Israel and its region are a captivating study in contrasts.In this crucible of all 3 major religions where Africa, Europe and Asia come together, you will find a unique coexistence of sacred and secular, ancient and modern, brash and reverent, barren and lush.
The highlight of the trip was definitely Petra, just a 2 hour bus hop from Eilat of the Red Sea.Now having visited the region and met the people, I have a much greater respect for the Israelis. One has to marvel at the incredible amount of hard work they put into working the land and making the desert blossom again.
But then there is no debating the preferrential treatment Jews get over Arabs from the Israeli state. It might be more tempered than other regimes but it remains pretty obvious looking at the allocation of municipal resources depending on the Quarters of Old Jerusalem. Here's a good article from the Economist with some hard numbers.
The massive amount of US money poured into the country is very ostentatious. Foundations, institutions, acknowledgements of benefactors and sponsors are all over.
Jerusalem is an intense city. Such a focal point of religions and fervors should not belong to any single entity but to all of humanity.
It is an impressive sight to see young Israelis in military uniform or civilian clothes carrying rifles all around town. In the streets, on the buses, in shopping malls, restaurants, bars, everywhere they are required to keep their rifle with them at all times. You can always see the ammo cartridge attached to the outside of the magazine.
Palestinians are so screwed. Be it the result of corruption and ineptitude or the product of consistent state-sponsored discrimination and abandonment, I was happy to be able to contribute my few meager tourist pittances to their economy in shambles.
So take the time, go visit the Holy Land. Security is absolutely not a halting concern. I am no devout religious practicant, but to see all these holy sights in person adds a new dimension to the religious stories. Besides its historical significance, the region also has tremendous natural beauty. It is the land of milk and honeys.
For more pix and comments, check out:
-Part I, Group Pilgrimage
-Part II, Travelling Solo.
2 comments:
L'chayim to that my ABC brotha! Heebs in the house! A and I just saw a really good Israeli film that tackles a few of those issues: treatment of Arabs, as well as feelings post-Holocaust with the Mousad. I think Walk on Water was the name, check it out.
Hey, isn't that one place in an Indiana Jones film? Did you find the Holy Grail? I hope you chose.....wisely.
Shalom brotha!
Although Israel never featured in my dream itenary but the write-up does show it in a bright light... can't say if it'll ever feature in my personal travel plans :-) but I am sure now I'll look ffwd to it if at all the opportunity came up!
Cheers, Dipika
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