Israelis: Portrait of a people in tense times

[King_David]

........snip................

THE HEDONIST

NAME: Omer Gershon

AGE: 37

OCCUPATION: marketing consultant and events producer

LIVES: Tel Aviv

FAMILY: single

RELIGIOUS IDENTITY: none


Omer Gershon is "a true Tel Avivian", born and raised in the city, unlike many of its transient residents, and is a standard-bearer for its hedonistic, nihilistic, gay-friendly reputation.

He is, he admits, "the epitome of the bubble boy", referring to the city's insulation from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and dedication to partying. As a professional party-thrower, networker and partner in several clubs and bars, he says he is known as the king of nightlife.

Tel Aviv, he says, is "a country within a country – it's so separate from the rest of Israel. Everyone expects Israel to be a country in conflict, and then they come to Tel Aviv and everyone is partying or sitting in cafes and bars. We have a heightened sense of escapism because we're aware of life's fragility. The sense of carpe diem is very strong here."

Gershon says his Jewishness is part of who he is and part of his family history, but not a big deal. He laughs when asked if he considers himself a Zionist. But he concedes he is a patriot, which he defines as loving his country while hating those who run it.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/11/israel-living-in-worlds-spotlight?newsfeed=true

[holdencaufield]

1. Give a human face to the "Zionist Entity"?

You're not going to be very popular 'round these parts.