Monique, what was your first three impressions since landing here?
Somehow it feels a bit crowded and having lived in SE Asia, I haven’t seen as many smiles. As I am learning about the people in Jerusalem and noticed the many different hats and garments worn on Shabbat.
Mike, do you remember what your first impressions were when you arrived?
Yes, when we just got picked up from the airport to go to Jerusalem and were caught up in a demonstration of Ultra-orthodox men. Later, it was reported that over 150.000 people were on the street. The police were trying to divert them in the direction we were coming from. So all of a sudden we found ourselves stuck between 150000 Ultra-orthodox protesters, all dressed in black and white. That was a strong first impression.
Monique, you just arrived in Jerusalem from your last job as a country director in Myanmar. What is the single most important thing you take with you from your last posting?
Memories. Specifically, memories of the impressive work and its great impact as well as the people who were involved in bringing this about.
Mike, what would you say is the most important thing you will take away from here to your next posting?
I am taking away a steep learning curve. In this position, I learned a lot about human resource management, communication skills and empathy towards people who worked with me. So, I would say the biggest work-related thing I am taking away are stronger leadership skills.
Sometimes a number can tell a greater story then a thousand words - but we are pretty sure Mike downplayed his falafel consumption here!
Monique, what are you most looking forward to in your time here?
To make a difference through my new role, that’s why I am here. I am looking forward to having a good relationship with colleagues and partners and being part of something bigger.
Mike, after six years here - what will you miss most?
The old city, that’s something so special for me. It’s deep in my heart and I won’t find something similar again. I’ll miss it a lot.
Mike and Monique walking through the Old City of Jerusalem
Mike, beyond the old city, what was your favorite spot of the Holy Land?
I like Wadi Quelt, it’s the most beautiful wadi (valley). It was formed by a river over thousands of years…. there is this beautiful canyon coming down from somewhere in Jerusalem towards the dead sea. You can hike there. You can make it a family walk or more of an exercise…. But I just love the tranquility there.
Monique, you just arrived a few days ago – have you discovered any places you really liked yet?
I haven’t done a ton of exploring, but I enjoyed visiting Ramallah. It seemed to have a nice atmosphere. Perhaps more calm in some ways, downtown was lovely – and the falafel was great!
It has been 10 years since Monique started working internationally. Interestingly, her first international experience was in Nablus, in the northern West Bank.
Mike, if you had one advice to Monique, what would it be?
To take it slow and steady. When you are trying to get your head around everything, inside the office, outside the office, from the conflict context, from the German discussion around it…don’t think you have to know all of this at once and take good decisions about all of this at once. It takes some time, give yourself a year to really feel like you landed here.
Monique, if you could tell people one thing they should know about you…what would it be?
I try to have a positive outlook on things. It may not be easy, but I feel there are always ways that can be explored to make things work – it is very difficult to convince me that something is not possible!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts about the future! ForumZFD Jerusalem wishes both of you the best of luck for this exciting time!