Israeli Soldier looks into camera at oath ceremony at Western Wall Jerusalem, February 2013

Stand Easy!

Israeli Soldier looks into camera at oath ceremony at Western Wall Jerusalem, February 2013

An Israeli soldier pays no attention to his commander at an oath ceremony at the Western Wall of Jerusalem. Admittingly, it was quite a boring event for the soldiers. Only the parents of the soldiers liked it alot and could not stop taking pictures – like me.

IDF soldiers block the way for Palstinian Olive farmers near the village of Salem in the West Bank, October 2012 (1) (6)

Chicago

IDF soldiers block the way for Palstinian Olive farmers in the West Bank, October 2012 (4)

One of the soldiers we encountered at the Olive Tour, caught my attention because he looked like a big boy with a gun. He was born in Chicago and described his job in the West Bank as follows: “I protect the settlers from the Palestinians and the Palestinians from the Settlers.”

Hat Tip: While I was busy taking pictures and keeping my distance Vanessa just started talking to the soldier – and shared his story afterwards. Danke!
IDF soldiers block the way for Palstinian Olive farmers near the village of Salem in the West Bank, October 2012 (1) (1)

A half hour in the West Bank – from Olive Oil to Cryptonite

IDF soldiers block the way for Palstinian Olive farmers near the village of Salem in the West Bank, October 2012 (1) (1)

I only wanted to now how the occupation makes the olive harvest harder for the Palestinian on a tour through the West Bank in October. But I learned another message: My camera is cryptonite for soldiers. Continue reading “A half hour in the West Bank – from Olive Oil to Cryptonite”