-
What's wrong with the Israeli political system?
Asking Israelis about politics these days is a sad business. The vast majority think that all politicians are crooks, they can't be trusted, and there's nothing to be done about it. A second sizable group thinks that the ones currently in power are the real crooks and that someone else, whether it's Benjamin Netanyahu, Tsipi Livni, or Avigor ( Read more... ) -
Jazz in Jerusalem
Yesterday marked the beginning of the second international Jerusalem Jazz Festival, which runs through Friday afternoon at four venues throughout the city. Last year's unmitigated success and this year's impressive lineup bode well for a shining future on the Jerusalem cultural scene ( Read more... ) -
What's so civil about war anyway?
On 25 January of last year, Hamas won a resounding majority victory in the first ever multi-party elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council. At the time, I expressed my lack of surprise that Fateh lost to Hamas, and even lost badly. In the election campaign, Hamas successfully portrayed itself as a party of the people, which would be a ( Read more... ) -
Official Israeli Oleh
Well folks, I've gone and done it now. If you picked January 31, you win. In addition to my sister Aliza's birthday, that day will now be celebrated as the day I finally made Aliyah. It's been a long and frustrating road, and more battles loom ahead, but this is big ( Read more... ) -
Congratulations Hamas
In the days leading up to the January 25 Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections, I made two predictions: that Hamas would come away with the most votes; and that the official results would indicate victory for Fateh. (Though the organisation’s name is often spelled “Fatah” in the press, I use the spelling preferred by the organisation ( Read more... ) -
Make Way For Vladdy
Greetings all ( Read more... ) -
Not Just Barely Legal
It's been a long time since I updated. No, I didn't get blown up. No, I didn't quit on Israel. No, I didn't join a cult that shuns fancy things like electricity. I have been working working working. Which is wonderful, but not something to write home about repeatedly ( Read more... ) -
Digging In
I am too tired to do this update justice, but too excited to wait until the morrow. So here it is in brief and half asleep. Not in briefs though because I don't yet have internet in my room ( Read more... ) -
Officially Unofficially Employed
If you picked January 7 in the pool, collect your winnings. Your warm fuzzy friend / relative / annoying acquaintance (that would be me) just received a telephone call from Kramer. He wants me to start Sunday morning, 10 AM. (The standard Israeli work week is Sunday through Thursday, making the term "weekend" make a whole lot more sense ( Read more... ) -
Happy Sylvester! Happy Birthday!
This is not a major update. You just got one of those. This is just to say Happy Sylvester. That's what they call Jan 1 here. Look it up ( Read more... )