The Aral Tradition

Yesterday and today rains let up a bit. All around Jerusalem, fruit trees are in bloom; in Efrat, the almond blossoms are incredible.

The Water Authority workers have finally returned from their two month strike so the effect of the this year's rains, thus far, could be measured in the Kinneret. It's been since December that the last reading of the Sea of Galilee's level was taken. At that time it was low. Special water conservation measures have been implaced and people are worried.

Then the rains. Both Arutz Sheva and Ha'aretz are reporting that the seasonal rains thus far have raised the Kinneret's level by 87 centimeters, 57 centimeters in January alone. The Kinneret is still 44 centimeters below the Red Line of 213 meters below sea level, but the additional rains and run off in February are expected to bring the current level higher still. And so, we pray for more rain.



It is in this context that Syria's renewed demands for Israeli unconditional surrender should be measured. Whenever the Syrian One Word Chorus GOLAN is belted out from the Geek of Damascus, the Israeli Two Word Refrain ARAL SEA should be given equal time.
The spawn of Soviet Miracles of Agriculture, the Aral Sea of your Rand McNally Atlas ain't no more. With its feedwaters diverted for agricultural five year objectives, the Aral Sea has been steadily disappearing. In 2006, the remaining waters were divided by a concrete dam that has stayed the judgment for the northern waters; but, has essentially abandoned the southern waters to its fate.

In terms of the region, it is a no brainer what will happen if Syria gets to dip into waters of the Sea of Galilee. At total water resourse profligate, Syria has mismanaged its inheritance to say nothing of its adherence to water treaties with its neighbor Jordan, which is certainly a concern for Jordanian farmers and bureaucrats alike.

As for convincing the Syrians about the historial and religious importance of the Kinneret, perhaps that's a job for Saint James of Plainsville. In the meantime, Israelis will continue to follow New Yorkers to say, "fehgeddabowdit".