On Jerusalem Day we celebrate the liberation of East Jerusalem from Jordanian occupation and the reunification of the holy city. It has been 50 years since the Nation of Israel heard those most glorious words: “The Temple Mount is in our hands!” People who had literally seen their families go up in the smoke of … More “The Temple Mount is in our hands!”
“What’s his name?” The women whisper between themselves, not sure they heard correctly: “What’s his name?” “Shimon? Ah, Shimon… that’s a good name.” “Shimon, because of Lag BaOmer. That’s a good name.” Repetition registers his name. Eight days old, he is now known to the community, part of the collective memory – the newest member … More A brit and a wedding – expanding the tribe of Israel
Achinoam Nini was invited to perform on May 18th in the Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. Pressure from a local group in the Jewish community caused the performance to be canceled. An article was written about this in The Detroit Jewish News – this is my response to that article. Dear Detroit Jewish … More The place where Achinoam “Noa” Nini and free speech collide: an open letter to the Detroit Jewish community
A piece of paper with writing on it brought the complexities of my grandfather’s personality, rushing back to me, from beyond the grave. I don’t believe he placed much importance on what he wrote. How could he know that his words, so clearly would make him vivid to me, once more? I can see him … More Thoughts from my grandfather…
Israel is something you have to experience in order to truly understand. This land is both less and much more than people tend to assume. These are some of the things I learned living in Israel: In Israel, I learned that “no” means “maybe.” Rules are for the boring. There always is a better way, … More Things I learned in Israel
I wrote this August 28, 2003. 14 years later, the sadness has not changed…. I once knew a boy. He was a beautiful boy. Charismatic and charming and a tiny bit naughty, he was very appealing. So often I find myself saying, “once” and “was”, speaking about people in the past tense. Thinking about people … More The Boy I Once Knew
On April 24th Israelis will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. This is not the same date as the International Holocaust Memorial Day. This date was chosen to emphasize the place of the Holocaust in the story of the Jewish people. We do this by first celebrating Passover. One week later, we mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Exactly … More The Holocaust, miracles and revenge
My article about airport security and the difference between Israeli security models and those implemented elsewhere – published in the Oct/Nov 2016 edition of The Counter Terrorist magazine. And for those who have a hard time reading the article as it was published, this is the text: From Brussels to Orlando, airports to Disney … More Security models that provide a feeling of safety are not necessarily safe
My article in The Counter Terrorist magazine – April / May 2017 PTSD in Israel’s Defense Forces is among the lowest in militaries worldwide In 2013 the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps Mental Health Department released a study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the study, reported cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among … More Why do American Combat Soldiers Suffer From PTSD More Than Their Counterparts?
I live in a great neighborhood. It’s beautiful and green (except in the places that were burnt by arson terror last December). There is the feeling of quiet seclusion, despite being right next to one of the main areas of town. While I don’t have a direct view of the sea from my house, when … More Taking a walk with my dog
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 