Porcupine Slippers

I received my Teudot Zehut or National ID card a few days after landing in Israel (don't worry, I chopped out any identifying info). It was a proud moment for me. After 2,000 years of exile, the children of Israel were again a free people in their homeland. I was honored to represent my lineage in the land of Jewish sovereignty. Yet little did I realize that my marker of Israeli identity, though seemingly official, was less than complete. It seems that one indicator of my national status was still missing.

That was until I received a gift.

Yes, these indoor shoes are the real mark of a new immigrant in Israel. Called Na’alei Kipi נעלי קיפי, these outwardly ridiculous, yet surprisingly useful and comfy slippers now complete my absorption into Eretz Yisrael. In fact, when I first wore them, three different people said to me "Oh, now you're really Israeli!"

Allow me to make a few assumptions as to explain the popularity of this item. First, Israelis have yet to discover insulation. Though my concrete box of an apartment could withstand a rather powerful blast, it is quite bad at regulating temperatures. This, coupled with the slate flooring (sand a rugs don’t mix) makes for chilly foot conditions. So goes my hypothesis on my new footgear - but where does the name come from? Glad you asked.




This horrifying creature is call Kipi Ben Kipod קיפי בן קיפוד or Kipi son of Porcupine, and I’m told he is a popular character on Israeli Sesame Street – Rehov Sumsum רחוב סומסום. Have a look these pictures and notice that he (apparently it’s a male) wears this style of slipper.

Also notice that this is the scariest thing you've ever seen on Sesame Street.

See the look of shock and fear on this young man’s face as he stares, paralyzed with fear into its soulless eyes.

Even Israel’s Oscar the Grouch winces, wide-eyed with terror, under the looming shadow of this ghastly figure.


So why did the creators of Rehov Sumsum choose such an appalling beast to teach kids about squares and the number 8? Perhaps to traumatize them early, so as to toughen them up for later in life. Most of these kids are going to serve in the army. We can’t have the defenders of the country running around, scared of their own machine guns. This is Israel after all. Not a day goes by without somebody trying to kill us. No time for sissies – and that goes for the girls too!

In all seriousness, Israeli Sesame Street does try awfully hard to teach the children well. There are always segments about making peace, respecting other cultures and embracing differences. Israel’s Arab population is represented and characters are always viewed in the positive spirit of egalitarianism. Jim Henson would be proud. It's also pretty funny. Here is a clip that I’ve translated into English and added subtitles to. Sorry for the crude, no-budget quality. Freeware.



So what’s going on in Hamas’ Gaza…













What’s that Mustafa Mouse, Jews are the sons of pigs?













72 little Minnies, just waiting up there for him.