I just have to wrap up a paper here to close out spring semester at Ben-Gurion University. Doesn't feel much like spring here in the baking oven that is Israel in August. I made it through exams in one piece. Room for improvement? Absolutely. But I'm feeling incredible to have these doozies: epidemiology, budget management & planning, & pathophysiology-all in Hebrew-in my rearview mirror.
I'll have to throw a bunch of links for your reading pleasure (ok, maybe most of this isn't the most leisurely reading), and then get back to work...
I'll start with friend Elana Kieffer's article on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces' Spokesperson's Unit about last week's Lebanese attack across our northern border, killing one soldier and seriously wounding another. This Jerusalem Post editorial urges a new approach to Lebanon from the US. I'd urge as I regularly do that you follow AIPAC's latest action items. Barry Rubin answers who's to blame for. Here's a column about Shimon Peres versus the Brits. You probably see all about Israel oppressing Palestinians if you read, say, the New York Times. Less likely that you've seen measures that the Palestinian Authority’s security forces are taking against those connected to Hamas. I did find this Times op-ed enlightening on Arab views towards the Palestinians. Also interesting are a David Horovitz interview with Arab-Israeli relations.
In lighter news, it's always fun watching coverage of the latest Nefesh B'Nefesh flight full of new olim to Israel. And if you managed to miss clown Amare Stoudemire's interview on an Israeli sports channel, and feel like a laugh, check it out. Interesting that he hasn't had his bat mitzvah yet.
I'm afraid the only thing I'll be writing for now is that essay. See you back here after I get that bad boy off the to-do list. For now, let's go Texas Rangers!
שבוע טוב, וחודש טוב,
אריק/Eric
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
2 incredible years
A reflection on two incredible years as an Israeli since my July 10, 2008 aliyah (it is still the 10th back in the US...). Video of the once-in-a-lifetime landing here...
The immediate first thought while reflecting on the last two years is how incredible the friends I have encountered are. I've lucked out with some of the coolest roommates I've ever had--the kind of guys who tell the jokes that you think of the next day and then just start busting out laughing on the street. I have been blessed with so many incredible people who pray for my dad's recovery without having met him (If you like, please keep posted on Dad's fight with cancer at his CaringBridge site. Mentioning those friends wasn't a hint, but your prayers for Jerry/ידידיה בן נעמי are greatly appreciated). I feel so fortunate to be studying for a Master's in Gerontology at Ben-Gurion University with an incredible cohort that includes the director of an elderly day center for the last 14 years, and her boss, as well as a whole slew of others who look out for the only new immigrant in the program (one friend has taught me some priceless slang). I think of how technology such as the latest find, Rebtel (where I pay $.015/minute to call the US), makes it so much easier to be across the world than it was for olim decades ago. Easier, but certainly not easy.
For those of you who are Six Feet Under fans, this goosebump-arousing final scene of the series may help you to understand my feelings upon moving east, like Clare. The excitement of my journey and enormous move doesn't negate the reality that everything will come to an end, and that I won't always be able to be where/with whom I want to be.
For all the political frustrations, the war in Gaza, and the daily struggles, I am still full of hope and optimism for my future here and my ability to continue climbing even higher towards the over-arching goal of improving life for the elderly in Israel.
In totally different news, I'm all smiles about the great news out of Texas of a pitcher's arrival that could really make for a promising season (for once) for my Rangers!
As for July 4th, already a week back: I, like Ray Charles, love America! On the 4th, though, I took in the beauty of Israel on work, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to gorgeous Kibbutz Hamadia in the Beit She'an Valley. Hamadia is surrounded by hills and mountains, the Jordan River Valley to the east, and the mountains of Jordan across the valley. We arrived shortly before sunset, and the beauty was quite simply stunning.
Here's to some US-style freedom for Gilad Shalit, Israeli kids in the Gaza belt who still visit their bomb shelters too often (139 rockets were fired during the 1st 6 months of 2010; 5 dead, 243 hurt from Palestinian terrorism over that time), and my neighbors who are guided by hatred and rejection. Break those shackles, let a little love into your heart, and let's all build a future here.
Last Thursday, I caught only the flow of participants out of Jerusalem's Independence Park after the rally for Shalit led by his parents. The event capped their 11-day march from their home, all the way in Israel's North, to Jerusalem, accompanied by thousands of supporters. (I actually encountered the march twice: on the way up to Hamadia, and then on the return from Beer Sheva to Jerusalem). An interesting dichotomy was seen in the counter-protesters, saying "Free Gilad, but not at any price", many of whom were religious, in contrast with the overwhelmingly secular attendees of the main rally. We are a too-divided people, trying to make impossible decisions which weigh the freedom everyone wants for one young twenty-something against the safety of the entire country's citizens.
Here's Barry Rubin on misinformation in reporting on the Middle East, Daniel Pipes questioning whether it's wise to take the Palestinian Authority's proclamations in English seriously, and another awful terrorist attack that thankfully went awry.
As for last week's markedly improved (at least in appearance) Obama-Netanyahu meeting, David Horovitz comments on Obama's Channel 2 interview and asks whether the relationship really is now on better footing.
In gerontology news, this EU initiative for a Europe-wide public debate on pension systems looks very interesting.
With that I must go to bed. שבוע טוב!
אריק/Eric
The immediate first thought while reflecting on the last two years is how incredible the friends I have encountered are. I've lucked out with some of the coolest roommates I've ever had--the kind of guys who tell the jokes that you think of the next day and then just start busting out laughing on the street. I have been blessed with so many incredible people who pray for my dad's recovery without having met him (If you like, please keep posted on Dad's fight with cancer at his CaringBridge site. Mentioning those friends wasn't a hint, but your prayers for Jerry/ידידיה בן נעמי are greatly appreciated). I feel so fortunate to be studying for a Master's in Gerontology at Ben-Gurion University with an incredible cohort that includes the director of an elderly day center for the last 14 years, and her boss, as well as a whole slew of others who look out for the only new immigrant in the program (one friend has taught me some priceless slang). I think of how technology such as the latest find, Rebtel (where I pay $.015/minute to call the US), makes it so much easier to be across the world than it was for olim decades ago. Easier, but certainly not easy.
For those of you who are Six Feet Under fans, this goosebump-arousing final scene of the series may help you to understand my feelings upon moving east, like Clare. The excitement of my journey and enormous move doesn't negate the reality that everything will come to an end, and that I won't always be able to be where/with whom I want to be.
For all the political frustrations, the war in Gaza, and the daily struggles, I am still full of hope and optimism for my future here and my ability to continue climbing even higher towards the over-arching goal of improving life for the elderly in Israel.
In totally different news, I'm all smiles about the great news out of Texas of a pitcher's arrival that could really make for a promising season (for once) for my Rangers!
As for July 4th, already a week back: I, like Ray Charles, love America! On the 4th, though, I took in the beauty of Israel on work, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to gorgeous Kibbutz Hamadia in the Beit She'an Valley. Hamadia is surrounded by hills and mountains, the Jordan River Valley to the east, and the mountains of Jordan across the valley. We arrived shortly before sunset, and the beauty was quite simply stunning.
Here's to some US-style freedom for Gilad Shalit, Israeli kids in the Gaza belt who still visit their bomb shelters too often (139 rockets were fired during the 1st 6 months of 2010; 5 dead, 243 hurt from Palestinian terrorism over that time), and my neighbors who are guided by hatred and rejection. Break those shackles, let a little love into your heart, and let's all build a future here.
Last Thursday, I caught only the flow of participants out of Jerusalem's Independence Park after the rally for Shalit led by his parents. The event capped their 11-day march from their home, all the way in Israel's North, to Jerusalem, accompanied by thousands of supporters. (I actually encountered the march twice: on the way up to Hamadia, and then on the return from Beer Sheva to Jerusalem). An interesting dichotomy was seen in the counter-protesters, saying "Free Gilad, but not at any price", many of whom were religious, in contrast with the overwhelmingly secular attendees of the main rally. We are a too-divided people, trying to make impossible decisions which weigh the freedom everyone wants for one young twenty-something against the safety of the entire country's citizens.
Here's Barry Rubin on misinformation in reporting on the Middle East, Daniel Pipes questioning whether it's wise to take the Palestinian Authority's proclamations in English seriously, and another awful terrorist attack that thankfully went awry.
As for last week's markedly improved (at least in appearance) Obama-Netanyahu meeting, David Horovitz comments on Obama's Channel 2 interview and asks whether the relationship really is now on better footing.
In gerontology news, this EU initiative for a Europe-wide public debate on pension systems looks very interesting.
With that I must go to bed. שבוע טוב!
אריק/Eric
Friday, July 2, 2010
4 years...+ another week
...since Gilad Shalit was kidnapped inside Israel and taken into Gaza in captivity by Hamas. Last week's fourth anniversary was commemorated around the world. I think this Jerusalem Post editorial voices a level-headed approach to the debate. As for whom we're dealing with in Hamas, here's their charter, translated by the wonderful Middle East Media Research Institute. Take a look at the insanity that is Hamas.
Here's the latest barrage of links...Important info on the humanitarian situation in Gaza from: Arutz Sheva, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
If only it would be so easy to create 5 states as Daniel Gordis devised here. Here's a Wall Street Journal column on "world opinion" and Israel. Here's Barry Rubin on the repercussions of Israel easing the blockade of Gaza, and then dissecting Obama's White House statement on Gaza. Here's an interesting David Horovitz-Tony Blair interview. Daniel Pipes voices his always strong opinions about the Jihadi terrorism debate here. Will Islam ever accept Israel? Take a look here.
In domestic news--we seem to be paying for the Israel Water Authority's incompetence, and the traditionally outstanding Israeli health care system needs an inordinant amount of work to stay strong.
I admittedly didn't get to check out Richard L. Rubenstein aside from the bio provided here, but he has nothing nice to say about President Obama. I certainly like to hope he's way off. However, the way that, in my eyes, Obama has time and again said and done the wrong thing when presented with the opportunity to do like Spike Lee did, "Do the Right Thing," I am concerned.
For something completely different, check out this cool Herbie Hancock interview about his musical globalization efforts.
Here's my letter to Anat Dotan-Amar's son:
Dear Rotem Yair,
Your mother Anat epitomized everything I have come to love about our country, Israel. She radiated light, joy, and celebration through her incredible smile and love for this place and for her fellow Jewish people. That light that she brought into the world will shine on. Your middle name Yair could not be more appropriate--you, please G-d, will illuminate the world just like your mom did.
I’ll never forget Anat’s contributions to our OTZMA year: from passionately organizing our Partnership 2000 groups' visits to see countless volunteer opportunities (for us Chicagoans, in Kiryat Gat), to impeccably leading our tour of the Kotel Tunnels (as she had while an IDF tour guide), to conveying to us how influential the poet Rachel and Naomi Shemer were to her while we visited their graves at the Kinneret Cemetery, to a hundred laughs over a falafel in the mall...the range of Anat’s impact is unfathomable.
A simple thing will stick with me and keep me smiling, optimistic, and more energized than ever to emulate Anat and make a positive impact on Israeli society--your mother’s smile. It could melt all the seemingly endless tension here in the Middle East, and around the world.
As for me, two exams down, which makes me halfway there. They went well, as dad last night's Hebrew placement exam. Here's hoping I can get the Hebrew exemption, which is required to receive a degree from an Israeli university, with as few semesters of extra Hebrew Ulpan as possible.
Gotta throw together a dish for lunch tomorrow and get my Shabbat rest on! Love from Jerusalem,
אריק/Eric
Here's the latest barrage of links...Important info on the humanitarian situation in Gaza from: Arutz Sheva, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
If only it would be so easy to create 5 states as Daniel Gordis devised here. Here's a Wall Street Journal column on "world opinion" and Israel. Here's Barry Rubin on the repercussions of Israel easing the blockade of Gaza, and then dissecting Obama's White House statement on Gaza. Here's an interesting David Horovitz-Tony Blair interview. Daniel Pipes voices his always strong opinions about the Jihadi terrorism debate here. Will Islam ever accept Israel? Take a look here.
In domestic news--we seem to be paying for the Israel Water Authority's incompetence, and the traditionally outstanding Israeli health care system needs an inordinant amount of work to stay strong.
I admittedly didn't get to check out Richard L. Rubenstein aside from the bio provided here, but he has nothing nice to say about President Obama. I certainly like to hope he's way off. However, the way that, in my eyes, Obama has time and again said and done the wrong thing when presented with the opportunity to do like Spike Lee did, "Do the Right Thing," I am concerned.
For something completely different, check out this cool Herbie Hancock interview about his musical globalization efforts.
Here's my letter to Anat Dotan-Amar's son:
Dear Rotem Yair,
Your mother Anat epitomized everything I have come to love about our country, Israel. She radiated light, joy, and celebration through her incredible smile and love for this place and for her fellow Jewish people. That light that she brought into the world will shine on. Your middle name Yair could not be more appropriate--you, please G-d, will illuminate the world just like your mom did.
I’ll never forget Anat’s contributions to our OTZMA year: from passionately organizing our Partnership 2000 groups' visits to see countless volunteer opportunities (for us Chicagoans, in Kiryat Gat), to impeccably leading our tour of the Kotel Tunnels (as she had while an IDF tour guide), to conveying to us how influential the poet Rachel and Naomi Shemer were to her while we visited their graves at the Kinneret Cemetery, to a hundred laughs over a falafel in the mall...the range of Anat’s impact is unfathomable.
A simple thing will stick with me and keep me smiling, optimistic, and more energized than ever to emulate Anat and make a positive impact on Israeli society--your mother’s smile. It could melt all the seemingly endless tension here in the Middle East, and around the world.
As for me, two exams down, which makes me halfway there. They went well, as dad last night's Hebrew placement exam. Here's hoping I can get the Hebrew exemption, which is required to receive a degree from an Israeli university, with as few semesters of extra Hebrew Ulpan as possible.
Gotta throw together a dish for lunch tomorrow and get my Shabbat rest on! Love from Jerusalem,
אריק/Eric
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Think we can't win? You've got another thing coming
No, that's not for the Hawks, although I will be up with Chicagoan Noah and the other roomies tomorrow for the 3 am face-off here, as the Blackhawks and Michigan alum John Madden try to bring Chicago its first Cup in almost 50 years...
Last week's flotilla was merely the latest in a relentless string of can't-win situations for Israel. And we lost quite a bit in the face of a clueless world, giant swaths of which has been brainwashed by their leaders to be violently anti-Semitic.
Our enemies may believe (and are saying) that Israel can't win. They're dead wrong. We will defeat them. Don't mess with me--I've been working out :) That's me on a bike that powers the laundry machine at uber-green Kibbutz Lotan down south in the Arava.
Last week was one of those weeks. When I came to Israel on OTZMA, I experienced the bitter divisiveness that displayed itself with Prime Minister Sharon's plan to disengage from Gaza (which went through three months after I left). One afternoon, I saw a sign at a rally at Jerusalem's Paris Square against the disengagement reading, "If the IDF leaves Gaza, the rockets falling on Sderot will arrive in Ashdod and Beer Sheva." Despite my support at the time for Sharon's plan, that sign of course made me stop and ask myself whether the protestors could be proven correct. And, sure enough, Ashdod and Beer Sheva were attacked a few short years later. Long before I had decided to make aliyah, it became very clear to me that afternoon that living here means moments like that which provide you with a gray hair or three. So let's just say it feels that I got a whole bunch last week. You can't say I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I decided to take my new country for everything that comes with her. I still believe very strongly that I made the correct decision for a more meaningful life.
So last Shabbat provided me with the great opportunity it always does to take 25 hours worth of a deep breath. It was especially sorely needed last Friday to tone down after an emotional week. Saturday and Sunday nights' continuation of the free concert party with Holland's OhnO! Jazzband and Israel's Tabachnik jazz combo also helped immensely. During the Tabachnik show, I got an opportunity to say hi to jazz giant Joe Lovano, who had just headlined the festival's jazz series. He couldn't have been kinder, and was on a high from a great show (guess I'll have to catch the next one).
I'll provide one more barrage of what I feel are important reads. I'd love to hear what you're reading as well. We'll see how long I can hold out, but exams are approaching rather quickly--so don't hold your breath for the next post.
As for concerts, here's a Jerusalem Post Editorial about how best to respond to the latest additions to the concert cancellation list.
Here's Horovitz's Friday column about the flotilla. Krauthammer wonders aloud how the world would like Israel to defend herself here. Yaakov Katz gets into the IDF intelligence failures here. Gil Hoffman details the latest version of Israel v. the world here. Meet the martyrdom seekers onboard here. This Jerusalem Post editorial points out the enormity of the Israeli Supreme Court's legal support of the IDF. Another begs the US to respond fair-mindedly. Details about the anti-Israel hackers, mostly from Turkey, here. Jonathan Spyer decries the world's misplaced condemnation here. Barry Rubin wants the world to think a little deeper before crying for Hamas. David Harris calls out the Free Gaza Movement for what it truly is, namely the official Hamas Fan Club. Tough questions about the affair from an Israeli business paper here. It's at times like these that Caroline Glick's farther-right-from-center-than-my-liking analysis makes sense to me (here she defends Israel's strategic value to the US). This advisor to President Shimon Peres lets buffoon Helen Thomas hear it here. Here, The Israel Project founder and president calls for a wholly new brand of Israel advocacy.
As for the Turkish side of this snafu, Robert Pollock looks into the decline of Turkey here. Here's a wake-up call about the Kurdish victims of Turkey. Harvard Law alum Joel Pollak calls for a legal offensive against Turkey here. This Washington Post editorial surprised me by laying responsibility on Turkey's Erdogan. Here's a long one from Turkey expert Rubin.
If you prefer watching videos to reading (that's cool, go ahead and own that), this depiction is very well done. And I couldn't post without including this satirical video, We Con the World, which my friend Shlomo put together (he and Glick also got singing gigs). Not gonna lie--I personally would've made it a couple minutes shorter, but it's pretty freakin brilliant. Watch out--my roommates and I can't stop singing this catchy ditty to ourselves.
And here's The Israel Project's latest list of Pro-Israel Rallies/Events, as well as AIPAC's Take Action Page. I'd humbly suggest you both Back Israel's Right to Self-Defense, and equally importantly Back Crippling Sanctions on Iran. Thanks so much for getting Israel's back!
אריק/Eric
Last week's flotilla was merely the latest in a relentless string of can't-win situations for Israel. And we lost quite a bit in the face of a clueless world, giant swaths of which has been brainwashed by their leaders to be violently anti-Semitic.
Our enemies may believe (and are saying) that Israel can't win. They're dead wrong. We will defeat them. Don't mess with me--I've been working out :) That's me on a bike that powers the laundry machine at uber-green Kibbutz Lotan down south in the Arava.Last week was one of those weeks. When I came to Israel on OTZMA, I experienced the bitter divisiveness that displayed itself with Prime Minister Sharon's plan to disengage from Gaza (which went through three months after I left). One afternoon, I saw a sign at a rally at Jerusalem's Paris Square against the disengagement reading, "If the IDF leaves Gaza, the rockets falling on Sderot will arrive in Ashdod and Beer Sheva." Despite my support at the time for Sharon's plan, that sign of course made me stop and ask myself whether the protestors could be proven correct. And, sure enough, Ashdod and Beer Sheva were attacked a few short years later. Long before I had decided to make aliyah, it became very clear to me that afternoon that living here means moments like that which provide you with a gray hair or three. So let's just say it feels that I got a whole bunch last week. You can't say I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I decided to take my new country for everything that comes with her. I still believe very strongly that I made the correct decision for a more meaningful life.
So last Shabbat provided me with the great opportunity it always does to take 25 hours worth of a deep breath. It was especially sorely needed last Friday to tone down after an emotional week. Saturday and Sunday nights' continuation of the free concert party with Holland's OhnO! Jazzband and Israel's Tabachnik jazz combo also helped immensely. During the Tabachnik show, I got an opportunity to say hi to jazz giant Joe Lovano, who had just headlined the festival's jazz series. He couldn't have been kinder, and was on a high from a great show (guess I'll have to catch the next one).
I'll provide one more barrage of what I feel are important reads. I'd love to hear what you're reading as well. We'll see how long I can hold out, but exams are approaching rather quickly--so don't hold your breath for the next post.
As for concerts, here's a Jerusalem Post Editorial about how best to respond to the latest additions to the concert cancellation list.
Here's Horovitz's Friday column about the flotilla. Krauthammer wonders aloud how the world would like Israel to defend herself here. Yaakov Katz gets into the IDF intelligence failures here. Gil Hoffman details the latest version of Israel v. the world here. Meet the martyrdom seekers onboard here. This Jerusalem Post editorial points out the enormity of the Israeli Supreme Court's legal support of the IDF. Another begs the US to respond fair-mindedly. Details about the anti-Israel hackers, mostly from Turkey, here. Jonathan Spyer decries the world's misplaced condemnation here. Barry Rubin wants the world to think a little deeper before crying for Hamas. David Harris calls out the Free Gaza Movement for what it truly is, namely the official Hamas Fan Club. Tough questions about the affair from an Israeli business paper here. It's at times like these that Caroline Glick's farther-right-from-center-than-my-liking analysis makes sense to me (here she defends Israel's strategic value to the US). This advisor to President Shimon Peres lets buffoon Helen Thomas hear it here. Here, The Israel Project founder and president calls for a wholly new brand of Israel advocacy.
As for the Turkish side of this snafu, Robert Pollock looks into the decline of Turkey here. Here's a wake-up call about the Kurdish victims of Turkey. Harvard Law alum Joel Pollak calls for a legal offensive against Turkey here. This Washington Post editorial surprised me by laying responsibility on Turkey's Erdogan. Here's a long one from Turkey expert Rubin.
If you prefer watching videos to reading (that's cool, go ahead and own that), this depiction is very well done. And I couldn't post without including this satirical video, We Con the World, which my friend Shlomo put together (he and Glick also got singing gigs). Not gonna lie--I personally would've made it a couple minutes shorter, but it's pretty freakin brilliant. Watch out--my roommates and I can't stop singing this catchy ditty to ourselves.
And here's The Israel Project's latest list of Pro-Israel Rallies/Events, as well as AIPAC's Take Action Page. I'd humbly suggest you both Back Israel's Right to Self-Defense, and equally importantly Back Crippling Sanctions on Iran. Thanks so much for getting Israel's back!
With all that, I must wish y'all adieu. Much love from Beer Sheva, gray hairs be damned!
אריק/Eric
Friday, June 4, 2010
I LOVE ISRAEL/אני אוהב את ישראל
This has been a rough week. I heard Sunday night of the passing of Anat Dotan, who staffed my incredible year on OTZMA five years ago. Her smile and the light that she brought into the world will shine on. But it will take some time to come to terms with the tragedy of her passing at the age of 33, one week after the birth of her first son, Rotem Yair (Yair means to illuminate, as he, please G-d, will illuminate the world like his mom did), and two hours before Rotem's brit.
Shortly before heading to her funeral in Kfar Saba, I got news of the flotilla/משט incident. It goes without saying that I regret the deaths of nine passengers of the flotilla. As for the outrageous condemnation that has been showered on Israel since Monday morning...
MY ISRAEL
My Israel is the incredible place where I have, since last Thursday night alone, seen the following:
At the annual Israel Festival, free concerts at the Jerusalem Theater by Kabako (African jazz and dance), Vitaly Podolsky and the Gypsy Drive (always good to hear some accordion on a Saturday night), a celebration of the 200th Argentinian Independence Day featuring Argentinian olah (immigrant to Israel) singer Perla Malkus, and tonight's 40th anniversary of Woodstock celebration of classic rock. Last night's Jerusalem celebration concert (also free) featured the reggae, etc.-influenced Mosh Ben-Ari, as well as pop singers Moshe Peretz and Harel Skat. On the way out, we caught a killer fireworks show at just the right time--with the Knesset spectacularly placed in the background. And in between, I caught a Beer Sheva fundraiser for children with cancer featuring my favorite hip-hop band Hadag Nachash, singers Efrat Gosh and Dudu Tasa, goofy cover band Groove Redemption, and a few others.
My Israel is the country that is providing me with an incredible education: a Master's in Gerontology, studying alongside a passionate, well-seasoned in the field, serious cohort who diligently soak up as much learning as they can for the benefit of Israel's elderly.
My Israel is home to this week's Shavua Ha'Sefer Ha'Ivri/Hebrew Book Week, with all of Israel's major cities celebrating the nerdiness of the bookwormy Jewish people.
My Israel is host to the two rocking weddings of friends I attended over the last two weeks, overflowing with happiness and celebration. There is absolutely nothing to compare to celebrating the beginning of two marriages in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Judaism over the millenia.
My Israel (specifically in my diverse but predominantly national-religious area of Jerusalem) is a place where you can't possibly miss the schedule of the Jewish calendar.
My Israel is home t
o the world's only Stage for the Deaf-Blind, the NaLag'at Center in Yafo. Well then. I just tried to link to their website (nalagaat.org.il), which has been hacked as a virtual protest for Palestine (as was a friend's company's website). You have to be kidding me. Simply pathetic. If they only realized the beauty of this incredible center that they try to silence. About a month and a half ago, we dined at Cafe Kappish, staffed by hearing-impaired waiters (who taught us lots of sign language), then attended the purely magical "Not From Bread Alone" play. This photo is of the posse with our waiter. My Israel empowers its weak. Let's hear whether there's a theater employing and giving a voice to the deaf and blind in Gaza.
My Israel was the home to tonight's one-of-a-kind evening of a medley of Nelly rap songs over sushi dinner--hand-rolled by my roommates, some of the coolest cats on earth.
An addition with kudos to friend Sara Hirschhorn for calling me out (everyone, please do make this a conversation): My Israel is where I learn from classmate Mohammed about the fascinating family and cultural structure of the Muslim and Bedouin family with regards to its elderly. (Side note: Mohammed is a Social Work student, not in my Gerontology program. As far as I know, there are no Arab students in my program. The word is that this field does not attract them. On my campus, however, there is a very significant Arab student population, seemingly mostly in the nursing program). Admittedly, that is my only regular significant interaction with an Arab, I have no interaction with Palestinians, and I would like to change that. There's simply not enough time in the day to do everything though.
All of my vibrant Israel and more could have been possible of a neighboring Palestine, starting back in 1948 and even earlier, and time and time again since. But all this won't be part of a neighboring Palestine until those of our neighbors who are rejectionist will stop rejecting me, stop hating me, and stop working to kill me for being here, being Jewish, and living out my dream--the dream of my grandparents who never made it to Israel and countless generations before them. Until you stop rejecting, hating, and working to kill me, there is no real conversation to be conducted here. And if you try to kill one of my brothers in the IDF, so he's going to kill you first.
As for the news, I'll start with the work of dear friends from Ulpan Etzion who made aliyah roughly when I did--Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson reporter Elana Kieffer and photographer Arielle Yahalom. These women are like my sisters. I just saw Elana at an engagement party (the parties truly never end). We were lucky that she jumped out to celebrate another Ulpan friend's engagement, as she stayed in the office for two days straight this week, working her tucchus off to get the truth out to the world. She believes strongly that as more and more footage continues to be released, we continue to look better and better. Here's one of many articles on which Elana has worked (check them all out at idf.il). The Spokesperson's Unit's YouTube channel is also a great resource.
I'd suggest you read the following analysis, and throw the anti-Israel slander into the recycling bin, where it belongs. Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, tells it how it is here. Here's Daniel Gordis, on top of his game as always. Take a look at UN Watch's Hillel Neuer attacking the "humanitarian" credentials of the flotilla. Shmuel Rosner doesn't beat around the bush here. A fellow OTZMA participant's brother Joel lauds the IDF's courageous restraint here. Do you feel that the world has gone mad? So does this guy. Here's some context to Monday's firestorm. David Horovitz frustratingly tears a new one into whoever withheld critical film coverage of the mission for whatever cynical reasons.
Did you know: Well over a million tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Israel from January 2009 - May 2010, equaling nearly a ton of aid for every man, woman and child in Gaza. A ton. Get more information on humanitarian aid from Israel to Gaza on this Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.
So...if you stand with Israel and believe in her right to defend herself, please take it to the streets! That's all I could ask of those of you who live in the cities on this list of pro-Israel rallies. Thanks so much in advance.
In non-flotilla news, here's a nice video presentation of Israel's critical security needs. Here's a Jerusalem Post editorial on Obama dropping yet another ball, this time with his colossal failure on the NPT. More on Obama's foreign policy cluelessness here from Martin Kramer.
With that, I'll wish farewell to a less-than-perfect week and re-visit the high I left you with last Friday--standing on top of the world Van Halen-style. I'm smiling as I go to bed while dear friends and family celebrate my Dad's birthday back in Dallas. Rare is the party which has nearly everyone invited in attendance. Mom and Dad are truly special people--love you guys and happy bday Dad!
With love for you and for Israel in every fiber of my being,
אריק/Eric
Shortly before heading to her funeral in Kfar Saba, I got news of the flotilla/משט incident. It goes without saying that I regret the deaths of nine passengers of the flotilla. As for the outrageous condemnation that has been showered on Israel since Monday morning...
MY ISRAEL
My Israel is the incredible place where I have, since last Thursday night alone, seen the following:
At the annual Israel Festival, free concerts at the Jerusalem Theater by Kabako (African jazz and dance), Vitaly Podolsky and the Gypsy Drive (always good to hear some accordion on a Saturday night), a celebration of the 200th Argentinian Independence Day featuring Argentinian olah (immigrant to Israel) singer Perla Malkus, and tonight's 40th anniversary of Woodstock celebration of classic rock. Last night's Jerusalem celebration concert (also free) featured the reggae, etc.-influenced Mosh Ben-Ari, as well as pop singers Moshe Peretz and Harel Skat. On the way out, we caught a killer fireworks show at just the right time--with the Knesset spectacularly placed in the background. And in between, I caught a Beer Sheva fundraiser for children with cancer featuring my favorite hip-hop band Hadag Nachash, singers Efrat Gosh and Dudu Tasa, goofy cover band Groove Redemption, and a few others.
My Israel is the country that is providing me with an incredible education: a Master's in Gerontology, studying alongside a passionate, well-seasoned in the field, serious cohort who diligently soak up as much learning as they can for the benefit of Israel's elderly.
My Israel is home to this week's Shavua Ha'Sefer Ha'Ivri/Hebrew Book Week, with all of Israel's major cities celebrating the nerdiness of the bookwormy Jewish people.
My Israel is host to the two rocking weddings of friends I attended over the last two weeks, overflowing with happiness and celebration. There is absolutely nothing to compare to celebrating the beginning of two marriages in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Judaism over the millenia.
My Israel (specifically in my diverse but predominantly national-religious area of Jerusalem) is a place where you can't possibly miss the schedule of the Jewish calendar.
My Israel is home t
o the world's only Stage for the Deaf-Blind, the NaLag'at Center in Yafo. Well then. I just tried to link to their website (nalagaat.org.il), which has been hacked as a virtual protest for Palestine (as was a friend's company's website). You have to be kidding me. Simply pathetic. If they only realized the beauty of this incredible center that they try to silence. About a month and a half ago, we dined at Cafe Kappish, staffed by hearing-impaired waiters (who taught us lots of sign language), then attended the purely magical "Not From Bread Alone" play. This photo is of the posse with our waiter. My Israel empowers its weak. Let's hear whether there's a theater employing and giving a voice to the deaf and blind in Gaza.My Israel was the home to tonight's one-of-a-kind evening of a medley of Nelly rap songs over sushi dinner--hand-rolled by my roommates, some of the coolest cats on earth.
An addition with kudos to friend Sara Hirschhorn for calling me out (everyone, please do make this a conversation): My Israel is where I learn from classmate Mohammed about the fascinating family and cultural structure of the Muslim and Bedouin family with regards to its elderly. (Side note: Mohammed is a Social Work student, not in my Gerontology program. As far as I know, there are no Arab students in my program. The word is that this field does not attract them. On my campus, however, there is a very significant Arab student population, seemingly mostly in the nursing program). Admittedly, that is my only regular significant interaction with an Arab, I have no interaction with Palestinians, and I would like to change that. There's simply not enough time in the day to do everything though.
All of my vibrant Israel and more could have been possible of a neighboring Palestine, starting back in 1948 and even earlier, and time and time again since. But all this won't be part of a neighboring Palestine until those of our neighbors who are rejectionist will stop rejecting me, stop hating me, and stop working to kill me for being here, being Jewish, and living out my dream--the dream of my grandparents who never made it to Israel and countless generations before them. Until you stop rejecting, hating, and working to kill me, there is no real conversation to be conducted here. And if you try to kill one of my brothers in the IDF, so he's going to kill you first.
As for the news, I'll start with the work of dear friends from Ulpan Etzion who made aliyah roughly when I did--Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson reporter Elana Kieffer and photographer Arielle Yahalom. These women are like my sisters. I just saw Elana at an engagement party (the parties truly never end). We were lucky that she jumped out to celebrate another Ulpan friend's engagement, as she stayed in the office for two days straight this week, working her tucchus off to get the truth out to the world. She believes strongly that as more and more footage continues to be released, we continue to look better and better. Here's one of many articles on which Elana has worked (check them all out at idf.il). The Spokesperson's Unit's YouTube channel is also a great resource.
I'd suggest you read the following analysis, and throw the anti-Israel slander into the recycling bin, where it belongs. Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, tells it how it is here. Here's Daniel Gordis, on top of his game as always. Take a look at UN Watch's Hillel Neuer attacking the "humanitarian" credentials of the flotilla. Shmuel Rosner doesn't beat around the bush here. A fellow OTZMA participant's brother Joel lauds the IDF's courageous restraint here. Do you feel that the world has gone mad? So does this guy. Here's some context to Monday's firestorm. David Horovitz frustratingly tears a new one into whoever withheld critical film coverage of the mission for whatever cynical reasons.
Did you know: Well over a million tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Israel from January 2009 - May 2010, equaling nearly a ton of aid for every man, woman and child in Gaza. A ton. Get more information on humanitarian aid from Israel to Gaza on this Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.
So...if you stand with Israel and believe in her right to defend herself, please take it to the streets! That's all I could ask of those of you who live in the cities on this list of pro-Israel rallies. Thanks so much in advance.
In non-flotilla news, here's a nice video presentation of Israel's critical security needs. Here's a Jerusalem Post editorial on Obama dropping yet another ball, this time with his colossal failure on the NPT. More on Obama's foreign policy cluelessness here from Martin Kramer.
With that, I'll wish farewell to a less-than-perfect week and re-visit the high I left you with last Friday--standing on top of the world Van Halen-style. I'm smiling as I go to bed while dear friends and family celebrate my Dad's birthday back in Dallas. Rare is the party which has nearly everyone invited in attendance. Mom and Dad are truly special people--love you guys and happy bday Dad!
With love for you and for Israel in every fiber of my being,
אריק/Eric
Friday, May 28, 2010
שבת שלום/Shabbat Shalom!
Hi all,
From way back on Yom Ha'atzma'ut (Independence Day), here's friend and fellow J.J. Pearce alum Benji Lovitt's annual list of things he loves about Israel.
What in the world is going on on the Mount of Olives Cemetery?
Here's an insightful interview with minister Silvan Shalom.
As for Michigan news, here Drew Henson expresses regret for leaving Michigan early. Wonder if that has anything to do with the earful I gave him after Rick's let out on a Saturday night...
I caught a great May 13 concert, the first time I saw the Israel Philharmonic (in Israel anyway, may have seen them in Ann Arbor), backing legendary singer Yehudit Ravitz. At bottom is the song list from the less-festive Memorial Day event.
Since the last post, it feels like we've commemorated/celebrated a million holidays (plus two joyous weddings of friends), all of which I'll have to come back and cover. Never a dull moment!
For now, recent articles of note...
From way back on Yom Ha'atzma'ut (Independence Day), here's friend and fellow J.J. Pearce alum Benji Lovitt's annual list of things he loves about Israel.
What in the world is going on on the Mount of Olives Cemetery?
Here's an insightful interview with minister Silvan Shalom.
As of his decision to cancel his planned Israel performance, Elvis Costello is dead to me (as much as I enjoyed his show in Grant Park at Taste of Chicago some seven years ago). David Horovitz could not have expressed my opinion better.
Here, Daniel Gordis spells out the challenges of re-connecting Jewish youth to Israel. I do my best to portray my Israel to all you loyal readers in the hope that you'll connect to this incredibly powerful place as I have.
Here, Ed Koch spells out how Obama is a giant sieve of a President with regards to foreign policy (sieve was my choice). Charles Krauthammer echoes those sentiments here.
As the Palestinian Authority continues to incite against Israel, recently by boycotting products made in Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria (in blatant violation of the Oslo agreements), I for one will seek out and buy those very products (listed in this Arutz Sheva article). As for Gaza, this Jerusalem Post editorial shows what Hamas is doing to its constituents.
Here's a fiery Dershowitz interview.
For those who foolishly claim that mere Israeli withdrawal from Judea and Samaria (a.k.a. the West Bank) would usher in a new dawn of peace across the Middle East, Horovitz spells out the very real strategic threats Israel faces (and yes, I also took part in the national drill on Wednesday, going down to our shelter).
As for Michigan news, here Drew Henson expresses regret for leaving Michigan early. Wonder if that has anything to do with the earful I gave him after Rick's let out on a Saturday night...
I caught a great May 13 concert, the first time I saw the Israel Philharmonic (in Israel anyway, may have seen them in Ann Arbor), backing legendary singer Yehudit Ravitz. At bottom is the song list from the less-festive Memorial Day event.
And for a little bit about me, life is phenomenal--school and two new jobs (research with the head of my Gerontology department and marketing Masa programs to birthright groups in Israel) are great. I feel this good!
Much love,
אריק/Eric
יורם
מה אברך
החול יזכור
באב אל וואד, שלד
הנסיך הקטן
הרעות
אחי הצעיר יהודה
זה מכבר
מכתב קטן
אנחנו מאותו הכפר
דמעות של מלאכים, זלג
עוד חוזר הניגון
מקום לדאגה
שיר למעלות
אריק/Eric
יורם
מה אברך
החול יזכור
באב אל וואד, שלד
הנסיך הקטן
הרעות
אחי הצעיר יהודה
זה מכבר
מכתב קטן
אנחנו מאותו הכפר
דמעות של מלאכים, זלג
עוד חוזר הניגון
מקום לדאגה
שיר למעלות
Monday, April 12, 2010
In Search of Meaning
This time of year, back in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, I'd be making it to my first Cubs game of the year to cheer on a bunch of overpaid athletes and overpay for a beer. As one big step in part of a lifetime search for meaning, I made aliyah a year and 9+ months ago.
This evening, I attended an event that easily trumps some ballgame--the state opening ceremony for Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day 2010/יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה תש"ע/Yom Ha'Zicaron La'Shoah U'la'gvura.
About a month and a half back, I took part in the phenomenal Melabev's Institute for the Study of Aging Geriatric Study Tour (full, belated re-cap of the tour to come soon). The tour commenced at Yad VaShem, where we had the incredible honor to hear from a remarkable, pure-hearted survivor named Eliezer Ayalon, among other speakers. He lit the first of six torches at this year's ceremony. Thanks to Eliezer, I was able to take part in this powerful event, along with dear friend and roommate Josh (the picture above is outside of Yad VaShem). Here is Eliezer's story from Yad VaShem's feature on the torch lighters, and here is video coverage of the torch lighters and their stories. What wasn't included in the video was that Eliezer was totally silent about his heartbreaking Shoah experiences for 37 years before opening up. A significant factor in that decision was his attendance of the first worldwide gathering of survivors in Jerusalem in 1981, at which Elie Wiesel urged survivors to bear witness to the horrors of the Shoah. As you can see from his energy, he never lost hope, and yearning for Zion played a large part--Jerusalem was always on his parents' lips. I don't know about you, but his book "A Cup of Honey" is now a must-read on my book list.
My heart didn't just sink, but rather crashed, as the fifth torch lighter, Baruch Shub, fell to the ground before lighting his torch. The immediate thought, especially in light of Gerontology courses I'm taking such as Pathophysiology of the elderly, was of future such ceremonies. Shub and all of the survivors had to stand for quite a long time during this portion of the ceremony. At some point (hopefully not for decades), as the survivors continue to age, Yad VaShem won't be able to find any who will be able to spend that much time out of a wheelchair. Shub sat down momentarily, but very quickly and proudly stood back up. This physical piece is just another aspect of the fact that we hear time and again--we must hear survivors' stories before all the witnesses of Nazi horror have passed.
Here is more video coverage of the event. The way he exposed his heart for all to see, you would never in a million years be able to guess that Cantor Asher Hainowitz (from 6:06) sings El Maleh Rahamim every year at this event.
To take part in an event and sing Ha'Tikvah (the national anthem) along with Israel's Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres (both of whom gave stellar speeches), Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Governor of the Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer and countless others was simply incredible. To add to the gravity of the event, Josh was to my right, but I was surrounded on all three other sides by Israel Defense Forces soldiers. Rabbi Israel Meir Lau lit the separate, tall memorial torch 65 years to the day after his liberation from Buchenwald. Netanyahu recalled attending the anniversary of the liberation of Auchwitz in -15 Celsius weather, which didn't come close to the 1944-1945 winter and its incomprehensibly low temperatures of -30 to -35. His three lessons of the Holocaust: בצע את כוחך, חנך לטוב, ויילחם ברע: Use your strength, educate for the greater good and fight evil. As usual, his eloquence came through when he labeled anti-Semitism as אש השנאה החדשה הישנה: the new-old flame of hatred. And my new Hebrew word for the night: נחוש/nachush/determined. Whatever my challenges are, if I face them with 1/100th the determination of survivors who escaped the clutches of death, only to give their all in the War of Independence and founding of the State of Israel, I can and will conquer the world!
On the Jerusalem Post's home page, there are three great minutes of coverage--click on the video "Holocaust Memorial focus...", but watch it soon, as it will get cycled out of the top videos soon. Included is a look at Hannah Gofrit's book, "I Wanted to Fly Like a Butterfly," in addition to highlights of Netanyahu's and Peres's speeches. And if the video's not working for you, here's the Post's article on the ceremony.
Here's a nice piece about a collection of 1.5 million buttons for Yom Ha'Shoah.
It's a tough pill to swallow that at this ceremony, as we have been saying for too many years, the threat of a new Holocaust borne by Iran was central to the speeches and thoughts of all in attendance. Here's an extremely harsh call for more immediate action.
As for a personal update, my third Pesach in and around Jerusalem was just incredible yet again. I made it to the beautiful new Hurva synagogue for mincha/afternoon services on the first day of Pesach.
Last Thursday night, a great group of my incredible friends came out to celebrate my Hebrew birthday.
Friday night I was thrilled to play honorary uncle at Chicago friends' the Burstyns' beautiful baby boy's shalom zachar.
Here's yet another look at Palestinian incitement. And here's some interesting analysis of media coverage of the recent State Department denunciation of the Palestinian Authority.
Here's a great interview with my Rabbi Asher Lopatin about his plans for aliyah and building a new community of olim in Israel.
And to end on a humorous note, if you haven't seen the Simpsons go to Israel episode, it's a must--an absolute riot!
Time to crash now and keep working away for school tomorrow. Have a meaningful Yom Ha'Shoah. Love,
אריק/Eric
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