The israeli Defense Minister , Mr. Ehud Barak ('barak' in hebrew means lightning) has been a lot in the news lately; not because of some outstanding military event or political issue , but because of the sale of his luxurious apartment on the 31st floor of one of the three "Akirov Towers".
The "Akirov Towers" , a three-tower luxury compound, is located in the north part of Tel Aviv, near the intersection of Pinkas and Namir streets. I've seen the complex on various occasions, but I've never been inside the towers. According to the Media, it has security 24 hours a day, a luxurious lobby, spa with pool and Gym , sun balconies, conference hall, underground parking, and a breathtaking view of the city.
What attracts passer-bys' attention are the sharp lines of the three structures, the windows' blue color, and the numbers 62, 64, 66 in the form of a small stone statue in front of the building. ( By the way, Akirov - is the surname of the real estate developer).
Mr Barak wrote on his Facebook Page that he and his wife Nili had decided to sell the apartment because of public criticism. The apartment "created alienation and detachment from the public", he confessed. In a few months they'll be moving to a smaller and less expensive tower.
However, the selling of the house (for 26.5 million israeli shekels) and Barak's confession , haven't stopped criticism. The Media is busy trying to figure out the money profit for him from the transaction , and keep asking unpleasant questions such as how come a person with socialist background like his, becomes so detached from the people he's supposed to represent,
; how does an army officer / someone who has been in public service, has the money to buy such an appartment etc.. etc..
I happen to agree with the criticism. High ranking people should serve as a model of modesty to the public , especially in times of economic decline.
on one hand-truth-they should not show off their money, on the other-everybody knows that politicians have money - why they should pretend they don't
ReplyDeleteLife and travelling
Cooking
If only they would do so we'd all be better off.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of skyscrapers usually, although I love the Crysler Building, but those towers are really pretty.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the criticism, here in America our politicians are always very wealthy. It is hard to imagine they relate with the rest of us at all.
It's a cryin' shame when politicians rub the noses of the jobless poor in their wealth.
ReplyDeleteNow on the fun side. Akirov Towers reminds me of the game Jenga game. I have the urge to pull our a piece of it! Heeehehehe!
Have yourself an awesomely blessed day sweetie!!! :o)
It would strangle the life out of me to live in a tower block, even if it is a stupendously expensive one. As for Mr Barak, well if there is one iota of wrong doing on his part then I am sure the media will sniff it out. They are good at that sort of thing. And if there isn't any wrong doing then I am sure that the media will be inclined to make something up. There is always a price to pay if you are high profile. Glad I'm 'low' profile!
ReplyDeleteDutta,
ReplyDeleteWe have the same thing here they get in power and the money flows ibto their pockets.. yvonne
I must say that the buildings are certainly distinctive! Why do politicians everywhere seem to have money,money, money and their constituents are barely getting by? Wouldn't it be wonderful if anyone in such an office had to live like the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with Nezzy - looks just like a Jenga game! Maybe that was the inspiration. I think I would love a an apartment with a beautiful view, but I agree that he should move. Flaunting wealth is not the best way for your constituants to feel a strong connection.
ReplyDeleteThe lines of the Towers are very pleasing to the eye and they flow with the balconies making little designs to break the flow. As for the numbers well I think they are a distraction of the Towers beauty. As long as his earnings are not ill gotten gains then let him enjoy. However, during times that others are suffering it is hard to be objective about those who have more. Peace
ReplyDeleteDuta,thanks for the comments on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your sentiments about the politicians and people in power. I'd go a step further and say they should have to have lived below poverty level so that they have some understanding of the needy folks.
Ola,
ReplyDeleteI would prefer politicians to be more sensitive towards the society in which they live, and practice modesty even if they can afford luxury.
One Fly,
We would all be better off without politicians at all. I have no great respect for them.
Jennifer D,
The trouble with our politicians is that they're trying to imitate America's politicians with regards to standard of living.
Nezzy,
Not being familiar with the Jenga game, I googled it. Well, you're right. The game has to do with a tower which looks like one of the Akirov towers.
Vera,
Like you, I wouldn't feel well living in a tower, and I'm glad I'm low profile.
La Petite Gallery,
ReplyDeleteExactly. That's why I don't have much respect neither for our politicians not for the american politicians.
Cheryl,
Yes, the buildings do catch the eye.
Politicians everywhere are highly insensitive to their constituents' needs and that is very annoying.
Bica,
Could be Jenga was indeed the inspiration.
Anyway, I do agree with you on the "flaunting wealth" thing. They say it's a "cherchez la femme" matter; his second wife is the one with the expensive taste.
Lady Di Tn,
I like your description of the structure; you put it very nicely.
Mr Barak was the leader of the Labor Party; so,Labor people who have voted for him felt betrayed by his choice of residence.
Linda O'Connel,
You're welcome.
Sadly, politicians are shameless and insensitive.
Mr. Barak comes from a modest environment , so he should know better that his life style is not compatible with that of his consituents.
This is a great posting I have read. I like your article.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think that the people in your country went on housing protests last year.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame!
So true Duta! So many public officials are so grossly rich that they have no concept of the "REALITY" of everyday people. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that my entire church is praying for Peace & safety for Israel today with the 2 million Muslims from 80 Countries marching into Jerusalem. Take care Duta.
They look nice but I also like smaller buildings and cottages/villas.
ReplyDeletePink Panthress,
ReplyDeleteIronic isn't it?
Housing is a constant problem here because of high prices and lack of land.
Lisa Petrarca,
Exactly. "..they have no concept of the reality of everyday people..".
Thank you, Lisa, and your church for the prayers you've been praying for Israel.
P.N. Subramanian,
I see what you mean. You prefer low buildings and private houses. Most of us do.
I think it is human nature to want to be "better than." So those who can afford it live in expensive homes, and those who can't afford it want to. Politicians are prone to this desire just like everyone, but they have the power to find the money to enable them to achieve it.
ReplyDeleteIn an ideal world, those who have power and money would help those who do not. But this is not an ideal in which we live, and although there are people who help those who are less fortunate, they are not generally in the news.
None the less, one has to admit, they are beautiful buildings.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/
Hi Duta :)
ReplyDeleteI have come to say hello and wish you well. I think of you often and miss you! I am coming to Israel to visit my friend Cathy end of April into May. Maybe I can come to meet you one day on one of my adventures there :) That would be so fun to see your smiling face!
Anyway, I will only be there for two weeks and so much to do. Hopefully our paths will cross one day while I am there :)
I hope you are well and happy. I miss your wise words. Duta, you have always been such a treasure!
I send you lots of love,
Kelly
Dimple,
ReplyDeleteHuman nature, indeed, and sadly, politicians are not morally better than the people they're supposed to represent.
Joy Lansky,
I do admit - the buildings are very attractive.
TheCheekGeek,
Hi Kelly,
Good to hear from you. I really miss your versatile blog with its poetic language.
Glad you'll be coming to Israel. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time here. Hope it'll be possible for us to meet. I'll send you an email later on.
Your kind words make me blush, as I know I'm just a plain, average person. You, on the other hand sound something special.
On first sight, it just looks kinda cool. Once we know all the stories that go with it, it tells an interesting tale. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
ReplyDeleteThe building are pretty neat, I like the way they look from far away. It's difficult for us "regular people" to understand how politicians think. Would we think more of them if they lived in a simple 3 bedroom home like I do even though you know they can afford to live better? It's hard to say.
ReplyDeleteIt does remind me of the game Jenga also. I had forgotten about that game. And what is with the number statues? Are they supposed to represent something?
ReplyDeleteuntil next time... nel
People in public life must lead exemplary lives & lead by good examples. But such persons are rare to find. The temptations to acquire material wealth overcomes their social objectives. And they fall from grace easily. They no longer follow the path of "Dharma" or "righteousness". Sad but true !
ReplyDeleteTanya Reimer,
ReplyDeleteA lot of juicy stories go with our Defense Minister,and his second wife, some of them are of the 'cherchez la femme' genre.
Alicia,
I personally would think more of them, the politicians,if they practice modesty and serve as example to us 'regular' people.
Nel,
They are the numbers of the three buildings - set up in an original form.
R.Ramakrishnan,
Well put.I totally agree with your opinion.
Tanya Reimer,
ReplyDeleteA lot of juicy stories go with our Defense Minister,and his second wife, some of them are of the 'cherchez la femme' genre.
Alicia,
I personally would think more of them, the politicians,if they practice modesty and serve as example to us 'regular' people.
Nel,
They are the numbers of the three buildings - set up in an original form.
R.Ramakrishnan,
Well put.I totally agree with your opinion.