tunnel ball

things are not always what they seem. this week one of my worst enemies became one of my greatest allies, and one of my best friends became my nemesis. it is easy to get involved in a situation where the wool is pulled over your eyes, without realizing it. imagine that you are living inside a tunnel. everything that is going on around you somehow travels through or revolves around the tunnel. there is a light at the end, but the number of times which one must drive in circles before permitted to emerge is indefinite, and the tunnel becomes your reality. Unexpectedly and suddenly, an explosion occurs within the tunnel. This sends an electric current through your body which triggers the light bulb inside the brain, and the nervous system reconnects to the central processing unit.

its hard to realize you are stuck within such a situation sometimes unless a major event occurs to sound the alarm. when this involves matters of the heart, someone or something sacred or special to you, or challenges your faith and your dignity, you are particularly vulnerable. while people are intrinsically good, any number of forces can influence someone's personal paradigm to the extreme. culture is also a major aspect of personal reality, and elements thereof such as religion and gender contribute to the overall human dilemma.

when life throws you a curve ball, you can either stay in the game or sit on the bench. Being a sideliner generally does not get you anywhere, and there you are constantly tortured by knowing you could have done something about a situation but didn't. If you choose to stay in the game, step up to the plate and swing away. The goal is to play your best, hopefully hit a home run, and ultimately win the game. The worst thing that can happen is that you strike out, but if you keep your aim and a positive focus, you will be victorious. Some things are not always what they seem, so its important to keep your eye on the ball and swing at the appropriate moment or you will forever be stuck inside the endless tunnel.

revolutions

I was told by someone today "the world does not revolve around you". Earlier in the day this person said that very thing about someone else we know. Its possible that he wanted to try this English catch-phrase out on various people throughout the day, as English is not his first language, but perhaps there was also some truth to his words. In my own words "think global" I like to transcend my personal paradigm into what is going on in the world. However putting myself first is important - only when I'm healthy and clear-minded can I even think about what is going on in the world.

As the EU celebrates its 50th Anniversary, I think of the very concepts which allowed this great union to be what it is today. Time and strength. First the concept of time, in light of the aforementioned revolution of the planets. Although 50 years has passed since the European Countries have formed their union, the time has gone quickly. On a psychological level, "time will heal" many situations, and "only time will tell" what will happen. Second about strength. It is easy to lose face in the face of adversity. But standing strong on one's foundations, or firm in oneself, is often the key to endurance. Europe's strength as a group of countries banded together has showed not only solidarity in this once tumultuous part of the world, but also the strength that is coveted by other nations. It is because its strength that the West has built its image of power and prestige throughout the world. And it is with strength that we can endure the hardships of every situation, which will heal only with time.

multiple perspectives

it is often said "there are two sides to every coin". However, in this multi-cultural world, there are multiple sides to every coin, or multiple perspectives to every scenario. I have recently been criticized for some of my extreme viewpoints in recent posts. However, one purpose of this blog is to do just that... present scenarios as they really are, or as they are perceived to be by a first-hand observer. I rather enjoy disseminating my observations and viewpoints via this medium of choice, and am interested in a career which will harness these skills. Perhaps a career in international media awaits on the horizon.

Since I've been living and studying here in Israel, the theme "journalism" has quite prominent. I've attended a few conferences involving media representatives, met people in the field, and have completely engrossed myself in current events and world affairs. While the awareness level about "what is going on in the world" is somewhat higher in Israel than in the US, its mostly a whole lot of racist/biased viewpoints being thrown around (dealing with the localized politics and implications thereof) here in this region. This is certainly important, and Jerusalem is indeed the center of the Universe. Yet there are many more players at the table, and each is holding an important card in this big game.

In the next few months, some very important world events are inevitably going to occur. In the next few months, I am faced with the decision of where I want to live and work. While America is home, Jerusalem is the most Holy City in the world, and the only city where I've truly felt God's presence. It is also the city where multiple perspectives are displayed in clear view. Regardless of where I end up, I will continue to post multiple perspectives on this blog, in "making sense" of world events. And as for me, Insha Allah, He will direct my future.

keep the faith

the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team has a slogan for it's team "keep the faith". Their mascot is "the friar", wearing a long robe, modeled after a byzantine monk; with the team name "padres" meaning "fathers" in Spanish, and referring to a priest or holy person. Right now in America it is Spring Training Baseball season, the "warm-up" games preceding the regular season, and as mentioned on a previous blog, attending these games is a tradition for my friends and I. March is an exciting time overall in American sports, my favorite time of year. Besides Spring Training, there's March Madness (NCAA basketball), NBA (professional basketball), and the end of the NHL (hockey) season.

This religious metaphor ("keep the faith" in relation to loyalty to one's favorite team) popped into my head this week as I have been focusing on my own personal faith. As a Christian living in a Jewish state, its hard to keep the faith. Heck, its challenging enough while living in America, a supposedly "Christian" nation. So you could just imagine being surrounded by people who don't believe in Jesus, and who do not even INCLUDE the New Testament in their Bibles. Ironically, however, the majority of the people who live in Israel are "Jewish" by race only (as I am) and do not actually practice Judaism but are secular... just like most of the US does not actually practice the principles of Christianity.

I have been reading parts of the Bible lately (the Bible containing BOTH Old AND New Testaments), which has a whole new meaning after LIVING in the area in which it takes place. Even though I am learning a lot about the beliefs of Jews and Muslims, my Christian foundation will remain solid, while remaining open to learn about other religions. I am currently taking a class on Islam, which is perhaps my favorite. Learning so much about the Muslim faith and the ways in which it is REinterpreted by radical Islamist groups (they create their own "version" of Islam to justify violent acts), and MISinterpreted by the West (who thinks ALL Muslims are terrorists). Like Christianity, Islam is a religion of peace. I will continue to explore its rich cultural heritage as I "keep the faith" in God also known as "Allah". Without Him, we can do nothing.

the right of resistance

In the words of the Borg from the popular TV series Star Trek, "resistance is futile". This mechanized life form utters these words just before it captures its enemy, informing them that they will be "assimilated into the collective", a larger operating body of unified mechanized culture. So what exactly is resistance? If its a step on the path towards freedom, it seems like a good choice for any member of the human race.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, after asked to lead a unity government, responded to the press today in Gaza that the Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against Israeli violence. According to Israelis, and most Westerners, this is considered terrorism. According to Palestinians, this is considered self-defense, and what is done is often conducted within the parameters of their general cultural paradigm. According to international law, people have the right to defend themselves when violence is used against them, or when colonialized, in order to resist any form of occupation. Israelis are not partial to that particular article of international law, thus have attempted to sway the viewpoints of other governments towards inaccurate interpretations of terrorism.

If resistance is seen as terrorism, then "the right of resistance" would somehow defy universal law. Since it doesn't, and Palestinians are clearly a repressed, colonialized people, it appears as though the Palestinian Prime Minister is correct in his stance in supporting the use of force against the real terror. Bottom line, they don't need to act with resistance if there is no occupation. Unlike the Borg, the Israelis are not attemping to "assimilate" the Palestinians into their culture, as they are forcing them to live inside a partitioned area enclosed by a wall, where they are subjected to inhumane treatment and not even given a passport (thus not given citizenship in ANY country). Is resistance futile, or is freedom impossible against a mechanized race like the Borg or the Israeli Occupation Force?

chicken and bread

while there is a lot going on in the world politically, I thought I'd turn the focus back on ME. No thats not M.E. as in Middle East, I'm talking about yours truly, the person who runs this blog! Everyone I talk to someone back home (on email or phone) they always ask "how are things going with you? what have you been up to?" my response is generally, "its on my blog." While my blog's focus transcends the local and assesses the global, in reality there's a lot that goes on with me. Besides the fun random parties (which are actually quite rare with my crazy schedule), which hat my friend Alan is wearing, and who's who at the shuk. well, not too much more, but here goes. Can I do it...

Lately I've had the craving for chicken and bread (dajaaja wa hubs in Arabic). I have not been able to go shopping for 3 days because all the stores close during Shabbat (every Friday and Saturday). Totally inconvenient. There ARE a few stores in town that are actually open like the Russian markets, but you need a car to get there. The bus does not run on these fine days of Shabbat either. Something in the Bible about "a day of rest" which to this secular society (founded on Judaism, and at that time there was a religious justification for the creation of a Zionist state) really means TWO days of inconvenience for non-Jews. Soooo... you caught me. I can't blog without getting political, or religious, as the two are intertwined and such a big part of MY life, here in the Holy Land. The good news is that the classes I am taking right now are all so very much what I want to learn about, thus I am quickly becoming an expert on these matters, thereby gaining legitimate ground to stand on.

So about the chicken. You've heard me mention "schwarma" stands here on this blog, and as much as I LOVE schwarma, eating out more than once a week does not comply with the limits of my current bank account (ie overdrawn). By divine intervention (ok, via the bus), i had the opportunity to visit my favorite grocery store "supersol" (written in Hebrew characters) and load up. Not only did I buy a loaf of bread (unheard of for me) but also one of those pre-cooked rotisserie chickens, you know the kind sitting under the heat lamp. mmmmm tayyib (tasty in Arabic). both items together cost me about the cost of 2 schwarma pitas... and will last me quite a few days longer. so my tummy is happy, my cravings satisfied, and I also had a little time to meditate tonight, much needed in this tumultuous part of the world.

mecca of unity II

In a previous blog posting, entitled "a mecca of unity", I discussed the formation of a Palestinian unity government between Hamas and Fatah. With the deal still on the table, it appears as though both sides will proceed with the unification and new proposed government structure. After all, the Palestinian people need a unified leadership, someone to represent the people who have no rights, no voice, no freedom. Does resistance to occupation always have to be seen as terror? This is a controversial - yet very real - question of legitimacy, what much of the world cannot fathom because they have not expericenced it. Spending even an hour in the West Bank will show you exactly what I mean.

I had someone write to me randomly on MySpace this week (as randoms often do), a girl from Canada. My MySpace page says I live in "Palestine, Israel" (as Palestine is not a "country" per se, on the drop-down list of selections or otherwise, so I've listed it as the city or territory and Israel as the country), where, as a researcher, I continue in my neutral stance somewhere in between. This girl asked me, "Where is Palestine? I've never heard of it before." My initial reaction to this inquiry was "where do you live, in a freaking cave?" but bit my tongue (err, my fingers, its a keyboard not an orofice). I thought back to my previous existence on the North American continent, and how when caught up in one's daily life, the events going on in the rest of the world seldom affect us... or we don't let them because our concerns are so far removed. I remember my former mantra (up until this past summer as a matter of fact) "if it doesn't affect me directly, I don't care." So my response to this Canadian gal was carefully crafted, as a reflection of my own past mentality in light of the current situation. Compassionately, I replied "I hadn't either when I lived in North America, so you're forgiven!" and I directed her to google or wikipedia, alerting her that she might be hearing about Palestine if she chooses to follow the International news.

Meanwhile, in Palestine, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) has just requested that Israel halt their excavations under the ramp leading to the Temple Mount (or Haram al-Sharif in Arabic). Without International intervention, these archaeologists would inevitably continue to stir up controversy in the already controversial Holy City of Jerusalem (al-Quds in Arabic). So while archaeologists spend a lot of time in caves, YOU don't have to live in one. Get Global. What happens in the rest of the world IS of your concern. It's YOUR world.

french trenches

The other day I overheard a few of my colleagues conversing in French - Josh speaking African French, and Alan speaking Canadian French (which some of my family members also speak). Both are quite knowledgeable historians, whom I admire and learn a lot from. Alan and I just had a conversation the day before about how most of World War I was fought in trenches, along the French borders. Thus rekindling my motivation to keep current with the 2007 French Presidential election race.

If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you're familiar with Nicolas Sarkozy. If not, its about time to get global. With the French election less than 2 months away and current President Jacques Chirac stepping down from the hot seat, Sarkozy is moving in. His competition, Segolene Royal (left) and recently announced Francois Bayrou (center), do not stand a chance against the right-winger's aggressive yet triumphal rise to the top. France's relationship with Syria (who is backed by Iran) brings the importance of this election even moreso into the global sphere.

One reason Im so interested in Sarkozy is because of his Jewish descent (as am I), and meaningful to me living here in Israel among the Jews. I first learned of him from AlJazeera, who claimed he is of Arab descent, thus initially sparking my interest. Technically the branch of Judaism his family hails from can be traced back into the Arab world, in my opinion coincidental to his strong support of Muslims and their building of mosques in France. As a self-proclaimed Roman Catholic, such moves throughout his political history have created controversy. But he is frequently in the spotlight as France's current Finance Minister, with a background in law and a strong stance on immigration. According to BBC, one reason he admires Tony Blair so much is because of "his ability to seduce the media". Sarkozy likewise has this ability, as his straight-talking is popular with many French voters, and his piercing eyes and youthful appearance lend to his success. One thing is for certain, Nicolas Sarkozy has what it takes to ensure a secure future for France, a country that has come a long way since World War I.

festa explosaõ

This holiday Purim has been very interesting... halloween in March! The children's costume party event at the Jewish place across the street was blaring loud techno music, as I attempted to counteract it with my Jordanian Bedoin music. As I'm surrounded with Hebrew I'm forced to practice a bit, at least in listening comprehension and as required in the shopping environment. After studying Arabic all day, my Argentinian-Israeli friend Ariel invited me to my Israeli Capoeira teacher's house for a Purim party. For this costumed event I decided to dress as a Palestinian freedom fighter (sans qassam)... and Dror was dressed like a Mexican! One guy at the party was dressed as a Dutch woman, we had an Irish leprechaun, and several Israelis... no costume necessary. They made me tell the story about my Palestinian German boyfriend, and how he has influenced my research on the Arab-Israeli conflict. At one point in the evening, I was switching between Spanish and Arabic (and of course English) while listening to Hebrew... as Dror was trying to speak with me in Portuguese.

about Purim and the international sphere... I heard that because of the recent Palestinian "issues" with the unity government AND ongoing "conditions" in the territories (West Bank and Gaza) that the border checkpoints were closed (going into Israel) until AFTER Purim festivities are over. This holiday lasts like a week (Im over it already), and for the past week in my neighborhood there have been loud "explosions" going off. Turns out its just kids shooting off "explosives" in celebration, but what would prevent someone from shooting off "explosives" for any other reason, and would they be easily confused for the celebratory type? People appear very distracted by this holiday, insofar as they might not be as alert as usual... perhaps that is one reason why the borders are closed. Muito interesante!

armpit of israel

I live in the middle of the Negev Desert. I call this city the Armpit of Israel because it is really run-down and trashy, the streets and dirt lots filled with garbage, sidewalks nonexistent or in poor condition, homeless, etc. I live in a crappy building, though much nicer than the one I moved out of. I like it, its very private and clean enough. fortnately, living in the middle of nowhere has its advantages. i am totally safe here. the qassams fired from Gaza cannot reach us, nor from the West Bank. that is the first thing people (who live abroad in the US, etc) ask me, and they fear for my life. it is true however that i often venture to Jerusalem and other West Bank cities for fun and to experience the culture.

today I decided to just enjoy my city for what it has to offer. the bus is always exciting, and the mall was bustling! this weekend is an Israeli holiday, Purim, in which people dress up similar to Halloween in the US. i thought I'd escaped the costumed holiday, but it is in full force here, and quite enjoyable to see all the costumes and festive activity. I hung out in the mall a while and decided to buy a few Israeli clothes (why not, I have no money anyway)! Later I went to my favorite place in town, the local marketplace called the suk. its a bunch of locals (mainly Arab bedoins) selling fresh produce and other foods and goods - great prices. they are always fun to practice my Arabic (and sometimes Hebrew) with. one of the guys was messing around with me and grabbed one of my headphones to hear what i was listening to. To his great surprise, it was spoken Palestinian Arabic learning audio in my iPod - and he yelled something I didn't understand in Arabic to the other guys nearby. I just laughed at them - I think they're all getting to know me anyway, they are so fun! when I arrived home, I almost didnt recognize my building, as the recent rains have brought "grass and flowers" - weeds that actually look pleasant - to the front yard which used to be a dirt lot. All of these wonderful events of the day proved that you can find pleasure and beauty wherever you are... and if you're feeling down, a trip to the mall is usually the cure!

roots of culture

Living in another country is a truly unique experience, both humbling (with poor treatment being a foreigner) as well as culturally eye-opening. In general, I would consider myself as an American who has always had a deep appreciation for other cultures, and a more global perspective throughout my adult life. As an American living in a foreign country, I am enjoying the educational value of this experience (both in the cultural sense as well as the academic setting) but I embrace the American culture more than ever in this strange land.

Here at the university, I often find myself among a group of overseas students, mainly Americans, who are a part of an international undergraduate program (which is run quite well I might add). Their department organizes a number of group trips and campus events, one of which I was invited to last night, a reggae concert. I have always been a fan of reggae, attending numerous events in San Diego through my involvement in World Music Radio, the World Beat Center and other cultural organizations. The primary themes of the reggae genre are the "roots of culture", "zion", "babylon", and issues surrounding connection with a homeland, often in a spiritual sense. This concert was an Israeli Reggae group, so many of their songs were in Hebrew, but appropriate while singing about Zion (many Zionists here in Israel). Overall, hanging out among the overseas students is a wonderful outlet for English speakers, and makes me feel more at home while away from home.

After the concert, I spent some time with my good friend Alan - he is from Canada although Canada is really just an extension of the US. During a brisk evening walk, we put on hats for warmth, mine bearing an Arab nationalist statement, and his I did not notice until we arrived at my building. I exclaimed "you're wearing a RAIDERS hat!" He said "I don't know, its just a hat. Who or what are the Raiders?" Alan has a knack for repeatedly making my day. I proceeded to disseminate the nuances of American football, AFC vs NFC, and the Raiders-Chargers rivalry (to include riots and crazy Raider fans historically wreaking havoc in the Chargers' stadium). He likened this example to rivalries in the NHL (hockey) which I am also familiar with, though he knew little about American football. Longing for home, I called one of my best friends in the US, as it was her birthday. She said she would not be going to any Spring Training games this season (American Baseball, our NATIONAL pastime) because I am not there to share it with her, and it would not be the same without me. Hearing this I cried, and I realized that my life is not complete without being in AMERICA.