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

 

 

 

 

MBS, Sigd, Alon, Rom and Eli

 

21^st  of November 2025

776 days and 3 families still await their loved ones to be returned home for burial

 

The great philosopher and anti-war leader Bertrand Russell said "War was always a great evil, but in some particularly extreme circumstances, it may be the lesser of two evils."

 

Shabbat Shalom! I hope you are well. The good news is that I am writing today and despite appearances there are still good things happening in this part of the world; on the other hand, I won’t be writing to you for a few weeks because I am flying to visit my family in the UK and if I am able to get travel insurance, my family in NYC. Incredibly it is now 6 years since that ghastly day, after a delightful tour of Jerusalem with friends, we received the phone call which changed my life; the news that my son Daniel was killed in an accident in New York. Together with family and friends we are going up to the grave in far off Westchester on his Yahzeit (anniversary)

 

So, what’s been happening here in Israel, or what’s been happening in the White House that affects us in Israel? The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, generally called MBS, received a contrite President Trump, as we have never seen him before. It was strange to see the manner in which MBS was received, with full pomp and circumstance which has not been afforded to any other visiting leader! It’s amazing what a promise of $600 billion investment can do, especially when it then goes up to $1 trillion. I can’t even remember how many zeros that entails!! I was fascinated by MBS’s body language When the President spoke of money. He was obviously bothered, because in polite company such things are not for public consumption. However, when questioned about Khashoggi, despite the President suggesting it was impolite, he answered saying it was a mistake that must be rectified. Of course nothing was said about all the other killings!

 

However, surprise, surprise, amid talk of Israel–Saudi normalization, something remarkable has already happened. Rabbi Yaakov Israel Herzog has become the first Chabad rabbi in modern Saudi history to open a Chabad House in Riyadh, creating a welcoming home for thousands of Jewish expatriates working in the Kingdom. It is the first time that any place of worship other than Islam, was allowed. Chabad is truly amazing, often providing a home away from home and a source of kosher food and prayer for many.

 

Iran is now claiming that it hasn't recovered, nuclear facilities destroyed after trying to incinerate Israel ae no longer viable. Could it be because there is about to be an IAEA inspection?

 

Did you know that Gaza has its own water desalination plants (based on Israeli technology) that serve half of its population? So much for the constant shout that Israel is denying water into Gaza. And Jordan which has a major water problem, following the ceasefire with Hamas, is weighing renewing the project under which Israel and Jordan would fulfil the exchange deal of desalinated water for solar power.

 

On November 18, 2025, the UN Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution (Resolution 2803) both France and Britain voted to make Gaza an international protectorate. Yet both countries recently recognised the sovereign “State of Palestine” which is incompatible with this new resolution. Ah the joys of diplomacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_2803

 

The Israeli government decided that they would not accept Gaza being administered by the PA, which may seem logical but the problem is that now we have lost the power to decide who will administrate, who will have soldiers on the ground and the options are not in our favour. Turkey is becoming more and more radical and……… well you know what I mean.

 

On the other hand, the latest Impact-se (www.impact-se.org ) report on the Palestinian text books is deeply distressing and despite their insistence that they have improved, they have not. The PA curriculum continues to embed antisemitism at its core, with textbooks for all grades portraying Jews collectively as deceitful and corrupt. Across grades, Israelis are presented in grotesquely dehumanizing and demonic terms, enforcing conspiracy theories. Israel is compared to serpents, vipers and Satan’s aids, promoting demonic depictions of Jewish people as a collective. Teacher guides harden the message further, directing educators to teach that Israeli Jews are “fated to disappear.” You can see the full report on our website above.

 

On yet another hand, Eric Adams the outgoing mayor of NYC is in Israel, and despite the obvious fact that he has nothing to gain by it, he has declared his loyalty and allegiance to Israel in a visit at the Kotel

 

OK, so I have almost as many other hands as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof but if I don’t jump from subject to subject, I’m going to miss something. This week, about 130 military officials from around the world have arrived to get an inside look at the country’s newest battlefield insights from the 2023–2025 Middle East war, in a behind-the-scenes tour of cutting-edge tactics and tech. The guest list is surprisingly diverse: a big U.S. delegation, plus officers from Canada, Britain, France, Germany, India, Morocco, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Estonia, Japan, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. It’s a rare mix of uniforms, accents, and perspectives—all comparing notes, swapping stories, and seeing firsthand how Israel adapts on the modern battlefield.

 

In the Christian world things are not going smoothly. What on earth is happening to the USA? U.S. District Judge Garcia on Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction mandating the removal of Ten Commandments posters from classrooms many Independent School Districts in Texas, which were named in a lawsuit filed by multifaith and nonreligious families in September. What on earth can be offensive about the 10 Commandments?

 

There is one situation where I run out of hands unless it’s to punish the hooligans, the Jewish terrorists in Yehuda and Shomron. The situation is close to anarchy and the government doesn't appear able or willing to do something about it. A very small group of Jewish Israeli youth is going on rampages against Palestinians and last Tuesday about 100 of the most likely young thugs attacked the village of Beit Lid near Tulkarem. Some were initially detained but only one was held for more than a day. I want to see them locked up as the terrorists they are. Let it be no mistake the vast majority of Jewish Israelis in the West Bank are law abiding and vehemently condemn violence against the Palestinian residents.

 

The debate and knowledge team from Ehad Ha’Am Middle School in Petah Tikva, competed against 2,500 students from 64 countries at the prestigious World Scholar’s Cup competition held at Yale University. The competition, all in English, included challenges in debate and writing. The Israeli team won the gold medal in debate and other academic areas, and won third place overall as a team.

They won 10 trophies in total!

 

Today is the Festival of Sigd, the festival of Ethiopian Jews who celebrate 50 days after Yom Kippur. There are 177,600 people of Ethiopian descent in Israel, 47% born here, 53% came on Aliya, a tough masa, a treacherous trek through Sudan. This is a fantastic Aliya primarily because the Ethiopian Jews prayed for centuries to return to Jerusalem. They have achieved success on every level.

 

17 survivors of Hamas captivity went to the White House to be greeted by President Trump. The gesture is one of warmth from a President whose disposition is somewhat mercurial, but in terms of the hostages has remained steadfast.

 

Rom Braslavski was in Hamas captivity for 738 days. He suffered the worst of extreme physical and sexual abuse, as did others, and he feels that they do not receive the help that they deserve and desperately need. It was not a political statement; it was a cry for help from the overwhelmed social security and medical world. However, some disgusting people sent abusive messages because they perceived it as a criticism of the government. How low can human garbage go?

 

Alon Ohel dreamed of music and piano while in captivity. Although blinded in one eye (surgery on his return has saved his sight). This week Alon sat at the piano in Hostage Square and played for the first time.  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRO5hsbiERn/?igsh=MWlvMXp3a2p5OHdscA%3D%3D

 

And then came Eli Sharabi! Eli Sharabi who lost everything, his wife and daughters and his brother, to the barbaric actions of Hamas, yet his dignity and goodness have won through and incredibly, this week, he became a runway model! Here he is on the runway of Israel’s fashion week https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yo6dZcyCSbo

 

Melanie Shiraz is Israel’s contestant for Miss World. Melanie designed her own symbolic dress. Poppies for October 7^th, a yellow shawl for the yellow ribbon and a big Magen David on the front. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRO8oA2kbQv/

 

I don’t know about you but I am exhausted by the amount of information I have just crammed into less than 2 pages! I feel that, although there is lots more news, I should finish on a high, on Eli Sharabi. In fact if you haven’t already bought his book “Hostage” you really should https://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Eli-Sharabi/dp/0063489791

 

The song that Alon Ohel played in Hostage Square is exceptionally beautiful. Called Song without a name Yehudit Ravitz sings https://youtu.be/aK184Uoejgo?si=qRLHxCwFmJlNAXma

 

Masa, or journey is the song recorded by a choir of young children of Ethiopian origin about their trek and their dream of Jerusalem. It is the story of all those who left the hills of Gondor, endured the bandits of Sudan,  with the dream of Jerusalem ever on their minds.

 

“The moon watching over above, On my back, the meager bag of food
The desert beneath me, no end in front, And my mama promises my little brothers…
A bit more, a little more, To lift you your legs, A final effort, Before Jerusalem
The strong moonlight scene, Our bag of food got lost, The never-ending desert, the howls of jackals
And my mum calms my little brothers…
Another moment, a little more, Soon we will be redeemed, We won’t stop going, to the land of Israel
And in the night, bandits attacked, With knives and a sharp sword
In the desert, the blood of my mum, the moon my witness and I promise my little brothers
Just a moment, a little more, The dream will be fulfilled, Soon we will arrive, to the land of Israel
In the moon, my mama’s image, Looking at me. Mum, don’t disappear from me!
If only she was by my side, she would be able to convince them, that I’m Jewish
A moment more, a little more, The dream will be fulfilled, Soon we will arrive, to the land of Israel
A moment more, a little more, Lift your legs A final effort, Before Jerusalem.”

https://youtu.be/Jia0eXB1eP0?si=Q964iIWzctWpSL10

 

Finally, one that you all know. The Shabbat Prayer from Fiddler on the Roof, after all, I have been “on the other hand-ing” all the way through this missive. https://youtu.be/LnaZqHy2ZHE?si=1R-0Po__ZLO7zpyR

 

I wish you a wonderful Shabbat, a warm family orientated weekend. Sending all my love to each and every one of you. Remember the old adage about being worst before the dawn? Well I have a feeling that things must get better, will get better, after all it all depends upon each and every one of us. Talking of adages do you remember my motto “The Power of One”?

 

With love from Jerusalem, the glorious place that 500 years of dispersion and humiliation never halted the Jews of Ethiopia determination to come home.

 

Sheila