Das System

TO A foreigner, like myself, the US election system looks cockeyed.The president is elected by an “electoral college”, which does not necessarily reflect the will of the people. This system, rooted in the realities of the 18th century, has no connection with the conditions of today. It easily leads to the election of a president … Read more

For the future of Israel

Netanyahu isVery apprehensiveAbout what will happenTo his governmentAnd his policiesIf ObamaIs re-elected.We truly hopeThat Netanyahu’s fearsWill all come true. Published in “Haaretz”, November 2, 2012

Drought in Texas

EVERYBODY IN Israel knows this story. When Levy Eshkol was Prime Minister, his assistants rushed up to him in panic: “Levy, there is a drought!”“In Texas?” Eshkol asked anxiously.“No, in Israel!” they said.“Then it doesn’t matter,” Eshkol assured them. “We can always get all the wheat we need from the Americans.” That was some 50 … Read more

WHY GET EXCITED?

Peace with the PalestiniansIs not a topicIn these elections.After all,Our politicians can live withOccasional flare-upsOn the Gaza border ,And don’t get excited byThe West Bank pressure cookerGaining steam. Published in “Haaretz”, October 26, 2012

Occupation at sea

Three Israelis among captured “Estelle”.Also on board: Members of Parliament from Sweden, Norway, Spain and Greece.Gush Shalom: A stupid show of force, expanding occupation to international waters in the Mediterranean “Even while the Prime Minister is considering bringing to his cabinet’s approval the report of Judge Edmond Levy, which asserts that the Palestinian territories are … Read more

The Man with the Uzi

THERE WAS this young Israeli who was captured by cannibals. They put him in the cooking pot and were about to light the fire, when he expressed one last wish: “Please box my ears!”When the cannibal chief obliged, the Israeli jumped up, leveled his Uzi and mowed down his captors. “If you had the Uzi … Read more

Let the Estelle pass

photo gallery Gush Shalom to Israeli decision makers: Avoid another show of brute force in international waters and let the Estelle dock at the Port of Gaza – while implementing a UN inspection of her cargo, to which the activists specifically consent. background (from the Ship to Gaza press release): Israeli peace activist Yonatan Shapira, … Read more

WHY INDEED?

Route 443Leads from Tel Aviv to JerusalemThrough Occupied Territory.The Palestinian inhabitants,On whose land it was built,Are prevented fromUsing it.Suddenly, quite by surprise,Palestinian demonstratorsBlocked it.Why indeed? Published in “Haaretz”, October 19, 2012