Israel Day 3

Today was full of history. Woke up again on the Sea of Galilee, then we hit the road and drove over an hour up into the mountains. We visited many locations receiving lectures from professionals that served long term in the military, people who lived multigenerationally in Israel, and linguistic historians teaching us about  the Arabic roots of Christians, Jews and Muslim faith.

I got TONs of scenes for the Documentary I wasn’t expecting to get. I came here with the expectation to get B-roll to supplement interviews I will film later in the USA, but today I got a serious 10-20 minutes of meat that will carry the story. I had major revelations on the direction of this documentary and got a glimpse on how the final product will look. I feel right in my element making movies for Yahweh. This is what pure passion feels like. I’m actually looking forward to editing for once! PLUS I got to not only hold, but flip the pages of a 350 year old Bible and film it!!! Sooooo cool.

I spoke with our body guard Asher, who served in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), for a good bit today. One of my favorite parts of Jewish people is how straight forward they are. They don’t like small talk. Right to the point. I learned they talk this way due to a cultural “post traumatic stress disorder” of understanding their historical persecution. Not knowing if there will be a tomorrow so let’s get it all done today mentality. This is my style so I just asked him some wild questions off rip about his time in the military. He answered them all instantly and chill while smoking a cigarette he rolled. I found out that I could join the IDF without being an Israeli, not knowing Hebrew, and I could serve for only a year and 1/2 by enlisting. They would teach me Hebrew, then train me, and I could even choose a combat or non-combat role. Israelis are made to join the military when they are 18 by law, so everybody here served. They all say it makes them mentally stronger and gives them a healthy sense of nationalism. I know my parents and Nana are reading this, and I don’t mean to scare them, but this interests me highly. I love this land just being here for 3 days and need to spend more time here. Being paid to serve and learn Hebrew would be a incredibly interesting experience. Plus Israeli women are… let’s just say my type so hey maybe I could meet my wife here. Most likely my next trip here will be a film one.

My number one take away is that we’re all so much more alike than different and although I’m on the other side of the world we are all human. We experienced a great level of hospitality, education and acceptance without judgement. Israeli people are so accepting of not just Christian’s, but even the geopolitical enemy. I experienced this same level of love for all people, no matter what flag they fly, with Jews back in the USA Ive spoken to. They want peace. Having peace is one of their highest valued virtues. Their whole military is focused on defense, unlike the USA.

Another day in the promise land well spent. Experiencing history like I never have before. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Shalom!