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Things I Want to Do in Israel

  • Speak Hebrew.
  • Go hiking.
  • Sit outside a bar and drink Goldstar.
  • Walk down the street from the bar, drinking my beer on the street.
  • Hitchhike.
  • Eat at Falafel Gabbai in Tel Aviv.
  • Return to my favorite parts of the shuk in Jerusalem, and explore more of that labyrinth on a crazy Friday afternoon.
  • Walk in the middle of a big city at 4am, and not worry about muggers.
  • Sit at a cafe for hours on a sunny Friday morning, drinking an Americano despite the scorching heat.
  • Feel comfortable offering my two cents to a stranger, because I know we are brothers.
  • Wait in line at Abu Hassan, knowing I will be eating the best hummus in the world at the same table as four perfect strangers.
  • See soldiers everywhere and feel a bit nostalgic – but not too much.
  • Make extensive plans for the weekend on Friday morning.
  • Sit outside and look at the much bluer sky.
  • Get lost in the Old City.
  • Go to the Galil and see where I come from.
  • Eat a breakfast of eggs, cheeses, bread, salad – what’s cereal?
  • Go the Kotel on the night of Tisha B’Av.
  • Watch the sunset on the beach.
  • Go to Jerusalem and walk on the same stones my ancestors did thousands of years ago.
  • Be extremely dry and sarcastic, and fit right in.
  • Hear Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, right before the 2am news on Galgalatz.
  • Be home.
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8 Comments

  1. Jack says:

    The shuk can be a very special place. I have many fond memories.

  2. Vicki says:

    Thanks for this post. Since you don’t usually write a lot of personal posts, it was surprising and welcome. You should write more of the same! :) I love all of your list of things you want to do, a list that is no doubt in the minds/hearts of anyone who has any deep connection to Israel. Nesiya tova.

  3. [...] Israeli offers up this list of things he wants to do in Israel. Among them, this gem: “Hear Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, right before the 2am news on [...]

  4. Ben-Yehudah says:

    B”H

    Nice. Never been to Falafel Gabbai. What’s special about this place?

    Which are you “favorite” parts of the shuq?

  5. LB says:

    Falafel Gabbai might very well be the best falafel I’ve ever had. I am, of course, always open to new suggestions.

    The shuk – the iraqi shuk, and the entrance to the covered shuk from aggripas are a few of my favorite places. You?

  6. IsraeliMom says:

    Careful about the hitchhiking – I’m an Israeli born and bred and never hitch hiked in my life – you don’t have to do it.

    Also, for the best hummus in Israel, try the Blue Bus in Pardes Hana. Totally rocks.

  7. [...] Great post by LB on things he wants to do in [...]

  8. [...] Things I Want to Do in Israel | Occidental IsraeliJul 21, 2009 … Return to my favorite parts of the shuk in Jerusalem, and explore … born and bred and never hitch hiked in my life – you don’t have to do it. [...]

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