The Intersection of Domestic and Foreign Policy

Jerusalem


Thursday, May 31, 2012

Top Five Things I've Learned So Far in Israel



5. The falafel is amazing.
4. Jerusalem, particularly the Old City, is fascinating from both a religious and historical perspective - one can't understand Israel and the related conflicts without understanding its origins and their significance.
3. There is no such thing as "politically correct"  From cab drivers and bartenders to tour guides and street vendors, everyone is willing to share his/her opinion on subjects ranging from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to what restaurant makes the best hummus...no topic is off limits.
2. Did I mention the falafel is amazing?
1.  Israel is a beautiful country with wonderful people who want to work together to resolve their differences, but it needs the continued support not only of the international community, but also of individuals from around the world -- students, citizens and policymakers alike -- to contribute to building a long-term solution to Israel's unique challenges.

A few group photos

View of Tel Aviv skyline from Jaffa


With US Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro,
at briefing with SIS students at the US embassy in Tel Aviv

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Tel Aviv!!!!


Friday was our first full day in Tel Aviv!  Almost everyone had some sort of adventure getting here (I was stuck in Istanbul eating turkish delight for 6 hours) but we rallyed and started exploring our new digs right away!  After a tour of Old Jaffa and an awesome hommas lunch we spent some time at the Shuk Ha'Carmel (pictured here) before going to the US embassy to meet with FSO David Bern.  We were lucky enough to meet Ambassador Daniel Shapiro as well!  Saturday was a much needed free day, mostly spent on the beaches of Tel Aviv.  Today, Sunday we went to the Negev to explore Bedouin culture.  A highlight for me was meeting "Miriam of the Desert," the western educated creator of "Daughter of the Desert" soap and other beauty products featured here!

The Group is great!  We are all having a blast and even though it's only been a few days I feel like I have learned SO much!

- Clare Gallaher

Friday, May 25, 2012

Day One: Welcome to Israel (and it’s a small world)

The weather was beautiful; the food -- terrific; and the bus driver and tour guide couldn't be better. We started out with a 4000-year historical survey of Israel (yes, I did say 4,000 years) and proceeded with a walking tour of Jaffa.  After lunch at the famous Abu Hassan (known for its hummus massabacha), we drove over to nearby Neve Tzedek, an art colony. Afterward, we went to the pedestrian mall Nahlat Binyamin (operates Tuesdays and Fridays) and the adjacent Carmel Market. After a brief stop at our hotel, we later walked over to the US Embassy and had an enlightening conversation with David Berns, first political officer there. A nice surprise came toward the end of our meeting, when my friend Ambassador Dan Shapiro walked in and spoke to us for a few minutes at the tail-end of the day. (A picture will be posted soon.)

Our previously mentioned guide for the day served for decades in the IDF and was one of its spokespersons.   As a former media person, he is friends with Meet-the-Press moderator David Gregory, an SIS alumnus.  (Cue Disney tune, “It’s a Small World”)

We’ve just finished our welcome dinner at the hotel, which everyone enjoyed.  This evening, we’re planning a walk to the port area to see another, more yuppie, side to Tel Aviv.

Since tomorrow is a double-holiday -- Shabbat and the harvest festival of Shavuot -- we're anticipating a relaxing day at the beach.

- Prof. Guy Ziv