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.

Government and Migrating Birds

10 April, 2009

It is six weeks today since Israel held general elections and still no coalition has been formed. The Prime Minister designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, has asked Israel's President, Shimon Peres, for another two weeks in which to negotiate with the various parties. Perhaps we need to change that saying: “If you have ten Jews you have eleven prime ministers,” to “If you have thirty two political parties you have no government.” March to May in Israel is the season of migrating birds. Half a billion birds fly over Israel on their way back from Africa to Europe, making Israel their resting place. Although Israel's land mass is a very small area, birds find here conditions ideal for rest and refreshment which they do not find in the surrounding countries. The Hula Valley bird sanctuary, north of the Sea of Galilee, contains the last vestige of wetlands preserved after the rest were drained in the 1950s to create arable land. The swampy waters abound with carp, catfish and perch which become the prey of migrating pelicans, wild geese , storks, cranes, plovers and raptors. In other areas the birds have created their own sanctuary, one of these being a green area next to Israel's Knesset building. Flocks of smaller migrating birds began to land there and it has gradually become a favorite spot for bird watchers. Israelis love their migrating friends. Israel's pilots must know the habits of the migrating birds with whom they must share airspace! Much research has been done by a former pilot, devising ways to guard the safety of both birds and men.

Hebrew Christian Fellowship