June 13, 2003

Israeli / Palestinian Photos Only

I've learned that it is usually a bad idea for me to write something when I am angry, discouraged, or frustrated. And all the recent actions by both the Israelis and Palestinians have left me angry, discouraged and frustrated. So here are some photos instead. If you want to hear more about perspectives from this region, check out my links.

Abu Shaddy in Bethlehem.
Palestinian men usually have two names -- (1) their given name and (2) Abu-something. Abu means "Father." So Abu Shaddy means that this gentleman's first son was named "Shaddy." So Abu Mazen probably means that Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas had a son named "Mazen." It's more common for Palestinian men to be called by their Abu-name. Yasser Arafat is usually called "Abu Amar" in Palestine. He goes by that name although he is not the father of a son.

Tel Aviv is not quite one-hour by car, but truly a world away from Bethlehem.

Tel Aviv Hotel

Sweet Tel Aviv Sunset over the Med. Israel-Palestine could be the greatest assignment in the world. Too bad it isn't.