politics

Except for the parking lot, that is full of scouts gathering in groups in preparation for the busses that will take them to their weekend destinations, the military cemetery is quiet this afternoon.  Miles of unfulfilled promise.  And promises.  “Don’t worry,” the old man says to the grandson who has just received his draft orders, “There won’t be wars like that anymore.  It’s all computerized.”  I think I’ve been hearing that line for ages – no more wars. 

We are standing around a grave that somehow seems smaller every year.  And I am thinking about how we study peace all the time but it is always theoretical. 

And you and I know, it takes 2 sides to make peace.   

But which sides are they?

If the Jordanians are flying in our military air drills as the Times of Israel noted today

, does it mean we will be fighting the Iranians together?  Does anyone remember that long ago Iran was our friend and Jordan was our enemy?  Do I really care?

All I really care about is the waste of all those great young guys in the military cemetery. 

 

october 29, 2021 – military cemetery Read Post »

israeli politics

You’re in luck.  Our building has to be renovated.  And one of the problems is the weight of our books.  This means I have to get rid of my stock of books.  And I’ve published 30 odd books.  Look them up here  and tell me what you want at gut22@tauex.tau.ac.il and i’ll let you know the postage. 

october 28, 2021 – book giveaway Read Post »

israeli politics

Every time I see the news of new settlements being built I clench up.  Why? Why now?  I know there is ideology and politics involved and I know I am very opposed to the concept of settlements, but I try every time to understand exactly what are the mechanics of the decisions.  I never get it.  What make them decide to allow exactly 1,500 palestinian units and build 3000 israeli units?  what is the mathematics based on?  Can someone tell me?

october 27, 2021 – settlements Read Post »

israeli politics

How strange it feels to let down one’s guard on the streets of Tel Aviv.  To have lunch with kids in the middle of a crowded street.  I know I’ve been doing it for months but I still can’t take it for granted.  Now I can pay attention to the strange clothes and hairstyles of the crowds and not if they are wearing masks or not.  Now I can actually listen to the stories of what the kids are up to and not worry if the children have been exposed to the virus. 

The restaurant of choice for my granddaughter is Mateo on Bograshov.  I chose less wisely and ordered a mere hamburger but the kids ate Italian and relished every bite.  

 

october 27, 2021 – relaxing Read Post »

israeli politics
  1.  the turbaned woman treating the nail of the patient next to me explains to him why she doesn’t want him to play the music of Shlomo Artzi on his cell.  “Do you remember that Rabbi who didn’t want to hear a woman’s voice at that concert?  What’s his name?  The guy who cancelled his concert in protest?”   “You mean the best-known singer in Israel? Shlomo Arzi?” “No! Not him!  The Rabbi!  He’s the one I love!  That singer should have obeyed the Rabbi! I won’t listen to his music ever again.”
  2.   on the street.  A guy sauntering down the street listening on his earphones to something obviously very musical trips a bit on the sidewalk and his phone falls from his pocket.  He stops, picks it up, kisses it, returns it to his pocket, and continues his happy walk.

october 25, 2021 – 2 tel aviv portraits Read Post »

israeli politics

web woes

In 1982 or so, my father-in-law bought an apple 2E, and really played around with it, making all kinds of drawings, playing all kinds of obscene games, and I don’t know what.  But he really wanted to see me write on the computer.  So he taught me html.  It took a while – I was impatient and wanted to get back to my typewriter but he persisted.  So in 2002 or so, when I wanted to communicate to my friends that I was okay, I started a free blog.  For 19 years I wrote in html on my little blog that gradually became expensive and I thought to switch over to something more modest.  But now I wish I had my father-in-law here to help me figure out why this ‘simplicity’ is so complicated.  

Never mind.  It will soon be all settled properly and these pages will become a pleasure to read.

october 25, 2021 Read Post »

israeli politics

so much to learn from Miri regev

Let’s say the cup is the world championship – she’s GOT to be my coach.  First, her ability to feint:  a jab to the right (say, the law isn’t legal because it doesn’t have an overwhelming majority) – and while the opponent is busy deflecting this jab  (say by asking for proof that there needs to be an overwhelming majority)- there’s a more powerful one to the left (this government is illegal) and it’s followed by a left-right pounding hinting each member of that government is corrupt.  The opponent drops back to organize a comprehensive response.  Miri starts to stutter and it looks like she won’t be able to counter, but that just gives her time to attack violently – nails and all, declare herself a winner and leave the ring.  

The only thing I don’t get is how the win gets calculated.

october 24, 2021 – so much to learn from Miri regev Read Post »