Synagogue opens its doors - Downtown Beirut

Hearing about the restoration of the “Maghen Abraham” synagogue in Beiruts downtown really inspires me at the idea of a unified nation. It comes at a somewhat dark period for Lebanon, with the fear of Extremist militants bombarding our boarders in the name of a caliphate.

The Synagogue is located in the “Wadi abu Jamil” district of Centre-Ville, formerly known as “Wadi al Yahoud”, meaning the Valley of the Jews. This district was actually the center point of the Jewish community in Lebanon, which appeared to diminish during the countries 30 year civil war.

Lebanon had always been considered a hub for Jewish settlers in the 1940’s, whilst fleeing Europe and avoiding termination. But as the life of war moved into Lebanon, the already small society of Jewish people seemed to become caught in the crossfire’s of a bloody war between Muslims and Christians, and majority fleeing to America or even back to Europe.

Initially the Synagogue was destroyed during the Israeli invasion, when Israeli troops had shelled the neighborhood in order to attack Palestinian troops whom placed throughout Beirut’s districts. The Synagogue had suffered bombing to the roof, and since left untouched.

The restoration of the synagogue started in May of 2009, and has recently been finished, with the plan to open its doors within the year, catering to the small community of Jews living in the country.

I am amazed by the Lebanese government who had actually agreed with the restoration project. They even received approvals from other political groups in the country, including the Shiaa Militia group, Hezbollah.

It really does look like there may be some hope for this beautiful country of ours. If we are able to unite together as Jews, Muslims, and Christians, the future of Lebanon may achieve that luxurious title of “the Switzerland of the Middle East” again... 

Freeling

Freeling is a skateboarding documentary I came across just under a year ago. The skaters that speak in this short film express their own feelings towards skateboarding and the freedom it brings to them. "Freeling" is the combined word of free and feeling, and that exactly what the sport is to many. There are no regulations or rules that come into play when skating, and because of this it is always progressing.

The documentary shows the perspectives of a group of skaters, basically having them speak on their own experiences with skateboarding, and how there is not anything that can compare.

The filming for this documentary was very well done. The filmography is at its finest here, especially with all the high-definition shots.

Being a skateboarder myself i love being able to relate to what these guys are saying. It really is something beyond words. It's the ultimate form of psychotherapy. I know what ill be doing for the rest of my life.

Shocking Save the Children commercial

I came across this today on Youtube, and i definitely was not expecting the ending. The girl who plays the child in this clip really does a good job when displaying the different emotions one would go through in such a time. The whole commercial is a medium closeup shot of a little girl, and how her life transitions from the happiness every child should expect in life, to the horrors of war, death, and political refuge.



The crisis in Syria has been going on for 3 years now, and its sad to see where it has come to. This commercial may just be the most shocking commercial that has come out for the situation in Syria, but at the same time, it is sad to see western countries displaying more of an effort for end of the conflict.

Red Bull Perspective - A Skateboard Film

Cedar Trees and Enemies

Sitting here trying to come up with something to write for my last post, I think about how quickly time has gone by. Time has gone by, as well as a lot of other things. I feel motivation has gone as well. And that is a VERY bad thing. I feel the excitement for things has somewhat lessened over the past year and I think I may know why.

Living in Lebanon has really opened my eyes up to seeing negatives. For example, I never used to listen to the news, and this was because I was in an environment that didn't strain me psychologically. In Lebanon it’s always just one big cluster-fuck of political scare tactics and religious oppositions claiming their own “brilliance” in the eyes of their own. At first I didn't really pay attention to all the ruckus, but for sure I would be sucked in eventually. Being a communications student being informed is pretty much a general requirement for being in the department. I guess it sounds like I may also be having a dislike for my major.

That is definitely not the case. The truth is, living in Lebanon and hearing about the nonsense that happens in the country really has the power to push someone. More than ever have I been more enthused about being a communications student, because I know someday I want to be able to reveal all the shambles and “mishaps” that happen in the land of cedar trees, Mercedes, and never ending enemies.

Say no to crack Pee Wee

We all remember Pee Wee Herman. I remember him from my childhood as this dorky goofball who just wants to bring happiness to those around him. The truth is when i first saw this PSA i kind chuckled a little. I cant take that face seriously, at all. Come on, it's Pee Wee Herman! I see where the director of this was trying to head, but honestly, you should of picked a different actor buddy. I feel someone like Chuck Norris or Bruce Willis would of made this completely bad ass. I kind of want to try to try crack now, thanks Pee Wee.

Kidding.

Arthur

ARTHUR! Wow watching that episode in class really brought back memories of my childhood. I remember watching that show on Saturday mornings before my parents would wake up. One thing I just realized about the show is how meaningful the stories are. This episode was about these 2 girls who watch a movie, and they realize that girls have really lame roles. So they set out to create a cartoon with a BADASS superhero girl.

Basically the show is trying to teach the youth that girls can do anything they put their kinds too, and they shouldn’t become slaves of the media, because the media actually is very controlling if you think about it. Watching Missrepresentation opened my eyes to the many struggles women go through on the daily just because that’s the image the media has made them out to be.

The documentary shows a list of well-informed, self-influenced ladies that have made it far in life, knowing they can accomplish anything.