The history of the Jewish people before the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel around 1000 BCE, under King David, is not fully understood. What we do know is that the ancestors of the Jewish nation lived in Canaan. The Kingdom of Israel was their first independent state. Over time, the land was conquered repeatedly—first … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Israel
Israel and the Future of the Jewish People: Part I
I am deeply saddened and concerned about what has been happening in Israel, especially since October 7, 2023. But it did not begin that day. For years, Israel has been shifting steadily to the right, particularly under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu. Ironically, had Arab citizens of Israel voted at the same rate as Jewish … Continue reading
A Week in Tel Aviv – What I Learned
We left Israel, where we had been living for eight years, for a trip to Europe on October 3, 2023, stopping first for five days in Bodrum, Turkey. It was there that I heard the news of October 7th. Like so many, I was stunned. We decided to continue our trip in Europe and return … Continue reading
Lebanon, a Country I Will Never be Able to Visit
As I approach 80 years, I often think of the countries I will never visit. Since the age of 18 in 1963, when I became a Merchant Seaman and sailed around Asia, I have traveled worldwide, and I am still doing that. Fortunately, I am very healthy and have the financial means to travel. Since … Continue reading
Yossi Elaz 1947-2024
Yossi Elaz (left and Israel Brill (right). Rehovot Israel aroundd 1978. Me at that time Sadly, I am writing once more about a dear friend, Yossi Elza) who passed away a few days ago. The number of such occasions is accelerating, I am afraid. I moved to Israel for the first time in 1974, fifty … Continue reading
The Book I Never Finished Writing
It was the summer of 1966. I was 21 years old. Having spent almost a year in Europe mainly in Paris and London writing poetry, it had been my plan to emigrate to Israel and live on a kibbutz. I had gotten as far as Athens when for reasons I still do not understand, I … Continue reading
Living my life in reverse
My professional journey is unfolding in a way that might seem like living life in reverse. I started in medical science and weaved through technology before circling back to healthcare, moving from the USA to the Netherlands, then Israel, back to the USA, then Israel, and now the Netherlands. I went from English to Dutch … Continue reading
The Situation in Israel-Some Current Thoughts
The situation between Israel and Palestine and their respective supporters is highly polarized. As a Jew and as an Israeli (I was born in the USA and am still a citizen of that country as well), I am generally aligned with the Israeli side, but I hate writing that because I wish there were no … Continue reading
A Dark Place
We are in a dark place. That which made us human turns out to be very fragile. Hatred seems to be a stronger emotion than love, anger more intense than understanding. Those who lead us no longer serve us but only their interest. We are tribal, only comfortable with those who look, speak, and worship … Continue reading
Israel / Jordan / Middle East / Palestine
Is a Two-State Solution Possible
Living in Israel, I often think about the Palestinian situation. For years, there was talk of a Two-State Solution. It first became a significant discussion in the early 90s during the Oslo Peace Process. That talk has faded, and almost no one in Israel or Palestine thinks it is possible. Frankly, I don’t think it … Continue reading
Two Thirds Done 