Jul 22, 2009
Link!
Great article by Noah Ephron (Efron, whatever), the author of the book that inspired my decision to go into International Relations (get it here or go to a library) about the Haredi riots in Jerusalem last week. Definitely worth a look.
Two Stories from Two Sides of a Fence
First off, I realize that my focus has been primarily directed towards Israel, but I will bring up this piece of news from last week: the Palestinian Authority shutting down operations at the Al-Jazeera offices in the West Bank after a guest on the network, Farouk Qaddoumi, accused Mahmoud Abbas of playing a part in the death of former PA chairman Yasir Arafat.
Of course this rivalry goes way back, but what's better is that Abbas admits that his criticism of the network is nearly baseless; he doesn't have time to watch TV (so maybe someone is telling him what they're saying?).
This also comes on the heel of the IMF's declaration that the West Bank has had one of its best years economically. Abbas and the PA have taken some steps to hegemony, but I have to agree with Dr. Lynch that this is not how you want to establish this power going forward. Government transparency is essential, and while the network won't be able to report directly, five of their top seven stories at the time of Lynch's post were about the expulsion and resulting effects.
At the same time, on the Israeli side, education is essentially being Americanized (just like this AP article, which is, for some reason, a direct translation from Yisrael Hayom aka Israel Today aka Bibi-Ton (during the run up to the election in February each word was like a tongue slowly licking the bottom of Netanyahu's feet) minus the added quotes from new Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman).
Minister of Education Gideon Saar told the Knesset, "No other country in the world, in its official curriculum, would treat the fact of its founding as a catastrophe." This is true, especially for third-graders. When was the last time a third-grade teacher in the US wasn't essentially feeding propaganda to his/her students? Never! The beginning of consideration of revisionist history theory in US public schools begins during high school, and it was something required quite a bit of adjusting for me (Smallpox blankets? DAYUMN!). So, whatever. Let the children believe, as they do in every country in elementary school, that their independence was a natural action that some supernatural force decided was just and opportune.
Let's look at this a little further in depth:
The decision applied to a third-grade textbook for Arab schoolchildren. Jewish textbooks make no mention of the term.
This sounds a lot like you're trying to make them forget it. Even though Saar noted that teachers are still "free to discuss the personal and national tragedies that befell Palestinians during the war," taking it out of a book is the equivalent of the deplorable revionist history that some Palestinian textbooks were employing during the Second Intifada and probably still to this day. And there is something to say about subtracting from a history book. The discussion may still be able to stand in, but to leave this injustice out of the book is to say it lacks truth. Another step towards hegemony that will not end well. And for the Jewish textbooks, they do not mention of the term, but falsely revise it to say it was a completely voluntary flight.
Avigdor Lieberman, at the time a Knesset member said Education Minister Yuli Tamir was "expressing a sort of political masochist spirit and ... a total lack of national pride." I think it was more reconciling with the truth and allowing an ethnic group that is treated pretty well compared to under the PA or Hamas. Compare this to black children in the US: Do teachers skip slavery and the civil rights movement and tell them everything was just hunky-dory? No, they give them some narrative that may not explain everything, but establishes some sort of basis for learning more about the movement and how it led them to their current position in society.
Yossi Sarid gives the quote I agree with the most in his response to Saar's actions:
"Zionism has already won in many ways, and can afford to be more confident. We need not be afraid of a word."
Revisionist history has already done so much for moving Israeli society forward and making sure that it doesn't become like totalitarian states that suppress any possibly negative historical facts from public acknowledgement. It looks like these kids are going to have to wait until they get to college.
Of course this rivalry goes way back, but what's better is that Abbas admits that his criticism of the network is nearly baseless; he doesn't have time to watch TV (so maybe someone is telling him what they're saying?).
This also comes on the heel of the IMF's declaration that the West Bank has had one of its best years economically. Abbas and the PA have taken some steps to hegemony, but I have to agree with Dr. Lynch that this is not how you want to establish this power going forward. Government transparency is essential, and while the network won't be able to report directly, five of their top seven stories at the time of Lynch's post were about the expulsion and resulting effects.
At the same time, on the Israeli side, education is essentially being Americanized (just like this AP article, which is, for some reason, a direct translation from Yisrael Hayom aka Israel Today aka Bibi-Ton (during the run up to the election in February each word was like a tongue slowly licking the bottom of Netanyahu's feet) minus the added quotes from new Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman).
Minister of Education Gideon Saar told the Knesset, "No other country in the world, in its official curriculum, would treat the fact of its founding as a catastrophe." This is true, especially for third-graders. When was the last time a third-grade teacher in the US wasn't essentially feeding propaganda to his/her students? Never! The beginning of consideration of revisionist history theory in US public schools begins during high school, and it was something required quite a bit of adjusting for me (Smallpox blankets? DAYUMN!). So, whatever. Let the children believe, as they do in every country in elementary school, that their independence was a natural action that some supernatural force decided was just and opportune.
Let's look at this a little further in depth:
The decision applied to a third-grade textbook for Arab schoolchildren. Jewish textbooks make no mention of the term.
This sounds a lot like you're trying to make them forget it. Even though Saar noted that teachers are still "free to discuss the personal and national tragedies that befell Palestinians during the war," taking it out of a book is the equivalent of the deplorable revionist history that some Palestinian textbooks were employing during the Second Intifada and probably still to this day. And there is something to say about subtracting from a history book. The discussion may still be able to stand in, but to leave this injustice out of the book is to say it lacks truth. Another step towards hegemony that will not end well. And for the Jewish textbooks, they do not mention of the term, but falsely revise it to say it was a completely voluntary flight.
Avigdor Lieberman, at the time a Knesset member said Education Minister Yuli Tamir was "expressing a sort of political masochist spirit and ... a total lack of national pride." I think it was more reconciling with the truth and allowing an ethnic group that is treated pretty well compared to under the PA or Hamas. Compare this to black children in the US: Do teachers skip slavery and the civil rights movement and tell them everything was just hunky-dory? No, they give them some narrative that may not explain everything, but establishes some sort of basis for learning more about the movement and how it led them to their current position in society.
Yossi Sarid gives the quote I agree with the most in his response to Saar's actions:
"Zionism has already won in many ways, and can afford to be more confident. We need not be afraid of a word."
Revisionist history has already done so much for moving Israeli society forward and making sure that it doesn't become like totalitarian states that suppress any possibly negative historical facts from public acknowledgement. It looks like these kids are going to have to wait until they get to college.
Jul 16, 2009
Not That Quiet of a Riot
This piece of news was not in the American papers at all (although the Hezbollah arms cache was, and for good reason, along with Iron Dome, both of which should be beneficial to Israeli security due to the fact that the Ministry of Defense didn't have to wait until Hezbollah started firing said munitions, and the system will be ready in a year), but this one has been dominating the Israeli press for the past couple of days. Earlier in the week, a Neturei Karta (a sect of Haredim that reject the existence of the state of Israel due to the fact that a Messiah has not arrived) child, one of 10, was taken to a hospital with physicians under the suspicion that the mother had been starving the child who at 2 years old only weighed 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds for you fools who don't get the metric system). It turns out they were right when they caught her on video removing the child's feeding tube, and they were able to arrest her. According to this article, the police suspect she could be diagnosed with Munchhausen Syndrome by proxy, meaning she takes injurious action against people close to her in order to gain attention from others.
Of course, the Haredim, even those whose views of the State of Israel clash with those of the Neturei Karta over the legitimacy of the state, saw this as a direct attack against them, just as they saw the parking lots near the Jaffa Gate being open on Shabbat as an attack against their beliefs and religious practices. This caused them to see the government as trying to "make baseless allegations against Haredi mothers" with no other purpose but to steal their children. So they took to the streets in Meah Shearim, a neighborhood that is sadly notorious for its extremist views towards clothing that shows towards skin and those that do drive on Shabbat (although police blockades are now put up on Friday night and stay there until Saturday night, and you actually don't save that much time by driving through that neighborhood). The burning of garbage caused a stench to travel all the way to the classroom where I have my Hebrew class. But that was not enough, as they decided to take to the streets that are main arteries for traffic, especially Bar Ilan Road and Eshkol Tunnel, where they blocked with garbage. This lead to secular mayor Nir Barkat shutting off all services to the neighborhood, and my bus, which usually passes by Meah Shearim, to literally go around the city and not make any of the stops it usually does. Luckily it came right to where I needed to get off to go to work.
Today things have been tempered, as my bus took its usual route and we were able to see the aftermath: some graffiti, but soldiers and police at every corner and streets with a few children loitering and nearly no adults.
Ami Kaufman summarized the recent flare-up of the secular-religious conflict, the last significant rise of which is profiled in the book that drove me to study Israeli politics, Real Jews: Secular vs. Orthodox: The Struggle for Jewish Identity in Israel. She also surprised me by mentioning that Yossi Deri, who was convicted of corruption in the late 1980's, is now planning a political comeback (I dare someone in the US to try that). However, while Ephron remained neutral in his analysis, Kaufman, who previously participated in demonstrations against the "religious coercion" in the late 1980's, leaves us with quite the inflammatory statement:
The flames are still low, but I don't know. Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?
Well, Mr. Kaufman, the answer will be yes if continue to write editorials and preclude the occurence of these events, and criticize people who find the secular attitude and action against Haredim to be reminiscent of what many Jews say in Europe, as he does with Gideon Levy's column.
Anyways, it's almost the weekend and I will be blogging for JIIS soon about the security barrier.
And Blake Griffin can make 3's? And Anthony Randolph is about to be an All-Star? And Steph Curry looks like Baron Davis minus the muscle? Loving the NBA Summer League, and I hope Paulie gets a spot with somebody (I think he would be fit for Europe, as long as it included a reality show).
Of course, the Haredim, even those whose views of the State of Israel clash with those of the Neturei Karta over the legitimacy of the state, saw this as a direct attack against them, just as they saw the parking lots near the Jaffa Gate being open on Shabbat as an attack against their beliefs and religious practices. This caused them to see the government as trying to "make baseless allegations against Haredi mothers" with no other purpose but to steal their children. So they took to the streets in Meah Shearim, a neighborhood that is sadly notorious for its extremist views towards clothing that shows towards skin and those that do drive on Shabbat (although police blockades are now put up on Friday night and stay there until Saturday night, and you actually don't save that much time by driving through that neighborhood). The burning of garbage caused a stench to travel all the way to the classroom where I have my Hebrew class. But that was not enough, as they decided to take to the streets that are main arteries for traffic, especially Bar Ilan Road and Eshkol Tunnel, where they blocked with garbage. This lead to secular mayor Nir Barkat shutting off all services to the neighborhood, and my bus, which usually passes by Meah Shearim, to literally go around the city and not make any of the stops it usually does. Luckily it came right to where I needed to get off to go to work.
Today things have been tempered, as my bus took its usual route and we were able to see the aftermath: some graffiti, but soldiers and police at every corner and streets with a few children loitering and nearly no adults.
Ami Kaufman summarized the recent flare-up of the secular-religious conflict, the last significant rise of which is profiled in the book that drove me to study Israeli politics, Real Jews: Secular vs. Orthodox: The Struggle for Jewish Identity in Israel. She also surprised me by mentioning that Yossi Deri, who was convicted of corruption in the late 1980's, is now planning a political comeback (I dare someone in the US to try that). However, while Ephron remained neutral in his analysis, Kaufman, who previously participated in demonstrations against the "religious coercion" in the late 1980's, leaves us with quite the inflammatory statement:
The flames are still low, but I don't know. Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?
Well, Mr. Kaufman, the answer will be yes if continue to write editorials and preclude the occurence of these events, and criticize people who find the secular attitude and action against Haredim to be reminiscent of what many Jews say in Europe, as he does with Gideon Levy's column.
Anyways, it's almost the weekend and I will be blogging for JIIS soon about the security barrier.
And Blake Griffin can make 3's? And Anthony Randolph is about to be an All-Star? And Steph Curry looks like Baron Davis minus the muscle? Loving the NBA Summer League, and I hope Paulie gets a spot with somebody (I think he would be fit for Europe, as long as it included a reality show).
Jun 24, 2009
John Doe Almost Got Me Today
Today I finally got to go to a supermarket, and let's just say that things here in Israel make Wegman's look like white dog poop. My jet lag was still an issue, so I headed to Mister Zol at 8:00 to get some product for myself. First thing you notice: the produce is bazily fresh. How can it not be since it is all coming from within a three hour drive to Jerusalem? Rhetorical question, I know. This means besides the apples being ripe, so are the oranges, and so are the bananas and so are the avocadoes and DON'T YOU EVER FORGET ABOUT THE PERSIMMONS. Israel is also at the crossroads of the world, right where Asia, Europe, and Africa meet, and this centralized location makes immigration even more melting-potty than the US, meaning your standard grocer here carries products from a lot of countries, including pumpkin noodles (also bazily, though made to be preserved so not exactly fresh). All things being kosher, as well as being extremely fresh since it is mostly slaughtered and prepared in Israel is also helpful. So I was able to have a delightful dinner of stir-fried pumpkin noodles, grilled chicken, fresh spinach, fresh red pepper, and fresh mushrooms. What a delight.
But for lunch, the name of the game was Burgers Bar. No offense to you Californians, but Burgers Bar, though much more expensive, makes In-N-Out look like a McDonalds where Ronald personally poops on each burger right in front of the person who eats it. Even if that person happens to be waiting for someone to bring them said burger in another location. Student discounts make it less of a splurge than it has to be. I had a lamb burger with fresh tomato, lettuce and Israeli pickles (much more garlic than an American pickle along with not being a gherkin but a much smaller cucumber), as well as a squirt of pesto on each side. And don't get me started on the French fries, which are real French fries because I watched the dude slice the potato right above the deep fryer in order that it would drop into it. Everything was finished at the same time, and then I was able to enjoy a tender lamb burger and succulent fries with a Fanta made with sugar at the same time. Amazing.
Anyways, tomorrow, myself and some American friends are going to try to watch the draft at an Irish Pub that is essentially open all the time. Hopefully, 2:00 (military time, represent) will not cause them to turn a haughty eye towards us Yanks as people discuss uncertainty on television and give lofty expectations to people who are barely out of high school.
Anyways, we know the deal with the Clippers and Blake Griffin and the #1 slot (remember when I predicted he'd be player of the year?). But afterwards? Here is my take on the lottery:
2. Memphis Grizzlies-Brandon Jennings-Showed way more this year in Europe according to nbadraft.net, and peep this EuroMix from Free Darko:
3. OKC Thunder-James Harden-just think about it: Westbrook at the 1, Harden at the 2, Durant at the 3, Green at the 4, and maybe someone else besides Nenad Krstic as the future at center. The 1-4 make me want to play NBA 2K10(?) for days.
4. Sacramento Kings-Ricky Rubio-we know about the weird-ass workout, but maybe it is time to put "European White Chocolate" in place. Otherwise, Beno Udrih looks like that appealing of an option. Beno Udrih. GOB says, "COME ON!"
5. Minnesota Timberwolves-Hasheem Thabeet-just what the doctor ordered, someone who can take the pressure off Big Al in the post. I like the future with Thabeet (don't hate, dude can pick and pop the midrange), and being hurt will let him slip a little.
6. Timberwolves-No more Randy Foye, so I'm assuming one goes guard here, and what better way than the point with Stephen Curry, who will also need some time but could form a lethal triad with Big Al and Hasheem eventually, and it looks like losing is in the cards with the economic crisis and the expected offloading of the acquired contracts from the Wizards.
7. Golden State Warriors-Jordan Hill-It's time to admit Nellie Ball is what it is and get a fourth thin big to put in that lineup. Might as well start running with this lineup and get the easy deuces.
8. New York Knicks-TRADE-they were waiting for Curry or Rubio, and Tyreke Evans is not the same (Remember how Steve Nash can pull up for 3? Yeah, Tyreke had a lot of trouble with that concept last year while playing shooting guard and really kept it in the lane when he played point), so maybe a trade is in order.
9. Toronto Raptors-Chase Budinger-Chris Bosh, who royally fucked my fantasy team last year, wants to cash in in 2010, so now what? Go for the need at either wing position and try to convince him this team is worth it. James Johnson is also a definite possibility.
10. Milwaukee Bucks-Ty Lawson-They probably should get some inside aid, but it might not happen, Otherwise, going for a floor general type would be best right here.
11. New Jersey Nets-James Johnson-same need as the Raptors, so they should take the leftover swingman.
12. Charlotte Bobcats-TRADE-This team grew some potential on a hot streak to end the year, so where do they go from here? They mostly need to solidify that post, and you know MJ loves him some Carolina, in the form of Psycho T. Which seems stupid, but his flailing post game could work out short term.
13. Indiana Pacers- -Definite need for a floor general here, especially one that doesnt make people think he'll be permanently paralyzed everytime he goes to the rim.
14. Phoenix Suns-Jonny Flynn-This is the only pick I will ever be sure of because I was declaring it done in January. Under Steve Nash's tutelage, the position will evolve to include the athleticism of Flynn with the IQ of Nash, with a possible analogy to Kung Fu Panda.
Big ups are in order for USA Soccer after they kept the Spanish at bay yesterday and ended the longest unbeaten streak ever by a FIFA national team. But the reason was the hustle. USA will outhustle a team in the Confederations Cup, but next year it is unlikely that the Spanish will let this happen (The Portuguese on the other hand are a lazy people...I KID! But seriously, what HAPPENED in 2002?). I am impressed with Bob Bradley's ability to get the Yanks' minds out of the gutter of defeat to outscore their last two opponents 5-0, especially since Egypt was coming off of a blasting of Italy and giving Brazil a run for its money. Things are definitely looking way better for South Africa in 2010 for the Yanks than for Germany in 2006.
And when I do go to South Africa, I feel very lucky that Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, promised everyone at the show I went to with my friends Seb and Gabe a place to stay during the tournament. As long as I can get tickets, I'm crashing there and straight chilling to some a cappella stylings while recharging for the next game. Now we need to find out where he actually lives.
Stay Forever Young, People!
But for lunch, the name of the game was Burgers Bar. No offense to you Californians, but Burgers Bar, though much more expensive, makes In-N-Out look like a McDonalds where Ronald personally poops on each burger right in front of the person who eats it. Even if that person happens to be waiting for someone to bring them said burger in another location. Student discounts make it less of a splurge than it has to be. I had a lamb burger with fresh tomato, lettuce and Israeli pickles (much more garlic than an American pickle along with not being a gherkin but a much smaller cucumber), as well as a squirt of pesto on each side. And don't get me started on the French fries, which are real French fries because I watched the dude slice the potato right above the deep fryer in order that it would drop into it. Everything was finished at the same time, and then I was able to enjoy a tender lamb burger and succulent fries with a Fanta made with sugar at the same time. Amazing.
Anyways, tomorrow, myself and some American friends are going to try to watch the draft at an Irish Pub that is essentially open all the time. Hopefully, 2:00 (military time, represent) will not cause them to turn a haughty eye towards us Yanks as people discuss uncertainty on television and give lofty expectations to people who are barely out of high school.
Anyways, we know the deal with the Clippers and Blake Griffin and the #1 slot (remember when I predicted he'd be player of the year?). But afterwards? Here is my take on the lottery:
2. Memphis Grizzlies-Brandon Jennings-Showed way more this year in Europe according to nbadraft.net, and peep this EuroMix from Free Darko:
3. OKC Thunder-James Harden-just think about it: Westbrook at the 1, Harden at the 2, Durant at the 3, Green at the 4, and maybe someone else besides Nenad Krstic as the future at center. The 1-4 make me want to play NBA 2K10(?) for days.
4. Sacramento Kings-Ricky Rubio-we know about the weird-ass workout, but maybe it is time to put "European White Chocolate" in place. Otherwise, Beno Udrih looks like that appealing of an option. Beno Udrih. GOB says, "COME ON!"
5. Minnesota Timberwolves-Hasheem Thabeet-just what the doctor ordered, someone who can take the pressure off Big Al in the post. I like the future with Thabeet (don't hate, dude can pick and pop the midrange), and being hurt will let him slip a little.
6. Timberwolves-No more Randy Foye, so I'm assuming one goes guard here, and what better way than the point with Stephen Curry, who will also need some time but could form a lethal triad with Big Al and Hasheem eventually, and it looks like losing is in the cards with the economic crisis and the expected offloading of the acquired contracts from the Wizards.
7. Golden State Warriors-Jordan Hill-It's time to admit Nellie Ball is what it is and get a fourth thin big to put in that lineup. Might as well start running with this lineup and get the easy deuces.
8. New York Knicks-TRADE-they were waiting for Curry or Rubio, and Tyreke Evans is not the same (Remember how Steve Nash can pull up for 3? Yeah, Tyreke had a lot of trouble with that concept last year while playing shooting guard and really kept it in the lane when he played point), so maybe a trade is in order.
9. Toronto Raptors-Chase Budinger-Chris Bosh, who royally fucked my fantasy team last year, wants to cash in in 2010, so now what? Go for the need at either wing position and try to convince him this team is worth it. James Johnson is also a definite possibility.
10. Milwaukee Bucks-Ty Lawson-They probably should get some inside aid, but it might not happen, Otherwise, going for a floor general type would be best right here.
11. New Jersey Nets-James Johnson-same need as the Raptors, so they should take the leftover swingman.
12. Charlotte Bobcats-TRADE-This team grew some potential on a hot streak to end the year, so where do they go from here? They mostly need to solidify that post, and you know MJ loves him some Carolina, in the form of Psycho T. Which seems stupid, but his flailing post game could work out short term.
13. Indiana Pacers- -Definite need for a floor general here, especially one that doesnt make people think he'll be permanently paralyzed everytime he goes to the rim.
14. Phoenix Suns-Jonny Flynn-This is the only pick I will ever be sure of because I was declaring it done in January. Under Steve Nash's tutelage, the position will evolve to include the athleticism of Flynn with the IQ of Nash, with a possible analogy to Kung Fu Panda.
Big ups are in order for USA Soccer after they kept the Spanish at bay yesterday and ended the longest unbeaten streak ever by a FIFA national team. But the reason was the hustle. USA will outhustle a team in the Confederations Cup, but next year it is unlikely that the Spanish will let this happen (The Portuguese on the other hand are a lazy people...I KID! But seriously, what HAPPENED in 2002?). I am impressed with Bob Bradley's ability to get the Yanks' minds out of the gutter of defeat to outscore their last two opponents 5-0, especially since Egypt was coming off of a blasting of Italy and giving Brazil a run for its money. Things are definitely looking way better for South Africa in 2010 for the Yanks than for Germany in 2006.
And when I do go to South Africa, I feel very lucky that Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, promised everyone at the show I went to with my friends Seb and Gabe a place to stay during the tournament. As long as I can get tickets, I'm crashing there and straight chilling to some a cappella stylings while recharging for the next game. Now we need to find out where he actually lives.
Stay Forever Young, People!
Jun 23, 2009
Recording Liiiiive from Somewhere...
I arrived yesterday at around 4:30 to Ben Gurion International Airport, and let's just say that it took me 20 minutes to get through customs control because my ears did mad poppin' off during the flight from Paris. Also, while going through security in Paris, I somehow was able to function without a translation necessary. And during the flight to Paris, I finally got to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which is definitely a masterpiece, albeit the longest masterpiece. The makeup was just splendiferous. And how can one make a tragedy that long? David Fincher, you never cease to amaze me.
Sorry for that backwards chronology a la Memento, that one episode of Seinfeld, and AP US History inspired by that episode of Seinfeld, but back to my arrival. I got into a packed Sherut and we made our way to Jerusalem on an alternate path taking a route towards Modiin since Route 1 was bumper to bumper for kilometres. One of the more prominent things you see on this route is the construction of the barrier. It will continue to be a point of contention in negotiations especially because Israel may decide to take in settlements like Gush Emunim on its side, and especially because, when coupled with Netanyahu's condition of Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, will eliminate the right of return that is seen as essential to many Palestinians who are now refugees after having lived on land they believed they rightfully owned beforehand. So, where do we go from there? The problem is that someone will get disappointed in these negotiations, with no one deserving it any more than the other. However, Israeli disappointment should be kept to a minimum. Remember that Israel has won all those wars and in the case of one Israel's peace agreements with Arab countries, with Egypt, Israel has made concessions. Egypt received the Sinai, receiving popular tourist locales such as Mount Sinai and Sharm al Sheik, as well as having all land surrounding the Suez Canal (however, there doesn't seem to be any risk of Mubarak trying to nationalize like Nasser did in 1956) along with a peace guarantee, which was all Israel really wanted out of the negotiations ater the near disaster that was the Yom Kippur War. The treaty with Jordan was seen as just a normalization as Israel had left the Jordanian Army in shambles after the Six Day War.
But do the Israelis have a duty to help a refugee issue that the creation of their state made an issue? I believe so. As Arabs label the Israeli government as having characterisitics of the Nazi regime, Israel should look back to the time when Jews were made into a refugee situation by the Nazis and had to struggle to establish their own land. Netanyahu has taken the first step to helping them realize this goal, but Palestinian leaders must realize that Israel never was able to achieve all its aspirations as a nation in terms of territory and international standing. Hopefully, a peace treaty with the Palestinians will help Israel not be seen as a pariah within the UN (Security Council membership finally if they join a bloc?) and possibly make it easier to qualify for the World Cup (UEFA can be a bit of a doozy).
Other tidbits:
Most awkward situation of my life: Wearing a t-shirt and shorts in Har Nof, I learned I had to walk through a wedding hall to pick up my phone since the front door had a chain around it. I was unaware that a wedding was going on, so I basically got looked at like I was on a walk of shame while entering and exiting the phone store.
An Act of War: The relative with whom I was staying was unable to help me pick up my phone, so her significant other drove me to Har Nof in her place. He took me to get the most amazing pita ever: the Jerusalem, which has chicken, turkey, shwarma, and lamb. I know, right? But anyways, he also told me about his son's experience as part of the Mifgash (encounter) for Birthright. Reportedly, some "extracurricular" activities were going on between the Israeli soldiers and the American college students and, HAFTA-AH! (SURPRISE!-you just got your second piece of Hebrew vocabulary in ONE paragraph), an Israeli soldier got swine flu. Is this considered an act of biological warfare? I'll go with no, but seriously, scientists, we need to get this shit under control.
I'm signing off for now, but I'll try to get back on here tomorrow. I start class on Thursday, but there is mandatory orientation tomorrow.
Peace and love. I leave you with the Jerusalem sunset and Chords Bridge:
Sorry for that backwards chronology a la Memento, that one episode of Seinfeld, and AP US History inspired by that episode of Seinfeld, but back to my arrival. I got into a packed Sherut and we made our way to Jerusalem on an alternate path taking a route towards Modiin since Route 1 was bumper to bumper for kilometres. One of the more prominent things you see on this route is the construction of the barrier. It will continue to be a point of contention in negotiations especially because Israel may decide to take in settlements like Gush Emunim on its side, and especially because, when coupled with Netanyahu's condition of Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, will eliminate the right of return that is seen as essential to many Palestinians who are now refugees after having lived on land they believed they rightfully owned beforehand. So, where do we go from there? The problem is that someone will get disappointed in these negotiations, with no one deserving it any more than the other. However, Israeli disappointment should be kept to a minimum. Remember that Israel has won all those wars and in the case of one Israel's peace agreements with Arab countries, with Egypt, Israel has made concessions. Egypt received the Sinai, receiving popular tourist locales such as Mount Sinai and Sharm al Sheik, as well as having all land surrounding the Suez Canal (however, there doesn't seem to be any risk of Mubarak trying to nationalize like Nasser did in 1956) along with a peace guarantee, which was all Israel really wanted out of the negotiations ater the near disaster that was the Yom Kippur War. The treaty with Jordan was seen as just a normalization as Israel had left the Jordanian Army in shambles after the Six Day War.
But do the Israelis have a duty to help a refugee issue that the creation of their state made an issue? I believe so. As Arabs label the Israeli government as having characterisitics of the Nazi regime, Israel should look back to the time when Jews were made into a refugee situation by the Nazis and had to struggle to establish their own land. Netanyahu has taken the first step to helping them realize this goal, but Palestinian leaders must realize that Israel never was able to achieve all its aspirations as a nation in terms of territory and international standing. Hopefully, a peace treaty with the Palestinians will help Israel not be seen as a pariah within the UN (Security Council membership finally if they join a bloc?) and possibly make it easier to qualify for the World Cup (UEFA can be a bit of a doozy).
Other tidbits:
Most awkward situation of my life: Wearing a t-shirt and shorts in Har Nof, I learned I had to walk through a wedding hall to pick up my phone since the front door had a chain around it. I was unaware that a wedding was going on, so I basically got looked at like I was on a walk of shame while entering and exiting the phone store.
An Act of War: The relative with whom I was staying was unable to help me pick up my phone, so her significant other drove me to Har Nof in her place. He took me to get the most amazing pita ever: the Jerusalem, which has chicken, turkey, shwarma, and lamb. I know, right? But anyways, he also told me about his son's experience as part of the Mifgash (encounter) for Birthright. Reportedly, some "extracurricular" activities were going on between the Israeli soldiers and the American college students and, HAFTA-AH! (SURPRISE!-you just got your second piece of Hebrew vocabulary in ONE paragraph), an Israeli soldier got swine flu. Is this considered an act of biological warfare? I'll go with no, but seriously, scientists, we need to get this shit under control.
I'm signing off for now, but I'll try to get back on here tomorrow. I start class on Thursday, but there is mandatory orientation tomorrow.
Peace and love. I leave you with the Jerusalem sunset and Chords Bridge:
Jun 19, 2009
Introduction to your Summer Months
As some of you may know, I'm leaving for Israel on Sunday, and I will be writing about my experiences there right here on this blog. While I am over there I will be staying in Jerusalem doing Ulpan at Hebrew University along with working as an intern at the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies. I have decided to move in this direction of the Israeli-Arab conflict with my major for now, and I hope my work will be beneficial to my professional development along with benefiting the world with better ideas for satisfying all parties in this conflict in the hopes of ending it.
A big issue in this is the United States of America. Support of Israel by Americans is important to the state's survival, and Israel is very aware of this. Yesterday I met with the Israeli Consular General of Philadelphia as well as other consular officials in an effort for them to introduce us to other students studying abroad in Israel, help us prepare for our trip, and to prepare us to be advocates when we return to Philadelphia after our return. This is all very reasonable, and I am sure that I will return with this mindset. But my friend Mariel sent me a disturbing video of Americans who were abroad there this past semester that just disgusted me. Here it is:
Quite a bit of disturbing myth in this, but my favorite is the fat (EDIT: I'm sorry, rotund) girl who first appears at the 1:03 mark and claims to be a Political Science major. I will respond to each of her points right now because she is foolish and stupid, and if you happen to know her, let her know my thoughts:
"I think it's really fucked up that he's going to all the Arab states and not Israel"-Simply put, the relationship between the US and Israel will weaken slightly during Obama's time in office, but in the long-term this will do everyone good. And Obama will make a trip to Israel eventually. Plus, the point of this trip was to revitalize the American relationship with the Muslim world, so staying away from Israel is not that big an issue. He never made a point in Cairo to Netanyahu that was as explicit or status-changing as Reagan asking Gorbachev to tear down the wall, so we'll put your total at one ignorant sentence.
"Oh, he's a Muslim for sure, and who even knows if he was born in the United States? We haven't seen his birth certificate yet"-I like how stupid both clauses of this first sentence are. First off, so what if he is a Muslim? The constitution doesn't say that a Muslim can't be president. And being a Muslim doesn't go hand in hand with anti-Semitism.
Secondly, I know he was born in the United States because he has an American birth certificate that we have seen. Some idiots (read: Fox News correspondents/hosts) have said it is fake. The "Birthers" are insane, but whatever. It's fine that some photocopying error caused the Republican Party to start personally attacking Obama's eligibility before the election, but then again they're turning a blind eye to their own party Bristol Palin abstinence education hypocrisy. If you look at John McCain's birth certificate, it says he was born in Panama. Last I heard, Panama was a sovereign state in Central America that was never part of the United States. Even when McCain was born in 1761 (actually 1936). The exception made for him to run for president is irrational and stupid, but it was never questioned because the Democrats continue to have real issues to use in campaigns instead of personal attacks. Anyways, her belief in this combined with the first part of the sentence causes me to grade this one as 1.5 ignorant, stupid sentences, so she is now up to 2.5.
"Bullshit, he's not from the US, he's like a terrorist."-So when every job you ever apply for in the United States (and probably Israel too) sees this video and decides to reject you, you'll know where to get that first job out of college: BORDER MILITIA!
"Just what is he doing for this country so far? Nothing"-You know, more stuff than the last president who helped get Hamas elected as the majority in the Palestinian parliament and slightly derailed the peace process. And he's actually trying to get the country out of the recession that our last president caused. Democrats as presidents are always cleaning up the economy after Republicans fuck it up (see: Bill Clinton getting us a budget surplus after trickle-down economics failed for the 12th year in a row). And why do Republicans make universal health care sound so bad? RED FEAR so that they can keep their lower-income supporters pissed that they pay such high premiums because the bureaucracy is run by for-profit insurance companies instead of the government. If poor people got real facts about socialism, they might realize it would actually be beneficial for them.
I'm a Political Science major, so like...I KNOW MY SHIT."-The first part of this sentence may be true. The second? We're about to find out it was a complete lie. Unless she dissects her poops to find the stuff she digested and harken back to the buffet meal she put away an hour ago.
Interviewer: "Do you know who Benjamin Netanyahu is?"
Rotund Girl: "No"
Hotter friend: "no"
Rotund Girl: "Isn't he the Israel Prime Minister or something? Who is Benjamin Yahu?"
Exactly. You have no idea what you are talking about. You come to Israel, claim to be a Political Science major, and then can't even pronounce the prime minister's name? You are full of shit, or lard. Or Bissli.
My goal is to dispel blind support and make sure it has meaning. We need to see that both sides have faults that need to be corrected. Idiots like this obese woman need to shut up and read up, and not blindly follow something, because then when someone who is actually informed talks to you, you can't respond. You'll have no chance. Calling Obama a pussy or the n-word will do nothing but make you seem more irrational, but calling him out for specific quotes or policy will do much more. So the goal of my posts for the next 2 months are to kill ignorance and spread knowledge. I'll keep you informed about the news and let you know about my surroundings.
And how about that drunk religious hippy at 2:02? He is by far the funniest part of that video, especially because he smartly doesn't say anything.
A big issue in this is the United States of America. Support of Israel by Americans is important to the state's survival, and Israel is very aware of this. Yesterday I met with the Israeli Consular General of Philadelphia as well as other consular officials in an effort for them to introduce us to other students studying abroad in Israel, help us prepare for our trip, and to prepare us to be advocates when we return to Philadelphia after our return. This is all very reasonable, and I am sure that I will return with this mindset. But my friend Mariel sent me a disturbing video of Americans who were abroad there this past semester that just disgusted me. Here it is:
Quite a bit of disturbing myth in this, but my favorite is the fat (EDIT: I'm sorry, rotund) girl who first appears at the 1:03 mark and claims to be a Political Science major. I will respond to each of her points right now because she is foolish and stupid, and if you happen to know her, let her know my thoughts:
"I think it's really fucked up that he's going to all the Arab states and not Israel"-Simply put, the relationship between the US and Israel will weaken slightly during Obama's time in office, but in the long-term this will do everyone good. And Obama will make a trip to Israel eventually. Plus, the point of this trip was to revitalize the American relationship with the Muslim world, so staying away from Israel is not that big an issue. He never made a point in Cairo to Netanyahu that was as explicit or status-changing as Reagan asking Gorbachev to tear down the wall, so we'll put your total at one ignorant sentence.
"Oh, he's a Muslim for sure, and who even knows if he was born in the United States? We haven't seen his birth certificate yet"-I like how stupid both clauses of this first sentence are. First off, so what if he is a Muslim? The constitution doesn't say that a Muslim can't be president. And being a Muslim doesn't go hand in hand with anti-Semitism.
Secondly, I know he was born in the United States because he has an American birth certificate that we have seen. Some idiots (read: Fox News correspondents/hosts) have said it is fake. The "Birthers" are insane, but whatever. It's fine that some photocopying error caused the Republican Party to start personally attacking Obama's eligibility before the election, but then again they're turning a blind eye to their own party Bristol Palin abstinence education hypocrisy. If you look at John McCain's birth certificate, it says he was born in Panama. Last I heard, Panama was a sovereign state in Central America that was never part of the United States. Even when McCain was born in 1761 (actually 1936). The exception made for him to run for president is irrational and stupid, but it was never questioned because the Democrats continue to have real issues to use in campaigns instead of personal attacks. Anyways, her belief in this combined with the first part of the sentence causes me to grade this one as 1.5 ignorant, stupid sentences, so she is now up to 2.5.
"Bullshit, he's not from the US, he's like a terrorist."-So when every job you ever apply for in the United States (and probably Israel too) sees this video and decides to reject you, you'll know where to get that first job out of college: BORDER MILITIA!
"Just what is he doing for this country so far? Nothing"-You know, more stuff than the last president who helped get Hamas elected as the majority in the Palestinian parliament and slightly derailed the peace process. And he's actually trying to get the country out of the recession that our last president caused. Democrats as presidents are always cleaning up the economy after Republicans fuck it up (see: Bill Clinton getting us a budget surplus after trickle-down economics failed for the 12th year in a row). And why do Republicans make universal health care sound so bad? RED FEAR so that they can keep their lower-income supporters pissed that they pay such high premiums because the bureaucracy is run by for-profit insurance companies instead of the government. If poor people got real facts about socialism, they might realize it would actually be beneficial for them.
I'm a Political Science major, so like...I KNOW MY SHIT."-The first part of this sentence may be true. The second? We're about to find out it was a complete lie. Unless she dissects her poops to find the stuff she digested and harken back to the buffet meal she put away an hour ago.
Interviewer: "Do you know who Benjamin Netanyahu is?"
Rotund Girl: "No"
Hotter friend: "no"
Rotund Girl: "Isn't he the Israel Prime Minister or something? Who is Benjamin Yahu?"
Exactly. You have no idea what you are talking about. You come to Israel, claim to be a Political Science major, and then can't even pronounce the prime minister's name? You are full of shit, or lard. Or Bissli.
My goal is to dispel blind support and make sure it has meaning. We need to see that both sides have faults that need to be corrected. Idiots like this obese woman need to shut up and read up, and not blindly follow something, because then when someone who is actually informed talks to you, you can't respond. You'll have no chance. Calling Obama a pussy or the n-word will do nothing but make you seem more irrational, but calling him out for specific quotes or policy will do much more. So the goal of my posts for the next 2 months are to kill ignorance and spread knowledge. I'll keep you informed about the news and let you know about my surroundings.
And how about that drunk religious hippy at 2:02? He is by far the funniest part of that video, especially because he smartly doesn't say anything.
Mar 2, 2009
Manual Buzzer On Location
Over the coming weeks, I will be traveling with the Syracuse men's—and women's (!)—basketball teams to the Big East Tournaments in Hartford and New York City, and then to the first two weekends of the NCAA Tournament! [Knock on wood] Needless to say, shenanigans and many drinks are imminent. I'm going to bring the camera along and hopefully I'll come back with a couple of photo essays documenting what it's like to travel with a college basketball band, what Syracuse fans are like outside their natural habitat, and whether or not Jonny Flynn can teabag-dunk over Hasheem Thabeet, per Pappy's request.
If you're going to be where the team is, or know where any Syracuse hot spots are in the area, let us know so we can share some drinks and good times with fellow Syracuse comrades. I'll check in after the Rutgers game on Tuesday—senior night—and in the meantime I'll be munching on some Syracuse Athletics cereal, or at least some popcorn...
If you're going to be where the team is, or know where any Syracuse hot spots are in the area, let us know so we can share some drinks and good times with fellow Syracuse comrades. I'll check in after the Rutgers game on Tuesday—senior night—and in the meantime I'll be munching on some Syracuse Athletics cereal, or at least some popcorn...
Jan 12, 2009
A Weekly Standard Coming Soon
What a season it's been for the Orange, eh? Hell, Jonny Flynn even dunked on someone! Look at this:
After so many clankers, finally! I'm so happy for you, Jonny. Now, just dunk on Thabeet and Bernie Fine could be your personal Sugarfoot.
Starting this Sunday, Pappy will return from Pappy's hiatus (Rickey told me to!) with a weekly column on college basketball with a 'Cuse focus, but also a national focus, and a little bit of a Philadelphia focus, but not so much a Penn focus, because I don't want to make fun of stupid people (read: Glen Miller) too much.
After so many clankers, finally! I'm so happy for you, Jonny. Now, just dunk on Thabeet and Bernie Fine could be your personal Sugarfoot.
Starting this Sunday, Pappy will return from Pappy's hiatus (Rickey told me to!) with a weekly column on college basketball with a 'Cuse focus, but also a national focus, and a little bit of a Philadelphia focus, but not so much a Penn focus, because I don't want to make fun of stupid people (read: Glen Miller) too much.
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