1. These are the two best articles on the conflict with the Palestinians that I have read thus far:
A test to evaluate whether or not you’re a fanatic. Some good observations on the many facets of fanaticism both as regards the conflict, and in general. Highlights:
“The family constitutes the fundamental building-block of Palestinian society. Family status is largely dependent upon its honor, much of which is determined by the respectability of its daughters, who can damage it irreparably by the perceived misuse of their sexuality.”
It’s an issue almost never associated with the plight/offenses of the Palestinians. Those who think it’s not a problem should see ‘Thirst’ (Atash) if they’re looking for a film to kill any potential for joy or happiness in their evening.
“In Israel, there is an elaborate, multi-tiered pecking helix of racism and mutual hatreds, among them the Ashkenazi-Sephardi divide, the Jewish-Arab divide, and local feuds along such ethic lines as Jews of Russian, Moroccan and Ethiopian origin.”
This so accurately (and concisely! and eloquently!) describes the cultural situation here. I’ve got a little refugee from Darfur in my 5th grade class at Nofim, and the kids treat her like she’s diseased because she’s black and not Jewish. My Hebrew is not up to explaining why that’s SO WRONG OMG and the teacher couldn’t care less.
And:
A recent editorial in the Times about the blockade in Gaza.
Highlights:
“We are deeply concerned about the many innocent Israelis who live along the border with Gaza and must suffer through the constant bombardment. But Israel’s response — shutting off power and other essential supplies — is a collective punishment that will only feed anger and extremism.”
It’s the sad truth. At the end of the day, the Palestinians won’t blame Hamas, though they should, for this punishment. They’ll blame Israel, and the conflict will become just a little more entrenched within this tortured land.
2. Tomorrow we’re going to Kibbutz Mezer to (illegally, because it’s shmita, the seventh year when you are not supposed to plant) plant trees with these cool dudes, Rabbis for Human Rights. It’s near Nazareth. We’re staying in a monastery that has been converted into a hotel. Saturday we’ll have a tour of Nazareth and a hike at the Zipori park. Seriously, if I come back sick from this one I’m giving up on trips in Israel.
3. Countdown to Mom’s visit- one week!! Woot woot!!
4. RIP, Heath Ledger. You were a really attractive man. And a great actor, but that’s tangential, right?
5. I have throw pillows. Yesh (Hebrish word that you can figure out the meaning of)!
6. I learned a new word today: box (kupat). Thus my ability to say inappropriate things in Hebrew is greater than yesterday.
7. It was warm and sunny and lovely today. I had a talk about this the other day with Zeke- our theory about why moderate cold is so hard to handle here is that it’s never cold for more than a few hours or days, so you never get used to it. It’s 50 degrees at 9 am and 68 degrees at noon. Yesterday a high of 55, today a high of 67. Poo. Come on, spring!
8. Pray for South Carolina. Barack Barack Barack Barack Barack!
9. Shabbat Shalom!
