So I've heard the call and I'm back.
I know I've been delinquent in updating everyone on the goings on in my life but I've been pretty busy.
Over the last few weeks, I've discovered that it must take a special breed to do factory work. I've learned the art of Israeli Hitchhiking, and I'm beginning to adjust to my new environment.
I appreciate everyone's questions and concern and I want everyone to know I'm doing well.
The ulpan is great, I'm trying to learn some Hebrew, and I'm just enjoying the fact that I'm living in what might be the most beautiful and dynamic countries in the world.
Anyone who wants to visit me is welcome, i'd just suggest you hold off until I'm finished with the Ulpan.
Again I apologize and I promise I'll be updating the blog regularly I just need to get some sleep now.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Home
It's Monday evening, my first full day in Israel and the past couple days have been a blur. As I'm sure this will be read by friends and family, welcome my blog. I will be keeping entries short and rather informal as this is mostly to keep in touch with all of you.
So now that introductions are out of the way, I arrived in Israel yesterday afternoon and things have moved along pretty smoothly.
I was met at the gate by a volunteer from AACI who led me to the Absorption Ministry office and assisted in my processing there.
I received my Teudat Oleh, which is as of now is my only form of identification it includes my ID number, as well as my full name in Hebrew. Since U.S. passports list First and Middle names next to one another with no division, the man who processed me included both in my name on my file and Teudat Oleh. Also my name is now Eitan according to my documents here so my full name reads phonetically in Hebrew Eitan Powel (as in vowel) Henshell.
I'm settling into the kibbutz even though they put me to work today in the factory I thought maybe I'd get some free time as the Ulpan program doesn't begin until Sunday but it's fine. I'm all unpacked but I definitely brought too much stuff so hopefully I'll get rid of some things over the next 5 months.
It's a little strange living in what amounts to a college dorm room again but I'm sure I'll adjust. I don't have a roommate yet so I'm a little anxious about that but otherwise I couldn't be happier I mean this is Israel, and now i think I can finally say Home!
more to come!
So now that introductions are out of the way, I arrived in Israel yesterday afternoon and things have moved along pretty smoothly.
I was met at the gate by a volunteer from AACI who led me to the Absorption Ministry office and assisted in my processing there.
I received my Teudat Oleh, which is as of now is my only form of identification it includes my ID number, as well as my full name in Hebrew. Since U.S. passports list First and Middle names next to one another with no division, the man who processed me included both in my name on my file and Teudat Oleh. Also my name is now Eitan according to my documents here so my full name reads phonetically in Hebrew Eitan Powel (as in vowel) Henshell.
I'm settling into the kibbutz even though they put me to work today in the factory I thought maybe I'd get some free time as the Ulpan program doesn't begin until Sunday but it's fine. I'm all unpacked but I definitely brought too much stuff so hopefully I'll get rid of some things over the next 5 months.
It's a little strange living in what amounts to a college dorm room again but I'm sure I'll adjust. I don't have a roommate yet so I'm a little anxious about that but otherwise I couldn't be happier I mean this is Israel, and now i think I can finally say Home!
more to come!
Monday, September 10, 2007
WHEN WILL THIS GOVERNMENT LEARN???
The attack on Zikim army base was the culmination of poor defense policy and a lack of response to the constant barrage of rockets emanating from Gaza.
In late summer 2005 when I volunteered through the Sar EL program, I did some work on Zikim and I recall looking into Gaza and thinking we were sitting targets if someone decided to fire on us.
Well last night it was confirmed that there was little to prevent terrorists in Gaza from attacking Zikim.
Had the government taken the attacks on Sderot seriously, and cracked down on Gaza rocket launches, perhaps the young IDF recruits would not have been subjected to this senseless carnage.
It's time to get serious about the threat we are facing and meet it head on. We must resolve to fight destroy and deter these blood thirsty murderers.
In late summer 2005 when I volunteered through the Sar EL program, I did some work on Zikim and I recall looking into Gaza and thinking we were sitting targets if someone decided to fire on us.
Well last night it was confirmed that there was little to prevent terrorists in Gaza from attacking Zikim.
Had the government taken the attacks on Sderot seriously, and cracked down on Gaza rocket launches, perhaps the young IDF recruits would not have been subjected to this senseless carnage.
It's time to get serious about the threat we are facing and meet it head on. We must resolve to fight destroy and deter these blood thirsty murderers.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
the latest
So I haven't posted here in over a month and I know few people are reading as of yet but I'd like to post the latest info.
I've been in touch with the director of the Ulpan at Kibbutz Ein Hashofet. I have permission to arrive early which will be a great help. I've finalized my flight details after ELAL moved me to a JFK flight for no reason. I'm happy to say I'm back to my original EWR departure and I'm counting down the days.
In other news has anyone seen the CNN feature, G-d's Warriors. Check out the chatter around the net and decide for yourself but the depiction of Jewish so-called warriors was not only distasteful but blatantly wrong. While i don't defend violent actions of a small number of extremists, it is unfair to equate the entire settlement movement in Israel as well as their American supporters (Christian and Jewish) with the violent and hateful movements of militant Islam. Christiane Amanpour has done a disservice to truth in Journalism and has defamed many Jews and Christians in an effort to equate groups of fundamentalist christians and right wing and orthodox Jews with the culture of death that is sweeping the Islamic world.
I've been in touch with the director of the Ulpan at Kibbutz Ein Hashofet. I have permission to arrive early which will be a great help. I've finalized my flight details after ELAL moved me to a JFK flight for no reason. I'm happy to say I'm back to my original EWR departure and I'm counting down the days.
In other news has anyone seen the CNN feature, G-d's Warriors. Check out the chatter around the net and decide for yourself but the depiction of Jewish so-called warriors was not only distasteful but blatantly wrong. While i don't defend violent actions of a small number of extremists, it is unfair to equate the entire settlement movement in Israel as well as their American supporters (Christian and Jewish) with the violent and hateful movements of militant Islam. Christiane Amanpour has done a disservice to truth in Journalism and has defamed many Jews and Christians in an effort to equate groups of fundamentalist christians and right wing and orthodox Jews with the culture of death that is sweeping the Islamic world.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
YAY!!!!!
Just got back from Philly and I have my Aliyah Visa! Didn't have any of the problems that I expected since my last passport was stolen and I didn't have proof of entry and exit dates but they didn't even ask me about it... more worrying over nothing. I also had lunch w/ my dad and a former Colonel in the IDF who was so nice to talk to and she gave me some good advice including calling her if I need anything since she's got some serious connections. Other than that not much to report. Things are looking up.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Hopefully Thursday be it
So I went to the SOP and final meeting which included a dinner held in Philly for summer Olim... A lot of congratualtory speeches some free food and an information packet.
Now that they've assured me I'll have a terrible time dealing with the bureaucracy and adjustment etc, I think I'll have to disregard about 95% of the event.
Anyway, I should be going to back to philly on Thursday to apply for the Aliyah Visa and pending a smooth process there I should be all set for September.
Not too much else going on at the momement just trying to survive my last class which will be over in 3 weeks. Before I know it I'll be in Israel.
Last but not least a big shoutout and Kol Hakavod to Cori (see link to right) on her draft notice!
Now that they've assured me I'll have a terrible time dealing with the bureaucracy and adjustment etc, I think I'll have to disregard about 95% of the event.
Anyway, I should be going to back to philly on Thursday to apply for the Aliyah Visa and pending a smooth process there I should be all set for September.
Not too much else going on at the momement just trying to survive my last class which will be over in 3 weeks. Before I know it I'll be in Israel.
Last but not least a big shoutout and Kol Hakavod to Cori (see link to right) on her draft notice!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Counting down
It's 96 days till I being my new journey and I can't wait. This summer is going pretty fast. I'm taking classes which means I have no life but at least it makes the weeks go by preety quickly. I really can't focus on anything except for aliyah and all things Israel right now. A couple of my closest friends from home came to visit me this weekend and we had a couple of interesting conversations about Aliyah and Israel.
I'm so lucky to have these close friendships and my friends are all really supportive. When one of my friends asked me if Israel had to fight a war this summer would I still go in September I quickly replied yes. While I only wish for a peaceful future in Israel, I had to explain that the odds are at some point in my future I will live through a war in Israel and that I wouldn't be deterred by conflict. Afteral, Israel has been engaged in a war of survival since her founding. I think this question really reflected the response I have recieved from a lot of people. Everyone is so hung up on the issues of security, fears of terrorism and a completely skewed and twisted view of the reality "on the ground" in Israel.
Despite what may be described as a tenuous security situation, I have made the decision to tie my fate to that of my people and to settle in the land of Israel. I have complete faith that the Jewish Army, the IDF will carry out its mission dutifuly in the protection of the state and of the Jewish people and no threat from terror or war will keep me from contributing to the further development of the State of Israel.
On another note, If your getting tired of the Western media's highly selective coverage of events in Israel and the territories, check out the IBA news website for a broadcast in English with a distinctly Israeli perspective.
Not much else to report other than I have a new date for the SOP which will be July 5th in Philly. Will post again after the SOP.
I'm so lucky to have these close friendships and my friends are all really supportive. When one of my friends asked me if Israel had to fight a war this summer would I still go in September I quickly replied yes. While I only wish for a peaceful future in Israel, I had to explain that the odds are at some point in my future I will live through a war in Israel and that I wouldn't be deterred by conflict. Afteral, Israel has been engaged in a war of survival since her founding. I think this question really reflected the response I have recieved from a lot of people. Everyone is so hung up on the issues of security, fears of terrorism and a completely skewed and twisted view of the reality "on the ground" in Israel.
Despite what may be described as a tenuous security situation, I have made the decision to tie my fate to that of my people and to settle in the land of Israel. I have complete faith that the Jewish Army, the IDF will carry out its mission dutifuly in the protection of the state and of the Jewish people and no threat from terror or war will keep me from contributing to the further development of the State of Israel.
On another note, If your getting tired of the Western media's highly selective coverage of events in Israel and the territories, check out the IBA news website for a broadcast in English with a distinctly Israeli perspective.
Not much else to report other than I have a new date for the SOP which will be July 5th in Philly. Will post again after the SOP.
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