Month: April 2007

  • French introspection for today.

    “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; Nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” (Charles DeGaulle)

  • Lizrael Update… and then some.

    Life resumed today, like a slap in the face. Actually, that’s harsh; it wasn’t a slap in the face, but more like a friendly pat on the cheek. I have it so good here: Solid, likable job. Affordable, yet comfy, apartment. Married to an Australian… Oh, I’m not supposed to focus on the Australia bit…

  • Zionism from above.

    In case you ever wondered, here is what happens if you fly El Al from abroad to Israel, departing on Yom HaZicaron and landing on Yom HaAtzmaut: They give you a Yizkor sticker at check in…   They give you a mini flag before landing…

  • Don't spare me a strike…

    I’ve been feeling naughty lately; I’ve missed two weeks worth of classes for being in Australia, or so I thought until right now, when I found out that Bar Ilan is on strike with the rest of the Israeli universities, so I’m not missing school this week. But I’m still naughty, so I will punish…

  • RE: aliyah.

    Every time I do this, the emails get longer and more detailed. Here’s the latest aliyah tips email I’ve written. If you happen to have questions, feel free to email me. If you happen to have more/better info, feel free to comment with it. ———————— …I’m more than happy to spill out as much info…

  • Shnitzeled feet.

  • It's DBG, man.

    Doesn’t the species koala kind of remind you of Israel’s first prime minister?

  • Tough love and more.

    Someone asked me what I love about Israel. I was speechless. It’s not that I don’t love anything about Israel. It’s not that I don’t love Israel at all. I think what it is… When people ask me where in Israel I live, I say Jerusalem. And then I groan as their faces glow up…

  • Sharing means staring.

    Holidays are nearly over… One more day for us, two more for everyone else in these parts. That’s including Easter Monday (remember Christian holidays?). I can’t stop staring, so instead of being rude, I’ll share:

  • Nightlife for the good life.

    Just got back from a tour of Melbournian weekend nightlife. My Aussie companions were pleased to see that I, the unhumble New Yorker, was quite impressed. In fact, I’d daresay it was full of the stuff I love about New York – and cities in general – and lacking the stuff I despise. – Great…

  • Never coming back.

  • Some first reactions.

    Why an Australian would make aliyah – if s/he is not religious – is beyond me. It is true what they say – Australia is so very laid-back (or if you’re Israeli, you’d say “ze ma ze layd beck”). So content, so calm. No worries. None. People pick up after their picnics. The kids say…