Weimar 1935. War Stories. Day 689. 25 August, 2025.

These next two features will be my last postings for the next couple months…unless something happens, which I pray it does not. John and I are going to England to be with our son as he graduates (I’ve never been to London!!). Then the three of us will head up to the beautiful English countryside to spend time with our daughter, son-in-law and their two little ones. We shall make day trips, a weekend in the Netherlands and an excursion to the Peak District in England. It should be fun. I can’t wait. Castles. Manor homes. Antique stores, charity shops, local farms. potteries and museums, tiny villages and giggling children whose tiny little hands fit into yours. And British accents. And afternoon tea. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful and welcomed respite from the troubles of the world.

For me and for my fellow Jews, it’s beginning to feel like history is in repeat mode. It’s 1935/36 Weimar (Germany) all over again. We have all heard the slogan, “Never again.” Never again to the antisemitism. To the exclusion from restaurants, hotels, shops. Never again will our jobs be restricted. Will our properties be defaced. Will our children and our own bodies be beaten up. Will we be hunted down. But it is happening all over again. Friends from California, New York and New Jersey and Boston are writing me that they no longer feel safe. My neighbor’s family has just made Aliyah to Israel from South Africa. Even in Praetoria they were beginning to feel the unsettling. The storm clouds are gathering. And history seems to be repeating itself with very few people standing up for the Jews.

Antisemitism is reaching a point of no return. Hundreds of thousands of haters are marching through the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Malmo, Bruges, Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester, Leicester, Dublin, Montreal, Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis and Detroit…disguising themselves as human rights activists who just care about the plight of the poor Palestinians in Gaza. It seems to be becoming a daily occurrence.

In the grandest of all ironies, the media is pushing the line that the Jews have become the modern day Nazis. They feed the world lines about how Israel intentionally starves little children and drops 2000 pound bombs on the oldest church in existence. The IDF shoots civilians lined up for aid indiscriminately, as for sport. They burn down churches. The Jews target Christians.

They are all pedophiles. Like Epstein and Weinstein. As the Rothschilds, they control the world’s banks and they run Hollywood. It was the Jews that were responsible for 9/11….and they control your life. The Jews are behind the random canceling of certain news pundits, musicians and artists.

Netanyahu is Hitler. He is a Fascistic dictator who is prolonging the war. He does not seek compromise or negotiation. He just wants to hold onto power. He dictates to Washington. He will lead us into World War III. The Jews are bent on taking over the world in a grand cabal. Just look at their flag. The Jewish star is actually a satanic hexagram and it was invented in 1886.

Israel is merely a political state founded in 1948 by the British with no actual legitimacy. It has no right to exist. Israel is a colonial and apartheid state. The Jews claim Biblical basis for settling in ‘Isreal’, but actually the Church holds the claim since Christianity replaced Judaism when the Jews rejected and killed the Messiah. They lost their claim to land or people. They are the perfidious synagogue of satan.

These are all 100% claims I’ve been keeping track of. I seriously have them in files. Written files and video files. The articles and voices come from high up government and church officials. Prime Ministers. Ambassadors. Patriarchs and priests. World renowned pastors and evangelists. Pundits and news commentators. Rock stars and celebrities. Authors. Mayors. And then comments from the masses. I have thousands of them. Literally. It’s a documentation of history.

I spend a lot of my time paying close attention to politics and what is being said. I’m a watcher. Things are reaching a critical point. Jews are being openly assaulted with impunity in the streets. New York, London, Los Angeles, and throughout Europe. What we are seeing now is Germany, 1937. From Palestinians supporters. The pro-Gaza people. Not just Muslims and Islamist fanatics but progressively woke Europeans and Americans. Regular folk. University professors. School teachers. Even the LGBT2spirit+ crowd.

Last week, in Paris, an olive tree planted to commemorate the life of Ilan Halimi, was cut down. It was planted 14 years ago to remind the world of the Jewish man, kidnapped and tortured for 24 days in Paris. He was found naked, handcuffed to a railroad track and died on the way to the hospital. His body gave out. Now his tree is no longer.

Also, just this past week, the Jewish Community Center, Temple, and walls just off the Woodland Hills/Reseda, California (my old neighborhood!!!!) were spray-painted with swastikas, anti Israel and anti Jewish graffiti. Parents are afraid to walk their children to school. It’s in the Wilbur area, for those of you who are familiar…also, in Seattle, a synagogue was vandalized with swastikas and the word ‘gas’ in red spray paint.

Earlier this month, 50 Jewish children coming home from two weeks at summer camp were kicked off a Veuling Airlines plane for quietly singing. Their 22 year old counselor was handcuffed, thrown to the ground, kicked and arrested.

In Chatel, France, vacationing Jewish families awoke to find their cars graffitied with the words “Free Palestine” and other slurs painted across their vehicles. When the person who rented the 4 families their vacation homes found out that a Jewish group was “congregating” in one of the homes (there were 9 adults and 13 children having a Shabbat service), she evicted them all from the properties immediately, refusing a refund.

Just this week, a woman in Leeds, England was accused of striking a Jewish man with a metal pole and throwing hot coffee in his face. “This is because you killed babies in Gaza,” she was heard screaming.

My son was going to take his girlfriend to Athens in two weeks to propose to her. They have, thankfully, cancelled that trip. You see, in just the past weeks Israeli families have been forced out of their hotels for being Israeli. Young Jewish men wearing kippas (yarmulkes) have been severely beaten. Greece is no longer a safe vacation spot for Israelis or Jews. In several countries, soldiers who served in the IDF are being doxxed and ejected. A couple of former soldiers on vacation have been arrested for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Greece, Brazil and Malaysia.

So long as the Free Palestine movement refuses to denounce their violent tactics, and so long as government officials and peoples of the world stay silent, Jews will continue to be open targets of violence and hatred. Hamas, Hizbulla, ISIS and others are truly terrorist organizations. Praising these groups incites more violence against Jewish people.

This past Saturday, a Jewish man and his friend sat in a local pub in Manchester, England. discussing politics. The man was not visibly a Jewish, but was overheard defending Israel. Another man came up and spat on him. He then proceeded to punch the Jewish man in the face, leaving him with a black eye and two broken teeth. Also in Manchester, two men drove around “shooting” visibly Jewish families with a water gun. This is not just playful sport. It is targeting people because of their religion. The videos went viral online. Authorities interviewed the two and called it a “harmless joke.”

Six days ago, a London hospital was plastered with posters reading “Zionism is Poison.” They were only removed after one patient’s complaint. This was at University Hospital, and spokespeople say they acted quickly to dismantle the inflammatory protests in order to ensure the safety and feelings of well being for all patients. UK Lawyers for Israel are demanding a full investigation. UCLH Chief Executive, David Probert issued a swift apology, reaffirming the hospital’s dedication to inclusivity for all. Security personnel were instructed to remain vigilant in order to provide a safe atmosphere.

In Vienna, Austria, an Uber driver attacked a Jewish family last week. The occupants were the two parents and their children, ages 10 and 13, and their 76 year old grandparents. They were en route to a birthday party. When the driver heard their Israeli accents and found out they were, in fact, visiting from Israel, he began shouting “murderers” and “child killers!” He refused on the spot “to transport child killers,” forced the family out and physically beat the father. Uber temporarily suspended the driver and the family is filing criminal charges. “ If decisive action is not taken against this, by politicians and the rule of law, as well as by civil society, by individual activists on the streets or in social media, in editorial offices and by cultural workers, by teachers and others in our society, then there will soon be no place left for Jews in Europe,” Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community of Vienna wrote on Facebook.

On 8 August (this video has gone viral), Montreal multiple onlookers stood idle and filmed the incident as a Jewish man was severely beaten in broad daylight in front of his children. He was pushed into a fountain and his kippa kicked beyond reach. Antisemitism in Canada is out of control. For some, the anti Israel, anti Zionist rhetoric has spilled over into anti Jewish vitriol. In Canada, even the very conservative, Catholic author and podcaster, Mark Mallet, has fallen into this. I will address this particular case later in the week.

Three firebombs were thrown at a synagogue in Obninsk, Russia, just over a year after it was targeted in another arson attack. That was 12 August. Last month, a Melbourne, Australia synagogue was firebombed with 22 .families inside. Thank goodness the fire was contained at the door. It could easily have become deadly. Only over a mile away, that same evening, an Israeli restaurant was attacked as protestors stormed in, overturning tables and shouting “Death, death, to the IDF.”

Saturday, a 65 year old man wearing a kippa was brutally beaten by three men in Paris. He was on his was to synagogue at 10am when a car stopped in front of him. Two passengers got out pretending to ask for directions and began brutally beating him with kicks and punches and metal rods. His Star of David necklace was torn off his neck and he was doubled up on the sidewalk. The attackers are still at large.

Two months ago in Alexandria Egypt, a Canadian/Israeli dual citizen was gunned down as he was touring the land. Egyptian authorities claim it was a robbery gone wrong, but a militant group claimed responsibility. They claimed they “killed the Jewish man in retaliation for Gaza” and posted images of the shooting as proof (way too graphic to display here).

Yesterday, German activists were doused with red paint as they held up posters of Israeli hostages in a Frankfurt park. Sasha Stawski, a 55 year old real estate agent, and president of the antisemitism league was hosting a public demonstration to raise awareness of the 50 captives still being held by Hamas. 20-30 people, some wearing Friedrich Merz masks over their faces, pushed the germ up aside violently. Anti Jew and anti Israel chants erupted and four women doused the activists with cans of red paint. Frankfurt police were called in to disassemble the crowds. They said they would be increasing their presence in the area. No arrests were made. The Jewish community in Frankfurt and throughout Germany has been seeing an uptick in anti Jewish violence since 7 October.

Last Saturday in Cologne, Germany the wheel chair basketball championship was underway. The team from Great Britain all turned their wheelchairs around in protest of the Israeli team. One of the Israeli players stated, “It felt like they were humiliating us and bringing unrelated issues onto the sport court.” Antisemitic slurs are being hurled at football games across Europe. German Düsseldorf football league unsigned Jewish athlete Shon Weissman after fan backlash over his hiring. That was August 9 of this year.

These are merely a few of the hundreds of reports I’ve been keeping track of. All are downloaded or perinted out and filed away for safekeeping and documentation.

Qatar is funding the educational systems and universities (yes, along with China) in the U.S., across Europe, Canada, and the Middle East. Mufti Hamid Patel, head of the Office for Standards is the Chief Education Minister in Great Britain.

In New York, a new police patrol system has gone into effect complete with official squad cars and uniformed officers. It is the Salaam Aleikum Patrol of Muslim police. Mamdani, an anti Israel, anti Jewish, Communist Islamist is in the lead for New York mayor. Most of the mayors and regional council officials in England, France, Belgium and Sweden are Islamists. In the Belgian city of Antwerp, 26 Jewish homes were marked with red paint, red handprints and triangles. Just last week, a Muslim woman went out in the hot weather with her shoulders uncovered. A group of ‘Muslim brothers’ passing by, surrounded and brutally beat her. Many parts of London and Paris are now “no-go zones.” Enter at your own risk. Sharia laws strictly enforced. And it is coming to cities like Dearborn, Michigan.

So few people throughout the world are taking this seriously. Jews are being targeted globally. it is being proclaimed by protestors, political figures, pastors and pundits that Jews are genocidal thriving colonizing pedos with no claim to a homeland or history, who are hell bent on controlling the world. Then people cannot seem to figure out why in the world Jewish property is being defaced and Jews are being beaten and disembarked and refused service on the streets of Europe and America? The crimes are being ignored and normalized and the Jewish people are downright scared.

In my next posting on Wednesday or Thursday, I will be discussing modern day blood libels. These are actual complete fabrications, made-up stories against Jews in order to promote violence and eventual extermination of that ‘pernicious race.’ It is an article that traces the history from the early 400’s to modern times. It has resurfaced today through modern outlets and is a warning sign of things to come-

Tomorrow we are traveling down to the Gaza Envelope for a story I’ve been commissioned to write on the 3rd anniversary of 7 October. I will be also visiting one of the kibbutzim that was attacked as well as shelters and the Nova Festival site. We will conclude the trip by spending time at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv. I have four interviews set up and will do one special remembrance blog post on this. I will interview a member of the regional council, an IDF soldier in the reserves who has served five tours in Gaza, a resident of Nahal Oz Kibbutz, and a paramedic.

A Happier Story: A Canvas of Hope and Love. 3 February, 2025

Late last summer, the war front in Israel moved up here to the North. Hizbulla began firing missiles at us every day, multiple times a day (and night). Each salvo contained anywhere from 20-60 missiles. When the red alert siren sounded, we had only a few seconds to find shelter. Thank goodness we had the Iron Dome Missile Defense System which intercepted most of the rockets. But then there was the vey real danger of falling shrapnel.

Soon after, concrete bunkers – small shelters called magenit, or little shields – started popping up on highly trafficked street corners. They were placed in parks, near schools, kindergartens, shopping center parking lots. Hideously ugly, they did the job. But they also proved to be the perfect blank canvases. Enter Australian artist, Justin Andrew Hook.

John and I had the good fortune of spending a day with Justin last month, hearing his story and getting to know this amazing human being. Justin, whose, stepfather is Jewish and mother who is Christian, worked for a while in the luxury hospitality industry in Sydney, even serving members of the government and foreign dignitaries. Everything changed for him during COVID, when his jobs ended. This led to some intense soul searching.

“G-d placed certain gifts inside me that needed to be honored. Art was my currency that actually became my identity. When I started to acknowledge and use that, things began to shift for me,” explained Justin. He began to show his paintings at exhibitions and galleries, and then became a curator and manager of an art gallery in the heavily traveled Bondi Junction suburb of Sydney. Opening nights attracted many different kinds of people from all over the world.

Because many Israelis travel the globe after their army service, Justin soon made many new Israeli friends. He began to bump into Israelis everywhere, and a desire to visit the Holy Land grew within his spirit. He now comes every year. “I absolutely love Israel! The culture is so attractive, fast-paced and super inclusive. The people are warm and inviting: the lifestyle and food is amazing! It’s like you become instant family with everyone here! Despite all the severity here, Israelis know how to live life, prioritizing G-d, family and friends. They live life to the max and know how to get the most out of life.”

Totally extroverted and exuberant, Justin has met a wide spectrum of people in Israel from Orthodox Jews to seculars; from Arabs to Druze; Christians and Messianics. His experiences are different each trip. In 2022, he was commissioned to paint a huge mural on a prominent wall in the village of Mesilat Zion outside Jerusalem. A short documentary was made and put on YouTube which opened up many more opportunities for him.

https://youtu.be/FzhMbIL-5fc?si=S9keT8WNhSNGQrKQ

During his 2023 trip, Justin happened to be celebrating Sukkot in a village outside Haifa when the 7 October Hamas invasion into Israel took place. Thousands of rockets were falling on Tel Aviv and the center of the country. The Australian government put a notice out to all travelers that they must return home immediately. There was no choice and a military airlift was scheduled to depart. Justin was in no way fearful. He even wanted to stay and help anywhere he was needed, but the government was insistent that he leave.

In the months that Justin was home in the Land Down Under, it seemed that everything had truly turned upside down. The narrative of the situation in Israel as told by the media was nothing but half-truths and outright lies. This deliberate anti Israel propaganda resulted in the growth of the pro-Palestinian movement, marching and chanting and vandalizing the larger cities of Australia. The media was playing upon the good Will of innocent, well-meaning people – stories of genocide and IDF atrocities against the people of Gaza was a complete deception. Immediately, Justin knew he had to become a voice for truth and for the people of Israel. He was well connected to the Land and the People and knew firsthand the reality of the situation on the ground.

At the very last minute, this past September, he knew in his spirit that it was time for his return. Justin booked round trip tickets for a 2 1/2 week stay during the Feast of Sukkot. He was led to travel the country, bringing a message of hope and support to his friends. When he arrived at Tiberias on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), the doors opened wide for him to put his artistic talents to work.

Despite continual bombing by missiles from Hizbulla in Lebanon and suicide drones, those ugly cement shelters were calling out to him. Justin reached out to an Israeli friend, who immediately and miraculously received instant approval from the mayor of Tiberias to decorate the blank boxes. Not only that, but Justin’s Jewish friends who run NGOs throughout the Galilee would help support the project. There was just one hitch: it had to be done now or never.

A new dilemma arose: Justin was scheduled to fly back to Australia in less than a week. There was no way he could attempt to complete such a project in so little time! Justin walked along the Kinneret, praying and seeking G-d’s direction. Everything was happening so quickly, but if this was part of the Divine Plan, all the little details would come together. In Israel, there is a saying: “There are no coincidences. It is all by HaShem (G-d).” And so it was, that at the very last minute, Justin’s non-refundable plane ticket was changed and paid for by his very own travel agent who also had a deep love for the people of Israel. Both of them knew that Justin had been handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I also set up a last minute page (on his social media) showcasing this opportunity. It included a Go Fund Me link so people could help contribute to my living expenses. My visa was good for three months. Amazingly, after posting a few videos, generous people from all over the globe caught on to the vision and funded my ability to stay in Israel.” The various cities paid for all of his art supplies and he was able to focus on the project and complete the first season of shelters. The. L-rd provides and guides.

“It was during this time I learned spontaneity. I just rode the wave and flowed with the Spirit. I knew G-d wanted me to be a bridge builder with love and the desire to help these people in need.” For the next three weeks , Justin painted his first shelter, right in the center of downtown Tiberias, an extremely important Orthodox city, one of the four holy cities of Israel.

On the outer walls of the bomb shelter he painted the most gorgeous mural of the Sea of Galilee in the full bloom of springtime. The painting wraps around the entire magenit. The mountains of the Golan and lower Galil region encircle it. Butterflies ands birds symbolize new life. The red poppies are a remembrance of the hostages still in captivity. Working with a medium of spray paint, Justin captured the fishing boats on the sea and the migrating birds overhead. The morning sun over the mountains depicts the verse from Malachi 4:2. “The sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.” It was truly a project of healing.

But this was not all. Missiles flying overhead and the thunderous booms as Iron Dome intercepts the incoming rockets can be terrifying for many people. Little children, especially are easily traumatized by having to run for cover. Through Justin’s gift, fear, trauma and ashes could be transformed into beauty and hope.

Justin was inspired to paint a large tallit, prayer shawl wrapped over the entrance to the shelter. It was a sign of G-do’s abiding presence. People were beginning to take notice as he painted. Rabbis stopped to admire his work. Justin painted a verse from Psalm 16:1, a Psalm of David, in Hebrew: Preserve me, O G-d. You are my shelter.”

Stepping inside, instead of being greeted by cold, gray walls, Justin painted the seven-branched menorah that stands in the Old City of Jerusalem, its flames almost alive, glowing brightly. It was truly an inspired vision and a way to share the message of hope and G-do’s love and mercy to His people. It is the national symbol of Israel and has become his signature inside each bomb shelter. “The menorah is a sign of the victory of the Jews over their enemies. It is an eternal symbol that proclaims ‘I am with you always,” explained Justin.

The chief Chabad rabbi of Tiberias sent a video of the finished shelter to the chief Chabad rabbi of Sydney. It was shared with the public on the last night of Chanukah, giving a loving message of perseverance to the Jewish people of Australia. The video soon spread throughout Jewish congregations worldwide:

https://youtu.be/l71sEL_uaao?si=dX9_T2QayrnynL9P

After this first shelter project, 50 more quickly became available throughout the Galilee, in Tiberias and he Holy City of Tsfat. Justin has received a commission to decorate magenit at playgrounds, skate parks, bus stops and schools. Thus far, six have been completed.

Returning to Jerusalem, Justin bumped into wildly popular social media influencer and Jewish/Israel activist, Zack Sage Fox at the Kotel (Westen Wall). He was visiting from the States.The two did an interview on the spot and Justin’s fame spread like wildfire. I met up with Justin a couple days thereafter. He is totally a bridge between Australia and Israel, the Christian Zionists and the Israeli people.

Justin had to leave as his visa was up, but is praying that the Australian and Israeli governments will grant him a long term visa which will enable him to see the new art project to its completion. “We are all called to be light wherever we go,” he told us over coffee. “We embody His living Torah; we are to do good works and serve others in love, to bring joy and hope to those we meet. We are each given specific gifts and talents that make up our unique identity. If everyone used the gifts given us, for the betterment of the world, this would be a better place.”

He can be found on Instagram @justin_andrew_hook. On Facebook and at http://www.justinandrewhook.com

To support his work, you can go to SUPPORT A PROJECT. justinandrewhook.com/s-projects-basic

Open Air Galleries: Israeli Street Art

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A sign of hope in Jerusalem

Whether it is a political or religious statement; call for social justice; expression of poetry; or a way of marking one’s history or passing, man has always felt the need to place a sign of his existence for posterity. From the ancient cave writings to street graffiti, Israel has its own unique style. I’m sure there are markings from Biblical times on stones and in yet undiscovered caves. The earliest that I’ve encountered here is Crusader graffiti. Notched into the walls in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem are myriad crosses, the sign of the knights and pilgrims who paid homage to the spot in the Middle Ages. There are hundreds of them!

Modern “urban guerrilla art” had its start in Israel in Haifa in the very early 2000’s. Four teens, Unga, Tant, Deso & Kip formed the Broken Fingaz Crew and started painting brightly colored pictures and murals on walls and abandoned buildings. At first, their work was covered up, but as people began to appreciate their  artistic endeavors, and to see the actual beauty, it gradually began to be left in place. Today, they have gained not only acceptance, but fame and a large following in the art world. Their designs have appeared on posters, album covers, t-shirts, and is displayed in trendy galleries.

Tel Aviv is definitely the place for the most unique and innovative street art. The hip Florentin District has quite a bit as do the old quarters of Neve Tsedek and Yaffo. In fact, it has become so popular, there are explanatory tours given in Hebrew and in English by Dioz (himself a street artist) and by my personal favorite, Guy Sharett (Guy has the most wonderful podcasts teaching Hebrew, Streetwise Hebrew, and several Youtube posts – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). He’s one of the most interesting guides in Tel Aviv, explaining in depth the artist and the sometimes hidden meaning behind each piece of art in this open air gallery.

Some of the pieces are just fun, starting with the easily identifiable work of Sened, known for his wood-cut block characters that are painted over and then applied to the desired surfaces. Also starting his art in the early 2000’s, his characters are known as kufsonim(boxy guys) and can be found throughout Tel Aviv.

An artist with the tag “Dede” moved from California to Tel Aviv in 2010. He is known for his images of wildlife and of bandaids, symbolizing healing (as in a globe plastered with bandaids; a heart with a bandage).

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There are several graffiti images with Biblical references. For example, the story of Cain and Abel placed in the present and making a statement of responsibility for our fellow human beings.

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There is a type of street art that pastes pre-done drawings directly on the wall. This is one, in Yaffo, upholds the virtues of ecumenism and peace. It shows a mufti, a priest, and a rabbi holding hands – notice the skateboard and skates!

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Others are cute , like the sketch of people cleaning off their feet on a wall bordering a Tel Avi beach; and other symbols of pop culture.

Nitzan Mint is a young woman who had a difficult time finding an outlet to publish her poetry. So she combined it with art and took it to the streets of Tel Aviv. She has since gained fame as a respected Israeli poet.

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In Jerusalem, the artist Solomon Souza wanted a way to add color, energy, beauty, and a bit of Israeli and Jewish history to the Mechane Yehuda market in Tel Aviv. In 2015 he started spray painting the metal doors of the vendors with gorgeous murals. He has gained international acclaim, and has had gallery shows and offers to promote several product lines. I love his pieces!!!

The “Na-Nachs” have left their mark here as well. These Hasidic followers of Rebbe Nachman Maiman of Uman, with their hippie lifestyle have graffitied EVERYTHING here – walls, stones, houses, you name it – with their tag: Na, Nach, Nachm, Nachman, from Uman in huge, usually colorful, block Hebrew lettering reminiscent of Biblical script.

And because this is a religious land, one can find all kinds of humorous references or tongue-in-cheek puns. Like this one. A take on Psalm 137:5  an admonition to never forget the importance and holiness of Jerusalem. This graffiti plays on that, with “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, it is because of Tel Aviv.” Obviously the nightlife, secularism, and activity of Tel Aviv has rubbed off!

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And to remind us that there are angels everywhere-

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Israeli graffiti can be quite thought provoking as well – for example this simple Hebrew word is the first word in the prayer said several times a day, the V’ahavtah…. and you shall love (the Lord your G-d and your neighbor). It is a command. but when a question mark is placed after, it becomes – ” And so??? Have you loved?”

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This, too is a good one. For Jewish people who keep Kosher, it is forbidden to mix meat and dairy products. So here is a reminder from the father of Zionism, Theodore Herzl. His famous quote is “If you will it, it is no dream.” Turned around here to say – “If you will it, NO!!!!”

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And of course, there are always political statements as well:

A reminder to the Anglos:

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And a clever piece for the visually impaired to enjoy as well-

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I wish I had gotten a photo of one my son thought amazing. You can see it randomly on walls or freeway overpasses, but it one scrawl that is always soon removed. “Why did I draft????”

Israel is a provocative land – one that frequently calls me to thought or to action. I do not always agree with all of the statements or ideologies that I have presented here, but it provides a glimpse into the culture and diversity of its people. I leave you with two last pieces:IMG_8463

          You don’t write the graffiti. It writes you.

and finally-

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( This piece is dedicated to Katie and Britta – the two people who have expanded my horizons in street art. Love you both! Enjoy!!!)