Paul McCartney in Israel

It was announced earlier this week that ex-Beatle Paul McCartney will give one concert on September 25th in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park (see Opera in the Park post of July 16, 2008).

43 years ago The Beatles were scheduled to perform in Israel but as the story goes they were denied the appropriate permits by the government for the simple reason that their music might corrupt the morals of the country's youth. We've come along way since then and this week another version of the cancellation of the band's visit to Israel surfaced. It seems that two concert promoters were vying to bring the Beatles to Israel and one used his connections to torpedo the permission that the other needed to obtain the foreign currency required to pay for the concert. This is the stuff that great urban legends are made of.

Meanwhile tickets have gone on sale: 490 shekels ($138USD) will get you a place to rest on the grass where you will be able to see Paul McCartney in the distance (or on a big screen t.v. if you choose) and a mere 1500 shekels ($420USD) will get you one of 5,000 VIP seats in/near the front. T N Tel Aviv has heard that there are even some "ultra VIP" tickets being sold for 5000 shekels ($1400USD). Wait til the ticket scalpers start selling their wares!

Israel's Beijing Olympics Bronze Medal in Windsurfing - Updated

Shahar Zubari began Wednesday's race from last position after heading back to the start line fearing that he had a faulty start. Zubari, an Eilat native, remained calm, cool and collected and ended up with the Bronze Medal. The young windsurfer ensured that Israel would win at least one medal for the fifth consecutive Olympics. He received his medal from Alex Giladi, the first Israeli to be elected to the International Olympic Committee.

Shahar Zubari

Be sure to watch the Olympic marathon race where Israel will be represented by 55 (!!!) year old runner Haile Satayin. Update - Satatin finished 69th!!

Update - Israel's Women's Artistic Gymnastics team finished 6th in the overall standings.

Here's a recipe for a Chinese Chicken Salad that you can serve while watching the closing ceremonies!

Chinese Chicken Salad For A Crowd

20 square wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen

1/2 lb snow peas, trimmed

1 lb Napa cabbage, cored, then cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide strips (about 6 cups)

1 (1-lb) head of romaine, torn into bite-size pieces (about 8 cups)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6 cups coarsely shredded cooked chicken (from a 2 1/2-lb rotisserie chicken)

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Make fried wontons: Cut wonton wrappers into 1/2-inch-wide strips and separate on paper towels. Fry strips, 5 or 6 at a time, gently turning over once with a slotted spoon, until just golden, 15 to 30 seconds per batch (some strips will fold and curl). Transfer to paper towels to drain. (This can be done a day in advance if you store the fried strips in an airtight container)

Make salad:Cook snow peas in a 4-quart pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then drain in a colander and pat dry. Cut diagonally into 1-inch-wide pieces and put in a large bowl with cabbage and romaine. Whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add sesame oil and vegetable oil in a slow stream, whisking until sugar is dissolved and dressing is combined well. Toss chicken and scallions with 1/3 cup of dressing in another large bowl. Whisk remaining dressing (it will separate), then add cabbage mixture, cilantro, almonds, and sesame seeds to chicken and toss with enough remaining dressing to coat. Sprinkle with wontons (if using).

Only in Israel

I was sitting at the computer this afternoon and all of a sudden I heard the following announcement (in Hebrew) over loudspeakers: "Dearest Residents. This is an important message from the Ministry of Defense. This is the last chance to return your gas masks. Downstairs at the truck. Thank you." This taped announcement went on for about 30 minutes and MANY people came down with their boxed masks to turn them in.

I returned our masks a few months ago after burying them deep in our basement after Gulf War II. I wonder why this is the "last" chance to turn in our masks. Last chance until what???? T N Tel Aviv assumes that new masks will be issued in the near future. Click below to see and hear the announcement!

For more information about what to do in an emergency situation take a look at the excellent Home Front Command website (English/Hebrew)