Chag Sameach, you all! Happy Hanukkah! As I approach the 100 day mark from whence I first arrived in Israel I have a chance to reflect on the events and occurrences that have passed. Knee deep into Hanukkah and all is well. I am slowly reaching the end of Ulpan, and some days I am not even going as I now command a level of Hebrew that is slightly above Ulpan A. This is not to say that I am able to comprehend what the Israelis are saying to me. No, in fact I realize how much learning I need to do. But, I now have a respectable list of vocabulary, hundred of verbs, and an understanding for the syntax rules of Hebrew.
The atmosphere here is somewhat of a shocking calm. After the speech by Sharon, a lot of people are mad, and some people are "what's new!" I do not know what to think. If the Israel gov't does perform a unilateral withdrawal, they will not have to worry about the Palestinian problem. The Palestinians will have to deal with life w/o Israel. For Israel this will be great, economically, but the Palestinian situation will worsen, as Israel helps them more economically then their Arab brothers. Now the other issue, is what "settlements" will be dismantled? I am worried, that one of my favorite spots, Otniel, will be on this list. If there is withdrawal it won't go easily. Israelis are zealots and they will fight for their land, no our land! Well the above is my opinion only.

I am not able to get into the sports, here, as soccer is the main attraction. I have been watching the Maccabi Tel Aviv, which is part of the Euroleague, and will be hosting the 2004 Final Four. They are a pretty impressive team, with some NBA has been and wannabes, but basketball is still basketball. It's still not football. Now i know that the packers are playing tonight, but I will not be able to watch the game!

Because I am a new immigrant, the gov't will pay from my college education. I have recently found out that Kellogg Business school has a branch at Tel Aviv University, and they have a one year masters program, so I am looking into that. Have not seen the Return of the King, hopefully tomorrow, and am looking forward to seeing it. I know Sam, Ben, and Isaac saw it but not really sure with the rest of you. Was it good?

My Hebrew has come a long way, my adapting into the society, which I believe, is not so bad, is fine, except I am having a problem being too rude! Have I accomplished a lot? Yes, but I could have done a lot more. I know two things, I have definitely grown maturity wise, but I still have my carefree spirit. And two, no regrets being here! Well have a happy holiday you all and a Happy New year! Till 2004.......................

Strength & Blessing

Yaakov S. Y. Cohen