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Recent posts; Goings-on; Mindroll; North American Sola Camping Trip; Israel’s best; Incredible India; Poetry; Galleries
Recent Posts
This site is dynamic. Here are the most recent posts of all categories. For specific sections like Poetry, Articles, Incredible India or Gallery scroll down. Keep posted, subscribe to the newsletter. Enjoy!!
Druze Secret Religion – For the Chosen Few
Druze religion is secretive, known only to those who choose a strict and demanding religious life. Honorability, clean tongue and conduct are required. Lay people are bound by less rules, but must marry within the community.
Druze Crisis in Syria – Horrors, Analysis, and What Next?
July 13th 2024 was the Druze day of indescribable horrors, their “October 7th” so to speak. I bring analysis from some intelligent journalists and questions about the future.
Druze – Israel’s Mountain Allies and Tactics of Survival
Druze are a tiny religious minority in Israel and the world, yet they are fearless warriors, who over years of persecution have developed effective tactics of survival. Druze are indispensable to the Israeli army, and well integrated into society.
Under the Oak Tree in Yanuh-Jat- Intro to the Druze
Under the blessed oak tree at Yanuh-Jat, we received an introduction to Druze history, culture and society, from its origins in Egypt to Israel
Khatib Olive Oil Press, Deir al Asad, Galilee
Khatib’s Olive Oil Press is a family business in Deir al Asad village, that has been operational for five generations straight. The modernized demonstrates the transformation from traditional to up to date equipment. The result is superb..
Eretz Gshur Olive Press, Visitor Center
A high-tech olive press in Kibbutz Gshur, Golan Heights was visited. High quality olives, of various strains, uniquely grown, are used to create superb high-end oils and other products. Highly recommended visitor center and shop.
Druze Cemeteries – State, Religion, and the Soul
Visit to a Druze military cemetery, civil “cemetery” and tombs of Sheikh Amin Tarif and daughter in Julis. Normally, no civil graves or mourning as Druze reincarnate.
Druze Secret Religion – For the Chosen Few
Druze religion is secretive, known only to those who choose a strict and demanding religious life. Honorability, clean tongue and conduct are required. Lay people are bound by less rules, but must marry within the community.
Druze Crisis in Syria – Horrors, Analysis, and What Next?
July 13th 2024 was the Druze day of indescribable horrors, their “October 7th” so to speak. I bring analysis from some intelligent journalists and questions about the future.
Druze – Israel’s Mountain Allies and Tactics of Survival
Druze are a tiny religious minority in Israel and the world, yet they are fearless warriors, who over years of persecution have developed effective tactics of survival. Druze are indispensable to the Israeli army, and well integrated into society.
Under the Oak Tree in Yanuh-Jat- Intro to the Druze
Under the blessed oak tree at Yanuh-Jat, we received an introduction to Druze history, culture and society, from its origins in Egypt to Israel
Druze Cemeteries – State, Religion, and the Soul
Visit to a Druze military cemetery, civil “cemetery” and tombs of Sheikh Amin Tarif and daughter in Julis. Normally, no civil graves or mourning as Druze reincarnate.
Druze Secret Religion – For the Chosen Few
Druze religion is secretive, known only to those who choose a strict and demanding religious life. Honorability, clean tongue and conduct are required. Lay people are bound by less rules, but must marry within the community.
Druze Crisis in Syria – Horrors, Analysis, and What Next?
July 13th 2024 was the Druze day of indescribable horrors, their “October 7th” so to speak. I bring analysis from some intelligent journalists and questions about the future.
Druze – Israel’s Mountain Allies and Tactics of Survival
Druze are a tiny religious minority in Israel and the world, yet they are fearless warriors, who over years of persecution have developed effective tactics of survival. Druze are indispensable to the Israeli army, and well integrated into society.
Under the Oak Tree in Yanuh-Jat- Intro to the Druze
Under the blessed oak tree at Yanuh-Jat, we received an introduction to Druze history, culture and society, from its origins in Egypt to Israel
Goings-on
Druze Secret Religion – For the Chosen Few
Druze religion is secretive, known only to those who choose a strict and demanding religious life. Honorability, clean tongue and conduct are required. Lay people are bound by less rules, but must marry within the community.
Druze Crisis in Syria – Horrors, Analysis, and What Next?
July 13th 2024 was the Druze day of indescribable horrors, their “October 7th” so to speak. I bring analysis from some intelligent journalists and questions about the future.
Druze – Israel’s Mountain Allies and Tactics of Survival
Druze are a tiny religious minority in Israel and the world, yet they are fearless warriors, who over years of persecution have developed effective tactics of survival. Druze are indispensable to the Israeli army, and well integrated into society.
Under the Oak Tree in Yanuh-Jat- Intro to the Druze
Under the blessed oak tree at Yanuh-Jat, we received an introduction to Druze history, culture and society, from its origins in Egypt to Israel
Khatib Olive Oil Press, Deir al Asad, Galilee
Khatib’s Olive Oil Press is a family business in Deir al Asad village, that has been operational for five generations straight. The modernized demonstrates the transformation from traditional to up to date equipment. The result is superb..
Eretz Gshur Olive Press, Visitor Center
A high-tech olive press in Kibbutz Gshur, Golan Heights was visited. High quality olives, of various strains, uniquely grown, are used to create superb high-end oils and other products. Highly recommended visitor center and shop.
Oriental Dance Festival Eilat – Extravaganza Galore
Oriental Dance Festival Eilat with multiple workshops and performances is an extraordinary international gathering of beauty, art, culture and, yes… extravaganza.
Ben Gurion’s Genius – Dismantling Militias on “Both Sides”
Ben Gurion’s political genius enabled him to dismantle the pre-state militias on both sides of the political spectrum, and merge them into the emerging IDF. It hasn’t been easy, but the state would not have survived otherwise. I elaborate about the healthy foundations of Israel. Make comparisons to the American situation.
Two Fences and an Island – Trump, Twain, Epstein and the American Dream
Has Trump ever known the joy of painting a fence? Stripping “virgin” islands to strip teenage girls – is this the filthy-rich idea of the American Dream? Buying a private Virgin Island is advertised as “pursuing the American Dream”. Is Mr. Epstein its embodiment? And how is that similar to the ISIS dream? Are we seeing the Brave New World now? Or are science and technology today serving at the behest of the same old vices of individuals, destroying our planet on the go?
On Their Home Turf – Scoring Goals at Patriarchy’s Last Stronghold
Female soccer is still a rarity in Israel. I find satisfaction and compensation as a woman with the latest world championship, and thank men who support us. It feels like the last glass ceiling had finally been shattered, just as politics around the globe get very ugly and backwards.
Rojava – A Social-Feminist Utopia at Heart of Middle East
Rojava Kurdish communalist utopia – a radical social feminist experiment is taking place at the heart of the boiling Middle East with 4 million people partaking. Hardly anybody has heard of it. Why?
Mindroll
Crime Minister and Israel Rising – Protesting Netanyahu
Cross-country Submarine Flotilla and the Missing Media
The Big Subamrine March and Israel’s Politicized Police
Or-Ly Barlev and the Alternative Media
Trojan Horse at Balfour and Subs in Democracy Square
Neve Ilan protesting Media and a Knesset Emergency call
Knesset Protest and the Moment the Penny Dropped
Israel's Best
This section is “under construction”. Much much more is yet to come about my beloved country. Keep posted. Subscribe! Here is a link to Israel’s Best page.
Druze Women – Juggling Tradition and Moderna
Highly educated, capable, motivated, artistic and devout, religious Druze women are still not allowed to drive. Hopefully, this will change soon.
Yarka and Julis, Two Quaint Galilean Druze Villages
Strolling through old Yarka reveals inner gardened courts, pleasant people, women and men’s street art, and the blessed Ali Fares’s nukta.
Druze Cemeteries – State, Religion, and the Soul
Visit to a Druze military cemetery, civil “cemetery” and tombs of Sheikh Amin Tarif and daughter in Julis. Normally, no civil graves or mourning as Druze reincarnate.
Good Samaritan Museum – Jewish/Christian Heritage
The Good Samaritan Museum in the Judean Desert provides a platform for interreligious reconciliation between Christians, Jews and Samaritans. The place served as an inn and way station for travelers, pilgrims and armies since ancient times. The museum features precious Byzantian mosaics from the three religions.
Mamshit National Park – Desert Traders’ Rich Enclave
Mamshit National Park and World Heritage Site is an extraordinary testimony to the ancient Nabatean life, their extraordinary water technologies and the esthetics they brought to the sheer Negev desert. No other people has ever mastered the desert better.
Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve – Fresh Water, Salt Sea
Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve is a gem of freshwater springs by the Dead Sea with recreational picnic and swimming options. Home to endemic & rich wildlife, some parts are restricted.
Druze Women – Juggling Tradition and Moderna
Highly educated, capable, motivated, artistic and devout, religious Druze women are still not allowed to drive. Hopefully, this will change soon.
Yarka and Julis, Two Quaint Galilean Druze Villages
Strolling through old Yarka reveals inner gardened courts, pleasant people, women and men’s street art, and the blessed Ali Fares’s nukta.
Druze Cemeteries – State, Religion, and the Soul
Visit to a Druze military cemetery, civil “cemetery” and tombs of Sheikh Amin Tarif and daughter in Julis. Normally, no civil graves or mourning as Druze reincarnate.
Incredible India
This section is “under construction”. Much much more is yet to come about my trip to Incredible India. Keep posted. Subscribe! Here is a link to the Incredible India page.
Leh Ladakh Revisited – Life Galore and Salt in Your Tea
Leh Ladakh, India – enjoying the travellers advantage to the full: food for all tastes, henna art, interesting social encounters, spiritual opportunities, salt in your tea and buying air ticket with cash.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh – The Charm of a Himalayan Village
Manali Himachal Pradesh – a village gem in Himalaya: cozy, friendly accomodations, atmospheric restaurants, beautiful views, nice merge of traveler and local cultures.
Vashisht Village – Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Vashisht didn’t measure up to my expectations, still it was fun to walk up to the famous waterfalls, eat at the Tibetan Cafe to sounds of Israelis playing guitar and singing, dip my toes at the hot springs, emjoy the village atmosphere.
Point Finger at Polluter
India’s garbage problem. Despite the glorious esthetic and spiritual traditions, the problem of waste accumulation and inadequate disposal is undermining India’s life and beauty. Change is coming but slow.
Wolf Spiders and Buddhist Compassion
A wolf spider in one’s room can be a challenging experience, but between my Hindu landlady and Tushita Buddhist Center I got a mini enlightenment on how to tackle it.
Karma Yoga – That Invisible Dust, and India’s Garbage Problem
Performing Karma yoga at Tushita’s Buddhist Center put in perspective India’s tremendous garbage problem. Should karma yoga be individual or social / planetary? An unexpected outing allowed a view of the “inside” and “outside” of a spiritual retreat.
Leh Ladakh Revisited – Life Galore and Salt in Your Tea
Leh Ladakh, India – enjoying the travellers advantage to the full: food for all tastes, henna art, interesting social encounters, spiritual opportunities, salt in your tea and buying air ticket with cash.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh – The Charm of a Himalayan Village
Manali Himachal Pradesh – a village gem in Himalaya: cozy, friendly accomodations, atmospheric restaurants, beautiful views, nice merge of traveler and local cultures.
Vashisht Village – Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Vashisht didn’t measure up to my expectations, still it was fun to walk up to the famous waterfalls, eat at the Tibetan Cafe to sounds of Israelis playing guitar and singing, dip my toes at the hot springs, emjoy the village atmosphere.
More poetry is yet to come. Keep posted. Subscribe to the newsletter. Here is a link to the poetry page
Who am I?
To the Ethiopians, I am Faranji,
To the Sephardi – Ashkenazi,
To the Japanese, – Geijin,
To the Mexicans – Gringa.
To the Palestinians – an invader…
A poetic search for a positive identity among multiple social negative ones.
Separation – or Why “We” Can Burn the Amazon
Shoes separate us from earth,
Clothes – from wind,
Religion – from our sexuality,
Sunglasses and sunscreen
From the light of day
Tora Bora
I was the most desired maiden
down at the foothills
of Tora Bora.
You might remember
our mothers’ warnings:
The spirits of the mountain
would demise any soul
who dares set foot
on the ancient Goddess’s grounds…
Who am I?
To the Ethiopians, I am Faranji,
To the Sephardi – Ashkenazi,
To the Japanese, – Geijin,
To the Mexicans – Gringa.
To the Palestinians – an invader…
A poetic search for a positive identity among multiple social negative ones.
Separation – or Why “We” Can Burn the Amazon
Shoes separate us from earth,
Clothes – from wind,
Religion – from our sexuality,
Sunglasses and sunscreen
From the light of day
Tora Bora
I was the most desired maiden
down at the foothills
of Tora Bora.
You might remember
our mothers’ warnings:
The spirits of the mountain
would demise any soul
who dares set foot
on the ancient Goddess’s grounds…
Who am I?
To the Ethiopians, I am Faranji,
To the Sephardi – Ashkenazi,
To the Japanese, – Geijin,
To the Mexicans – Gringa.
To the Palestinians – an invader…
A poetic search for a positive identity among multiple social negative ones.
Separation – or Why “We” Can Burn the Amazon
Shoes separate us from earth,
Clothes – from wind,
Religion – from our sexuality,
Sunglasses and sunscreen
From the light of day
Tora Bora
I was the most desired maiden
down at the foothills
of Tora Bora.
You might remember
our mothers’ warnings:
The spirits of the mountain
would demise any soul
who dares set foot
on the ancient Goddess’s grounds…
Galleries
Since a big part of this website is dedicated to world traveling, this collection of photo galleries is focused on the beauty, variety and creativity of the Land of Israel. An emphasis on the desert will soon be balanced with more pictures from the North and Center.
Painted Desert, Arava, Israel
Painted Desert, Arava, a free playfield for rock, wind, sand, water, animals, people. Natural sculptures defy artistic imagination. God is watching, too, as queen erosion is busy sculpting.
Israeli Sakura – Almond Trees in Bloom
The early Israeli spring starts in January-February and is marked by the iconic almond trees blooms. All over the country white and pink petals abound. On the ground you also get anemones, cyclamens and other annual flowers. THe second wave comes March-May.
Gallery Minus 430 – Art of the Dying Dead Sea
Gallery Minus 430 – the lowest gallery on Earth. On walls of an abandoned Jordanian military base a national and international art project decries the destruction of the Dead Sea.
Syrian-African Rift in Clouds
Syrian-African Rift pics were taken on a cloudy February day (2016) on a drive up north. Route 90 – the longest in Israel -reaches from Eilat in the South to Kiryat Shmona in the North. In the section shown in this gallery, the road passes very near the Jordanian border.
Rainy Desert
Photo gallery. Desert rains in the extreme climate of the Southern Arava (2013-4) created magical landscapes composed of water, mud and vegetation. Some old acacia trees submerged mangrove-like. Old lakes and reservoirs filled up. Dormant seeds came to life.
Desert Blooms
Photo gallery. 2013 was a rainy year for the otherwise water-thirsty Arava Valley, Israel. Seeds that laid dormant for years, some from northern regions, sprouted and bloomed, creating spectacular colorful niches in the otherwise parched land.
Israeli Sakura – Almond Trees in Bloom
The early Israeli spring starts in January-February and is marked by the iconic almond trees blooms. All over the country white and pink petals abound. On the ground you also get anemones, cyclamens and other annual flowers. THe second wave comes March-May.
Painted Desert, Arava, Israel
Painted Desert, Arava, a free playfield for rock, wind, sand, water, animals, people. Natural sculptures defy artistic imagination. God is watching, too, as queen erosion is busy sculpting.
Neot Kedumim – As Biblical as it Gets
Neot Kedumim is a reconstructed educational Biblical park in Central Israel. Photos were taken on a nice early spring day, with rich anemone blooms. Park features ancient agricultural devices and practices, ponds, waterwheel.
Rainforest in Extreme Desert
On an abandoned army outpost in extreme desert, three friends created a one-of-a-kind rainforest and oraganic botanical garden with 1000 differnet plants and trees that grow on desalinized water disseminated in pulses of mist. Soil is fertilized by compost alone.
Persimmons, Pecans, Red Soldiers, “Illegal” Immigrants and a Triathlon
A 15-km Israel Trail group hike at the heart of the Sharon demonstrates country’s variety: Poleg’s riparian nature reserve, kibbutz plantations, and then the splendid renovated Netanya Peromenade complete with views, art, monuments, history, sports.
Between “Rivers” on the Israel Trail, Sharon
Israel Trail Sharon section between The Alexander and the Hadera “Rivers”. Dunes, eucalyptus forests, squatters colony, sculpture garden & industrial park. Another instance of the incredible variety of the little country in a 17-km stretch.
Israeli Sakura – Almond Trees in Bloom
The early Israeli spring starts in January-February and is marked by the iconic almond trees blooms. All over the country white and pink petals abound. On the ground you also get anemones, cyclamens and other annual flowers. THe second wave comes March-May.
Painted Desert, Arava, Israel
Painted Desert, Arava, a free playfield for rock, wind, sand, water, animals, people. Natural sculptures defy artistic imagination. God is watching, too, as queen erosion is busy sculpting.
Neot Kedumim – As Biblical as it Gets
Neot Kedumim is a reconstructed educational Biblical park in Central Israel. Photos were taken on a nice early spring day, with rich anemone blooms. Park features ancient agricultural devices and practices, ponds, waterwheel.
Rainforest in Extreme Desert
On an abandoned army outpost in extreme desert, three friends created a one-of-a-kind rainforest and oraganic botanical garden with 1000 differnet plants and trees that grow on desalinized water disseminated in pulses of mist. Soil is fertilized by compost alone.
Persimmons, Pecans, Red Soldiers, “Illegal” Immigrants and a Triathlon
A 15-km Israel Trail group hike at the heart of the Sharon demonstrates country’s variety: Poleg’s riparian nature reserve, kibbutz plantations, and then the splendid renovated Netanya Peromenade complete with views, art, monuments, history, sports.
Between “Rivers” on the Israel Trail, Sharon
Israel Trail Sharon section between The Alexander and the Hadera “Rivers”. Dunes, eucalyptus forests, squatters colony, sculpture garden & industrial park. Another instance of the incredible variety of the little country in a 17-km stretch.