I just had a 40-minute taxi ride in Israel. As taxi drivers here are wont to do, my driver unabashedly launched into a long explanation of his views on Israel, politics, life, the universe, and everything. This was interspersed with his constant brachot that I should have a wonderful Shabbat (to which he insisted that I answer “Amen”) and that there should be brachot for all Israel (Amen!).

He told me that he served in Golani and has spent a long time in reserve duty since October 7th, along with all his relatives. He believes that Israel is the greatest country in the world. He kept going on about what an incredible country it is. He believes that everyone in the country, Jew or Arab, should serve the country, if not in the IDF then at least in National Service.

Politically, he voted for Eisenkott, but also likes Bennett. He said that Likud, by enabling Ben-Gvir to ascend to power, have caused catastrophic harm to Israel by burning the relationship with the US.

Oh, and he was a Muslim Arab.

Shabbat Shalom!

Taxi!