It’s cold outside. The rain beats on the windows and thunder rumbles in the distance. Night is approaching and the warm bed beckons with the promise of a cozy embrace. The closeness of comfort seems so utterly wrong, knowing that he is outside, alone, in the dark, setting off for a night of strenuous effort. … More Mother of Soldiers
When people think of visiting Israel, few consider going to Hebron. The city is depicted as contentious, dangerous and unpleasant. It is associated with “Occupation,” poverty and apartheid. Who would want to go there? Even most Israelis don’t consider Hebron a place they would want to visit, much less live. This reality ironic, considering the … More The Hebrews of Hebron
When you were a child, what was your favorite color? I distinctly remember the discussion my first-grade classmates had about favorite colors. Most of the girls declared that red was their favorite. I had an innate streak of Israeli davka-ness in me, way before I became an Israeli, was determined not to be like everyone … More How do you feel about the color red?
It’s been a little over a week since the riots in Gaza began. We’re promised riots every week, till May 14th, the date commemorating Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948. When I wrote this, new riots were massing on the border (the great tire demonstration). Last Friday was the grand opening of the “March of Return”. … More Free Gaza
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
Grandparents set up a room for four. Their four grandchildren. What could be more normal? But it’s not normal. No, the grandparents aren’t happy the kids will be staying with them. They would have preferred the kids were with their parents. But they can’t. Four months, four years, seven and nine years old, the children … More A room for four
“Why did you want to do it?” the reporter asks 14 year old Husam Abdul from Shechem. The teenager had been sent to explode himself in order to kill Israeli soldiers. The reporter tries to put words in the Husam’s mouth: “You did it for Paradise right?” but as children often do, Husam blurted out … More Because the people, they don’t love me
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 