New Year Sparks Debate on Israeli Terminology and Personal Service
As the Jewish New Year begins, a Hebrew article by Meir Uziel delves into linguistic and philosophical discussions, contrasting the traditional year designation "Tashpaz" (תשפ"ז) with a playful interpretation "Tash Paz" (ת"ש פז), meaning "golden service conditions." Uziel suggests that while market fluctuations like gold prices are beyond individual control, the "service conditions" or quality of life individuals create for themselves are within their power. He poses the question of whether the coming year will bring "golden" or "tin" conditions, depending on personal choices.
The article also tackles the contentious naming of the West Bank. Uziel argues that "HaGada HaMa'aravit" (the West Bank) is a distorted abbreviation of the full Jordanian designation "the West Bank of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan." He cites 1950s Jordanian postal regulations that explicitly used this longer form and mandated the removal of the term "Palestine." Uziel contends that using "HaGada HaMa'aravit" implicitly accepts the premise of a Jordanian kingdom spanning both sides of the Jordan River. He further points out that "Judea and Samaria," often seen as a modern Israeli term, was present in the 1947 UN Partition Plan as "the mountain region of Samaria and Judea," predating the term "West Bank." Uziel humorously suggests that those insisting on "West Bank" to respect Palestinian nationalism might inadvertently be harming it, as it's not an ancient Palestinian term.
Additionally, the piece touches upon practical concerns for travelers, such as dealing with flight delays at airports, proposing entrepreneurial solutions like on-site childcare or relaxation coaching. Finally, Uziel shares a personal anecdote about reconnecting with a former high school class after 42 years, reflecting on their lives and achievements as a microcosm of the Israeli experience.
