Half Truths and Downright Lies

 

 

 

29^th August 2025

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom, two words that hold so much hope, so much love.

 

 "A lie that is half a truth is the darkest of all".  Alfred Lord Tennyson.

 

Too often, fear of repetition makes us downplay the impact of lies and half-truths spread by the media, yet their consequences are immense, fueling global anti-Semitism. Goering mastered this in the 1930s, and the same tactics are at work today. A letter from my dear (distant) cousin Nina Collins reminded me how vital it is to keep restating the facts. As Garry Kasparov observed: “The point of modern propaganda isn’t only to misinform or push an agenda. It is to exhaust your critical thinking, to annihilate truth.” The internet, from TikTok onward, has only accelerated this problem, but it began long ago with the Gutenberg Press. Once texts became mass-produced and literacy spread, humanity became vulnerable not just to truth, but to the manipulation of opinion.

 

How did disinformation spread so quickly after the October 7th massacre? Qatar, the modern-day Goering, had already laid the groundwork, buying influence across youth, universities, and media. From owning the most British of institutions like Harrods and The Savoy to major stakes in Barclays, Sainsbury’s, Boeing, Newsmax, Porsche, and U.S. universities like Georgetown and Cornell, Qatar bankrolls power in the West. Even its sports empire is part of a deliberate strategy to secure the regime’s future and expand its global reach. Qatar funded Hezb-Allah and pledged $100 million to UNRWA, including $4.5 million designated for the organization’s activities in Judea and Samaria. So dear friends, don’t believe everything you read or watch. Israel is not perfect, but neither is wherever you chose to live, but it is a great deal better than the society that want to change it or destroy it.

 

By the way, I am currently entranced by a TV series called Outrageous, about the Mitford Girls, two of whom became close to Adolf Hitler. As a Brit I knew the basic story but this is brilliant. The story is close to the truth, relevant and riveting. (Netflix and BritBox in North America)

 

Another misinterpretation by the media which really annoys me is the insistence that Israel is starving the Gazans. Two more organisations have been set up to distribute food, probably to distribute the stockpiles of staples that are already in Gaza, and the world is furious with Israel. Obviously the day to day existence of most Gazans is unbearable, but what about all the African countries where starvation is absolute but no-one cares? The hunger in Gaza is caused by the democratically elected body – Hamas.

 

Australia has broken its diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled the Iranian Ambassador. You didn’t know that Australia has diplomatic ties with Iran? Neither did I, but at least the naïve Australian government has made a move in the right direction. Diplomatic ties severed with Iran after it was named behind antisemitic attacks - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/iran-behind-antisemitic-attacks-asio-says/105697762

 

The United Nations has decided to end UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, (15,000 troops at its height) which has existed since 1978. While effective at its inception, especially when the force included many Finnish and Fijian troops, but later became a defunct force which stood by and watched as United Nations Resolution 1701 was ignored. 1701 called for the disarmament of Hezb-Allah and a buffer zone between Lebanon and Israel.

 

This week, both in protest and as support for the English sports teams, English flags, the flag of St George, were flown, then taken down by the police as incitement! Once, flying a national flag, be it British, Canadian, United States, Australian, indeed anywhere, was a sign of pride and gratitude. My Polish father would hang bunting on Empire Day or the Queen’s Birthday to honour Britain, his a safe haven. Today, flags are seen as “right-wing,” and too often those granted refuge seek to change the country instead of cherishing it. Indeed, the UK wheelchair basketball team turned their backs on the Israeli National Anthem at a competition in Germany. A complaint has been lodged with the Olympic Committee.

 

Yesterday the leaders of the rebel Houthis gathered in a location outside Sanaa, Yemen, to hear a planned speech by the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. In a clean air strike the IAF succeeded in wiping out most of them. Yemen’s Al-Jumhuriya channel reports that the Prime Minister of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed (PM of the Houthis not Yemen) alongside 10 others.

 

Christians have lived in Gaza for 2,000 years. The number of Christians in Gaza has dwindled over the last 25 years and only about 600 remain, mostly in the Greek Orthodox churches in Gaza City. Little publicised is the persecution of Christians in Gaza and in the Eastern part of Jerusalem. Sadly, few leaders of the Christian denominations have come out publicly to condemn the persecution of Christians in those areas. I tried, believe me I tried to get the story publicised when about 20 years ago many Christian girls were kidnapped and married off to Moslem young men, I gathered proof and testimonies, but nobody listened. At that time a dear friend, a Christian in the very lovely neighbourhood of Bet Hanina fled to the USA for his Western way of life and his mother spoke to me very clearly of her fears for the Christians of Bet Hanina. Another Christian friend, who lives in Bethlehem, yes I wrote Bethlehem, is suffering from an embargo on his work and his son, despite a university degree, cannot find work. They both work in Israel when they can find.  As I return to the subject of Gaza, those who have not fled over the border to Egypt (where the Copts are persecuted) are now in danger as the war enters Gaza City. Caught between a rock and a hard place. Incidentally, Israel is the only country in the world where the Christian community has grown!

 

Amir Shurush is an actor who plays the part of Ramsi, Ramsi Abed Ramsi, in a very funny Israeli series about life in a local supermarket. His part requires him to wear a constant happy countenance and a somewhat hapless personality. Over the last few weeks, in “Dancing With the Stars” Ramsi became Amir, brilliant Terpsichorean. Amir, whose mother is Jewish and father a Christian Arab, is utterly Israeli in every way. He served in the IDF and this week the actor who had never danced, came first in the final of Dancing With the Stars!  I tried to find you a video of the phenomenal performance with his co-star Sanah but failed.

 

Yes, Israel is ranked eighth in the 2025 World Happiness Report, placing it in the top 10 happiest countries globally, despite dropping three spots from its previous position in 2024. The report, which uses data from the Gallup World Poll, considers factors like social support, personal freedom, generosity, and GDP per capita to determine rankings. Of course many of my readers objected when I wrote about it, saying that it is not logical that a country still at war, unhappy with its leadership and mourning those we lost and grieving at the videos of the remaining hostages, but look at the criteria! We may have dropped from 5^th place to 8^th but we are still there. Never forget that Sweden, always up there in the top 3, has the world’s highest suicide rate! What do I think? I believe, strongly believe, that despite it all, there is nowhere else that I want to be. This is home.

 

The Sydney, Australia, Marathon will take place on Sunday and the 50 strong Team Shalva has arrived to a warm welcome by the Sydney community. I’m sure you remember about Shalva, the world class centre for adults and children with special needs; the place we chose to create the Studio for the Performing Arts in honour of my amazing son Dr. Daniel Cammerman z”l. https://www.shalva.org/

 

More Israeli wins in sport. Nativ Bittane won Gold in the U19 50m butterfly at the World Virtus Swimming Championships in Bangkok!!

 

What a week! I have been home with the workmen most of the time whereas Zvi has managed to escape to various meetings and rehearsals – not because he wanted to but rather because he had to. On Wednesday, Rachel came to stay in the apartment while Zvi and I met with friends (Gad Moda’I, Rivka, Gideon and Aliza Alon) in the wonderful restaurant “Derech haGefen” (Path of the vineyard) in the nearby village of Beit Zayit, thus name for the hundreds, nay thousands of olive trees that surround it. The lunch was truly delicious, each of us taking something different and the conversation, of course, centred on the government and religion. I am not a religious person, although very traditional and deeply Jewish, but believe that without Judaism we really have no business being here. After all there are many countries that are predominantly Christian and uphold Christian values (although I fear that they are in danger of losing those values) and about 57 Moslem countries. I made it very clear that I don’t feel that this tiny dot on the world map should have anything but Jewish values and traditions while showing respect to all other faiths.

 

Ein li Eretz Aheret – I have no other country – expresses everything. Listen and love https://youtu.be/rJIXzk4DC9Y?si=MO6pB59LX6FR_ajR

 

If you thought that the original Leonard Cohen rendition of Halleluya was emotional, try this one! Sung during the Israeli Star is Born Valerie Tamati (a Christian Israeli) and Tamir Greenberg (a Jewish Israeli)

They gave the performance of their lives. https://youtu.be/irEpp0NsgkI?si=HOx6xELQ5AvyiNJs  

 

“Sakhki Sakhki” I believe in man -This great social protest song is now 120 years old! Written by the poet Shaul Tchernichovsky in Odessa at the age of 19. Performed wonderfully by Rona Kenan,  https://youtu.be/DtbxBdgsuEw?si=_3Kzpc2XkXD_RBFL

 

Every time I complain that this is hard or that is tough or why do I have to clean the floor again because there are workmen here, I stop myself and think of the parents of those two captives, hostages, whose videos we saw last week. It is beyond any imagination to understand the incredible emotional anguish of those parents, indeed of all the parents and families of the hostages, past and present; not forgetting the parents, wives and children of soldiers. Our day to day concerns diminish into the banal (even those which are genuine) in comparison. To support them is to speak out; to support everyone affected by this ghastly war that was thrust upon us one day in October nearly 2 years ago don’t hide who you are, show it, as I wrote last week, send letters to the media and write comments on articles that demand it.

 

Shabbat. How wonderful that we were given Shabbat, a Sabbath on the seventh day of creation when the Almighty rested and “was pleased with what he saw”. Shabbat, a time to rest, a time to reflect, a time to understand what we have however meagre or however opulent, to bring us down to the fact that it makes no difference, we are human beings who need to commune with something much bigger than ourselves. To believe that we are the be all and end all of existence is too painful to imagine.

 

I want to end with a quote from Marianne Williamson “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth.”

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom with love from Jerusalem, so beautiful in the distance as I look over the tree that Herzl planted, all the way to the glistening white of the City of Gold.

 

Sheila

After nearly 700 days, the body of hostage Ilan Weiss has been recovered from Gaza by the IDF.

Ilan Weiss, 56, was from Kibbutz Be’eri. He was the deputy commander of the kibbutz’ emergency response team. On the morning of October 7th, 2023, he was murdered and abducted to Gaza. Ilan leaves behind his wife Shiri and his daughter, Noga. They were also taken hostage that morning and were released after 50 days in captivity.

Our hearts are with the family on this day and through this immense pain. After so much waiting, Ilan is finally returned home and can receive a proper Jewish burial.

There are reports that a second hostage body was also recovered, and their remains are being identified.

Every last one must come home

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katan Aleinu - We Got This

 

22^nd of August 2025

28^th of the Hebrew month of Av in the year 5785

669 days since Israel responded to the attack of October 7^th

 

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Almost time to wish you a good month as we near the Hebrew month of Elul

 

The month of Elul, the last month of the Jewish year, is a time of introspection, repentance, and preparation for the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). It's a period of self-reflection and seeking forgiveness, with a focus on returning to God and making amends for past actions. The blowing of the Shofar (ram's horn) is a key custom during Elul. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding people to reflect on their actions and prepare for the High Holidays. The name "Elul" is often interpreted as an acronym for the phrase "Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li," which translates to "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine". This refers to the relationship between the Jewish people and God, and Elul is a time to strengthen that connection but more than anything else we must strengthen our connection with each other and recognise our allies, our allies in the understanding that this is really our land, as is written in our Bible, our shared Bible. Yes, it really goes back five thousand, seven hundred and eighty five years.

 

Did you know there are cholera outbreaks in Congo and South Sudan; diphtheria in Somalia; floods in Vietnam; wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, Myanmar, and beyond? In every crisis, Israel is among the first to send aid. And yet — only one country dominates the headlines, and rarely in a complimentary way.

 

Just this August, Syrian Druze in Sweida were brutally attacked by Syrian forces — torture, rape, slaughter. It barely made the news. Meanwhile, the Syrian leader is welcomed abroad as a statesman, while Israel is condemned.

 

I share this not to make you sad on Shabbat, but to remind us: when “yafeh nefesh”  (beautiful souls) condemn Israel without context, they ignore who starts the wars, who spreads hate, and who builds bridges and who will change the very nature of your country. Yes, antisemitism is rising — but blaming Israel for it is not only false, it excuses those who welcome despots while disparaging our leaders.

 

What can you do? How can you turn the tide of hatred? Choose your Member of Parliament, your Representative, your local politicians, police chiefs, university presidents and major donors, even school PTAs. Write a letter, write lots of letters, not in anger, that never works, but with clear explanations and suggest that they are clearly not doing enough. Be concise, firm and helpful. WRITE

 

150 children were banned from a French holiday village and the director was arrested

 

For more than a century, Australia and Israel shared a deep bond — from the bravery of the Australian Light Horse at Beersheba in 1917 to decades of close friendship and support. Sadly, under the current government this relationship has come under strain, with critical remarks from Prime Minister Albanese toward Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Through it all, the Australian Jewish community has remained a bridge between the two nations. Contributing so much to Australian society in business, medicine, culture, and public life, they continue to embody the shared values of courage, resilience, and friendship that have long united Australia and Israel. This contretemps will surely be over soon when elections will be held in both countries

 

Steven Spielberg made a TikTok video of his one minute talk on antisemitism. He doesn’t discuss Israel, just of the beginning of his path to Schindler’s list and the Holocaust Survivor’s Testimonies https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNoBnXqN3vU/

 

I have to approach the elephant in the room.

 

In order to enable the governments decision to enter Gaza city (which until now has been outside the war but where the Hamas leaders are hiding behind the hostages) 60,000 orders have been sent out to miluimnikim (remember that’s the men and women who go back time and again, some serving 500 days out of the 669 days of the war, leaving their young families, serving the country) 60,000 call-ups of soldiers that are physically and mentally exhausted, when in the meantime young, healthy, able-bodied Haredi men have taken to the streets in violent protest, closing main arteries, swearing that they would rather die than serve Israel. The irony of their statement is clear – they are willing to die against Israel but not defending Israel. Nobody is asking them to abandon their Torah studies but rather to give back to the country that has their backs, because while they study Torah others are dying to protect them. It is literally tearing us apart. It causes young people to abandon their religion because they see these social parasites, I know that sounds harsh, as representatives of Judaism while their friends die and lose limbs and suffer PTSD, they marry, start families, don’t work, etc. They, the Israeli young quite naturally rebel against Judaism.

 

In the meantime there is a tiny ray of hope. Eli Beer, Founder and CEO of Hatzolah, believes that through Hatzolah he can find a way to bring the Haredi youth into the Israeli mainstream. He hopes that through public service in Hatzolah he can approach the divisive question of Haredi military enlistment and the draft exemption law.

 

That’s it, I’ve exposed the elephant and feel better for expressing my feelings.

 

In the meantime, some great events have taken place. For instance :-

 

Israel has opened an Embassy in the African country of Zambia. Ofra Farhi: is the Israeli ambassador to Zambia, and non-resident ambassador to Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. As I have said, new doors are opening in the Gulf States and Africa as they close in Europe.

 

Israel’s Ishay Ribo took the stage at Woodstock, New York, with more than 14,000 people from near and far. It was the largest Jewish music event of the year and the first of its kind at this iconic venue.

 

Israel’s Omri Danon won the men’s junior gold medal at the 2025 UEC Mountain Bike Downhill European Championships in La Molina, Spain. The Israeli national anthem in Spain

 

The flamingos in Israel's Hula Valley are enjoying their summer vacation so much that they have decided not to migrate this year.

 

Israeli paraplegic table tennis player Caroline Tabib won the gold medal at the US Open.

 

Despite the war, Israel is still ranked in the first 10 of the world’s happiest countries, well ahead of where most of you live! How can that be? Lousy government, hostages, war and yet, happy! The answer can probably be in the closeness of families, Friday night family get-togethers, friendships, open houses, good neighbours and the fact that we enjoy life – despite. So you see, you can come here and enjoy life too!

 

Want to find good news items – go to  www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com

 

Our social life has been somewhat limited this week. Why? You may well ask. We have had workmen here all week, closing in part of our veranda – don’t worry the trees and flowers remain intact – with glass windows and doors. The purpose is not only to double the size of our lounge, but to allow for even more guests to enjoy the view! The workmen, mostly Arab Moslems, have been delightful. Most live not far from us and speak perfect Hebrew. What fascinated me is that the older men drink “bots” literally translated as mud, or Turkish coffee, and the younger men asked for espresso! They have worked diligently, and the extra space is taking shape. Can’t wait for you to visit!

 

I say limited but it didn’t stop us meeting friends, going out for coffee or neighbours popping in to see what is going on! We went to friends in Raanana, the home of Zahava and Ami Sever, together with our cousins Yossi and Rachel. You have to understand what a visit to the Sever home means.  Zahava set out a table that was laden with goodies of every conceivable nature, all presented aesthetically. Salads galore, in fact everything was wonderful. The delightful and delicious display was explained thus “I am addicted to the radio and need something to do while listening and so I cook”! Tonight, we are going to Bonnie and Alan Cohen’s home for Friday night dinner. When they came to live in Israel from far off California, we became good friends and we even got married in their home! Really! Tied the knot in their salon and then stood under the wedding canopy outside their home, with Rabbi David Rosen officiating, followed by dancing in the street afterwards! Nearly 30 years ago and we still love going to their home.

 

You will hear many of the former hostages say that we must learn to dance again, that we mustn’t allow terror to take away the joy of music and that’s my theme for today’s offerings

 

Tirkedi is a plaintive song about a young girl dancing. Listen to the words and see the background which lists names, many, many names, of those who were slaughtered on that ghastly day in October 2023. https://youtu.be/EDm5wQp4AMs?si=zZtQpbInlydag4-7

 

This song was written during the Covid virus, but it fits our situation now. “Katan Aleinu” We got it! 40 Israeli musicians got together. I absolutely love this one! Sing along, I promise it will raise your mood!  https://youtu.be/lHVAWnCXBkU?si=I36M58HRigTXSUqu

 

Have you ever heard a musical police force? Well, you are about to! This rendition by our police and border guards is about “Shevet Achim v’Achiot” a Tribe of Brothers and Sisters. If I am completely honest, there have been changes here as Ben Gvir gained control of the police, but when you come down to it, they are all just human beings.  https://youtu.be/OwVhpiQzlUM?si=DyZrGTzoUTixtsJz

 

Shabbat. The Sabbath Day, what is it really? For Jews it is Saturday, for Christians it is Sunday (except for Mormons (LDS) in Jerusalem it is Saturday) and for Moslems it is Friday. We all know when but the big question is why. Of course, in the creation, Genesis, God rested on the seventh day and so do we, but what, other than a day of rest, what do we do? Do we pray, as a community? do we go to the beach or wonder at nature on a trek? do we meet up with friends or family? In Judaism one doesn’t need a Rabbi to lead prayer, in fact the synagogue was a communal meeting place first before it became a place of prayer, so how do you do it? I’m fascinated to know.

 

For me, Shabbat is a day to gather strength, morally, physically and as I light the candles to bring in the bride of Shabbat, I take a moment to think of loved ones, present and those who have shuffled off this mortal coil, leaving us only sweet memories. A certain peace falls over our home. Those candles bring a sense of change, of goodness, of warmth.  It is a day to forget dissention, to allow your thoughts to regroup, to choose what is important in life.

 

Be well, be strong, believe and it will get better. I wish you Shabbat Shalom from our veranda to yours. As the world goes mad Jerusalem still displays her 9/10ths of the worlds beauty. In fact – we had a window put in to the new extension so that we can look at Jerusalem in the distance and dream of a better world.

 

Shabbat shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov (A good month)

 

Sheila

 

 

 

678

 ​15^th of August 2025

21^st day of the Hebrew month of Av in the year 5785

678th of October

 

Shabbat Shalom to one and all

 

“Give us back our 50 hostages. Some are alive and some are only alive in our souls. Let the innocent people who are in Gaza have a chance. We are tired. We are done. We are children of God. Stop playing with us and our lives.“  Rachel Goldberg-Polin

 

The words of Rachel Goldberg-Polin rang through my mind as I watched this tiny, incredibly strong woman and I can’t get her words out of my mind. Mothers, the mothers of those who are still in appalling captivity, the mothers of those, like Rachel, whose children have already left this world, they unite in their determination to free the hostages. The families, whether mothers, fathers or siblings, have amazed me by their eloquence, their intelligent fight to free those who are alive and the bodies of those who they just want to bury on Israeli soil. Their pleas are falling on deaf ears and the world, except for the sane few, covers their ears and eyes, having decided that we are to blame.

 

Surely one of the most inane decisions of the last two years, was that of the Toronto International Film Festival. What group of people in their right mind could possibly refuse to screen a documentary film about October 7^th 2023 because, and I quote “ The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) cancelled the screening of a documentary about the October 7 massacres, claiming the filmmakers should have sought permission from Hamas to use clips of the slaughter filmed on terrorists’ body-worn cameras.” Hamas terrorists were proud of their vile acts, filmed it all on bodycams, put the footage online, yet Toronto, where there are daily pro-Hamas demonstrations chose its side. However, after public outcry they have reversed their decision to hold back the showing of the movie “he Road Between Us - The Ultimate Rescue. Well done to all the relevant protesters.

 

I have to admit that if speaking of the inane, the puerile, actions taken recently the prize must go to Yariv Levine, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Israel. Levine spearheads the campaign against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and despite a Supreme Court and Bar Association decision that he must desist all interference of her work; he instructed his driver to change the locks on her door of their shared office space in Tel Aviv. Hopefully the bar Association threat to indict him will succeed.

 

UN Security Council members have a rare chance to break the deceptive appearance of “peacekeeping” and create a model that actually helps keep the peace between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, stood by as Hezb-Allah constantly broke the 1991 Resolution 701 demanding that Hezb-Allah retreat from and stay clear of Southern Lebanon, intended to provide security to the Lebanese Christians, Druze and a secure border between the Israel and Lebanon. It has not performed its mandated peacekeeping, far from it.

 

Surprisingly, the UN has made a decision to blacklist Hamas over Oct. 7, hostage sexual violence however, unsurprisingly, returning to their usual anti-Israel stance, they have warned Israel that we may be next on that blacklist!

 

Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska, ironically, the U.S. state purchased from Russia for a fraction of its value. While some criticise Trump for meeting with the leader behind the war in Ukraine, it is worth remembering: diplomacy often requires engaging with adversaries, not just allies.

 

Alister Heath is a British journalist, a rare specimen who is a truth teller supreme. Rather than reading my words I want you to read his. He wrote an article a short while ago called There's something about Israel that makes people uncomfortable and it's not what they say it is. “They'll point to politics, settlements, borders, and wars. But scratch beneath the outrage, and you'll find something deeper. A discomfort not with what Israel does, but with what Israel is. A nation this small should not be this strong. Period. Israel has no oil. No special natural resources. A population barely the size of a mid-sized American city. They are surrounded by enemies. Hated in the United Nations. Targeted by terror. Condemned by celebrities. Boycotted, slandered, and attacked. And still, they thrive like there's no tomorrow. They turn desert into farmland. They make water from air. They intercept rockets in mid-air. They rescue hostages under the nose of the world's worst regimes. They survive wars that were supposed to wipe them out, and win. The world watches this and can't make sense of it. So they do what people do when they witness strength they can't understand. They assume it must be cheating.

 

Maybe the Jews are not just a people… but a testimony. That's what they can't stand. Because once you admit that Israel's survival isn't just impressive, but divine, everything changes. Your moral compass has to reset. Your assumptions about history, power, and justice collapse. You realise you're not watching the end of an empire. You're witnessing the beginning of something eternal. So they deny it. They smear it.
And rage against it. Because it's easier to call a miracle "cheating" than to face the possibility that God keeps His promises. And He's keeping them still.” https://jr.co.il/articles/something-about-israel.htm

 

As indicated in the article I have a great deal of good news. First and foremost, the heatwave (over 50 degrees in Eilat) seems to have broken.

 

Israeli scientists have created a digital twin that can predict diseases before symptoms appear. Researchers in the Weizmann Institute developed personalised AI model using vast health database to forecast illnesses and tailor treatments. Israeli scientists at Hadassah Medical Center are hopeful that they have discovered the first ever treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Hebrew University developed an electrical neurostimulator (battery-powered) implanted in the chest of Parkinson's patients, similar to a pacemaker. Emissions from this device block nerve signals responsible for tremors. Tel Aviv University is developing a nasal vaccine to protect people from Alzheimer's and strokes. The Technion (Haifa) has developed a simple blood test capable of detecting various types of cancer. I could go on and on, but you already know that we believe in Tikkun Olam (Leaving the world a better place then we found it)

 

This week Aviva and Keith Segal, who were both hostages in Hamas captivity, walked their daughter Shir down the aisle on her wedding day. A moment of joy after unimaginable darkness. Shir always said she would not marry until both parents could walk beside her. They did! Miracles do happen

 

Thousands marched from Lincoln’s Inn Fields to Downing Street on Sunday, many wearing yellow in support of the fight to free the hostages and carrying Israeli and British flags.

 

The highlight in the Gymnastics events at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, the Israeli team won Gold in the Men's Groups Final

 

At the European Fencing U-23 Championships in Tallinn (EST), the Israeli men’s Epee team defeated the reigning champions, Switzerland, in the final to earn the gold medal

 

Congratulations to Israeli Cyclist Omri Danon for winning the gold medal at the Mountain Bike Downhill European Championships in Spain.

 

Looking at all of the above, it is indeed a miracle that despite being surrounded by those whose clear intention is to eliminate us, we continue to create, to excel and to literally, save the world

 

Zvi is currently at a rehearsal, rare for a Friday morning. His choir has a big show coming up and their choirmaster insisted upon a 3 hour rehearsal this morning. The timing is ideal because he can go straight from the rehearsal to his Friday parliament in the Botanical Gardens. I’m not sure that they really look at the fabulous water lilies in the pond, or even enjoy the excellent menu, but rather they will stay in their special room (so they won’t bother the regular diners) and hold discussions about our situation.

 

I went for an eye test, essential for the renewal of my driver’s licence. I cannot believe that I am nearly 80 and require all sorts of information about my health from my GP, and from various specialists to continue driving. We went to a shopping mall in the industrial area in Talpiot, Jerusalem. It was so hot outside we decided to stay there for a while, go to the coffee shop and relax. Well, that was a mistake! The Aroma coffee shop was heaving! No table remained with its original chair as everyone joined tables to accommodate families, shlepped chairs back and forth in an effort to find a place to sit! On the table right next to us, the potential diner had placed his walking stick right across the table and on one chair to ensure his place! I finally found a free table with one chair, copied his clever ruse and dragged another chair while Zvi went to get the coffee! Israelis love to meet and natter, to enjoy ourselves. Restaurants, theatres and cinemas are full, nothing stops us. Perhaps that’s what Alister Heath is trying to tell the world.

 

Choosing songs last week was easy after the stupendous performance by Yehoram Gaon and I will try to retain the high standard so the search is on.

 

One song stands out, probably not the first time I’ve sent it to you but it has such deep meaning for our situation today. "Guard the world, my child—there are things you must never see.
If you do, you will cease to be a hero of the world, child.
Guard the world, my child—with an angel’s smile… because we no longer can.
Guard the world, my child—don’t overthink things. The more you know, the less you’ll understand."
This poignant song, written by David D’Or in 1993, resonates as a lament and a plea to his child to do a better job than we did. Here he sings with Anna Zak https://youtu.be/MhJ45C2M0dI?si=v25AL3u8VSWvQFBa

 

The late Ofra Chaza sang this song many years ago and it is still relevant today. It is simply called Chai – Alive. Perhaps a strange choice on my part since she is no longer with us but her sweet voice and the words of the song are https://youtu.be/czhiHc1-qOc?si=o5xRpvMSM5IxNZ8c

 

Rak b’Yisrael – Only in Israel – is a fun song and utterly true!! Enjoy.  https://youtu.be/i-7EvfJje88?si=T1_iAulm-sMsewIz

 

That’s it! I must go and prepare Shabbat, and check every plant on the veranda. My morning ritual requires a chat with every plant, then I eat breakfast outside and watch the tiny sunbirds come to drink nectar from the flowers, they love the hibiscus of every hue,(I have crimson, peach, orange, pinkish blue and a double primrose yellow) and then they flit back and fore and drink from the two feeders.

 

Tonight, it’s just Zvi and me, but the table will be set with our most beautiful dishes. The challah under the beautiful cover my sister Doreen and Melvyn z”l gave us as a wedding gift all those years ago. Zvi will sing the blessings over the wine and the challah, and then we will share our traditional meal. In the stillness, the week’s noise begins to fade, and we ready ourselves for Shabbat, a pause that renews the spirit. You don’t need to be Jewish to embrace its gift; everyone needs a gentle moment to set aside worldly worries and let both mind and heart find rest.

 

The world may be in turmoil, but change lies ahead. Jews, Christians, and Moslems of moderate thought will once again place the good of their countries above the pull of the crowd. Our voices will be heard.

 

Shabbat Shalom with love from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, spiritual city in the world

Sheila

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If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

My Website http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/ 

In Times of Love and War

 

8^th August 2025

671^st of October 2023

15^th of the month of Av 5785

 

“Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late; the jest is over, and the tale hath had its effect.”

Jonathan Swift

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I was looking for something entirely different when I came across the quote above and it seemed so appropriate for our current situation that I put it as a headline to today’s missive.

 

The lies abound but sadly the government, or rather Cabinet members, keep many lies alive by their thoughtless statements. Actually, not thoughtless, dangerous. Calls to reoccupy Gaza are not only misguided they’re dangerous and the majority of Israelis are against it. Such a move would cost more soldiers’ lives, many of them reservists who have already sacrificed deeply, leaving young families behind for months. Israel’s army is stretched thin, partly because nearly two-thirds of the eligible population, including most Haredim and Arabs, do not serve.

 

Reentering Gaza would mean governing over two million people raised to hate us, a reality that would only strengthen claims that Israel is a colonial occupier. Even neighboring Arab countries refuse to take on the responsibility of ruling Gaza. The rational solution is not reoccupation, but placing the Palestinian Authority in charge, under close supervision from Egypt and a Western country. Crucially, the hostages are believed to be held in Gaza City. Any large-scale incursion would all but guarantee their deaths. We must not sacrifice them to make a political point or score a hollow military victory. Last night the Security Cabinet decided to deepen the fight but not to occupy Gaza.

 

This debate has already claimed the position of former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who, though new in his role, took responsibility for October 7 and planned to step down after the war. He was replaced by Gen. Eyal Zamir, who initially was perceived by the government to support intensified attacks on Hamas, but now strongly opposes reentering or controlling Gaza. His stance has faced a Knesset vote. Let us hope he holds firm; for the sake of our soldiers, our sanity, and our future.

 

This week we saw the horrifying, recently released videos of hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski; skeletal, desperate, Evyatar forced to dig his own grave with his last ounce of strength, Rom, unable to stand, and we can only imagine that the other 18 living hostages are in a similar near death state. I doubt if there was even one among us who succeeded in holding back tears at the sight of their plight.  The anguish of their mothers, and fathers, is unimaginable, hearts torn out and ripped apart. Anyone who has a heart must feel it too. MK Simcha Rothman, who represents Smotrich’s party, refused to watch the videos. He spoke calling them “Hamas propaganda” intended to demoralise Israeli society. “It’s a grave mistake to watch or broadcast these videos,” he said. “I won’t volunteer to let Hamas’s psychological missile enter my eyes and heart.” No words.

 

As Eilon Levy said, “In the video you see who is starving in Gaza, the hand that passed a can of food to Evyatar was fat, well fed. Levy also stood before vast supplies of staple foods on the Gaza side of the border, foods that have not been distributed by the UN. Israel, incidentally, allocated $1 BILLION in aid to Gaza!

 

One cannot defeat Hamas, not Israel, not the West, and certainly not with conventional thinking. The fundamental mistake is in assuming Hamas behaves like a rational actor. They are not swayed by money, they have enough; they do not seek international affection or diplomatic legitimacy; they are unmoved by American threats or Western incentives; Hamas is a movement of religious zealots, guided solely by the teachings of their religious leaders and their interpretation of the Qur’an. That is their only compass — and nothing else matters. When Yahya Sinwar was imprisoned in Israel, no interrogation technique could break him. He remained silent until the Mossad approached Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, his spiritual authority. Only when Yassin gave the instruction did Sinwar begin to speak. That account, which I believe fully, was told to Zvi by a former Mossad operative whose name must remain confidential.

 

All of this leads to one unavoidable conclusion: we should withdraw from Gaza, even temporarily, even under the framework of a “hudna”, to bring home the hostages, or what remains of them. To fail to do so risks fracturing Israeli society into pieces and placing diaspora Jews in greater peril. Don’t take my word for it — take the word of a group of esteemed former chiefs of Israel’s security services, police, and the Mossad: https://youtu.be/DsuGv-5bzNM?si=B20Hki4DEO7rISPY

 

The Security Cabinet of the Knesset just voted to go deeper into Gaza and take over large areas. Surely a devastating decision, nationally and internationally

 

So many countries are rushing to recognise a Palestinian state  but few pause to ask whether it meets the basic legal criteria according to the Montevideo Convention of 1933. A state must have defined borders, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the ability to conduct foreign relations. Palestine has none of these. Still, I’ll admit something that might surprise you: under very strict and realistic conditions, recognition might actually help. I don’t want to rule over another people. I don’t want one shared state. And I certainly don’t want to become a minority in the only Jewish homeland we have. Israel was created as a refuge, a Jewish state on ancient lands, a country where all religions can pray freely and safely. If a Palestinian state existed, it would be held accountable under international law, for its leadership, its finances, and for providing a future for its people. Refugee status would end. Dependency would end. And maybe, just maybe, some of this endless cycle would end too. The world is pouring more than $30 billion annually into maintaining the current situation. Is that really helping anyone?

 

Last Thursday, my heart broke. A group of 180 Israeli soldiers walked through the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, not in protest, but in mourning. As part of the “Witnesses in Uniform” programme of the IDF, they came to honour six million slaughtered Jews and reclaim their heritage. But at the site of Jewish annihilation, Polish police told them to lower their flags, the symbol of survival, nationhood, and return.

 

If, like me, you wonder what you can do to make things better in your communities and towns but don’t know how, Jay Ruderman has made it easier through his own vast experience. The book is called Find Your Fight https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Fight-Causes-Matter/dp/1637560478 and Jay encourages us to act with advice on how to do it.

 

However, it’s not all bad! There are many places in this confused and gullible world that are waking up from their nightmare.

 

One of the most prestigious of Oxford University colleges, St Anne’s, has for the first time ever launched a scholarship specifically for Jewish and Israeli undergraduate students. Four scholarships will be open to Jewish undergraduates or Israeli undergraduates of any or no faith, to be enrolled at St Anne’s College.

 

A proud moment for Israeli medicine! The Reducer, a groundbreaking heart implant developed at Ihilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, has just been approved for use in Israel. Placed via simple catheterization, this tiny device improves blood flow and eases severe chest pain. Over 75% of patients report major improvements in quality of life. Innovation made in Israel. Now saving lives

 

Gal Raviv (no relation) scored an incredible 32 points in an Israeli win in the Women’s Under 20 Basketball Championships, winning over the reigning champions France! Israel beat France, the current champions, 81-74, securing a place in the quarterfinals and confirming its spot in Division A for next year’s tournament. Brava to all the team!!

 

Israel's Leviathan natural gas field has signed the largest export agreement in the country's history, worth up to $35 billion to supply gas to Egypt. The deal, announced by Israel’s Yitzchak Tshuva, Director of the Delek Group, will ease a major natural gas shortage in Egypt and secure deeper relations between the two countries

 

After a conversation with friends yesterday I felt the need to contact our old friend Canon Andrew White! Andrew’s speech is very slurred but he was so excited as we talked on Chat about our adventures. He said that the Ezekiel's Tomb episode (which I wrote about last week) was a highlight in his life. Incredibly, after 30 years of severe MS, he still gives sermons from his bed and dreams of coming back to Jerusalem for gefilte fish in the King David Hotel.

 

After another busy week with lots of events and last night, after a community event in the park with an excellent jazz singer, we went to our local amphitheatre where many famous Israelis perform before taking their act to major venues. Last night was the inimitable Yehoram Gaon, still going strong, maybe even stronger after all these years. 6,000 people, the front section filled with pilots, soldiers and injured soldiers from the rehabilitation unit in Sheba Hospital, all of whom were invited personally, and we all sang along with Yehoram Gaon and he regaled us with stories about his father, a teacher of Hebrew and Hebrew Grammar at the teacher’s training college in Jerusalem.

 

His first song rang true with the entire audience. Shalom Lach Eretz Nehederet -  Peace To You, Wonderful Country

 https://youtu.be/__oEmwpEmTc?si=P8OVbBp1EZDRHCVb

 

Hanan Ben Ami is coming to perform in our amphitheatre next week. This song, a song he wrote just a year ago, expresses what so many of us feel “even in hellish times this is still the Garden of Eden” The name of the Song is Moledet, Homeland.  https://youtu.be/9wYEWx1291g?si=wM5GcCLphocOO_vm

 

Finally the song written and sung by Moshe Ben Ami that expresses our prayers for peace – for EVERYONE. Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu – Peace will come to us. The words need no complicated translation, they repeat time and again, “Peace will come to us, peace will come to us and to everyone. Peace for us and for the whole world.” https://youtu.be/L4Uzxn0lV6g?si=uy0fTOhPmD4UKlbh

 

You see, I tried to shorten what I wrote so that Stanley wouldn’t complain, but so many things happened and you’ll have to manage without everything I deleted! Stanley, even without my description of the veranda and its view!

 

Perhaps I should have put the song “Lo Nafsik l’Shir” – We won’t stop singing – as one of the songs because this country will not stop singing. We sing when we are happy, we sing when we are sad and even at funerals where many of the top Israeli singers go to the funerals of soldiers and former hostages at the family’s request, willingly giving of themselves

 

Tonight is the eve of Tu b’Av, the 15^th day of the Hebrew month of Av, the Jewish day of love, just 7 days after Tisha b’Av, the 9^th day of Av, which is a day of fasting and deep mourning. (for those who wish to know more about this festival please see below)

 

Shabbat is a time for singing. We sing ancient songs, not just the blessings over wine and bread. Some are just hummed, called niggunim, they are the most soulful, bringing with them memories of the “shtetl” the Jewish enclaves in Eastern Europe. We sing, we just sing.

 

So I wish you Shabbat Shalom and want you to know that we miss you. We miss your visits. So many go to countries where we are hated but fail to come here, to the one place on earth where you are welcomed with open arms.

 

With much love

Sheila

 

Celebrating Tu B’Av: A Night of Love, Light, and New Beginnings

As the full moon of Av rises, so too does the spirit of one of Judaism’s most beautiful, lesser-known holidays — Tu B’Av (the 15th of Av), our own Jewish festival of love.

Originally rooted in moments of unity and renewal for the ancient Israelites, Tu B’Av has evolved into a modern celebration of romance and joy. In biblical times, it marked reconciliation, hope, and even the beginning of new love stories. Young women of Jerusalem would dance in white dresses in the vineyards of Shiloh, symbolizing equality, possibility, and new beginnings and the young single men would follow hoping to find a bride.

Today, Tu B’Av is celebrated across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide as a time to cherish love,  romantic and communal. Flowers are gifted, music fills the streets, and couples often choose this auspicious day for engagements and weddings.Let’s take this opportunity to open our hearts, send a sweet message, or simply reflect on the beauty of love in all its forms.

Wishing you a Tu B’Av filled with warmth, connection, and new light. 🌕