Rabin Square
I've now been in Israel about a week. I've met some good friends/ mentors from the US here to visit and been introduced to quite a few of my new lab mates. I'm told I'm in for an intense experience and that there is no such thing as Chanukah break here.
I've also become increasingly aware of the clash of cultures that is Tel Aviv. So far, these have included Orthodox men sitting on buses painted with smiley faces and movie images, debates between religious and secular individuals on the West Bank/ Occupation/ Judea and Samaria/ morality, and the construction of the first Israeli fraternity (an American import). My roommate watches American TV but at Israeli hours (late) and the 'Peace Industry' here and in the US seem to collide in many conversations. Throughout this I am learning. My take away this week is that the role of the US in the world is diverse and very important. Our American culture is exported, and sometimes misunderstood, as TV, movies, education, money, government and other more personal interactions. We must pay attention to this, and I will do my best not to forget the impact that we have.
I've also become increasingly aware of the clash of cultures that is Tel Aviv. So far, these have included Orthodox men sitting on buses painted with smiley faces and movie images, debates between religious and secular individuals on the West Bank/ Occupation/ Judea and Samaria/ morality, and the construction of the first Israeli fraternity (an American import). My roommate watches American TV but at Israeli hours (late) and the 'Peace Industry' here and in the US seem to collide in many conversations. Throughout this I am learning. My take away this week is that the role of the US in the world is diverse and very important. Our American culture is exported, and sometimes misunderstood, as TV, movies, education, money, government and other more personal interactions. We must pay attention to this, and I will do my best not to forget the impact that we have.
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