A journey through Israel

 

After twelve years of re-election, Bibi has appointed an ultra right-wing conservative cabinet who is trying to massively reform the judicial system in Israel. Frustrated by the continual terror, Israeli citizens elected to go far right in the hopes of finding a safer Israel of the future. What they didn’t count on was the pushed right wing agenda that is moving much faster than many citizens are comfortable with. In protest to the proposed changes, they have taken to the street with signs and flags. Joe and I seem to have a penchant for traveling places and finding ourselves in the middle of life changing events. Our last visit to Israel from Jordan took us past a very well reported protest in Amman and our honeymoon in Mexico landed us in swine flu territory with travelers leaving our resort and new ones not filling their spots!!!

With some hesitancy and trepidation, we made our way over the green line into the territories of Israel into what is known as the disputed lands, the “west bank” of Israel and where my aunt lives. I have been canvassing and questioning all the relatives and trying to better understand where Israel came from and where it’s going. Do Palestinians “exist” now and did they 100 years ago? The answers likely depend on which side you’re “on” but Israeli’s make some compelling arguments for keeping the beautiful lands they have made their home. The anger and hatred of their neighbours and sad indoctrination of Arab children is raising a generation that will likely take over the terror their parents have been taught.

 A two-state solution and living side by side in peace has never been a more unrealistic goal and many Israelis are frustrated and sad about it. As someone coming from the west into a Jewish homeland, Israel is the only place on earth where I can wake up Jewish and not have to think about it. It is truly a special and magical place. Despite that perspective, we love Ariana’s home with its multi levels, side rooms and sweeping views of the shomron. We’re able to look out past the patio and see nearby Arab villages. Neighbours and enemies. Friends and foes.  Joe has a special love for the fluffy rock rabbits that look like big gophers. A tasty snack one might think but apparently they’re poisonous to eat and pass illness on to people so best enjoyed from a healthy distance!!

 

Being chauffeured on my past trips to Israel, I never really understood the geography and location of certain cities and the distances between them. Renting a car has been an eye-opening experience and we are lucky to have Joe as our trusty steed driving us around the hillsides of Israel not to mention the invaluable advice on which roads to avoid and why. A vacation our children won’t soon forget! Monday, we made it to Gan Hashlosha a beautiful nature reserve with natural mineral pools and waterfalls for swimming and relaxing. The aqua iridescent pools were stunning and a must see for any would be tourist. The dead skin eating fish pedicure was an added bonus we weren’t expecting with up to 20 tiny fish nibbling at a time! 

 

Evenings have been spent dinning with family and relaxing after long days of travel!