A Spider Web of Conflict: The Crisis in the Middle East

As a person who keeps abreast in politics, especially those that are taking place now inside of Israel and Lebanon, the climate in that area has turned from luke warm to intensely hot. Most people believe that the conflict began when Hamas captured an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalet, and took him hostage. Then the situation was esculated when Hamas, a known terrorist group crossed into northern Israel, and captured 2 Israeli soldiers. All along both factions, fired rockets inside of Israel making a bold statement that Israel as a Jewish state was anything but an enemy.

Today, however, the situation is much more intense, and it is as if many different spiders have climbed inside the center of a web of violence seeking to spin its own yarn. We now have the Lebonese government, whose own citizens are being killed and wounded, along with many innocent Israeli citizens who occupy the northern part of Israel and Haifa being killed and injured as well. Bombs continue to blast and katusha rockets continue to fire, with 131 being launched only today at northern Israel. Then of course there exists the larger spiders, the Teranchulas and the Black Widow, that is, the United States and Iran caught in the cross-fire. Syria, of course, the brown spider is also present, supplying many weapons and money to Hezbollah too.

Where are we today, day 18 inside this conflict? So many casualties on both sides, remains a truism, whether rockets are held inside the homes of civilians inside of Lebanon or not, deaths of young and innocent remain. Moreover, innocent civilians inside of Israel continue to be attacked, many in a state of constant shock as the people inside of this small country continue to be immersed inside an electricity of fear.

Bush has not ever been a President whose actions I agree with in any forum. That being said, I question whether he is a true friend to Israel, as the media proclaims, or whether he is using Israel as a pawn to fight the greater war that is beginning to emerge with Iran, who turns a deaf ear and blind eye on the United States, and believes Israel should be wiped off the map. That being said, is Hezbollah too fighting the war for Iran, that will eventually surface in time, a terrorist group being manipulated by the puppeteer, the President of Iran?

Personally, I believe that no one is a true friend to Israel. That when push comes to shove, as history has shown us, we stand alone, as Jews, and the only ones who will come to our aid and defense are our own people.

We still plan to leave for Israel in the coming days. My prayer and wish is that we will be there to celebrate a truce, and rejoice a victory, even if it is a small one, that may surface for Israel. When I arrive, I want to be able to kiss the ground I stand on, as if I have truly come to a safe home.

Thank you for your minds.

Should There Be a Cease Fire in The Middle East?

As this crisis looms large in the Middle East, and lives are lost, property destroyed, and the balance of power shifted inside Lebanon to a terrorist militia, here is the question of the day:

Should there be a cease fire in the Middle East? If so, what should be the conditions? If not, how do you balance the casualties against what is at stake for Israel in terms of the living next to people who hate them, and with the voice of Iran looming large in the distance?

My prayer is for all soldiers to return home safely, and for no more lives to be lost.

Thank you for your minds.

Thinking About Israel: A New Kind of 'Normal'

Waking up in the morning, and running to turn on CNN is a rather unusual activity for me to engage in at 5:00 am. Sometimes, it is also the case that I wake up in the middle of the night and come to the computer to check the Jerusalem Post Also, I go to this make-up site where I communicate with women from Israel, to see whether there are any words from them, as I am constantly thinking about their safety. When there is silence, I worry, thinking about what life must be like for them now, and many in Israel, as I wonder how what are thinking and how they are passing their days. My primary concern is for the people of the State of Israel, their families, and everything that they have had to endure there, daily being surrounded by many people who hate you, and having to live like this day after day. I cannot imagine what this must feel like, at any level.

Daily, I receive emails telling me what can be done to support Israel. Activities include fundamentals such a prayers, to sending money, buying goods made in Israel, and showing support through rallys and other activities. As many of you know, we are leaving for our trip in 2 weeks, and now, more than ever before, it feels as if this trip is more of an obligation than anything else. One can forget how comfortable his/her life can be, how we take something that feels small and unimportant for granted. After such difficulties, death, and illness of family members, I have learned that nothing can truly ever be taken for granted, since what we think we have can change, perish or evaporate into thin air in an instant. This difficult lesson, I have had to experience personally. Going to Israel, now, at this time, is my way to offer my heart, my hand, and my support to my fellow Jews who must live through these difficult times, each and every day, with uncertainty, yet shrouded in a veil of prayer and hope that life will be better.

Comments from our friends and family go from fear, trepediation, and horror, to telling us that we are admirable to offer such kindness at this time. Frankly, it does not really matter what others say, or think about why we are going. What truly matters is that this crisis will end.

So I say and give many thank yous to the soldiers, the members of the IDF at this time. May you return to your homes quickly and safely.

Thank you for your minds.

Stop The World, I Want to Get Off: Israel and the Middle East Crisis

EDITED:

Here we are at day 11 of the escalating crisis that is taking place inside the Middle East. Israeli tanks are now on the Lebanon boarders, ready to attack the Hezbollah troops. Meanwhile, rockets continue to come and penetrate the land of Israel, causing casualties and an electricity of fear among its citizens.

Watching television has caused a crisis inside of me to brew and consequently surface. Always a peaceful person, I despise war, and find that more often than not it creates more problems than it solves, resulting in the loss of lives and property. Of course, we have heard Bush say that this war is all Hezbollah's fault, and he is not encouraging a cease fire. Being a Jew, and following the politics of the middle east, I can understand this position, and know that it is with the hope that Israel can get the job done of demolishing Hezbollah. What I also heard this morning was Jerry Faldwell, lending the support of the Evangelical Christians to Israel. It feels surreal, as if inside of a dream...People who I normally disagree with and taking a position that I understand today. It seems as if I have gone down the rabbit hole in Alice and Wonderland.

Being a good Jew is not exclusively about observing the commandments and prohibitions, which can make one rightous with certainly. The State of Israel was created in 1948 as a place where Jews could go to seek refuge after being persecuted and killed, especially during the Holocaust. I love Israel, and anyone who offers their support will be considered a great gift as we are in the mist of such a horrible crisis in the Middle East. I can no longer watch the television, since the news generates too much fear about what could happen inside of Israel. Each day of watching the news brings more tears, at least to this blogger. With everything going on in the world, I want to stop it and just get off for a few hours!I know, once we are there, with the people in a couple of weeks that, at least, I will feel a little better about things.

We are still planning on taking our trip to Israel in two weeks. By doing so, I am making a statement to myself, to my children, to family and friends, and all people how important it is for me to be a Jew and support my people at this time.

My prayers continue with a hope that this crisis comes to a resolution soon. A note of thank you to all the IDF soldiers who are protecting Israel. May you stay strong, and come home safely.

Thank you for your minds.

Prayers and Thoughts For Loved Ones and For Israel

First of all, let me thank my friend, Saur, for this great new icon she has created! I absolutely love it, and to be truthful, it sums up my personality and character quite well.

As the situation in Israel and the Middle East escalates, I know that many of us all are are hoping and praying for a speedy resolution where the loss of life and property is at a minimum. As you may know, I am still going to Israel in about 3 weeks. From what I hear, life in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is pretty much business as usual. Of course the element of fear is forever present, but Jews are used to this since they are surrounded by people who hate them.

We will be in Jerusalem and I will go to the kotel (Western Wall.) If anyone would like me to put prayers or thoughts or names of loved ones or honor those who are being affected in this war, I am happy to do see.

Each day, when I wake up and before I go to sleep my prayers are with all those who are fighting for Israel as well as all citizens in the hopes that their lives and the lives and souls of all of our people, so that they will prosper and know some sense of peace and stability once again....

Thank you for your minds.

For the Love of Israel

Every morning, and every evening, I sit glued to CNN watching the developing news that is taking place in the Middle East. Saddened that so many lives have been lost, and property damaged, it is my fervent wish that this fighting come to a speedy resolution. Nevertheless, I understand completely why Israel must fight now and eliminate two groups that have made it clear that they hate all Jews, Hamas and Hezbollah. As I am sure many know by now, Hezbollah did not comply with the regulation whereby they agreed to disarm in exchange for their occupation in the south of Lebanon. As such, this crisis is a response to so many different things, beginning with the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers to the firing of rockets inside of Israel, and now to the unpleasant discovery that Iran has in fact been helping Hezbollah all along.

As many know, we are planning on traveling to Israel in 3 weeks. Why, everyone asks me? Are you mad, do you read the news, even my children say, please, this is not the time, do not put yourselves in harms way. I watch the IDF fight every day, and yesterday, there was a picture of the soldiers sitting on their tanks, praying, reading their Siddurs with their Teffilin as they were about to embark on a new day in the Middle East. This photograph spoke so many works to me, it made me think about how others are risking their lives for Israel to fight, and exist each and every day, so why can we not go for a visit? Am I setting an example for my children, showing them how much Israel means to me by going during these times of crisis? This may not be the best time to travel to Israel, but in my mind, it is the right time.

Kol Hakoved. May God watch over everyone, and may this crisis come to a speedy conclusion...

By the way, does anyone know how I can fix my icon? It seems to have disappeared?

Thank you for your minds.

Israel Bound

Some of you have send me private emails inquiring whether we continue to plan to travel to Israel in light of this crisis that now exists in the Middle East. The answer is yes. Our travel plans remain, and unless we are told that we cannot go, we will, God willing, be in Israel in about 3 weeks.

My feelings are if those Israeli citizens, who have children the same age as my own, serve the Israeli Defense Force, to protect and defend the Jewish State, then I can surely go for a visit, especially during this period to lend my support in whatever way is possible.

May there be a swift resolution to this terrible crisis, and may no more lives be spared...

Thank you for your minds.

Woman Entangled in Thinking

When I first started this blog, it began as a process, a way in which I could chronicle events and happenings that were going on in my own life, and having the discipline to write about them as often as possible. Life, as we have heard, is a journey not a destination.

It seems as if blogging had, for awhile, that blogging was taking on a different direction, a turn towards wanting others to respond more than chronicling my life. Of course, it is a great form of flattery for anyone to be interested in what one has to say, whether it is interesting or not. Nevertheless, the content of this blog seemed to stray a bit, at least for myself. Does this mean that my own journey was evolving, or taking a detour rather than a walk down a well lit path?

Of course, everyone knows that my most passionate activities involve thinking. Although a great sensualist by definition, and lover of so many of life's pleasures, truly, thinking about everything is my greatest love. That being said, it can be the case that too much thinking becomes hazardous to one's physical and emotional health and well-being. Surely, many have heard the adage that we can live ourselves into good thinking, but can we necessarily think ourselves into good living? It is as if acts themselves, deeds, are, in so many ways more important than words.

This past month has been a good one for me. I have been busy at work, and I truly love my job, and am grateful for it. The family, thank God, has been healthy, and other than a minor shopping addiction, I have been engaging in healthy behavior, learning how to eliminate toxic or unhealthy ones from my life, even if that means having moments of pain. Sometimes, we must move ahead, for own own growth, and staying stuck in one person, place or thing can be detrimental to one's own well being. That being said, I am proud that I have learned to let go, and accept others for who they are rather than who I want them to be. Acceptance brings an inner peace to my own soul, and ultimately allows me to grow rather than to have my own leaves turn brown and fall off and shed their skin.

With family, work, and an upcoming trip to Israel in the making, it is unlikely that I will have much time to blog over the next several weeks. Since this is a journey, and not a destination, I will not say that I am going away, but I am moving in another direction, at least for this very moment in time.

What more can be said. . .?

Thank you for your minds.

Israel: Perception and Reality

If the truth be known, when it comes to the State of Israel, I am a bit biased. Moreover, some of the political stands that I hold regarding the right of the Jewish state to exist, may, to some minds, be concluded as being extreme. That being said, please keep my conclusions and views pertaining to this post in its proper perspective.

For the past couple of weeks now, we know that Israelis have begun to make their presence known on the Gaza strip. You might hear that many Palestinians are experiencing hardships, being without water, gas, and other necessities of life. Also, one hears that the Jews blew up a bridge there, and today, there is the conclusion that Israel refuses a truce with the Palestinians.
Of course, for many, especially in the European and Arab world, and maybe even some here within the American community, may conclude that the Israelis are trouble-makers, not wanting peace, and are in defiance of the two-state solution.

But what do we not hear coming out of Israel? So you know, I read many of the Israeli newspapers, magazines, and keep myself up to date on the news in the middle-east, from both sides, so you understand where I am coming from, at least today. What many do not know, is that Palestinians have been launching kassem rockets into Israel, frequently, sometimes causing injury and harm as well. These rocket attacks have been quite frequent, especially since Hamas has risen to power within the Palestinian government. Moreover, one also knows that an Israeli soldier, 19 years old, was captured, and is still being held, for no apparent reason. We hear this conclusion that Israel refuses a truce, but are we told what the terms of such an agreement would be for both sides? Is Hamas demanding that prisoners be let free, that land be negotiated, or that other conditions take place? Hamas has made it clear that they want all of Israel, and as far as they are concerned, they would be happy if any Jewish state was eliminated, this much has been made public.

As I write this post, I wonder how our Governor, Arnold Schwartzenegger, would respond if certain military officials in Tijuana, Mexico were launching rockets here inside the borders of California? We have seen the displeasure with these weapons being sent from North Korea on the 4th of July, from the United States. Some say, try diplomacy first. But truthfully, how long, and at what price can diplomacy be tried and experienced? At some point is the diplomatic approach seemingly unworkable, and does some other alternative need to be explored?

We are going to Israel next month, no matter what. In fact, it feels as if my obligation to be there now is even more imminent than ever before. As Jews, we have had a very rough history, being kicked out of just about every country where we have lived, we now have a place, we can call our home, and we are surrounded by people who hate us daily. It must be a heartbreaking experience. It makes me wonder, and ask, why God could not have given Moses the Torah in Cuba where we would be isolated, and not have to worry about being surrounded by people who loathe us, and many who want to see us wiped off the state of the map.

As you can see, this is a very emotional issue for me. Since this blog is mine, and it gives me a chance to express myself, in whatever way I find fit, writing about this today has made me a bit more peaceful inside. May it be God's will that this peace can be transmitted, from the outside, to all those in Israel too, and that no more lives are lost, injured or harmed...

Thank you for your minds.

What I Have Learned In Blogsville That I Did Not Want To Know

Writing a blog, and reading those of so many others has been a fascinating journey. For the most part, the experience has been positive, as it has allowed me to uncover and discover so much about myself through writing, and I have met some truly wonderful individuals in the process. As many of you know, since I do not live in a Jewish neighborhood, and blogging has allowed me to connect with others Jews, in a virtual world filled with never-ending possibilities. Although the experience has been mainly positive, there has been something learned that I would have rather not known.

My entire life, until maybe about ten years ago, when I was hand selected to represent an Orthodox Jewish child who had been given a venereal disease by her father, it was always my understanding (or shall I say misunderstanding) that the most pious, those who were most observing of the Commandments and Prohibitions were the most righteous. What does it mean to be a righteous individual? To be moral, to be good, to be kind, to do what is right, to be honest, truthful and trusting, and to be a good soul. As I discovered ten years ago, and what has been reinforced for me here in blogsville is that this conclusion is not necessarily true. Thankfully, at least, there are only a handful of bad actors and actresses in the group, but what I have discovered is that among my own people, those who claim to be pious are in reality leading a double life. What do I mean by this? These individuals are cruel, mean, abusive, speak poorly to others, use words here that would not dare be uttered within their community, nor to others, and moreover, these men and women are unfaithful and cheat on their spouses. In addition to the emotional abuse, some spouses and children are physically abused as well. Moreover, there is a bully mentality among so many, the conclusion being that if you are made to feel terrible, you may change. Consequently, many feel it necessary to come here and berate others simply because they do not follow the Commandments as they see fit. This conduct is a form of bullism by proxy.

Which brings me to my question: Are these individuals really so righteous? Does God look upon them with favor, dignity, and strength, or as those with weakness? For example, there was a kind religious woman who claimed to be bi-sexual. She was harassed, shunned, bullied and made fun of, and was spoken to in the most unpleasant of terms, all because these individuals did not approve of her life-style. Who is the more righteous? The one who is open and honest, although maybe different, but has a kind heart and good soul, or the one who is mean, nasty and abusive? I ask this question because to me, being a good Jew means being a good person, no matter what else may be involved. Are these individuals who cheat, lie, bully, demean, curse, harass, truly good people? Not in my book. Frankly, I think they are shameful individuals, who live within a realm of negativity and criticism, and the only way to make themselves feel big is by putting other people down, whatever the cost.

Many of you claim that you have not even met Jews before. After all, we are only 14 million left in this world. Frankly, I think that the fighting that occurs among us is even worse, in some ways, then the anti-semiticism and hatred that others have towards us, since we should know better. What can be worse than a Jew turning against another Jew? In my opinion, this is a true and potentially unforgivable sin. That being said, it is the case that most of my people are good, intelligent, hard working, and kind souls, as you can see from the many posts and comments I receive on my blog. This post is, to some extent, an attempt to clarify my own opinions on this most difficult of subjects, and to show those who read this blog, that each and every group has a few bad apples, but that we should not be judged nor condemned as a whole.

This writing of this post is for all of you, who are a little different, maybe not so observant, committed, or have chosen another path, to know that you are respected and loved for who you are. Live and let live! It is also for those of you who are religious and righteous to know that you, are the examples, the pillars of our community, whose words, thoughts and deeds are cherished and appreciated by us all as well. If we cannot learn to respect one another, how can be expect the world to respect us as well?

On a more serious note, all my prayers are with Gilad Shalit, the captured Israeli soldier, and his family. May it be, that you are safe, and that your return to your family is speedy and without incident.

Thank you for your minds.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of HAPPINESS.....

As the Fourth of July approaches, many of us begin to think about some of our basic rights that were set forth by the founders of our nation. Among them, are the vague, although significant ones, which include the pursuit of happiness.

What is happiness? For some, it may be objectively defined, as being a virtue, or a state of being that has more reference to doing service for others, and impact on the outside world rather than a subjective state of being. Often, some individuals define happiness more subjectively, in terms of tangible objects, such as money, (hitting the lotto), having a nice home, having a swimming pool, car, fragrance collection, looking good, buying as much as one wants. Still for others, the idea is defined from within, having a state of well being, including good health, both physical and mental, and achieving a certain type of inner peace, and quiet mind. Still for others, it may be having children, and seeing them succeed, be healthy and reach their goals.

So here is my question to you: What is your definition of happiness? How, and under what circumstances do you achieve it? Does it involve self-less acts, necessarily? Are acquiescions of material goods a part of what makes you happy? Is it a state of mind, body and soul?

Have a good 4th of July.

Thank you for your minds.