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Rated: 18+ · Book · Experience · #1579526
My life in Tel Aviv. Welcome to Israel!
Shalom! I was born outside of Haifa, moved to Tel Aviv when I was twelve, and served in the Israeli Defense Force for two years. Now, I am a student at TAU.

I hope I can show the world the humanity of my nation. We're not so different, after all.

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by A Guest Visitor


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

Whoever destroys a single life is as guilty
as though he had destroyed the entire world;
and whoever rescues a single life
earns as much merit as though he had
rescued the entire world
.
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March 13, 2010 at 1:29pm
March 13, 2010 at 1:29pm
#690160
I'm sorry, United States, I was under the impression Israel was its own country, and not the 51st state. You have absolutely no right to halt settlement construction for us. Should we be continuing construction in east Jerusalem? I think not, I think Netanyahu needs to slow down and think, but there is a difference! If Israel believed the U.S. should give Texas (back) to Mexico, it might make note, but it's not going to do it for the United States, or force the United States to do it.

Sovereignty! Where is that? Why do we have none? In our very existance, we are enslaved by the opinions and political powers of the EU and UN. But without a country, we are wandering peoples persecuted in the countries represented by the EU and UN. So, I'm sorry, what is the solution, here? If we are an independant state, we cannot make our own decisions. If we are not a state, we cannot make our own decisions. What does the world want? Nothing to do with us, perhaps.

I'm so tired of all of this. We have a stable economy (that, unlike that of the U.S.'s, is growing), we have a solid political system, the most Ph.D.'s per capita in the world, more domestic industries per capita in the world...if we could just break away from the U.S., perhaps this is the solution. This is a shame that the United States refuses to let us be what we need to do for our own security.

I disagree with continuing settlements. But I disagree also with the United States coming in and dictating policy.

Rant. Sorry. In this complaint, I sound like Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan...The United States does not know its own boundaries, and sometimes that is infuriating.

I need to go play with the puppy.

EDIT:

Speaker calmer, let me try to be more eloquent and less broad *Wink*.

I think the relationship between the United States and Israel is one of the most important in the world, and certainly the most important for Israel. The United States has done more for Israel than any country, and we are all of course quite grateful. That being said, current tensions have developed because furthering the national interest of both countries is becoming more and more difficult while still remaining mutually beneficial.

It is important to retain respect for both, however, and it is my belief that Washington's response to certain remarks made by our interior minister were out of line. Nor do I believe it is at all within the rights of Washington to dictate domestic policy of Jerusalem without any authority given to those elected to serve the Israeli people. As indicated by Vice President Biden's visit, Netanyahu apologized regarding several miscommunications, and Biden accepted this response. The actions taken by the American Secretary of State were directly disrespectful, as outlined by America's Anti-Defammation League.

I am hoping this "crisis" of diplomacy can be resolved quickly. I think further construction in Jerusalem is a terrible idea and will only stall the supposed peace process. That being said, I think the final decision lies, ultimately, with Israel and the Israeli people.
March 12, 2010 at 6:57am
March 12, 2010 at 6:57am
#690049
I will be kind all day. I will smile at someone I do not usually smile at. I will leave an extra shekel for the waitress who served me lunch. I will talk to the cute Palestinian kid in my class because I find him charming. I will go shopping with my mother and sister, and I will not argue with them. I will hold doors open for old men and women.

Or I will not do any of these things, because Israel does not value manners *Bigsmile*! In America and in Europe, everyone wants always to be so polite. In Israel, people are blunt and rude and not interested in feelings. We have the whole "I've survived worse" attitude. For me, this is comfortable. Manners make me feel uncomfortable.

But then people come here, and they say, "the Arabs are so sweet and kind! Unlike the Israelis..." And I'm sure the Arabs are inclined to agree *Wink*.

Is not like we are unkind people. We just like things straightforward.
March 11, 2010 at 6:15pm
March 11, 2010 at 6:15pm
#690010
Every morning, I get up early, go for a run, stretch, do some weights, and then shower and get ready for class. Yesterday something I did wrong, because when I wake up this morning my whole left shoulder is so sore. Is very painful *Frown*. Is a big muscle, and is not enjoyable. Staying in shape is dangerous.

Last night I watched Inglourious Basterds for like the 2357383th time, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a good comedy.

Today, Joe Biden was told that we Israelis "negotiate like we drive." Which means horribly, and generally ending with some kind of loud explosion.

Also I am now reading the Communist Manifesto. Don't tell anyone *Wink*.




March 10, 2010 at 11:10am
March 10, 2010 at 11:10am
#689826
Bibi Netanyahu and his wife had dinner with American Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, and though I think it was probably quite diplomatic and polite, I can imagine there was some tension. Of course Biden was kvetching about the West Bank construction, and Bibi was probably kvetching about Iran and what happened in Dubai. And they probably spoke on continuing the peace talks like with Salam Fayyad and Abbas.

But what about their wives? Is awkward, I think, yes? What are they supposed to talk about? I feel like, me being me, I would just talk and talk and talk about nothing, which would be obnoxious to others. I should not marry someone important *Wink*. I should just be someone important.

I wonder if sometimes Bibi does what he does because of what happened to his brother Yoni. Like because he knows what that means, when someone is killed in war, and he knows what is at stake. People criticize Bibi so much, but I think he, though he is conservative, he is a good leader for Israel in tough times. There is a courage about him. I disagree with much of his policy, but he is a good man, I think.

Something about Germany so avidly endorsing the Goldstone Report before the EU makes me feel annoyed. I don't care if this is not diplomatic of me, but I feel like if there's any country we should not hear criticism from, it is Germany. But when they hide behind the EU, is like, okay, we can do whatever want.

I have a term paper to write, and am I writing it? No, I am complaining to you *Laugh*.
March 9, 2010 at 11:38am
March 9, 2010 at 11:38am
#689755
I would like a vacation. I feel like always I am in a chronic need of a vacation. I would like to go to Eilat, and just be at the beach, lie under the sun, not think about anything... What is funny is Tel Aviv is, for many people, a place to vacation to, but I guess it is like any place you live. We are so tired of the familiar, because the unfamiliar holds some kind of attraction. Human nature, probably--evolution of a species due to the constant need for more, for something different. Or something like this.

But is spring, so the weather will soon be warmer!

All of this political controversy always of existance. Can be exhausting. Everyone is going to take sides, like do they think Iran should have nuclear weapons or not. And in the end, will we have peace?

Is all out of our hands, I suppose. All I can do is hope for warm weather!
March 8, 2010 at 3:24pm
March 8, 2010 at 3:24pm
#689678
New puppy! Little Elie is four months old and adorable! I have been playing with him all this time and he makes all stresses like nothing *Bigsmile*. Is wonderful, what animals can do. My father says if everyone had a puppy, nobody would want to hurt anyone. I love little Elie, and I think is wonderful we get a dog, and he gets a home, and all is happy.

Anyway, has been long time since I have posted. I have not talked with anyone from WDC, which is sad *Frown*. I hope all is well?

School is doing good. My work is much, but is interesting. Arabic in particular, because now I understand so much of what was shouted at me while I worked checkpoints in the Army...They are lucky I did not know this at the time *Laugh*. Apparently being called a Yehud, or, Jew, is an insult. Well. People *Wink*. Is all okay in the end.

From Elie and I, I say shalom!
February 26, 2010 at 12:36pm
February 26, 2010 at 12:36pm
#688726
I love weddings! So much happiness and music and love and family and friends, and everyone has smiles *Smile*. Shira was very beautiful, and even Itai looked handsome. They were very happy and in love. And is very beautiful, and I was almost jealous!

My cousins I do not so often, because they are all over the place. My cousin Tali is studying for University in France, but she is home for some time and for Shira's wedding, so is nice to see her.

And I got to see my brother! He is doing very well. He has gotten taller, I think, and now he has a bit of a beard...oi vey *Wink*. Anyway, he told Itai that if he does make Shira happy he will get his revenge. Was very funny. But I think Itai will do what he can to be a good husband, and, someday, a good father. I hope so, for Shira's sake *Heart*.

It made me very, very happy to be with my family and to be joyful. Is right now a difficult time for Israel politically what with Dubai and all of this mess, so to forget this all and to forget being sad for my grandfather was refreshing.

I am feeling still very happy *Smile*.

February 25, 2010 at 1:57pm
February 25, 2010 at 1:57pm
#688627
Shira's wedding is tomorrow! *Bigsmile* I am so excited! Will be nice to laugh and sing and have good time!

I made some hamentashen last night! Was very good. We put chocolate and Nutella and dates and peanut butter inside of them, and was very delicious and I ate too many *Wink*. Is early for Purim, maybe, but is still okay.

For Purim I am going to first go to my favorite dance club, and will stay as long as I want! And then is like nine parties I have invitations for, so maybe I will see who is my favorite, yes? And I am not to feel guilty for drinking on Purim, because it is Purim and G-d has given permission!

All the children will dress up in their costumes and will parade and have much fun, and then we are not children, so will make different kind of fun. Is my favorite holiday!

Purim I think is like American Halloween? Except Halloween I do not think is so religious?

Shalom *Heart*!
February 23, 2010 at 10:59pm
February 23, 2010 at 10:59pm
#688476
If tomorrow there was no Israel and Palestine was reinstated, no problems would be solved. New Palestine would thank Iran, would be unified with the Arab world, and would be laughing in the face of Western efforts. There would still be a global economic crisis, there would still be American troops in Iran and Afghanistan, there would still be climate change, and there would still be radical fundamentalists commiting acts of terror.

If tomorrow there was no Israel and Palestine was reinstated, millions of Jews would be persecuted, rounded up, exhiled, and executed. They would flee to western Europe and the United States, where resistance groups would bemoan the sudden increase in immigration. Israel, with the highest rate of technology per capita, the fastest growing global economy, and the world's largest collection of Ph.D.s would cease to exist, and with it, so would the promise of new industry.

The newly instated Palestine would have to find a way to blend the terrorist Hamas with the half-Democratic Fatah, and, when it failed to do so, would have to contend with Hizbullah's pressures from the north, Iran's growing ownership of its security and finances, and the grudge of the western world. The Sunni Palestinians and the Shi'ite Iranians would have problems deciding on leadership, and political and diplomatic factions would break off from the federal government and become sub-divisions largely relient on radical religious fundamentalism.

Jerusalem, stripped of its Jewish population, would close down. Tel Aviv's beaches would fade into the sea, and its young and vibrant cultural scene (including art, music, and literature) would be stunted. In its place the new Palestinian population would angrily wait for its long-desired government to provide for it, and when economic and military turmoil provided poverty instead, resistance would take to the streets.

If tomorrow there was no Israel and Palestine was reinstated, no problems would be solved. Some problems would disapear, but in their place, new problems would lead to more problems.

We must fight and push for a two-state solution only. We must stop bickering about 1948 and start talking about 2010. Do we want peace? Fine, good. We must set aside religion, set aside culture, and think of logic. Coexistance. Maybe I am too quick to generalize with my assumptions stated above, but can we look at former-Soviet states? At former Ottoman territories? At former colonies even of the western world? Modernity is no less predictable than history.

Two states. This is the one solution.
February 22, 2010 at 11:29am
February 22, 2010 at 11:29am
#688292
Sarkozy has no idea what he is talking about. From Paris he meets with Abbas and then now he has decided he likes the idea of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. What is this? He knows nothing. Maybe tomorrow he will meet with Netanyahu and decide he likes Jerusalem to be the Israeli capital. So then? He is not sure of anything, but he is French so people are listening.

Eurovision 2010! Harel Skaat is our selection, and this I am very happy about. He is very handsome, of course, but also is a very good singer. In a few weeks the song will be chosen. Last year was Noa and Mira and we were only 16th. I would like us to win, or at least to be top five!

Shira's wedding is this weekend, and then Purim is Sunday!

What do you think of Eurovision 2010?

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