I'm OK. More coming...

First of all, let me assure any and all of you who might be concerned about the situation in Israel right now. Things are tense and complicated, but I am safe and well, currently living like the 1% in a beautiful, luxurious hotel on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv. However, we're all a little on edge. (By the way, when I say, "we," I should explain. I've been with the Summer Institute for Israel Studies from Brandeis, traveling with my advisor, Prof. Troen and a group of 26 professors from around the world, exploring Israel, the West Bank and as many of the issues we can address in a week and a half. It's been an incredible experience.)

This is where we find ourselves. People are reportedly cleaning out their bomb shelters (that for years have been gathering dust and storage); 100 rockets flew from Gaza to Israeli towns in the south all last night; and military troops are gathering on the border with Gaza. More locally, the riots that began just a few days ago in Jerusalem have spread throughout Arab cities in Israel, especially in the north (where 50% of the population are Arab Israeli citizens). I have been fortunate not to witness personally any of the riots, but I have indeed seen personally some of the physical evidence of the riots the next day, as well as the added police and security forces that have been mobilized to deal with the riots. The Arab communities report (and some video evidence supports this in a few cases) that the police forces have been excessively forceful in repressing the violence, which, of course, has only fueled the flame. I will comment on what is responsible for igniting the the smoldering fire.

I have a great deal to say, and I won't be able to put it all here. I'll be reporting on some of my experiences and feelings over the next few blog posts, assuming I can maintain my current good relations with the internet (it's been touch and go for a the last few days). But I wanted to update family and friends on things and let everyone know I'm just fine.