Opinion
It's not the pudding, stupid
Berlin protest's organizer
Published: 15.10.14, 00:12
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30 Talkbacks for this article
1. You won't see me in Berlin
Michael ,   Haifa   (10.15.14)
I am far too old to start a new life, but I understand your reasoning in the form of a "reversed rationale". In 1958 I came to live in Israel from a comfortable middle class background in Europe. At that time Israel was an idealistic country, not Utopian, but a society that strove to be egalitarian in the division of limited resources. I enjoyed being a small part of that project, participating in something that I saw as basically decent. Since then things have changed. Things always change over time. But in terms of societal values they have changed for the worse. Netanyahu's piggish capitalism, extreme individualism, materialism, all at the expense of the decency of a welfare state plus an aggressive policy of land theft since 1967 at the cost of public welfare. Knowing what Israel is today, I would have taken a different decision in 1958, an ideological decision so basically similar, albeit in reverse, to what the young Berlin protestors are doing today. We have ruined and are continuing to ruin the values of a society that offered so much hope for its people
2. its ok to leave israel
david ,   new york   (10.15.14)
if you are not able to live financially there. more importantly, you should move to live with jews in the diaspora. your kids will be ok not knowing what kochav nolad is, but it will be a diaster if they become german goyim. please come instead to the U.S. (the finances will hit you if you send your kids to jewish schools, but that is an issue you can deal with later). you are a jew first, before you are an israeli
3. The author's point is washed away by his stupid decision
Jake ,   USA   (10.15.14)
No one is impressed with a quitter. If you have problems with life in the State of Israel, do something, don't run away.
4. WELL SAID ,SOME HOME TRUTHS
tTEL EM STRAIGHT ,   SAFED OBVIOUS   (10.15.14)
The Governments of Israel cater for their wealthy buddies and the poor in Israel get poorer. Unfortunately it is difficult to make ends meet here ,but I am not sure leaving to go to Berlin is the solution. Perhaps israeli leaders and politicians should devote less time and energy to the likes of Ban-ki-moon and Kerry and start using its time and energy improving living standards for the poor in Israel....
5. I agree & more
Donn144 ,   Caldwell, USA   (10.15.14)
The problem described in this letter is not only about Israel, he can include the East & West coasts of the US. I have no idea how young people are surviving today.The entire world economic system is rigged by the rich and people with less money are being squeezed from the face of the Earth. Israel is EXPENSIVE and there is no other way to describe it! I lived there in the early 80's on little to nothing. Shmitta is more than just an Environmental issue; it is an Economic state of being namely; equanimity, fair and balanced pricing, lack of gouging, including G-d into every business arrangement. When systems become so lopsided it is apparent and very clear G-d is not present.
6. Rich
EFBarasch ,   Sacramento USA   (10.15.14)
Israel has gotten too rich too fast which is partly due to the free money Israel gets every year from the US. That money was designed to rot Israel from the inside and it has worked.
7. well, this guy is right, but also ignorant abput the facts.
tutu ,   jerusalem   (10.15.14)
well, this guy is right, but also ignorant abput the facts. to know the facts you have to look at the budget were money is spent protecting illegal settlers living in the west bank, building illegal settlements in the west bank, than spending this money on education, health and housing! know the facts, and when you go on protest know what you should be protesting 1st!
8. Understandable but not to Berlin
Zechariah   (10.15.14)
I can understand the frustration I'd avoid Berlin even to tour .Rather go to the Negev prices are not that high for a house and there will be solar Airconditioning plus Innovation Valleys .Too many Israelis in Dan Gush Really .Tel aviv north and Caeseria and Parts of Jerusalem for the Rich but other Areas Cheaper.Spend a million sheckels on a solar agriculture venture to ring down Food Prices .Menachem Begin of Blessed Memory Rented and BG ended up in Sderot.
9. Where the focus needs to be
Vered, Israel   (10.15.14)
What really needs to be understood is that educated, professional people cannot buy homes here. The only way people can buy a home is if their families give them the downpayment. However, if one is a doctor, university professor, engineer, research scientist, career army, what have you, there is no such thing as being able to save enough for a down payment for a home, unless you want to buy somehting that, in the States, would be suitable for college students.
10. ;-)
mathilde   (10.15.14)
We can think in a lot of reasons why young israelis find atractive to move to another country, no doubt Israel is expensive but not because "Berlin" is a paradise for jews. - is like someone wanting to reduce gluten from breads, pastas and bureckas; instead of eating fiber nutrients and antioxidants, he preferred to tell others they should eat dark chocolate. absurd
11. Again, I say these are SPOILED BRATS.
barbara ,   Haifa   (10.15.14)
They want everything on a silver platter. I came from states in 1968, married 1970 and lived in 30 meter one room first floor flat with baby for five years and no car. We bought that flat, half down and half mortgage. Then there was a building program for young couples which we grabbed - a 3 room flat of 70 meters. Again we had a mortgage. Finally, when kids were a lot older, we could afford a larger 4.5 room flat with mortgage. AND no trips abroad till the 90's. Maybe Haifa is different than Tel Aviv but these emigrants have big eyes. And agree with facebook remark about a 10 year old tantrum in a 25 year old body. Berliner protester - you need coping skills.
12. berlin:turn your head
carole ,   paris france   (10.15.14)
Please , when you will meet the man who killed my grand-parents , turn your head...
13. how to lower housing costs
gary ,   Israel   (10.16.14)
Housing in Israel should be for Citizens living in Israel and not any rich overseas Jew to buy an apartment with dollars, pounds, euros etc. while we Israelis earn fewer shekels and pay 60% in taxes. The Kinneset should make a law that only Israeli citizens living in Israel can purchase real estate. This would lower demand and lower prices. Also the Kinneset should eliminate housing as an investment for the rich. Make it very expensive for Israeli's to own more than one apartment. The best investment these days in Israel is for well to do Israelis to purchase a second or third, etc apartment and rent it out. These two suggestions would lower housing demand and therefore lower prices.
14. To # 1
Joe Mevorah ,   Lincoln, USA   (10.15.14)
One very important point needs to be stated here. At least in Israel you will never be called a "kike." You will not be blamed for the countries problems, and most important, you will not be rounded up in placed in concentration camps to be exterminated.
15. You don't live in Israel? Shut up!
Stan ,   Israel   (10.16.14)
Nobody living outside Israel has the right to criticize any Israels about where they choose to live!!!!!!!! See also comment by # 1 PS I and all my children have only Israeli citizenship and we all live in Israel.
16. on top you must be an ignorant boor
m   (10.15.14)
Isn't germany the country that killed the most jews since the destruction of the temple? Now they have muslims to do the job, then you will run back to the 'expensive'country, the only one jews have. Shame on you (machtia rabim)
17. reply to Tutu
Mathilde   (10.15.14)
All the jewish towns, and cities started with settlers living in the land of Israel. you can read israel history & educate yourself.
18. reply to 11
Mathilde   (10.15.14)
lier you cant agree with him, thats absurd too. copy your skills to his ass.
19. These emigrants have the "grass is greener" symdrome
barbara ,   Haifa   (10.16.14)
20. THE solution
carole ,   paris france   (10.16.14)
Easy to solve the problem building a good metro or train, quick and cheap . It would make small towns ,which are far from the center of the country and not expensive , closer. It would be ecologic ,with less cars on the road and less pollution. It needs only a political willness
21. In Kennedys footsteps...
Chris Rettenmoser ,   Bayerisch Gmain Germ   (10.16.14)
22. The writer is absolutely right
Shachar ,   Eilat   (10.16.14)
If you don't have rich parents you will never buy a house here, not in Tel Aviv, Eilat, Dimona or even in Ofakim. The pension after 40 years work won't be enough for food and medicine, choose one or the other. And no-one is going to look after you or acknowledge your sacrifices. Young people need to leave to give themselves a chance in life. The reasons are historical. A small group of families became landlords of the state when it was very young. It is a situation that will correct itself in 3-4 ggenerations. Meanwhile the young people need to look out for themselves. Berlin is a fantastic city...enjoy!
23. Frustration
Joe Mevorah ,   Lincoln, USA   (10.15.14)
First of all I believe that you are a coward by not identifying yourself. I understand, and appreciate your frustration about economic inequalities in Israel but this is a worldwide phenomenon. Have you checked the stock market recently? By picking Berlin, or any other European country to live in puts you in a situation where Jews can and will be singled out. Learn from history, and get your ass back to Israel as soon as possible.
24. I agree + ALSO
Yossu ,   Toronto   (10.15.14)
From the economic standpoint Israel is tough, sure, but no tougher than London or Paris. What bugs me is this: Look at the last War: the Govt did NOTHING to protect its citizens. A rag tag gang of terrorists managed to keeo the entire couuntry in shelters for A MONTH. A govt that can't protect its citizens doesnt deserve a country What do you tell communities in Sderot, the south: "Just keep your chin up"? Im shocked there are still ppl living there. I predict 100,000 jews leaving Israel for Berlin. Good for them. Israel doesnt care about them
25. True Israel is a country people are successful in
Mordechai   (10.16.14)
True many Israeli Jews are becoming rich here with our successful economy. High tech has become a massive success here where many Israelis are doing very well. The fact you at 25 are convinced you can't make it here is a personal failure. One I am sure you will repeat in Berlin. Soon you will be complaining how the welfare benefits there aren't enough for you either. I suspect when you try and buy a house in Berlin one day you will find they aren't giving them away for free there. As reported in needleberlin dot comThe reality is while most Israelis own their own home most people in Berlin rent. According to numbeo dot com rent is about 12% less expensive than Jerusalem. A bit cheaper but not that much. I'm sure on your job as a fry cook buying anything isn't a concern for you in either country. We'll continue to live our successful lives here
26. An Idiot
rimoczi ,   Düsseldorf/Germany   (10.17.14)
If the people would move, looking for something bette than in the own Country, 90% would move! Germany is not your country and Europe, will not defend you in the very next future. You are an ignorant of the history, and looking only till your nosepike!
27. to Shachar 22
Mathilde   (10.16.14)
the writer is absolutely right about what? - while the author said theres no point to wait for elections considering how politicians just change the political parties names but are the same politicians all the time (argument which is not completely false), you replied: "It is a situation that will correct itself in 3-4 ggenerations." and who fix the politicians and the political parties lol ;-)
28. By the way, that pudding may be cheap, but
Chris Rettenmoser ,   Bayerisch Gmain Germ   (10.16.14)
it tastes like shit...trust me.
29. Housing prices are too high because of Meretz
Mordechai   (10.17.14)
Simple solution to high housing prices. Lets end the building freeze Meretz insists on and start building. Meretz and Labor represent only the weatthy in Tel Aviv. They couldn't care less about the Israeli middle class so they are happy to have a building freeze in central Israel so their apartments in Tel Aviv can get higher and higher rents. The left doesn't care about the poor or civil rights. They care about the richest of the rich and use the language of equality to fool people into following their politics that only help the 1%. But if you want affordable housing a home in Samaria goes for 700K while in Tel Aviv the same home is 7,000K. They don't want you to have what they have already.
30. to Mordechai 25
Mathilde   (10.18.14)
define Israel successful economy
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