Setting the Middle East on Fire

It’s actually my own private family who’s trying to set the fire. So far without success

I need a break from politics, all family now. I will say a few words on why, though. When I write this blog, I also take the time to browse around and find other blogs about the Middle East, and by people of the Middle East. I often comment on other blogs, and I read comments by others.

Whenever I do that, at one point or another, I get to either posts or comments by people, often Arabs, but sometimes Americans or Europeans, that talk about the annihilation of Israel in a very matter-of-fact, cool and easy-going tone. Many of them are “kind enough” to “allow the Jews to live”, as long as the “Zionist Entity” is no more. Some prefer to “send them back to where they came from” (evoking images in my mind, of myself being torn into two parts, half going back to Europe, the other half to North Africa). Then there are others who openly talk about killing.

I confess, these posts/comments upset me. More often than not, they are not even heated statements. No passion, just cold assessments and predictions. Whenever I read enough of them though, I feel like I need a break from the online political scene. Maybe I’m weird, but when people openly talk about annihilating my family, it actually bothers me. I tend to take these things personally, probably wrong of me to do so, but there you go.

I’m writing all of this, in trying to explain why I really need to take breaks from this every now and again, and just talk about family life, post pictures, think positive. I’ll get back to the political end, eventually, but not just now.

So, what’s up on the “real life” front? The current ongoing project is focused on trying to light a fire without matches. It’s been going on for weeks now, with IsraeliDad working hard, sweating away, rubbing sticks together. So far, we got smoke, on more than one occasion! This morning, we have the assistance of one of my brother-in-laws, Uri, who is just as obsessed with the project.

Here’s a movie (my first attempt at incorporating flash movies into this blog!) depicting IsraeliDad’s earnest efforts at making a fire, with the kids helping by dancing the “fire dance”.

In case you’re wondering, ID proved that there can be smoke with no fire! And we used matches to light the fire for the BBQ coals later that evening

So, it’s a nice family weekend ahead, no major plans. Swimming pool was visited yesterday, and will be today as well. A public swimming pool in a nearby Kibbutz, where we have a valid membership for one more day! I guess they’ll need the cool dip after all the fire making efforts!

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