Just when you thought terrorism hit its scariest point, the strangers among us come out to play. We have been struck with a new reality, in my opinion even scarier than our previous one.
Since 1995, we have been plagued with regular bombings and more so with suicide bombings, AKA terrorism. Although we have had periods of more terrorism and periods of less terrorism, terrorism itself is always a reality in this country.
But now, terror had changed its form. Anything can be turned into a weapon, anyone can be a terrorist. This new trend is scary. In the past three months, we have been attacked by lone terrorists…to our knowledge not belonging to any specific terror organization, and taking orders from no one but themselves.
Two of the attacks were by ordinary workers, driving tractors. I don’t remember the number of deaths in the attacks, but how can I forget the huge tractor using its lift to turn a bus on its side, run over anything or anybody in its path, or the single baby, who was thrown from the car, just as the tractor crushed the entire vehicle and orphaned the baby?
And now, a man, driving a Mercedes Benz, saw a group of soldiers, smiled at them, and stepped on the gas. At least this time the only death was the terrorist himself. Fourteen soldiers were hospitalized.
This is a scary reality. At least with suicide terrorism, we knew to expect bombings on public transportation and in crowded areas (more or less), so we could rationalize ways to avoid these areas if we wanted. But this, this is different. This is scary. We can never know when the next person will just snap and go on a murderous rampage. Luckily for the rest of the country, so far all of the attacks have been in Jerusalem, by Palestinian Israelis from East Jerusalem.
There is no doubt in my mind that this trend is not going to stick to Jerusalem alone. We have Palestinian Israelis living all over the country. Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean Tel Aviv and Haifa are safe. Now ordinary people are picking up on the fact that they too can do extraordinary things…anybody can kill the Zionists these days, all they need is a weapon that will do the proper damage before they themselves get killed in defense.
Did I mention that we are celebrating today 30 years of a cold peace with Egypt? The festivities just keep on rockin’.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Home is (definitely) where the heart is
I would like to share my "awakening" for the day. As you all know, sometimes I get really annoyed with this country. Of course I love it, but who of you hasn't heard of my impatience with the corruption of the politicians or the drivers that I swear got into their cars that day in order to run a person over (we are number two in the world for killing pedestrians with cars) or the fact that I have to fight…just to keep my place in line…
Anyways, as I was driving home from a very long day at work, I started enjoying the miracle of a bright African orange sun setting against the beautiful greenery of the orchards, and a song came on the radio. This song was taken from a Hebrew prayer:
עושה שלום במרומיו
הוא יעשה שלום עלינו
ועל כל ישראל
ואימרו אמן
I cant exactly translate, but something along the lines of:
Make a high peace (ie for Him)
He will make peace upon us
And on all of Israel
And We say Amen
As the song came on, with the glorious sunset in the background, I started feeling the feelings that had overcome me for so many years. I'm home, this is my home, and these are my people. Then came the killer, right there in front of me was a bunch of Israel flags softly waving in the air. I teared up, and for a split second, forgot about the corruption, drivers, lines, hate, terror.
I thought of only one thing. I am home, this is where I belong.
Then I realized, that clearness…that is the sane Safra talking. I always know that this is the only State where Jews will always be welcome (I hope, Abba), and I always remember that I am home, but I get jaded sometimes…people are just so silly, but I am home, and there is not better feeling in the world, than to remember that. I am home.
Anyways, as I was driving home from a very long day at work, I started enjoying the miracle of a bright African orange sun setting against the beautiful greenery of the orchards, and a song came on the radio. This song was taken from a Hebrew prayer:
עושה שלום במרומיו
הוא יעשה שלום עלינו
ועל כל ישראל
ואימרו אמן
I cant exactly translate, but something along the lines of:
Make a high peace (ie for Him)
He will make peace upon us
And on all of Israel
And We say Amen
As the song came on, with the glorious sunset in the background, I started feeling the feelings that had overcome me for so many years. I'm home, this is my home, and these are my people. Then came the killer, right there in front of me was a bunch of Israel flags softly waving in the air. I teared up, and for a split second, forgot about the corruption, drivers, lines, hate, terror.
I thought of only one thing. I am home, this is where I belong.
Then I realized, that clearness…that is the sane Safra talking. I always know that this is the only State where Jews will always be welcome (I hope, Abba), and I always remember that I am home, but I get jaded sometimes…people are just so silly, but I am home, and there is not better feeling in the world, than to remember that. I am home.
Monday, September 8, 2008
My amazing husband!
I am a proud wife! My husband has reminded me of yet another reason why I love him so much, and I would like to share it with you.
Last week, Idan called me and told me that there was a domesticated rabbit living at the house that his company was working on, which the previous owners had left behind, and the new owners didn’t want. The new owners told him that he could catch it and take it.
Of course, we have absolutely no need for another animal in the house, and if anything, could do with one or two less. Nonetheless, he decided to try to catch it and bring it home. On Thursday, he couldn’t, so we returned on Friday, but I guess the owners were having a pool party (What right does anyone in Israel have to own an individual pool when we are already below the black line and the pump levels in the Sea of Galilee??!! But that’s a whole other rant, and coming from the hypocrite who enjoyed one of her rich friend’s pool a few months ago, but still...)
So, come Sunday, and I decided not to bring it up. Later in the morning he told me I had something to play with when I came home…my mind immediately jumped to…other things, and after a few minutes of messing with me, he told me that he managed to catch the rabbit. Imagine two grown men chasing a little thumper all around a yard. It makes me laugh.
And I got the pleasure of coming home yesterday to a new, though hopefully not permanent, member of our little happy family. I am the proud wife of a softie, who will not let an animal in distress suffer alone. I am so lucky! AND, now I can use it against him when I bring home the random crows, pigeons or critters…
So, I am really proud of my baby for doing what a lot of people would not do, and he didn’t even consider the other option.
Last week, Idan called me and told me that there was a domesticated rabbit living at the house that his company was working on, which the previous owners had left behind, and the new owners didn’t want. The new owners told him that he could catch it and take it.
Of course, we have absolutely no need for another animal in the house, and if anything, could do with one or two less. Nonetheless, he decided to try to catch it and bring it home. On Thursday, he couldn’t, so we returned on Friday, but I guess the owners were having a pool party (What right does anyone in Israel have to own an individual pool when we are already below the black line and the pump levels in the Sea of Galilee??!! But that’s a whole other rant, and coming from the hypocrite who enjoyed one of her rich friend’s pool a few months ago, but still...)
So, come Sunday, and I decided not to bring it up. Later in the morning he told me I had something to play with when I came home…my mind immediately jumped to…other things, and after a few minutes of messing with me, he told me that he managed to catch the rabbit. Imagine two grown men chasing a little thumper all around a yard. It makes me laugh.
And I got the pleasure of coming home yesterday to a new, though hopefully not permanent, member of our little happy family. I am the proud wife of a softie, who will not let an animal in distress suffer alone. I am so lucky! AND, now I can use it against him when I bring home the random crows, pigeons or critters…
So, I am really proud of my baby for doing what a lot of people would not do, and he didn’t even consider the other option.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
You Slackers!
One of my new favorite quotes. I started cracking up hysterically when I finished reading it…even the second and third time. Granted, you may need to have a special sense of humor to appreciate it, but for those of you Rina's out there…I know your gonna, at the very least, be attempting to cover up a smirk.
Quick background. The quote is from the Muslim Brotherhood (a huge international Muslim religious organization). In comparison to Al Qaida, they are considered pretty moderate, but believe you me, they're not, they just kill fewer people and work behind the scenes a lot. Most other Muslim terror organization use the Muslim Brotherhood's vision as their own and just add their own flair, as that vision is the lowest common denominator of religious Muslim organizations.
Kay, so this statement was taken out of the Muslim Brotherhood's strategic goal for North America. They were busted for using another organization as a front for them in the US of A; I think it was called the Holy Land Fund. And it's only the Muslim Brotherhood…can you imagine all of the Al Qaida front orgs and Hamas front org's in the USA and around the world???
Finally, before showing the statement, I want to make it perfectly clear, just in case someone who doesn't know me reads this. I have utmost respect for Islam, as much as I do for any other religion in the world; however, I have no respect for people and organizations that disrespect/ inflict harm on others, their beliefs or their religion.
Enjoy the quote, may it amuse you as much as it did me…
"The process of settlement [of Islam in the United States] is a "Civilization-Jihadist" process with all the word means. The Ikhwan must understand that all their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and "sabotaging" their miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God's religion is made victorious over all religions. Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a Muslim's destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who choose to slack."
Quick background. The quote is from the Muslim Brotherhood (a huge international Muslim religious organization). In comparison to Al Qaida, they are considered pretty moderate, but believe you me, they're not, they just kill fewer people and work behind the scenes a lot. Most other Muslim terror organization use the Muslim Brotherhood's vision as their own and just add their own flair, as that vision is the lowest common denominator of religious Muslim organizations.
Kay, so this statement was taken out of the Muslim Brotherhood's strategic goal for North America. They were busted for using another organization as a front for them in the US of A; I think it was called the Holy Land Fund. And it's only the Muslim Brotherhood…can you imagine all of the Al Qaida front orgs and Hamas front org's in the USA and around the world???
Finally, before showing the statement, I want to make it perfectly clear, just in case someone who doesn't know me reads this. I have utmost respect for Islam, as much as I do for any other religion in the world; however, I have no respect for people and organizations that disrespect/ inflict harm on others, their beliefs or their religion.
Enjoy the quote, may it amuse you as much as it did me…
"The process of settlement [of Islam in the United States] is a "Civilization-Jihadist" process with all the word means. The Ikhwan must understand that all their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and "sabotaging" their miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God's religion is made victorious over all religions. Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a Muslim's destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who choose to slack."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Test
I failed a test today. It was a personal test, but I remembered something that for a few short moments, I forgot.
I have to give you the whole story, so that the big picture can be seen.
I met a good friend of mine for lunch today, and we met in a lounge at school. There was a woman who was sitting in a corner reading, and I sat in the other corner next to the window. My friend came in and we sat down and started talking. After maybe thirty seconds, the woman started telling us that we are not at home and we shouldn't be talking and we should go somewhere else. Note: The room is a meeting room for people to come and talk, eat and study, so we were doing nothing wrong. She said this and a few things along the same line, so my friend started talking back to her. Both of them had a not very nice exchange, and my friend decided to go get someone in charge.
I turned to the woman and tried to diffuse the situation, letting her know that this room is a room to congregate in; I spoke in a very calm tone. She started arguing with me and telling me that we should be quiet, and then she took out the big guns, she told me that we were cows, and that this country is not mine. I asked her to clarify, and told her that this country isn't hers either, right? Presuming that she meant that we weren’t Queens or something. This country isn’t yours, She repeated again. My blood began to boil and I told her that she didn’t know me and she has no right to judge me. She told me again, I carry a foreign passport, so I don’t belong here. The proceeded to tell me that she knew a lot of cows our type on campus and she knows what were like.
At this point I was really angry, and so I told her that she managed to make me angry and that she was the first person in years to really do what she managed to do.n The I repeated that I am an Israeli and she has no right to judge me, and of course, that I carry an Israeli passport.
Situation repeats itself, and I repeat myself. I'm still speaking pretty calmly, but anyone could see I was raging. I then decided to ignore her, as I began to realize that I got pulled into her rage.
My friend came back, bringing some random very pregnant lady, who I assume was supposed to be a person of authority, though she was just an administration person. She asked what was going on, and we both began to explain the situation, she also continued to hurl her insults. The pregnant lady after a minute said she's leaving, this is a 5 year old argument.
So she left, my friend started talking to me, and I realized that we were not go anywhere else to eat, as she wouldn’t budge out of principle. After a few minutes other people came in and the random lunch congregation began. But I couldn’t let it go. I was mad. Finally I realized that I had let somebody else control my emotions and I let myself stoop down to her level. I soon after took those emotions, made a bubble, and blew it away (an amazing technique I learned from Dharma and Greg…the TV show).
Then I remembered that even seven years ago when I was called a vermin and told that I deserved to be gassed, I did not let myself stoop to that level.
And so I realized that I failed my test, but at least I know that this was a lesson that I will not soon forget.
I have to give you the whole story, so that the big picture can be seen.
I met a good friend of mine for lunch today, and we met in a lounge at school. There was a woman who was sitting in a corner reading, and I sat in the other corner next to the window. My friend came in and we sat down and started talking. After maybe thirty seconds, the woman started telling us that we are not at home and we shouldn't be talking and we should go somewhere else. Note: The room is a meeting room for people to come and talk, eat and study, so we were doing nothing wrong. She said this and a few things along the same line, so my friend started talking back to her. Both of them had a not very nice exchange, and my friend decided to go get someone in charge.
I turned to the woman and tried to diffuse the situation, letting her know that this room is a room to congregate in; I spoke in a very calm tone. She started arguing with me and telling me that we should be quiet, and then she took out the big guns, she told me that we were cows, and that this country is not mine. I asked her to clarify, and told her that this country isn't hers either, right? Presuming that she meant that we weren’t Queens or something. This country isn’t yours, She repeated again. My blood began to boil and I told her that she didn’t know me and she has no right to judge me. She told me again, I carry a foreign passport, so I don’t belong here. The proceeded to tell me that she knew a lot of cows our type on campus and she knows what were like.
At this point I was really angry, and so I told her that she managed to make me angry and that she was the first person in years to really do what she managed to do.n The I repeated that I am an Israeli and she has no right to judge me, and of course, that I carry an Israeli passport.
Situation repeats itself, and I repeat myself. I'm still speaking pretty calmly, but anyone could see I was raging. I then decided to ignore her, as I began to realize that I got pulled into her rage.
My friend came back, bringing some random very pregnant lady, who I assume was supposed to be a person of authority, though she was just an administration person. She asked what was going on, and we both began to explain the situation, she also continued to hurl her insults. The pregnant lady after a minute said she's leaving, this is a 5 year old argument.
So she left, my friend started talking to me, and I realized that we were not go anywhere else to eat, as she wouldn’t budge out of principle. After a few minutes other people came in and the random lunch congregation began. But I couldn’t let it go. I was mad. Finally I realized that I had let somebody else control my emotions and I let myself stoop down to her level. I soon after took those emotions, made a bubble, and blew it away (an amazing technique I learned from Dharma and Greg…the TV show).
Then I remembered that even seven years ago when I was called a vermin and told that I deserved to be gassed, I did not let myself stoop to that level.
And so I realized that I failed my test, but at least I know that this was a lesson that I will not soon forget.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Homecoming
First of all, how do I answer your comments without making another comment on my blog? This is specifically for you, Amy and Candace...
So... then I came back to Israel (and, as previously mentioned, to a very sexy hubby). I had 15 wonderful hours to relax and unwind from my trip before returning to "real life".
Next morning I started my new job, working at a very prestigious think tank here in Israel, well known for its employee turnover and difficult management. I was ready to face the challenge (which I think I have done a really good job at up until now, and am proud to not yet have taken being yelled at personally).
I actually really like my new job. I am bored out of my mind, writing letters and working on fundraising and logistics all day; but when it comes right down to it, it is giving me exactly the kind of knowledge that I, as a Safra, need to shape up and get organized. As we all know, I am the Queen of Procrastination, and organization is not one of my Pages. So this work is really good for me.
The problem was, and still is, that I am in the middle of exam and paper writing period. For those of you inexperienced with the Interdisciplinary Center Masters program, in its first year, we as the guinea pigs have gone through hell over the past few months, having to write papers and take exams while studying 30 hours a week, and in my case, until I went to Hungary, worked full and part time.
Luckily for me, back in those good old days, I could do most of the work for my full time job from home, leaving me able to sneak in studies on the side. Plus, in classes, I could continue working on my papers and studying for exams. I thought I was the busiest and most overworked that I could possibly ever be (and you all know how busy I normally keep myself).
Yeah…now…not so much. Now I am working full time, in an office where I must be here each day. I have work from both Spring and Summer semesters that need to be done by October 1st, and I have no classes where I can ignore the Prof, and get school work done. Needless to say, this period has managed to top my last busy period by far. Seeing as I got all of my complaining and tears out last week, I am not going to complain anymore…just stating the facts.
I am complete with the situation, though. There's really nothing I can do, but go along with it. I know that it is not possible for me to finish all of the school work by the end of September, so I will do what I can, and trust in the fact that we will be given extensions on whatever is left over.
Idan has been wonderful throughout this period, and not once complained that I cant spend a lot of time with him, or that I need to stay at the library till 1900 (when they kick me out). And luckily for me, he has to go to work at 0630, which means that I can easily go to work and have 2 hours to study before work starts.
So that’s been my life lately. Now that we are all caught up, I will probably get back to my random rants about life and the situation over here. Fun stuff.
Anyhoo…seeing as I haven’t yet been busted for writing this during work, I think I shouldn't push my luck (I write this with a big ole' mischievous grin on my face ;) .
So, my happy self will get back to work now…and I want to make one thing clear, I am really happy, just overwhelmed, so don't go worrying about me or anything!!!
Later y'all!
So... then I came back to Israel (and, as previously mentioned, to a very sexy hubby). I had 15 wonderful hours to relax and unwind from my trip before returning to "real life".
Next morning I started my new job, working at a very prestigious think tank here in Israel, well known for its employee turnover and difficult management. I was ready to face the challenge (which I think I have done a really good job at up until now, and am proud to not yet have taken being yelled at personally).
I actually really like my new job. I am bored out of my mind, writing letters and working on fundraising and logistics all day; but when it comes right down to it, it is giving me exactly the kind of knowledge that I, as a Safra, need to shape up and get organized. As we all know, I am the Queen of Procrastination, and organization is not one of my Pages. So this work is really good for me.
The problem was, and still is, that I am in the middle of exam and paper writing period. For those of you inexperienced with the Interdisciplinary Center Masters program, in its first year, we as the guinea pigs have gone through hell over the past few months, having to write papers and take exams while studying 30 hours a week, and in my case, until I went to Hungary, worked full and part time.
Luckily for me, back in those good old days, I could do most of the work for my full time job from home, leaving me able to sneak in studies on the side. Plus, in classes, I could continue working on my papers and studying for exams. I thought I was the busiest and most overworked that I could possibly ever be (and you all know how busy I normally keep myself).
Yeah…now…not so much. Now I am working full time, in an office where I must be here each day. I have work from both Spring and Summer semesters that need to be done by October 1st, and I have no classes where I can ignore the Prof, and get school work done. Needless to say, this period has managed to top my last busy period by far. Seeing as I got all of my complaining and tears out last week, I am not going to complain anymore…just stating the facts.
I am complete with the situation, though. There's really nothing I can do, but go along with it. I know that it is not possible for me to finish all of the school work by the end of September, so I will do what I can, and trust in the fact that we will be given extensions on whatever is left over.
Idan has been wonderful throughout this period, and not once complained that I cant spend a lot of time with him, or that I need to stay at the library till 1900 (when they kick me out). And luckily for me, he has to go to work at 0630, which means that I can easily go to work and have 2 hours to study before work starts.
So that’s been my life lately. Now that we are all caught up, I will probably get back to my random rants about life and the situation over here. Fun stuff.
Anyhoo…seeing as I haven’t yet been busted for writing this during work, I think I shouldn't push my luck (I write this with a big ole' mischievous grin on my face ;) .
So, my happy self will get back to work now…and I want to make one thing clear, I am really happy, just overwhelmed, so don't go worrying about me or anything!!!
Later y'all!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Home on the Range
OK, I think it is time that I get this blog going. Ive put if off for long enough.
After a very annoying last minute postponing of the hike that I was supposed to do in Israel, I got online and bought the cheapest airling ticket I could find. So where did this adventure take me?
Hungary! A country that I would have never considered taking a vacation to, and certainly not on my list of places to visit before I die. But, as all adventures go, the experience was magical.
Upon arrival in Hungary, I overhaerd a conversation about public baths, and having missed that experience in Morocco two years earlier, decided that this time, it is a must. Little did I know that the thermal baths and lakes would become the core of my trip.
My trip was only a week long, but I got to go to almost all of the places I wanted to get to (cuz I had such a serious itinerary planned, you know...) I spent the bulk of my time in Budapest, a glorious city seemed together over time based on both sides of the Danube River. Being the walking fanatic that I am, I spent my first day getting totally and utterly lost in the area of 1 sq. kilometer. Then my second day, I made my destination a 16th century Turkish bath, and went sight seeing along the way. First I went to the Jewish Quarter, the picture below, at the great Synagogue, is the holocaust memorial of the almost 500,000 Jews that were deported and murdered by the Nazis. Also, it is uber important for me to mention that this was the site where my great hero, Theodore Herzl was born. I was so proud.
Then I walked across the river to Pest (my hostel being in Buda), enjoyed a nice walk up to Castle Hill, which was basically a really old school castle and town, and four hours later hit the Baths.
Wow! Being the hyper person that I am, I normally dont have patience to sit for more than a few minutes, but two hours later, I finally managed to pull myself out of the water, and convinced my completely relaxed body to walk the long way back to Buda and my hostel.
Having been rejuvinated for my first time in two years, I decided that H2O is the way to go, and the next morning took a train down to Lake Balaton (the Hungarian's Vacation) relaxed at the lake that evening and went to a thermal lake in Heviz the next morning. For those of you who have never experienced the healing power of thermal lakes...It simply cannot be underestimated. My always there knee pain hasnt come back since I was in that lake almost three weeks ago, my completely overworked and knotted body all of a sudden, was perfectly fine. Only today, three weeks later, am I beginning to feel some of the pain returning to my back (I am going to make it a monthly habit to go up to the thermal springs in Tiberias to take care of that). Unbeleivable, the healing power of water.
From Balaton, I went up to Eger, where I was supposed to drink Bulls Blood Wine, their specialty. But I never got around to it. Instead, my two days were spent with exploring the city (about 6 hours) and locking myself into my dorm room to fathom the spiritual breakthroughs that I began to experience.
Upon return to Budapest, I explored the Buda side of the city. Below is a picture of the House of Terror, where citizens were taken and tortured for activity against the Communist government...the pictures on the wall are people who were killed by the regime. At Independence square, I met the producer of Pimp My Ride (he said Xibit is a nice guy) and his brother, an economist...me and my foot in mouth told him that Im not interested in economy, I just dont get it... then gushed about the producers work. But for the record, they were both way cool and though we only hung out for a short time, it was really fun for me to meet English speakers my age. I then finished my last day with another thermal bath, which was way too crowded for my standards.
So, here are my lessons learned:
1. I am way to old to be backpacking and staying in hostels (Ames, remember the woman at Balmer's? Thats what I felt like).
2. I have turned more and more into my mother, and I like it (sorry for all my impatience with the way you spoke to people while travelling and always wanting to do things bright and early and running around).
3. It is possible to survive without even the slightest knowledge of a language in a country where even instruction labels for making food are only in Eastern European Languages (let alone the people). Believe it or not, I somehow managed to get along on my 10 words of German and a lot of smiles and thank you's.
4. There is no better way to find "you" then to be completely outside your element. Granted I already knew this, but I have to reiterate for myself.
5. Sanity is in the eye of the beholder. If anybody knew the things that I have been thinking, I would be immediately sent off to the looney bin. Thanks for believing me, Idan.
I know theres one more, but I dont remember it right now.
By my return home to my incredibly sexy and much, much lighter haired and darker skinned husband, I was completely rejuvinated and ready to go...
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