MBS, Sigd, Alon, Rom and Eli

 

21^st  of November 2025

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

They won 10 trophies in total!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THUGS, HEROES AND RAIN

 

THUGS HEROES AND RAIN

 

14^th of November, 2025

23^rd Heshvan, 5786

 

Shabbat Shalom, I hope this missive finds you well.

 

Guess what? It’s raining, it’s pouring and we are thrilled!  Our WhatsApp is flooded with photos of rainbows and the veranda is glistening, washed clean by the downpour! The air is fresh and the scent of after rain leaves is filling my heart. I’ll do my best to be concise with the bad news and skip to the good news, but I gave us both a rest last week with the good news and this week I have to be honest with you as I promised from the very start.

 

It's 50 years since the harbinger of modern Anti-Semitism that we are witnessing throughout the world, was made acceptable. It is 50 years since the United Nations, Zionism is Racism resolution came into effect. Chaim Herzog was our Ambassador, and after the adoption of Resolution 3379 he stood before the UN General Assembly and lambasted them for their racist action.  That is the day it became acceptable to hate Israel.

 

Keith Sigal stood before the United Nations and did what so few dare to do: he told the truth. He spoke openly of the atrocities of his captivity — humiliation beyond imagination, the pain of physical brutality, and the crushing loneliness of not knowing whether his beloved Aviva was alive or dead — a savagery the world still tries to explain away. His voice trembled not from weakness but from absolute clarity. For a moment the UN didn’t see us as enemies, but as human beings. Almost in the same breath of history, another truth arrived: the body of Hadar Goldin, stolen and taken to Gaza in 2014, was finally returned. His mother’s face, carved by a decade of grief, spoke volumes. Itai Chen was also brought home for burial in this blessed soil, because Israel brings home its soldiers, alive or dead; that is who we are. Yet the fact that we had to bargain for the remains of a fallen soldier reveals the same moral asymmetry that  Keith Sigal exposed so clearly. Bringing Hadar home is not closure, it is a reminder of the price we pay to remain humanein a world, and a region, that so often refuses to be.

 

Now, as Hadar is finally laid to rest in the land he died protecting, a deeper question rises, one that we alone must answer. Will his return strengthen our resolve to stand together against the darkness that surrounds us, or will we slip back into the familiar fractures that have weakened us so many times before? The price we pay to remain human is already unbearably high. The only real danger now is that we forget what it has cost us — and each other.  

 

 The world, meanwhile, looks at us with a hatred so practiced it feels automatic. New York feels less safe than it did days ago. Melbourne boils with open antisemitism. Countries far from our region speak the language of peace while calling for our destruction. And yet, in irony almost biblical, many Islamic countries nearby are becoming more understanding of our impossible reality — more curious, more open, more willing to draw close.  

 

The Telegraph is a rare animal in today’s world, a newspaper that does its best to tell the truth. The Telegraph called out the BBC, brought to light all the bias and disgraceful anti-Israel journalism and finally we may see the result of the Balen Report that I fought so hard to bring to light. The damning Report cost the British taxpayer about $500k to produce and then the BBC refused to publish it. Only now, thanks to President Trump’s legal action, it may come to light. Baroness Deech, an outspoken proponent for Israel in the House of Lords, has said the BBC ‘cannot be trusted to mark its own homework’ 

 

Young thugs who call themselves observant Jews are committing acts of terror against innocent Palestinian families, desecrating everything our faith holds sacred. They burn cars, break trees, and threaten ordinary people — all while pretending to act in God’s name. As an Israeli, I am heartsick and furious. This is not Judaism and not love of this land. They are not defending Israel — they are wounding her soul. This is not who we are. Not in my name.

 

On the other hand, and there is always another hand, the head of the Christian Kateb Party of Lebanon,  Samy Gemayel, supports peace talks with Israel and accused Hezb-Allah of obstructing all efforts toward peace. Hezb-Allah is again breaking UN Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Hezbollah and other forces from Lebanon south of the Litani River, the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, with no armed forces other than UNIFIL and Lebanese military south of the Litani River, which flows about 29 km north of the border. Hezb-Allah is rebuilding and rearming their aggressive tactics create a situation whereby Israel has no choice but to react. However, if Samy Gemayel is successful, perhaps Lebanon will go back to being a Christian country the way it was meant to be.

 

Golda Meir best explained the situation we find ourselves in today way back in 1973. https://youtu.be/7Q5PZIBkQck?si=vpG88yITvrXO7XSx

 

This weeks Torah reading is called Chayei Sarah or the life of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. The interpretation of this section, this reading, underlines all future conflicts in this region and the modern world.

Sarah and Abraham were married for 10 years without any sign of an heir. Hagar was Sarah’s maidservant who Sarah chose to be a surrogate and provide Abraham with an heir, but once Hagar became pregnant, the tension in the house exploded; Hagar felt herself more important and was very rude to Sarah. After things finally broke down, she ran away with her son only to be met by an angel who told her that God saw her pain and that her son, Ishmael, would grow into a great nation. Later, when Abraham sent her away again it begs the question; did he really abandon her or was he simply creating space between two women who couldn’t live under the same roof? Maybe he sent her to another part of his land, a place where both sons, Yitzchak (Isaac) and Ishmael, could grow up together.

 

Staying with great women -

 

On the lighter scene, Kim Kardashian decided to bring SKIMS, her multibillion-dollar shapewear brand, into the Israeli market. With many millions of followers, it’s a powerful message in a time when so many celebrities cave to pressure. You rock, Kim and good for you for moving on from your disgusting Ex.

 

Gal Gadot, a true “Wonderwoman”, has won the million dollar Genesis Prize for her incredible work promoting Israel and motherhood. Of course she will choose a charity to donate her win. Well deserved

 

Noa Kirel, a sweet and hugely talented Israeli star, married the love of her life, football star Daniel Peretz in a relatively small ceremony, the big party to follow. Noa Kirel is huge but has never lost her natural kindness and quality.

 

This was an insane week, busy beyond imagination, something that keeps us on the ball and rather tired! I had a wonderfully quiet Shabbat and then it all went crazy. Monday morning we met some of Zvi’s choir friends in the Ella coffee shop and that evening we went to a new restaurant near us called “Motza” with Harry and Nancy Bloomfield, from Montreal. The food wasn’t that good but the service was wonderful, especially when they heard Harry and Nancy’s surname; everybody knows the Bloomfield football stadium! The young waiters were amazing, the house brought us “shots” and dessert on-the-house and fun was had by all. However, there was something that I recognised about one smiling young waiter and I managed to talk to him over the jubilation that surrounded us. “Tell me about yourself, I see sadness behind your smile” “I lost my brother in the Nova Festival and I can’t seem to recover my joy” Had there been less people at the table and easier access to him I would have given him a hug – sadly I know that pain but for different reasons.

 

The next day, Wednesday, was split in to 3 sections! Firstly I went to say farewell and wish a wonderful trip to my incredible, beautiful, bright granddaughter Talia who was off on a big adventure to Latin America, starting gently with the natural hospitality of our friends Martin and Helene in Miami. I miss her vibrant personality already! I then rushed home to open the door for the window man who had to repair something small and then our friends Merle and Frank Friedman arrived, a wonderful chance to sit and natter with two wonderful people before setting off for a huge event for the opening of a highly luxurious and exquisite assisted living where Merle and Frank have a huge apartment. Here, assisted living doesn’t mean and Old Age Home as it once meant, it is simply a place where you live a perfectly normal, active life with all the facilities should something go wrong. Classes, lectures, theatre, elegant lounge, beautiful dining room and wonderful gardens, and best of all it is around the corner from us so we can see them frequently!  They stayed over and we sat to have breakfast together which is a rare treat. Last night we went to Maccabim-Reut for a delightful dinner with Inbal and Marcus Sheff (yes Impact-se’s outstanding CEO). Their home is phenomenal, a rebuild after their former home became untenable. Delicious food Inbali! Tonight, we have Zvi’s boys and families for Shabbat Dinner. I am making it easy on myself, a home-made soup from the freezer, salmon, roast veggies, Amiad’s home-made pizza, lots of salads, and a bought cake with ice-cream for dessert. Tomorrow we have nothing! Shabbat will really be a day of rest!

 

I am already excited to hear Zvi’s beautiful voice reciting the blessing over the wine and then the children all place their hands over the cover for the Challah and recite the blessing over the bread. From then on, it’s a free for all!

 

And so to music.

Idan Amedi, despite his fame left everything on October 7th to put on his uniform and fight in Gaza. He was badly injured and while recovering he wrote this song. He doesn't see himself as a hero, indeed he rejects the very idea. He sang this song at the funeral of Hadar Goldin and in his speech he stressed the fact that it was the people, not the government, that brought Hadar home. We must not forget that there are 3 more bodies to bring home. https://youtu.be/qQepsm0Rc0U?si=QwHtuRO_gPyDElbk

 

Everyone is a hero seems an odd title for a song but that’s what happened for two years of our life and they deserved a song just for them. As the song says, everyone look normal but we are a notion of heroes. https://youtu.be/EjCVg_aYfp8?si=hUYt-KEW36p3fBcR

 

Let’s end won a high note with “Rak b’Yisrael” Only In Israel, a fun song which describes life here best of all! https://youtu.be/i-7EvfJje88?si=uWwwy6AeqOVIuVS7

 

Shabbat, ah Shabbat, the Sabbath, the day of rest, created so that we can distinguish between the days of the week and the day that the Almighty stepped back and after admiring his work, rested. It may be the day you choose to go to the beach or to spend the day in prayer, either at home or in a synagogue or church or mosque; it is irrelevant, as long as you remember that this world is a miracle and it’s time to stop those who would destroy it and the peace of Shabbat.

 

It's time to get cooking, to set the table, prepare whatever is left to prepare so that I can go to visit Rachel and the children. I hope I’ll manage it because it is an important part of leading up to Shabbat for me. The candles are already in the candlesticks, one each for each of the families of our children, one for the hostages so that I will not forget that there are still 3 families waiting for closure and two brightly coloured ones for my incredible memories of my son Daniel z”l.

 

That’s it!! Shabbat Shalom to each and every one of you, my friends, my close friends even if we don’t know each other! With love from the eternal city of Jerusalem, the golden city on a hill.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a happier Note

 

7^th of November 2025

16^th day of the Hebrew month of Heshvan

 

Shabbat Shalom!

 

I made a conscious decision today to ignore the ghastly news and write about the wonderful week that Zvi and I had, while quietly understanding that all is not rosy in our world, in fact, very far from it. Yes I know that suddenly the Big Apple feels far less safe than it did two days ago; that Melbourne has become a crucible of hate; that most countries outside this region hold a deep antipathy, well orchestrated and very real; within our region the Islamic countries are more reasonable, understand our dilemma and want to be closer to Israel and her innovations. Ironic really, but than last week I pointed out the irony of so many situations toward Israel and the Jews. Come to think of it perhaps the most ironic is Hollywood – Hollywood, created by Jews who nurtured the film industry from its birth until today; no, actually the most ironic is that Jews voted for a man who is too young and inexperienced to understand the intricacies of New York City, has no real experience in City Hall and has declared war on Israel. I am absolutely certain that Christians didn’t vote for him!  There was a horrific hurricane that all but destroyed Jamaica; Hurricane Kalmaegi hits Vietnam and the Phillipines although these are regular happenings, nature can be cruel as well as beautiful. Yes the world has many tragedies, many wars, yet for some reason, for many so-called peaceniks, we are the be-all and end-all of sin.

 

Perhaps one of the biggest questions is “What is the guilt of the media in the current wave of Jew-hatred? Are journalists naïve? Are journalists the victims of the clever and well prepared anti-Israel propaganda of Qatar or are their editors the puppets who are well paid by the well oiled propaganda machine which started in 1993 in the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia. You can read about the build-up in an academic, but concise report from the George Washington University. Well worth your time. https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs5746/files/2023-10/hamas-networks-final.pdf  That’s it! From now on we are going to be happy, lift our spirits and read about some incredible, hopeful and happy events.

 

On the emotional level, Sylvan Adams, a Canadian Jewish Billionaire, just gave $100,000,000 towards the rebuilding of Soroka Hospital which was seriously damaged by an Iranian missile. It’s not his first donation to projects in Israel, and probably won’t be his last, but for me this one is special because of one amazing lady – Rachel Heisler is the heart behind Soroka USA and her heart was broken by the destruction of the most important hospital in the South of Israel which serves Israelis of every manner, Jews, Muslims, Bedouins, everyone equally.

 

On the diplomatic level, India and Israel have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance defense industrial and technological cooperation. Hardly surprising when you consider that India was created as a country, splitting into a Hindu country and a Muslim country Pakistan (then East and West Pakistan). India has the same problems as us and the cooperation and alliance is a natural way forward.

 

I learned a new word this week; actually, I learned many but this one stuck in my mind, epistemology. Epistemology is the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion. It fascinated me as did many aspects of our visit to the Hebrew University Campus on Mount Scopus, where sociologist and expert on Latin American Jewry, Professor Judit Liwerant explained her newest book, a 700 page tome of information and explanation which went well above my head, despite being in English, as Professor after Professor discussed the contents. Judit and Danny Liwerant are exceptional people for whom Israel is of high importance in their lives. Danny served as World Chair of Keren Hayesod (the fund-raising arm of the Jewish Agency) and many committees of that august organisation.  Special people who have been Zvi’s close and loyal friends since the 1960’s and mine for the last 35 years.

 

Nadia Beider is a young, beautiful, brilliant young woman who happens to be religiously observant. I met Nadia at the book launch and immediately fell for her purpose, eloquence and humour. Nadia teaches students, 50% Muslim and 50% Jews, about racism and antisemitism in educational institutions. We spoke about Impact-se and the similarity of our purpose. It’s amazing what one can learn when you just strike up conversation with another human being.

 

The brand spanking new Gandel Rehabilitation Centre in the Hadassah Mount Scopus Campus is not only the most phenomenal, state of the art, rehabilitation centre with equipment one could only dream of, it was built with the generosity of exceptional donors and I had the honour of touring the facility with the son of the donors who is one of most beautiful people I have ever had the honour to love. In fact the entire Gandel family has a special place in our hearts. The centre wasn’t ready to open its doors on the 7^th of October, in fact quite a long way from it, but within two days the underground car park, which was still covered in rubble, was up and working as a spanking new safe room hospital including equipment and security. The facility serves patients with both physical and psychological needs. In fact, it proves that for every need there is a solution. I met a man who had been completely paralysed from the neck down, bed ridden for 3 months and he was sitting at a specially adapted stationary bicycle, working hard. He told me that his injury was at C2/3 and was amazed that I had the same injury and was on my feet and walking. We met two soldiers, injured in this ghastly war, both working hard to return home to their families. I am so proud of the family that donated this facility, I can’t mention their names or where they are from for reasons that sadden me.   

 

I recognize that I'm known for my superlatives and last night Zvi and I were at a concert in the Jerusalem Theatre which required, no demanded the use of every possible superlative related to a musical event. The concert honoured the genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber; the genius of Maurice Ravel and the absolute unbelievable genius of the Jerusalem symphony orchestra. Gil Shohat is an internationally recognised Maestro, conductor, pianist and composer and last night he declared that after working with them for this concert he knows that the Jerusalem symphony orchestra is one of the greatest orchestras in the world, not the greatest in Israel. The performances of the singers was superb and then came the culmination of the classical section of the programme with first half of the Waltz by Maurice Ravel, written in Paris during World War I. The waltz expresses the pain of the destruction of Europe something all too familiar today with all the emotions and tensions therein. The singers, more familiar with opera than modern music, were Nimrod Grinbaum and Daniella Lugassi, both absolutely brilliant as they sang the songs we love joining forces in a duet of “Funiculi Funicula” surprisingly written to commemorate the first funicular on Mount Vesuvius! The finale was Daniella Lugassi and Nimrod Grinbaum sang “Let the Sunshine In” from Hair. Suddenly Daniella jumped down from the stage and held the microphone to Zvi who sang with her!! He was overjoyed, not only because she has the voice of an angel but also because she is an exceptionally beautiful young woman!!

 

Dear lovely people, I’m not naïve nor am I living in a bubble, I simply believe that for the sake of one’s sanity one must remember that there are beautiful things in this world and one must hold them close and savour each and every moment. Life is too short for pessimism, it helps no-one, can only cause greater stress. If we recognise that we still have what to fight for then we are lost.

 

And so to music

 

I chose as the first piece, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in Phantom of the Opera not only for its riveting beauty but because it was one of the duets performed last night. Perhaps this, with songs written specifically for Sarah Brightman’s 5 octave voice, expresses the genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber https://youtu.be/oZDcSrODALQ?si=cckmA91Ym5r3X_Rw

 

In absolute contrast, we have a young friend who is a brilliant violinist, indeed played at my 70^th birthday celebrations. Her name is Alexandra Babakhanov and here she plays Shir haMaalot. Shir haMaalot or Psalm 126 the words of which are mor appropriate today than you can imagine.

“When the Lord returned the captives of Zion, we were like people in a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter,​ and our tongue with exultatio​n: then said they among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us; so we rejoiced!​ Bring back our captives,​ O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Though he goes on his way weeping, bearing the store of seed, he shall come back with joy, bearing his sheaves.”

https://youtu.be/uo1yi5IUjtI?si=RnVWPA3580C0nIlf  

 

This rendition of “Mi Ha’Ish” (Who is the man) is accompanied by both the hustle and bustle of every day life in Israel and the observance and visits the Western Wall. A beautiful song with deep meaning imploring us to see the good in all and to refrain from evil. I loved it. https://youtu.be/7egFvn8i4ak?si=KcUUuCYQ9uCretyB  

 

So that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this positive missive. By telling you about the more beautiful side of life I help myself to remember that even on the darkest night many single lights can brighten the darkness. Be a light, bring hope, and when you light your Shabbat Candles tonight know that that small act repeated 13 million times all over the world will bring us together and united we stand. Perhaps we can add a little prayer for future great leaders to change the current moral trajectory of the world.

 

Shabbat Shalom to one and all. Thank you for your patience over the years, your words of thanks are misplaced because by writing to you I have to be pragmatic and think about my thoughts in order to present a fair picture to you.

 

With love and prayers from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, tortured city so precious to all three monotheistic religions.

 

Sheila