Category: Jerusalem

HOLD ON TO THOSE MEMORIES

I was 29 when I moved to Israel. I didn't know the language. I'd taken a few Hebrew lessons but was unable to complete a full sentence. The move from wherever you live to an entirely different place both in language and culture is intentional dislocation. Culture shock is the name of the game. I … Continue reading HOLD ON TO THOSE MEMORIES

STRANGER PLACES

It was an ordinary day in the suburb of Jerusalem where I managed a weekly English-language newspaper. I had fallen into the job when the previous editor quit after his paycheck bounced. Twice. Me too, but I wanted the paper to succeed. I was willing to work for free if there was any chance to save it. Many of us were … Continue reading STRANGER PLACES

WHY ARE AMERICANS AFRAID OF SOCIALISM?

Socialism is a different way to run a country. It's not evil or perfect. only different.

ALIYAH

Once upon a time, in another life, I had a home in Jerusalem, just down the road from Jaffa Gate. I didn't know I was arriving at the end of an era. Those would be the last years the Bedouins would cross their sheep through the middle of town, stopping traffic on King George Street on … Continue reading ALIYAH

WHY ARE WE SO SCARED OF SOCIALISM?

I am bewildered about American reactions to socialism. Maybe it's because we think it's Communism without the fascist dictator. Having spent ten years living in a socialist country, what we had were higher taxes with free high-quality health care. No one was homeless. If you had no work, the government made sure you had at … Continue reading WHY ARE WE SO SCARED OF SOCIALISM?

NO SAFE PLACE?

It was an ordinary day in the suburb of Jerusalem where I managed a weekly English-language newspaper. I had fallen into the job when the previous editor quit -- after his paycheck bounced. Twice. Me too, but I wanted the paper to succeed, and was willing to work for free if we might save it. Most of us kept … Continue reading NO SAFE PLACE?

EX-PATRIOT: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VACATION AND BUILDING A LIFE

There used to be a joke in Israel. It worked in English and Hebrew, so here it goes. A tourist goes to visit Israel. He is astounded at what a beautiful country it is. He's awed by the crops in the field, the amazing range of topography from mountains to deserts, from to to ocean. … Continue reading EX-PATRIOT: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VACATION AND BUILDING A LIFE

IT’S THREE O’CLOCK AND WHAT SHALL I DO WITH THE DEFROSTED MINCED MEAT?

This is the time of day when I have to ponder dinner. I think Owen's going to make meatloaf. He does that well. Better than I do. I used to make pot roast to die for, but somewhere along the line, the cuts of meat have gone down hill. Back in The Day, pot roast … Continue reading IT’S THREE O’CLOCK AND WHAT SHALL I DO WITH THE DEFROSTED MINCED MEAT?

SUMMER? FEH.

5 Things I Hate About Summer I lived for 9 years in Jerusalem. It's hot in Israel and temperatures, during a bad chamseen, could hit 110 or more. A chamseen is a sand-filled wind that blows up from the Sahara. It's more humid than normal hot Israeli air and the air is full of sand, … Continue reading SUMMER? FEH.

WHAT A SHOCK! – Marilyn Armstrong

You think you know someone. You hang out with them, exchange emails, jokes, and anecdotes. Maybe you even work with them. Then, one day, out of the blue, you discover they are fundamentalist Christians who believe you are going to Hell or are a hard-core right-wing Trumpist, conspiracy theorist, or believer in the upcoming zombie … Continue reading WHAT A SHOCK! – Marilyn Armstrong