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Observations about life in Israel from a Canadian immigrant's perspective.

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Year: 2012

Snow, sandals and sandwich bags

May 2, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

“I found a carrot for my snowman’s nose." Talya plodded though the snow, crouching down to perfect her masterpiece.  I leaned forward, curious. How could she produce a carrot on this frozen mountaintop? Was it some kid’s leftovers from last summer’s picnic? I examine it closely and see she has found an orange water bottle… Continue reading Snow, sandals and sandwich bags

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Baruch Dayan Emet

April 25, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

Baruch Dayan Emet. Just yesterday, we lost my Auntie Diane. She died of cancer and at 76, she was a young and vibrant woman. She was a dear mother, a loving sister, and a wonderful aunt. Just yesterday, we stood in silence as the siren wailed in memory of our fallen soldiers and victims of… Continue reading Baruch Dayan Emet

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A Moment of Silence

April 19, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

10 am. Thursday, April 19, 2012.  A siren wails. We stop and stand in silence.  Children close their math books, their small chairs scraping the floor as they stand. Doctors put down their stethoscopes and pause. Cab drivers stop on the highways. Busses screech to a halt, passengers put down their Sudoku,  fold their newspapers,… Continue reading A Moment of Silence

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And then we dance

April 3, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

The chuppa’s soft, white sides shimmer in the night breeze, creamy gladioli and sweet roses a fragrant lintel. The bride is a stranger to me, glowing and beautiful. The groom? I have met him once at his parents’ home and tonight I see happiness beaming from his eyes. Everyone is overjoyed. As so they should… Continue reading And then we dance

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Good News of Tolerance

January 17, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

I live in the middle east in a tiny country the size of New Jersey. I live in a country that is hated by most countries in the world.  Perhaps it is because many people are ignorant about the history of Israel What is surprising is that the academia and the educated, those who should… Continue reading Good News of Tolerance

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A Return to Within

January 12, 2012 Nicole Nathan Bem

Today I had a pure, clean run. Usually I am all wired up, ipod strapped to my arm, a cord snaking up my sleeve to headphones which perch uncomfortably behind my baseball cap. And with every stride, the ipod case slowly slips down my arm and the ear buds pop out.   And if I… Continue reading A Return to Within

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