THE LONG DROUGHT HAS MADE HEADLINES ABOUT RISING FOOD COSTS in this country, but water is always an issue in other parts of the world, with stakes far greater than more costly hamburgers. On a recent trip to Israel, I saw how agreement on water can lead to at least a trickle of hope in a region long parched for it. I also saw how easily such opportunity can evaporate.
An American Jew born the same year as Israel, I was on my first trip there. Like many visitors, I found the country beautiful and its issues complex. I talked with anyone, from falafel vendors to Israeli soldiers, but few felt peace was likely or, worse yet, even possible.
Comments
This is very interesting and inspiring in its good sense. It also puts me in mind of the novel The Source by James Michener.