What a powerful observation to notice at the park. I notice that myself too. The inner Jewish life and Jewish home is why ive been working in Jewish education for the past 8 years..but of course- everything starts at home and particularly with the Jewish woman. As always, its a pleasure to read these!
Mijal, Your writing is absolutely beautiful! You capture and express so many layers of meaning that provokes thought while providing comfort.
I find that the city of NY, where I grew up, is now unrecognizable to me! However, your words and pictures of your baby (ברוך השם), and the and that playground/park gives a feeling of hope for better days (בעזרת השם). When in Israel we stay block away from that park, and now my being old and hearing and seeing the children reminds me that we are living Prophesy in Jerusalem: "In old age a man will lean on the staff in his hand, and the city squares will be full and alive with young boys and girls playing in her open squares" -Zechariah 8.5.
Granted that this election and the MOU are a wakeup call, but let's always remember that we have an everlasting promise from our Creator! ברוך השם, ושבת שלום
I visited the site in the old City where they have that verse on the wall - truly, we are living in times of so much blessing even as the world goes mad..
Thanks for replying, Mijal. Yes, the 750K I sloppily referred to as "expelled" did include those who voluntarily left. Still, they wouldn't have had they not felt terrified. It's stupid for anyone to argue about Istrael's right to exist at this point because it DOES exist. The question and mandate should be to figure out how to create equal, human-rights respecting Israeli and Palestinian states/societies.
I love this subtack. But I must ask: Isn't it possible to understand Americans' anger/frustration with the Israeli government, without reading it as anti-Semitism?
My fury with the Israeli government does not make me an anti-Semite; nor does my belief that Jews' deserving of a homeland did not justify the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians.
(1) 100% it’s possible to be angry with the israeli gov’t and not be antisemitic. Maybe ½ of Jews around the world fall into this category. The DSA candidates who are winning aren’t opposed to the Israeli gov’t - they are opposed to the existence of Israel. Some of them have applauded Hamas and seem to think “resistance is justified” against Israeli civilians. I wish all of them would be furious at the gov’t and wouldn’t demonize Israelis.
(2) Sure - i wouldn’t call you an anti-semite for anything you’ve mentioned. I will say that scholarship doesn’t support the assertion that 750k palestinians were expelled - some fled, some chose to leave and some expelled (check out Benny Morris’ work). But your point stands that there’s many injustices and that Palestinians have suffered tremendously. I pray for peace and wellbeing of all the people living in the land of Israel.
Mijal your writing makes me weep with sadness joy and maybe even a smidgen of hope all at the same time.
enjoy your family as you reenergize in Israel
Shabbat Shalom
What a powerful observation to notice at the park. I notice that myself too. The inner Jewish life and Jewish home is why ive been working in Jewish education for the past 8 years..but of course- everything starts at home and particularly with the Jewish woman. As always, its a pleasure to read these!
That was a joy to read - despite the unfortunate events in NY.
Thank you!
Hoping the Democratic Party wakes up and realizes it has the enemy inside!
I am afraid the establishment is terrified and not strong enough to fight back.
I was in Israel Tuesday as well. What a juxtaposition to witness 💔
The world is entering a dangerously fragile phase.
Oil prices are surging.
Inflation is refusing to cool.
Interest rates remain elevated.
Markets are volatile.
Geopolitical tensions are no longer regional. a they are global.
This is not just another cycle.
This is a convergence.
A convergence of economic pressure, energy insecurity, and geopolitical instability that could trigger a cascading global disruption.
If this continues, we are looking at:
Higher cost of living across every nation
Slower growth or deep recession in major economies
Debt crises in developing countries
Supply chain breakdowns
Rising social unrest
History has shown us. crises don’t arrive gradually.
They accelerate suddenly.
And right now, the warning signals are flashing.
But this is not inevitable.
Solutions exist. if leaders act decisively:
Stabilize energy markets through coordinated global supply strategies
Control inflation without crushing growth smarter monetary policy, not just aggressive tightening
Strengthen global cooperation instead of fragmentation
Support vulnerable economies before debt crises spiral out of control
Invest in resilient systems energy, food, and technology
This is a moment of choice.
Ignore the signals and the world pays the price.
Act with clarity and coordination and we prevent the next global crisis.
The clock is ticking.
Enjoy your visit and thank you 😊
Thank you!
Could not be a more moving message of תקבה!!
שבת שלום!!
Beautiful! Yasher koach!
Mijal, Your writing is absolutely beautiful! You capture and express so many layers of meaning that provokes thought while providing comfort.
I find that the city of NY, where I grew up, is now unrecognizable to me! However, your words and pictures of your baby (ברוך השם), and the and that playground/park gives a feeling of hope for better days (בעזרת השם). When in Israel we stay block away from that park, and now my being old and hearing and seeing the children reminds me that we are living Prophesy in Jerusalem: "In old age a man will lean on the staff in his hand, and the city squares will be full and alive with young boys and girls playing in her open squares" -Zechariah 8.5.
Granted that this election and the MOU are a wakeup call, but let's always remember that we have an everlasting promise from our Creator! ברוך השם, ושבת שלום
I visited the site in the old City where they have that verse on the wall - truly, we are living in times of so much blessing even as the world goes mad..
Your Torah speaks so deeply to me. Thank you, truly.
Thanks for replying, Mijal. Yes, the 750K I sloppily referred to as "expelled" did include those who voluntarily left. Still, they wouldn't have had they not felt terrified. It's stupid for anyone to argue about Istrael's right to exist at this point because it DOES exist. The question and mandate should be to figure out how to create equal, human-rights respecting Israeli and Palestinian states/societies.
I love this subtack. But I must ask: Isn't it possible to understand Americans' anger/frustration with the Israeli government, without reading it as anti-Semitism?
My fury with the Israeli government does not make me an anti-Semite; nor does my belief that Jews' deserving of a homeland did not justify the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians.
Hi Andrea thanks for engaging!
(1) 100% it’s possible to be angry with the israeli gov’t and not be antisemitic. Maybe ½ of Jews around the world fall into this category. The DSA candidates who are winning aren’t opposed to the Israeli gov’t - they are opposed to the existence of Israel. Some of them have applauded Hamas and seem to think “resistance is justified” against Israeli civilians. I wish all of them would be furious at the gov’t and wouldn’t demonize Israelis.
(2) Sure - i wouldn’t call you an anti-semite for anything you’ve mentioned. I will say that scholarship doesn’t support the assertion that 750k palestinians were expelled - some fled, some chose to leave and some expelled (check out Benny Morris’ work). But your point stands that there’s many injustices and that Palestinians have suffered tremendously. I pray for peace and wellbeing of all the people living in the land of Israel.