February 27, 2013 | 12:15 pm

Israeli Apartheid Week- bigger than ever. Can we fight the hatred?

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

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The first time I heard the combination of the words "Israel" and "Apartheid" was a year ago. I just started writing Israelife and was only at the beginning  of my learning process of how different people worldwide see Israel.

It was when I encountered "the Israeli Apartheid Week," and I was in  a bit of a shock. Something in the words "Israel" and "Apartheid" put together simply didn't  add up. I couldn't believe that people actually allow themselves to use this very intense, horrible word, which links to history's darkest times, to describe Israel.  I couldn't believe  that people sat at home, watched some imbalanced news, and allowed themselves to simplify the complex situation here by simply attaching the word "apartheid" to my country.

It has been a year now  since that blog post I wrote about the Apartheid Week. In this period of time, I grew to learn a lot about the ways people worldwide see Israel. Unfortunately, I realized that neither my posts at Israelife nor others’ posts online and in traditional media, did not have the massive impact I thought they would have. In fact, in this year, the crusade aimed to make us look like the animals Jews were once haunted by, has just grown bigger and bigger.

Nowadays, 200 cities worldwide take part in the 9th annual Israeli Apartheid Week. This is one scary fact. There is a formal, worldwide event, named "Israeli Apartheid Week." Take a moment, let those words sink, and tell me you didn't just get the biggest chill of your life.
The IAW (yes, it also has formal initials)  "is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel’s actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide. IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing “Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel “  campaign. This quote came from the IAW's website (yes, it has a website, too), which calls people to join the "battle" against Israel's apartheid against Palestinians.

I know things around here are complicated. In fact, I think the situation in Israel can replace the existing dictionary definition of the word "complicated." But the way from "complicated" to "apartheid" is just as far as the way from "reason" and the people "fighting" this so called Israeli agenda.

I must state that even within Israel there is a certain amount of criticism on the way Palestinians are being treated, even I have some criticism, but once again, it is a very complicated situation. On the one side, Palestinians are after this small piece of  land. They had the chance to get half of this country, but refused, because they wanted it all. Now, they are under not-so-equal conditions, and yes, it is very unfair for those who weren't even born in 1947. On the other hand, Israel also exists here, and is willing to fight for its existence, especially while some Palestinian leaders have stated before it is not peace they are after, but the entire land and the death of all Jews. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of complexity.

As for the Israeli-Arabs, I agree that there are some problems with their status as equal citizens, which reflec mostly in the way some people which I have zero respect for, think of them less than they think of themselves, but  these people are minority. According to the law, they Israeli-Arabs are as much Israeli citizens as any one of us. They work in the same places as the rest of Israelis, they ride the same busses, they study in the same classroom, and I think you got the point.  Moreover, try and show me an Arab country that treats women, for instance, as Israel does. Show me one Arab country where Arab women serve in various roles in the army, where Arab women sit in the parliament, where Arab women reach the finals of reality shows, where they are allowed to vote.

Is this Apartheid? No, it's not. It is a complicated situation being flattened and simplified by narrow minded people who refuse to have a proper conversation or open their eyes and ears. I am angry with these people, because they convince others who are confused and unaware of the truth, but I also feel sorry for them. They will never know what a beautiful place Israel really is. They will never know the truth. They will spend years of their lives fighting something that does not exist, struggling  against windmills, trying to change a non-existing reality. I will never be able to understand those people, because when I want to fight for something, I usually try and learn the facts. All of the facts.

I try and listen to the other side,too. I know that Israel has problems when it comes to Palestinians and Israeli-Arabs. I know that some things must be changed and that the situation here can sometimes be unfair to them. I can honestly say I don't have all the answers, and that even after a year of hearing many opinions on the subject from both sides, I don't own the objective truth, because there is none.  It is a conflict, another gray area where there is  an upside and a downside to every decision.I understand that the reality has many shades of gray, and I understand that there are haters here as much as there are haters there. The people who stand behind the IAW see the world in black and white, which is why they will never truly accomplish anything.

Unfortunately, our haters will not change their minds. They will always refuse to listen or have a proper conversation, because deep in their hearts they know that if they will have one, they will understand that there IS a bigger picture, which is very far from apartheid. However, there is a group of people who are unaware and still confused and not sure which way to go. More and more people of this group are being influenced by Israel's haters, which outnumber Israel's supporters, who speak their mind in public.

We, Israelis, cannot speak at your universities, and be a counter voice to the IAW advocates. But we can provide you, Israel's supporters abroad, with more information, which will allow you to be Israel's voice.  It is you who can be the voice of the truth, stand in opposition to our haters and talk to the confused, and help them realize the complexity of the situation, rather than  believe the easy lies. I guess this is why I wanted to write this blog so badly-to show you the Israel I know; to  give you a different perspective of everything that's going on here and eventually  to show what is being twisted into accusations that break my heart.

I had the incredible opportunity to take part in an international conference held in Israel last year and hear Malcolm Hoenlein, one of the most famous Jewish figures in the United States. He said something that I carry with me every day, in every conversation I have with my American friends. He said that the only way we can put an end to this twisted hatred is to work together: Israelis and Jewish Diaspora. Only by cooperating we can help mitigate the misunderstanding about the situation in Israel. If  we, Israelis, put everything on the table for you to get a better understanding, without hiding a thing, and you will spread the word and rationally debate those who make false accusations towards us- only then- we may be able to show the world a different, more correct, perspective.

Nowadays, a powerful counter-force to Israel's haters  in the States hardly exists. There are few against many. Israel is a remarkable example for a few against many. We've won many battles against bigger, greater armies, just like David was able to beat Goliath. But now we play a different game. We are fighting the Media War, where the recognition you get depends directly on the amount of people supporting your cause. We can still win this war. All we have to do is unite. This is our chance to show the world something different. This is our chance to stand up to false accusations instead of hiding behind them.

My friends and I are powerless  against the Israeli Apartheid week and similar events, but you and your friends are not. Standing still and keeping quiet is agreeing. Disagree. SHARE THE TRUTH!

February 25, 2013 | 12:10 pm

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Messi to visit Israel

Israeli President Shimon Peres and the president of FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell,  announced that Barcelona football team will arrive in Israel on July 31st to face a mixed-team of Israelis and Palestinians, as a part of a peace initiative.

Read more here.

 

 

"Green GPS"

The Israel Union for Environmental Defense is now introducing "Svivati" (my environment)- a new online venture meant to offer information that could help eco-conscious Israelis practice environmental responsibility. The website contains information about recycling centers, air and water pollutions, and also about urban "green lungs,” public parks and more.

Read more here.

 

Mishloach Manot to thank our volunteering soldiers

"Gesher" (bridge) group for religious-secular unity in Israel has decided to say  special "thank you" to Israel's volunteering Haredi and Bedouin soldiers. Last week, the young members of "Gesher" handed out Purim baskets of sweets (Mishloach Manot) to the soldiers, who have the choice of whether to serve in the IDF. The soldiers, on their behalf, expressed their gratitude for the unexpected gift. 

Read more here.

 

And another Mishloach Manot, this time from Samsung

Even though the Israeli market is just a small bit of Samsung's income, the super successful company has decided to show its gratitude to their Israeli customers by sending Purim baskets of sweets (Mishloach Manot) to the lucky 10,000 Israelis which a friend of theirs signed them up for on the Samsung Mobile Israel Facebook page. Each basket, full of sweet goodies, will be delivered personally today, the last day of Purim.

Read more here.

 

Israeli musician Shmulik Kraus died at 77 from Swine Flu

Singer and composer Shmulik Kraus was born in Jerusalem in July 1935. He began his musical career during the 1950's, and became one of Israel's most influential musicians.  Kraus has lived according to the full, stigmatic definition of a rock star, and also had a history of violence, which got him hospitalized in a mental institution several times.

Read more here.

 

The new research program which will advance Israeli research

A new British program, which was announced last week, will grant Israeli scientists the chance to work at state-of-the-art medical facilities in Britain. The program will grant up to 30 fellowships over the next three years to researchers who will work on a project to develop advanced regenerative medicine therapies, to cure ailments like heart disease, diabetes, and diseases of the central nervous system.

Read more here.
 

 

The Diplomatic Seminar for Young Jewish Leaders is looking for young Jewish leaders

The Diplomatic Seminar for Young Jewish Leaders is a study program conducted annually by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for young Jewish men and women of outstanding leadership potential. The coming seminar will take place between June 30th - July 11th, 2013 and is open to participants aged 26-37 from Jewish communities around the world.

Want to apply? Read more here.

 

An Israeli app – the new star of Apple's campaign

The Israeli "Look and Cook" app, presenting Chef Meir Adoni's recipes, has been selected by Apple to star in its latest ad campaign which will highlight the company’s iPad.

Read more here.

 

Lady GAGA's climbing wall

On 2/21, Lady GAGA's perfume, FAME, launched in Israel, in one of the most extravagant, unique, ways: a giant climbing wall in the middle of Tel-Aviv port, and a flashy event. 

 

 

Another Israeli film wins at Berlin's Film Festival

After, "The Gatekeepers,"  the Israeli film "Rock the Casbah" also won over the judges at Berlin's International Film Festival, while winning the prestigious International Confederation of Art Cinemas award last week. "Rock the Casbah" tells the story of a young Israeli soldier in the midst of the First Intifada in 1989. The film's leading actors are Yon Tomarkin and Angel Bonani and it was produced by United King.

Read more here.

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February 22, 2013 | 1:04 pm

One Israeli Creation for the Weekend

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Did you know Israelis also invented some really cool games? There are countless Israel-invented games, but only three of them are cool enough to me mentioned and recommended. Enjoy!

Taki

This is my favorite Israeli game, and favorite card game in general. It is a very common game here, and I believe almost every family in Israel owns at least one pack of Taki. It is a recommended game for a quality family time, and also during a friends' hangout. It has some similarities to other card games, but also very unique rules. The best thing about Taki is that you can play it for hours and without getting bored. There is a shop in your neighborhood with this game in store- I highly recommend you to purchase and enjoy. Check the rules here.

 

Rummikub

A tile-based game for two to four players. The goal, to be the first player to place all the tiles from your rack onto the table, sounds very simple. However this is actually quite a challenging game, which gets more and more of an intellectual challenge the better you and your opponent get. I  tried to summarize the rules for you, but it would be much easier if you go here.

Matkot

At the beach and looking for an exercise better than tanning? Matkot is a popular paddle ball game, which is considered Israel's national sport. It is similar to beach tennis, but much simpler. It is a non-competitive game, meant for two players, where your only goal is to keep the small rubber ball in the air as long as you can. How you do that? Simply pass the ball to each other with your wooden racket. It may sound like an easy game, but you'll be surprised to see how hard it is to keep the ball in the air more than two minutes straight.

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February 20, 2013 | 12:10 pm

Can journalists really be objective?

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Journalists are perceived as the most solid people for the presentation of neutral news, both to the public and to themselves. But as neutral as we wish to be, opinion is inevitable. It finds its way out there, even if you are writing a plain and simple news report.

This is all a part of Media Framing, which I referred to last week. This theory basically claims that there is no such thing as objective news. Behind every news publication, via printed news, online, or television, lays a line of choices, made by the reporter, the editor and sometimes- the system. This is an opinion blog, obviously, but in my other job, as a correspondent for a local newspaper, I've recently noticed the little things I do, unconsciously, which put my personal opinions in the article, without the words actually being written.

I have recently come upon an interesting theory by Izhak Roe'e, which presented a unique way of looking at news reports. Roe'e claimed that the average news report often portrays a plotline which is familiar with the fairytales and fictional stories we often read as children. Those plotlines portray values we were taught. A news report is often similar to a fiction story, by having a clear plotline, including an opening line, a conflict and a lesson for us to learn. Sometimes, a suggestion for further treatment of the subject is added.

There are several rather recognizable plotlines that appear on Israel-related articles. These repeating plotlines, conveying certain massages, are the framing each media source chooses to use. Familiar themes which often appear on articles regarding Israel are "us against the world", "good vs. bad", "strong against weak". Those themes can be used both ways, depending on the tone of the article, and the side which its writer picks. If those themes sound familiar to you, it's because they are. Those plotlines are used in many stories we know. "Us against the world", for instance, reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. "Strong against weak" reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. It may strike your imagination in a different way, but the bottom line is that those new plotlines, which resemble a fictional story, attract the readers.

The framing of news, using familiar somewhat legendary themes, not only attracts us to the article, but also plays with our minds a little bit. Reading an article which tells how the UN Human Rights Council examines Israel instead of Syria, makes us see Israel as the poor kid in class, whom everybody picks on. As readers, we tend to feel sorry for the kid. The same effect can be reached in an article which tells the sad story of the Palestinians living in the West Bank, who after constant suffering and ignorance by the Israeli government, had to turn to the UN for help. By using the same theme on the same subject, but on different sides of the story, I just showed how easy framing can be.

As I said before, the only solution is to read several newspapers every day, and by doing that, make an informed, more objective decision regarding major issues. This solution is unrealistic because unless you are a Communication of Media major, I bet you have more important things to do with your time. I hope that the information I provide here will at least make us all more aware of manipulations we often experience when turning on the TV.  This may seem like nothing, but it may be a huge step towards more neutral news.

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February 18, 2013 | 12:14 pm

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Barbie and Ken tour Israel

Enrico Pescantini and Maria Giovanna Callea vacationed in Israel this past August. Like any other tourists, they visited Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem , the Dead Sea, and all the rest of Israel's best. However, the Italian couple did get some weird looks when they stopped for  a picture. Instead of capturing themselves, the couple took photos of Barbie and Ken dolls, traveling across Israel. Now, the "Barbie Loves Israel" exhibition is on display at Milan's Kitsch Bar, Corso Sempione 5, until February 20.

Read more here.

 

Soon- Mass Challange in Israel

Startup accelerator MassChallenge announced plans to launch next month a sister program in Israel — its first expansion outside the Hub — with the support of a four-year commitment from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The big news was announced during Mass Challenge's fourth session which took place in Boston.

Read more here.

 

Israeli-French team to cure genetic syndromes

An Israeli-French team of scientists has developed an innovative technique that they believe will cure numerous rare genetic syndromes in babies, such as defects in the fingernails, teeth, skull, facial bones and more.

Read more here.

 

One small step for an Israeli man, one giant leap for mankind?

According to Enon Landenberg, the head of commercial marketing at SpaceIL, an Israeli vessel will be placed on the moon by 2015. Last week he told The Times of Israel: “People did think it was a joke when we started two years ago, and even now we get that to some extent , but SpaceIL is not only not a joke, it will set the agenda for science education and research in Israel in the future, we believe.”

Read more here.

 

Rita in her biggest performance yet

On March 5, Rita, the Israeli mega star singer, will perform at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Rita will be joining an exclusive group who enjoyed this honor, such as Beyonce'. Rita, who was born in Iran, will perform songs in Persian from her latest album, "My Joys," which is a major success in Iran's black market. 

Read more here.

 

 

A deputy police commissioner resigned after Tweeting a quote by Hitler

Rachel Frosh, a deputy police and crime commissioner in Hertfordshire, England,  tweeted a message last week that seemed to be comparing political opponents to Nazis. As reported, the message sent from her Twitter account said: “Dear Socialists, embrace your inner Nazism,” and contained an attachment of a picture of the Nazi dictator. Although stating that she does not remember sending this message, Frosh resigned last Thursday due to the harsh consequences of the message.

Read more here.

 

Israeli show-jumpers on their way to Rio's Olympics

Danielle Goldstein, a world-class equestrian, wants to fulfill her Zionist dream: assemble the first Israeli Olympic show jumping team for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Read more here.

 

Two chefs published a cookbook and became symbols of peace

Two London- based chefs, Yotam Ottolenghi, an Israeli, and Sami Tamimi, a Palestinian,published a bestselling cookbook, "Jerusalem." It is based on their memories of their shared city and its delicious food. But other than becoming the authors of a bestseller, the two also became a symbol of peace due to their inspiring partnership. 

Read more here.

 

Elliott Gould makes us Jews proud!

The Washington Jewish Film Festival returns with 55 films from 15 different countries and with guest star Elliott Gould. The festival's primary cause is to promote and preserve Jewish culture and tradition, while still touching audiences from around the world, this year, with Gould's help.

Read more here.

Watch Gould at an interview about the festival

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February 15, 2013 | 12:41 pm

One Israeli Creation for the Weekend

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

This weekend, I invite you to enjoy Israel's finest creations: funny arrangements for popular songs. No extra words necessary

Jewish Style (Gangnam Style parody)

 

I'm Jewish and I Know It (I'm Sexy and I Know It parody)

 

Light Up the Night (Light Up the Night arrangement)

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February 13, 2013 | 11:45 am

Media Framing- how to notice and handle it correctly?

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

We've seen it during Operation Pillar of Defense, but media framing is everywhere and at all times. As a part of the Media War, it is very important that we will be able to notice media framing, and handle it correctly. Here are a few tips...

The part the media have in our lives is not something to undermine. Each and every one of us relies on one of the various media forms to receive information on recent events. In the last couple of decades, the news sources we rely on get more and more varied. From the choice between a sole news channel on television and a daily paper, we can now choose between a variety of websites, channels and papers. The many choices help us to be able to read the custom content we are interested in. This customization can make people from two far ends of the world come together, but on the other hand, it can enlarge the differences between different communities.

For all of us, our favorite news channel/paper/website provides us plain information about recent news from our close community, our country and the even the rest of the world, but there are two other parts the media take in our lives, which we tend to overlook: agenda setting and framing. You see, the media also tell us what to talk about, and what to think. By picking certain stories and themes, the media sets the burning issues we find important and that we often discuss with our peers. Researchers have shown that the more headlines a certain topic receives via media, the more the people find it important. Stories which appear on the left side of the paper will subconsciously be perceived to be more important than the ones on the right side.  A story which will still be dealt with by the media the next day will also be the story we will keep talking about.

The papers not only decide for us what we will talk about, but also what to think of the matter. This is called Media Framing. The exact same story will mostly be presented in different ways on different news media. While appearing completely objective and neutral, the articles read or viewed always have an opinion hidden behind them. Even if it is not explicit or intentional, it can be quite noticeable, if we only ask ourselves several questions before reading: who is being presented? Which side is being presented first? Which last? What words does the editor use in the headline ("pro-Palestinians" and "human rights activists" are descriptions used in papers for the same group of people). Which delegate presents each side (Prime minister/ a citizen)? What words are being used in relation to the different quotes ("claims"/"says")? On what aspects of the story does the news source focus?  What does NOT appear?

Even since becoming aware of the matter during one of my classes, I began reading articles from different resources, in order to get a better picture as to what has really happened. I compare stories between different papers and websites in Israel, and also compare the Israeli reports to reports from abroad. I must admit I never thought the difference would be so distinct. By reading the same story in two different Israeli papers, I received the same information, but got two different impressions regarding the issue. Not to mention the grand, almost impossible difference between a report in an Israeli paper and the Al-Jazeera website.

For example, here are two news reports, one from Al-Jazeera and another from CNN, on the exact same matter. Notice the choice of words:

CNN

Al- Jazeera

On April 15th a group of Pro-Palestinians/Human rights activists planned to land in Israel and volunteer in Palestinian territories. The Israeli government decided to use its right to choose who can and cannot enter its gates, and prevented their entrance. The Israeli news was all over it. Some Israeli papers clearly didn't support the way Israel prevented those people their access to Israel, others stood behind the decision, complementing our leaders for the calm, peaceful way of handling the situation. The one thing almost all Israelis had in common was what they thought the world thinks of the whole story.  Opinion columns everywhere referred to the denial of their entrance as an event that will make us look bad on international television. Media experts talked about the bad name we have abroad, and how this whole story will make things worse. The story appeared in the headlines here for several days, but when I browsed the web for the international websites, I found almost nothing. Most websites abroad briefly published the story, focusing merely on the commander who hit an activist, in a short, almost unnoticeable article. Even abroad I found various versions to the exact same story.

Instead of trying to explain the differences unsuccessfully, here are the links to official news reports for you to get your own impression. After asking myself the questions listed above, the differences suddenly became very clear to me.

Jewish Journal

Al- Jazeera (notice who represents the Israeli side? At the beginning, how long does it take to mention the footage was not taken in Israel?)
 

CNN (notice the channel the video was taken from, and the caption inside)

Le Monde (France):

It is obviously impossible to read five different papers every day (unless you are a Communication or Media major in university), but the most important thing is to always be aware that what you read reflects not only the facts, but the people who give you those facts.

More on Media Framing on a sequal post.

For questions and more information, feel free to post anything on Israelife's Facebook page. 

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February 11, 2013 | 11:47 am

This week from Israel

Posted by Noga Gur-Arieh

Oh no, he's back!

A new bestseller novel in Germany takes a turn in history, and describes the imaginary scenario of Hitler's return to the world, after 66 years of disappearance.  In the comedy novel, named, "He's Back" (Er Ist Wieder Da), Hitler wakes up in 2011 without the slightest idea about what has happened in the intervening 66 years.

Read more here.

 

Defying security threats

A new Waldorf Astoria hotel in Jerusalem is finishing construction now, after an investment of 150 million dollars. The hotel, which is scheduled to open in summer 2013, is a risk of some sort, taken by investors who believe that in spite of security threats, Israel has the potential of remaining a prime tourist destination.

Read more here.

 

Segway, make room for Muve

Inventor Amir Zaid combined forces with the design software company Autodesk, to create what will  probably be the new big thing in urban transportation, thus becoming way cooler than Segway…$2000 and you can bust a Muve!

Read more here.
 

 

Israeli film takes over Berlin Film Festival

"The Gatekeepers," the Israeli Academy Award-nominated documentary, which goes behind the scenes of Israel's Shin Bet security agency, won the Cinema for Peace prize at the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday evening.
This is the first time an Israeli film receives the prize, which has been handed out since 2001.

Read more here.

 

Our Kineret is almost back to her best

Turns out the cold and wetness we suffered from in the past few weeks weren't in vain. The water level of Lake Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is slowly inching its way towards its maximum capacity! After years of drought, there is very very good news!

Read more here.
 

 

Will Alicia Keys be joining us this summer?

Israeli producer Shuki Weiss is holding talks with the singer's agents for what is expected to be the first in a series of international performances in the country. Keys, if you read this, I have only one thing to say: Pleeeeeaaaaasssseee come!

Read more here.
 

 

Israeli surfers become heroes of the day in Hawaii

Three Israeli surfers, Tzvika  Elias, Yair Naftali and Gabi Liptz,  went to the aid of eight children struggling in the waters off Hawaii on Saturday, after huge waves began surging toward the coast.

Read more here.
 

 

The Israeli Fed Cup team is back on track

The Israeli national tennis team members, Shahar Pe’er and Julia Glushko performed more than well at the Europe/Africa Zone Group I campaign in Eilat on Saturday.

Read more here.

​

 

Tel Aviv.COM

The Tourism Ministry, Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality and Tel Aviv Hotels Association have launched a new website to promote Tel Aviv. The initiative, in cooperation with representatives of the gay community in the city, is designed to expose tourists to the many tourist and cultural opportunities offered in the city.

Take a look of the new website.

Watch the new video, presenting Tel-Aviv

 

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