Tags: 4 Min Read; 5 Min Core Videos; Zero Hitler references!
Read
What Palestinians Think of Hamas
The results of a survey conducted by Arab Barometer between September-October this year
Sexual Orientation: Weapon or Weaponized?
I confess to have lost track of why this angle is material. I didn't understand, years ago, protests by LGBTQ+ activists in Seattle protesting Israeli gays talking about their situation in Israel (answer: It was just antisemitism). And I don't really grok this either.
The reported story behind this photo:
Shmuel Hoogie traveled all the way to the border to propose to his partner, Denis, an IDF reserve solider. The engagement ring was provided by the "Adir's Diamond" project.
Adir Masika was a young jewelry maker who was murdered by the t*rrorists [sic] in the attack on Black Sabbath, October 7th. Adir was dancing at the Nova festival and was able to save 7 people before he was killed. His father, a jeweler who work alongside Adir, created a charity project, donating diamond rings to anyone in the army who wishes to get married and unable to finance a ring.
An Old Speech RE Antisemitism in the U.N.
1975 Speech by Daniel Moynihan to the UN when the UN declared that Zionism was a form of racism (later Revoked in 1991)
25 minutes long, audio only:
Seen
Good Old Days...
A reminder of another era... the time "B.W. / ל''המ" (Before the War / לפני המלחמה)
Don't throw democracy in the trash. (Seen in Givat Ela)
Guarding The Tongue
I was in the NYC area over Thanksgiving weekend. At one meal, it was announced "No talking about the war in Gaza."
So we didn't.
At tables in Israel, one watches if there is a serving soldier. If there is, you probably don't criticize the Israeli government or N___. The reason... soldiers give up their autonomy. They follow orders and work for a big machine--the army--which itself reports to the civilian government. It is uncomfortable to be selfless and hear criticism at the same time.
This isn't universal. I have a friend who can: Serve in a front line role and converse about the problems in the government.
The war is in the background, and the split is the split: You eat in a cafe when there are blindfolded bears just outside. At the table next to you is a reservist with his partner: That reservist may be just out of Gaza and going back tomorrow.
Relief Area
Alef: At Hogwarts
Bet
Gimmel
Dalet
(This is a spoof of a spoof… Etrogs are examined closely on Sukkot… This transfers that scrutiny to something that needs no scrutiny…)
Hey
Nine years old... sounds like yesterday?
It is rainy in Tel Aviv. Not actually raining (at least for the past number of hours), but you take an umbrella.
I need to do some homework and run off to ulpan.
Raf
(Thank you A.K. — Thank you M.N. for content.)