Israel's cellphone addiction
Studies indicate that Israelis are adepts of cellphones and the WhatsApp application, which enable them to receive constant updates on the security situation and reconnect with family members at any given moment.
The March 4 Purim party hosted by former President Shimon Peres at the Peres Center for Peace reflected exactly what you would expect of festivities marking the happiest holiday of the Jewish calendar. The guests arrived dressed up in fancy costumes, the bar kept dispensing drinks all around and dance music played in the background. But for a while, the evening's top attraction could be found at the far end of the entrance lobby.
Seated, the former president welcomed his guests, unrecognizable for the most part behind the Purim masks and makeup. The guests stood in line, waiting, trying to approach the host. Each guest — even those disguised as historical figures — pulled out their cellphones and in turn took "selfies" with the former president. It seemed as if all of them, ambassadors, journalists and businessmen alike, made sure to win this "prize." What would be the point of attending a party hosted by Peres if one can't upload a photo on their Facebook page that will surely receive many likes and shares? After all, if you don't get the picture, you were never there.
