Holiday Season, and other rambling thoughts.
No, not Christmas. Holidays season in Israel is...now, and I can't tell you how strange and cool it is. I had tons of very interesting observations to post here, but I just spoke to my dad and vented them already. So you guys get the bare bones summary, for now. Until I'm feeling a bit more spry (why I'm not feeling so hot you'll find out soon).
Anyway, the State Department site specifically has an alert on Israel--here, let me put in down for you guys:
"The State Department urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling anywhere in Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem. Israeli security services report that they continue to receive information of planned terrorist attacks in and around Jerusalem. In addition, American citizens should stay away from demonstrations and generally avoid crowded public places, such as restaurants and cafes, shopping and market areas and malls, pedestrian zones, public transportation of all kinds, including buses and trains and their respective stations/terminals, and the areas around them. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes."
It's ridiculous. Basically, they warn against doing anything. Anyway, of course, I couldn't not seewhat was going on in those crowded circles (usually cool street performers/performances)--especially during holiday season when there are lots of bands, and tons and tons of people outside. Sometimes the "reality" would hit me. That many suicide bombings had taken place within the 100 meters I was walking--Ben Yehuda Street, or at the shuk where I was shopping, Machane Yehuda, on the bus lines I was riding, etc. But, you've just got to go with the flow--and the average Israeli just goes on with his or her life. Sure, you saw signs of the extra security too. People would pop onto buses and get off, walking up and down sometimes to check for...I don't know what. One thing I really like about Israeli security compared to a lot of other places is that here it is not necessarily about brawn, but using the brain. Those who try and kill innocents often disguise themselves, try to melt in, or indeed melt into society. There is a fine line of walking that line of security to help people, and alienating regular citizens. They do an amazing, inhuman job.
(And now, a non-sequiter to lighten things up a little bit. A a quick link I found funny.)
I'm leaving out a lot of particulars on this portion of my trip in Israel, not on purpose, but just because there is too much. So forgive me for summarizing (talks to self). Anyway, I remember things like I forgot to mention shaking Bibi Netanyahu's hand after Kol Nidre services and wishing him a "Shana Tova" (Good Year), and him wishing it back to me. Of course, others warned me that I'd have to bleach that hand now. Haha.
Sukkot has never been a huge Jewish holiday for me, or at least it doesn't seem to be a big deal for most people in the States, but I can definitely see why it's some peoples' favorite in Israel. Almost everyone (and definitely students) get a vacation, everyone has a Sukkah. It's amazing. All the restaurants, families...etc. Even the City Hall has a huge one (the biggest in the world) outside. They have shows in there every evening. The weather is beautiful--music and laughter floats by on the wind, and life seems good and carefree.
Hardly indicative of the actual state of Israeli society, which I feel to be (and have concluded from talking to many people there) to be in near crisis. This constant state of war is taking a huge toll on society and their economy. And I will go into this more, but just for the record, I feel a lasting peace in the Middle East will probably do more for Israelis than anyone else there--and I doubt this is very controvertible. A huge drain on resources, the economy and the job market comes from security.
Okay, some other cool things about Israel--and there really are too many idiosyncrasies to denominate here. Weekends are Fridays and Saturdays, which makes Thursday night a legitimate and true party night here. Plus, Saturday night, after all, work starts the next day and you've just been "resting"--no buses/transport--all day. Sunday night was never a party night anyway, so it's like the U.S., but better--in my opinion. At first it was sort of strange to adjust to the new weekend schedule. Your "Sunday" so to speak before your "Saturday"--but then I adjusted a bit too well: "Oh let me call my parents (Sunday at 8:30 a.m.)...they should be at work right now!"
Now one last observation for the moment. Food in Israel--fruits and vegetables, dairy products, chocolate--taste so real. None of the bland wax stuff in the States...and if you thought the stuff you were eating was flavorful, just come try the stuff here. Anyway, everywhere you go order food, people give you tons and tons for your money. I've never had better deals than in Israel. The other day I got a lox w/ everything on it bagel, plus a mango juice...(that bagel was towering)...and the lady there practically forced me to take a pastry, throwing me back two shekels and telling me it was part of the deal. (What if I don't want a pastry?!)...Everyone here is your Jewish mother. It's kinda nice.
Whew, I'm wiped. Oh, did I mention I spent the last two-ish days traveling. 32 hours straight. What for? Well, I'm back in the States again. Back home, finally after 4.5 months of travel. I suppose I neglected to post my new travel change-in-plans here. Oops!
Okay though, now for real I will be posting an entry on my journey back (that's a story), as well as those retrospective thoughts on my trip and each country. I have been thinking about it a lot, and am quite glad I waited to let the experience sink in. Will write soon.
Anyway, the State Department site specifically has an alert on Israel--here, let me put in down for you guys:
"The State Department urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling anywhere in Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem. Israeli security services report that they continue to receive information of planned terrorist attacks in and around Jerusalem. In addition, American citizens should stay away from demonstrations and generally avoid crowded public places, such as restaurants and cafes, shopping and market areas and malls, pedestrian zones, public transportation of all kinds, including buses and trains and their respective stations/terminals, and the areas around them. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes."
It's ridiculous. Basically, they warn against doing anything. Anyway, of course, I couldn't not seewhat was going on in those crowded circles (usually cool street performers/performances)--especially during holiday season when there are lots of bands, and tons and tons of people outside. Sometimes the "reality" would hit me. That many suicide bombings had taken place within the 100 meters I was walking--Ben Yehuda Street, or at the shuk where I was shopping, Machane Yehuda, on the bus lines I was riding, etc. But, you've just got to go with the flow--and the average Israeli just goes on with his or her life. Sure, you saw signs of the extra security too. People would pop onto buses and get off, walking up and down sometimes to check for...I don't know what. One thing I really like about Israeli security compared to a lot of other places is that here it is not necessarily about brawn, but using the brain. Those who try and kill innocents often disguise themselves, try to melt in, or indeed melt into society. There is a fine line of walking that line of security to help people, and alienating regular citizens. They do an amazing, inhuman job.
(And now, a non-sequiter to lighten things up a little bit. A a quick link I found funny.)
I'm leaving out a lot of particulars on this portion of my trip in Israel, not on purpose, but just because there is too much. So forgive me for summarizing (talks to self). Anyway, I remember things like I forgot to mention shaking Bibi Netanyahu's hand after Kol Nidre services and wishing him a "Shana Tova" (Good Year), and him wishing it back to me. Of course, others warned me that I'd have to bleach that hand now. Haha.
Sukkot has never been a huge Jewish holiday for me, or at least it doesn't seem to be a big deal for most people in the States, but I can definitely see why it's some peoples' favorite in Israel. Almost everyone (and definitely students) get a vacation, everyone has a Sukkah. It's amazing. All the restaurants, families...etc. Even the City Hall has a huge one (the biggest in the world) outside. They have shows in there every evening. The weather is beautiful--music and laughter floats by on the wind, and life seems good and carefree.
Hardly indicative of the actual state of Israeli society, which I feel to be (and have concluded from talking to many people there) to be in near crisis. This constant state of war is taking a huge toll on society and their economy. And I will go into this more, but just for the record, I feel a lasting peace in the Middle East will probably do more for Israelis than anyone else there--and I doubt this is very controvertible. A huge drain on resources, the economy and the job market comes from security.
Okay, some other cool things about Israel--and there really are too many idiosyncrasies to denominate here. Weekends are Fridays and Saturdays, which makes Thursday night a legitimate and true party night here. Plus, Saturday night, after all, work starts the next day and you've just been "resting"--no buses/transport--all day. Sunday night was never a party night anyway, so it's like the U.S., but better--in my opinion. At first it was sort of strange to adjust to the new weekend schedule. Your "Sunday" so to speak before your "Saturday"--but then I adjusted a bit too well: "Oh let me call my parents (Sunday at 8:30 a.m.)...they should be at work right now!"
Now one last observation for the moment. Food in Israel--fruits and vegetables, dairy products, chocolate--taste so real. None of the bland wax stuff in the States...and if you thought the stuff you were eating was flavorful, just come try the stuff here. Anyway, everywhere you go order food, people give you tons and tons for your money. I've never had better deals than in Israel. The other day I got a lox w/ everything on it bagel, plus a mango juice...(that bagel was towering)...and the lady there practically forced me to take a pastry, throwing me back two shekels and telling me it was part of the deal. (What if I don't want a pastry?!)...Everyone here is your Jewish mother. It's kinda nice.
Whew, I'm wiped. Oh, did I mention I spent the last two-ish days traveling. 32 hours straight. What for? Well, I'm back in the States again. Back home, finally after 4.5 months of travel. I suppose I neglected to post my new travel change-in-plans here. Oops!
Okay though, now for real I will be posting an entry on my journey back (that's a story), as well as those retrospective thoughts on my trip and each country. I have been thinking about it a lot, and am quite glad I waited to let the experience sink in. Will write soon.
posted by IJW at 8:02 PM
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