Why Paradox?
I am constantly amazed by differences between the widely held images of Israel around the world versus the reality of our daily life here.
- The widely held image of a war-torn society living in constant fear
vs
The reality of a living, vibrant society that celebrates life every day.
- The image of a monolithic religious/secular divide among Israeli Jews.
vs.
the reality of the diversity of the practices used by Israelis to express their Judaism.
An example of this is that almost every Jew in this country, religious or secular, celebrates a Passover Seder. However the variety ranges from traditional to kibbutzim and other groups writing their own Haggadah.
- The myth of an apartheid state.
vs
the reality that the Arab minority enjoy the greatest freedom of expression of any Arab in the Middle East. It includes free press, full voting rights, equal welfare, health care and education plus many other benefits not enjoyed by their fellow Arabs.
This is not to gloss over the many instances of negative, almost second class citizenship experienced by Israeli Arabs.
- The concern of so many with - Who is a Jew?
vs
My belief that the question should be - What is a Jew?
Here I express my view of Jewish values and Jewish Peoplehood including many issues of the Israel/Diaspora dialog.The paradoxes of life in this country are many. I don't pretend to have answers. My main goal is to explore reality rather myth.
Those who detest Israel will not change their views because of anything I write, those who support Israel already know most of the realities I write about.
The people I am trying to reach are those who truly objective.
Questions and comments are always welcome
For explanation of the "header image" or for what I mean by "you're right too" click appropriate phrase
Recent Comments