Even the name of this new mega-bar in the Yad Harutzim bar compound of Tel Aviv evokes machismo and self-indulgence. That the Ego Bar was founded by Israeli hoopster Moshe Mizrahi together with the Israeli television channel for men, EGO, only strengthens the impression that the bar is a men’s club.
The most happening bar-lounge in Emek Hefer, the rural valley just north of Netanya, takes its name from this famous cinematic phrase of The Princess Bride, which follows Princess Buttercup’s love for a blonde farm boy.
A bar for valley girls (bar review) Read More »
Last year at the Israel Independence Day Festival in Woodley Park, anti-disengagement activist Shifra Hastings of Los Angeles was clad all over in orange, the color of protest, right down to her painted fingernails. She tirelessly handed out free orange ribbons, bracelets and T-shirts — even orange soda — to passersby at her booth, speaking to them about the dangers of Israel’s planned, unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria.
This dance-bar is as ‘Tel Aviv’ as they come – it boasts a good-looking crowd of trendy locals who like to smoke and pretend they live in Europe; the regular ‘celeb’ clientele; esoteric electronic music blasting through the speakers; and snobby selection.
Breakfast Club: the dance-bar (review) Read More »
I refused to go on the bus after being forced out of the Neve Dekalim synagogue. I wasn’t about to leave Gush Katif like cattle. I demanded that I at least go to the bathroom, which was fair enough, since the army kept feeding us water in the synagogue — like patting us on the back and then stabbing us. The girl who took me out of the synagogue escorted me to the bathroom to keep watch. “I can’t believe this. I’m 28 years-old with a lot of experience and this 20 year-old girl is dragging me out of a synagogue. It’s so humiliating!” “I’m not at peace with this,” she said, “but this is the system.” “The problem is that no one wants to fight the system.” With a sad look on her face she left me at the curb and continued with her work. I asked the policemen to let me feel normal and give me a cigarette. “Okay,” said the commander eventually, handcuffs on his waist. “You had your cigarette, now get on the bus.” “But I want to leave with my friends to Tel Aviv. They’re on the grass!” “Sorry, you can’t. Girls!” he called out to the female officers, who were busy dragging other girls. It was clear that this was a power issue, but the policewomen had rowdier girls to deal with. They ignored him. I snuck away and met an Israeli media assistant
Day 12: The End (Until We Return) Read More »