The Word On The Street

"The WORD on the street" is a way for those living in the United States to be connected with those living in the Land. The day's events, politics, pop-culture, family life, maybe even what’s on the dinner menu—all of this and more is likely to be found here. Visit regularly to hear the WORD on the street from our MAs and friends in Israel.

In the Cartoon World...

30 June, 2009

In the cartoon world President Obama is conceived by Israelis as a schoolmaster scolding a defiant pupil, Benjamin Netanyahu. He is also pictured in a clown's hat as a jester, yet to prove his true colours. These light hearted sketches convey the pervading feeling that Israel is slowly losing a faithful friend.

A recent five day civil defense drill included every man, woman and child having to find a place of shelter at a siren blast. Some took this casually, mentally noting where they would go if it were “the real thing,” while others were panicked saying, we have never had a five day practice before, what does this mean?

Gilad Shalit is a household name in Israel; every child knows he is the soldier kidnapped more than three years ago. Nobody knows if he is alive or dead because International Red Cross have been refused visiting rights. Again Israel is divided. Do we bring him home at any price? (Hamas asks for hundreds in exchange for our one man, including those who have blood on their hands.) Do we refuse to be held at ransom? This is such a difficult question because the nation of Israel, unlike many other nations, has prided itself on returning every soldier home dead or alive. Gilad's parents have been on a rollercoaster of hope and despair. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

Hebrew Christian Fellowship