This is just a quick note for everyone who has something to say about me being in Israel to read.
Because I’ve been getting too much criticism in hate/sarcastic messages these days and I am a bit fed up with it.
So what’s the matter, what is it that makes you mad at me for being here? Because I call it Israel and not Palestine? Ok, Palestine then. Hey I just called it Palestine. Did I change anything, did I change the situation? No.
I am not an activist and I am just a person who loves to travel. This is my world, the planet where I belong, as honestly I don’t see what’s all the fuss about boundaries and properties, so I may agree or disagree with some places’ situations but in most cases I will only be a spectator.
I am a traveller, a passenger, a person who likes to see the world and no, I am not saying this to justify myself. I really don’t need to. I am saying this because everywhere I go, I come in peace and for the sake of travel love only, and there’s no ulterior motive.
I find it very hard to judge, and I am firmly convinced that unless you see something with your eyes or you’re directly involved in a situation you can’t talk about it as if you knew what you’re talking about. What do you think I am doing in Israel? I am here to observe, to try and understand, to go beyond what the media shows, and you know better than me that it is the right thing to do in order to know how things really go in the country.
You are putting a cross on the Israel area without thinking. Do you know when people says “Egypt is dangerous/Egypt has sexual harassment/Egyptian people try to rip you off/etc”? Don’t you always reply “not all Egyptians are the same?”. Well brace yourself: not all Israeli people are the same!!!
It’s like when “western” people have so much fun judging Arab people. Because they think they are perfect, haha.
So you, dear Egyptian people, who are you to judge? Do you have the perfect system in your country? It doesn’t seem so to me.
I know there are issues in Israel. Big issues and it’s not that by hating the whole country or refusing to call it “Israel” I will change much. Why, don’t we all have issues? Maybe when I leave Israel I will love it or maybe I will hate it, but in any case at least (hopefully) I will have the elements I need for an opinion about it.
If I had to visit only the countries where there’s nothing wrong with the system, I wouldn’t even go to Egypt and I would probably be on Mars by now…
Dear Egyptian friends who criticize me for being here, I am sorry for you. I can see you are not real friends, and will act accordingly. You should know why I travel, so if you don’t know you just have no idea who I am.
I suggest you to open up your mind and think… this is the only solution to any conflict. Unfortunately people keep judging and coming to conclusions and this will always keep things the way they are. Thank you!
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10 Comments
Well said. Most of the critics probably do not know why they do not like something. They just feel this way because that is what they are told by their friends and families to think.
Keep doing what you are doing.
Thanks Jeff :)
I am Palestinian …. When I move with my customers to any border or crossing point i tell them (the Israelis side) … Because they are in border and crossing point We can not hide the truth
I want to ask my brothers Egyptians ….
How many one of you sat down with our friend (Giulia) and explained how Israel occupied Palestine?
The important point is here ….. To convey the truth to friends, then leave them to Baraf truth by himself.
As is clearly our friend Giulia (not happy) What happened to her at the crossing …. Delay, investigation, and passport
She wrote frankly …. Let’s leave her Enjoy the trip to give us her opinion in the end.
Giulia, until this post I’d never heard of you or your trip and all I can say is – Have a great time! I truly hope my country provides you with the best hospitality it can and I’d be happy to assist in any way.
The situation here is complex, you could be here a lifetime and still not know where you stand on all issues. But as you said, not all Israelis are the same, nor are all Palestinians. Underneath it all we’re all people and that’s something that’s often forgotten.
As someone who loves to travel as well, I’ve been to many countries all over the world but sadly – not to my neighbours. I hope to one day take a trip similar to yours but I don’t know if that’ll be possible within my lifetime – perhaps my children will manage it!
Have a great time and good luck with the heat…
Allon, Israel.
Hi Allon, thanks for your comment. It is very sad that you can’t have this kind of trip, and I hope things will change soon.
Bravo to you for writing this post, Giulia. I, of course, agree with it. I know you love Egypt – as everyone who follows you should well know – as well as loving the rest of the Middle East, as do I. Israel is an extremely important part of the Middle East, and to not explore it, as travelers, lovers of the Mid East, and even humans, is to ignore one of the most important parts of our world.
I was thrilled when I learned of your plan to include Israel on your Middle Eastern itinerary and relieved that you, unlike a LOT of other people, don’t write it off because of its image, its politics, because of the fact that is the sole Jewish nation in the Arab part of the world, and any other reasons people have for hating it. I was so happy you were open to traveling there.
I, like you, am fascinated with the Mid East for many reasons. And you’re right. To understand different cultures, be they in the Middle East or anywhere, we need to experience them firsthand. Otherwise, we will never get any impression, understanding or opinion that is not tainted by the media, by books we read, by hearing about the experiences of others who have traveled and lived there.
Some people just have a knee jerk reaction of slamming Israel or making fun of its people, because this is all they know to do. It’s what they’ve heard other people do and it’s what they think is appropriate. It’s not. The Israeli government is one thing, but its people are another. Not all Israelies, by a long shot, agree with the actions of its country, although many do. No matter their politics, Israelis are as human as you and I and and everyone else and, despite what some people literally think, Israelis do not have tails or horns. They’re people and need to be treated like you treat anyone else.
I wish you all the best in the remainder of your journey through Israel and the rest of the Mid East!
I, too, have some doubts and contrasting feelings about Israel, but since I came to the country and saw things with my eyes I started to understand more (which doesn’t mean I know everything… unfortunately) about THIS and THE OTHER COUNTRIES in the Middle East! Visiting Israel is a great way to understand the facts of the whole area.
I am happy that I came… if people doesn’t understand this, I am sorry for them. Thanks for your support Sabina!
One word: BRAVO! In fact, both Palestinian AND Israeli leaders have been/are at fault. Both sides haven’t compromised enough. Both sides keep hating. This is all I witnessed while I lived in the region for a year.
So, if anything, everyone needs to work on this. As for us outsiders? All we can do is do what we did: Travel, observe, see for ourselves. Prove the media wrong in whatever we can. Debunk myths.
Cheers love xx
Debunk myths: one of the reasons why EVERYONE should visit Israel!
And yes, hate is never a solution. Never ever.
Thank you Maria Alexandra :)
Sorry to hear people are giving you such a hard time. If anything it’s best for you to go places and discover the people and land without judgement. You take that knowledge and then later share it with people. I know the Middle East is a very complicated place but I think it’s fantastic that you are exploring it.