Friday 26 February 2010

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim

100225

26th February, 2010.



Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim dear Friends



Alon Ben-David Israel Channel 10’s military affairs correspondent spoke of the Dubai "Affair" and the subsequent enquiries into forged passports. It seems unlikely to him that 26 people would have participated in the assassination of one man. If one combined the team which followed al-Mabhouh (who had 5 false passports himself), the assassination team and those in charge of the escape and logistics, 26 is too unwieldy a number. Ben-David says that Dubai is a centre for planning global terrorist activity; in short Israel is no the only country interested in what happens in Dubai.

The story takes on a very different perspective if ones identity was stolen. The son of a close friend finds himself bombarded by the press and receiving calls from the Australian Secret Service, fortunately to help him clear his reputation and ability to travel. As a proud Israeli who served in the IDF he finds himself infamous and his name appearing in news-casts around the world.

"Don't Mess with the Mossad" has suddenly become one of the most popular T-shirt slogans of the century!!! Where is the best place to find said T-shirts? In the Arab shouk in Jerusalem of course!!!! http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0224/1224265091657.html



For 3,700 years Rachel's Tomb and the Tomb of the Patriarchs have been sites of religious significance in Judaism, second only to the Temple Mount. 3,700 years is 2,500 years before Islam. The Palestinians are currently violently protesting our right to preserve and rehabilitate these two sites. The entrance plaza and the path leading to the Islamic prayer room at the Tomb of the Patriarchs were fully refurbished. Israel wants to similarly maintain the site used by Christians and Jews who go to the Tomb of the Patriarchs to pray. Apparently freedom of prayer in the PA is only accorded to Moslems.



A 10th Century BCE Wall (over 3,000 years) was uncovered recently in the Ophel, the area below the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount which holds the steps which took pilgrims up to the Temple Mount. http://www.huji.ac.il/cgi-bin/dovrut/dovrut_search_eng.pl?mesge126691593732688760 The wall is believed to be part of King Solomon's Temple. This area has been built over in the past 50 years and is now called Silwan, currently a political hotspot since Mayor Barkat wants to pull down illegal housing, which preclude civic amenities and build a new Arab neighborhood with modern infrastructure. The houses can hardly be considered "ancient rights" since all maps and descriptions of the area from as little as 70 years ago prove that it was uninhabited with the exception of a very few Jewish houses. http://jnul.huji.ac.il/dl/maps/jer/images/jer125/Jer125_b.jpg

Prof Gerald Steinberg thinks outside the box. Here he presents the theory that what necessitated the Dubai hit is the failure of international law to fight Jihadi terror, forcing the Jewish state to act independently.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748704188104575082963861523260-lMyQjAxMTAwMDIwMzEyNDMyWj.html



Col. Kemp defends Israel again on the BBC. He accuses the media and the written press of anti-Israel, anti-Semitic bias in this excellent interview. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8527563.stm

Martin Kramer http://www.martinkramer.org/ gave us pause for thought at the Herzliya Conference by introducing a new theory on the cause of radicalisation. He pointed out that extremism is the only way for the superfluous sons of enormous families to make their mark. Osama Bin-Laden, rich 17th son is the outstanding example of this theory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaJXFbH4McM&feature=player_embedded



Israelis abroad are not always sufficiently savvy to deal with the abusive opinions of foreigners who only hear the media cant. The government has just introduced a new site to help them. http://www.masbirim.gov.il/ A very funny but accurate take-off of BBC and Sky News reports on Israel. After the “British” ad, there is one in French of Israeli firework displays portrayed as terrorist attacks, and a Spanish one portraying Israel as so lacking in technology that we have no electricity and have to cook on the barbecue, known as the “mangal” – “primitive but delicious”. My only complaint is that the site is in Hebrew only.



Shalom Kadosh is an outstanding chef of international acclaim and a wonderful man who constantly proves that Kosher food is great! You can find him at the Primavera Restaurant in the Leonardo Plaza in Jerusalem. http://israel21c.org/201002237725/people/so-good-you-wont-believe-its-kosher



Incidentally, before coming to Israel every tourist should check out www.eluna.com to find out the best Kosher restaurants in Israel!!



This week Zvi spent most of his time at the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings. He took me to a very moving event at the Knesset; the first time a Jewish Agency BOG event had been held in the Knesset, invited by the Speaker Ruby Rivlin (7th generation Jerusalemite) who welcomed Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Scharansky, whose grandchildren are 1st generation Jerusalemites! The Chagall Hall http://www.knesset.gov.il/tour/eng/tour7.htm is quite exceptional, huge triptych tapestries hang above a hall interspersed with floor and wall mosaics depicting Jewish history, designed and executed by Marc Chagall. Hopefully the future of the Keren Hayesod is safe in the hands of one of the youngest people at the event. Johanna Arbib is the vibrant leader of the worldwide movement and introduces a sparkle and youthful energy which will bring a lot more young people to Israel's side.



I was invited to a wonderful event – the barmitzvah of Jamie Philippson son of Charlotte and Steven Philippson of London. Jamie read his Torah portion and put on his tefillin (phylacteries) at the Kotel and then 30 of us sat around a table at a Jerusalem restaurant and sang Israeli songs and talked of the importance of connection with Israel. Jamie will read his portion back in London this Shabbat but he will never forget the experience of coming of age beside the Kotel. I found myself sitting beside Yossi Swerdlov who lives in Jerusalem and is a member of Chabad Yossi told me of the phenomenal work of Chabad with the forgotten children of Chernobyl. Please watch this video and learn, as I did, of this selfless project. http://vimeo.com/8935846



Yesterday I met with Michael Doppelt from Manhattan. Michael told me a wonderful story of his parents, long time Zionists, who decided they wanted to "do something" so they began a programme for people to come to Haifa and teach English in schools in poorer areas to give children one on one attention. They are such an amazing success that the project was adopted by Partnership 200 since Boston and Haifa are twinned cities. The children are so appreciative and Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav has personally commended them. The power of one is alive and kicking in Boston with the Doppelt family. http://www.cjp.org/page.aspx?id=98110



Witches, warlocks, policemen, princesses, Ben Tens and a wild variety of fancy dress walk the streets of Jerusalem as children go to school dressed as their favourite hero – Biblical or secular!! It's Purim!! Most schools had parties yesterday despite the fact that Purim is not until the 28th and Shushan Purim on the 1st of March in Jerusalem. The reason for the preemptive parties is the rain which started today and will continue and strengthen over the next few days…… as it does every year. Rain doesn't dampen our spirits it raises them!!! Patisseries are filled with "Oznei Haman" (Haman's Ears), "Hamantaschen" (Hamans pockets). There are epicurean ones, Belgian Chocolate, the traditional Eastern dates and the Western poppy seeds, cheese, apple, halva, honeyed almonds….. you name it exists! Ready made or lovingly wrapped mishloach manot http://www.aish.com/h/pur/m/48968806.html abound and children run to school clutching their little packages for friends. Stores and malls hold children's entertainment and adults throw parties. There is an Israeli expression "Kol siba le mesiba" Any excuse for a party!!



We must appreciate the root of this festival, that we do not bow down to anybody's will, as Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman. The power of one beautiful young woman charmed a King and successfully turned the tide of hatred in Shushan, in Persia, in Iran. Pause for thought in a world where the only loud noises heard against the Haman of today will be the "gregger" at the reading of Megillat Esther.



I wish you Chag Purim Sameach and think of the relevance of Purim to today's world. We simply have to ensure that the fool sitting up on the horse of shame is Ahmedinejad and his ilk - not Mordechai the Jew.



Shabbat Shalom and love from Jerusalem – the most beautiful city in the world.

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim

100225

26th February, 2010.



Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim dear Friends



Alon Ben-David Israel Channel 10’s military affairs correspondent spoke of the Dubai "Affair" and the subsequent enquiries into forged passports. It seems unlikely to him that 26 people would have participated in the assassination of one man. If one combined the team which followed al-Mabhouh (who had 5 false passports himself), the assassination team and those in charge of the escape and logistics, 26 is too unwieldy a number. Ben-David says that Dubai is a centre for planning global terrorist activity; in short Israel is no the only country interested in what happens in Dubai.

The story takes on a very different perspective if ones identity was stolen. The son of a close friend finds himself bombarded by the press and receiving calls from the Australian Secret Service, fortunately to help him clear his reputation and ability to travel. As a proud Israeli who served in the IDF he finds himself infamous and his name appearing in news-casts around the world.

"Don't Mess with the Mossad" has suddenly become one of the most popular T-shirt slogans of the century!!! Where is the best place to find said T-shirts? In the Arab shouk in Jerusalem of course!!!! http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0224/1224265091657.html



For 3,700 years Rachel's Tomb and the Tomb of the Patriarchs have been sites of religious significance in Judaism, second only to the Temple Mount. 3,700 years is 2,500 years before Islam. The Palestinians are currently violently protesting our right to preserve and rehabilitate these two sites. The entrance plaza and the path leading to the Islamic prayer room at the Tomb of the Patriarchs were fully refurbished. Israel wants to similarly maintain the site used by Christians and Jews who go to the Tomb of the Patriarchs to pray. Apparently freedom of prayer in the PA is only accorded to Moslems.



A 10th Century BCE Wall (over 3,000 years) was uncovered recently in the Ophel, the area below the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount which holds the steps which took pilgrims up to the Temple Mount. http://www.huji.ac.il/cgi-bin/dovrut/dovrut_search_eng.pl?mesge126691593732688760 The wall is believed to be part of King Solomon's Temple. This area has been built over in the past 50 years and is now called Silwan, currently a political hotspot since Mayor Barkat wants to pull down illegal housing, which preclude civic amenities and build a new Arab neighborhood with modern infrastructure. The houses can hardly be considered "ancient rights" since all maps and descriptions of the area from as little as 70 years ago prove that it was uninhabited with the exception of a very few Jewish houses. http://jnul.huji.ac.il/dl/maps/jer/images/jer125/Jer125_b.jpg

Prof Gerald Steinberg thinks outside the box. Here he presents the theory that what necessitated the Dubai hit is the failure of international law to fight Jihadi terror, forcing the Jewish state to act independently.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748704188104575082963861523260-lMyQjAxMTAwMDIwMzEyNDMyWj.html



Col. Kemp defends Israel again on the BBC. He accuses the media and the written press of anti-Israel, anti-Semitic bias in this excellent interview. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8527563.stm

Martin Kramer http://www.martinkramer.org/ gave us pause for thought at the Herzliya Conference by introducing a new theory on the cause of radicalisation. He pointed out that extremism is the only way for the superfluous sons of enormous families to make their mark. Osama Bin-Laden, rich 17th son is the outstanding example of this theory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaJXFbH4McM&feature=player_embedded



Israelis abroad are not always sufficiently savvy to deal with the abusive opinions of foreigners who only hear the media cant. The government has just introduced a new site to help them. http://www.masbirim.gov.il/ A very funny but accurate take-off of BBC and Sky News reports on Israel. After the “British” ad, there is one in French of Israeli firework displays portrayed as terrorist attacks, and a Spanish one portraying Israel as so lacking in technology that we have no electricity and have to cook on the barbecue, known as the “mangal” – “primitive but delicious”. My only complaint is that the site is in Hebrew only.



Shalom Kadosh is an outstanding chef of international acclaim and a wonderful man who constantly proves that Kosher food is great! You can find him at the Primavera Restaurant in the Leonardo Plaza in Jerusalem. http://israel21c.org/201002237725/people/so-good-you-wont-believe-its-kosher



Incidentally, before coming to Israel every tourist should check out www.eluna.com to find out the best Kosher restaurants in Israel!!



This week Zvi spent most of his time at the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings. He took me to a very moving event at the Knesset; the first time a Jewish Agency BOG event had been held in the Knesset, invited by the Speaker Ruby Rivlin (7th generation Jerusalemite) who welcomed Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Scharansky, whose grandchildren are 1st generation Jerusalemites! The Chagall Hall http://www.knesset.gov.il/tour/eng/tour7.htm is quite exceptional, huge triptych tapestries hang above a hall interspersed with floor and wall mosaics depicting Jewish history, designed and executed by Marc Chagall. Hopefully the future of the Keren Hayesod is safe in the hands of one of the youngest people at the event. Johanna Arbib is the vibrant leader of the worldwide movement and introduces a sparkle and youthful energy which will bring a lot more young people to Israel's side.



I was invited to a wonderful event – the barmitzvah of Jamie Philippson son of Charlotte and Steven Philippson of London. Jamie read his Torah portion and put on his tefillin (phylacteries) at the Kotel and then 30 of us sat around a table at a Jerusalem restaurant and sang Israeli songs and talked of the importance of connection with Israel. Jamie will read his portion back in London this Shabbat but he will never forget the experience of coming of age beside the Kotel. I found myself sitting beside Yossi Swerdlov who lives in Jerusalem and is a member of Chabad Yossi told me of the phenomenal work of Chabad with the forgotten children of Chernobyl. Please watch this video and learn, as I did, of this selfless project. http://vimeo.com/8935846



Yesterday I met with Michael Doppelt from Manhattan. Michael told me a wonderful story of his parents, long time Zionists, who decided they wanted to "do something" so they began a programme for people to come to Haifa and teach English in schools in poorer areas to give children one on one attention. They are such an amazing success that the project was adopted by Partnership 200 since Boston and Haifa are twinned cities. The children are so appreciative and Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav has personally commended them. The power of one is alive and kicking in Boston with the Doppelt family. http://www.cjp.org/page.aspx?id=98110



Witches, warlocks, policemen, princesses, Ben Tens and a wild variety of fancy dress walk the streets of Jerusalem as children go to school dressed as their favourite hero – Biblical or secular!! It's Purim!! Most schools had parties yesterday despite the fact that Purim is not until the 28th and Shushan Purim on the 1st of March in Jerusalem. The reason for the preemptive parties is the rain which started today and will continue and strengthen over the next few days…… as it does every year. Rain doesn't dampen our spirits it raises them!!! Patisseries are filled with "Oznei Haman" (Haman's Ears), "Hamantaschen" (Hamans pockets). There are epicurean ones, Belgian Chocolate, the traditional Eastern dates and the Western poppy seeds, cheese, apple, halva, honeyed almonds….. you name it exists! Ready made or lovingly wrapped mishloach manot http://www.aish.com/h/pur/m/48968806.html abound and children run to school clutching their little packages for friends. Stores and malls hold children's entertainment and adults throw parties. There is an Israeli expression "Kol siba le mesiba" Any excuse for a party!!



We must appreciate the root of this festival, that we do not bow down to anybody's will, as Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman. The power of one beautiful young woman charmed a King and successfully turned the tide of hatred in Shushan, in Persia, in Iran. Pause for thought in a world where the only loud noises heard against the Haman of today will be the "gregger" at the reading of Megillat Esther.



I wish you Chag Purim Sameach and think of the relevance of Purim to today's world. We simply have to ensure that the fool sitting up on the horse of shame is Ahmedinejad and his ilk - not Mordechai the Jew.



Shabbat Shalom and love from Jerusalem – the most beautiful city in the world.

Sheila



Sunday 21 February 2010

A pensive shevua tov

100221

Sunday 21st February 2010.


Shevua Tov

I intended continuing my synopsis of the fascinating Conference of Presidents Mission today but found myself perturbed by a question mark which would not disappear.



Would the world be in uproar against the perpetrators had it been Bin Laden who was killed in Dubai? We don't know who performed the hit against Mahmoud al-Mabhouh but we know why. Hamas' reign of terror over Palestinians in Gaza is known as are the killings of their Fatah opponents - Hamas is a branch of Al Qaeda which terrorizes the citizens of Gaza and slaughters all opponents – Israel is hardly the only one to benefit from the death of al-Mabhouh. Maybe one should look to Fatah who would find it much easier to enter and function in Dubai.

President Peres spoke to the Mission on Friday morning, starting with what appeared to be a light-hearted story, drawing smiles and laughter from the assembled group and from the President himself. He told us that he read an article which he couldn't get it out of his mind, about a country where the official hangman died and they were unable to find a replacement. Out of some 300+ prisoners on death row 11 were not given a reprieve, but their traditional sentence of death by hanging could not be carried out for lack of a hangman. Despite advertisements all over the country no-one responded. The criteria were not high, neither education nor previous experience were needed, simply to be male and over 5' 4". That country was India and with over 1 billion people to choose from they could not find anyone willing to be a hangman. India's nuclear weaponry is in safe hands since no-one wants to use it. Iran is filled with willing hangmen, indeed is governed by a hangman who is backed by fanatics and therefore must never be allowed nuclear capability.

http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/a-nation-without-hangmen



We must never lose sight of the truth of our world's current dangers and who are the heroes and who are the villains. I don't know which country ordered the hit on the Hamas mastermind but the double standards which immediately accuse Israel for doing what the Allies do every day in Afghanistan, Iraq and all over the world is distressing and far more dangerous than removing an eager, nay avid, hangman from our midst.



The Dubai police did an excellent job – but was it too easy and obvious? One cannot deny the apparent proof but could it have been a set up?



Shevua Tov

Sheila

Friday 19 February 2010

Shabbat Shalom letter from Sheila

100219

19th February 2010.



Shabbat Shalom Everybody!



Gosh where do I begin…. This week the view was not from my veranda but rather from Jenin and Gilboa, the Jerusalem Conference and the Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organisations run by the incredible and indomitable Malcolm Hoenlein http://www.conferenceofpresidents.org/content.asp?id=63 and of course Carolyn Greene who dots the I's and crosses the t's of Malcolm's imaginative programming and brings her own brand of efficiency to the Conference. Firstly I will run through a few news items then go on to try and encapsulate the last few days of information which is currently making my head go round and my heart burst with pride.



I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that even the ultra-left wing British Liberal Party could take no more of Jenny Tonge (Baroness Tonge) after her insane demand to investigate Israel's amazing rescue operation teams apparent organ harvesting activities in Haiti! Her imagination ran away with her and she embarrassed herself, her party and her country. The blood libel is alive and kicking and Jenny Tonge is one of its stars.



The pro-Israel Daily Mail claims that British MI5 was informed before the operation to kill Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai. The statement has several problems 1. That it was indeed Mossad 2. That the Brits were involved and knew of the identity theft 3. That it is common to hold such exchanges. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1252034/Hamas-assassination-Two-Palestinians-helped-Mossad-agents-murder-plot.html



Several new immigrants from the UK were somewhat dismayed to see their names and passports used in the raid in Dubai and now need to clear their names with Interpol in order to travel! http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3850012,00.html



The Jerusalem Conference opened with a speech by Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem. The great fuss about the Arab homes in Silwan that he intends pulling down are illegally built when the families came from Hebron over the last 40 years and simply put up homes willy nilly. The Mayor wants to pull those homes down and build a new project with all modern facilities and infrastructure for those same families, for the Arab Jerusalemites! The last speaker of the evening was archaeologist Professor Gabriel Barkay who held us spellbound as he told the ancient wonders he found around the Temple Mount, all of which point to a clear Jewish presence.



Yesterday morning, at the crack of dawn, I found myself on a bus heading due east and then north through the Jordan Valley to the Gilboa region. The Gilboa is predominantly agricultural (apart from the amazing Teflon ski slope under construction!) and is a perfect example of how this country and our region should be. Jews, Moslems and Christians have found harmony and the ability to live and work together. Ead Saleem is the Deputy Mayor of the Gilboa Regional Council and he told us that before the last Intifada, despite enjoying all the rights of being Israeli he would have died before saying he was Israeli – he was Palestinian. In the Intifada he realized how negative hatred is and how working in harmony with his neighbours could bring his town and his people greater benefit from every aspect. He now proudly states that he is an Israeli Citizen. He said politicians think peace and speak war here they think peace, dream peace and create peace. The regional council built an Arab school where Moslems and Christians learn, sing and dance together and the children danced and played for us.



We returned to the bus and drove the fifteen minutes or so to the border and on to Jenin. Jenin amazed me. We parked next to a big fun fair with screaming children on the giant swing. We saw beautiful houses and apparently the camp has been re-housed; near the Jenin government house we walked through a groomed garden surrounded by mansions; we saw a wonderful new museum, large arena and the new administrative building where tables and chairs had been set up for our reception. The Mayor of Jenin spoke first, very party line, and then the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad came to speak to us – surrounded by more security than all of our politicians together! He spoke in perfect English of negotiations and difficulties; of working to build an administrative infrastructure rather than destruction; of stopping terror and incitement; mentioning in passing the usual words of occupation and persecution, but I was amazed to hear him say the magic words "State of Israel" four times!



I was so surprised at the modernity of Jenin and Benny Segall, the Gilboa Regional Chief Engineer explained that he spends a lot of time in Jenin where the Mayor and the Gilboa region are working together to build basic infrastructure to ensure better lives for the Jenin residents and that privately the Mayor of Jenin is truly trying to change his citizens lives and cooperation is total. It is a start. Both Gilboa and Jenin chose to work from the ground up – without politicians and changes are afoot – please G-d they will flourish and grow.



From Jenin to the Kirya – Israel's Pentagon but I cannot tell you anything of what I heard there except to say that I am so proud of our young soldiers and the ingenuity of their officers who encourage brilliant young brains to flourish. Major General Benjamin "Benny" Gantz, Deputy Chief of the General Staff http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/about/staff/Benny_Gantz.htm spoke of the paradox of today's situation of quiet on all fronts yet the air is filled with aggressive rhetoric and threats with large storm clouds over Iran which is spreading over Yemen, Eritrea, Somalia and further afield. After the briefing we drove to the Museum of the Diaspora where Noam Schalit awaited us. Noam spoke of his son's captivity and he begged the Israeli government to ignore the American request to hold back on the prisoner swap and bring his son home. Politics are irrelevant when ones child is in mortal danger and imprisoned by killers for nearly 1,500 days and nights. Following Noam Schalit we had a surprise visitor – Dan Shapiro of the White House http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/Daniel_Shapiro came to brief us – but I cannot tell you what he said because that was off the record too!!!!



As Noam Schalit was speaking of Gilad, his child, I thought of the song from Les Miserables - Bring him home. Although Dudu sang the part on Broadway I was unable to find his rendition in English – but found it in Hebrew. Dudu Fisher also sang this song before the Pope in the hope of his intervention on behalf of Gilad. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuonPp2VwpE&feature=PlayList&p=08C1F14D3647E3C3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=11



I barely touched on the events of this week, leaving huge gaps rather than bore you. I didn't speak of our romantic walk through the Valley of the Cross on Valentines Day – which may seem an odd choice to my religious friends, but the valley is exquisite with wild flowers galore among the rocks, trees and grasses of the park. I didn't tell you that Gloria Goldsein and I had lunch in Mamilla before wandering down through the multifaceted throng of the Old City Shouk, constantly bombarded with anxious stall holders who try to persuade you into their stores in seven languages! I didn't even talk about lunch in the botanical gardens and my grand-children's joy at seeing the fish, swans and turtles in the pond there.

Just another uneventful week in the life of the Ravivs!!!!



I will write a more complete summation of the Conference of Presidents mission – the amazing friends I made - new and old (Hey Joel) and the information gathered. Now I will go out on to the veranda to check that all my beloved places are intact and then will make my home ready for the bride of Shabbat.



Shabbat Shalom to you all from Jerusalem, the ever beautiful and spiritual centre of our world.



Sheila

Friday 12 February 2010

Shabbat Shalom letter from Sheila

100212



12th February 2010.



Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you are well.



Jerusalem is a special city from every aspect, opinion and belief but there are some aspects which make it spectacular in its complexities. This week I was invited to a press conference near the Jaffa Gate. I set off on a bright, crisp and sunny morning manouevring through Jerusalem's meandering streets and occasionally static traffic. I walked through the new Mamilla shopping Mall, bringing me next to the Jaffa Gate where I was diverted through a muddy path to avoid the major works on the road. The Jerusalem Municipality is replacing the Ottoman period sewerage with an up to date system. Replacing anything in Jerusalem is a problem since every time you try to dig a road, house, tree or sewers one hits antiquities!!!! Somewhat bespattered, amid the incredible noise of power drills, journalists, some with huge TV cameras, were hanging over the unsteady wooden railings gawping at a small miracle. The deep hole before us was interlaced with sewer pipes but on closer inspection we saw hastily constructed wooden ladders leading to an amazing sight; opposite David's Tower, after the Jaffa Gate before the Arab Shouk lay a Byzantine road and beneath it a water channel. The archaeologists yet again proved the authenticity of the Madaba map http://www.bibleplaces.com/madabamap.htm which led to the discovery of the Cardo and many other ancient sites including this one, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1149033.html



It is almost 31 years since the Israel/Egypt peace treaty, not perfect but it is what we have and most certainly better than what we had. Here is a wonderful video of the meeting between Golda Meir and Anwar Sadat, "the grandparents" who chose to create a better life for their grandchildren. http://picasaweb.google.com/niyego/GOLDA#slideshow



The process continued when Menachem Begin greeted President Anwar Al-Sadat before the steps of his aeroplane at Ben Gurion Airport. Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat two old enemies who were prepared to lay down their arms and create a better future. Israelis have been stunned by Menachem Begins grandson Avinadav, son of Benny Begin, who has become a left-wing activist who stands at checkpoints vociferously protesting soldiers and claims that his grandfather did nothing positive for the history of Israel. History turns upon itself when the grandson has no concept of what drove the grandfather.



"Fatah-gate" Fahmi Shabaneh was the head of the anti-corruption unit in the Palestinian authority. Over time he rounded up evidence of chronic corruption in the government. Included in the large stack of evidence is a tape showing the Secretary General to President Mahmoud Abbas, Rafik Al Husseini offering favours for sex and of his ultimate discovery. Shabeneh claims the tape shows Husseini doing things he wouldn't want his Mullah or wife to see.

Shabaneh deposited the incriminating documents showing vast monetary corruption and greed together with the sex tape , with Israel Channel 10 reporter Tzvi Yehezkeli, top Israeli Arab expert. Shabaneh demanded that President Abbas must take serious steps to clean up the Palestinian Authority immediately and if not, Yehezkeli is instructed to go public with the rest of the documents in 2 weeks. It does well to remember that our governments, pretty well all of them, give vast amounts of our hard earned monies to these crooks and not a penny reaches the poverty stricken people they rule. The only down side of this brave move by an honest man is that it leaves the door wide open for Hamas. The warrant for his arrest is out in the PA http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=168327 This is the original report – written in English but spoken in Arabic and Hebrew.

http://historycentral.typepad.com/israel/2010/02/corruption-in-palestinian-authority.html

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=iw&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.nana10.co.il%2FArticle%2F%3FArticleID%3D698398&sl=iw&tl=en



St.-Sgt. Maj. Ihab Khatib, 26, z"l from the mostly Druse village of Maghar in the Galilee was sitting in his jeep when a Palestinian man surprised him and stabbed him in the chest. Staff Sergeant Khtib tried to escape but his jeep overturned. The terrorist, who was immediately detained, was a Palestinian police officer; his name was Mohammed Khatib. What bizarre coincidence that both killer and killed had the same surname. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=168378

Israel in particular and Jews in general are being deligitimised as part of a very sinister larger plan. The Arab world has long used the Goebbels plan through its cartoons and general PR, and used it very successfully. The suggestion that Israel is not a State; Israel has no historical rights and was simply created on Arab land on a site holy to Islam, is becoming so acceptable that most people forget that this is Biblical land holy to Jews and Christians. So frequently is the prase "2 State Solution" bandied about that everyone forgets that the status quo is the 2 state solution and Jordan and Israel are the two states. The greatest problem is that many Jews are accepting the deligitimisation of Israel without realizing the implications to their own lives.

http://www.reut-institute.org/en/Publication.aspx?PublicationId=3766



Shai Agassi the Israeli inventor who has brought the electric car from a cumbersome dream to a reality has opened a visitor's centre to show the cars and allow people to drive them. Sounds terrific!
http://www.betterplace.com/company/photo-detail/better-place-visitors-center-in-tel-aviv/

Israeli wines have come of age, officially. Wine critics around the world are surprised that after thousands of years of wine-making modern Israel is producing fruity and delicious vintages. Indeed there are many outstanding local wines particularly those from boutique wineries. Gone are the days of sticky sweet sacramental wines - we grew up! http://www.israel21c.org/culture/israels-wine-industry-gets-international-recognition-from-us-critic



I just took a break from the computer to look out the view from our veranda. The car park of the shopping mall is slowly emptying as shoppers wend their weary way home – home to family, food and Shabbat. The peaceful quiet will soon fall over Jerusalem as families prepare their Shabbat, traditions from all over the world merge in one moment of unity as the candles are lit.



Shabbat Shalom to you all with love from Jerusalem, city of a thousand archaeological finds all pointing to the original inhabitants.

Sheila

Friday 5 February 2010

Shabbat Shalom letter from Sheila

100205

Friday 5th of February 2010.



Shabbat Shalom!



Gosh, I had no idea it was so late. Here I am on a soggy Friday in Jerusalem, slightly miserable that the snow did not materialize (though the Jerusalem Municipality proudly invited the press to view their up to date snow-moving equipment); busily cooking and cleaning the apartment ready for the weekend when I suddenly realized we don't have much time to talk of this weeks happenings before lighting the candles for Shabbat. There is something so pure, so special in the inherited tradition of women's faces glowing in the candle-light as they welcome the bride of Shabbat. No matter where in the world or the diversity of the culinary delights the tradition has survived thousands of years.

The inequality in reportage takes on a special light when Jerusalem is discussed, from the ludicrous freeze on Jewish building to the outrage when illegal buildings are pulled down (a global practice) but only if the housing freeze is Jewish and the illegal housing is Arab!!! Mayor Barkat is not willing to be blackmailed by the threat of bad publicity as well he shouldn't. If a home is built illegally; ergo without adhesion to building codes, then those areas rife with illegal and unsafe buildings could provide our first response teams with a Haiti situation when the inevitable earthquake occurs. Californian homes survived is because the building codes were enforced.

There is much current discussion as to the "benefits" of super-power interference in the Middle East. Khaled Abu Toameh, a top Israeli Arab journalist who writes for the Jerusalem Post among others expresses the opinion, which most locals would agree with, that we did much better before all the "do gooders" came on the scene after the disastrous Oslo Accords. Most of us hoped and prayed that the Olso Accords would bring peace – but we didn't realize that we were opening a Pandoras Box of intractable demands, insane ingenuity in new forms of tortuous terrorism; and total dehumanization of Israel and the Jews. http://www.hudsonny.org/2010/01/the-good-old-days-beofre-peace.php

The funniest video of the Obama Governments attempt to win the Arab world over by intelligent discussion made me laugh. Irreverent but good. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/obama_to_enter_diplomatic_talks

As a result of the Goldstone report the IDF has published its own report of their internal enquiries on Gaza as on all operations. In a BBC Newsnight report Col. Tim Collins, a celebrated Iraq war veteran gave his view of the Gaza conflict. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8470100.stm

From the Sunday Express newspaper in the UK comes this article about Israel's ecological projects. We are amongst the worlds leaders in ecological initiatives and inventions although few media sources report it. It makes me so proud that as Saul Singer says in his NY Times best-seller – despite the incredible external pressures Israel has taken her meagre resources and created a flourishing society. Start ups are not only in the city! http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/152662/Israel-Eco-revolution-in-the-desert

Not only the BBC's fair report on the continuing discussions on Gaza; CNN, through my dear friend, Senior International Reporter John Vause tell of the continuing work of Israelis in earthquake-torn Haiti. Children who appear sunny and happy cannot say the word "earthquake" they call it "the thing". The thing that destroyed their homes and families requires the work of psychologists, specialists in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Please watch this outstanding report as Vause asks all the pertinent questions. The first video is of the children and the second Vause interviews one of the senior Israelis in the team. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/04/vause.schools.in.cnn?iref=allsearch http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/04/bs.vause.haiti.psyc.cnn?iref=allsearch

The Israeli movie Ajami has been nominated as an entry for the 2010 Oscars in the position of "Best Foreign Film". Ajami is an Israeli film about the Moslem – Christian Arab neighborhood of Ajami in the ancient city of Jaffa. Written and Directed by Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani the film tells five stories of life in the neighborhood, in Arabic and Hebrew. This synopsis of the movie makes one glaring error – it describes Scandar Copti as a Palestinian when he is an Israeli who studied at the Technion. http://www.the-match-factory.com/films/items/ajami.html



Zvi is now at his parliament – the one in the coffee shop at the petrol station. I am absolutely certain that they discussed all of the subjects above – very, very loudly! It amazes me that the coffee shop does any business when it rains – at least when the sun is shining the other diners can escape the heated and raucous arguments on every and any subject in the world. Every subject is open to absolute certainty – there is no suggestion that anyone has doubts or questions his knowledge on any subject! For those who know Zvi they will understand my amazement to discover that he is one of the QUIETER combatants!!! I am delighted to say that my husband is doing really well after his operation, although the magnificent tales of his diverse room-mates continue.



I have a few things to finish up and then it will be time for that pre-Shabbat, time-honoured tradition THE SCHLAFFSTUNDER, siesta, rest….. nap, before having supper with Zvi's Mother Ala. Her memory is not what it was but her memories are intact. I love leading her to her youth and the stories of when she first arrived in the nascent state – in 1934. The hardships were incredible, few of her fellow students of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus had families to support them, to spend Shabbat with, to give them a hug – and the saddest part of all, most of these students had left their families in Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Austria, Germany and were never to see them again since the majority lost their families in the Holocaust while they stayed safe in the war-torn land of the Jews.Her memories of the Mandate, of her time in the Haganah, of Jerusalem "shel Pa'am" of all those years ago, hold me spellbound.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

Always have time to listen to the stories of those who seem to have lost their memories – we have so much to learn, so much to be grateful for.

With love from Jerusalem – beautiful even under the huge grey skies filled with blessed rain – but no snow!!!

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Sheila

100205

Friday 5th of February 2010.



Shabbat Shalom!



Gosh, I had no idea it was so late. Here I am on a soggy Friday in Jerusalem, slightly miserable that the snow did not materialize (though the Jerusalem Municipality proudly invited the press to view their up to date snow-moving equipment); busily cooking and cleaning the apartment ready for the weekend when I suddenly realized we don't have much time to talk of this weeks happenings before lighting the candles for Shabbat. There is something so pure, so special in the inherited tradition of women's faces glowing in the candle-light as they welcome the bride of Shabbat. No matter where in the world or the diversity of the culinary delights the tradition has survived thousands of years.

The inequality in reportage takes on a special light when Jerusalem is discussed, from the ludicrous freeze on Jewish building to the outrage when illegal buildings are pulled down (a global practice) but only if the housing freeze is Jewish and the illegal housing is Arab!!! Mayor Barkat is not willing to be blackmailed by the threat of bad publicity as well he shouldn't. If a home is built illegally; ergo without adhesion to building codes, then those areas rife with illegal and unsafe buildings could provide our first response teams with a Haiti situation when the inevitable earthquake occurs. Californian homes survived is because the building codes were enforced.

There is much current discussion as to the "benefits" of super-power interference in the Middle East. Khaled Abu Toameh, a top Israeli Arab journalist who writes for the Jerusalem Post among others expresses the opinion, which most locals would agree with, that we did much better before all the "do gooders" came on the scene after the disastrous Oslo Accords. Most of us hoped and prayed that the Olso Accords would bring peace – but we didn't realize that we were opening a Pandoras Box of intractable demands, insane ingenuity in new forms of tortuous terrorism; and total dehumanization of Israel and the Jews. http://www.hudsonny.org/2010/01/the-good-old-days-beofre-peace.php

The funniest video of the Obama Governments attempt to win the Arab world over by intelligent discussion made me laugh. Irreverent but good. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/obama_to_enter_diplomatic_talks

As a result of the Goldstone report the IDF has published its own report of their internal enquiries on Gaza as on all operations. In a BBC Newsnight report Col. Tim Collins, a celebrated Iraq war veteran gave his view of the Gaza conflict. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8470100.stm

From the Sunday Express newspaper in the UK comes this article about Israel's ecological projects. We are amongst the worlds leaders in ecological initiatives and inventions although few media sources report it. It makes me so proud that as Saul Singer says in his NY Times best-seller – despite the incredible external pressures Israel has taken her meagre resources and created a flourishing society. Start ups are not only in the city! http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/152662/Israel-Eco-revolution-in-the-desert

Not only the BBC's fair report on the continuing discussions on Gaza; CNN, through my dear friend, Senior International Reporter John Vause tell of the continuing work of Israelis in earthquake-torn Haiti. Children who appear sunny and happy cannot say the word "earthquake" they call it "the thing". The thing that destroyed their homes and families requires the work of psychologists, specialists in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Please watch this outstanding report as Vause asks all the pertinent questions. The first video is of the children and the second Vause interviews one of the senior Israelis in the team. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/04/vause.schools.in.cnn?iref=allsearch http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/04/bs.vause.haiti.psyc.cnn?iref=allsearch

The Israeli movie Ajami has been nominated as an entry for the 2010 Oscars in the position of "Best Foreign Film". Ajami is an Israeli film about the Moslem – Christian Arab neighborhood of Ajami in the ancient city of Jaffa. Written and Directed by Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani the film tells five stories of life in the neighborhood, in Arabic and Hebrew. This synopsis of the movie makes one glaring error – it describes Scandar Copti as a Palestinian when he is an Israeli who studied at the Technion. http://www.the-match-factory.com/films/items/ajami.html



Zvi is now at his parliament – the one in the coffee shop at the petrol station. I am absolutely certain that they discussed all of the subjects above – very, very loudly! It amazes me that the coffee shop does any business when it rains – at least when the sun is shining the other diners can escape the heated and raucous arguments on every and any subject in the world. Every subject is open to absolute certainty – there is no suggestion that anyone has doubts or questions his knowledge on any subject! For those who know Zvi they will understand my amazement to discover that he is one of the QUIETER combatants!!! I am delighted to say that my husband is doing really well after his operation, although the magnificent tales of his diverse room-mates continue.



I have a few things to finish up and then it will be time for that pre-Shabbat, time-honoured tradition THE SCHLAFFSTUNDER, siesta, rest….. nap, before having supper with Zvi's Mother Ala. Her memory is not what it was but her memories are intact. I love leading her to her youth and the stories of when she first arrived in the nascent state – in 1934. The hardships were incredible, few of her fellow students of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus had families to support them, to spend Shabbat with, to give them a hug – and the saddest part of all, most of these students had left their families in Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Austria, Germany and were never to see them again since the majority lost their families in the Holocaust while they stayed safe in the war-torn land of the Jews.Her memories of the Mandate, of her time in the Haganah, of Jerusalem "shel Pa'am" of all those years ago, hold me spellbound.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

Always have time to listen to the stories of those who seem to have lost their memories – we have so much to learn, so much to be grateful for.

With love from Jerusalem – beautiful even under the huge grey skies filled with blessed rain – but no snow!!!

Sheila