I love those moments of expansion in the midst of constraint... you record it so well: the view of the city the sunset Gaza from a bureaucratic little closet, where thank goodness Sophie is breathing the room air.
I always think of hospitals as prisons. Nobody wants to be there, we take away your control and freedom, turn you into a number, even take away your clothes. We also celebrate when you leave, happy/ relieved that you have survived. Sending hugs and love to both of you.
Generations have been born in Israel. The only home they know. From birth they’ve learnt to run to shelters when the sirens wail. Most kibbutzniks mutilated tortured maimed and slaughtered on October 7th were socialists working the land they had been born to love. Thousands of Gazans came in everyday to work alongside, these leftist ‘monsters’ many of whom were activists and peace makers. This didn’t stop those Gazans from joining the fray. These monsters you speak of are doctors, lawyers, scientists and entrepreneurs, plumbers, taxi drivers, ordinary folk. They aren’t militants nor jihadists.They’ve been born into an unbearable existential nightmare they are conscripted to endure. This is regardless of whether a warmonger or a dove holds sway. Many soldiers remark upon the absence of childhood things in Gaza. No playgrounds, parks, soccer fields and netball courts. There’s little room for childish pleasures when your life’s work is to martyr yourself and kill as many monsters as you can on the other side of the wall. You’d do well to read Sam Harris’ thoughts on this tragic conflict. Perhaps, you’ll also share your reflections on the war in the Ukraine.
Thanks for your lengthy comment, Eleanor Katzeff. I've actually read Sam Harris, and I'm not confused about the evil of jihadists. I'm standing by my own convictions that there's no justification for what the Israeli government has done to the people of Gaza/Palestine. There's no justification for what Hamas did on October 7th either. I shouldn't use the word "monster," though, as these are all humans acting monstrously. I'm thinking your last comment was a kind of rhetorical question not asked or requested with any real interest from you, so I'll refrain. These issues are deeply complex, but I don't think killing as a response to killing is anything but madness. I'd prefer to be shot than shoot anyone. That probably sounds self-righteous, but it's the way I feel. I don't care about anyone's religion, to tell you the truth -- I care about the brutal use of bombs and guns and rape and starvation. As you said, it's a tragic conflict. I'd add that it apparently has no end.
In Rwanda, they called people cockroaches. In Nazi Germany, they called people untermenschen. As a writer you should know, that words matter. Jews are humans too. It’s not a zero sum game, and Jews don’t go like lamb to the slaughter anymore. If someone came in to butcher Sophie in her hospital bed, I think you’d fight to save her too.
I said ‘think’ because of course I don’t ‘know’’, since thankfully, neither of us has ever faced a deadly physical attack. I’m sorry to give you aggravation. I’ve read your thoughts for more than 10 years. It was a mistake for me to respond to your description of Israeli Jews as monsters but I was deeply triggered since so many of my family were killed during the Holocaust. I wish you well. Don’t give my words another thought.
I love those moments of expansion in the midst of constraint... you record it so well: the view of the city the sunset Gaza from a bureaucratic little closet, where thank goodness Sophie is breathing the room air.
Wishing you both Well and Home soon. We are there with you. x0x0 N2
There is a light that you and Sophie radiate to the dark places around the world, against all odds. Sending love always.
I always think of hospitals as prisons. Nobody wants to be there, we take away your control and freedom, turn you into a number, even take away your clothes. We also celebrate when you leave, happy/ relieved that you have survived. Sending hugs and love to both of you.
Yes. Your valor too. You and Sophie are both so very fierce.
What a beautiful photo. I am thrilled to hear that your girl will be going home soon.
Your valor too. I feel your quiet here, the world at a distance, yet pressing in.
Always.
Always, Sophie’s valor. And your own.
Always…Sophie. 🧜♀️
Valor. Yes.
Generations have been born in Israel. The only home they know. From birth they’ve learnt to run to shelters when the sirens wail. Most kibbutzniks mutilated tortured maimed and slaughtered on October 7th were socialists working the land they had been born to love. Thousands of Gazans came in everyday to work alongside, these leftist ‘monsters’ many of whom were activists and peace makers. This didn’t stop those Gazans from joining the fray. These monsters you speak of are doctors, lawyers, scientists and entrepreneurs, plumbers, taxi drivers, ordinary folk. They aren’t militants nor jihadists.They’ve been born into an unbearable existential nightmare they are conscripted to endure. This is regardless of whether a warmonger or a dove holds sway. Many soldiers remark upon the absence of childhood things in Gaza. No playgrounds, parks, soccer fields and netball courts. There’s little room for childish pleasures when your life’s work is to martyr yourself and kill as many monsters as you can on the other side of the wall. You’d do well to read Sam Harris’ thoughts on this tragic conflict. Perhaps, you’ll also share your reflections on the war in the Ukraine.
Thanks for your lengthy comment, Eleanor Katzeff. I've actually read Sam Harris, and I'm not confused about the evil of jihadists. I'm standing by my own convictions that there's no justification for what the Israeli government has done to the people of Gaza/Palestine. There's no justification for what Hamas did on October 7th either. I shouldn't use the word "monster," though, as these are all humans acting monstrously. I'm thinking your last comment was a kind of rhetorical question not asked or requested with any real interest from you, so I'll refrain. These issues are deeply complex, but I don't think killing as a response to killing is anything but madness. I'd prefer to be shot than shoot anyone. That probably sounds self-righteous, but it's the way I feel. I don't care about anyone's religion, to tell you the truth -- I care about the brutal use of bombs and guns and rape and starvation. As you said, it's a tragic conflict. I'd add that it apparently has no end.
In Rwanda, they called people cockroaches. In Nazi Germany, they called people untermenschen. As a writer you should know, that words matter. Jews are humans too. It’s not a zero sum game, and Jews don’t go like lamb to the slaughter anymore. If someone came in to butcher Sophie in her hospital bed, I think you’d fight to save her too.
Wow. How do you know what I’d do if someone came in to butcher Sophie in her hospital bed? I’d be dead, too, no? I don’t understand you at all.
I said ‘think’ because of course I don’t ‘know’’, since thankfully, neither of us has ever faced a deadly physical attack. I’m sorry to give you aggravation. I’ve read your thoughts for more than 10 years. It was a mistake for me to respond to your description of Israeli Jews as monsters but I was deeply triggered since so many of my family were killed during the Holocaust. I wish you well. Don’t give my words another thought.