Letter of Advice

29.1.2009

Dear Mike,

I've recently heard about your problem and I want to tell you that I understand it. I have already been in situations like this before and I have passed through them successfully. If I understood correctly your letter, you were saying that you are unsure about that mountain climbing and your friends are "pushing" you to do this. Right?

I can see that you're facing two dilemmas. The first one, you are unsure about climbing that mountain and the second is about your friends, you feel under pressure, which is completely normal.

First of all I want to address your first problem. Danger is life. There is no proper living without any danger, in my opinion."Conquer your fear and I promise you, you'll conquer DEATH."- as Alexander the great said. I can't imagine myself living without danger...

Even if you get hurt somehow, you should know that you did your best and enjoyed that kind of experience. I mean, you will enjoy it, I can assure you! Mountain climbing is an extreme sport, it gets your adrenaline flowing like a water in a river in your blood stream. If you decide to relinquish it after all, I can tell you that you'll regret it for the rest of your life. This is a once in a lifetime experience you should do only with your friends supporting you.

Now, I'd like to state my opinion about your situation with your friends.I think that you should listen to them, but you must make sure that whatever happens, your judgment won't change in any circumstances. You must stay aware and consciouse of your enviroment and focus on the dilemmas you’re facing.

I can only wish you good luck and advice you to do whatever your instincts tell you to do. If deep inside you feel you should go for it, then go for it. DO NOT hesitate. Be decisive! But, if your instincts tell you to relinquish this unique experience, then unfortunately, I think you should pass that. Anyway, my opinion stays the same, If I were you I would be climbing that mountain already.

I hope I helped you.

Good luck PAL.

My opinion about the current situation in the middle east:

First of all, it isn't a simple problem, its one the most complicated and sensitive situations in the world's history. If I'd say that I have 'the perfect' solution for that problem I'd probably lie. There is no current 'formula' for a solution. In this case, I believe Isreal should work on damage control.

What does it mean? Israel should get its detteration ability back. We must force Hamas to believe that for every missile shot to Sderot or Ashkelon it will get back heavy bombardment to its forces in Gaza, in this way we will get some security.

I support IDF operations in Gaza with no hesitation and futhermore, I believe it should increase the fire and impose more deadly bombardents into those ammunation depots and training camps. This operation is unavoidable but necessary though. I don’t think a ceasefire will be appropriate for now because IDF hasn't accomplished its objectives yet. IDF should maintain its agression till Hamas will be as weak as it was before it took control of Gaza.

To sum up, I support the government decisions and IDF actions in Gaza and if I had a choice I'd put up some uniform and join the fighting in order to support my nation.