Have an”achla boker”!

My week started off   with a session of ‘Che Kong’ outside the community centre which adjoins my home. In place where the lush overhang of trees provides the birds with solace, their singing and chirping was a charming accompaniment to the soothing oriental music in the background. We gently moved limbs and body and till we relaxed and became re charged at the same time. At the end of the session which was a part of a week of   inviting the neighbourhood, to “taste” the range of physical activities which take place in the community centre daily, we were spoilt with herb tea and healthy truffle balls made from coconut and dates.

From there I rushed to my monthly session with my podiatrist and then on feet lighter than air, I entered the elevator where I met a lovely young woman and we chatted about the idiosyncracies of  the  said   elevator.

 I said to her ”I think that all of them have a personality of their own” at which she smiled, nodded and as she rushed out said ”She ihiyeh lach achla boker” which means have a wonderful morning.

It was not a forced ”Have a good day” it was an example of what I personally look for everyday in our society and am constantly disappointed. These days there   exists a  lack of warmth, spontaneity and adherence to others, which was so typical of our society in the early days. Even though please and thank you were not popular words in our vocabulary, heart was.

We are as far from Che Kong as we can be in our everyday lives.

On the beach on Friday I was with a young Englishman who is working in Tel Aviv. In front of our eyes and noses a young man allowed his puppy dog to do his business on the sand.

 I said”that’s nice”! My friend said” He surely has a nylon bag to pick it up”. I replied “No he will kick the sand over it”

As he did what I anticipated, my friend called out, “aren’t you going to pick it up anyone can step in it”? Its OK it’s good for the environment” was his reply.There was a plastic cup just nearby so we suggested that he use that, but he made some stupid remark at which my friend began to get, really angry. At one time I would have told the offender off in no uncertain terms but in today’s climate of violent behaviour, I just insisted that my friend, leave it at that. He reluctantly did and the guy, his friend and his sweet little dog went on their way.

As we wended our way from the beach to Hayarkon Street we tried hard to avoid the fag ends which are encroaching on the natural habitat in increasing volume. We both felt quite disgusted. I seemed to remember that either in Herzlia or Habonim there were little ash trays provided on the slope leading down to the beach, with a big notice”Don’t make the beach your ashtray, protect the environment”. Or did I dream it?I hear today that the government are declaring war on the beach motorists what about the defilers?

It had been idyllic   on the beach, the cool breeze, the sunset,   the mime artist walking on a tight rope while little ones stood open mouthed. We are so lucky to have what nature provides So why then do some human beings   behave so badly?

When I returned home today and opened my computer I found a stunning picture of Jewish and Palestinian peace activists saying ”Thank you Madonna”

I am not a Madonna fan but after having been exposed to three days of rehearsals since my balcony is in a direct line to Ramat Gan Stadium, I decided to go with my friends to sit outside the Stadium on Thursday night. It was as if Madonna mania had gripped me. Of course we heard and felt everything without actually being witness to the extrovert gyrations on the stage and the somewhat ugly costumes which are all part of her extravaganza.

However the fact that she made such a direct and emotional appeal and   invited   600 peace activists from both sides to be with her on the opening night of her world tour has to be impressive.

When one considers that even if every Israeli was a fan the numbers would be dwarfed in terms of her international appeal.

She didn’t have to bother but she did.

Needless to say, we have to realize that unless injustices are addressed and dealt with, we will of needs be become an even more violent society and it will be hard for the  Madonna’s of the world to understand why or even want to support us. We will become even more arrogant and less caring because that’s the way of human nature.

I ask the question “Who is not frustrated by the stalemate in negotiations, who is not frustrated by rising prices daily, who is not frustrated by a zillion things, not least what we do with economic refugees? Everything happening around us only leads us to believe that there are no solutions to anything at all. Coupled by the fact that our Prime Minister declared last night that building in the settlements will continue”B’gadol”

 People are ceasing to talk about a two state solution. Instead they refer to a one state solution for two peoples. In the eighties Meiron Benvenisti in his West Bank report said that it was “five minutes to midnight” and that the settlement policy would become irreversible. No one listened because ?????????????

Hava nice day.

Hope its” ACHLA”