Kosher swines...

A kite flying above the sunset...

Recent genetic studies, based on Y chromosome polymorphic markers, showed that Ashkenazi Jews are more closely related to other Jewish and Middle Eastern groups than to their host populations in Europe (Nebel et al., 2005). This would mean in common language that also the European Jews originate from the Middle East. This could be used as an argument for them belonging to Eretz Israel, but that is not where I am heading.

I went to the beach last evening with Yoram, to have a few beers and watch the sunset. We went down just South from Haifa and were hoping for some space, but of course it was packed. No wonder, going to an official part of the beach! It was quite windy and we did not go into the water, but enjoyed watching people, dogs, joggers and swimmers, while sipping on a cold beer.

In Sweden everything is so controlled and that brings neuroticism to everything and everyone living being. Take dogs as an example. In Sweden people are frantic about keeping dogs on the leash and dogs are not even allowed everywhere. When the poor animals are finally let loose once in a while, they are so socially deprived and fucked up that they create trouble with each other. Yesterday, dogs were enjoying the feeling of freedom at the beach in just the same way as people and I did not see even one argument. They met, greeted and parted in a very natural way. It reminded me a bit about Christiania, the freetown in Copenhagen, where all creatures are free to roam the surroundings.

What did not impress me as much is that the Israelis are lacking respect for this beautiful nature they have around them. They leave their garbage right on the spot where they sat and take for granted that someone else will collect it. I guess that someone will do that on this official beach, but what about the more remote parts, like where we were the other day? This behaviour is not different from any other Middle Eastern country, or Mediterranean for that matter. Had I been less educated in genetics, I might have argued about whether this is in the genes and that even the Ashkenazim did not clean that out during the Diaspora in Europe. However, I am afraid that they are not released from the responsibility that easily...