Sabine Sterk – Kova Tembel
Since I lived in Israel I am a huge supporter of the country and her Jewish people. A lot of Israeli’s living in Israel think I’m at least delusional, others, mostly here in the Netherlands are telling I’m obsessed and can’t see the negative things of Israel or her people. Well to start with the last thing…
Yes, I can see the negative things and to get over that, here they are:
(picture Christen Voor Israel)
Israeli’s in cars and on the road, in general? Like their Arab cousins, they are horrible, probably bought their driver’s license somewhere in a supermarket. As soon as a regular Israeli is on the road, they turn out to be some kind of Suicide terrorists or they act like a bunch of noisy monkeys with their hand glued to the horn at the steering wheel. If you need your adrenaline rush, just rent a car in Israel and drive a few kilometers around… Also nice at the parking lot. Guys driving around, women stepping out of the car and run like crazy to occupy a parking lot at the other side of the parking while the man is still in the traffic jam… Waiting for your turn? That Israelis don’t understand. Rude as they can be, they don’t like lines, not in shops, not in busses, not in parking lots.
Men in Israel are, again like their Arab cousins, often womanizers and women are tough and jealous, however, it seems logical that there is a causal link between them. And yes I can see of course more things that at least are irritating me…
BUT The Israeli spirit is always alive, the sheer joy of living is brought to Israel by the Elderly Shoa Survivors,
with their strength and determination to go on and create a safe state for themselves and their children. People that saw despair, hate, and death from so close and survived are passing this Strength and sparkles of Joy through to their children. One only can appreciate Life if you saw the darkest corners of existence…
Also, the mix of ethnicity is making this country very special, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi Jews are living side by side in Israel. You can be different and still you are part of ONE community… “The Jewish Community” This is a very special feeling because in general Israelis are not prejudiced. Yes of course discrimination is everywhere that is human nature, but overall the situation in Israel is good and more special than anywhere else in this world.
Judaism adds to this also only positivity, In Judaism, there is a lot of respect for life. Adhering to the Mitzva and Mitzvot, Religious Jews are contributing to a society where there are respect and love for all people.
As a tourist, you feel that, especially when you are not preoccupied with your opinion. Add to this, the beautiful weather, the beautiful nature, the appreciation of having the country despite all the wars, and you understand why there is no other country in the world that even can level with Israel.
Israelis you recognize from far, in earlier years, you could see the first pioneers of the country, wearing the Kova Tembel, or as you can call it, the crazy hat, I recognize them nowadays because of their positive spirit. always and everywhere. A little example, I was with my family in Thailand, we had to wait long in a bus, a group of young Israelis was also there, they were eating. My youngest son was hungry and looked at one of them. They immediately gave him half of their breakfast, this is Israel. Yes, the youngsters were loud and singing… but always prepared to help others… and this is Israel.
I can understand.. when you live in the country it is starting to become normal, but if you come from abroad, you feel this amazing atmosphere and Israel will usually leave you with a warm spot in your heart.
Am Yisrael Chai
