Once again, I am so grateful to be here under the MASA name. I had another amazing opportunity because of them. 10 of us went to Jerusalem and participated in a weekend of lectures on the security issues in Israel.
I learned SO much.
I learned SO much.
First off, we stayed in an amazing hostle,
probably the nicest I will ever stay in.
We got room, board, and lectures all for the price of 35 NIS aka 11 dollars.
probably the nicest I will ever stay in.
We got room, board, and lectures all for the price of 35 NIS aka 11 dollars.
We started the weekend off by seeing the security fence
between Israel and the West Bank. There really is no point in this barrier because it's a chain link fence in most parts
but I guess it's what is stands for.
but I guess it's what is stands for.
You can tell which house belong to the Arabs because they build with flat roofs. Most of the Jewish came from Europe and build with triangle roofs. So if we get a freak snow storm here...in the desert,
the Jews will be prepared for roof cave-ins.
Ah this is comforting. See the pretty walls that line the highway? I thought they were a sound barrier like they have on I-15. Nope.
They're sniper shields put up to protect this road that apparently use to be attacked daily. What a fun commute to work.
Traffic, spilled coffee, AM radio, out running the snipers...
I had two favorite speakers this weekend. Benzi Gruber who is a Vice Commander of Armoured Division 252 and Khaled Abu Toameh who is an "Israeli-Arab-Muslim-Palestinian" journalist.
What a mouth full, but it counts.
Benzi talked from a prospective of an active leader in the army. We saw a lot of videos of car bombing while hearing the IDF on radio deciding how to handle it...in the 8 seconds they have. Fact, after 9/11 the rate of suicide bombing went up in to the thousands per year--Thousands of SUCCESSFUL suicide bombers were in Israel and other countries. Targeting school buses, kindergardens, grocery stores and so much more. It became a fad and thousands of people suffered, all starting with 9/11. *Clarification, I'm not saying the same party is linked to 9/11 and the attacks here. I'm just saying it became a trend that others picked up on. I heard about these things in the news but being here and seeing the exact spot where someone has taken the lives of others,
seeing the damage from it is undescribable.
I loved when Khaled spoke. He has a view on life that few do. He wants Israel to flourish, is active in the Muslim religion, and can go in and out of Palestine territories. This is very unique. He is able to go into places like the Gaza Strip and meet with the leaders of Hamas, something very, very few people can do. He spoke a lot about the power of the international media. As always the media gives stories spins of their own, and can be biased to one side. It happens everywhere. I loved this man. He spoke of the strengths and weakness of both the Israelis and the Palestinians.
SO FACINATING!
After a long weekend of great and eye opening lectures, I remember to take this all with a grain of salt. I believe it is most important to be compassionate to all and keep in mind I wouldn't want to be accused of someone elses actions. There are many sides to a story and I am grateful I continue to see more and more of them. I am very excited to share what I've been learning with everyone when I get home. Living here has opened my eyes in a way no where else can. I wouldn't trade the sensativity I am learning from this side of the world for anything. I remember when I decided to come to Israel, people asked if I was scared or anxious. I felt so calm, it felt like I have known my whole life that I was coming here. I know with every fiber of my being this is where I am suppose to be right now. I love when I feel that way! Mazal Tov!!
They're sniper shields put up to protect this road that apparently use to be attacked daily. What a fun commute to work.
Traffic, spilled coffee, AM radio, out running the snipers...
We are becoming such deep thinkers. Can't you tell by Chali's eyebrows?
What a mouth full, but it counts.
Benzi talked from a prospective of an active leader in the army. We saw a lot of videos of car bombing while hearing the IDF on radio deciding how to handle it...in the 8 seconds they have. Fact, after 9/11 the rate of suicide bombing went up in to the thousands per year--Thousands of SUCCESSFUL suicide bombers were in Israel and other countries. Targeting school buses, kindergardens, grocery stores and so much more. It became a fad and thousands of people suffered, all starting with 9/11. *Clarification, I'm not saying the same party is linked to 9/11 and the attacks here. I'm just saying it became a trend that others picked up on. I heard about these things in the news but being here and seeing the exact spot where someone has taken the lives of others,
seeing the damage from it is undescribable.
I loved when Khaled spoke. He has a view on life that few do. He wants Israel to flourish, is active in the Muslim religion, and can go in and out of Palestine territories. This is very unique. He is able to go into places like the Gaza Strip and meet with the leaders of Hamas, something very, very few people can do. He spoke a lot about the power of the international media. As always the media gives stories spins of their own, and can be biased to one side. It happens everywhere. I loved this man. He spoke of the strengths and weakness of both the Israelis and the Palestinians.
SO FACINATING!
After a long weekend of great and eye opening lectures, I remember to take this all with a grain of salt. I believe it is most important to be compassionate to all and keep in mind I wouldn't want to be accused of someone elses actions. There are many sides to a story and I am grateful I continue to see more and more of them. I am very excited to share what I've been learning with everyone when I get home. Living here has opened my eyes in a way no where else can. I wouldn't trade the sensativity I am learning from this side of the world for anything. I remember when I decided to come to Israel, people asked if I was scared or anxious. I felt so calm, it felt like I have known my whole life that I was coming here. I know with every fiber of my being this is where I am suppose to be right now. I love when I feel that way! Mazal Tov!!
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