We shot the places which my brother visited and lived in Tel Aviv. It was a very short day- about two hours and Jon did really well- accept for a point when we arrived by his old house where he started to feel a bit faint. I know that this must be so hard on him, but he is being very strong and also we were there to help him feel protected. Again, my father and I have different points of view in our questioning techniques - but, he is the director and I have to listen to his plan and vision.
Sometimes I feel that his questions are not as direct as they should be - (of course mine are almost always too direct) Jon is super smart and sensitive - and can handle much more than any us - he has a great memory and going through a tour of his past is not only interesting, but also brings a reality to his paranoiac and true feelings.
It was always very difficult for me to think about being sent to a country alone, scared, not understanding the language and having Huge issues (such as drugs) on his back. (This drug issue is something I wish we would let go of- but it keeps coming up.)
I went to visit him when he arrived 8 years ago and the situation he was in brought angry felling towards my parents-my family who was here - and probably internal guilt. It was not the place I wanted to see my brother in. Broke, and living in a shit hole. I know that something which he says are true (most of them) but they are extremely exaggerated at some points- but I hope that he is able to internalize the fact that things were safe for him. He has developed so much from the start of the illness - its quite amazing - I am super proud of him.
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