# 339 – Dissecting Remembrance Day

Dissecting Remembrance Day

I wrote that William and Kate have not yet named their boy. To prevent confusion in some societies, please note that this was a typo error (= typical of an old man), and the parents are actually the other 2.

Signs of the times – Until about 20 years ago, the cashiers at our local supermarket were…cashiers. Nothing outwardly ‘different’ about them. Then came the Russian invasion. Suddenly we noticed the rich ones with suitcases full of cash, the value of art collapsed with the influx of so many quality artists, the 5 leading orchestras were ‘overrun’ with Russians. Prostitutes, gas station attendants, bank tellers.

They established their own political party/ies, they set up their own companies and, yes, many became  supermarket cashiers. But now, like all immigrants or growing minority groups, they’re moving on. This morning, all 6 of our cashiers were Arab ladies, complete with head-covering. Only the express lane was occupied by a (slow) lady – Russian, I think.

Today is Remembrance Day. Perhaps the thought that tonight is the start of Independence Day, with flags already shivering with excitement on most main streets, on buildings, in windows and on many cars, makes Remembrance Days all the more solemn.

I was with my grandson, Andy, in Herzlia, and he was overwhelmed by the flags.

But, as I placed him in his car-seat at 8pm, the first siren went off. Like last week with Holocaust Day, I stood by the car for the 1 minute. In a few minutes, it will be 11am, and the sirens will go off again – for 2 minutes. For most, it will be real remembrance. We have all lost loved ones in this battle for survival. For some, the sirens will just be a slightly varied sound of what they are hearing nearly every day: more rockets coming in.

I watched the second hand tick towards 12. Sirens are still traumatic, even when you are used to them and know that they are, this time, just symbolic.

I watched every vehicle stop. Many drivers alighted as usual. Nothing moved except the birds in confused flight, the swaying trees in the wind, the shaking leaves – and the fluttering flags, ready for this evening’s festivities.

4 died in the recent attacks from Gaza. They count towards the 23,741 who have died in the conflict/s with our neighbours. (True, I am only focusing on the Israelis/Jews who have died since 1860, when the first was killed in this region. Forgive me).

I did not watch the big European football game last night. I could have streamed it live, but instead, I was watching the Remembrance Day events. Instead of last week’s incredible stories from the Holocaust, we were experiencing the heartbreak of today’s conflicts. Victims of rocket attacks, drive-by shooting, stabbings, rammings, bombs, suicide attacks – and wars.

In Haifa’s main auditorium, the same type of event: stories, songs – and images…these by Dan Livni, our brother-in-law. He has become known as one of the main war artists, with permanent exhibitions at such places as the Golan Brigade Memorial and the Armoured Division Museum…..

For those interested, here’s the link to some more of Dani’s images of conflict….

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPNGJ8JW9jDGusfXW5ctjgYxm9ZkOUywPXAaVg7BmciCRjjcvKdLzYKCJGzQki_hw?key=Vm83cE44WDlOUnBBSF9icGtkNksxdmRQNWJhMXF3

Pres. Rivlin has repeated the well-known pledge to bring home all soldiers, dead or alive. Sounds right, except when the price of the release is not one but thousands of prisoners, including killers and terrorists, who are enthusiastically welcomed home as heroes and who pledge to repeat their crimes.

Of course, most Holocaust survivors had families and many then had losses in the wars for Israel’s survival. The only difference being the graininess in the black and white photo of yesteryear, compared to today’s colourful image of a young, happy guy/gal.

There are many who repeat that the same is happening ‘on the other side’. Yes, of course. Death is a great equaliser. But the causes have been extremely different. If any of you are among the naïve who say ‘it’s the same for both sides’, please own up and write to me.

What I least understand is the World’s continued criticism of a country that’s been through too much and won’t be left alone to have just a few years of peace and normality. The same World who practically praises a people for not developing, despite the financial gifts and peace opportunities being showered upon them.

And finally, 3 more images from Hadar Chen’s Monster Calendar. First, January’s ruins were not in Ashkelon’s Roman Park, but in the fantastic city of ruins of Bet She’an.

Now –

(We had April – the Manara Cliffs in Haifa).     This is May – Gan Hashlosha National Park  – 

We had June (the couple with scene of Jaffa Port). Now July, and the Massada Snake Path –

And we had August (the Dead Sea). So here’s September, the depths of the underwater world of the Red Sea –

3 more months to come…

May 8, 2019