So, it has been one month (roughly) since coming to Israel – here is what I have learned and seen in my time so far (in no particular order):

1. Jerusalem is the jean skirt capital of the world.

2. There are A LOT of Seth Rogen look-alikes throughout the country. You can really find them just about anywhere.  This guy is on a random bus – I would guess that I have noticed something like 5 Seth Rogens at this point…

3. Falafel is good, but schwarma is delicious. The pita and hummus are amazing! And the best of all of this is found in the West Bank.

4. I miss pork.

5. A burger is just not the same without cheese. Go to Tel Aviv to escape kosher food.

6. I enjoy the company of Russians and they cook wonderfully.

7. Warm winter days bring out all of the pregnant women – the city brims with life, happiness and potential.

8. A lot of young Americans make me embarrassed to be American when I hear them in public…

9. On the other hand, there are a lot of young Americans in less crowded public places that not only are not foolish, but are filled with excitement, ingenuity and are truly interesting people – they make me proud of the future that could be.

10. The Israeli government is unique. Sadly, this is largely in a negative way – it is incredibly bureaucratic (but then again which government isn’t?), but it is selective in its use of this bureaucracy which creates the immense inequality that exists here.  The government chooses not to actively support small organizations like Kids4Peace that are trying to create a culture of peace by not allowing Jewish outreach, lessening the participation of Jewish youth.  At the same time, it apathetically endorses apartheid by making it nearly impossible to get housing permits (in certain neighborhoods – guess which ones).

While visiting the Ramallah and Jericho in the West Bank a few weeks ago, it is easy to see that the people want to live in peace – they are clearly tired of constant fighting and military presence, and a major push in that direction would be for the Israeli government to take a step forward and say “yes, we will promote peace NGO’s; yes, we will actively allow Arabs to go through the same amount of bureaucracy as Jews; yes, we will stop building our governmental buildings in lands that are under Palestinian control creating even more havoc.”

12. I miss the sight of knees. The tendinitis in my knees has been acting up lately, I think it is because my knees miss the sight of other knees too.11. When asking directions, Arabs are the first choice – they usually walk you at least part of the way (even if not the right way) to where you are going and invite you for tea and dinner at their home along the way.  If there are no Arabs around, find an immigrant – they are friendly and tend to give good directions.  Only if desperate, ask a local Israeli, not only are the directions usually poor, but they are rushed and, although they are not actually angry about being asked, it just feels that way sometimes.

13. Its nice to get lost, you never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet.

14. Do not leave home between 2 on a Friday and 7 on a Saturday (winter times) – the entire city shuts down. Speaking of which, Shabbat is boring.

15. Soda is expensive. But that doesn’t stop me from drinking it… a lot.

16. No offense Kenya, but its nice not to have to take a bucket shower and to always have hot water.

17. Just because the carton says milk doesn’t mean it is milk.

18. Its nice to be able to drink the tap water.

19. The major local beers are awful, but the micro-brews are outstanding.

20. Most importantly, I have learned that I am doing what I was meant to do with my life.  I am happy at work, I enjoy what I do, I love the people and the kids, and I believe that this work can truly make a difference and hopefully will.  There is a lot of work to be done and a lot to get down about, but staying positive and energetic is the most important thing – we are making change in the community and therefore the world, even if only one life at a time.  Who knows what that person will do in the future to carry on the tradition, skills and knowledge they have gained through the K4P program.

Much love and Happy on-coming Spring from Jerusalem.