What makes for a good day? A good day, in my opinion, is if you go to bed with a smile. A great day is if, in addition to this, you learn something new. Be it good or bad, knowledge is power and this concept of acquiring new information and new experience is certainly one of the better addictions one can have.
I routinely enter the same office now five days a week. Whoever says all desk jobs are boring, I challenge your thought process. After a month, I still often leave with my head bursting with new concepts. Even after a weekend away from the desk, I find I am craving the feeling of stimulation. By day, I learn investing 101; comprehensive details about new start-ups; trends in the industry; and useful business facts.
By night, the bustling streets engross me. You really never know what you will stumble across in Jerusalem. Both in and out of my job I find I am the ‘yes!’ woman. Being that ‘yes!’ type takes me on all sorts of adventures. Is it because I am essentially travelling? Or is there just that much more going on here?
In every situation here I am being challenged religiously and, in turn, gaining a deep insight into modern orthodoxy (and politics). The conversations in and out of the work place are riveting and force me to dig that bit deeper. Walking past the colourful ‘pride’ flags in the city center earlier this week has, however left me shaken with the death of 16 year old Shira Banky – a life cut short. I blame extremism on this and (for me at least) it’s the only way to even slightly comprehend the calamities. Whilst this inevitably dampens my enthusiasm for the ‘Holy City’, the unity of people from all religious backgrounds, rallying in the streets only hours after the news of her death went public, gives me hope.
ISRAELIS KNOW HOW TO LIVE:
There is a lot to learn from Israelis. Have you heard of the concept of a Sabra? No not the Hummus Company in the USA. A sabra refers to Jews born in Israel, and this term was coined around the time of the State of Israel was established. In actual fact, the term ‘Sabra’ alludes to a thorny desert plant, similar to a cactus, with thick skin and a soft interior.
Comparatively, an Israeli may seem as tough as nails on the outside. But once you crack them, there ain’t nothing sweeter.
Believe it or not, Israel is actually one of the happiest countries in the world, according to the 2015 Better Life Index Report by the OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). The best explanation I have heard so far for is due to the reality of living in the Middle East. For Israelis fighting in the army at 18 will do something to you – but to look at this in a positive light, it ostensibly causes Israelis to live in the now and revel the moment. Having done a bit of mindfulness meditation (practicing to be in a state of active, open attention on the present), happiness is unequivocally synonymous with living in the now!
Kibbutz Kfar Hanasi recently celebrated its 67th birthday and I had the privilege of spending the weekend there with my ‘Kibbutz family’ (a Kibbutz is a collective community founded around socialistic values). Situated in the Golan Heights, this Kibbutz was built by British Jewish immigrants and members of the Habonim Dror movement. Although the Kibbutz doesn’t live by the founding socialist values, it still boasts a sense of togetherness and community. I attend the Kibbutz mesiba (party) outside in the yard, surrounded by ducks, horses and other farm animals. All ages, dancing under vibrant umbrellas, in nature, to celebrate this amazing place they call home. It was admirable, with no frills at all, just ordinary people enjoying life and having a boogie. Something we can all take from this.
INNOVATION IN JERUSALEM:
Back in Jerusalem the sentiment of ‘happiness’ is not dissimilar. The rest of this country may have a certain perception about Jerusalem, the ‘religious’ city – but being in a place where people love where they are really rubs off on you. At least once a week (if not day) an Israeli friend from work looks at me and says, “I just love Jerusalem, Amanda”. Noteworthy, there is an impressive Not-For-Profit called MadeinJLM. Its aim is to connect and empower Jerusalem’s start-up and tech community. OurCrowd fits right into the mould. When I asked my boss why this company is in Jerusalem and not Tel Aviv? The answer is simple, “because we are passionate about this city and we want others to love it too!” So why not bring more of the start-up scene to Jerusalem?!
‘Bezalel’ is the most distinguished college in Israel in terms of arts and design, so much so that when someone tells you they attend there, you know they are passionately creative. I joined some friends to the view the final year Industrial Design exhibition – inspiring, to say the least. From the spiralling speakers which solves the ‘back wave distortion’ issue in listening to music, to a jaw dropping machine like structure made by a friend out of wood – which essentially replicates an object – you feel like you are surrounded by people who will one day be ‘something’ (and if not they will create an epic structure at Burning Man!) I also attend the Haddasa College ‘IDEA’ exhibition for photography and loved the pun on the word ‘IKEA’. The renowned ‘arrows’ on the floor guide you through the exhibition and, undoubtedly, a lot less stressful then walking through IKEA on a Sunday.
INDIVIDUALS WHO CHALLENGE MY THINKING:
Kibbutz Galutyot (ingathering of the exiles), is a saying (a bit old-school) used to describe the congregation of the Jews to Israel from around the world. I am, however, completely dumbfounded by the array of people who come to this country from a completely unbiased and unreligious standpoint. Either they meet a cheerful Israeli travelling, are interested in politics or simply hear along the grapevine that it is actually ‘safe’ and ‘fun’ to visit Israel.
Flying from Dubai to London I spend 10 minutes explaining to the Qantas airhostess why I am en route to this contentious region. Of course, by the end of the conversation, I convince her that Israel has to be her next destination!
I meet a 23-year-old girl up North on my weekend away from Jerusalem. Her nationality is German and she has been living in Poland the past 4 years, (interesting I think to myself). Being a loud, third generation Holocaust survivor – the combination is quite the jackpot! In the most polite manner, I ask her what brings her to Israel and she exclaims, “I am just fascinated by the country, and although everyone feared my safety, I wanted to visit”. Not only did she come alone, but she is couchsurfing her way through Israel. Talk about impressive! We keep conversing about our lives and the inevitable conversation about our families’ pasts is unravelled. I explain that all four of my grandparents were either in camps or hiding during World War II and she confidently admits her grandfather was part of the Nazi Youth. Comprehending the heavy information, I ask her if she doesn’t mind to tell me more and she explains, “he was six years old and had no choice”. Confronting yet so symbolic, 70 years after liberation we can sit on a beautiful kibbutz, in Israel, and share our family histories.
I go out for drinks with a group of new friends one of whom is an American international correspondent for Fox News. Comfortably working in the United States, he is offered a contract in Jerusalem. When the idea was floated he asks, “Jerusalem in New York?” (If you didn’t know there is a small town in Yates Country called Jerusalem in New York with approx 4,500 people). He shares with us photos and stories from reporting in Gaza last year during ‘Operation Protective Edge’. Trying to play cool, we were completely gobsmacked by his stories from both sides! On the contrary, it is so nice to see how marvelled him and his girlfriend (a workmate) are by the energy of Israel and the Middle East.
I am also connected with an Australian who is on secondment at the UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) from the Australian army.
During lunch he takes a few ladies and myself from work on a tour of this magnificent building, which used to be the English Governors estate during the British Mandate pre 1948. UNTSO’s activities have been and still are spread over territory within five States, and therefore it has relations with five host countries; Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic. The perfectly manicured entrance, sinking gardens and irresistible rooftop (where you can see the separation between Israel and the West Bank) leave us all overwhelmed. After a fulfilled hour, we pick up our passports and return to the office. Just your average lunch break, right?
I spend my first work day out of the office and have the pleasure of joining an Israeli colleague who works on Business Development for OurCrowd. We base ourselves in the Hertazliah area, for a full day of meetings and a delectable lunch at Sebastian (Yotam Otteleghi eat your heart out). I felt like we were Harvey Spector and Mike Ross from Suits’ female counterparts, running from meeting to meeting. I learn about strategic partnerships and thrive from watching her effortlessly connect with each person we meet.
LAMA LO? (WHY NOT?)
This cheeky phrase thrown around here is a winning favourite of mine. After a month (more or less) in Jerusalem and a bit of time up North, I spend the weekend in Tel Aviv (my old stomping grounds). Staying with close friends from home, sunset on the beach, eating in style and Shabbat at my extended family – it was all ‘fun and games’, as per usual. Worth mentioning, is the Havana Block Party we attend at Diego San where a Cuban sensation belted out tunes in the alleyway like setting in South Tel Aviv. It was pretty special visiting my old workplace the in Florentine where I had a chaser (shot) with an old workmate and the amazing Ethiopian boss I used to work for! Irrefutably, an exciting weekend. I have to say, though, the humidity of August in Tel Aviv was slightly overwhelming (I know, cry me a river). Never thought I would admit this publicly but, take me back to Jerusalem 🙂
Not Much cooler in this city, it hit a mammoth 40 degrees back in Jerusalem this week! Needing some relief from the heat, I am finding that with no beach (or air-conditioning), I am becoming a frequent visitor at hotel pools. Certainly, a benefit of a hot summers night, is being able to sit outside and enjoy a concert and for me this experience was climatic. Watching David Broza and the New Andalusian Orchestra, Ashkelon at the New Israel Museum is just one of those bucket list moments. How sentimental for him to sing in Jerusalem, during a week of turmoil, ‘Yihei Tov’ (it will all be good).
AJJ’s TIPS OF THE WEEK:
- Hottest restaurant: Sakora Sushi – Captivating the alleys of Jerusalem, finally a sushi bar with Melbourne standards in Jerusalem!
- Funniest interaction: I might as well speak another language in the office; nobody can understand my Aussie Accent. e.g. I say to a friend from work what a “rippa” photo and she replies, “a what?” (Australian slang for ‘excellent’)
- New discovery: Did you know that thousands of Chassidic (ultra Orthodox) Jews go to the Ukrainian city of Uman for Rosh Hashana? Why? To pay respects to Rebbe Nachman, the founder of the Breslev sect, (1810) a Rabbi adored by his followers for his brilliant religious mind and holy demeanour. In doing this, they feel closer to G-d.
- Coolest Bar: Rooftop at Mamilla hotel, hands down! Breathtaking views looking onto the old city and of Jerusalem (one can never go to too many rooftop bars)
- Start-up to be on the lookout for: MUV – a one product company where a small wearable ‘bird’ can turn any space into a interactive playground. I went for a live demonstration at the office in Hertazliah. This company could be huge!
I leave you with Puszi (kisses in Hungarian), as I visiting my maternal ‘motherland’ of Budapest for the weekend to eat lots of paprika and goulash with friends from Melbourne.
AJJ
amanda's jerusalem journey 