Homeland

 

Friday the 9^th of January, 2026

20 Tevet 5786

825 days since October 7^th 2023

 

Shabbat Shalom to you and to your families.

 

Each week I try to find an apt quote, one that relates to all of us, whatever our faith, or lack of it. This week I chose the subject of Anti-Semitism. As you can imagine, there were many, but I don’t like to weigh you down with long-winded existential thoughts, I prefer simple truths and this quote from Jean-Paul Sartre is the simple truth.  “If the Jew did not exist, the anti-Semite would invent him.”

 

Why does it fit all of us? Because it is not only the Jew who is chosen for hatred, it is the vast majority (still) of normative people on this earth. Just this week 2 worshippers were killed during a funeral service, several wounded in shooting outside Salt Lake City church. Not the first LDS church attacked, certainly not the first nor the last church attacked.

 

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, aka Albo, has paid attention to the strong criticism of his government following the Bondi attack on Chanuka. Unlike here in Israel, he has answered the call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the period before the attack and the laxity in dealing with rising anti-Semitism which should have warned of an impending attack. Has he learned a lesson? Will the Australian police and legal system pay more attention to the rising threat? Only time will tell but, much as we have rightly criticised Albanese’s government, at least they have responded which sadly other countries have not.  This article by Former Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, caught my eye https://www.scottmorrison.com.au/media/the-labor-party-made-australia-safe-for-antisemitism

 

This week, people about to board a flight to Israel in Milan Airport, were harassed and abused by a crowd of dozens of anti-Israel demonstrators. Why wasn’t it broken up at the very outset? Why did it reach the point that those passengers feared for their lives? As we say in the UK, I just don’t get it. Why, on the one side, are passengers not protected and more importantly, why do they need to be protected?

 

Have you seen the photographs of Angelina Jolie at the Gaza/Egypt border, her look of anguish so perfectly composed for the cameras? She, and so many of Hollywood’s self-appointed woke moral leaders, perform compassion effortlessly, as long as it fits the approved narrative. Yet time and again, they remain silent about persecuted Black Christians, because acknowledging them would disrupt the anti-Israel trope they so carefully maintain. The reality they ignore is brutal. In Nigeria alone, Open Doors reports that 4,407 Christians were abducted in the north-central region between 2020 and 2025. Adjusted for population size, Christians were 2.4 times more likely than Muslims to be kidnapped. This is not fashionable outrage, so it earns no photo ops, no speeches, and no hashtags—only silence from a woke elite far more interested in appearances than in truth.

 

Zvi and I are watching “Homeland” the US version of the Israeli series "Hatufim" (Prisoners of War), created by Gideon Raff. When the terrorist Abu Nazir is finally captured Abu Nazir tells Keri -

“We will succeed because you in the west with your beach houses and big houses are not a match for our determination and willingness to die for our cause”. As I have said so many times, complacency is the enemy in our fight to save society as we know it.

 

Crazy fact. The Emirates has limited funding for students that want to study in the UK for fear of them becoming a radicalised

 

Did you know that this has been a very important week in the Orthodox Church? The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th were the Orthodox Christmas. Just as in Judaism, the Christian Church has many denominations and the Orthodox Church itself is split into Russian, Ethiopian, Egyptian (Copt) Greek, Serbian, Romanian all of which have representation here in Jerusalem. Obviously the largest is the Russian, but all the others are also present here in this city of a thousand faiths.

 

When the Orthodox Christian Christmas appeared on my diary, I started to research the situation of Christians around the world and was horrified to discover that more than 380m Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/

 

So, Maduro, the dictator of Venezuela was captured proving yet again that President Trump does not threaten, he acts – probably the vast natural resources of that country helped the decision. The fascinating fact of the capture is that both he and Noriega were both captured on January 3^rd 30 years apart. One may ask if it affects Israel, as most things do. The decision to capture and officially arrest cruel dictator from South America has many implications around the world like throwing a stone into a pond and the ripples reach far and wide. It's put fear into the hearts of Iranian leaders and dictators around the world because President Trump goes far beyond the norms of international diplomacy into a world where the cruel are captured, arrested and held for trial

 

Here in Israel, we not only deal with Palestinian terror but also the terror imposed on Palestinians by the Hilltop Youth, the radicalized Jewish youth who attack ordinary Palestinians, burn their cars, homes and even physically attack. Finally, after far too long, the IDF has approved the wearing of electronic ankle bracelets by anyone suspected of such terror actions.

 

For weeks, almost daily, members of Peleg Yerushalmi (the Jerusalem Branch) the most extreme faction of the Jerusalem Haredi movement have blocked major roads at the entrance to Jerusalem and in Bnei Brak, chanting “Better to die than serve in the IDF” and clashing with police. Two days ago, the protests escalated when demonstrators attacked a bus, hurling stones and objects at it and threatening the driver, who called police in fear for his life. As the crowd rushed the bus, he accelerated to escape and tragically ran over 14-year-old Yosef Eisenthal, who the driver claimed he did not see, was killed. The driver has since been questioned and placed under house arrest. This tragedy was foreseeable: police, acting under orders from Internal Security Minister Ben Gvir, were instructed to go easy on the protesters and allow them to paralyse two of the country’s busiest roads, with devastating consequences.

 

Iran continues to issue its familiar threats towards Israel, speaking darkly of launching “a thousand missiles”. Meanwhile, inside Iran itself, a rather different drama is playing out. Large numbers of ordinary Iranians are taking to the streets once again, pushing back against more than four decades of clerical rule. The latest surge of protests followed a call to action from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince, whose name still carries a certain resonance. The son of Iran’s last shah, Pahlavi has long urged Iranians to challenge the Islamic Republic and has spoken of a future Iran aligned with the West, specifically including Israel. A curious historical footnote: on his 20th birthday in 1980, he declared himself Reza Shah II, a claim from which Washington promptly distanced itself. For all the noise about missiles, it may well be the steady determination of Iranians seeking change that turns out to matter far more.

 

Since lots of you have mentioned that you want to come to visit Israel, I thought I would include this interesting site of the finest parks in Israel! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293977-Activities-c57-t67-Israel.html

 

Our estate, home to about 230 families, sits on the grounds of a truly magnificent historic building, once a convalescent home for senior civil servants. Built in classic Jerusalem stone and bearing more than a passing resemblance to the White House, it’s a place we all love living in. That said, we have long and loudly bemoaned one missing detail: the promised coffee shop.

 

This week, at last, it opened, with great fanfare, marked by real celebration and, naturally, a lecture on coffee (as one does) and the new coffee shop. With the addition of a Wellness Centre and now a coffee shop, something lovely has happened: the whole community comes together, from toddlers to grandparents, sharing space, conversation, and caffeine. It turns out that sometimes all a neighbourhood really needs to feel complete is good coffee (and some excellent pastries) and a place to sit and enjoy them together.

 

The blessed rain came down last night with such force that we have a leak beneath on of our windows, staining the Jerusalem stone that we carefully preserved inside out apartment! Oh well, Hopefully no actual damage and the window man is coming on Sunday to check it out.

 

I have a very exciting week ahead of me! Not only will we celebrate my 80^th birthday, but great friends are coming to celebrate with me. Jill, Ilana and Rebecca, mother and two daughters, are flying in on my birthday and Gideon, my incredible, amazing son is arriving the next morning. The reason they are coming is to celebrate my birthday in a family and friends get together in Shalva which we will hold on Saturday evening. Arrangements made, Rachel has created some surprises for guests and hopefully everyone will enjoy themselves. I wish I could have invited all of you, but the hall is a small one. I don’t want gifts so have asked everyone to donate to Dr. Dan’s Room in Shalva, the Studio for the Performing Arts that we created in Shalva. https://give.shalva.org/daniel

 

Shlomo Artzi is so much more than a singer/songwriter. He is a fine example of a caring Israeli, an Israel through and through. He visits injured soldiers, sings to widows, shows up at funerals, a real mensch. This song explains the Israeli state of mind perfectly “We Don’t Need More” https://youtu.be/nrhOtJS3psQ?si=q4OI1hUEmbVOU24g

 

Each morning one says the prayer thanking the Almighty for returning us to life, to giving us back our existence. Modeh Ani, here sung by Omer Adam. https://youtu.be/npRw36_Ftmc?si=E6EwWj22bv_NIosH

 

I was thinking back to innocent times of my youth, to the hope we all had in our hearts that love, simple love could change the world. We almost succeeded but then the world turned on its axis – but I thought we could all use a reminder of those sweeter, kinder times of a social revolution started by four tousle hair boys from Liverpool and their genius musical director George Martin. https://vimeo.com/864434625

 

That’s all Folks! Time to get myself together for Shabbat! Zvi has left for his parliament in the Botanical Gardens. Before I go, however, I wanted you to be reminded of this speech. Can you imagine a leader whose only care is to see a world in which honesty and truth rule? This speech from the Great Dictator is a dream, Charlie Chaplin’s dream, but oh my goodness it is truly powerful.  https://youtu.be/J7GY1Xg6X20?si=O1p4OTAWCOcmGcOS

 

Shabbat Shalom to you all, one and all, with wishes for a more understanding world. Just remember, it starts with one, the power of one. We are the only ones who can control OUR environment and by doing so one by one, remembering that whatever words we say cannot be taken back except for words of love which should always go both ways.

 

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'll Never Walk Alone

2^nd of January 2026

13^th of Tevet 5786

 

Shabbat Shalom, the first one of 2026, a new year filled with hope of change.

 

Some people shine in a way that cannot be taught. Their presence brings warmth, honesty, and a truth that may not always be comfortable, but always clarifies. Stanley was one of those rare people.

 

Stanley Roth z”l passed away suddenly this week, yet another deep loss for the Sydney community. For many years, together with his closest friend Harold Finger, he carried leadership with quiet strength, commitment, and love for Israel and for people. What makes his passing even more poignant is that only recently Zvi had written to the community about the moment, many years ago, when he began Young Leadership in the Keren Hayesod world, developing many people who became devoted friends. Stanley and Harold became the leaders that emerged from that original Young Leadership group and then helped to build what became one of the strongest and most extraordinary Israel-supporting communities. In recent years we got to know and appreciate Stanley more deeply as he became a supporter of Impact-se recognising the importance of education in the world order. The legacy of the Stanley’s of this world is not  in what they built, but in the light they leave behind. Our hearts reach out to Charmaine and Stanley’s family in their terrible loss.

 

It would seem that we, all of us, wherever we may be, are living in a dystopia, in a world where the leaders are taking us to places we do not wish to go, in simple terms, George Orwell was a prognosticator of the world to come when he wrote 1984. His depiction of politics in Animal Farm is so accurate that it could have been written today. 2026 will present challenges, old and new, that we thought would not return to this world, but as uncertain as the world seems right now, changes, changes for the better are up to us. Mistakes are made, not only in national politics where our choices were made on family tradition rather than understanding of the consequences, but in local politics as we see in New York City, conceivably the most important non-national vote in the world.

 

New York City’s former Mayor Eric Adams has released the city’s first-ever municipal report outlining his administration’s fight against antisemitism. Throughout his tenure, Adams built strong ties with the Jewish community, most notably by establishing the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. His blueprint through 2026 recognises a painful truth: while no city can erase an ancient hatred that has endured for millennia, it can and must use every tool of government to confront it. Today, many in the Jewish community feel deeply anxious, especially as Mamdani enters the picture with a troubling record on antisemitism, supported by voters who backed him simply because he ran as a “Democrat.” One can only hope he listens to those fears and chooses to follow Adams’s lead rather than ignore them.

 

“In the 1930s, the rabbis of Poland also said that everything will be OK,” Professor Alan Dershowitz told JNS in an interview. “You can look at the faculty and students of today, and predict what the country will look like in 20 years.” He voiced concern that extremist views on both sides of the political aisle could increasingly become mainstream, arguing that the status of Jews in America is undergoing a “permanent, long-term change.” https://worldisraelnews.com/alan-dershowitz-in-the-1930s-the-rabbis-of-poland-also-said-that-everything-will-be-ok/  Thanks to Sheila Zucker for sending me this article

 

Back to our trials and tribulations and our many joys. The Prime Minister’s legal battle continues, held up constantly by his requests for rescheduling. I understand the reasoning behind allowing him great leeway on the frequent adjournments because if refused he could claim mistrial, a trial rendered invalid through an error in the proceedings. However, the constant indecision and media concentration on the trial creates an even greater social schism than before. If you add the question of Haredi enlistment, horrible violence in the Arab sector which has spilled over into towns in the South of Israel, we have a problem. I know that you get upset when I point out our problems rather than our phenomenal achievements which wars and political instability cannot stop, but you need to understand that your country is not the only one with leadership problems.

 

A fascinating, very Israeli, legal decision, The "Buzaglo Law" isn't a formal statute but a legal principle, the "Buzaglo Test," established by former Attorney General Aharon Barak in the 1970s, means that public officials must be investigated and treated like an "average Joe", ensuring that Jews of North African origin (Buzaglo is a particularly Moroccan name) are not discriminated against which, of course, includes all minorities. The goal was to ensure fairness and prevent preferential treatment for public figures. Hence the trial.

 

When news first broke that Israel had recognised Somaliland, many of us were surprised, and some of us had barely heard of it. Indeed, Israel is the first and only country to recognise Somaliland apart from Taiwan which is suffering recognition itself. We have even been castigated in the UN, but that’s a natural reaction to anything we do. Since then, I’ve taken the time to learn more and discovered that Somaliland is, in many ways, an exception in its region: a stable, peaceful, and genuinely democratic society in an otherwise volatile area. It is deeply wary of Islamist movements and has resisted Chinese and Russian influence. Added to this is its strategic importance at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden, directly opposite Yemen, which helps explain why this recognition matters far more than it first appeared. A fact that amazed me is that the people of Somaliland went through a genocide of which one of the leaders was none other than the father of, wait for it, Ilhan Omar!!

 

Iran is yet again in the headlines, partly thorough the demonstrations against their oppressive theocratic administration and partly because they hit the top of the killing charts! Iran has the highest number of official executions in over a decade, the diabolical number of 1,922. I come from a country where there is no death penalty except crimes against humanity and treason. We have only ever executed one person and that was Adolf Eichmann. It reminds me, as it does so often, of Shimon Peres musing on the stage at the President’s Conference and his words “I have no problem with a country that cannot find a new hangman having nuclear weapons but I fear a country where everyone wants to be the hangman having nuclear weapons”

 

New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago brought together two prominent couples, the Trumps and the Netanyahus, for an evening of extravagant celebration. One can only hope that beyond the festivities, the gathering reflected meaningful conversations and shared understanding, discussions that may result in decisions  beneficial to both countries and, ultimately, to greater stability in the region.

 

I promised you good news and so I want to talk about the dreams and demands for the coming year.

Last year wasn’t a good year, or was it? We brought back many hostages who despite their haggard and troubled appearance, have begun to make themselves a life beyond their nightmares.

 

Israel continues to lead the world in agricultural technology, with more than 450 companies dedicated to solving some of humanity’s most urgent challenges—water scarcity, food insecurity, and sustainable farming. This is not new; it builds on generations of innovation, from the invention of drip irrigation to today’s use of AI, robotics, and precision agriculture. We have excelled in medical and hi-tech research to such an extent that it is almost impossible to fit the list onto a single page. In 2025, Israeli agricultural innovation was increasingly focused on AI-driven solutions, sustainable practices, and alternative proteins—not as buzzwords, but as practical answers to real suffering. These are technologies designed to cool a warming world: refrigerators that work without electricity, robots that reduce disease by eating mosquitoes, systems that pull clean drinking water from the air, and agricultural breakthroughs that allow crops to grow in places where starvation is a daily threat.

 

Most importantly, Israel doesn’t keep this knowledge to itself. We train specialists from developing countries to farm, to lead, and to improve medical care. We confront global warming and climate change not with slogans, but with solutions. Companies like UBQ Materials turn household waste into fully recyclable thermoplastics. Watergen produces clean drinking water from the air. HomeBiogas transforms organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. Combined with Israel’s expertise in desalination and water recycling, these innovations are quietly helping to secure a more sustainable future—not just for Israel, but for the world.

 

Now to the elephant in the room, education. Be it within Israel, to demand that Haredi education includes the 3 Rs to removing the child abuse of hate education throughout the world, particularly but not exclusively, in Islamist countries, never forgetting that several countries in the Gulf have chosen to accept help from Impact-se www.impact-se.org and give their children a chance to be children and learn to care about the world we live in.

 

Teaching acceptance could change the world, no, teaching acceptance will change the world. Tolerance means accepting the views of others, the prayers of others not accepting the cruelty of others and learning the difference. We have to understand those who differ from us. That’s what I want for 2026.

 

I pray that the wealthy countries will help the poor and that the belligerent countries will care more about their starving population and less about spending all their money on aggression.

 

I pray that we all look outside ourselves and find fulfillment in caring, helping, aiding, meeting, saying thank you for little things and big, and finally learning to love.

 

Perhaps my dreams are encapsulated in Prime Minister Golda Meir’s famous sayings

“We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us”

 

“We do not rejoice in victories. We rejoice when a new kind of cotton is grown and when strawberries bloom in Israel.”

 

Zvi will soon be setting off in the pouring rain to sit in the warmth of the “Parliament Room” in Caffit in the Botanical Gardens. 15 men will sit and talk about the trials and tribulations of living in this wonderful country and of the equal trials of Jews and Christians in the big wide world. Women are invited, before they are accused of being misogynists, but choose to join mixed and women’s groups where the emphasis is less on politics.

 

What music fits our hopes and prayers for a new beginning? Rachel found some this week.

 

As my 80^th birthday is looming, actually I’m thrilled to be entering a new decade, this particular song is really appropriate. You know the song but wait til you see and hear the wonderful singers! https://youtu.be/mt2dbMLw02A?si=Wydf1ZSpiGYR-3hn 

 

The next song was written by Nurit Hirsch and Ehud Manor, sung by Ilanit. It looks forward to sitting on the veranda/porch/mirpesset in the new year and I love it. https://youtu.be/wb0Y8DSa3oU?si=XrERCckY9miuJN-_

 

In 1963, a British pop group led by Gerry and the Pacemakers took a song from Carousel and made it a number one hit. It has since become a football anthem, a prayer and one of the most loved songs in the world. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is what I wish you for 2026. May you always have someone to walk beside you, hold you up and give you a sense of kindness. Gerry Marsden. https://youtu.be/GY2sIEbt9S8?si=LPSHnnJyXYy1JsDf

 

Shabbat Shalom sending love from rainy Jerusalem.

Sheila

 

 

 

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Good news, Bad News then Good news again

 

26^th of December 2025

6^th of Tevet 5786

812 days and Ran Gvili’s body is still in Gaza

 

 

Shabbat Shalom! For my wonderful Christian Friends, I hope your Christmas was a blessed one and that Boxing Day went by with friends and family

 

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." Dante Alighieri

 

It is now 06:00 and I felt the urge to write to you so I crept out of the bedroom leaving Zvi to sleep another hour or so. My head was full of thoughts about what to write for you, what would interest you and whether to write about the less happy events and news. I never know if you prefer to understand the aspects of life here with warts or to pretend that everything is rosy. Anyway, Here goes.

 

I suppose we need to talk about the bad news first.

 

As we in the West celebrate Christmas, the season of light and hope, it is hard to ignore the fear faced by Christians living under the Palestinian Authority. Just this week, the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin was firebombed and a Christmas tree burned, a chilling reminder of the harassment and intimidation many Christians endure as their community continues to shrink. In Beit Jala, between the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo and Bethlehem, Christian families are still afraid to celebrate publicly, facing threats, pressure, and the theft of Christian-owned land. In both the PA and Gaza, Christians report extortion, forced conversions, and even abductions, realities that stand in painful contrast to the message of peace we mark at Christmas, and to the silence that so often surrounds their suffering.

 

In stark contrast, the Christian population of Israel has grown and Christmas celebrations, markets and street decorations take place in Haifa, Nazareth, Jaffa and of course Jerusalem. In fact, here in Israel you really don’t need to be Christian to enjoy the Carol Concerts in the Brigham Young University Concert Hall overlooking Jerusalem’s Old City and concerts of Handel’s Messiah in Abu Ghosh and Augusta Victoria Churches. Issa Kassassieh has created his Santa’s Grotto again in the heart of the Old City.

 

In London, and so many other cities around the world, Jewish primary schools are having to prepare their pupils for what to do if they face a racist shooter threatening their lives

 

Murders and honour killing in the Arab sector has become a daily tragedy and over 300 killings have taken place in 2025. Sadly, there is no increase in police presence and only half of the available finances have been used by Internal Security Minister Ben Gvir. Many of the killings take place in public areas endangering anyone in the line of fire. Yes I know that compared to many other countries 300 is not many but this is a country that cares about every single person, irrespective of faith, and our news broadcasts express our dismay at each and every one.

 

Walter Bingham, at 102, is the oldest working journalist in the world and still going strong! We meet from time to time at events and he is as clear and clever as ever. His article in this morning’s Jerusalem Post gives a clear and concise picture of Israeli politics and our state of mind. Well worth reading.  I would love to be a fly on the wall if Walter met our amazing friend Judit Liwerant because I can only imagine the wisdom that would come out of that erudite meeting.  https://www.pressreader.com/israel/jerusalem-post/20251226/282007563747381

 

Eli Feldstein, a young man who worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and unknowingly received his salary from Qatar through a man named J. Footlik, an American lobbyist for Qatar and Morocco, Feldstein fully believed that his salary was paid by the PM’s office. He was arrested and released and this week he was interviewed and spilled the beans about everything he saw during his time there. Any Israelis who watched it or heard of it are in a state of turmoil as he told his side of the story. Take the time to read this please. https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-ex-aide-says-pm-was-behind-leak-of-intel-to-bild-and-lied-about-it-after/

 

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange fell sharply, by more than 2.5%, after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s threat to double the tax on banks, which triggered declines in bank stocks and a negative correction in insurance shares. Of course, I am quoting the report because I don’t understand exactly how it works but I do know that the average household will find it harder to reach the end of the month.

 

As to the continued mindless anti-Semitic demonstrations, the ability of a violent minority to influence the mindless majority is mind blowing. More and more I believe that there is only one place in this confused and frightening world that is safe for Jews and that is this much maligned tiny strip of land. The mindless many do not realise that their future will be ruled by Sharia law. Incredibly, even in Australia, after the diabolical massacre of Jews celebrating Chanuka in Bondi, the demonstrations continue. As Christians in the PA, Jews around the world feel unsafe, unloved, even in societies that appeared to be open and welcoming. History teaches us one clear truth: When Jews begin eyeing their suitcases, the whole of society is already in deep trouble. Because whatever corrodes the safety of Jews corrodes the nation that houses them. It is said that when Jews start packing their suitcases society is about to fall.

 

On the other hand, Rachel sent me this amazing video this morning so that I could share it with you! Did you know that Pablo Picasso supported WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organisation) just take a look, it is so uplifting. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSjZyxRjLz3/?igsh=cmtodzIwOGxpcmZr

 

While Hollywood is doing it’s Woke best to dehumanise Israel, Juliette Lewis, one of my very favourite actresses, made a big sign that said “We support our Jewish Neighbours” and put it outside her home.  Also “AbFab” Joanna Lumley, who is arguably the perfect woman, speaks out with moral clarity. “Extremists are always listening,” she warns, reminding us that when Western leaders condemn terrorism in words but blur that message through weak or inconsistent policies, violence is emboldened. For Lumley, failing to enforce real consequences isn’t neutrality, it is silence, and silence too often feels like permission. 

 

Israel joins Society of Foreign Consuls. The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, celebrating its 100th year, stated that it is “thrilled” to welcome Israel as a new member and offered the Jewish state “heartfelt congratulations.”

 

The Israel Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) Iron Beam laser interception system, developed with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, has won the prestigious 2026 Aviation Week Laureate Award.

 

Kim Kardashian launches stores in Israel. SKIMS, the American shapewear and clothing brand founded by Kim Kardashian, will open 15 stores in Israel by 2026.

 

Our sportsmen and women are reaping in gold medals throughout the gamut of activities around the world. The latest is Peleg Rajuan, who won gold at 2025 World Sailing Youth World Championships in Portugal. Mazal Tov Peleg!!

 

The Jerusalem Open Rapid Chess Championship drew 450 competitors from 38 countries, including some that typically avoid participating in Israeli events. The Museum of Tolerance was chosen as an awe-inspiring venue to bring people together.

 

Our week was lovely, starting with a Party for the 7^th night of Chanukah at our friends, Eli and Varda Matityahu in their apartment high above Jerusalem with a magnificent view. As always there was loads of food, lots of music and laughter. Sunday night, the 8^th and last night of Chanukah and we were with close friends at Nomi Ballas apartment for a more formal dinner with dishes which reflected her Dutch origins and her late husband’s Iraqi roots. Wherever the food came from it was delicious!

 

I met with Rachel on Monday, Tuesday was our craft lesson, it sounds simple but this time our teacher Shirli decided we should work with some fluffy wool which involved a sharp needle and poking it through felt; the problem is that I poked the needle through my finger more than through the felt! I felt like a pincushion. In truth, although we do create and learn, it is a wonderful way to meet other women in the village. Thanks to Shirli I found my milieu in Collage and have created several works, it is wonderfully calming work. On Wednesday there was a fascinating lecture in the village hall. There are lectures every week, sometimes twice a week and they are always excellent. This was a lecture by Anat Granit, former head of the Interpol section of the Israeli Police force who studied law before joining. We learned about the workings of Interpol, that it is more about cooperation between nations, not a police force, cooperation to identify and grade felons so that nations can decide whether or not to arrest or refuse entry to them when they arrive on the border. An exceptional woman, Anat is now a private lawyer.

 

In the meantime, Zvi had his usual rehearsals, meetings and one fascinating meeting of the Jerusalem Municipality, bringing together all the various departments to look at the future programmes and changes that running a complex city like Jerusalem entails. Mayor Moshe Lion brought strong organisational capabilities with his to the position since he served as Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, Chairman of the Israel Railways, and head of the Jerusalem Development Authority, all qualities that are needed to be an efficient Mayor. Zvi came home happy with what he heard.

 

Tonight we are with Zvi’s boys for Shabbat Dinner, my contribution is a gluten free Chocolate cake! First I am going to see Rachel and give Yosef his birthday hug, he was 21 years old on the 7^th night of Chanukah and Ayala of course. Tomorrow, we relax, unless Zvi decides to go for a walk in the nature reserve opposite!!

 

And so to music.

 

Peter Paul and Mary, unlike Paul Simon, stand tall. Although Chanukah is over I thought you would enjoy their song anyway Light One Candle  https://youtu.be/h1cRXgDFiSs?si=a2MOOJiaCF4gO6Wl

 

In a tribute after the Bondi terror attack the song “We are Australians” represents the true feeling of Australians and is beautiful https://youtu.be/i19v9TzXNf4?si=CYhgmIADCIUZkYvJ

 

 

Yehudit Ravitz is an Israeli singer whose magical voice draws one in to the song and allows  one to identify with the words. “Shir l’lo shem” or Song Without name is plaintif yet so beautiful. Hope you love it as I do. https://youtu.be/aK184Uoejgo?si=yVyy2AMLefZNT6XR

 

With love from Jerusalem, Shabbat Shalom, may the 3^rd day of Christmas bring you dreams come true and may all the peoples of the world be free to worship as they want or not if that is their wish too.

 

Sheila

 

Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan and Bondi

 

19^th December 2025

29th of Kislev, 5786 

Third week of Advent

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

 

 

We were shaken to the core by the terror attack in Australia at Bondi Beach, a place synonymous with openness, joy, and freedom. What should have been a Chanukah gathering — a moment of light, community, and celebration — turned into horror when innocent people were targeted by men driven by hatred. The attack was not only aimed at Jews who had come together that night; it struck at the very values Australia prides itself on: tolerance, safety, and the right to live openly without fear.

 

Hundreds of surfers paddled out on Bondi Beach in a demonstration of unity with the Jews of their community. Bondi Beach Jewish community sings "Oseh Shalom" (עושׂה שלום) or "He Who Makes Peace" – a heartfelt Jewish plea for universal peace, wholeness, and an end to conflict, often sung during times of need and Jewish communities around the world sent condolences, actually that isn’t accurate, people of all faiths around the world sent condolences and dismay at the horror of that day. Waltzing Mathilda, that oh so Australian song, was sung in a memorial at Bondi https://youtu.be/U52AfCqj-LI?si=UuAQ0xGDdZ5N7gBr and Nova Peris, Olympian, former Senator and representative of the Australian Indigenous peoples, spoke beautifully.

 

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected claims that his words or policies contributed to rising hostility toward Jews and Israel, yet many Australians feel that years of political “wokeness” and moral equivocation have allowed antisemitism to fester in plain sight. As the world mourns those killed and injured the Islamic State put out statements praising the Bondi attack. Even more chilling are claims that threats were issued against Ahmed al Ahmed, the man widely credited with saving lives by confronting one of the attackers, turning a would-be hero into a target for extremists. In that contrast lies the tragedy of our moment: light met with darkness, courage answered by hate.

 

As Mohammed Ehab wrote, every time a shooting happens in the West, Muslims hold their breath, knowing that if the attacker is Muslim, the backlash will fall on millions of innocent people through suspicion, harassment, and fear. He argues that Muslims living in non-Muslim countries carry a responsibility to live peacefully and represent Islam with integrity, and that those who reject this responsibility damage everyone. That fear is now shaping policy too, from the UK criminalizing chants like “Globalise the Intifada” to President Trump banning entry to the U.S. for holders of Palestinian travel documents and citizens of several Islamic states.

 

Something broke in South Africa this week — quietly, politely, and disturbingly familiar. Through votes and procedures at the University of Cape Town, exclusion was dressed up as “justice,” reviving a form of inverse racism that echoes the moral rot of apartheid. “Zionist” has become a convenient stand-in for “Jew,” allowing discrimination to hide in plain sight. This is not about Gaza or humanitarian concern; it is the procedural, sanitized push to remove Jews from public life. UCT didn’t debate — it enforced a purge. And history tells us that apartheid never returns all at once; it creeps back under new names.

 

Food for thought from a Yemeni speaker at the United Nations. Why does nobody care about Yemen while 188 motions are considered about Israel and Gaza? https://youtu.be/IH-Jfo7-eBI?si=rBRDpMmqug0GST9n

 

Still in the UN, The Executive Board of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has unanimously elected Qatar's representative, Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, as its chairperson. Just when we think they cannot sink any further.

 

However, as friendships grown in this region, it’s just been revealed that the UAE is the customer in a massive Israeli defence contract worth $2.3 billion. Amnesty, Oxfam and other Jew hating “human rights” groups are predictably seething. So much for BDS!

 

The shooting at Brown University, a private Ivy League school known for wealthy, high-achieving students, occurred in a preparatory class taught by economics professor Rachel Friedberg, who was not present. During the attack, the shooter reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar.” But the shooter doesn’t appear to be a Muslim. Prof. Friedberg researches immigration economics in the U.S. and Israel and has testified before Congress and Knesset committees. 

 

Chanukah is here! This evening, before lighting the Shabbat candles, we’ll light the fifth candle on the chanukiah — and yes, chanukiah, not menorah. The menorah is the ancient seven-branched candelabrum of the Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed long ago but never forgotten, and it remains one of Judaism’s most powerful symbols. The chanukiah is different: a nine-branched lamp used only for Chanukah, with the shamash lighting the others, reminding us of the miracle of the oil when the Temple was rededicated after desecration. Even in the shadow of destruction, Chanukah celebrates renewal, resilience, and the enduring light that refuses to go out.

 

I love the symbolism of the Chanukiah, of Chanukah, and this year our determination to thrive, our resilience is paramount. For me every additional candle brings more light into the world. Interestingly, in Hebrew, light as in flame or lamp is used to describe a person who is enlightened, someone who brings knowledge and illumination to their surroundings.

 

And so to Christmas! Actually, we are celebrating three religious festivals this month. Chanukah which began five days ago, then on the night of the 24^th Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Ramadan on the 26^th. There are four Israeli cities that celebrate all three festivals, Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa and Nazareth, where Christmas trees stand beside Chanukiah and the Crescent all lit up together to represent unity in a manner which is sadly rare in this world. Religious Jews go into Santa’s grotto, while priests and monks wish passers by “Chag Chanukah Sameach” Happy Chanukah! We live side by side, not always in harmony but as friendly neighbours. The municipalities of those cities ensure that we all feel the warmth of the decorations that light our streets. Interestingly, Bethlehem Road in Jerusalem, is lit all the way to the border, showing the way to hope for the Christians of that city and Jerusalem’s Christians enjoy free Christmas trees from the city. It’s hard to explain to those who have never been here, but we live together without conflict and the cities I mentioned, where many religions and denominations are represented, are truly multicultural.

 

Two days ago the International Board of Impact-se met by Zoom to hear of the incredible achievements of the organisation that I’m so proud to Chair. I really suggest you go to the website and understand that the world can change and is changing in this region, if you just take hate teaching out and put tolerance and understanding into schoolbooks. https://www.impact-se.org/

 

I was in Shalva this week. Rachel and I went to a meeting there and once again were enchanted by the sheer beauty and joy of the place. This centre for people with disabilities and their families, from age two weeks to young adults is a source of joy, of understanding and education. If you want to feel the heartwarming atmosphere of Shalva just watch this. It takes you from the very beginning to the incredible facilities in the Centre https://youtu.be/sVPokzGY9eE?si=sNNC4ffAs0XfkV_F  

 

Tonight Zvi and I will be together, all the children have other plans! I love it, the quiet, the real sense of Shabbat. I cheated this week, I’m not cooking our dinner! Yesterday Rachel and I were in Shilat, next to the city of Modi’in, actually, that is very important to the story of Chanukah, it’s where Matityahu refused to give up his Jewish laws and then told his sons to fight the Greeks/Syrians hence the Maccabees or Hammers began fighting for Jewish existence, a bit close to the current truth for my liking. Anyway, I digress. So Rachel and I went for a late breakfast at one of our favourite restaurants and then did some Chanukah shopping right next to a ready-food place. I’d never been tempted but we went in to take a look. I bought Kubehs, actually the Iraqi Jewish traditional red (beetroot based) soup and some meat moussaka which looks delicious and a fellow customer insisted that it is just like home made! I’ll report on the results next week. Just as Israeli life is multicultural in so many ways so the Israeli cuisine has become a conglomeration. Zvi and I are 100% Ashkenazi but I cook food from the Jewish Diaspora, but then I also cook Japanese and Mexican food!

 

This weekend we will visit friends to light candles, eat latkes those delicious fried potato pancakes. I like mine with thickly grated potatoes so that they are crispy, and lots of sufganiyot (doughnuts). In truth I’m not a doughnut fan but give me latkes with sour cream on the side and I am a happy bunny. OK so back to the friends  who tend to make Chanukah parties every year and we do a communal lighting of the candles and after the blessings we all sing the song Maoz Tzur.

 

With the madness in the world, I thought that the most appropriate song is all about a Christmas cease-fire in World War One, between British and German soldiers. Paul McCartney wrote this song dedicating it to the possibility of peace.  It’s called “Pipes of Peace”  https://youtu.be/B3q4Up5ugTc?si=dNwqzcrcYfqWMF5h

 

This next song gave me goose bumps. While they were recording in the streets of New York with the Children’s Choir of NYC, onlookers joined in.  Enjoy “We Are Lights” https://youtu.be/nRSqCaUvUlU?si=UyVYvergaFuOroHb

 

When we were young! This song started a trend, in fact Bob Geldorf started a trend of giving through song. Try to see how many of them you remember or are still around today! On the other hand, see who is till open and caring and who has fallen for the woke disinformation about Israel.  https://youtu.be/RH-xd5bPKTA?si=D4nmEYhr66-c8Jqo

 

That’s it! There are so many reasons to send you blessings for all our festivals. I wish you peace, joy, family, friends and time to mourn, time to rejoice and most of all time to love.

 

Shabbat Shalom, Chanuka Sameach, a Joyful Christmas and a peaceful Ramadan from Jerusalem, the city we all love.

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Chanukah Christmas and Goodwill to all men

 

12^th December, 2025

22^nd of Kislev, 5786

 

 

Shabbat Shalom! I’m back! I didn’t go as far or as long as I intended but here I am, back in your living rooms! Our travel plans were complicated but important, Zvi heading off to his family and old friends in Mexico City; me to family and old friends in London and in Wales and then to meet in New York for the 6^th anniversary of my wonderful son Daniel’s passing. Four insurance companies had other ideas and I could get medical insurance so at the last minute we changed everything and I had an incredible time with both family and friends and came straight home/ I arrived to a wonderful warm welcome from Yosef, a steaming hot cup of tea and a huge hug. From then on Sheli, our lovely “chosen” granddaughter, stayed with me accompanied by her Mum Ira yesterday. Zvi’s plans changed completely and he flew for four days to Cuba, taking clothing and medicines for the community there. He had a contact in the community through Maccabi who was more than grateful for the suitcase full and Zvi managed to hear, and experience, of the abject poverty that Cuba is suffering. Zvi is now on a flight home and I have prepared all his favourite salads and foods ready for Shabbat.

 

Incidentally, many may wonder why I put the Hebrew date at the head of my writings. It’s simple. I want to remind everyone how long we have been around for a very long time. The Hebrew (Jewish) calendar is 5786 years old. The Jewish calendar system traditionally counts the years from the creation of the world, which is calculated to have occurred in the autumn of 3761 BCE. 

 

So, what’s been happening since we last met? If I tell the absolute truth I avoided news broadcasts while away, relying on my son Gideon for updates. To my amazement and delight, my grandson Zachary, Gideon and Stephanie’s son) is a brilliant debater like his Dad and is really au fait with what is happening in the world. Not bad for a 17 year old. OK that was a serious digression from my intended path.

 

On the schoolbooks front, Greece has cleaned up its schoolbooks, removing any indication toward antisemitism, indeed of intolerance, and Morocco seems to be on board for the same. The Gulf States are welcoming change too, in fact when Marcus Sheff, the CEO of Impact-se arrived in Abu Dhabi, straight from the airport, he thought he was coming to a meeting, for the official opening of our office there, only to be met by a ceremony with men in full local dress dancing! The Emirates are an essential and willing partner for Impact-se and our intention to make the world a better place. You can read all about it, both short summaries and full reports on https://www.impact-se.org/

 

If you remember, it was a young researcher for Impact-se who first found the UNWRA text books online and the world slowly woke up to the truth. Well, this week the Israeli Police raided the Jerusalem offices of UNWRA, closed them and raised the Israeli flag. Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Ariah King said ““People need to remember that UNRWA was involved in the terror attack and massacres of October 7. UNRWA cars were used by Hamas, and UNRWA compounds, schools, clinics, and kindergartens in the Gaza Strip were used by Hamas to hide Israeli hostages and to bury Israeli bodies in the compounds. There’s no difference between UNRWA in Gaza and UNRWA in Jerusalem,”

 

While in the UK I read Eli Sharabi’s book, Hostage, and took several copies for special friends. What an incredible man. I know that we all grieve in a different way, but he has brought a new level of dignity, has restored the will to live life to the full after unbearable torture and loss. It’s a quick read and well worth every word.

 

Amnesty International has finally released a report directly accusing Hamas of crimes against humanity; murder, rape, torture and extermination (their word, I would call it is intended genocide)  for what happened on October 7th and for the horrific abuse of the hostages. For many of us who have watched Amnesty hesitate for years to call out Palestinian perpetrators so clearly, this kind of unequivocal statement is nothing short of remarkable. It feels like a long-overdue acknowledgement of the brutality Israelis have been trying to tell an uncaring world about since that terrible day.

 

This article by Alony Elinel took my breath away. He was a Medical Examiner after October 7^th. I leave you to judge whether or not you read it but it is very important and relevant to the above decision of Amnesty International. https://eastwestliteraryforum.com/prose/aloni-elinel-shadow-in-the-protocol-of-silence/

 

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal made a statement that terrified me and should distress anyone, not just Jews, in the USA. His words “Over half of 18-21 year-old Americans are active in Hamas resistance” We all know what “resistance” means and while his numbers are clearly inflated, probably only include young Islamists (not Muslims, I would never include all Muslims) it is terrifying. To call out such dangerous anti-American behaviour is not racist, it is preserving the moral code on which the United States is built. Before readers in other countries smile smugly, it is no different where you live, be it Montreal, Melbourne or London.

 

Having said that, I must tell you about two wonderful people thar I met in London. When I finally spilled out of the sardine tin that was my flight to Luton, near London, I was met by Imran, and within minutes we were chatting like old friends; he told me about his grandfather, a bootmaker in the British Army in Aden, and we quickly found ourselves talking about Israel and how often it’s misunderstood. Two days later, my Uber driver, Arshad, a thoughtful, modern Muslim with Pakistani roots and a deep love of Wales, continued the unexpected warmth. We spoke about the dangers of the internet, the beauty of Rhossili Beach in Wales, and when I mentioned I live in Israel, he lit up, saying he knew perfectly well that a large part of Jerusalem is Muslim and that many in the UK just don’t realise how free Muslims are here. By the time I stepped out of the car, I understood what I always knew, that so many British Muslims are open, curious, genuinely kind people — and many are just as afraid of their own violent minority as we are.

 

I don’t expect all Jews to support Israel, just look at the ghastly Miriam Margolyes, brilliant actress, awful person, but to my dismay at Paul Simon joined the foul Hollywood woke crowd. I loved Simon and Garfunkle, adored his music in Graceland, my children grew up with his music, I held him high and now he has become a fallen idol. I don’t know how any Jew can accuse Israel of crimes we know she didn’t commit unless he is currying to his supposed audience.

 

On the other hand, British legend, actress, raconteur Maureen Lipman (I love her, always have always will) wrote a wonderful Opinion piece. “Unfortunately, we cannot all fit into Douglas Murray’s cellar” https://www.thejc.com/opinion/cannot-fit-douglas-murray-cellar-bnb1gfnc  You will love her ability to amuse while telling many home truths.

 

As Australia’s social-media ban for teens begins, something important will happen: youngsters are remembering what it feels like to live without the endless stream of hate propaganda, no social pressure shaping their thoughts before they’ve even found their own. Israel is preparing to introduce a similar ban for under-16s, and for many families it feels less like a restriction and more like a rescue. After years of watching teenagers bruised by online cruelty, this moment offers a small but powerful hope, that our children might finally have the space to grow up gently, surrounded by real voices, real faces, and their own unfiltered sense of who they are meant to be. Conversations, discussions can be held person to person and literally face to face.

 

So 2025 is almost over and we are into the festive season, Chanukah and the Christmas. Personally, I’m not a believer in Chanukah bushes or menorahs on the Christmas tree. We both have such important religious and legendary traditions and we should learn, enjoy and keep our ancestor’s traditions separate. The story of Chanuka is about our survival (yes I know it’s only one of the multitude of times our existence was threatened); There are those who think it’s all about sufganiyot (doughnuts) and giving the children gifts for eight nights; others think it is only about the last receptacle for oil that lasted for eight nights; yes it is about that but the story is about preserving Shabbat, Kosher food, Circumcision and all the important aspects of Jewish life. Judah Maccabee was a Jewish freedom fighter who lived in Judea during the 2nd century BCE. He was born in the village of Modi'in, northwest of Jerusalem. Judea was caught between the Ptolemaic (Egyptian) and Seleucid (Syrian) empires, eventually falling under Seleucid rule around 197 BCE. The Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to force the Jewish people to adopt Greek customs, which sparked the Maccabean Revolt in 167 BCE. 

 

After his father Mattathias's death, Judah assumed leadership of the revolt and waged a successful guerrilla war in the Judean countryside. His victories led to the recapture and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE, an event commemorated annually by the festival of Hanukkah.

 

Christmas on the other hand celebrates the birth of a baby boy in a humble stable, a baby who became so much more than a King, he became the son of God. The traditions of the Christmas tree, the nativity scenes and plays for children; going to church for Mass; Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, family get-togethers and everything of great importance therein. Something unexpected happened for the Christians of Bethlehem (who are now a minority, only 20% or less of residents of that City); The Christmas trees in manger Square will sit again this year high atop a hill next to the Church of the Nativity, its lights glittering on a tree as tall as the church itself. For two years Hamas cancelled all festivities that were not their own but this year thousands came to watch the symbolic lighting of the Bethlehem Christmas tree 

 

Melting pots are all very well but the success of that society depends upon our individuality, retaining everything that was precious to our ancestors and should be carried forward to our future generations, otherwise we all blend into a grey mass or worse by far, our children search for an identity and find it in a society far removed morally from everything we stand for.

 

I love Christmas Carols!! I love the music, the sheer joy of them. Perhaps my favourite renditions of all time is this one with David Bowie and the inimitable Bing Crosby. Little Drummer Boy and Peace on Earth  https://youtu.be/lCpXMy5GalI?si=18gG8EmFmMDPn_Hn

 

Did you know that White Christmas, the iconic Christmas song, was written by a Jew for the movie Holiday Inn? Irving Berlin, who at the time was mourning the loss of his son, wrote this beautiful song. Interestingly, Bing Crosby was performing for the troops in WW2 and didn’t want to sing this song because he didn’t want to make the soldiers sad.  https://youtu.be/GJ36gbGlm8Y?si=DG4gXjUlrobE_CiM  

 

Chanukah, gosh so many options, wait and I’ll try to find the best one. How about this, Shulem Lemmer sings several traditional songs, albeit with a very Ashkenaz accent! His voice is so wonderful and he makes all the traditional songs so happy that it makes me want to dance!!  https://youtu.be/GIeeVZfE5i4?si=2vePnhkEYP65uswX

 

The first light of Chanukah will be on this coming Sunday and then we have dates with family and friends for almost every night. Zvi’s return will be celebrated with all his favourite foods, I have been busy!!!

 

Traditions, irrespective of which way you face to pray, every sing one of those traditions honour our parents and grandparents and ensure that we will not be swallowed up in the capitalist dream or the intent to change who and what we are. In the meantime, Shabbat Shalom from very rainy Israel. The people of our coastal plan find it hard to thank God for sweet rain when they need boats to get to work!!

 

I pray that the Christmas blessing of “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men” will be real, that mankind will learn to love, to replace hate with tolerance in our everyday relationships and teach our children to love.

 

With love

Sheila