It's my Birthday! (as in Israel's B-day)

As the sadness of Memorial Day ended, the parties began. All over the country there was music, bonfires, and much more. Streets were blocked off in some places to make room for stages. While I had to work on Memorial Day, we all left early and had Independence Day off. From our bonfire and party we could see the firweworks on Mount Herzl. Suzanne and I were lucky and made it to the full dress rehearsal on Herzl 5 days earlier. This is the official braodcasted celebration for Israel. Troops are honored, there is music, dancing, speeches and pyrotechnics of course...

Soldiers singing

Kids all over Jerusalem try out to be part of this celebration and practice for 6 months

The next day, actual full day for Independence Day, everyone was having barbeques with family and friends. We went to Tel Aviv with Suzanne's class. We went to Independence Hall and the Hagana museum. There is so much to tell about both places, that I will just leave it at - COME VISIT! In 2-3 hours you can get so much understanding of Israel's history.

For a chilling version of the Hatikva, Israel's national anthem, check out this link of a recording by the BBC when liberating the Bergen-Belson concentration camp in Germany 1945.

I'll leave you with a picture of our friend Louis...learning to be like an Israeli, happy barbeque'ing on Yom Ha'atzmaut.

Yom Hazikaron -> Yom Ha'atzmaut

This past week was Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) in Israel. Israel turned 59 this year (FYI - Jerusalem reunification is 40 this year). As on Holocaust Rememberance Day, we have a minute of silence, but this is much more emotional in my opinion. Holidays in Israel and Judaism go from sunset to sunset. So Memorial Day started Sunday evening and ended with Independence Day beginning the next night. I believe it is a Jewish thing to go from such great sadness and mourning to celebrating. We attended a tekes (ceremony) in a park by our apartment. It was for our neighborhood. Scouts took care of it and it was very sad. It started with the siren followed by a short prayer. They had pictures of fallen soldiers from the neighborhood, candles for them and read short bios about them. Sad songs were played and some designs were made to burn in honor of the day. One is pictured below.
I don't know how to explain the minute or so of silence, which occurs at the beginning of Memorial Day and at 11am the next day. Suzanne and I watched a bus from the ceremony in the park stop and anyone on it stands up. Imagine a busy street in New York City, a siren goes off and everyone stops. No talking, eating, walking...nothing. Cars stop and drivers stand beside their car at attention. See this link for a video of a busy spot in Tel Aviv during this siren at 11 am Monday. The poor sound quality buzzing is actually the siren that is going on all around the country.
One has to understand that just about every Israeli has a close friend or family member killed as a soldier. Army service is compulsory in Israel. While I have family that has served or is serving, I don't have anyone with a close bond killed (I am lucky). As someone new to the experience, it is strange.
At the risk of losing readers...Here is a link to a great blog I read regurlarly. He explains it better than I can as a "New Israeli."
At sundown, start the barbeque, the parties began all over the country - more next time!

Meet the new member of our family

This is Choomy our new dog! His original full name is Choomiel, which comes from Choom in Hebrew. Choom means brown. Clever huh? We didn't come up with it, but thought it easier to keep it. Start learning to hock a loogy, or at least the sound.

Suzanne and I take a walk together almost everyday. We walked by two ladies, each with a dog. I commented in English to Suzanne that this dog is perfect size and short hair. One lady heard and spoke up in Hebrew that he is available. Turns outs she works for the Jerusalem version of the SPCA. She took him home for the last 2 months because he was "special." He was probably traumatized by the family that abandoned him. So now he just wants attention, he is already potty trained and is extremely calm. Tonight will be his second night with us.
Yes, barring the unforeseen, he will come to Dallas or wherever with us.
Many of you have heard us say we will send an 8X10 photo of us for the crib. We want to make sure Uncle Oren and Aunt Suzanne are known, so now we want Choomy to recognize you! Please send us an 8X10 photo and a sock you've worn for a few days (he's a dog you know...); care of Choomy Wilner-Minc to our address (email if you need it).
Other interesting info: All dogs get a microchip implanted, Jerusalem requires you to pick up after your dog (but maybe 10% actually do), and we paid 550 shekels (@$130) which includes 1 year shots, vet visits, neutering and the microchip.

FYI - tomorrow evening, Sunday night, starts Memorial Day here through sundown Monday which then starts Independence day. From sadness to joy!

Holocaust Memorial Day

Monday was Yom Hashoah (holocaust remembrance day), which is also the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. I think it will stick out in my mind for a long time to come (Suzanne, the one who hasn't written in a while). The night before Yom Hashoah, my class went to a ceremony. Oren, Josh (other Jewish and American student) and I were very surprised when it turned out to be at the Young Judea Year Program Facility. It was a very nice ceremony lead by freshman. We felt like it was an event by BBYO, NCSY, NFTY....pick your Jewish American youth group. The Israeli social advisor said it was very different from anything that Israeli's do for remembrance. It was the only English Yom Hashoah ceremony they could find in Jerusalem. The next morning, Yom Hashoah, we had class from 8:30am-3:30pm. At 9:45am they dismissed us from class to attend a ceremony in the school auditorium. There was around 400 people in attendance. The ceremony started with 2 minutes of silence, marked with sirens throughout the entire country. During these 2 minutes, the entire country stops. If you are driving, talking, eating, learning you stop and stand up. It was a very eerie feeling throughout in the auditorium. I felt chills going through my body. All you heard were sirens. Following the silence there was a ceremony, totally in Hebrew. I cannot really tell you what it was about. The only thing I caught on to was that a 94 year old holocaust survivor spoke (in Hebrew). He was amazing. This guy survived Auschwitz and played the violin as the prisoner's were sent to the work fields each day. At the end of his speech he played the violin and then everyone joined him in the national anthem. Simply Amazing!

I think it is important to point out some of Oren's family history. Oren's paternal grandmother survived Auschwitz. She was a patient of Dr. Mengala. Unfortunately, I do not know more. I think it will be important to get more information from his grandfather. It is an important part of our history and NO ONE SHOULD FORGET. Oren's grandfather escaped the Nazi's. He saw the Nazi's coming into his home town in Poland and fled. Unfortunately, the only other family member that survived a concentration camp was his brother. When Oren's grandfather escaped he joined the red army(Russians) and spent over a year in Siberia. As soon as I learn more, I will share their story. I hope everyone is well. Back to my homework!

Oren's interjection: I was at work when the sirens went off. Conversations abruptly stopped and everyone that I could see with my peripheral vision was standing at attention and their head bowed. This Monday will be memorial day in Israel and immediately at sundown the celebration for Independece Day begins. From tremendous sadness to tremendous happiness. Can you imagine traffic on LBJ (freeweay in Dallas) stopping for 2 minutes of silence? Another interesting fact - the government adjusts the day if it effects shabbat (the sabath).
Another explanation of this day at this link: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/yomhazikaron.html

Passover vacation - this is it!

So, I don't know about you(as in the 2-3 readers I have), but I am tired of talking about our Passover vacation. Here are the remaining highlights...
We went bowling with my Uncle Israel, his girlfriend and her daughter. They were also our gracious hosts.

For those who don't know, Suzanne loves taking baths. So I took her to Hamat Gader in the far, far North East part of Israel in the Golan Heights. Many years ago I went there with my parents. You could sit in the stinky hot water among Roman ruins. The smell is from the minerals, specifically Sulfer which smells like rotten eggs. Excellent for the skin, but not the nose. Today it is a well developed resort. Many things to do like, Restaurants, ruins to see, alligators, massage treatments, and more. After some time here your skin feels like a baby's butt!

Syria wants us to give back this?

The next day went to Arbel. It is a cliff and old fortress. We hiked down and ate a picnic lunch in the fortress past this sign...
So, what do you think it means... My uncle likes to challenge new people to this hike, Suzanne loved it. The flowers were in bloom and everything was green. These pictures are the best, so check out the link below!

http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4431825

Who is carrying stuff???

Anyway, before Suzanne's birthday, we had our first house guest from Dallas. Sara Weinstein was in Israel and stayed with us for two nights. We had a good time and explored Ein Karem, a neigborhood near us plus a little more. Remember, everyone has a place to stay in Jerusalem!

This could be you...

In case you did not know, I have become very famous here. They have even named a street after me! "Ha" means "the."

More random vacation pictures: http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4429504
More Ein Karem and our Saturday with Sara: http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4429576

Passover vacation - Part2

Revenge of the Gefilte Fish... Ever heard of Montezuma's revenge? (Similar but a twist Jewish style) Gefilte fish is basically deboned chopped up white fish and formed into simple oval/rectangle shapes. Generally I like it and Suzanne hates it. So, we had our seder at kibbutz Ein Hashofet as listed in Passover Part1. It was in the kibbutz cafeteria and packed. To help ease the food service, several items were already put out. Maybe I am wrong, but I believe the gefilte fish was left out toooooooooo long (this was not Manischewitz). That night I felt something funny. My Mom or Suzanne will attest to my usually strong stomach.

Well, Suzanne and I went to this spice shop (Hebrew link) with my Aunt the next day. I love this stuff, especially because I am buddies with our local spice guy. All those smells did not sit well with me...then things went downhill.

Something here was used in Gefilte Fish!

So we eventually made it back to my Aunt's. Sometime on my way to Kibbutz Kinneret where my Dad is from, I started feeling worse. To fast forward this story - I have never had fever and bathroom breaks like this! I had nothing but Tea and water for almost 48 hours.

One of the many great views driving down to the Sea of Galilee

During my recovery, we saw family and saw the usual kibbutz beauty. Kinneret is well known for its date trees and products. Suzanne fell in love with Haroset made with dates, that most Israeli's use during Passover. Kinneret is also well known for the Yardenit, where Jesus is said to have been Baptized, as well as walk on the water. I personally remember fishing here before it was fully developed. Also, I have heard stories of my Dad diving for coins that tourist threw in when he was a little kid. Kinneret is also known for the late Naomi Shemer who wrote songs like "Jerusalem of Gold." It is one of the oldest kibbutzim in Israel. My dad was from here and is now buried in the cemetery with people like Naomi Shemer, Rachel the Poet and others.

My Father - Zvi Minc 1948-1997 in his Air force uniform around 19 years old.

We were supposed to be in Tel Aviv for the end of our vacation, but that did not work out. I'll tell you about the rest on my next posting. PLEASE - this blog was NOT only meant to tell our friends and family about us, but for you to be motivated to tell us about your life, week, day...anything! We miss our friends and family.

Side stories - before Passover Part 2

Unfortunately, animals, I mean invertebrates, were accidently harmed during this photo shoot... don't try this at home.

I have seen snails in Texas, but not like these snails. I guess not everything is bigger in Texas. They are about the size of a golfball. I have seen 5 or more congregating near our apartment and sometimes they get smooshed on the sidewalk. I accidently stepped on one while I risked life and limb for these pictures!

Hot butter sauce anyone?

Passover vacation - Part1

Oren has so many cousins in Israel!

Friday before Passover we went to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. It was extremely family oriented and very large. After walking through a large area seeing no concessions all day, we realized some American differences. No wacky overpriced giraffe mug with sugar, I mean soda in it. Yes there was a place to eat and one other tiny stand. The ratio of concessions to acreage was possibly 1 to 500, while in America it would have been 1 to 2. Furthermore, we could bring our own food in! They had ample room and encouraged you to picnic. Remember the days that you could bring your own peanut butter and banana sandwich to go with your cola into the amusement park?
Below is a link to our zoo pictures. If you need help sleeping, I may record my exciting descriptions (I may fall asleep myself).
http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4402781

Sunday we picked up a rental car and visited Seroq caves 30 minutes outside Jerusalem. Muleta and Louis from Suzanne’s class joined us. They reminded me of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Very cool, especially when the tour guide pointed out rock formations that looked like the smurf houses and papa smurf looking over them. Please don’t ask if you do not know what a smurf is! We also stopped at a small winery for the usual tasting, Tzora.
More Pictures:
http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4420446

Sunday night we decided to go to the mall for some last minute gifts and stuff for the week. There was a basketball game near our house, so parking afterwards and parking at the mall would have been crazy. I was right about the parking, but Suzanne was right about us taking the wrong bus back home. We ended up spending too much time on a crowded bus and paying too much for a cab home. This along with my dress for the evening proves I have gotten old. I took off my sweater at the mall and walked around with these comfy pants that are a cross of slacks and sweats, no zipper. My white t-shirt was tucked in and the pants were up too high. I am that guy I swore never to become.

"Trust me, I know where we are going...is that Jericho over there?"

Monday on the way to our seder at Kibbutz Ein Hashofet, we stopped at the Latrun Armored Core memorial and museum. Basically tanks and other war vehicles were everywhere and a remembrance to fallen soldiers from this group of the military. I have a distance relative on the wall of rememberance there.

Will you follow this Birthday girl into battle?

More Pictures of Latrun- http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4420448

Belated Purim wrap-up

Short recap of our purim... The picture to the left is so everyone who doesn't know already, I can take a joke too. Actually, my big freak ears were cold! Purim was about a month ago, but I am finally writing.
Imagine Halloween in the US in some wild place like Six street in Austin, that was Ben Yehuda and Hillel street in Jerusalem. I wore a funky hat at times and tye dye, nothing more than that.

The worst thing were the firecrackers that kids have been using for the two months leading up to and on the day of Purim. Imagine a crowded area that has an unfortunate history of suicide bombings and hearing loud boombs! I saw one get lit and Suzanne and I quickly ducked in a corner and covered our ears.

Gettin jiggy in the holy city with a dog and drag queens

I know most of my friends know what drag queens are, but my mom might need that link to wikipedia. I love you anyway Mom!

I am not going to get all Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine) on everyone, but this gun is too realistic and big for a young kid like this. If I saw a kid walking down a street with this thing, I would turn and walk the other way. I think I'll assume its real and rather not find out the truth.



Maybe this is not the A-team, but I know I will follow my mitzvahs after seeing this swerve through the streets of Jerusalem extoling G-d. Can you imagine the bearded hassidic rabbi behind the wheel like Mr. T? I pitty the fool who forgets a commandment!

I love it when a plan comes together!

For more purim pictures, go to:
http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=ominc&AID=4403439