As the title of this post clearly states fear is irrational. That is not to say that particular fears do not make sense. Many fears are perfectly logical. It is just that the nature of fear is irrational. For example, it makes perfect sense to be afraid of driving. Tons and tons of people die in car crashes each year, or day for that matter. Yet, every day I get into my car and drive to wherever it is I have to go without thinking twice. Put me on a roller coaster though, and it is a different story. Yet how many people die on those? If fear was guided by logic I would be much more afraid of cruising down a road versus cursing down a track.
Where am I going with this?
A girl in my class has decided to organize a "design dive," basically a sky diving trip for our class. Cool right? Well despite the fact I am completely freaked about the idea of jumping out of a plane I kind of want to go. I mean how cool would it be for me to be able to say I went sky diving? My parents on the other hand find the whole thing a lot less cool. Basically they are not liking this idea, and not letting me go. Yet, they are all sunshines and smiles when I talk about moving to Israel. It's funny because I have a feeling if Julie (sky diving girl) or almost any other classmate of mine told their parents they were moving to the "war zone" that is Israel they would get the reaction my parents gave to sky diving.
It is just funny how different people look at things, but I guess that is what makes the world go round.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
And so it continues...
My love hate relationship with Bezalel that is. I thought I was being so smart when I started emailing them in Hebrew. How could they ignore me when I spoke their language? Well I was right about one thing, they didn't ignore me. But, they also didn't give me the information I wanted.
You can't win 'em all!
And speaking of love hate relationships, my contract with Nefesh B'Nefesh has been signed, sealed, delivered, so now I have to make aliyah.
You can't win 'em all!
And speaking of love hate relationships, my contract with Nefesh B'Nefesh has been signed, sealed, delivered, so now I have to make aliyah.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Veiled Racism
Canada, and Toronto in particular, is a place that prides itself on tolerance, acceptance and diversity. We are a cultural mosaic, as opposed to a melting pot. While this sounds wonderful, in truth it is not. You see, racism and xenophobia are deeply rooted problems. Just because you don't act like a racist doesn't mean you do not have racist tendencies. We are all a lot more racist than we like to admit. If you don't believe me, here is some scientific proof.
That being said, I believe it is better to be among people who do not hide their hate in the deep recesses of their minds. I would rather be among Americans slinging around Antisemitic slurs than Canadians who curse me silently behind my back. In America if you hate someone you say it. If you are prejudiced you admit it. You know who your enemies are. In Canada we hide behind a veil of tolerance. Yet, we have the exact same prejudices Americans do. This is why it is a lot more dangerous here. We don't know who our enemies are. The unfortunate thing is America is falling into the whole political correctness trap as well.
I think political correctness is one of the most damaging inventions of our time. It allows us to hide from reality. We need to get all our differences out in the open and deal with them rather than allow them to fester in the guilt ridden parts of our psyche. If someone thinks I am less of a person because I am a Jew, a Zionist, a woman, anything, I don't want to be in denial about it. I want to know about it, and I want to prove them wrong.
Israel is one of the most politically incorrect first world countries out there. While some may think that archaic, I am beginning to think of it as post-modern.
I am not advocating hate or prejudice. I would just like people to be honest for once. For without that honesty, we never will reach the point where true equality reigns supreme.
**Just to clarify, I am not trying to advocate racism, hate speech or violence. I am just trying to make a point that political correctness isn't the salvation it promises to be.
That being said, I believe it is better to be among people who do not hide their hate in the deep recesses of their minds. I would rather be among Americans slinging around Antisemitic slurs than Canadians who curse me silently behind my back. In America if you hate someone you say it. If you are prejudiced you admit it. You know who your enemies are. In Canada we hide behind a veil of tolerance. Yet, we have the exact same prejudices Americans do. This is why it is a lot more dangerous here. We don't know who our enemies are. The unfortunate thing is America is falling into the whole political correctness trap as well.
I think political correctness is one of the most damaging inventions of our time. It allows us to hide from reality. We need to get all our differences out in the open and deal with them rather than allow them to fester in the guilt ridden parts of our psyche. If someone thinks I am less of a person because I am a Jew, a Zionist, a woman, anything, I don't want to be in denial about it. I want to know about it, and I want to prove them wrong.
Israel is one of the most politically incorrect first world countries out there. While some may think that archaic, I am beginning to think of it as post-modern.
I am not advocating hate or prejudice. I would just like people to be honest for once. For without that honesty, we never will reach the point where true equality reigns supreme.
**Just to clarify, I am not trying to advocate racism, hate speech or violence. I am just trying to make a point that political correctness isn't the salvation it promises to be.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
In the Moment
Recent events in the city have kept me very much in the moment. I guess strong emotions do that to you. The rise in antisemitism in Toronto is insane, and with Israel Apartheid Week rapidly approaching, I don't see the situation improving. While all this craziness fuels my desire to make aliyah it also helps to keep me focused. Rather than just sitting around and constantly agonizing over the idea of more rejections from Bezalel I am actively advocating for Israel.
I think this year will in effect make me a better Jew. Had I got on a plane to Israel last summer and never returned to Canada I probably would have gone through life living with my head in the sand. I would have thought if I help to strengthen Israel's economy by building her some international brands that is enough. This year has taught me that is not enough. Antisemitism is on the rise and no amount of brand strategizing and marketing buzz words are going to change that.
Don't get me wrong. I have no intentions of suddenly dropping everything to pursue a career in politics. I don't think I would make a good politician. But I have to do something. Even if that something is simply spreading awareness about the situation in Chutz La'Aretz, or maintaining some sort of online presence. The key is just to do something.
As George Jonas wrote in today's National Post, "It isn't silent majorities that drive things, but vocal minorities. Don't count heads; count decibels." We do not need to be the majority to have our voices heard. We just need to speak out. We have to stop allowing ourselves to be bullied and we must take a stand against those who try to tear us down. If we each do that, with the help of God we will not relive the 30s and 40s.
I think this year will in effect make me a better Jew. Had I got on a plane to Israel last summer and never returned to Canada I probably would have gone through life living with my head in the sand. I would have thought if I help to strengthen Israel's economy by building her some international brands that is enough. This year has taught me that is not enough. Antisemitism is on the rise and no amount of brand strategizing and marketing buzz words are going to change that.
Don't get me wrong. I have no intentions of suddenly dropping everything to pursue a career in politics. I don't think I would make a good politician. But I have to do something. Even if that something is simply spreading awareness about the situation in Chutz La'Aretz, or maintaining some sort of online presence. The key is just to do something.
As George Jonas wrote in today's National Post, "It isn't silent majorities that drive things, but vocal minorities. Don't count heads; count decibels." We do not need to be the majority to have our voices heard. We just need to speak out. We have to stop allowing ourselves to be bullied and we must take a stand against those who try to tear us down. If we each do that, with the help of God we will not relive the 30s and 40s.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Why I Must Make Aliyah
Today, in the late afternoon, while people were going about their daily routine in the York University Hillel- resting, relaxing, studying, holding press conferences, etc, a group of over one hundred pro-Palestinian thugs gathered outside the Hillel office, some covering their faces with Keffiyah's, chanting hateful statements and using intimidation to instill fear in the eyes of every Jew on campus.
The group made it utterly impossible for anyone to leave the Hillel lounge, or to enter, and the students inside were trapped, fearing for their safety and well being, in a place that was supposed to be the ONLY refuge for a Jew on campus.
The students inside were sitting ducks, and no body could prevent the situation from escalating. The rioters got more and more riotous with every passing moment, and the safety of the students inside was compromised.
The police were called and a group of officers was needed to evacuate the Hillel Lounge... In a line all of the students inside of Hillel were escorted out, through the crowds of their enemies, to safety...
When the only safe haven for Jewish students is evacuated, due to hords of violent, anti-semitic people, we realize that there is a problem... (adapted from a facebook message by Brandon Crandall)
While I was not on campus when this happened I was at York today. Plus, chances are I know at least one person who was in the Hillel while this was going on. This is no way to live. People should not fear for their safety in their own school. While I don't want to sound like I am simply advocating running away from the problem, I really do believe the best solution is to get up and go to Israel. The city that founded Israel Apartheid Week is no place for a Jew to live.
Whether I like it or not I am stuck here for another few months. I guess I will have to settle for Pro-Israel rallies like the one happening at York at 2:00 PM in Vari Hall tomorrow.
The group made it utterly impossible for anyone to leave the Hillel lounge, or to enter, and the students inside were trapped, fearing for their safety and well being, in a place that was supposed to be the ONLY refuge for a Jew on campus.
The students inside were sitting ducks, and no body could prevent the situation from escalating. The rioters got more and more riotous with every passing moment, and the safety of the students inside was compromised.
The police were called and a group of officers was needed to evacuate the Hillel Lounge... In a line all of the students inside of Hillel were escorted out, through the crowds of their enemies, to safety...
When the only safe haven for Jewish students is evacuated, due to hords of violent, anti-semitic people, we realize that there is a problem... (adapted from a facebook message by Brandon Crandall)
While I was not on campus when this happened I was at York today. Plus, chances are I know at least one person who was in the Hillel while this was going on. This is no way to live. People should not fear for their safety in their own school. While I don't want to sound like I am simply advocating running away from the problem, I really do believe the best solution is to get up and go to Israel. The city that founded Israel Apartheid Week is no place for a Jew to live.
Whether I like it or not I am stuck here for another few months. I guess I will have to settle for Pro-Israel rallies like the one happening at York at 2:00 PM in Vari Hall tomorrow.
The Fringe
I always had this thing against fringe parties. In my head they just seemed like a waste of a vote. In Canada I vote Conservative, in the states Republican and I always just imagined I would vote Likud when I finally became Israeli. But, if yesterday's election results proved anything, it is that in the Israeli political system there are no obvious outcomes.
Yisrael Beytenu out performed Labour. In my head this just seems crazy. I mean don't get me wrong, I am happy with those results. I am just surprised. I now have to rethink my voting strategies, or at least re-define my idea of fringe parties. I mean Israel has always been very different than Canada and the States. It is a younger more reactive country. It is possible that in 100 years from now the political landscape will be different and that there will be more obvious front-runners. Until then I guess I should just be a little more open minded at the polls.
Maybe if it weren't for my conformist attitude Bob Barr could have been president...
Yisrael Beytenu out performed Labour. In my head this just seems crazy. I mean don't get me wrong, I am happy with those results. I am just surprised. I now have to rethink my voting strategies, or at least re-define my idea of fringe parties. I mean Israel has always been very different than Canada and the States. It is a younger more reactive country. It is possible that in 100 years from now the political landscape will be different and that there will be more obvious front-runners. Until then I guess I should just be a little more open minded at the polls.
Maybe if it weren't for my conformist attitude Bob Barr could have been president...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Today is the big day...
for my tennis racket, ski jacket, heavy leather jacket, apples-2-apples, aviators and a bunch of other stuff. Mazal tov on your aliyah! I can't wait to get there myself and start using you again. Except for the ski jacket. I hope I only need to use you on very rare occasions. Possibly just impromptu trips to Europe, Greenland or Russia.
Monday, February 9, 2009
:)
I know I say a lot of negative things in my blog. It isn't that I am a negative person. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am sickeningly optimistic. The thing is, despite my optimism I do have a streak of Machiavellian realism. I don't want to ignore the bad and only see the good. I believe in acknowledging problems. After all, acceptance is the first step to recovery.
The aliyah process is not fun. True, it is much easier than the citizenship process for basically any other country in the world. And yes, they do give you more benefits for moving there than any other country. That doesn't change the fact though that it is a miserable process that could be made easier.
I love Israel and I cannot wait to get there. I am just think the aliyah process could use a makeover.
The aliyah process is not fun. True, it is much easier than the citizenship process for basically any other country in the world. And yes, they do give you more benefits for moving there than any other country. That doesn't change the fact though that it is a miserable process that could be made easier.
I love Israel and I cannot wait to get there. I am just think the aliyah process could use a makeover.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
And I Thought NBN Was Supposed To Make My Life Easier
I was under the impression that Nefesh B'Nefesh was supposed to make the whole aliyah process easier. So far, it has been nothing but headaches.
First comes this whole streamlining the aliyah process. Is it really that hard to to fill out one form and give it to the Jewish Agency and then a different form for NBN? Apparently NBN thinks it is. The thing is, consolidating all the paper work doesn't actually mean less paperwork. On top of that I was one of the lucky people to apply during the transition period. This means I applied to make aliyah through the Jewish Agency (which went very smoothly) and then I was stuck calling NBN 30 000 000 times just to figure out which of their paper work I had to do, which I didn't have to do and what the whole procedure was.
Then they have this new online app. I love online apps- I am a true child of the digital age. The problem is you still have to mail in official passport photos. Ok no big deal, I did it. Then a few days later I receive an email from them they got my application but I have to mail them the original financial affidavit. Why do they not write that on the application? Why did they wait until I went to the post office once to tell me this? Whatever, I emailed them the original form, fine. But it doesn't end here! Today I get an email with another form I have to sign and mail to them! I feel like sending them a bill for $2.06. I mean it isn't the money, but it would have just been so much simpler if I could have mailed all three things together.
Up until now I have jumped through a whole series of hoops have have yet to receive anything in return. I can see them being helpful for the uneducated oleh, but for someone who has put as much time and effort into this whole process as me they have told me nothing i didn't know. I really do appreciate their efforts and will be happy if I have a few less lines to stand in once I get to Israel, I won't complain if they give me money either, but you would think a whole workforce of people who have dedicated their lives to this cause would have perfected their part of the process by now.
I really do love how people want to help new olim, but I honestly believe there is a lot less help for us out there than is advertised. No matter how many services are created the process is still long and hard. Israel is a different planet. They just function on a level slightly removed from reality. I am ok with that. I am ok with working at this whole aliyah thing. I just hate the false hope organizations like NBN give people.
Maybe one day I will start my own organization that offers no help, no assistance and only one piece of advice:
"Aliyah is a challenge. Expect no help, long lines, red tape and obnoxious people. At the end of the day you have only yourself to depend on."
Pessimistic as that may sound it is the truth. Well maybe not the whole truth. I am lucky enough to have family and friends there I can depend on. Not everyone has that though.
First comes this whole streamlining the aliyah process. Is it really that hard to to fill out one form and give it to the Jewish Agency and then a different form for NBN? Apparently NBN thinks it is. The thing is, consolidating all the paper work doesn't actually mean less paperwork. On top of that I was one of the lucky people to apply during the transition period. This means I applied to make aliyah through the Jewish Agency (which went very smoothly) and then I was stuck calling NBN 30 000 000 times just to figure out which of their paper work I had to do, which I didn't have to do and what the whole procedure was.
Then they have this new online app. I love online apps- I am a true child of the digital age. The problem is you still have to mail in official passport photos. Ok no big deal, I did it. Then a few days later I receive an email from them they got my application but I have to mail them the original financial affidavit. Why do they not write that on the application? Why did they wait until I went to the post office once to tell me this? Whatever, I emailed them the original form, fine. But it doesn't end here! Today I get an email with another form I have to sign and mail to them! I feel like sending them a bill for $2.06. I mean it isn't the money, but it would have just been so much simpler if I could have mailed all three things together.
Up until now I have jumped through a whole series of hoops have have yet to receive anything in return. I can see them being helpful for the uneducated oleh, but for someone who has put as much time and effort into this whole process as me they have told me nothing i didn't know. I really do appreciate their efforts and will be happy if I have a few less lines to stand in once I get to Israel, I won't complain if they give me money either, but you would think a whole workforce of people who have dedicated their lives to this cause would have perfected their part of the process by now.
I really do love how people want to help new olim, but I honestly believe there is a lot less help for us out there than is advertised. No matter how many services are created the process is still long and hard. Israel is a different planet. They just function on a level slightly removed from reality. I am ok with that. I am ok with working at this whole aliyah thing. I just hate the false hope organizations like NBN give people.
Maybe one day I will start my own organization that offers no help, no assistance and only one piece of advice:
"Aliyah is a challenge. Expect no help, long lines, red tape and obnoxious people. At the end of the day you have only yourself to depend on."
Pessimistic as that may sound it is the truth. Well maybe not the whole truth. I am lucky enough to have family and friends there I can depend on. Not everyone has that though.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Toll Roads
I am not sure I would have survived university without the 407, but I am excited to make the switch to כביש 6.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Forward Thinking
I keep saying I want to be the CEO of my own brand agency and design management consultancy by the time I am 35. The problem is it isn't that impressive to be the CEO of your own company. The impressive part is for that company to be a success. This quandary has lead me to my new career goal: to be on the cover of Fast Company by the time I am 35. I have already started to think up headlines...
Fast Company, for those of you who don't know, is an amazing publication. It is a business magazine that emphasizes innovation and creative thing rather than traditional business models. The perfect place for the Entrepreneur who gave up on the GMAT. After all, an MBA is so stereotypical.
Fast Company, for those of you who don't know, is an amazing publication. It is a business magazine that emphasizes innovation and creative thing rather than traditional business models. The perfect place for the Entrepreneur who gave up on the GMAT. After all, an MBA is so stereotypical.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I thought about it...
Earlier today I posted the quote, "life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself." I actually have no idea who said it originally but apparently it is the favorite quote of one of the models on Project Runway Canada. That lovely aside aside, I too think it is an amazing quote.
You see, I have always been one of those people who tries to plan out every aspect of their future. I am big on the whole אין סומכין על הנס thing. I like having backup plans on top of backup plans. This is why I am in such a panic over grad school. Three programs is nothing compared to the nine undergrad programs I applied to.
It kind of scares me when I look at some of my friends, and almost everyone else living in Israel. So many people have no clue what they want to do with their lives.
With many of my friends I think it has to do partially with their inability to fully integrate into Israeli society. They are too busy struggling culturally and socially to bother struggling academically or professionally. Obviously part of it is just that many people are unfocused but honestly, my friends in Toronto and NY all seem to have concrete goals.
I know I could never be like that. It just goes against something in my DNA. Yet when I see the complacency of many of my peers I am more sure of the decision I made to return to Toronto rather than to study archaeology and hope for the best.
With Israeli's it is different. I believe there is something built into the culture there that causes them to lose focus. The whole army and sherut leumi thing really throws people off. Do you really have to spend a year traveling and then another year studying psychometry after the army? Why not take the psychometry while in high school, spend the summer traveling and start university shortly after serving? I just don't understand why people push things off for song long. Then when they finally start school most of them just study random things with no career goal in mind.
One thing is certain- all my kids are taking the psychometry while still in high school.
Most of these people believe they will find themselves one day, and while I sincerely hope they do life is not about happenstance, it is about action. We control our destiny. Yes, God plays a part, but he helps those who help themselves. Maybe this quote speaks to the designer in me but I really do think we must create ourselves.
You see, I have always been one of those people who tries to plan out every aspect of their future. I am big on the whole אין סומכין על הנס thing. I like having backup plans on top of backup plans. This is why I am in such a panic over grad school. Three programs is nothing compared to the nine undergrad programs I applied to.
It kind of scares me when I look at some of my friends, and almost everyone else living in Israel. So many people have no clue what they want to do with their lives.
With many of my friends I think it has to do partially with their inability to fully integrate into Israeli society. They are too busy struggling culturally and socially to bother struggling academically or professionally. Obviously part of it is just that many people are unfocused but honestly, my friends in Toronto and NY all seem to have concrete goals.
I know I could never be like that. It just goes against something in my DNA. Yet when I see the complacency of many of my peers I am more sure of the decision I made to return to Toronto rather than to study archaeology and hope for the best.
With Israeli's it is different. I believe there is something built into the culture there that causes them to lose focus. The whole army and sherut leumi thing really throws people off. Do you really have to spend a year traveling and then another year studying psychometry after the army? Why not take the psychometry while in high school, spend the summer traveling and start university shortly after serving? I just don't understand why people push things off for song long. Then when they finally start school most of them just study random things with no career goal in mind.
One thing is certain- all my kids are taking the psychometry while still in high school.
Most of these people believe they will find themselves one day, and while I sincerely hope they do life is not about happenstance, it is about action. We control our destiny. Yes, God plays a part, but he helps those who help themselves. Maybe this quote speaks to the designer in me but I really do think we must create ourselves.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A Country So Small They Don't Even Have Closet Space
I started to watch "Sex and the City: The Movie" tonight. I was in the mood for a chick flick and it was the only one currently on my list- yes, I have an actual list. Anyway, the movie itself is quite unimpressive, not that that surprises me. But, watching Carrie Bradshaw in a closet space frenzy got me thinking about the move. I have quite a large closet here in Toronto and yet I never have enough room for my stuff. What am I going to do when I move to a closet-less country?! I am going to need to build shoe racks on my ceiling or something! Maybe keep my sweaters in my freezer.
I really like stuff: clothes, shoes, books, electronics, sporting equipment. So I think having a place to put my stuff will make this whole transatlantic move a lot easier.
Seriously though, why does Israel have no closets? You would think the country that invented the primary pastime of the procrastinator- instant messaging- could have come up with closets.
Here's an idea. NBN should give a seminar on maximizing storage space and living a closet-less existence. At this point in my life I don't need someone to tell me what community has good high schools, I need someone to tell me what community has room for all my things!
I really like stuff: clothes, shoes, books, electronics, sporting equipment. So I think having a place to put my stuff will make this whole transatlantic move a lot easier.
Seriously though, why does Israel have no closets? You would think the country that invented the primary pastime of the procrastinator- instant messaging- could have come up with closets.
Here's an idea. NBN should give a seminar on maximizing storage space and living a closet-less existence. At this point in my life I don't need someone to tell me what community has good high schools, I need someone to tell me what community has room for all my things!
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