In Hebrew, the word 'balagan' means mess, chaos, disorder. There's controversy about the word's origin (Russia? Turkey?...), but I'm not going to go into this.
It suffices to say that at my age I hate balagan. I can try and control 'balagan' at my home (not always successfully), but not the one outside it .
Since the last general elections we've got constant balagan: protests, strikes, violence (both verbal and physical). It's all too little and too late, as they say, and as I firmly believe - but, who wants to know...
People constantly ignore things, they live each inside their own bubble, and then act as surprised. No surprise here at all. As expected, 'demographics' won the elections. So, all that remains to do is try to make 'a lemonade out of the lemon', IF possible.
One must add to the above political kind of balagan, the fear caused by the recent earthquakes in the neighboring countries Turkey and Syria. We are not prepared for such a disaster , so blames regarding apparently faulty structural condition of buildings, are already flying over our heads, in all directions.
Actually, the big balagan started several years ago with the Light Rail works in major cities - Jerusalem and Tel Aviv first. The Light Rail has lots of benefits, but I pity those who live close to the stations and rails during long periods of work to be done. What a mess!
They'll tell you it's all worthy as it raises house value on the market. Maybe, maybe not. In the meantime, one lives near a considerable balagan, and that's hardly quality living. If you've got kids, it could also be dangerous to live close to road /rail works.
Anyway, there seems to be no 'responsible adult' around, so things look rather bad.
The only "responsible adult" we can rely on is God Almighty. The world is in turmoil all over.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, Sandi! We can rely only on God Almighty.
DeleteProfound and so true. "'demographics' won the elections."That operates here as well. Many Californians don't have a say, since the big populations are in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Their votes silence other voters.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid, democracy is not what it used to be; it's rather fake, and won't lead us to any good. May God help us!
DeleteWell said. Los Angeles and San Francisco elect whomever, while the rest of the not so great state of California don' t have a voice.
ReplyDeleteThat's sad. Democracy based mainly on high birth rate rather than on ideology, is far from perfect and might bring about in the end to bloodshed.
DeleteWish there were easy answers to the issues we face around the world. We have a chance for better in our countries when we vote but that doesn’t always work out.
ReplyDeleteNo, no easy answers, and elections don't always solve things for the benefit of the people.
DeleteIt seems there is balagan everywhere you look...
ReplyDeleteSo it would seem. Nowadays, news travel fast, and we know what's happening in other places.
DeleteWe are in turmoil here in the US as well. I truly feel we are going a blind eye to God and the devil is taking over right now. We rely on China for too many things and they are now even purchasing more and more of our land here. I fear another war may be in the future and I sure hope I am wrong. There was a bad rail derailment 2 weeks ago in Ohio, and those poor folks are feeling sick now. Our government keeps saying all is well, but I believe the folks there who are complaining of headaches and rashes. So sad. Janice
ReplyDeleteIt looks like China's gradually taking over everywhere. First, economically (production and export), next influentially and politically.
DeleteI've heard about the Ohio incident and people feeling sick. Hopefully, the health authorities will intervene and help those people.
I think we're living in a period of global balagan. Just doing my own bit here to restore order where I can. It's tiny!
ReplyDeleteYour thinking is correct - we live in a global balagan. All we can do is our 'own tiny bit', as you say, to establish order in our small world of our home and immediate surrounding.
DeleteBalagan is a small word for such profound problems.
ReplyDeleteWell said! A sentence to remember: small word, profound problems.
DeleteI've never heard that word, but it seems balagan is everywhere. I'm thankful for many of my blogging friends who show there is some sense and order with some people in the world!
ReplyDeleteYes, we get the impression, that 'balagan' is not specific to a certain place, but shows itself almost everywhere; both on the individual level and country level.
DeleteWhen the Light Rail works got going in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, they were doing essential work. We must get people out of petrol-guzzling cars and into top quality public transport.
ReplyDeleteBut the planning had to be done _before_ the first spade starting digging - alternative roads away from the stations, one station built at a time, constant advice on radio for citizens etc.
As I've said, the Light Rail has many benefits. We all know that, and want that. Yet, for those living close to where the work is done, things are not easy with all the planning and measures taken.
DeleteSadly, I think there are very few "responsible adults" these days. The world over, presently, is in one hell of a mess, with little signs of improvement any time soon...or if ever.
ReplyDeleteHumans never learn from their mistakes, it would appear...and it's about time they did!!!
Take good care, DUTA. :)
I happen to agree with every word of your comment, Lee, especially with "Humans never learn from their mistakes".
DeleteWe are having the same issues here in the US. I guess it is every where. Even so, no matter what - GOD WILL WIN IN THE END and we will be with him forever. I do wish people would open their eyes and wake up!
ReplyDeleteFaith in God helps. Praying to God is the best ting one can do for oneself and for the nation.
DeleteOh, your story makes me think of what happened in Ohio and how it seems to take forever to get the responsible to respond. Yes, it seems we are going from bad to worse with all our selfish desires and indulgences. They like to call it progress, but as they say it might come back to bite you in the butt. It's hard to say if there is any safe place anymore.
ReplyDeleteNo one takes responsibility. No one goes to jail, even if there are victims. It's the state that pays compensations to victims' families, from the state's budget, from our taxes. Those guilty of the tragic happening are not touched. Corruption at its Best!
DeleteNever heard of the word but looked it up - mess - everything is in a mess in todays world, people don't know how to fixed it, well some do I suppose in some areas but no one cooperates with them.
ReplyDeletePeople won't take responsibility for their actions and keep blaming others. Such a pity.
As I replied in the previous comment - no one takes responsability for one's actions, and that's terrible.
DeleteBalagan sums up what much of the world is currently experiencing. The same old problems surface and re-surface over time. "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." May God have mercy on us all.
ReplyDeleteTrue, much of the world is in trouble, yet the world is vast, and has resources. We're a tiny, country with no much land and no natural resources.
DeleteBut God protects Israel, Duta. There is not another country like it.
DeleteIt seems all the commenters here see the tumoil around us. It's as if the whole world has awoken at once. May it make us turn to the Lord God Almighty.
God protects both the individual and the nation, Sandi, but people have to do their part of the "bargain'; be kind to each other, honest, contribute to the wellfare of the country and not just 'milking' its resources.
DeleteHowever, people don't do their share, and the future looks gloomy.
Mal panorama el que nos cuentas, y lo peor es cuando ese desorden en cualquier ámbito de nuestra existencia, pone en peligro la vida de los demás...por eso mismo me dan miedo esos polÃticos que por fanatismo religioso, o simplemente por mantener sus cargos, envÃan a sus pueblos a la guerra...
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo, amiga, y espero que estés totalmente recuperada de la gripe.
Thanks Manuel about your words about the flu. I wrote about the flu in a previous post, but luckily, I havent't experienced it myself since the appearance of Covid, probably because of the mask.
DeleteIn today's world everything is disorder, no one thinks about others. Humanity has become selfish.
ReplyDeleteOh, Norma how right you are! It's a selfish, chaotic world we live in.
ReplyDeleteHumans have lost their basic values of compassion, kindness, truth, honesty, loyalty, tolerance. fairness, respect, order.
Balagan The word does have that feel to it. The feeling of disorder and mess. I don't know where we are heading but I feel in all areas of live there are troubles. it is only going to be worse. Add to that all the extreme weather and earthquakes. Quite sad.
ReplyDeleteI trust your sensitivity as a poet, Marja, to 'feel' the word 'balagan' has something about it, indicating mess/ disorder.
DeleteYes, climate does cause a lot of worry, and we people are rather helpless facing Nature's whims.
The equivalent word (for balagan) in Tamil is ' kolapam' ...sounds equally messy ;)
ReplyDelete'kolapam' - I'm always glad and willing to learn a new word, in any language. It not only enriches the vocabulary but also the knowledge of culture in a certain area.
ReplyDeleteI read a funny piece about a restaurant and I'll translate it into English for you: "Florentin is a young and dynamic restaurant located in the Ebbingekwartier in Groningen. The concept of Florentin is inspired by Tel Aviv with its vibrant atmosphere and "Balagan" style of food. What cannot be missed during an evening at FLO is the Balagan dessert. Balagan is a Hebrew word that means chaos. In this case, it is a very tasty chaos."
ReplyDeleteI remember this when I read your message :-) But how can we better learn to deal with the chaos that scares us (me) so much? Maybe we should listen to what Sandi says and focus on the Almighty more? But we can also start small in our own environment. I once read that we are never too important to be kind. To be kind in the chaos... is a blessing.
What a nice story, Aritha! Florentin is a neighborhood in Tel-Aviv. It attracts young people and artists, and has a kind of bohemian style.
Delete(There's also a bar-restaurant named Florentina in the city of Tel-Aviv).
I like the 'tasty chaos' of the 'balagan dessert', as you put it.
As for the political and social kind of chaos - I agree both with you (to be kind) and with Sandi (to believe in God).
Balagan is not just on your side of the world but very much over here also, Daily I pray God will take pity on all of us and make Mother Earth a place with kinder and smarter leaders. If by chance you locate any RESPONSIBLE ADULTS please send a few our way. Peace
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant surprise, to hear from you, Lady Di Tn! I miss your posts. Hopefully, You and family are OK.
DeleteI'm definitely willing to join you in your prayer to God. God is the only responsible adult in the whole universe.
I know these are troubled times anywhere, but in our case, the present 'balagan' could endanger our very existence.
Dearest Duta,
ReplyDeleteBalagan indeed has spread worldwide...
May people come to their senses!
Hugs,
Mariette
"May people come to their senses" - Amen to that.
Delete💕
DeletePlenty of balagan in these United States too, as far as politics go. It's a wonderful word, thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeletebalagan - the word has three 'a' vowels, so it sounds nicely.
DeleteYes, where there's politics, there's always balagan.
You summed it up perfectly: there seems to be no responsible adult around. Over here, drivers think the rules of the road do not apply to them, and the gun violence is rampant. I shall use that word BALAGAN. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda, for your kind words.
DeleteIndeed, bad driving and gun violence are a great threat to the world's existence.
Wishing you the very Best!
As always, a thought provoking post, Duta. I do wish we knew where and how to find those responsible adults. Accountability seems to have flown. Although some Acts of God just need someone who knows how to fix things (without a lot of "consulting" and committees).
ReplyDeleteIndeed, dear Anonymous, we need someone to help us fix things here, with God as the Allmighty supervisor from above.
ReplyDeleteLooks like there is a lot of mess in our world today.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like that, sadly. We live in a global world, so there is connection among the various places - however, each country has its specific problems.
Deletei hope that in this world God will make a piece and end all the wars and troubles
ReplyDeleteI hope too. Only God can make peace and put an end to wars and conflicts.
DeleteDuta, I think our city is one constant state of balagan. There is construction everywhere and I'm not sure why. And road repair (which I agree is sorely needed but it certainly makes for frustration when one is out in the car and rerouting! And then there is the "mutilation of the trees," cutting our tree limbs off to avoid power lines but leaving them in such a horrible state. Yes, I'm not fond of it, either.
ReplyDeleteYou remind me that we too have a lot of construction going on here, and road repairs. Both create an enormou balagan.
DeleteI'd not heard the word Balagan before.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to sum up what a lot of our world is currently experiencing.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Right. The word sadly sums up the state of affairs in the most part of the world.
DeleteWe can see balagan almost everywhere in the world. Common good might restrain it.
ReplyDeleteSadly, there seems to be lack of common sense too. So, nothing to prevent balagan or restore order.
DeleteTo raise the house value on the market? We all fall for it......
ReplyDeleteyou and me both.
ReplyDeleteas we get older we like our comfortable routine and not too much change (unless it's of benefit to us personally)
I hate the political situation in this country now and cannot wait for it to change. What to do? stick head in sand and close the bubble?
"comfortable routine", indeed. We've earned it.
DeleteI hope all is well with you up your way, DUTA. You've been quiet for a while...please take good care. I hope we hear from you soon. :)
ReplyDeleteRight. I'm not only quiet, but rather sad because of some problem with my PC. It even affected the way my blog looks, as I've lost my layout. I might write a post on that as soon as I it gets fixed. Thanks for enquiring.
ReplyDeleteI dislike noise/confusion and chaos. I find it very tiring. I wish all elections were popular vote ..period, end of the story. I think it's crazy that unpopulated states get as much say as states with tons of people. The popular vote not being honored makes people feel their vote doesn't count, which is why so many don't vote. Too many of our elections are won by people who did NOT get the majority of the vote.
ReplyDeleteI believe 'elections' and 'democracy' should undergo some sort of change. Things have greatly deteriorated with these two above notions.
ReplyDelete