Nothing is predictable or gradual in Israel, writes Michael Kuttner…
Politically, we oscillate between extremes with elections always looming on the horizon. Our political parties represented in the Knesset vary from the extreme secular left to the extreme religious right as well as an Arab Party which is ambivalent about the Jewish State altogether. At least all opinions are represented which is real democracy in action.
Our seasons change from freezing to heat waves in the space of less than 24 hours and then back again at the end of a long hot summer.
Despite these contradictions, somehow or other, miraculously according to many, the country strides forward to overcome major challenges in a multitude of areas and yet at the same time is the first to respond when disasters strike.
UKRAINE
As usual most of the mainstream media manage to ignore Israel’s swift and effective help in providing top class medical services to Ukrainians injured and requiring immediate life saving treatment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ6TpSwllfo
Did you know that the first woman to cross the finishing line in the recent Jerusalem marathon was a Ukrainian competitor? Here she is speaking alongside Jerusalem’s Mayor after the completion of the race.
You will note that the weather was freezing – in fact it was the last blast of a prolonged winter which has since transformed into a sharav heat wave!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWrpx79wQGs
GOOD DRONES/BAD DRONES
The development of drone technology is bringing many benefits to various sectors. However, the potential for drones to be utilized by terror groups and others is also increasing. As usual Israeli innovation has been hard at work to ensure that the “bad guys” are thwarted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBnRV0k-89s
TERROR TUNNELS
While Israel builds tunnels to facilitate fast trains and improved transport the terror group ruling Gaza, Hamas, digs deeper tunnels in order to murder Israelis.
These are the people who receive millions in international aid. It’s not hard to guess where most of these funds end up.
Thankfully, Israeli technology has so far managed to uncover these tunnels and neutralize them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQlRXIP_9xE
L’CHAIM
What did the Jewish elite of Jerusalem drink 2,600 years ago? More amazing archaeological discoveries have unearthed the answer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuIP7wmtLVA
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel.
[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]
