http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/ Previously On the Face Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:25:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-3839 Edan Almog Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:31:07 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-3839 I came across this post, while trying to research the web as to the mysterious happenings of Hussein Derakhshan in recent months (perhaps you know something). Reading through your article has transfixed me, causing me to completely forget my original intension.
I find the accounts from the streets of Beirut fascinating. They reinforce a strong desire for visiting Beirut, Damascus and the landscape in between, that’s been ailing me for over a decade.
I admire first and foremost your courage, but also your open attitude, and devotion.
I envie your for fulfilling my dream – I’ve been having to settle for the poor consolation of books, internet resources and, lately, google-earth. I can surely relate to the sense of breaking psychological barriers and venturing beyond commonly perceived limits. I’t these kinds of sensations that have accompanied some of my climatic experiences as an individual.
However, I think your traveling to Lebanon as an Israeli citizen under the current circumstances is utterly irresponsible. Judging from your background I cannot dismiss this as not realizing that the risk your took is not only a personal risk (which you are entitled to weigh for youself), but also a risk to many others, should your adventures have ended differently. Rather, I am forced to conclude that you knowingly chose to ignore these implications.
One last observation, if I may.
There is seemingly little politics in this article. However there is one implicit message which emanates from this piece as well as scores of other journalistic works. And that message is that the mid-east conflict is carried out between two roughly parallel entities with parallel approaches, exercising parallel means, motivized by parallel goals, and facing comparable threats and risks. This message is often faciliated by excessive use of analogies. Unfortunately in today’s international media, any attempt to draw a more accurate representation is immediately tagged as ‘unfair’. I fear that giving in to this trend (as is any other systematic distortion of the truth) may facilitate easing tensions in the short term, but is ultimately fatally counter productive in the long run.

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2475 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2475 fascinating stuff and really well written. You are very good at being in the story without taking it over. Same goes for the Ramallah story the other week.

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2476 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2476 I can't believe you didn't publish this in the MSM! Well their loss is certainly our gain. What a great travelogue/diary/human interest/political piece. It was totally enlightening and I hope this article goes on to receive the acclaim it deserves ('though let's hope it's somewhat less sensationalistic than your tv appearance).
I am so proud of you. great work. And thanks for not making me take out my Hebrew-English dictionary.

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2477 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2477 L – You already know what I think of your master work of ballsy research, keen observation and fine writing. But I wanted to add a thought that brought smiles to myself – which I posted as a comment to Lisoosh's blog – to wit…
“I can’t think of when I have read such a solid, informative contribution to journalism. The photos are wonderful, but I can’t help but wonder what other delights might have been added had she had The Noorster with her [camera in hand]. Now THAT would have been something incredible!!”
Or maybe it would have been too much fun!! (Damn, I miss her).
Yes… some day.
Dan

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2478 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2478 Yes, what has happened to The Noorster?

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2479 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2479 I printed the English version of your article and gave it to my Lebanese boyfriend to read last night. He loved it and says: “A huge thank you for having the courage to do this!”.
He told me he didn't know that not all people in the dahiye support Hezbollah and he added: “I had to learn this from an Israeli journalist!!”

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2480 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2480 Great writing, Lisa, congratulations on a fine piece of reportage. Re the sponsorship, don't be embarrassed. I don't have a paypal ac, but you do know my e-mail address: point me at your Amazon wish list and I'll do what I can

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2481 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2481 Excellent article. Really captures not just Beirut, but the oddities of being an Israeli there and how that limited your experience. I was sad for Beirut's loss of potential, yet also sad for the inanity of the anti-Israel policies. Well done.
Even better than the Hebrew version (which you clearly expanded the article from). But the parts that were the same were really close. Your command of both Hebrew and English is astounding. Nothing was lost in translation!

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2482 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2482 two ex-Lebanese colleagues in Montreal to whom I gave copy of your article said respectively: C'est délicieux et je n'ai pu m'arrêter de lire… and : It made me so nostalgic and so happy to learn that an Israeli had made it to Beirut ! She (Lisa) writes beautifully and she is right in many many ways….
One of them even offered to give you the name and email of an architect (Beiruti) who would be very happy to give you a tour and explain the architecture of every building…. No doubt those will show your article to others, who will forward it, etc. etc. etc.

]]> http://lisagoldman.net/2007/08/14/beirut-one-year-later-the-english-version/comment-page-1/#comment-2483 Anonymous Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:59:59 +0000 http://pixane.net/lisa/?p=389#comment-2483 Alice, I'm so glad your Lebanese friends enjoyed the piece! I wish I could take advantage of their offer to provide me with the name of their architect friend in Beirut, but unfortunately I won't be able to return to Lebanon for a very long time.
On the other hand, I may be in Montreal in a couple of weeks and I would love to see you! Could you send me your phone number via email? lisa.n.goldman [at] gmail [dot] com.

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