As a Jewish child, growing up in America, I was so privileged, I didn’t even realize I was privileged. We lived in the inner city of Detroit, and we weren’t rich but I was privileged. I knew that as a child, my mother got beaten up by Christian kids because “Jews killed Jesus” but that … More Jewish American Privilege
I work in a privately owned Israeli company founded by immigrants from Ukraine. Half the employees are Ukrainian-born Israelis. The others are from Russia (barring a handful of Israeli-born Israelis). Many of the faces I see throughout the day are drawn and weary. People worried sick about elderly parents who did not make Aliyah. Worried … More Russia – Ukraine war: abuse of Holocaust memory and other politically incorrect thoughts
Wisdom is knowing what we don’t know. When I made Aliyah I discovered that although I am Jewish and was raised in a Zionist household, I knew nothing about Israel. Nothing. That was a painful discovery. I was 13 and the culture shock was enormous. It took me years to reorient myself and be able … More Walk in the Land of Israel
I have lived in Israel long enough that it is only my American friends who remind me that the holiday called “Thanksgiving” exists. I have much that I am thankful for but my thoughts don’t exactly fit into the template of warm and fuzzy holiday musings. I am thankful I was born in America in … More Thanksgiving in Israel
My friend was about to be inaugurated as Prime Minister of Israel. For the past year I had done everything in my power to help make that happen. Of course, I had to be there. On the other hand, this inauguration would establish a government with progressive, extreme left, post and anti-Zionists whose ideology, from … More Naftali Bennett and me – relationship status: “it’s complicated”
For years I have hated my birthday. Most people seem to enjoy celebrating themselves, their friendships and families. Parties, presents and fun activities are – fun and that’s great. I like those things too… Perhaps it’s just something about the way my brain works. For me birthdays are similar to Yom Kippur, a date to … More Birthday thoughts and echoes of Eli Cohen
“Lynch” is a word that most people don’t really comprehend. Although many are familiar with the word “Fauda” from the hit tv series, the term is not understood. Fauda means chaos – but it is not just any chaos. It is the chaos of the gates of hell opening up, turning individuals into a blood-thirsty, … More Elad Barzilai survived the Arab lynch mob
I don’t like sharing things like this but it’s not just a matter of “airing dirty laundry” this is an issue of paying attention to foreign money, undermining our national security. While our nation is being bombarded by missiles, these people decided to protest. The purple signs and flags were funded by an organization called … More Jews and Arabs Standing Together
There can only be one lion at the head of the lion pride. When the Old Lion recognizes that the Young Lion has grown strong, he knows that he must either chase the young male away or kill him. Otherwise, the young one will eventually replace him. That’s the way the world works. For years … More Naftali Bennett and elections in Israel
The power of words Words are the place where my identity as a storyteller converges with my Jewish soul. I’m not a Judaic scholar but I know that there is intrinsic logic between all Jewish ideas and that is what I look for*. Words form ideas and ideas shape reality. The misuse of words, particularly … More What world are you creating with your words?
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 