THIS IS NOT A BLOG

Dear This Is Not An Ulpan community, This year, three holidays arrive almost together: Passover, Easter, and Eid al-Fitr. Three traditions, three histories - yet all speak the shared language of liberation. Passover tells of escape from slavery. Easter speaks of resurrection after violence and death. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of endurance and reflection. Each reminds us: oppression is not final, suffering is not the end, and human beings can imagine freedo

This Saturday, after months of suspense, a new front was opened. An unprovoked attack on Iran has dragged us further into the abyss, pulling the United States along with it. Only months ago, victory was declared; today, we are told that war is once again "necessary." No explanation is given, and for many, none is required. There is a painful silence where there should be questions, as a society continues to see itself as the victim even as it cheers for the flames. It is hard

العربية • עברית ↓ We woke up yesterday morning once again to the reality of war - a war imposed on all of us because of the whims of tyrants and wealthy power-holders, people for whom we are, at best, a secondary consideration and, at worst, an obstacle. For much of Jewish society in Israel, this war is often framed as a natural disaster - something to simply accept. Hardly anyone is asking the urgent questions that must be asked: What are the goals of this war? Why is it co

A Letter to the TINAU Community, from our Community Manager, Charlie A few weeks ago, we sat in a packed room in Tel Aviv for our end of year event, “A Year in Photos with Oren Ziv.” Looking at the images, we found ourselves in disbelief. It was hard to wrap our minds around the fact that so much suffering and so many traumatic events all happened in just the last twelve months. Though while looking around the room, I also saw a different side to this difficult reality. I saw

Are there songs in Hebrew that challenge war and occupation? Today, many people are frustrated, and rightfully so, that Israeli artists are afraid to voice criticism towards the atrocities committed by the state. The only songs we have received over the past two years were often pro-genocidal chants. Criticism towards the military is often difficult because, since most people in Israel are conscripted, criticizing the military is criticizing family members and loved ones. Yet

Ayman Ghrayeb - a prominent activist in the Jordan Valley, is now hospitalized after being forcibly disappeared. Ayman is one of the most prominent Palestinian activists in the Jordan Valley, continuously standing with communities under threat and documenting settler and military violence. Ayman has been resisting ongoing efforts to empty the Valley of Palestinians. Ayman leads community projects, supports youth groups, provides guidance to international volunteers, and helps