Daniel's Prophecy

Trip Start Jan 15, 2006

Trip End Jun 2006

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Flag of Israel Jerusalem, Israel
Tuesday, May 16, 2006

And it was so that on the 16th day of the fifth month that Daniel, son of a bald man, resembled his father. I write this with a haircut not too dis-similar to that of the standard required of US Marines. I also look somewhat like a chav. Never again will I say "Just cut it off." (It's not too bad - I quite like it). I do however, look hard for the first time in my life. Anyway, the last couple of weeks have been brilliant.

Classes have been going nicely and it came to pass that I achieved A- grades in each subject in which I took a midterm. Quite pleasing considering the little work I did the night before.

The second weekend I spent back in Israel was at a reform shabbaton. This was a good oppertunity to sleep in a comfortable bed and eat some hotel quality food. The prgogrammes written for the event were okay and I really didn't learn much as I was barely there (went to other random places nearby). I didn't join the for Friday night services as I went to the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem. Everyone thinks that it's such an amazing shul, but really it's just a big version of Edgware with some bonus frummers. The weekend after this, I went on a UJS (the Union of Jewish Students in the UK) pre-campus seminar. This was so much fun. It was basically a weekend in a nice hotel with amazing food all at a subsidised price. It was a really useful seminar and it was great to spend some time without the constant drone of the American accent.I met a couple of people going to university with me which was very nice and I had an amazing night of sleep in a bed ten times comfier than that of the previous weekend.

This section may seem a little vulgar to the sensitive reader, so if they are of such a disposition, I suggest they skip immediately to the next paragraph...Since arriving in Jerusalem, I have been attempting to do a poo at every five star hotel that exists. This has been such a quest of mine that while in town a couple of weeks ago, Nick suggested that I go to use the Kind David's (fanciest Hotel in the city) facilities when I told him we needed to stop for a bog break. Even other people are helping me out with the fulfilment of this monumental task! Nick made use of the luxurious toilets himself, so a good time was had by all.

And it reached the time of year that Israel remembers and celebrates. For Yom Hazikaron (rememberence day for fallen soldiers), alnost everyone from Hebrew U went to the Kotel for a ceremony. The mood was sombre. The President of Israel spoke and there was some soldier marching displaying Israel's military clout. A huge rememberence flame was lit with a guard of honour standing by it. Afterwards, I went to hear an Israeli soldier speak about his experiences somewhere near the Kotel. The next day, Maximum, Deb, Nick and I went to Har Hertzel which contain Hertzel's tomb and the tomb's of Israel's leaders. It's also a military cemetary and the some of the things we saw were very moving and sad.

The next day, that night actually was Yom Ha'atsmaut (Independence Day). It was so much fun. The night started out with me, Leanne, Sam and British Phil going to a street party in Amek Rafaim. I didn't want to go to a massive club party because I can do that any time and wanted to do something authentically Israeli. Shame the party was ful of Americans and Brits who had made aliyah. Nevermind. It was a great party. Quality barbeque and nice desserts. What was interesting was the guest of honour there. His name was Max Warner and he is the ex-state governer of Virginia. He is also second in the running for the democratic nomination for the Presidency. Of course I introduced myself saying "Sir, it would be an honour to meet you and say that I've shaken your hand." He put his hand out and asked me my name. Very arse likcing I realise, but I can now say I've met him and it will be very cool if he is in power in a few years time. After the party, we and Tali (ex-pat Brit) who we met at the party went into town to a bar. On the way we saw some amazing fireworks taking off from a hotel. Town was packed. There was a huge amount of people, loud music and general going nuts. We danced with some Yeshiva boys and waved flags while people we drinking and having a top notch time. The next day I went to an amazing barbeque in the Old City. I walked there from the campus with Jeremy and Alex. It was a great lunch. Loads if meat, salads, and roated marshmallows. Having absolutely stuffed ourselves, we went to the Kotel and then walked around the Muslim quarter of the Old City. It was an amazing day. An interesting observation: It was amazing to see the way in which Israel goes from a day of mourning and rememberence to a day of celebration and euphoria.

Yesterday was Lag Baomer and most of Hebrew U went to Latrun for a huge event. The event was for all people on long term programmes in Israel and I saw everyone from England/JFS there. There were fireworks and live music, but the best part was when Prime Minister Olmert spoke to us. He did't just ramble on about some policy issue but addressed the us all directly. It was a bit of a propaganda fest - ie him telling us to pack up and move to Israel as soon as we get back to our home countires. Anyway, that's another leader to add to my list of statesmen that I've met. After the speeches we had a big bonfire (as is traditional on Lag Baomer) and ate a load of Baclava. Very fun.

Until next time,

Daniel

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