Peres: McCain and Republicans are like Hitler and Nazis

Speaking to my good friend this morning, "The Holy Hyrax", he expressed dismay at some of the crucial issues in Israel.

We summed it up that Israel has very little common denominator for its citizens -- which makes it very difficult to rally around any single idea.

On the flip side, Holy Hyrax gushed on about the wonderful spirit in America today, that despite political differences, Americans in general would like to rally around the new president elect, and are hoping for a better future.

Unfortunately, Israel has a lot to learn from America.

Perhaps the single person in Israel who is supposed to be a unifying factor is the President of Israel. While even the Chief Rabbinate is sectarian with separate Ashkenazi and Sephardi Chief Rabbis, there is only one President of Israel, and more than anyone else, the Israeli Presidency is supposed to be about unity.

Failing to grasp the simple concept of "unity", Israel's President Shimon Peres continues to spew rhetoric "in memory of Yitzchak Rabin", when in reality, its simply a political springboard to further his own politics (and bash opponents).

His latest vulgarity is probably the worst:

On the recent victory of US President-elect Barack Obama, Peres said he was "happy"... Obama's victory, according to the president [Peres], was a "moral victory" over racism, and the likes of "Hitler and Nazis." (Jerusalem Post)

While there may be liberal wackos in the US who think like that, I doubt that any serious politician is crass, obtuse or stupid enough to actually make such a brainless comparison...let alone the President of Israel.

Yet Shimon Peres is not only clueless on the spirit of American democracy and unity, his blind attempts to continue to seed hatred and disunity within Israel leaves one speechless.



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Hosting Guests for Shabbat in Israel

Way back when I was learning in Yeshiva in Israel, one of the most memorable experiences was going to different families for Shabbat -- to meet "real" Israeli families.

I had a list from my parents of their friends that had moved to Israel and of Israeli relatives that I was told I could try and invite myself over to them for Shabbat. Some were easier and more receptive than others. I recall one particular family that spoke on and on about their love of Israel, and spoke to me often about why the most correct place for a Jew to live, is in Israel.

Yet the actual number of places I ended up spending Shabbat was rather limited, since it was hard to find families all over the place that I could "invite myself over to" for Shabbat.

Today, it's a different story.

The "Anywhere in Israel" program allows intrepid yeshiva or Sem students to chose places that interest THEM; the students can pick from a wide range of communities and locations and the "Anywhere in Israel" program takes care of the rest. Personally, I wish such a program existed when I was studying here.

Does it work? As hosts, we've had mixed experiences. Some of those who came were very well mannered, were very inquisitive about living here, and we had a wonderful time hosting them. Some times were very disappointing; we had Sem students stay by us who spent the entire Shabbat in their room, emerging from hibernation only for meals -- and then they were extremely introverted. While I don't define myself as being overly garrulous, I can usually put most people at ease and have a discussion with them about close to anything. Not with some of these people. The "Anywhere in Israel" hosts are not really interested in just being a Shabbat hotel, but are interested in interacting with their guests!

Helpful Tips for "Anywhere in Israel" guests:

- Don't hibernate away in your PJs all Shabbat. If you don't know your hosts, it's rather rude to treat people's hospitality as if their home is a hotel.

- It's polite behavior to offer to help with things before Shabbat. Even if your help isn't needed, the offer is polite and a nice gesture on your part.

- If you can, shower before you arrive; not everyone has around the clock hot-water.

Overall, we had very nice experiences with the program. I highly advise it for Israeli families as well as for Yeshiva/Sem students if you want to get out and tour the land, learn about the people here and see what it's such a great place.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד