Today, a local high school greeted its German exchange students. In Israel, we have a very important program with Germany that works as an exchange between high school students. It is important to preserve the relations Israel has with Germany (which are, to be underdramatic, always a bit strained).

Unfortunately there are some people in Israel who want nothing to do with the Germans (or the Austrians or the French or anyone else who sold Jews out last century) and cannot move on. They have a hatred for these people that is rooted mostly in fear, outrage, and vengeance. And someone of this group of Israelis drew a large swastika with an X through it on a wall of the school where all could see. Next to the X and swastika they wrote, in German, STAY THE F*CK AWAY FROM OUR CHILDREN, and then, in Hebrew, REMEMBER THE CRIMES OF THEIR GRANDPARENTS.

So, naturally, it was reported and taken care of and the German exchange students never saw it. But I saw it, and many Israelis saw it, and it leaves you feel really uncomfortable. This kind of things happens a lot, not always against the Germans but against Arabs and other groups, too. There is much anger in Israel.

History is history, yes? Why can't we remember what needs to be remembered, and move on? Punish not the child for the sins of his father, yes?

I am not sure why this bothers me, but it bothers me.

And in happier news, GIlad is okay! They released the footage and he is healthy and coherent, and looked good. He has been in capitivity over three years, but he seemed okay . His parents have not given up hope, and so neither can we.