Striking Israelis

With a bit of trepidation, we are monitoring news about the general strike in Israel, and hoping that disputes get resolved before we take off for Ben Gurion airport this weekend. Usually, these work stoppages prove to be very pricey, very public posturings, and then the unions back down after 24 hours of defiance. There must be a better way to negotiate with the government bureaucrats...but then, a failure at dialogue and compromise is the root of so many problems in this country. Nowhere else seems simultaneously so ancient and stubborn yet so futuristic.