Harel Schreiber
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The Old Testament promises Israel as the land of milk and honey. Both of these are byproducts of hard labour. They do not come easily, and require human interference in domestication of animals, in order for man to enjoy them. They do not come naturally.
As a child I used to pick the Sabra fruit from the surrounding valleys around my neighbourhood. I remember the day I first realized these Sabra bushes didn’t just grow there, they were planted by former inhabitants of the area, Arab peasants who used to feed off them.
When you’re a Jewish person born in Israel, it’s really not that simple to pick your stand. On the one hand, this is your home, this is where you were born and all you know. On the other hand, you are aware of the fact that the way that brought you here and keeps you here involved many acts that you truly don’t identify with.
This is what raises the question: where did all the milk and honey come from?
As with many other places, the Israeli experience is one that takes many things for granted. You simply live your life. But you constantly have to confront these questions. It really is tempting to try to ignore them.
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Harel Schreiber is a musician and graphic designer born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel (1979)
He currently lives in Tel-Aviv.
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