-Caveat Lector- Page URL: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?f=/stories/20010815/6462 59.html August 15, 2001 Violence taking its toll Anxiety, stress, sleep disorders way of life in Israel Reuters, The Daily Telegraph JERUSALEM - Amid the funerals and mourning for the victims of Palestinian suicide bombers, many Israelis have also been quietly burying another victim of the violence -- their hopes of a normal life . "Driving to work, I find myself trying not to get behind or alongside a bus, not knowing if it is going to blow up," said Giora Keinan, a Tel Aviv University psychologist and a researcher on stress. Psychologists have reported an increasing number of complaints from Israelis suffering from sleep disorders, extreme anxiety and frustration. They smoke more and travel less. Government figures show a rise in cigarette consumption and a drop in gas tax revenue. "When buying a slice of pizza could be the last thing you ever do, you can't be too careful," Mali Ostend, a 35-year-old bank clerk, said in reference to a bombing last week in which 16 people died and more than 100 were wounded. Yesterday the U.S. funk-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers cancelled a planned concert in Israel because of the recent spate of Palestinian suicide bombings. The Chili Peppers are the first big-name band known to have cancelled a concert since the Palestinian uprising erupted last September, although most performers have refused to come at all. "Following the urgency and the increasing consistency of the incidents over the past weekend, the band was forced to reach a decision to delay their visit although they truly desired ... to visit Israel," said organizer Shuki Weiss, who added that 20,000 tickets were sold. The recent bombings have added to almost a year of steady bloodshed, in which nearly 680 people have been killed. The confrontation has nearly crushed the tourism industry in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Tourism to Israel has dropped 50%, forcing some hotels to shut down and airlines to cut back on flights. The routine of everyday life has also clearly suffered under the strain. Ms. Ostend tries to avoid public places. Each of her three children, aged nine to 14, carries a mobile telephone and is told to keep it on at all times. "If I do let them go to the movies, it is on the condition that there is no stopping at cafes or browsing in malls." Mr. Keinan said people are cracking under the pressure. "People are concerned and stressed. The physical threat has increased significantly. It is almost everywhere." RELATED SITES: (Each link opens a new window) Clashes Information Center A photographer's daily journey through the rioting, taking the side of the Palestinians but occasionally linking to pro-Israeli articles. Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Look for the Israeli government's perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Palestinian National Authority The controlling authority in the autonomous areas of Palestine. United Nations The "Question of Palestine" page, tracking the UN's long involvement with the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Political Resources on the Net: Israel An excellent set of links to Israel's political parties, many of which are in Hebrew. Jerusalem Media and Communication Centre (JMCC) Here are questions and results from a JMCC poll done on Palestinian attitudes toward the declaration of the state. Biography of Yasser Arafat A brief outline noting the Palestinian leader's achievements. Jerusalem Post Check for the latest news on the peace accord from Israel's largest English- language newspaper. The Knesset An English-language site introducing Israel's parliament. Israel Times & Perspectives Sign up for e-mail updates on what's happening in Israel. The magazine says it will provide facts different "from the commercial mass media." Shlomo Ben Ami: Speech An address from October, 1999, by Shlomo Ben Ami on Israel's foreign policy agenda. Palestinian Libertation Organization The PLO's official Web site. [Back] Main | News | Financial Post | Commentary | Science & Tech | Arts & Life | Sports | Diversions | Forums | Weather Careers | Subscriptions | Site Map | Headline Scan | Advertise | Contests | NP Events | Contact Us | User Help Copyright © 2001 National Post Online | Privacy Policy | Corrections National Post Online is a Hollinger / CanWest Publication <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! 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