diversity

Like everywhere in the world and like in every country, the people of Israel are a diverse lot. There is no such thing as "THE Israeli". 

Like there is no such thing as "THE Swiss" or "THE German", "THE American"- not even "THE Jew" or "THE Christian" or "THE Muslim". We are all a mix of a lot of things. One might be a painter, a Christian, a wife, a biologist and a French at the same time. While I am a mother and a Swiss and an Israeli and a book reader and an office worker and a gardener and much more at the same time…

I think it would help a great deal, if we would look at others that way, if we would not put someone immediately in a labeled box according to his nationality, faith or even political views. 

We would sure find common things in each other. 

The love for lyrics, music or nature. The interest in education, sports, cooking or science. To like to hike or farm or sing.

So like everywhere else we have in Israel painters and bankers, grandfathers and cooks, thieves, bikers, woodworkers, gardeners, kids, Jews, uncles, writers, poets, musicians, technicians, Christians, bus drivers, Muslims, shop owners, runners, teachers, scientists, horse riders, dancers, liars, nuns, chess players, farmers, bar men, pilots, lovers, babies, vets, immigrants, lawyers, nurses, mothers, students…

We have people who love to bake, talk, swim, play the flute, read books, cook, play video games, chat on the phone, kiss, hike, knit, grow vegetables, run marathons, sleep, smoke cigarettes, party, pray, shop, sing, drink wine, tend horses …

We are human. We are humans.

Even if there are people in this world- especially now and in growing numbers- that like to portray the Israelis (and Jews for that matter because too many times they don't make a distinction) as heartless monsters, as bloodthirsty kid-murderers and as evil invaders.

Believe me- I know not one person in my surrounding that is not sick and tired of this conflict (It does not mean that there are no people who think differently and it does not mean that Israel can accept an unconditionally ceasefire.).

We all would prefer to have peace and to make plans for the future.

I feel quite low. Yesterday evening I walked endless circles in our house, crying. I looked at our sleeping children and I cried some more. I try to keep up a good spirit- especially for our children- but sometimes I can't. Too many depressing news. Too scary to think about certain things…