tal's blog

The ICCJ (International Council of Christians and Jews) is holding its annual conference next week.. for the first time, I believe, in our neck of the woods. I've been fortunate enough to be a sponsored delegate to the youth conference, along with other fellow Victoria University students.

It's taken me a while to bring myself to writing my next blog.. One reason is that I've just been so busy, I haven't had a chance to sit down and think about it. Another reason is, to be honest, I just didn't want to say anything.  

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Dear friends,

When I was eighteen I was lucky to have the opportunity of writing a column series for abcnews.com, describing everyday life as an Israeli teen.

I'm sharing with you the one that still gives me chills. I recommend you read this AFTER reading more articles etc on the situation.. it'll allow you a clearer view of what I'm talking about (in the context of the bigger picture of the Middle East conflict)..

Salaam

My name is Tal.

It's a Hebrew name. It's not short for anything, it's just Tal. I am the eldest of two daughters

and the first in my father's family to be born in Israel (on mum's side, a few cousins have beet

me to that title).

My name means 'dew drop' or 'morning dew', if the poetic spirit grabs you.

I often get asked why I came to New Zealand. Basically, it's the farthest away you can get from

Israel before hitting Antarctica, and I desperately wanted to get out.