The Magen David Adom (Red Star of David) is the national emergency service of Israel – dispatching EMTs, ambulances, even an intensive care BUS to sites immediately after missile attacks. In a bunker three floors below ground, staff monitor phones and computers 24/7, calculating missile trajectories down to the neighborhood, and alerting their community of volunteers that danger is en … Read More
A Hearty Ukrainian Lunch to Fuel Training… and Innovation
On a vast snowy field, deep in the heart of Ukraine, a military unit cycles through all the weapons at their disposal… shooting semi automatic guns, flying drones, testing out the latest kit being developed by entrepreneurs from around the country. A siren blares in the distance; the soldiers barely blink. The day is sunny but cold, below freezing; everyone … Read More
Ukrainian dishes at… well… Ukrainian Dishes
We were doomed from the start. We had started our work day too early to eat breakfast… spent all morning outside in the cold… and as the hours passed the temperature dropped and the precipitation arrived. By lunch time we were cold, shivering, and starving. The standard advice is to never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach — but … Read More
Syria, on the Knife’s Edge
Syria was holding its breath. Islamist fighters had taken control – and no one knew if they intended to impose Taliban-style Islamic law. We went for a walk in the beautiful ancient center of Damascus. It was quiet. Merchants hadn’t opened their shops. Women had shut themselves away at home – waiting to see which way the wind was blowing. … Read More
The Economic Impact of War: An Empty Restaurant in Ramallah
The restaurant is gorgeous. Modern, impeccably designed and decorated, with attention paid to natural light, greenery, and conviviality… and yet, Darna Restaurant is nearly empty. Here in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, this local institution has pared back their midday staffing from 8 servers to just three, and a cavernous room full of long family-style seating… is an echo … Read More