Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos

A small, genial Philippine woman, probably on the way back from a long, hard day at work, waits for the bus. It’s already 21.00 and pretty dark outside, and no bus to be seen. She looks across the street – something gets her attention. But not for too long. She’s just too tired.

On Rothschild Blvd. there’s a group of about 30 young men and women. Each stands alone, absorbed in themselves and moves in their own mysterious ways, all dancing in a very non-coordinated way. They all wear headphones, and are apparently listening to completely different sorts of music.

Mobile clubbing. You cannot pass by without looking, and even smiling at the dancing (?) people. They seem to enjoy themselves; they don’t disturb anyone (no “Put that music down, people are trying to sleep here!”)…

Yet somehow there’s something a bit annoying in the whole thing. Maybe it’s just that usually people trying too hard to be cool and unique are actually as far from it as possible. But maybe it’s something deeper.

The need to see and be seen is inherited in us humans, true enough, but being the social creatures that we are, such a lack of communication is quite disturbing. I hate to be a party-pooper, but I think the beauty of dancing lies in its tribal quality, in sharing the excitement of the music played and communicating with other people who enjoy it too. And these people just stand there with their headphones on, without even looking at each other…

I have a better suggestion. Want to express yourself in public and react to music freely? Try dancing to the cool song playing on the radio when you’re on the bus, or in the mall, or just standing in line to the doctor’s. I bet you’ll find eager partners – they just wait for you to make the first move!

(Photograph courtesy of Nana)

“I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaack!”

The ‘festivities’ may have already begun as this article is being written, and the Guest of Honor himself is scheduled to appear before his adoring audience and probably deliver one of those stirring speeches that he has become famous (of infamous) for. Yes, Sheikh Said Hassan Narsrallah is back big time, and even more prominent than before.

The Sheik is not only back, but he has even more ‘believers’ than before. Even before the decision was made to hold and large-scale ‘victory rally’ in the same part of Beirut that Israeli planes bombed during July and August, Narsrallah and his Hezbollah organization aimed to show the world in general, and Israel in particular, that they not only came out on the winning end of the 34 day conflict, but that they can even increase their standing to an greater degree than even they thought was possible.

Of course, some damage was inflicted on their infrastructure, and they did loose some of their fighters; including some presently being held by the Israelis as bargaining chips for what they hope will soon be a prisoner exchange for the two Israeli reserve soldiers still being held by the Hezbollah. Narsrallah himself has been ‘underground’ in an undisclosed location since the war began; but may actually be seen strolling in that section of West Beirut that has been Hezbollah’s stronghold for years. In preparation for this event, in which a number of Lebanese dignitaries are also expected to make their appearance alongside the Sheikh, many of his followers, wearing yellow shirts and caps, and carrying Hezbollah flags, went to southern Lebanon and paraded themselves along the border with Israel, shouting slogans, and even throwing rocks at Israeli jeeps and other vehicles patrolling their side of the border.

So, in this sense, it seems that nothing has changed since the hostilities broke out on July 12; and this is despite both the Lebanese Army and a beefed-up U.N. force in position to prevent any outbreaks from occurring. The only problem with all this is that the U.N. forces, even with more military hardware at their disposal, and with orders allowing them to attack the Hezbollah if necessary, don’t appear to be ready to do so. After all, it’s not their war, and these people now parading along the border appear to be a “peaceful political demonstration”.

Demonstration? The exact same thing occurred after Israeli forces pulled out of Lebanon in May, 2000, and led to the attack against an Israeli patrol a few months later with the kidnapping of 3 soldiers – whose remains were only returned to Israel more than three years later.

But insofar as the Lebanese are concerned, many of whose families received 12,000 U.S. Dollars as ‘emergency rebuilding funds’ from Hezbollah (and Iranian) coffers following the conflict’s end, and with Hezbollah demolition and construction crews already tearing down an rebuilding damaged buildings, Hezbollah’s party flag couldn’t be higher now. Even Lebanon’s non-Shiite Muslim communities are happy with the Sheikh and his willingness to help his countrymen rebuild.

All of this is going to be a hard act to follow for Israel’s troubled Political leaders, many of whom are being blamed for the results of the war. And coupled with an agonizing slowness of the Israeli government’s assistance for their citizens, who also sustained major damage from Hezbollah rockets, it’s easy to see why the Sheikh will be busy kissing the cheeks of so many adoring fans. Yes, the Sheik is here to stay. But judging from what happened to another popular Shiite spiritual leader, Sheik Ahmed Yassin in Gaza City, Hassan might best keep one eye cocked to the Heavens; as what might come from there may not be Devine Inspiration.

The line at the post office grows longer and longer. Hurrying to get everything done before the holidays begin, people in the queue are getting rather angry from waiting. They all want to send their belated Rosh-Hashana greetings to their loved ones.

As always in such cases, there’s the nasty person who will not wait quietly for his turn. He begins with groaning and making resentful eye contact with the clerks; then he expresses his dissatisfaction with the service to the people around him; finally, to the dismay of all others, the angry man steps toward the frailest-looking clerk and begins shouting at her. A definite no-win situation, he returns to his place in the queue after other clerks intervene, and grumpily waits 5 more minutes until he gets a legitimate access to the counter. After paying and finishing his business there, he turns around and calls jovially: Shana Tova!

This isn’t the modern Mr. Scrooge. The streets of Israel on Rosh Hashana really don’t fill with apples and honey as it is with ornaments and red-white socks on December 25th in some other places. But you can somehow feel it in the air. Maybe it’s just that it’s a day off work, maybe it’s because people know that they’re going to get gifts and buy some for their family and friends, or maybe we all really do believe that a new, better year is coming.

People of all stripes, even the most skeptics, perhaps after some hesitation or with a tinge of embarrassment, will greet each other Happy New Year (although will not really know what’s the story with this inscription in the Book of Life). There’s definitely something in the air. Shana Tova.

(Photo courtesy of: mouse.co.il)

Today, I decided to focus on recommendations for people who want to get out of their house and explore beautiful country sites and events in Israel.

1. Honey festival – What’s a better time to go to a honey festival than on Rosh Hashanah? 20 apiaries from all over Israel are opening their gates and allowing the public to visit and explore the marvel world of bees. There is a wide variety of activities, from guided tours to creative work shops. The festival takes place during Rosh Hashanah weekend.

For more information: www.honey.org.il

2. The Bahai gardens – In Haifa, on the steep slopes of Mount Carmel spread the colorful Bahai gardens. With its symmetric shapes, blossoming flowers and spectacular view, it’s one of my personal favorites. The Bahai gardens in Akko are a great option for those of you that prefer leveled surface and more peaceful surroundings.

The visit in the Haifa gardens is only with a guide and has to be coordinated in advance. Both places are free of charge. Haifa 04-8313131, Akko 048358348.

3. Achziv Beach – This is the time to catch some last summer rays and enjoy the nice beaches our country has to offer. A jump to the beach is always refreshing and relaxing like no other activity. Achziv beach is one of prettiest beaches in Israel. It was rather lonely during war time, so come cheer it up!

But actually it doesn’t matter what you chose to do. Our small country is filled with amazing things where ever you go. So grab a pair of sunglasses and a bottle of water and head out.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen

“Just say what happened,” Sa’ar tells me every time I have asked for his advice on how to write this part of the story.

“Yes but it all sounds wrong,’ I tell him. “What will people think of me? It comes across so bad.”
“But it wasn’t bad,” he says.
“What that I went home with you on the first night I met you? That sounds bad, there’s no two ways about it.”
“Yes but nothing happened,” he reminds me.
“What you think they’ll believe me? Everyone will think I’m a slapper.”
“But it wasn’t like that,” he says.
“Well I know it wasn’t like that, but how do you get it across that I’m sitting with you in a pick up bar and you’re trying to convince me to come back to your place. And I go!! You come out looking like a sleaze ball and I just look naïve and stupid. And I can’t get around it.”
“So you have to try and explain exactly what made you come with me that night. What was it exactly?”
“I don’t know. Something just happened.”
“So just explain what happened and leave it like that and let them think what they want.”

I pulled myself onto a bar seat next to Grizzly while Tanya was spinning around the bar, running into at least 7 people she had gone to school with, 9 people she had served in the army with and 25 people who knew her through her ex-husband who was some kind of elite commando and seemed to be on first name terms with every soldier who had served in the IDF. Grizzly, however, seemed to be well beyond the stage of lucid conversation and seemed quite happy drooped over his beer with his thoughts and so I turned round to speak to the guy who was sitting next to me.

He was a singer, he told me, a fact I immediately dismissed to mean that he sometimes strummed a guitar and belted out a few favorites around the camp fire after a few beers with mates, and when he asked me what I did, so keen was I to underline the fact that I would not be a willing partner in any form of chat up or pick up that I launched into an attack on all things Israeli and male, insisting they were a bunch of liars and connivers, with only one thing on their mind, in a vicious tirade that surprised even myself.

He, he insisted, was not a typical Israeli male.

All typical Israeli males, I insisted, say that.

He wasn’t put off and to prove his point he threw out a few impressions of the Tel Aviv beach-cruising types who stop and squat by all the foreign girls on the sand, affecting a deep interest in the book they are reading and eager to share their memories of that fortnight seven years ago that they spent with their cousin in Holland, or London, or Sweden or wherever the particular girl happens to hail from.

He made me laugh. And he kept on making me laugh. And what can I say; I’m a real sucker for people who make me laugh.

And then I just became more and more absorbed in everything he was saying, and he had these deep brown eyes and something so gentle in his face, his hands; there was no aggression, no edge, nothing ulterior, he looked honest, he looked good. Goodness seemed to pulsate from him; kindness, warmth, a shyness, an integrity. It was magnetic.

But I didn’t plan to go home with him. Even as our talking continued, ignoring the commotion of the night around us, brushing Tanya away when she swung by to yell in his ear “not to bother” with me as I was leaving the country, and barely even noticing when she and Grizzly went home and the bar was starting to empty around us and even the bar staff thought it was a sure thing.

I didn’t plan to go home with him even when we went down to the taxi and he gave the driver our separate addresses, and still didn’t when the barman came running down the stairs of the bar waving the bill in his hand that I had forgotten to pay. But as I was taking the notes out of my purse and Sa’ar was waiting patiently for me in the cab, I swear to God, I felt a little kick in my stomach and something said to me “Go with him.”

And I went. And make of that what you will.

Thailand is generally a peaceful country; and one of the most popular for young trippers, particularly Israelis. Events of the past few days, in which Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed in a bloodless Coup d’Etat, ousted the luckless P.M. while he was attending the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York. News clips showed the Thai Army positioning tanks and soldiers all over the capital, Bangkok, and what appears to be joyful acceptance by the Thai population, wearing the yellow colors of the Thai opposition political party, and passing out yellow roses to the soldiers. These events have brought attention once more to an element which has been considered as one of the pillars of Thai society: that being the Thai Royal Family.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit have been on the Royal Siamese Throne for more than 60 years, perhaps the world’s longest reining monarchs. Their Majesties recently celebrated this anniversary with a very festive nation-wide anniversary event on July 12. The Thai army, being almost like the personal palace guards of the royal family, were quick to seize the opportunity of ousting Mr. Shinawatra who had become increasingly unpopular, and had refused to reassign his position, despite Parliamentary calls for him to do so. The P.M.’s problems began in earnest a few months back when the Shin Corporation, owned by his family, was sold to the Tema Sek Holding Company for the hefty sum of $ 1.88 Billion, in a deal smacking of conflict of interest; and far worse than Israel’s so-called “Greek Island Affair” in which former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his son Gadi were accused of being involved in.

The Coup, in which the Thai military have temporarily assumed power, seems to have the support of the Thai population, and life appears to be going on normally there, with even the tourists not seeming to be concerned. The Royal Family, even though considered as ‘figureheads’ appear to have a say in these goings on, and maybe this is why King Bhumibol and his wife have been on the throne for so many years. Most people outside of Thailand, when hearing about the Thai royal family, think romantically about the Novel: Anna and the King of Siam, as well as that classical film, The King and I, in which American bald actor Yul Brenner won an academy award for his role as His Majesty the King. This romanticism has been part of both Siamese and Thai tradition for well over a century, and King Bhumibol’s long reign has been one of the most popular of any modern royal family.

The political turmoil in Thailand will sort itself out soon enough, as the generally friendly and docile Thai people love calm and ‘continuity’. They also love the huge income their country receives from tourism, which has carried on despite the temporary setback from the December 2004 tsunami tidal wave. Though Their Majesties will not live forever, the Siamese Throne will carry on, as their loving subjects want it so. And, as a small addendum, next time you sit down to eat a tuna or shrimp salad, as well as use some Soya or sweet chili sauce on your food, you might glance first at the label of the container to see where it came from.

Long live Thailand and its beautiful people!

(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia)

Miki and Shlomo Goldwasser, like most parents, have a deep and loving feeling for their children. In this case, their love, as well as their concern goes one step further, as they, as are the parents of Ehud, one of two Israeli solder’s captured by the Hezbollah. With the Jewish High Holy Days rapid approaching and their son still being held captive – with no definite word concerning his fate or date of release, the Goldwassers have embarked on their own ‘grass roots’ campaign to free him and the other soldiers held captive, Eldad Regev and Gilad Shalit

Displaying a special quilt being made in Ehud’s honor, Miki Goldwasser commented: “We have tried virtually everything to gain their release, including meeting with (U.N) Secretary General Kofi Annan, and even asking for a direct meeting with representatives of the Hezbollah. Nothing has helped so far, and all we as parents can do is to undertake our own efforts, as concerned parents, to help free Ehud and Eldad.” The patchwork quilt, she said, has had “one square added for each day of their captivity. And we won’t stop until they are free and safe with us back again.”

Ehud’s wife Karnit has also joined this personal effort or ‘reaching out’ to the kidnappers on a very human basis. Karnit, who has known Ehud since Jr. High School, calls him her ’soul mate’, and has also met with internationally known personalities, including U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, who visited Israel recently.

Eldad Regev, whose mother died some years back, also has his father and other family members involved in this campaign. One of the main points of everyone’s frustration is that after 34 days of conflict, with all its implications, both Ehud and Elad, along with Gilad Shalit are still being held. Shalit is rumored to be released shortly, but until this actually happens, it is still a matter of speculation – and hope. Gilad’s father, Noam, also is more optimistic, but with an element of caution as well.

Israelis take very seriously the capture of one of their sons, and each one who falls into this situation becomes literally everybody’s son. This only indicates the deep regard that people living in Israel have for human life, which gives even more meaning to the old Talmudic saying: “he who has saved one life has saved the entire world.”

In the case of these three Israeli ’sons’, their parents are not asking for salvation of entire world, but only for their sons’ safe return. The world can wait a bit longer, for its salvation.

On the eve of the Jewish New Year of 5767, Israel’s non-Jewish population, most particularly its Muslim population, has made the most population gains, percentage –wise. The country’s total population of 6,990,700, now includes 5,131,700 Jews, 76%, and 1,377,100 Arab, 19.7%. What is interesting to note is that, since the year 2000, the Jewish population has actually decreased by 1.8%, while Muslims have increased by 1.1%. The country’s decreasing Christian population is even more noteworthy with only 146,400 total members, of whom 118,700 are classified as Christian Arabs. Another population section of 272,200 are considered ‘other-classified’, or neither as Jews or other religious affiliations. These persons, include certain minority populations (Druze, Samaritans, Circassians, etc.) as well as those from the former Soviet Union, came to Israel under the country’s Law of Return, but are not officially considered Jewish.

One of the more disturbing elements of this apparent population change is the fact that Israeli Jewish women are as a whole having fewer children, now estimated at 2.84 children; down from 2.95 per female in 2003. While religious women, particularly from the orthodox and ultra-orthodox communities are still adhering to the biblical command of “be fruitful and multiply”, their secular counterparts, being more interested in their careers, are having fewer babies – a trend even more prominent in Europe and North America.

It’s understandable why this happening as with increased life styles, non-religious families are more interested with a better standard of living, than having more children. Working women, whose time outside the home is growing, simply do not have the time to raise kids – one of the reasons why more and more day care facilities are now in operation, including those situation at or near women’s work places (the ’silicone valley syndrome’).

Muslim women, on the contrary tend to stay at home more and less likely to choose a career over raising a family. With less emphasis on birth control (secular Jewish women take ‘the pill’ as a matter of course) Muslim families are much larger with an average of 5 children per female.

Income disparity is also become more noteworthy between various elements of the population with a growing gap between the affluent and less-affluent sectors of the population. For example, the top ten per cent against those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. The once prominent middle class is shrinking with more and more joining the ranks of their less fortunate brethren down below. This phenomenon is even more prominent with older workers who find themselves being removed from positions, in favor of younger workers. Non-Jewish population sectors, especially the Arab sector have an even more serious economic dilemma which has been displayed in various forms, including violence.

The recent war has also contributed to this economic ‘lop-sidedness’ in the country’s citizens which will also effect the society during the coming New Year. All in all, these factors will definitely have an influence on future population counts, especially among extreme sections of the population. Increased Jewish immigration may help offset the previously mentioned demographic trends, but in the end, one must be able to earn one’s daily bread.

There is no better time to go out and enjoy your self than the wonderful holiday season, just when you feel you had enough of eating and family gatherings. When all you want to do is relax and forget about everything else.

Part one of my recommendations for the holidays is dedicated to movies. So here are three fun movies, which arrived at theaters this past summer:

1. Aviva My Love – Aviva is a wife of an unemployed husband, a mother of three kids, and a devoted daughter to her aging parents. She works as a chef in a hotel restaurant, but dreams of being an author. Every spare time in her day, she uses to write in her little notebook. Anita, Aviva’s supporting sister, organizes for her a weekly meeting with a well known novelist. It seems as though Aviva’s dream is on the verge of turning into reality.

But, in a sudden surprising twist of the plot, Aviva is forced to confront her life and make big decisions. How will it change her life? How will it influence her family?

Aviva My Love is a sensitive, funny and touching movie. The excellent actors and the realistic story turn it into an unforgettable experience. The movie was shot in Israel but the plot is international.

Director: Shemi Zarhin, Actors: Asi Levy, Rotem Abuhav, Sason Gabai.

2. Volver (from Spanish: to return) – Raimunda and Sole’s parents died in a fire years ago. Their crazy old aunt Paula continues to speak about their mother as if she was alive. When the old aunt dies, the situation changes and the past comes back (Volver) again, in a twist of mystery and suspense.

The cast of the movie consists mainly of women, but that shouldn’t deter men – this is a movie with an original and surprising screenplay, that won’t let you stay indifferent.

Director: Pedro Almodovar, Actors: Penelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – If you like a thrilling and funny film, this is the one. This sequel brings back all the characters from the first movie into a new and surreal adventure. Captain Jack Sparrow is in trouble again with a legendary dead pirate. In order to save his life, he is willing to do anything. Of course the lovers Will and Elizabeth find themselves again involved in the escapade.

This is a truly fun movie, with some amusing highlights and a lot of special effects. Recommended mainly for fans of the genre and fans of Johnny Depp.

Director: Gore Verbinski, Actors: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley

During my stroll down town I have stumbled upon a friend, Glaucon the son of Ariston. We chatted a bit about the weather (”yeah, it’s pretty damn hot”) and then, out of nowhere, says he: “So, whaddya think of those Arabs, eh?”

Correct? Incorrect? Who cares? We all want to discuss politics. And controversial issues too. But mainly politics. It makes sense, doesn’t it? We don’t have much time for entertainment and gossip, when there’s war going on around us, or when there are “just threats” to attack our lovely country. It’s even a bit funny to see the newspapers dealing with the local American Idol contestants or some other non-political issues, “Like hello, we’re in the middle-east here!” So, yes, this is the Israeli situation. And, boy, do we love to discuss it!

The sons of Abraham must have somehow inherited Plato’s legacy. In every social event, be it a family Shabbat dinner or stam hanging out with friends, one of the following issues is bound to come up:

- The on-going (never-ending?) Israeli-Arab conflict;
- Israeli politicians (highly praised, or not very much so);
- Religion and religious belief;
- Minorities (immigrants, foreign workers, homosexuals, what not)

Such non-PC discussions never end until every single participant has presented all their arguments, usually with much effort to overcome the others’ speech volume, frequently ending without much agreement. Yet, though they can become somewhat rough, these conversations almost always end in a friendly way. The agreement to disagree, with which most Western discussions begin, does not appeal to the all-knowing Israeli, and, you know what? I tend to think it’s not such a bad thing after all. Why hold stuff inside and smile and nod, when there is obviously a way of expressing your beliefs and ideas in a polite and intelligent manner? Now tell me you don’t have anything clever to say about that…!