Flotilla for What?!

It's an interesting segue to write about my trip to Istanbul and then comment on today's events. But, especially after speaking with some friends and my parents, I felt I couldn't stay silent.

Most importantly, as President Obama said, we need to know the FACTS. We're still working on that. But, I didn't know that humanitarian/peace activists believe in using the following methods to demonstrate their point:

• Ignoring the international sign for non-violence: The White Flag
• Metal poles
• Knives
• Chairs
• Fire bombs
• Stun grenades
• Kidnapping
• Lynching

Furthermore, it's ironic that this group who claims to be seeking freedom in Gaza refused to deliver supplies and a message to Gilad Shalit.

While I mourn for the 10-20 who are dead and wish for the speedy recovery of all who are injured, when all is said and done I hope the world will judge this event appropriately.

Lastly, I'd like to share a document that I received at a Free Gaza event in Istanbul three weeks ago as they were preparing for the departure of the Flotilla (which we saw in the port):

Take note that this organization does not even recognize the sovereign State of Israel. How can we discuss peace, if we do not even exist?! Most interestingly, when I asked the activist who was distributing the material about the historical accuracy of the maps, especially the 1946 version, which should be listed as the British Mandate, he replied: "I don't really know much about this, I'm just handing out the papers." Maybe the Nobel laureates, legislators, and activists should have checked their facts and studied history BEFORE they boarded the Flotilla.

Since others can say it much better than I, please check out the following:

Sailing for Hamas

Hamas Ahoy!

Important Videos of the Day

As always, your comments are welcomed.

~Adi

Another Week of No Classes

I literally did not go to class last week. I returned from Jacob's Ladder and then had Daber Fellowship training from Monday to Wednesday. With an all night concert for Yom Ha'Studentim on Tuesday and Yom Yerushalayim on Wednesday the week was filled with celebrations. Then, Thursday I was off to Istanbul with Hillel and Danielle for the weekend (reflections to come; photos here)! Now it's Shavuot and once again there are no classes. Don't forget school ends next week!

!חג שמח

~Adi

Monthly Digest

I apologize for my month hiatus from the blog. I’ve been out and about with little time to write. In fact, I just returned from a 12-hour whirlwind field trip (only in Israel!) of ancient sites in the Galil.

From Train Testing

Since my last post:

• The Segals were here! We had a GREAT time, as you may have seen in pictures. It was wonderful to see my family for two weeks and, although three of us are together in Israel, I look forward to returning home in just over a month.
  
  
• We commemorated Yom Ha’Shoah and Yom Ha’Zikaron, then CELEBRATED Yom Ha’Atzmaut…read more here
  
  
• Northern Exposure…Cycling, Tivon, and Wine Tours
  
  
• Celebrated Earth Day in Jerusalem…see photos!
  
  
• I represented Ramah Berkshires and Outdoor Adventure at the Mishlachat training…more below.
  
  
• AND, visited West Bank settlements, saw a Samaritan Pesach Sacrifice, then celebrated Lag Ba’Omer with all the crazies on Har Meron…click here to read on.