What Exactly Should I Write About While In Israel?

Mobile Mason · 11-21-2009, 04:05 PM

I'm going to be living in Israel on a six month long vacation. While I'm there, I want to have a go at writing an ebook. Problem is, I'm having a hard time deciding whether to write on the life of Israeli Arabs living in East Jerusalem, or on my own experiences in Israel. I'm going to have absolutely no distractions or responsibilities, besides a 2-hour Hebrew class once a week. This gives me a lot of opportunities to wander around the world's holiest city. Dreaming in the cafés, listening to Hebrew poetry...my mind is wandering.

I really do need help deciding, I can't make up my own mind.

Patricia · 11-21-2009, 05:32 PM

I would keep a diary/notebook of my own observations, including any which feature the conditions of arab people in East Jerusalem and elsewhere.
After a while, this might prompt ideas for articles, short stories or works in other genres. Sometimes one has to capture the impressions first, then let them gel into a definite form.

Mobile Mason · 11-21-2009, 05:33 PM

So maybe just keep a notebook of interesting things that I see, and then see where that leads?

Patricia · 11-21-2009, 05:45 PM

Well, that's what I'd do. Then you're free to be open to all the new impressions without forcing them into a particular format.

desertgrandma · 11-21-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobile Mason

So maybe just keep a notebook of interesting things that I see, and then see where that leads?

You have a rare opportunity here.

Write what you see.... not just interesting things, the day to day things that happen, good and bad.

Write every day......write down everything you can, about everything you see.

Then come back and tell us about it.

WT Sharpe · 11-22-2009, 08:07 AM

I think all of the suggestions so far have been excellent. I would also be on the lookout for individuals who are seeking to promote harmony and co-existence between Arabs, Jews, and Palistinians in ways big and small.

Mobile Mason · 11-22-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

I think all of the suggestions so far have been excellent. I would also be on the lookout for individuals who are seeking to promote harmony and co-existence between Arabs, Jews, and Palistinians in ways big and small.

I'm glad you touched in on the fact that there are differences between being Palestinian and Israeli Arab, because there are in fact many Arabs who wish to stay Israeli, and have no connection to the Palestinian cause.

GA Russell · 11-22-2009, 04:00 PM

In addition to your observations of daily living, I would make note of those aspects of Israel (and government policy) that would come as a surprise to Americans.

For example, I recently learned that white slavery is legal provided that the women are not Jewish. And the restrictions of what are allowed to enter Gaza are so strict, that some foods are prohibited which the government considers to be minimum requirements for children.

I can't believe that the Israeli government would enjoy the support among American Jews it enjoys if the Americans knew everything that is going on. There are two sides to every story, and the American press only reports one side. I would like to know the other side as well.

desertgrandma · 11-22-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

In addition to your observations of daily living, I would make note of those aspects of Israel (and government policy) that would come as a surprise to Americans.

For example, I recently learned that white slavery is legal provided that the women are not Jewish. And the restrictions of what are allowed to enter Gaza are so strict, that some foods are prohibited which the government considers to be minimum requirements for children.

I can't believe that the Israeli government would enjoy the support among American Jews it enjoys if the Americans knew everything that is going on. There are two sides to every story, and the American press only reports one side. I would like to know the other side as well.

It would be nice if you would post references to where you got your "facts".

GA Russell · 11-22-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

It would be nice if you would post references to where you got your "facts".

I have read both of these items recently in Culture Wars Magazine.

Bilbo1967 · 11-22-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

I have read both of these items recently in Culture Wars Magazine.

Edited.

Katti's Cat · 11-22-2009, 06:04 PM

Write about your experience while in Israel - all things big and small. Just your observation of daily life would be interesting. You have a great opportunity here, so please share it with us.

I'd be interesting to see if you point of view will change in the 6 months you spend there, i.e. things you perceive to be one way atm - will that change? what will change? and why?

Good luck on your journey . I hope you enjoy it immensly

desertgrandma · 11-22-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

Edited.

why???

Bilbo1967 · 11-22-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

why???

Written in anger - not entirely sure of facts (but pretty sure!).

desertgrandma · 11-22-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

Written in anger - not entirely sure of facts (but pretty sure!).

Did you go to the magazine? How about this article

http://www.culturewars.com/2009/O%27Connell.htm

GARussels post was racist and inflammatory, and will not be condoned.

By me, anyway.

11-21-2009, 04:05 PM	#1
Mobile Mason Resident Anglophile Posts: 76 Karma: 460 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio, United States Device: Kindle 2	What Exactly Should I Write About While In Israel? I'm going to be living in Israel on a six month long vacation. While I'm there, I want to have a go at writing an ebook. Problem is, I'm having a hard time deciding whether to write on the life of Israeli Arabs living in East Jerusalem, or on my own experiences in Israel. I'm going to have absolutely no distractions or responsibilities, besides a 2-hour Hebrew class once a week. This gives me a lot of opportunities to wander around the world's holiest city. Dreaming in the cafés, listening to Hebrew poetry...my mind is wandering. I really do need help deciding, I can't make up my own mind. Last edited by Mobile Mason; 11-21-2009 at 04:17 PM.

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11-21-2009, 05:32 PM	#2
Patricia Reader Posts: 11,504 Karma: 8720163 Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Wales, UK Device: Sony PRS-500, PRS-505, Asus EEEpc 4G	I would keep a diary/notebook of my own observations, including any which feature the conditions of arab people in East Jerusalem and elsewhere. After a while, this might prompt ideas for articles, short stories or works in other genres. Sometimes one has to capture the impressions first, then let them gel into a definite form.

11-21-2009, 05:33 PM	#3
Mobile Mason Resident Anglophile Posts: 76 Karma: 460 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio, United States Device: Kindle 2	So maybe just keep a notebook of interesting things that I see, and then see where that leads?

11-21-2009, 05:45 PM	#4
Patricia Reader Posts: 11,504 Karma: 8720163 Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Wales, UK Device: Sony PRS-500, PRS-505, Asus EEEpc 4G	Well, that's what I'd do. Then you're free to be open to all the new impressions without forcing them into a particular format.

11-22-2009, 08:07 AM	#6
WT Sharpe Bah, humbug! Posts: 39,073 Karma: 157049943 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA Device: Kindle Oasis, iPad Pro, & a Samsung Galaxy S9.	I think all of the suggestions so far have been excellent. I would also be on the lookout for individuals who are seeking to promote harmony and co-existence between Arabs, Jews, and Palistinians in ways big and small.

11-22-2009, 04:00 PM	#8
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	In addition to your observations of daily living, I would make note of those aspects of Israel (and government policy) that would come as a surprise to Americans. For example, I recently learned that white slavery is legal provided that the women are not Jewish. And the restrictions of what are allowed to enter Gaza are so strict, that some foods are prohibited which the government considers to be minimum requirements for children. I can't believe that the Israeli government would enjoy the support among American Jews it enjoys if the Americans knew everything that is going on. There are two sides to every story, and the American press only reports one side. I would like to know the other side as well.

11-22-2009, 06:04 PM	#12
Katti's Cat Wizard Posts: 2,259 Karma: 175640 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Australia Device: Sony PRS-600	Write about your experience while in Israel - all things big and small. Just your observation of daily life would be interesting. You have a great opportunity here, so please share it with us. I'd be interesting to see if you point of view will change in the 6 months you spend there, i.e. things you perceive to be one way atm - will that change? what will change? and why? Good luck on your journey . I hope you enjoy it immensly

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