Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Take it to the limit, one more time... -The Eagles Thursday, May 22 Haifa
12:44 am Full immersion baptism! Referring to cultural and religious diversity. Fifteen hour work day from 7 am to 10 pm. Fully exposed to elements of Judaism and Islam from all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Visited city of Safed and the holy site of Cabala founder, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, revered by a few famous actors like Madonna, Britney Spears and Demi Moore. Even toured the Bahai temple. Too much at this point to assimilate. Need time and perspective to dig deeper. Upon rst blush, my thoughts are that people seem to be each living in relative harmony according to their inherited belief systems. We ate unforgettable falafel, owned by an Arab Christian Israeli. The Arab district seemed stable and peaceful with a mix of various ethnic groups. I took 325 photos and a couple hours of video. An interesting footnote, the festival we visited today was about six miles from the border of Lebanon where much rocket re happened over the past couple years. The people we met today exhibited a wariness and weariness upon rst blush. A few were openly hostile to cameras. According to Sigal, our Israeli team producer, they just dont want to get hurt. They feel the media has misrepresented Israel often. After introductions from our guides and local representatives most were warm, outgoing and fun loving. Once they know your intentions are 1
good, they treat you like family, Sigal explained.
Truth may walk through the world unharmed. -Bedouin proverb Wednesday, May 28 Dead Sea
12:58 pm Incredible, dry, desolate place, the Dead Sea. 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Split down the middle with Jordan, it is said unwary oaters have been blown to the opposite shore only to be greeted by ries and uncertain prospects for their return to Israel. In a show of force, American-built F-16s y over in formation every couple hours. Its an impressive and perhaps frightening display for those who mean harm to Israel. The only natural inhabitants are bedouin tribes further up the windswept desert plains. Their natural inclination is to wander the stark landscape with their family tribe with no thought to national sovereignty. More recently, theyve been forced to settle in semi-permanent encampments, which resemble the poor shanty towns of Africa and Southeast Asia, due to the closing of national borders. Our bus driver, Momdouch, in Arabic meaning one who is..., explained that these are not poor, they prefer to sleep outside in tents. He said he also preferred to sleep in a tent, but now owned a home. Reminded me of the sentiments Native American might make. Each enclave dotted over the stark landscape seemed to have several camels parked outside, ready for action. The Jewish kibbutz of En Gedi is perhaps one of the most remarkable places on planet earth. Situated on top of a natural aquifer, this remains the only botanical garden with a thriving community, according to its mayor, a tough, well-loved guy ironically named Dove. He claims this area as the largest natural spa in the world with the only combination of ltered sunlight, 8% more oxygen and bromine, heat to relax and salt minerals for therapy. At 1200 feet below sea level the atmosphere lters many harmful rays, apparently. I felt entirely relaxed, as if I were home in the wheat farming town of Walla Walla, Washington, USA. No stress with this much dry heat!
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Israel
All the lovely people, where do they all come from? -John Lennon