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When I heard of this WikiLeaks thing I was alert at first. I was worried then. I was shooting my mouth about the end of the world as we know it, the end of discreet diplomacy, under cover negotiations, off the record talks, “diplomatic” mail deliveries. I was alert because conspiracy theory was never proven, but indeed, was never proven wrong either. So what if aliens are actually walking around us? What if America is run by corporates? What if Jews actually run the world? Well, if the last one is correct, I certainly do want to know about it, so I can take part, why should I, a definite Jew on both sides of my family, with proven history of persecution and discrimination should be denied the right to control the world?
But when I started reading the actual leaks, I realized a few things.
For one, Israel is not alone. The fear of Iran is shared by many, Arab countries included. Indeed, Obama doesn’t see this as a threat (we need to understand why), and he apparently still thinks that “diplomacy” can get Iran to not have its first nuclear bomb within one year. So as an Israeli, to know that Egypt, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, Jordan and others are as fearful as I am from a nuclear Iran is reassuring. And nobody other than Mr. Julian Assange was ever going to let me know that fact.
The American are disturbed by the extremists in Turkey. Well, that’s some big piece of news, is it not? Turkey is a member of NATO. Turkey is becoming an Islamic fundamentalist state, with discrimination against women, Jews, Bahai, and against the West. Turkey is instigating diplomatic incidents in the name of “Human Rights”, arming a bunch of hooligans putting them on a boat and sending them to violate the sovereignty of the State of Israel. Turkey is becoming close allies with our friend Iran.
Well, if it wasn’t for Julian Assange, I would think that it was only me. Now I know – I’m not alone. Well, thanks Julian, I appreciate it. Very much indeed.
Now I also learned that Saudi Arabia is disturbed about the joke called “The Sovereignty of Lebanon”. Lebanon, is really run by Hezbollah. The UN is about to declare (but probably never will) that this terrorist organization, Hezbollah, is responsible for the murder of one Rafiq Hariri. Who will tell me all these things if it wasn’t for Julian Assange.
So following the leaks, it would seem that Israel is living amongst a whole bunch of sane people, and only a few lunatics. You have to admit one should sleep better at night knowing that.
Now of course, many other things are going on around the world. China is not that happy with North Korea, Russia runs its country like the Mob, and only God knows what else really goes on.
So let me make the following statement: for as long as CNN exists, delivering its own unverifiable viewpoint on world events, we need Mr. Assange to provide a different angle. There’s a chance that with all laundry washed out there in the open, we, the world citizens, will be safer. Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen: watching CNN will never be the same again. Christiane Amanpour, after all, is only rolling her tongue and her eyes, but the truth, well the truth is elsewhere. The truth lies closer to WikiLeaks than to Ms. Amanpour…
Bottom line: is WikiLeaks good or bad for us? I’m willing to bet on good. Very good.
Israel is on fire. Since Thursday morning, Mount Carmel is burning. So far, 35 square kilometers of natural forest have been burned. Four million trees charred. A platoon of cadets called in to evacuate a prison, got caught in the fire. Forty one of them burned to death after saving many many lives.
As it turns out, the local empire of Israel is great in many areas, but not in firefighting. Israel, as it seems is really bad at firefighting. Not a lot of staff, really old equipment, and even fire retardant materials were short, very short. As it turns out, Israel, the same country who has possibly the strongest air force in the world, the potentially nuclear country, the number two in the world in high technology, in science, in startups, in patents, in medicine, engineering, and many other areas – is a paper tiger. When it comes to the fundamental business of putting out fires, Israel is a third world country. At best.
But this is the time where the world shows its pretty face. It’s unusual, it’s rare, and we should look at it and rejoice. The Israeli government had asked for help, and hep arrived. From all over the place. From the obvious places: The United States of America, France, England, Italy. But help also came from the less obvious places: Greece, Cyprus, Russia, azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Belgium, and many more. But the most heartwarming places help came from were the neighbors of Israel: Jordan, Egypt, and even the Palestinian Authority, who usually prefers to light up the area, offered help. But most of all: Turkey. Turkey sent fire airplanes and promised to send as much help as Israel will ask for. Erduan stated that Israel is still required to apologize for the Flotilla, and pay damages as well, but nonetheless he helped and offered more.
In twenty four hours, many countries around the globe put together efforts to help another country at time of need. This country, Israel, is not very popular. In fact, it gets probably more criticism than any other country in the world (unjustifiably, if I may say so myself. Not that all here is good, but not all is bad. And many place are far far worse).
To all who offered help and sent equipment, firefighters, fire airplanes, fire retardant, medical help I want to say the following. You make me believe that there’s still hope. There’s still hope that the good of human beings will overcome the bad. The will to help may overcome the need to destroy. Am I being overly optimistic? Possibly. But still, on behalf of myself, my family and my countrymen, I want to thank all the people around the world who helped. Thank you!
Let me add a few observations about how this disaster looked from an internal viewpoint. The chain of event started with an airplane pilot calling the tower warning about a small fire close to a small village southeastern of Haifa. He reported later, that he kept flying around for over two hours (!), before he saw anyone responding to his call. At that time, it wasn’t a small fire anymore. It was a huge fire and growing. In addition, winter skipped Israel this year, and the pine trees, unsuitable to this geography were as dry as matches. They lighted up the forest like the Holiday we’re celebrating these days: The Holiday of Light – Hanukkah… Now you have to understand something about Israelis. Many of us, just assume that everything will be OK, and when it doesn’t turn out to be OK, we’ll deal with it when we get there. But why get all whipped out of shape up front when we can worry about it later? Now I know this is a stereotype, but in all honesty, there’s something to it.
Very soon, it turned out that Israel, the local superpower, owns no firefighting planes, has no fire retardant, old fire trucks, not too many firemen, small budgets. In short, Israel was thinking that a big fire following the hottest summer ever, with rain not in sight, and quite a few saboteurs able and ready to light a small fire, is not a risk it should consider.
Furthermore. Keeping the coalition with money to the sectorial parties is a much better investment than in firefighting capabilities. Many here are appalled, upset, and mostly disappointed at the government. But let me tell you. We’re not expecting change. Our politicians are the best in the world. Getting them out of their chairs is, well basically, impossible.
However, the Israeli citizens are amazing. For better for worse. For worse first. Thousands of people from all over the place came over to see the fire. Yes, you’re reading it right. They left their families, or worse – brought them over, to see the fire up close and personal. By cars, bicycles, by foot, they flocked today to be close to the flames. Interfere with the firefighting activities, and get themselves in danger. For better. Far better. People from all over the place offered help. Whether to host people asked to evacuate, prepare sandwiches for the firefighters, give free rides, save animals, provide mental help. You name it, it was offered.
Bottom line: most people are good. Most peoples are good. Why do we need a disaster to get the best out of everyone? Why can’t we just do it on a regular basis? If we all do just a little, we will live in a much better place.
and the answer is no. Not to freeze.
Let me explain, both the question and the answer. The question is simple: should building in Judea and Samaria stop altogether during the Palestinian – Israeli peace talks or not? And the answer is simple: no.
Let me make it crystal clear. There’s nothing I would want more, for myself and my children, for my countrymen and for my family, and yes for my neighbors, than a just and long lasting peace. I’m ready to make significant concessions to accomplish peace. I’m willing to give up parts of my (already ridiculously tiny) country. I’m willing to destroy existing settlements and relocate masses of people. And if you insist, I would state clearly: I would myself move from my small town home elsewhere if I had known that this act would bring peace to this war stricken country.
Having said that let me explain.
The Palestinian and the Israeli are (until earlier today) having direct peace negotiations. The negotiations are trying to tackle significant issues: security, refugees, land, water to name a few. The settlements are only part of the negotiations. Now, ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, hear me out. Lets assume that within a just and long lasting peace agreement, some of the settlements will have to be destroyed, and some will stay. (If we can’t assume that much, we can pack and leave the peace talks, there’s nothing to talk about). The ones that will stay will be able to build. The ones that are to be destroyed, will be levelled. So why the heck should anyone stop building now? The Israelis have already put their money where their mouths are, they have already destroyed towns and settlements for peace (refer to the Sinai in 1981, and to Gush Katif in 2005). Israel withdrew from the entire Sinai, leaving behind thriving towns such as Ofira and Yamit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamit), dislocating thousands of families. Israel left Gush Katif in Gaza in 2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gush_Katif), leaving behind many settlements, developed agriculture, and dislocating thousands of families.
In addition, mind you, in the last ten months, there was an effective freeze in building throughout the settlements. Hundreds of families who already bought houses, were stuck without money or place to live. This unilateral gesture was reciprocated with absolutely nothing. Except of course some attempts to shoot settlers… Unilateral gestures did nothing for Israel. Nor it would in the future.
Last but not least. Since when part of the conclusions of negotiations is dictated up front even before the negotiations took place? The settlements are part of the discussions, part of the talk. Nothing should change while the talks are going on. And just a thought: there’s a chance that in trading land, some of the Palestinians will be dislocated. That’s a possibility. Is there a building freeze in the Palestinian villages as well? Somehow, I doubt it.
 Lets start with the following. My wife and I shop at a certain supermarket. Rami Levi doesn’t have a glamorous name like Mega or SuperSol, but it’s relatively close, although not the closest, the service is excellent, and in our impression at least, the prices are reasonable.
(The table on the right is actually from last year’s Holiday season. I haven’t seen anything for this year yet, but there’s a good reason to believe it hadn’t changed much).
For the Holidays, my parents gave me vouchers. It’s called “Multi-Voucher”, it’s purchased with discount (you pay about NIS 85.00 for an NIS 100.00 voucher) and it’s good for many stores and shops. Needless to say, it doesn’t work at Rami Levi. Reminding you, Rami Levi is where we usually shop for groceries.
Naturally, in order to use the vouchers, we went to the next town, Hadera, to pay a visit to the Mega supermarket, so we can use our new vouchers my parents generously gave us for the Holidays. We came with a list, as we usually do, and again, as we usually do, we filled a shopping cart worth of groceries. And this is our perception of the experience.
The vouchers were honored at 90% of their face value, practically wiping most of the discount my parents had while purchasing them. In addition, we paid about 20% more than what we usually pay shopping for similar groceries at Rami Levi. The store was air-conditioned to the freezing point, plus, we had to pack our groceries ourselves.
Let me add that Mega and SuperSol have been campaigning against each other with television campaigns throughout the last few weeks, each trying to get a larger share of the Jewish Holiday shopping, which is known for being extreme. Jews buy groceries for Holidays assuming that a famine is at the door, and if the refrigerators and the pantries are empty, everyone would starve to death. Anyway, Rami Levi doesn’t advertise. He doesn’t need to. Surveys suggest that Rami Levi always has the best prices. And the differences are, or may be, actually outstandingly high.
So here are my conclusions. They are obviously not scientifically verified.
- For the most part, people shop for groceries near their home. Not necessarily the closest supermarket, but more like the closest place for which they perceive the prices to be the most reasonable. Indeed, people are willing to pay a premium for convenience, within reason of course.
- People will drive farther for lower prices, but not a whole lot farther.
- People are mostly loyal to a grocery store, and are unlikely to switch.
- Like elections, the advertising is not targeting the population at large, but two special populations. One is people who are “floating voters” – the ones who are not loyal to a place. The other populations are the ones who are willing to switch for special events, like Holidays or big sales.
- The grocery store chains running large advertising campaigns cannot possibly be the cheapest. It simply doesn’t add up.
- Surprisingly, when three grocery store chains are claiming to have the lowest prices – they are all correct. The law enforces it, within “honest in advertising”. How is it possible? They each use a different shopping list. As a consumer, it’s important to price your own shopping list and get to your own personal conclusion.
- And possibly the most important part. Like airlines, car rentals, and hotels, grocery store chains try to force your loyalty in a gentle and attractive way. Become a member, get a credit card. You do that and you run the risk of becoming a sucker. You get the discount today, pay the premium, with interest tomorrow!
Happy Holidays everyone. Remember, most of us are working hard for their money. God knows I do. The competition for where we spend our money is fierce. We have a certain degree of freedom. We should use it.
Let me state up front: I will never condone burning books of any kind. I believe sincerely, that “where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people”. This statement includes the American flag, the Israeli flag, the Bible, the New Testament, and indeed, the Koran. People, please, don’t burn books.
But my opinion is irrelevant. And what I’m about to write has nothing to do with neither beliefs nor opinions. It has to do with the American way of life. I never understood how freedom of speech covers the burning of the flag. But I always admired the Americans for disagreeing with an idea, and at the same time fighting for someone else’s write to practice it, within the law and the current interpretation of the constitution. By the way, burning the constitution is OK too…
But the concept of freedom of speech stops at the Koran, and the Muslims. Suddenly, the President of the United States of America, kneels before the Muslims, and says something I never dreamed I would live to hear. Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, The President of the United States said that burning of the Koran will “serve as incentive for terrorist-minded individuals to blow themselves up to kill others”. I’m not even trying to provide an interpretation. I’m only suggesting that threats that used to come from Mr. Osama Bin Laden on a tape to Al Jazeera, is now spoken directly from the mouth of citizen number one in Washington D.C. And make no mistake, this is a threat. You do this, and that will happen. Cause and effect. Burn the Koran, and suicide bombing will follow.
And while I thin that burning the Koran is not a good idea, that it serves absolutely nothing, I doubt that suicide bombing is the right answer.
(http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39074573/ns/politics-white_house/)
Let me state further, that while distasteful, I don’t think that the building of a Mosque on top of or near Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center used to be, is such a big deal. Distasteful, yes. As distasteful as building a monument for Adolph Hitler in Auschwitz.
But again, opinions and beliefs are not the point. The point is similar to the one above. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf stated the other day that building the Mosque is “a matter of national security because to move the site would inflame radical Muslims abroad and endanger Americans and American interests”. Now, doesn’t it sound like a civilized threat to you? Move the Mosque, and the suicide bombers would come. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/09/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf-ground-zero-mosque.html
Well, it would seem that smuggling tapes out of Afghanistan to Al Jazeera, is a thing of the past. The threats can be sounded on American media throughout the nation and throughout the world. Burn the Koran and we’ll send the suicide bombers. Move the Mosque a couple of blocks, and we’ll send the suicide bombers.
What’s next? And where’s the freedom of speech?
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