Comments on: Jerusalem, Israel

By: Mom

Mom — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 05:08:05 +0000

Dad and I have had the utmost faith in both of you during the last three years, but your last blog surpassed anything we could’ve imagined that would test your courage, determination, resourcefulness and presence of mind like the last month. And you’ve come through all the challenges like the champions you are, and you all deserve our deepest respect, gratitude and love.
Roll on mid Feb. for the final leg and our whoopee celebrations in Rhodes!
Xx

By: Matthew White

Matthew White — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 22:02:44 +0000

Jason, Piers, et al!!

What a blessing it was to have you here 🙂 I’m so so glad that our paths were able to cross in Tel Aviv. I love you both so so much and can’t wait to see you again!

Always,

Your godbrother,
Matthew

P.S. The above classification of the Israeli incursion into Gaza this past summer as constituting “war crimes” is egregiously exaggerated, electronicintifada is a non-credible news source that smacks of anti-Semitism, and Maan news is wildly biased. Sorry, but it had to be said…everything here has its pros and cons >.<

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 20:58:25 +0000

Hi guys. Glad that eventually more sober minds and actions prevailed. We would agree that Israel is a thought and mind enhancing (enlarging?) experience. We were there in July and certainly it was one of the most interesting, complicated and inspiring trips we have ever taken. Just returned from visiting a son in Singapore which is also interesting architecturally, organizationally and culturally. See you on return. Bernie and Marg Churchill

By: JP

JP — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 10:11:47 +0000

The international legal status of East Jerusalem is clear in that its Palestinian Occupied Territory: to call it Israeli is to accept that might is right. Alternatively if you believe in democracy and equality it would also be Palestinian as the current demographics are that they represent a thin majority between the Jordan and the Med. However the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are denied the right to vote as they give what Israel considers the “wrong” answer to the question “Are you Jewish?”. The people of Gaza are treated worse, with Israeli war crimes this summer in which over 500 children were killed and the ongoing blockade where deaths continue:
http://electronicintifada.net/content/gaza-struggles-cope-siege-and-storms/14186

For more balanced Jewish Israeli views on the current situation check out +972 mag:
http://972mag.com/

For Palestinian news (e.g. of the Israeli attacks that lead to incidents) check out:
http://maannews.net/eng/Default.aspx

Another must read is the brilliant Gideon Levy at Haaretz.

Good luck!

By: ERNESTINA T.

ERNESTINA T. — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 08:39:23 +0000

Hello Guys,
Thanks to my friend Bruce Byall, I have followed your RTW tour.
I am so glad you have made it through dangerous waters I had much feared for you as you approached them. I live in France where the situation makes one aware that we do not live in a peaceful, administration free world. Thank you for sharing your adventurous trip with us. Be safe and continue to have good winds.
ET

By: AIdan

AIdan — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 08:03:46 +0000

Hi Guys
Just caught up on your blog. We were overseas and this is the first blog I have seen since early Nov – forgive the long silence from this precinct.
Your comments about your experiences in the middle east are very sobering. Please be safe.
Your achievements as you approach the finish line are quite remarkable.
It is fantastic that you are about to successfully complete a R T W voyage.. The totality of the trip, from the travel, education, different cultures, different peoples, sailing, all the experiences you have had will be a lifelong tale for your children, grandchildren and their kids. WOW. Wonderful, and Robin and I send you our very best wishes and congrats. We are so looking forward to seeing you when you get back to C A.
Again please be safe and continued ‘bon voyage’ from us.
Very best Cheers from San Diego.
Aidan
P S new email address is posted above.