Shabbat Shalom - the view from my veranda

Shabbat Shalom from Florida

2012-02-08T14:46:00.004+02:00

120207
7th February 2012
I know it isn't Shabbat yet or even close, but since we are going to be in New York with my glorious grandson Joshua this weekend I decided to write to you now. Priorities are priorities after all, but I couldn't let the events of this week go by without comment.

Watching the Republican Primaries is fascinating. The candidates stand like soldiers at a Court Martial and respond to questions from the jury - I mean audience. The moderator, usually a journalist, keeps them to their time limit. Sadly too many questions were met with personal insults about the others rather than presenting policies for important issues. Santorum is too young and green but wants to make his name- a rather disturbing aspect of the man is that he is a member of Opus Dei. I knew nothing of Opus Dei apart from Dan Brown, but close Catholic friends are very worried. Ron Paul - ah where do I start? His views are so off the wall that I will not bother although he speaks to the people as if he is serious. I know who I want for the Republican Candidate and that is the one who not only is good for America but is attractive enough to win.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas knows full well that Hamas slaughtered Fatah in Gaza and that he cannot achieve international recognition as long as he is aligned with Hamas but he has chosen to dine with the devil in order to gain power. Prime Minister Netanyahu made this statement on the situation http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/Spokesman/2012/02/spokstatment060212.htm

Few are willing to acknowledge that the Arabs of the West Bank, who predominantly came from neighbouring coutries in the Middle East over the past 60 years and have always had relations with Israel, are very different to those of Gaza - they are two diverse societies and most certainly not one nation.

President Assad of Syria is systematically killing off his citizens and the world barely says a word. 350 people died at his hands on Saturday and yet Russia and China vetoed a motion condemning him in the UN!!! They support every motion against Israel yet when real killers get going they stand by and watch. TIME TO DISBAND THE UN. When the members of the League of Nations realised they were incapable in preventing WW2 they decided to disband and regroup in a different and more effective format - surely now is the time to do just that with the United Nations - conceivably the most morally bankrupt organisation in the world.

Niall Ferguson on Israel and Iran http://atlanticsentinel.com/2012/02/niall-ferguson-makes-case-for-attack-on-iran/ The biggest threat to the Middle East is not the risk of a brief Israeli war against Iran. it is the risk that Western wishful nonthinking allows the mullahs of Tehran to get their hands on nuclear weapons. This war is against leaders who deny the last Holocaust and prepare for the next.
Richard Cohen in the Washington Post "Americas Red Lines in the Sand" http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/americas-red-lines-in-the-sand-on-iran/2012/02/06/gIQAr6W5uQ_story.html There are three red lines when it comes to Iran’s nuclear prohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgram. The first is the moment when Iran tunnels so deeply underground that Israeli bombs will be incapable of doing real damage. The second is when the tunneling goes even deeper, and the United States’ “bunker buster” bombs will be insufficient. And the third — well, that has already passed. It is the conviction that the current Iranian regime will never let Israel live in peace.
Essential listening - British Parliamentarian Douglas Murray speaking at the Cambridge Union on teh dbate "This House would rather have a nuclear Iran than War" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rXXxZ6S-_A

By the way one of the Iranian missiles has a range of some 8,000 miles when Israel is only about 1,000 - which means the Iranians are not interested in Israel, they are interested in YOU!!!
We are in Coral Gables in Florida where Zvi and I experienced a Super Bowl Party. We were told that the adverts are the best part! It's true!!! Of course Madonna made a terrific show but the ads - Wow! Aish ha Torah decided to make a Super Bowl style advertisement but better http://www.aish.com/sp/pg/Weve_Gotta_Live_Together.html

On Friday we met with Nora and Marcelo Agudo, dear friends we met through David Efron. We had such fun as they drove us around Miami, old and new, showing us where everything started when the Myaamia Indians, who spoke Algonquin, settled beside the river ultimately giving the city its name. We saw where the Jews settled, the Cubans and all the immigrants began their lives. Fascinating!

On Friday night Zvi went to a local Young Israel synagogue before coming home to Friday night supper with the Lindenfelds. Helene and Martin invited the Silverwasser Family with David Efron and Kathy Fernandez Rundle to make it complete! The conversation covered many subjects, as a Friday night supper does, but then we concentrated on the question of young people and Facebook, misbehaviour and sexual predators - Kathy is the State Attorney for Miami Dade and I admit that I was surprised at some of the consequences when one is arrested but not charged. We did talk of Shabbat but these issues were important when the ages of the children involved in the conversation were relevant. For us, as Israelis, it was an eye-opener to the big wide world where children are at risk.

Then came Sunday. David Efron has his 60th birthday coming up in November and Zvi is determined to make it a brilliant affair! David donated the Efron Dance Center to the Hora Yerushalyim Dance Troupe and we want them to come and dance for David and also give several performances in synagogues and halls around Florida. To this purpose my energiser bunny husband is working hard, travelling back and forth and speaking to communal leaders. One of our stops was at the Bnai Torah Temple in Boca Raton. We met with Rabbi Dr David Steinhardt amid wild activity as the bar mitzva class was holding a "wrapathon" learning to put on their tefillin (phylacteries) It was such a joy! We then sat and spoke with the Rabbi in his office - another pleasure.

From the Temple we visited Cecilia Kleiman whose nephew is a very new Oleh to Israel. Zvi spoke to him and gave him great advice and hopefully we will be able to spend time together in Jerusalem. As we struggled to find our way to Cecilias we asked an old man directions. In a strong accent he said "If you give me a ride I will tell you". It turned out that he was from Kishniev in Romania, went to Haifa where he worked in a tank factory then emigrated to the USA where he was reunited with his son. He worked as a taxi driver in South Beach for many years. The conversation and his life story were conducted in Yiddish. Amazing Jewish geography. We then raced to hug Maida and Allen Gerskup - Snowbirds from Toronto and Maccabiah Family.

Our Florida sojourn is shorter this year and we head off to New York on Thursday. New York and Joshua!! Gosh I cannot wait to hug him. It is a symptom of the modern family, but being able to actually hug, smell, feel and kiss these wonderful babies is so different to Skype!! We will spend 6 days making memories until their next visit to Jerusalem. Strangely this week I have been talking to my Jerusalem grandchildren by Skype while on this side of the Atlantic!! While I was gone Yosef fell out of the trampoline and Talia learned to ride a bike without stabiliser wheels, Amit bent to smell her first Calanit (anemone) and the others just carry on with life til we get back!!

Today is Tu b'Shvat also known as the New Year for the Trees. If only the world would adopt this festival we would never have soil erosion or climate change again!!! Keren Kayemet (JNF) has planted no fewer than 240,000,000 trees! Israel is the only country in the world with an increase in tree population over the last century! Get planting everyone, here, there or in Israel........... trees are our oxygen and our earth. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=256467
So, that is that. Today we drove north again to Palm Beach to have breakfast with John and Jamie then to meet Ron and Talia Carner and hear Talia speak about her novel http://www.taliacarner.com/jerusalem_maiden.html From there we met with a delightful gentleman called Sig, ate supper and so back to Coral Gables.
Yaacov Shwekey is an Israeli singer, my little Jerusalem ghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrandchildren adore him, he sings Yerushalayim, a traditional song, sung under the chuppah (marriage canopy) to remind us of our dream, our prayer and our longing to return to Jerusalem, yearning for thousands of years since King David walked the stones and wrote his beautiful Psalms. http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/yerushalayim-by-yaakov-shwekey If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right arm be forgotten- let my tongue cleave to my palate, if I don't remember you, if I don't elevate Jerusalem above my foremost joy.
From the Office of Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen - a truly magnificent representative of the United States. Ileana knew and was proud of her Mothers Jewish heritage, indeed at the memorial ceremony after her mothers death just one year ago, which I was proud to attend, the family honoured her Jewihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsh roots. Now, in a visit to Turkey the Congresswoman met her mothers family http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/chairwoman-ros-lehtinen-meets-turkish-relatives-istanbul
With love, dreaming of wonderfully rainy Jerusalem.
Sheila
Yesterday we heard the sad news that our hostess Helene's mother passed away. We met and grew to love Helenes parents over the years and the last time we were together was at the twins bar-mitzva just a year ago. Our hearts go out to the Sheinfeld Family - Norman, Helene, Joel, Richard and their families. May her soul rest in peace and the family know no more sorrow.

Shabbat Shalom Letter

2012-02-03T05:41:00.003+02:00

120203
3rd February 2012

Shabbat Shalom everyone - Shabbat Shalom from Florida!!
My goodness me - leave Israel for a couple of weeks and the neighborhood goes berserk! Assad is about to fall - a leader who has wantonly killed his own citizens while the world just tsk tsk's is finally about to get his just desserts. Egypt's violence is overflowing into sport and Tahrir Square is again filled with demonstrations.
Ban Ki Moon went to the Middle East to bring the Israelis and the Palestinians back to the table. After the first discussions in Jerusalem he travelled to the Gaza Strip, as he crossed the border his car was pelted with shoes (an enormous insult for Moslems) and stones. Of course the press barely reported it - they only reiterated Ban Ki Moons statement on Israeli building in "occupied" territories!!!!
Talking of repeating themselves - Panetta is the latest to claim that Israel is planning an "attack" on Iran. Now maybe I am too simplistic but why on earth would Israel do something as stupid as telling the Iranians that they intend attacking their nuclear facilities in April? Surely the whole point is the element of suprise? I know the USA has announced that it will attack in July or some such but I do not understand the principle behind it! If Iran is truly the enemy we believe it to be then we must attack now and not in 3 or 6 months and if the world is waiting for Israel to do their dirty work so that they can blame us for killing innocent Iranians then I am even more confused. Every time we even defend ourselves we are treated as if we are the neighbourhood bully so what will happen if we really do choose to defend the world?
The Guardian newspaper is biased - but truly biased against Israel. Unlike its American counterpart, the NY Times, it often allows pro-Israeli op-eds. This is an excellent one in response to a Guardian article accusing Israel of mistreating Palesinian child prisoners http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/feb/02/israel-not-mistreat-palestinian-children
At a time of increasing darkness as the world gets closer to a repetition of the Inquisition and Holocaust, and Israel resembles the sacrificial lamb of Czechoslovakia there are rare beacons of light as shown in this multi-faith visit to Auschwitz -maybe we will not forget after all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2UagDbJ7aQ
Israel 21c often tells us about wonderful Israeli innovahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftion but this weeks edition told us of one that can make a huge difference to the lives of those undergoing chemotherapy - removing nausea from the rotten equation http://israel21c.org/health/daily-pill-to-vanquish-nausea-after-chemo?utm_source=Newsletter+2%2F1%2F2012&utm_campaign=February+1+2012+&utm_medium=email
Puerto Rico was great and the Efron/Duffy wedding even greater! The guests were from diverse backgrounds yet thanks to the amazing hosts, David Efron, Kathy Duffy and Simon Duffy, we all truly gelled. We were taken on a tour to the rain forest where we were introduced to incredible flora and fauna including millimetre high orchids and a large rather foul snail that excretes through its mouth! What amazed me most of all was that these glorious guests were even noisier than busloads of Israelis!! We were wined and dined and amused until the day of the wedding then came Jenny, radiant in her exquisite gown, on her way to the chuppah to become a Jewish wife. We made amazing new friends who have joined the Shabbat Shalom family. David Efron, father of the bride and of the Maiden of Honour, Lauren, did his daughters truly proud - and us too. There were almost as many events after the wedding as there were before and we rounded off our visit with a delicious dinner at the home of Sara and Efraim Kier.
Now we are staying in Florida with our dearest friends Martin and Helene and family and last night I thoroughly enjoyed myself making a "Great Balls of Fire" fancy dress for Jeremy!! The "energiser bunny" (aka Zvi) has us visiting lots of old friends racing up the I95, starting with David Weissman (Maccabi) Flory and Paul Hariton, Raquel and Jacobo Skolnik and David Bassan (all old friends from Keren Hayesod). Visiting friends is what our visit is all about. While here Zvi is introducing the outstanding Israeli dance troupe Hora Yerushalyim to South Florida and Puerto Rico! http://www.horajerusalem.org/english
One fascinating aspect of Florida life is that virtually evhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giferyone is an immigrant and most of the Jewish immigrants brought their strong sense of communiy with them. The Venezuelans brought their natural philanthropy, social conscience and "Yiddishkeit" (a natural sense of Jewish principles) with them, bringing to assimilated America a richness of tradition that was disappearing. They understand that Diaspora and Israel are interdependent rather than believing us to be emotional baggage in the pursuit of happiness, a magen david around the chain that binds. Please please - if you believe I am wrong then tell me - but then I am not talking about YOU - you are already aware!!
When tragedy hits, even when expected, it takes your emotional breath away. A month ago I told you about the loss of my adored cousin Jean and last night her son Bobby, my amazing, generous, funny, loving cousin, Jean's son, passed away and I feel so far from the family and so filled with pain. Bobby together with his wife Eleanor have given our world a wonderful legacy of six gorgeous children and memories of a loving, giving Jewish family. Bobby "arms and legs".
Shabbat this week will be spent with Helene and Martin and family, and David Efron and his partner Kathy will come too. I can't wait to hear Jeremy, Ilan and Martin's harmony to Zvi's kiddush. After all, tradition is tradition wherever you are.
Next week we will be in New York and I will be hugging my little grandson Joshua and his Mummy and Daddy, not Jerusalem, no veranda but my goodness it will feel good.
With love from your friends Sheila and Zvi, on their way back to Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom from Sheila

2012-01-26T23:56:00.001+02:00

120126
26th January 2012
Shabbat Shalom lovely people! It seems strange to write ot you when I cannot see the View from our Veranda - nor the preparations for Shabbat which include the frenzied shopping/cooking leading up to the relative calm. We are in Puerto Rico for a very special occasion - the wedding of Jenny Efron to Aubrey Duffy and the view from today's veranda is one of the ocean and an ancient fort. Jenny's father David, an old friend of Zvi's and a relatively new friend of mine (only about 20 years) - was born to parents who escaped Europe, then Cuba and found refuge in Puerto Rico. Today David's girls grew up in Miami and David has a home both in Puerto Rico and Miami. Their connection to Israel is irrevocable and strong and David and his girl-friend Kathy come to our Passover Seder each year and visit Israel many times in between - especially since Lauren, Jenny's little sister, made Aliya last year. As we sat having supper last night I made a toast to Aubrey and Jenny telling them the secret of a great marriage. "Always look out for and defend each other, be for one another and be kind to one another never let anyone get between you"
Footnote or "Shulayim" is an incredible movie about the relationship between a father a son and their approach to religion it is now a contender in the five finalists in the foreign film category for the Oscar after winning the Palm d'Or. It is Joseph Cedar's 2nd nomination and Israel's 4th nomination is 5 years. Not bad eh?
Several Iranians were discovered trying to cross the border in an attempt to murder the Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan and were stopped by Azerbaijani security forces. Unfortunately this now puts Israel in a position of gratitude to the Azerbaijanis who do not want Israel to recognise the Armenian genocide. Diplomacy is always a double edged sword.
Today is International Holocaust Day, a day when the world should remember the atrocities that took place under a regime knew no tolerance or acceptance. The problem with the Jews in particular was their inability to give up on their beliefs whether through force or persuasion, so they were singled out for execution as the first in a line of victims - Catholics, homosexuals, the disabled and the Gypsys. Throughout history our determination to be loyal to our host countries while holding on to our faith has brought trouble many times as different armies and leaders took over our land from the Greeks, Romans, Turks, Philistines............ we were taken in slavery, murdered and almost annihilated but we prevailed and our ultimate revenge is that we thrive again - and again - and again. Today life is different, we have Israel, we returned home. We have so much to be proud of, having Israel has made us stronger but, we also have a repetition of the old problem - Jews who are shamed of themselves, ashamed of Jewish traditions, of the Jewish Land and find the only way to deal with their lack of self-worth is to speak against Israel and Judaism. They did not prevail in the past and will not today. Remember - remember, never forget but use the knowledge of where we are today to lift your hearts.
Last Friday night we were hosts to some wonderful friends and three Australian Psychologists, Louis, Caren and Warwick who came to Israel under the auspices of the Israel/Australia Chamber of Commerce and the lovely Paul Israel. All three were fascinated by their experiences and amazed at the difference between the media perception and the fact. Caren has been here many times but for WArwick and Louise it was a first visit. They met with Israeli counterparts and had seminars on trauma treatments and went to see the Fuerstein Institute for Austism. We had such a delightful evening - none of the other guests was involved in psychology - and conversation led to theatre, food and fun - as it should be!! We talked about Kinneret Chaya and our natural schizophrenia - an acceptance of our reality while quenching our thirst for enjoyment, culture, food and children.
Monday evening and our "Nesher" sherut (a mini-van taxi which picks up passengers form their homes to take them to the airport) arrived exactly on time before heading off at breakneck speed to pick up the other passengers. So began our journey toward San Juan Puerto Rico. We flew US Air to Philadelphia where we landed after an interminable flight and after checking our luggage through to PR we headed off to town where we met the delightful Jed Margolis of Maccabi USA. Jed pointed us in the right direction for the Constitution Hall and LIberty Bell. The Constitution Hall was great and fascinating and our guide was delighted that we were her onlyustomers so that she could respond to our questions and ask us about Jerusalem. One felt the importance of the history within that old building and the decisions made as George Washington sat before 13 men and created a nation which was to become an example of democracy to the world.
We then moved to the adjacent Philadelphia Museum of Jewish American life. The Museum is beautifully set out taking one from the first Jews to arrive in teh USA - through the trials and tribulations of intense racism as Jews were not allowed to rise intothe upper echelons of society or enter the professions. It was fascinating to walk through history but when it came to WW2 the museum simply skipped over the "Voyage of the Damned" on the St Louis and the shame of the Jewish immigrant quota. As we went to retrieve our coats, the volunteer lady asked where we are from - "Jerusalem" "and how are YOU GUYS coping over there? How is life in Jerusalem" "Great fun" I responded "Oh yeah really" she smiled to herself "Oh yes really" I said "We are a people that goes out most nights, socialises, goes to coffee shops restaurants and theatres, movies and concerts" I cannot forget the look of amazement on this womans face. Incredible eh?
Before heading back to the airport we popped into the Maccabi USA's offices where Zvi spoke to Bob Spivak who has been rather poorly. Be well soon Bob. Jed and his staff showed us some of the incredible work that Maccabi USA does for young Jews, not only the athletes but primarily athletes who want to come ot Israel either on Maccabi Birthright or for the 19th Maccabiah Games which will be held July 2013. Who tried to tell us we weren't good athletes????
Finally two exhausted Israeli reached their destination as we landed in San Juan Puerto Rico. David Efron and his daughter Libah (Lauren) were waiting for us. Lauren, beautiful and a great fashion stylist lives in Tel Aviv and can't wait to get back to Israel, but is equally thrilled to be here for her big sisters wedding. Jenny and Aubrey get married this weekend and we came to wish them a truly exciting wedding but more importantly a beautiful marriage.
Tomorrow we are all going to the rain forest before preparing for Shabbat Dinner. We have a full weekend of nuptial delights, meeting old friends and maiking new ones. David's Uncle Sy is a fine example - he fought in the Machal (soldiers who volunteered from overseas) during Israel's War of Independence - what wonderful stories he has to tell. Sy still keeps in touch with his former fellow soldiers - even after all these years.
That's it for now dear friends. Next week we will meet in Coral Gables as we prepare for Shabbat Dinner at Helene, Martin, Ariella, Ilan and Jeremy's and the following week with our beautiful little grandson Joshua.
Have a good shabbes and try to keep me up with what is really happening in Israel as I am now in the fairy tale land of American media.....OK?
With much love
Sheila
http://www.documentary24.com/watch-the-wave-online-a-real-life-student-experiment--113/

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2012-01-20T08:36:00.001+02:00

120120

20th January 2012

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.

The media loves an interesting story. The analogy is always about dogs and biting – that a story is only interesting if man bites dog not if dog bites man. Well, the world media claims that Israeli society is falling apart because of a very few rebellious Haredim and the truth is – it isn't!!! Professor Gerald Steinberg puts everything into proportion in his article “The Sky is Not Falling in Israel” http://www.cjnews.com/node/89134

The Parents Forum for Justice is a group of US citizens whose children were murdered or maimed by Palestinian terrorists in Israel over the past decade. PFJ sent a letter to Attorney General Holder asking him to commence legal proceedings against prisoners freed in the Schalit deal. Under the 1991 US Anti-Terror Act, the United States can prosecute foreign nationals who perpetrate terrorism against American citizens, even if those acts are not carried out on US soil. However, for prosecution to proceed, the law requires the written certification of the American Attorney-General that the offences had been intended to “coerce, intimidate or retaliate against a government or civilian population.”
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/article.aspx?id=254255

70 years ago, in a 90 minute conference, the Final Solution was born of 15 evil minds. The Wannsee Conference was held in a villa near Berlin and those 15 people made the cold blooded decision to separate and methodically slaughter anyone who didn't fit the Aryan criteria – starting and ending with the Jews. Today it sounds banal to say “Never Again” because it is happening again and we are not rising to the call. The self-same dehumanisation is taking place every day in the media, the press, campuses, clubs and conversation. It is difficult to decide who of the many leaders is playing the part of Chamberlain but the part of Czechoslovakia is clearly Israel. Until children are taught the relevance of the Holocaust and its dehumanisation of those who are different to oneself we cannot prevent a recurrence. The Wave is a short movie based on a true story of teacher Ron Jones – it is a movie which can teach the children the danger of blindly following your peers rather than being an independent thinker who is tolerant to those who are different. Demand it be shown in all schools near you. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6295516544338309782

Ironically, on the 70th anniversary of Wannsee Israel is facing its first real challenge of assimilation. All new waves of immigration met with concerns and difficulties but somehow the Ethiopian immigration, which began with such dignity and grace, has been less accepted than it should be. Of course there are success stories, fine journalists, social workers, lawyers, nurses and doctors but youngsters find it harder to find the jobs their qualifications demand. We must get it right – we of all people.

The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey arrives in Israel to persuade us not to attack Iran but rather to allow the sanctions to work. This is becoming boring – we are continually being rebuked for plans we haven't made for an attack we don't want to take on!!! It is not tiny Israel's place to save the world from the Persian threat – we are more than happy to be part of an alliance but alone? No thank you. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/barak-israel-very-far-off-from-decision-on-iran-attack-1.407953

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chair of the House committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States and dear friend is visiting Jordan and Saudi Arabia. During her visit to Jordan Congresswoman Ros Lehtinen demanded of the Jordanians that they appoint an Ambassador to Israel asap. Thank you Ileana, thank you for being a great American and a rare and true friend.

This week has been wonderful!! For my birthday we were invited for a Kurdish Shabbat lunch to our friends Shula and Moshe. I have never seen so much food in my life!!! I came in and was promptly crowned with a crown of flowers, sat before the burgeoning table on a chair festooned with balloons and entertained by everyone present singing Happy Birthday in Hebrew! Shula's Mother Marussia told the story of her Aliya from Iran when she was a newly wed of 15, yes 15. She and her husband came to the nascent Jewish homeland from Zionism, leaving wealthy homes behind them, he swore that he was willing to sweep the streets in order to come to Jerusalem. Upon arriving her husband, dressed in all his finery, went outside in his finery, took the broom from the road sweeper and began to sweep the street. “What are you doing?” asked the road sweeper “Earning my first penny in Jerusalem” he responded. Marussia told us of the wonderful life for Jews in Iran and her sadness at what Iran has become today.

For my other birthday treat I went to the Botanical Gardens with a few girlfriends – nothing grand just lunch and laughter, the crisp air and winter sunshine reflected in the lake and the black swans gliding elegantly past us. This wasn't a “round” birthday so it was celebrated quietly!

On Tuesday we went to the Mamilla Mall http://www.alrovmamilla.com/ for the opening of the newest sculpture exhibition where our dearest friend Irit Lev is exhibiting among Israel's finest. http://www.iritlev.com/index.html This exhibit is about musical instruments and the interpretations are varied and so interesting so as you walk through the ancient buildings stop, look and wonder at the talent of the artists before going inside one of the coffee shops to order your Cafe Hafuch!! After the opening Zvi, Irit and I went for a light supper at Cafe Cafe – a coffee shop in the very building that Herzl stayed in 1898, when he met with Kaiser Wilhelm in his quest to fulfill his dream of a Jewish homeland. The architects decided to leave the numbers on the stones from when they moved the old buildings to make way for the walkway. These numbers are a constant reminder of the antiquity of the site and the history of the stones. It amused us that the young waiter lapped up Zvi's history lesson of why the nearby Jaffa Gate was widened to allow Kaiser Bill in with his Carriage and entourage – and Jerusalem got the Augusta Victoria Hospital in exchange!

Wednesday night was truly special. David Romanowsky studies Torah with joy in his heart and the party was a celebration of “Sium Shas” the completion of his studies of the Mishna, the explanations of the Torah http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mishnah. David is the son of Rosa and Bernardo who are old friends of Zvi's from Mexico City and dear friends of both of us from Jerusalem. When two of their children came to live in Jerusalem, Rosa and Bernardo came too – when their children decided to become religious, so did their parents, out of respect for their children's choice. David has been through many health trials over the last 4 years and when the Rabbi spoke of the level of difficulty and praise of reading all the Mishnot he said that when it is difficult but you succeed it is one hundred times as fine but when you succeed in finishing the Mishnot with David's difficulties you are 1,000 per cent purer. David, who has smiled through unbearable adversity smiled through this too, his four little children beside him as the Rabbi told them how amazing their father is. David's brother Moi told of David's determination even as a child, but then it was rebellious rather than the incredible determination to live and learn that he has today. As I looked around I saw the full gamut of kippot (skull caps) each denoting levels of religiosity! Black under tall hats, black velvet, black suede, black crochet, coloured crochet – large and small, and finally white silk for those who did not bring their own!!! The evening was uplifting and delightful – a lesson learned from every moment. Rosa looked more beautiful than I have ever seen her as she and Bernardo found joy in their son's success. Please pray for the health, strength and recovery of David ben Reizele.

What is a Jew? Such a wide question, so many answers. Well try this one for size!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GJe0uqVGZJA

Tonight this particular Jew has three Australian psychologists coming to supper and 7 Israeli diners to entertain them!!!! When Paul Israel of the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce asks me for something I always say yes! Paul does great work and anyway he is such a lovely fellow! We will sit and chat, each of us explaining who we are and talking about being here and what it means to us – those born here and those who came here like Margalit who came to Israel as a tiny baby from Poland. Like so many other countries Israel is a country of immigrants but unlike so many other countries we came home because this is where we belong. Jews came to Israel not because they ran away from something but rather because they ran TO somewhere. We prayed for this land for 3,000 years. We suffered slavery, exile and death to return home.

I appreciate every sunrise and every sunset, and as Judith Hallsides late Mother taught her, I take time to stand and watch the sun set every night. Judith, may your dear Mother rest in peace and you and your sisters be consoled among the mourners of Zion.

Time to get the supper ready! The table is laid, the challot bought, the aromas starting and we are preparing to go to Jenny Efron's wedding.......................
Next week's Shabbat Shalom will be from San Juan Puerto Rico!!!

Much love from Jerusalem, beloved and loved

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2012-01-13T11:20:00.001+02:00

120113

13th January 2012

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Wishing you a wonderful Friday 13th taking special care of my spelling and what I download on my computer today!!!

This has been a good week, despite the news that the USA has rebuked Israel for the “hit” on nuclear scientists in Iran. They have no idea if we did it, neither does anyone else, but such diversionist tactics are dangerous for this tiny country. We are allies after all. Indeed something strange is going on since the other staunch ally of the USA was insulted this week when an American diplomat discounted Britain completely. Maybe Obama prefers Sarkozy because David Cameron is not willing to whisper snide remarks about Israels PM. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1346315/Obamas-right-There-special-relationship-Britain.html

Apple bought Anobit Technologies, an Israeli company, for $390 million which puts all the potential Israel boycotters in a tough position. Since Intel and Windows hav ebeen here for years and now Apple the poor things can't use their iPods – actually they cannot use their cell phones. Indeed the ultimate nightmare of a boycotter would be to have a heart attack while texting on a cellphone and the ambulance crew would be MDA trained!!!!

I am going to pinch a wonderful summation of the week from Norman and Lola Cohen who are the driving force behind the British Israel Group here in Jerusalem – why improve on excellence?
A tiny stamp bearing the image of the temple menorah was found at an archeological site near Acre. It was probably used to stamp baked goods and may have belonged to a bakery that supplied Jews in Acre with kosher bread during the Byzantine period, some 1,500 years ago.
According to data compiled by the Home Front Command, 680 missiles, rockets and mortars, were fired at southern Israel in 2011. 80 grad missiles were fired at Israel in the same year compared with 2 in the previous year. Grads have a longer range and have a more lethal payload than other rockets fired at Israel. Throughout December 2011, 30 rockets and 11 mortar shells were launched towards Israel, in 30 attacks, compared to 1 rockets and 1 mortar shell in November 2011, launched in 10 attacks.

Israel’s Public Security Ministry released figures that show a dramatic decline in the level of violent crime in Israel, as the number of assaults, robbery, sexual attacks and street violence fell by 17% from 2007 to 2011. According to a recent Public Security Ministry poll, 74% of Israelis feel a high sense of personal security, placing Israel fourth out of OECD countries surveyed.

In this crime rates survey – Israel didn't even make the list!!! http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur_percap-crime-murders-per-capita In comparison with the USA http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/Israel/United-States/Crime

Tel Aviv was voted "Best gay city of 2011" in a world-wide survey of homosexuals sponsored by American Airlines beating New York, London, Sao Paulo and Madrid in the vote
www.gaycities.com/best-of-2011/vote.php?page=10

Israel isn't perfect and there is an unsavoury element in our society which does not accept the Ethiopian immigration as they should – recently exacerbated by the large number of Sudanese illegal refugees who have crossed our borders due to the ignorance of the masses. This expresses itself in the workforce not just the difficulty of Ethiopian graduates finding appropriate employment but at the lower levels and in schools. President Shimon Peres went especially to a Jerusalem school to talk to the children about racism and non-acceptance of the “other”. He told the Ethiopian children that when he arrived in the nascent state, aged 11, despite speaking Hebrew he was “different” and everyone laughed at him and now he is President! He told them that they have nothing to be ashamed of - those who make them feel bad should be ashamed because one day THEY may be President.

I was very proud this week. Zvi and I were invited to join a wonderful group of Australians of the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce by Albert Dadon of Australia and his “man in Israel” Paul Israel. It is always such a pleasure to join these evenings which have enormous effect but this was extra special since it was a combination of Australian and British diplomats and politicians. Alongside the Australian Ambassador Andrea Faulkner sat British Ambassador Matthew Gould who sang Hatikva as enthusiastically as G-d Save the Queen, Australian Parliamentarian Michael Danby, British Shadow Minister for the Foreign Office John Spellar (Labour) who thanked Albert and Debby Dadon for including the British delegation in the event and several members of the Conservative Friends of Israel including a wonderful Welshman called Guta (pronounced Gita) Bebb (Saboth Da, Guto) and many more. What amazed the audience, so used to hearing lies about our region, was the deep understanding of the true problems of this region and the strong support for Israel by of each of the speakers. I was thrilled ot hear our Australian friends talk about their pleasure to host the British delegation and their recognition of British defence of democracy and the British determination to fight for democracy such as in WW2 and in the establishment of the State of Israel – and made a comment that “Brittania Rules the air-Waves” which tend to be hostile to the only country in the Middle East which exemplifies their moral standards. The guest of honour was former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert together with his wife Aliza. Ehud Olmert, old friend to most of those attending, explained our position with expertise, as always. It was a delight to see old friends, especially Ruvi Herzog and meet new friends like Sonja Kohn, our delightful neighbour at table 16.

IMPACT-SE http://www.impact-se.org/newsroom/news.html is in the news again, for its wonderful work on the education curricula of our neighboring countries. Click and learn.

Andrew Stone, aka Lord Stone of Blackheath, is so much more than a dear friend, even more than my “madrich” in Habonim in Wales and definitely more than a Jewish Lord – Andrew is my favourite type of person. He works for Tikkun Olam quietly, thoroughly, effectively and without self congratulation. We met this week in the Botanical Gardens on a cool and crisp day and sat outside, next to the lake, in the winter sunshine. As we talked of “Cabbages and Kings” we thought back to our youth, asking what was the greatest factor in making the Cardiff, Wales community so wonderfully aware of Israel. The answer was simple – youth groups. Zionist youth groups brought Israel to this tiny community and taught us self-pride and traditions and most of all Tikkun Olam – to leave the world a better place than we found it. We must revive the youth groups – more to follow.

On Tuesday evening we met the Nancy and Harry Bloomfield from Montreal for our regular meeting when they come to Jerusalem. We decided to go for a truly Israeli meal at Zion ha Gadol. Uzi met us at the door and as he emerged from our hug he suddenly saw Harry. “Shemesh”! they both yelled!! Uzi used to work in the Shemesh restaurant on Ben Yehuda Street and each morning he would to take Harry's wonderful mother Neri her freshly squeezed orange juice. Fond memories indeed. Our table began to sag with the weight of the salads – humous, humous with chickpeas, humous with pine nuts, humous and tehina, freshly made tehina, tomatoes, pickles, chopped salad, aubergine salad, mushroom salad, burning hot Schug, fresh minced garlic and lemon and more and more and more.............of course with freshly baked Iraqi Pitta......and this is just the first course!! More fascinating than the food is the range of people – thin, fat, Arab, Haredi, secular, old, young, locals and tourists. Harry, an avid people watcher, loved it! The wonderful Nancy has a thirst for knowledge that is rare and so enjoyable and we managed to discuss the worlds troubles while downing our delicious meal.

I am thrilled to let you know that Canon Andrew White has been voted Vicar of the year. Wonderful and well deserved for the man known as the Vicar of Baghdad http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12010005.htm

It's raining its pouring but the old man isn't snoring – he is looking out the window at the view from our veranda, commenting on the incredible amount of traffic leading ot the shopping mall. Jerusalem is just as beautiful through the misty rain and our veranda is glorious. Winter means “rakafot” or cyclamen here in Israel. They love the cool weather and even survive the snow!
Tonight the children are coming for supper, with the grandchildren and right now I must go back to preparing the Shabbat meal. My favourite part of the evening is when the little ones look up at Saba Zvi as he sings the kiddush, the blessing over wine, and eagerly await their slice of Challah, checking that Saba doesn't cut it in half! It takes me back to when my children were small and my middle son Gideon (a fine barrister today) watched my late father carefully in order to get a whole slice too! Traditions! It is all about traditions.

For anyone coming to Israel there is wonderful skiing snow on the Golan!

For your musical delectation today we have a truly amazing young man. Shalev Menashe sang with the Israeli Opera at age 10 and here he sings Hallelujah just for you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1RgQrw2WLc&feature=colike

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I wish you a beautiful Shabbat remembering that our love comes all the way from Jerusalem to you, wherever you are.

With love

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2012-01-06T15:51:00.003+02:00

120106

6th January 2012

Shabbat shalom everybody. Gosh I am really close to the wire with this weeks missive, but for good reason............we were out last night and I wanted to bathe my grandchildren to make them squeaky clean for Shabbat then give them chocolates to make them dirty again – a grandmothers right surely!

So much happened in the world this week but apart from a few headlines I really want to tell you about some great things I/we did.

The issue of Haredi power struggles has become a huge media fest and in some cases with good reason. For instance – a very tiny group of Haredim dressed their children with Yellow Stars as if they were being treated like Jews in the Holocaust. Now I disapprove of any media bashing but that is just not on. I believe that when one lives in a country, any country, rights come as a result of fulfilling obligations – first fulfill obligations to G-d's country. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4169332,00.html

Syria – oy Syria. Syrians are dying and the world is still threatening action. Don't threaten DO SOMETHING. Incredibly the West still wants Assad in power so do not dethrone or even debunk him. Go understand politics.

Iranian sabre rattling is becoming deafening and if the big guys in the world of power don't do something NOPW I have a feeling we, little tiny Israel, may be forced to act. Of course if we do go in there to save the world we will be told our reaction is disproportionate!!!!

Mitt Romney won Iowa. And I for one am pleased. I cannot believe that in supposedly tolerant and open America a man can be put down for his religious belief!!

Jonathan Sacerdoti wrote an outstanding article in the normally wildly anti Israel New Statesman – well worth reading http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/12/israel-gaza-operation-civilian

How Israel made the world better in 2011 http://actforisrael.org/blog/blog/2011/12/30/how-israel-made-the-world-a-better-place-in-2011/

7 reasons the IDF is a Tolerant Military http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/12/21/seven-reasons-why-the-idf-is-considered-a-tolerant-military/

Israel in figures – every statistic you could ever need to know!!http://www.cbs.gov.il/www/publications/isr_in_n11e.pdf

OK now to the good stuff!!!
On Monday I was at the Knesset, with the International Forum, to meet a delightful man. I knew very little about South Korea except that they have a terrifying enemy to the north, learn specific passages from the Talmud in school, believing that “Jewish Genius” comes from the study of the Talmud and about 25% of South Koreans are Christian. I didn't know that South Korea was formed in 1948, a peaceful democratic people in an area filled with despots, that they prosper despite their warlike neighbours. The Ambassador, who studied in Kings College, London, spoke warmly and beautifully of the relationship between our two countries since diplomatic relations were reinstated in 1993. He spoke of our similarities, in work ethic, initiative, innovation in industry and determination that our children be well educated. He also alluded in no uncertain terms, to the fact that we both live in a rough neighbourhood.

When I walked into the meeting room, right next to the Prime Ministers office, I was delighted to see an old friend, Tuvia Yisraeli, who served the Foreign Office in Geneva and is now our Ambassador to South Korea. Actually, I was not only delighted to see him I was even more delighted to hear of the magnificent job he is doing in Seoul. In a world which rarely compliments the work of others Tuvia received only compliments! It was clear from what everyone said that improving and strengthening Israel-South Korean relationships – both business and personal through tourism - can only be an advantage. South Koreans already come to Israel – now it is time the great Israeli adventurer fly off to investigate the beauty of South Korea on Korean airlines!

My other big event of the year was when my cousin Joannas daughter Tammy got married!! I love Joannas parents, Cyril and Irene, indeed all their family. When my children were growing up in Reading Berkshire, Cyril and Irene were very much part of our lives and now that they have two daughters living in Israel, it makes me feel part of the family. The wedding was held in a beautiful hall in Nes Ziona and the joy that exuded from everyone was tangible. Zvi and I sat with Cyril and Irene and their friends and watched the world go by, incidentally the pre-Chuppa (ceremony) food at Israeli weddings is the best. Small stands each with a different delicacy from burgers and chips through to roasted vegetables or chicken shishlik or........... everything in a tiny scale so it becomes finger food. Anyway I digress.

The Chuppa was beautiful, the bride and grooms smiles only marginally brighter than the parents grins, the groom breaking the glass, traditionally reminding us that not only is life fragile but also to remind us of the destruction of the Holy Temple. The dancing was wild, Israeli dancing with a wonderful band, all clearly Yeshiva students with long beards and side-curls but with a different past because the guitar players and the singing was wild and included Bob Dylan and Meatloaf!!! Suddenly, we were asked to sit down and a wonderful flashmob took place, danced by the friends (and Mum Joanna) for the Bride and Groom! Amazing!!!!

Family is everything. Family is togetherness. I was so thrilled to see this family together – my family – here in Israel. Despite poor health they came to be at this wonderful festive occasion. Made me jealous, I adore my family but get very sad that they haven't seen the view from my veranda.

Lat night we went to the opening of our friend Eli Matityahus exhibition of beautiful photography in Tel Aviv, opposite the newly refurbished Habima Theatre. Zvi remembered how he grew up back-stage of the theatre, the original Habima, because his Mothers cousins were among the founders. As a child, when Tel Aviv was just a lot of sand, his parent used to bring him to Habima where he watched the performances from behind the curtains.

So back to bathing the grandchildren in preparation for Shabbat. They live in Givat Zeev and I was lucky enough to come home past Samuel's Tomb and get that momentary, breathtaking view of Jerusalem in front of me. Last nights rains cleaned the white stonework of the buildings making that panoramic view even brighter. The towers and the hills forming a wonderful relief map.

And so home – to our newly beautiful veranda, bright red cyclamen in the corner and the lobelia just beginning to contrast their sapphire blue.

The shopping mall is emptying and one can hear a pin drop in Jerusalem as the city prepares for Shabbat. Almost here........... almost. The car park of the shopping mall is emptying, the aromas of international cooking rise up to greet from our neighbours and the world looks as if it could just learn to relax.

Here is your Shabbat treats – a wonderful Jerusalem video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5y3oI0iWGE&feature=share and here is Michel Cohen the incredible winner of an Israeli children's singing competition. Michel won the audience and the judges over with his rendition of Shir laShalom. http://www.mako.co.il/special-nrg/video/Video-5086aaa0a6a1431006.htm
Just read the words – This is Israel. http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-shirlashalom.htm

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem – Jerusalem – not next year – THIS YEAR IN JERUSALEM

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem and Revue of 2011

2011-12-30T11:42:00.001+02:00

111230

30th December 2011

Shabbat Shalom and I hope all my Christian friends had a wonderful and contemplative Christmas.

Gosh it is almost 2012! This has been a somewhat exciting year and not the most comfortable. From Arab Spring which the insanely naive politicians described as a blow for democracy we recognise today that it turned into a deep and bloody abyss of tyranny. In Libya anger overflowed into such violence that they stripped former leader Muammar Ghaddafi bare, beat and abused him until he finally died. His daughter is now seeking asylum in Israel.

The much lauded Egyptian freedom rallies turned into a feast of violence that the media refused to expose even when one of their top women journalists was raped. In Syria thousands are mown down and the Israeli press, freer than elsewhere, told of the wounded who when they arrive at hospital are kicked and beaten to death on government direction. A new form of triage which identifies rebels and ensures their demise.

In the UK demonstrations turned to riots and in the USA they turned to left wing “Occupation”. Israel's Social Justice demonstrations began with Cottage Cheese prices and crossed the social barriers. They were quiet and dignified, and as a result the government ordered the Trajtenberg Enquiry into social needs which are currently being implemented where appropriate.

The Fogel Family was slaughtered in their home by Palestinian “heroes” and the media described them as “a settler family” as if excusing the heinous crime. Supermarket Entrepreneur Rami Levi showed us that actions speak louder than words when the family sat mourning their loss they found a stranger filling their fridge. It was Rami Levi who promised to do the self-same thing every Friday until the remaining children reach the age of 18. What a mensch.

Gilad Schalit came home. A frail young man did what no-one else could – he weakened the resolve of Hamas. When he realised that his freedom was hanging by a thread he decided to go on a hunger strike until Hamas feared his death, thus losing leverage. Our price was high, we have yet to understand the cost, but I am in awe of his resolve and determination, clearly inherited from his father, his unbelievable psychological strength. Glad he is home.

Israel won another Nobel Prize. Prof. Dan Schechtman, held in disdain by his fellow scientists who blackballed him for his ground breaking discovery, persevered proving he was right all along.

There are 5 new women pilots in the IDF!!! As PM Netanyahu sat “If women can sit in the cockpit of an aeroplane they can sit anywhere” referring to back of bus!

UNESCO finally recognised that the PA textbooks are not just anti-Israeli but anti-Semitic when their Holocaust denial came to the light. The incredible work carried out by the likes of Palestinian Media Watch and IMPACT-SE ensure that such travesties in education are brought to the light.

A President was sentenced and went to prison for sexual harassment and rape. Moshe Katsav refused a deal early in the proceedings and received the full services of the Israeli legal system which worked to the letter of the law.

Religious tension overflowed in Israel when women were ordered to the back of the bus. I warned of not throwing the beautiful baby of Judaism out with the bathwater of extremism and here is just one of the reasons. Every home in South Korea has a Talmud and mothers teach their children the wisdom of the Talmud. Why? Because they realised that Jewish genius comes from religious learning. Think about it. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4065672,00.html On Monday I will meet the South Korean Ambassador to Israel Young Sam Mah in the Knesset at a reception and Q&A organised by the Knesset Forum on International Relations. I know what my first question will be!

South Sudan declared independence from the oppressive Moslem North after many years of slaughter and Israel was proudly the first nation to recognise them and send aid.
The Palestinian Authority tried to achieve world recognition but when it didn't go their way they decided to join forces with Hamas.
US troops left Iraq in turmoil and the internecine killing became untenable – if you want to know the truth then go to Canon Andrew White's page on Facebook.

A North Korean President died to the most carefully dramatised wailing session ever seen. No changes there though.

Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu was declared one of the 10 most intelligent people in the world with an IQ of 180. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_are_The_worlds_top_10_smartest_npeople

His determination to limit foreign funding for NGO's which threaten Israel's security is 100% right. Not just Machsom Watch and their ilk, but the Haredim went outside Israel to persuade 5 millionaires to pay for a private segregated bus line. Herem m'bifnim (Boycott from inside) raises funds overseas so that when HaBimah Theatre was invited to the International Shakespeare Festival in the UK they can demand from the British organisers to disinvite Israel's National Theatre because they performed in Ariel!!!! Mr Netanyahu – implement this law.

Finally and most dramatically – Iran has finally been recognised as the apex of the triangle of evil. Had the Allies had the courage to attack Iran originally, not Afghanistan and Iraq – maybe.......?

Our renovations are over!!! Gosh it was no picnic but it looks great! The bathrooms are gleaming, all doors, toilets and showers in perfect working order and no damp at the downstairs neighbours! Instead of a bath in our bathroom we now have a wonderful shower which makes it hard to limit the time spent in steaming hot water – but we have to protect the Kinneret after all. The apartment is slowly becoming less dusty and of course the veranda – ah the veranda. We had a delightful breakfast with Rivka and Michael Bertisch Meir this week http://www.flipkart.com/books/1413453856 and afterwards we came home to show them the view from our newly refurbished and gleaming veranda. They were thrilled!! It really is incredible looking out on Jerusalem in the wintry sunshine. Of course, they wanted me to tell Stanley that the tiny orange tree is healthy but denuded and the kumquats already made into marmalade!!!

On Wednesday we went out for dinner with our wonderful Melbourne friends John and Pauline Gandel, the most amazing, funny, lovely friends anyone could ever wish for. Their grandson AJ is here for Academy and joined us for a Moroccan meal at Ima Restaurant – the excellence of the company far outweighed the food but the evening was a great success!!! By the way Josephine – I came home and immediately had tea in one of the Galaxy mugs!!

I pray that next year, 2012, will be a kinder, less exciting year. My greatest prayer is that Israel will be recognised as the democratic island in a sea of oppression; the incredibly giving, innovative and generous society that she surely is.

I want to end with a song or two. “Israel The Tiny” is a wonderful video produced by Allan Pakes, with the young singers of Afula, a new song that expresses all our feelings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-80McB_HM&feature=player_embedded

Finally – or as we say here “Aharon ve Chaviv” (Last and Happy) Happy New Year from the IDF!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-OUVQwDHtrs

In 2012 I pray that all of us will show pride in who we are, where we come from and where we are going and stand tall in the face of those who would rewrite our history.

Shabbat Shalom and love from Jerusalem, heart of our hearts, centre of our prayers, core of our being.

Sheila and of course Zvi

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Shabbat shalom, Chanuka Sameach and a Blessed Christmas

2011-12-23T13:17:00.000+02:00

111223

23rd December 2011

Shabbat shalom dear friends. Shabbat shalom, Chag Urim Sameach and of course a truly blessed Christmas to all our Christian friends.

Isi Leibler is a religious Jew, a truly erudite religious Jew. Isi recognises that the issue of Ultra-Orthodox attempt at control in Israel has gone too far. Confront Unbridled Religious Zealotry Now by Isi Leibler http://wordfromjerusalem.com/?p=3821

After a Palestinian man in distress stopped beside an IDF camp his life was saved by two IDF medics using intensive CPR. “We make no distinction between patients and will treat anyone in need – Jewish or Palestinian, men or women. It’s one of our values both as doctors and as soldiers in the army.” http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/12/22/two-idf-soldiers-save-palestinian-mans-life/

Chanuka. A single cruse of oil lasted 8 days to light the Jewish people out of the darkness of the hedonisitic ruling Hellenist culture to reconsecrate the Temple. The Greeks did not necessarily want to kill us, they were much cleverer than that; they stripped us of our traditions, our language, our rites and our identity imposing total secularity. Without Brit Mila, Kosher food, Shabbat and of course our festivals we were under threat of simply disappearing, until one brave man and his family stood up and fought. Yehudah ha Maccabee – the Jewish Hammer, son of Matthatias, a priest from Modi'in, led the revolt against Hellenisation and King Antiochus' cruel tyranny – and won! He restored our faith, our rights and our identity. The power of one.

Yesterday I met with Anne Ayalon, wife of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon. Anne is not just a silent partner she is determinedly and wholeheartedly working to bring Christians and Jews around the world together in an understanding of where we both started – right here in this wonderful land. Bright and eloquent she works tirelessly for Israel. Anne is deeply involved in a wonderful project called The Galilean to encourage all faiths to come to the Galilee to discover their roots here in Israel and learn about our wonderful country. http://www.thegalilean.org/home0.aspx We hope to work together in the future to keep YOU well informed and part of our mutual future. I am thrilled that she loved the idea of “Adopt a journalist” so please remember to do just that – right where you are. Take one home!!!
After our meeting we went together to the Christian Embassy in their exquisite home on Rachel Imenu Street, to celebrate the Festival of Lights honouring both Chanuka and Christmas and our mutual love of Israel. Director of the ICEJ, Jurgen Buhler welcomed us, talking of his pride as a Christian who loves Israel and honours Judaism and prayers that Christianity's black history of persecution of Jews is in the past. Shia Ben Yehuda from Yad Vashem spoke pointing to the modern miracle of Chanuka – a German Christian and an Israeli religious Jew representing a Holocaust Memorial standing together in Jerusalem to celebrate and honour each others festivals and their love of Israel. Finally Rev Goosan Aljanian, Director Liturgical Chanting at the Armenian Church stood and in a full operatic voice sang an Armenian Carol. Candle lighting, Maoz Tsur, A traditional carol and then this. The ICEJ truly brought us together.

From the Embassy we went to see a film at the Cinemateque produced by a friend – Avi Angel. The film took us on a journey, a truly incredible journey of two brothers, two year old Avner and three year old Itzchak, hidden from the Nazis of Cracow in a bunker by an Aunt, their parents taken to their death, the aunt throwing them on a Kastner Transport train saving their lives. Their journey took them through Poland, Bergen Belsen, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and finally Israel. These tiny children were adopted by a young woman along the way, their beloved Nomi , who like Moshe didn't see the Promised Land, until finally B'nei Akiva freed them from Atlit. Their Aunt survived the war thus they originally called the film “3 Mothers for 2 boys” but the final name is “Here I learned to Love” in honour of Nomi. From the story of Itzchak and Avner Weinberg it is both deeply emotional and uplifting- Izchak himself came and answered questions, he and his brother now 71 and 73 years old with thriving families and full lives. Standing near the Western Wall in Jerusalem Avner says: "This is the moment when I claim victory over the Nazis." http://www.ruthfilms.com/films/new-releases/here-i-learned-to-love.html

From there we took our now familiar route to Mevasseret, back to Sam and Frida to light the Chanuka candles with friends.

For our special celebrations I bring you two videos. One about a Dreidl or Sevivon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzCkKX-7EOQ&feature=related Did you know that your dreidl is different to mine? In Israel the four letters on the dreidl are Nun, Gimmel, Heh and Peh, representing Ness Gadol hayah Poh (A great miracle happened here) whereas in the Diaspora you have a different letter on your dreidl – Nun, Gimmel, Heh, Shin - Ness Gadol hayah Sham (A great miracle happened THERE)!!!
Growing up in Wales I had no idea that Chanuka means Sufganiot or Doughnuts. We had potato latkes but no doughnuts! Here in Israel there are so many varieties that I needed a video to explain it all!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6THYdoz7LIo

Chanuka this year came together with a very sad personal loss. My adored cousin Jean passed away. Jean and Stuart, Stuart and Jean, inseparable in name and in fact. Always part of my life since I was small they, and later their sons Ian and Bobby, were an integral part of my family. A totally positive couple, generous, sweet, loving, giving, they epitomise family. They always stood by me, my decisions and never let me down. They stood with me in lieu of my parents and siblings as our “unterfirers” or proxy parents, at my wedding to Zvi, proudly handing me over to Zvi with great love and unforgettable smiles. Family, more important than anything else in the world, family means “being there” for family celebrations and tragedies; family means never letting anyone feel left out; family means supporting one another - always forgiving.; family is being able to picture where your loved one is; family is knowing that whatever happens your family will be with you. I love my family and was especially moved by Jean's sister Shirley who, in her eulogy, spoke of their togetherness and the fact that they thought alike and never a day went by without them talking and checking on each other. Jean together with her beloved Stuart, left behind the greatest legacy of all – two sons and ten grandchildren all of whom are absolute family. I will always miss you dear Jean, thank you for being a fine example in my life and for loving me so much.

Christmas came to Jerusalem! Not only the many carol concerts or the festive lights, Chanukiot on the streetlights of Jerusalem giving way to stars and cedars on Hebron Road leading toward Bethlehem but in the vast numbers of visitors crowding the Old City, mixing and matching with the Chanuka celebrations. You don't have to be Jewish to go into Roladin to try out their exceptional flavours of sufganiot!!

I wish you blessed festive season, whatever your faith, wherever you are. We all pray for the same things, a healthy happy family; a stable economy; to stop famine and oppression and maybe we should add one that the media and our governments concentrate on the important rather than on the convenient – like knuckle rapping a tyrannical murderous regime in Syria while concluding that the idiotic and illegal decision of Haredim to make women sit at the back of the bus was an international incident! Allowing oppression of Christians in the PA to go by as if it isn't happening but building houses in Jerusalem is holding back world peace!!

So. Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat shalom and Chanuka Sameach.
Happy Happy birthday to my wonderful big sister Eddie – so far away in Toronto Canada. Eddie I love you and miss you more than you can imagine.

Love from Jerusalem

Another Shabbat Shalom

2011-12-16T13:10:00.000+02:00

111216
16th December 2011

Dear Friends, I won't keep you long but I feel a deep need to clarify my letter of yesterday.
I agree with everything I wrote, no regrets, but I do regret my omissions and want to apologise to Yitzchok. While angry, as I wrote, about the hijacking of certain aspects of Judaism and even more of Hillary Clintons decision to point out the actions of a tiny minority's demands concerning women while ignoring the major oppression of women in our region and in Africa, I regret not adding the following rider.

Israel is a Jewish country – a Jewish country showing tolerance and respect to all religions but a Jewish country nonetheless. We are here in this wonderful Biblical spot because we came home after 2,000 years of dispersion, home to Jerusalem; our home, traditions and faith after exile and slavery. If we do not honour our Jewish traditions and faith then we do not have the right to be here!

In Israel
Shabbat should have religious content – even for those who prefer a trip to the beach than the synagogue.
Shabbat should be a day of rest – after all we gave the world the greatest social gift of all time so why dishonour it today?
Children should learn the age old prayers in school because their parents do not know how; however they should also be taught physics, chemistry, geography, history, English and literature too. The US and UK stopped teaching Bible in school but we won't.
Rabbis should be our ethical mentors.
Marriage, for Jews, should be under the Rabbinical traditions, but we must make it easier.
Conversion should be under Rabbinical supervision but an acceptable set of rules must be created and adhered to and the course for those who choose to be Jewish made smoother.
Kosher food should be the norm for supermarkets, with opportunities for those who choose not to follow it; but there should be a general standard of kashrut not a snobbery of higher and higher demands of kashrut for different sects according to a Rabbis whims.
Not all religious people are either zealots or extremists – as long as they respect me I extend deep respect for them – just ask them to give back to this glorious country – to respect the demand to work, pay taxes, educate their children as they must in Britain, USA or Canada.
Zaka and Yad Sarah , wonderful institutions, came as a natural extension of religious Judaism – Gamach and Tahara.
Not all modern orthodox people are right wing extremists and most “settlers” are good honest hard-working folk who pay taxes, defend the country and are a very important part of Israeli society.
Not all secular people are lacking spirituality, they take their goodness from the same sources and ethics and should be equally respected for that.
Rabbi Jeremy Rosen, my friend and religious advisor put it beautifully in his letter http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.com/2011/12/hillary-clinton-modesty.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jeremyrosen%2FtAYl+%28Jeremy+Rosen%27s+Blog%29
Let's stop judging, we have enough enemies without in-fighting. “Torah im Derech Eretz” Torah with respect.
After all, as Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl said “If you will it, it is no dream”

Shabbat Shalom and as I learned to say in the sixties “Peace and Love”

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-12-15T16:49:00.000+02:00

111215

15th December 2011

Shabbat Shalom! How are you doing? Well I hope.

This has been an odd week since we haven't been sleeping at home, but rather staying with friends in Mevasseret and coming in early each morning to let the workmen in to the apartment for a days work on our epic renovations! The journey has given me a whole new perspective of Jerusalem from the other side. But more of that later.

This should have been a wonderful week to report. Prof. Dan Shechtmans acceptance speech at the Nobel Award Dinner was amazing and Israel's Lee Korzits won a gold medal in the ISAF World windsurfing Championships. Apple, in an unprecedented, but wise, move, have chosen Israel for their first R&D centre outside California. http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000706928 Instead of being able to gloat at our successes I am angry, very angry.

As you know I rarely express anger, though sometimes offended, but this week I am furious. This is an amazing, free, busy society with women as leaders of two political parties, with important roles in finance, business, the law and the IDF but because of the determination of the media to chip away at any weakness here and the intolerance of a certain sectors the world now thinks that we are a society where women sit at the back of the bus, have to walk on the other side of the street and cannot sing for fear of offending Haredim!!! That is not Israel! I am furious that a few religious zealots are trying to impose their will on all of us. I am not in any way anti-religion or anti-religious, on the contrary, I love Judaism, the warm and gentle Judaism that I grew up with in a home with a Yeshiva educated father. This sector of society must understand that rights are earned by fulfilling ones obligations. Israel is a society of strong women and the rule of law, equal rights were hard earned by the pioneer women. If it wasn't tragic it would be funny that Shas Member of Knesset Nissim Zeev suggested that religious soldiers who don't want to hear a woman's voice should carry earplugs!!!!

Young right wing religious zealots, boys and girls, decided to test the border with Jordan and then threw stones at soldiers – injuring a senior officer and shouting “Nazi” at him. He is the grandson of Holocaust survivors and the shouts hurt him more than his actual injuries. I am disgusted. They should go to prison just as anyone who throws stones at our soldiers. If they want to be protected by them then honour them. These are not “settlers” these are hooligans and should be treated as such. Having vented my ire I must add a rider; had these young hooligans been Arabs then Im Tirtsu and Shalom Achshav etc would have demonstrated for their release – apparently “human rights” only belong to the enemy. Those same groups never decry the demolition of Jewish homes on the “disputed” territory – only Arab. On the other hand, when the same hooligans defaced a disused Jerusalem Mosque it was the ordinary people of Jerusalem who went in to paint over the grafitti and repair any damage. Now THAT is Israel.

Equally Israel is the “Haiti Grows” project launched by IsraAid just a year ago. http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=249514&R=R4 The President of Haiti , Michel Martelly, visited the site two days ago, lauding the agricultural ability of Israel, our generosity in sharing that knowledge and the fact that we did not just help and go but stayed to rebuild. IsraAID just sent three delegations to support its missions in Kenya (famine relief), South Sudan (supporting a girls rape victim shelter) and Haiti (medical, social and agriculture programs). Tikkun Olam.

I spoke about my pride in Professor Dan Schechtman winning the Nobel Prize for his work on quasicrystals. He was shunned and derided for his discovery by his scientific peers around the world until finally, after 30 long years his work was accepted, applauded, lauded and he was awarded a Nobel Prize for it. His speech displayed his determination and humility. http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2011/shechtman-speech.html
“Science is the ultimate tool to reveal the laws of nature and the one word written on its banner is TRUTH. The laws of nature are neither good nor bad. It is the way in which we apply them to our world that makes the difference.
It is therefore our duty as scientists to promote education, rational thinking and tolerance. We should also encourage our educated youth to become technological entrepreneurs. Those countries that nurture this knowhow will survive future financial and social crises. Let us advance science to create a better world for all.”

Now back to Mevasseret!!

Leaving Sam and Fridas home in the small hours we turn the corner at the end of their quiet and leafy suburban road in this dormitory town to a view of distant Jerusalem all the way to the Calatrava Bridge. Young children stand on each street corner near the primary school, wielding large “lollipops” to stop the traffic and allow the younger children to cross. These youngsters, known as the “Mishmeret ha Zahav” or Golden Guards were formed on the initiative of a certain Kalman Raviv, Zvi's amazing Father to take care of the youngsters as they cross the road to schools all over Israel.

Driving thorough Mevasseret we ease our way into the traffic as we head off onto the side roads to avoid the dreadful traffic jams into Jerusalem on the main road. Within moments the hill of the Castel, or Mount Ma'oz, looms on our right, ancient citadel scene of so many battles, including the battle for control over the entry into Jerusalem during the War of Independence. http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~354934586

Next, winding our way through the tree lined hills, stripped bare by the Ottomans until KKL -JNF began to plant trees in 1935. Today Israel is the only country in the world with positive afforestation. On the right a large Tel looms, ancient buildings on its apex. The Russian Orthodox Church, its gold onion shaped roofs glistening in the sun; St Mary's Well, where Mary (Miriam) stopped to drink on her way to Bethlehem; St James Franciscan Monastery with its multi-lingual blessings and of course – this is Israel – the wonderful coffee shops and restaurants.

The last roundabout and Adwan waits with his baigeleh stand, Jerusalem baigels and zatar. These baigeleh are not like the sticky doughy bagels you know nor are they the same size or shape except for the hole!! About 10 inches long, 6 inches wide, soft and covered in sesame seeds one tears it apart and with each and every bite one dips the delicious bread in the paper twist of zatar, a herb mixture composed of savory, thyme, sumac, salt and sesame seeds. He knows us now, after all we are on this route for 10 days, and in response to my smile he goes to a separate bag to bring me the very freshest. Fauz also sells hard-boiled eggs – again nothing that you would recognised, these eggs are cooked for hours in a spicy mixture until the eggs inside turn brown – truthfully not my cup of tea but adored locally!

Munching our wonderful local breakfast we come to a sharp turn in the road and there above us a different kind of marvel, the huge modern form of Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem its helipad like a huge plate on the roof. Up, up a little bit further on the Aliya to Jerusalem. Nearly home!

To make life complete, apart from the constant drilling, sawing, dust and noise (to say nothing of tea, coffee and Turkish coffee on tap) I had an inner ear virus (Labyrinthitis) which turn my world upside down – but that too will pass!

Our house is upside down and Shabbat will be somewhat strange but no matter what the state of the renovations – I want to move back home to have the peace of Shabbat here, on my new, if dusty veranda and its breathtaking view. I need ot light my Shabbat candles at home – to be with my husband in our Jewish home. Candles, Kiddush, Challah and whatever meal I am able to garner from the remains of my half empty fridge.

Shabbat Shalom, with love from Jerusalem – the most fascinating, beautiful, spiritual, sadly contentious city in the world.

Shevua Tov special update

2011-12-10T17:37:00.000+02:00

111210
Motse Shabbat - 12th December 2011

Shevua Tov - a good week to you all.
I decided to send you a special updae today because of three special issues. The first is the new video produced by Deputy Minister Danny Ayalon; the second a new book from the Palestinian Media Watch team and the third a conversation I had with Canon Andrew White.
Spread the word about the third and latest YouTube video by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, 'The Truth About the Refugees'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_3A6_qSBBQ&feature=channel_video_title
The video explains the issue of the Palestinian and Jewish refugees in a clear and concise manner, providing important messages for those interested in Israel. Send it out far and wide - it should be seen by as many people as possible to break the myths and ensure the truth becomes common knowledge.

Press release:
http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=5954
Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), an Israeli research institute studying Palestinian society and its leadership through its Arabic language media, today announced the release of Deception: Betraying the Peace Process, a new book describing the systematic hate speech used by the Palestinian Authority (PA) even as they portray themselves to the world as pursuing peace
I am thrilled to tell you that this Ancient Sefer Torah has been rescued in Baghdad and on its way to Israel, but 365 remain.
http://yourjewishnews.com/14044.aspx
Please read what Canon Andrew White says - you or your community can save these precious Torahs. Canon White will do the rest but it must be soon before the troops leave Iraq.
" We have 365 Sefer Torah Scrolls in the museum. They all live thrown on the basement floor amongst the rats who are eating them. Iraq does not look after anything Jewish properly apart from Ezekiel's tomb. Every thing Jewish has been taken and plundered and the Jewish homes just taken."
When another correspondent suggested one should not take antiquities from Iraq Andrew responded -
"The Torah Scroll is not a museum item, it is for worship. I am not in favour of removing things from Iraq but they have no appreciation of any thing jewish. They forced 100,000's of Jews out of Iraq with nothing. This scroll does not belong to Iraq as a land it belongs to Iraqi Jews and it should go back to them. You can't rid the nations of the Jewish people, kill them and still threaten them and keep their things.
You know how much I love Iraq but I hate what the have done to the Jews and how the masses still talk about them with hatred."
Wishing you a fine week
With love from Mevasseret - right next to Jerusalem

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-12-08T09:54:00.000+02:00

111208
8th December 2011

Shabbat Shalom to you and yours!

Help!! The world has gone crazy......... or should I say crazier? Women are buried to their waists in sand and stoned to death on the say-so of their husbands, honour killings are rife, women are fourth class citizens in most of our neighbouring countries and Hillary is bothered because a few nutters insist (against Israeli law) that their women must sit in the back of the bus? She is equally bothered by the suggestion – not the actual implementation, of women not singing in the IDF choir. Talk about disproportionate responses!! It is time to start demanding rights, any rights, for women in places where women are oppressed not here where women have led the country, are judges, IDF officers, senior MK's... we are the easy target not the real one.

I feel the same way about the NGO issue into an international issue. The government wants to prevent overseas GOVERNMENT funding of questionable NGO's These NGO's are extreme on the right and left and are deemed dangerous to the country's security. In case no-one noticed we have a security situation!! Would the UK or USA allow outside funding for Al Qaeeda? The Attorney General says that the legal standing of such an act is questionable so it has been temporarily shelved

British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould had his loyalty to the United Kingdom questioned because he is both a Jew and a Zionist. The Member of Parliament who raised the question would never have doubted a Catholic in Rome, a Moslem in Saudi Arabia but he questions the loyalty of an Ambassador who has brought only love and respect to his position. http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=248009

Former President Katsav is in prison. He was offered an easy way out early on in the proceedings but chose to take his case through the courts, appealed up to the Supreme court and now must pay the price of a considered legal process which culminated in the decision of a panel of three highly respected judges. Even at the gates of the prison he was declaring his innocence. “Time will prove that you have buried a man alive”. I think not. He will share a cell with former Minister Shlomi Binizri.

The Jerusalem Marathon will take place in March 2012. The course will take the participants through many picturesque neighbourhoods, through the Old City and then back into the centre of town. Even this wonderful event is deemed controversial! How dare the Jews have an event which brings joy to the Old City of Jerusalem which is not theirs anyway? This video takes you helter-skelter along the route, showing you Jerusalem at a pace the runners will never achieve! You may well enjoy the spelling mistakes in the descriptions of where you are; working on that with the Mayor! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmwk8vLdDGM&feature=share

Sheikh Nasrallah the leader of Hezb-Allah in the guise of a religious man, came out of his bolt hole – rat hole – surrounded by bodyguards, in order to express his hate for Israel. His negative policies which brought Lebanon to disaster are all he has to offer. Positivity incorporated.

Yesterday I agreed with two things Pres Assad of Syria said. In an interview by the inimitable Barbara Walters, in which his fixed smile and denials of ill will chilled the soul, she asked him why he doesn't accept the rulings of the United Nations he declared the United Nations irrelevant - “Sir you have an Ambassador there” to which he responded “It's a game we play. We don't believe in it” United Nations – OK no-one believes in it. However my blood ran cold as he said “Only insane leaders order the death of their citizens” believing himself sane and innocent.

A group of StandWithUs Israel Fellows at Tel Aviv University has organised a unique conference on developing medical and humanitarian missions for victims of international conflicts and natural disasters. The three-day program for medical students and others will be held from July 25th to July 28th, hosted by the prestigious Sackler Faculty of Medicine of Tel Aviv University.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ejiy6eCgII&feature=channel_video_title

Until about a year ago I had never heard of Col. Allen West yet more and more people I trust believe he should run for President. A decorated war veteran and a man of honour, Col. West would not only be good for the United States, he would raise awareness and restore respect for the leadership within and without the United States. Will he accept the challenge? Actually, I hope so. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_West_(politician)

I know you want me to speak about the Ministry of Absorption advertisements in the USA, and I will but in short. I thought the campaign was overtly and overly honest and the outrage was extreme and came from the wrong place. ...... never mind I don't want to anger you.

Just as I was getting used to the idea that we are in the year 2011 Chanuka looms!! This year seems to have raced by without my noticing. Sure the grandchildren have grown bigger and we have a new little one called Ori, teeth have fallen and new ones grown, knees scuffed and noses bloodied, beautiful creations in artwork and the sudden magic of reading what is on the page.......... but December – you have to be kidding!! .......For your delectation Aish ha Torah has produced a wonderful Chanuka video. I know it is early but I love it!! http://www.aish.com/h/c/mm/Chanukah_Rock_of_Ages.html#.Tt8US2XWrTY.facebook

Our “shiputzim” or renovations are still going strong. As of today we have no bathrooms in the apartment, no shower, no sink, no loo......... and an awful lot of noise as the jack-hammers tear up the last bathroom to reach the pipes guilty of causing damp on our neighbours ceiling! At least the veranda – heretofore referred to as The Mirpesset, is finished. It is stupendous! The tiles, a beautiful gunmetal grey, are of European standard non-slip which means the grandchildren will no longer go skating every time they get out of the paddling pool! The workmen did a phenomenal job, not only in their accuracy but in the way they cleaned and rubbed every single tile to ensure it was perfect, the grout level exactly in line and the finish to standard. Our somewhat thirsty and sun-deprived plants are about to go back outside and enjoy the imminent rain. I am so thrilled that my search of the internet to find 7 rain-free days worked exactly!! Having discovered that one of the apprentices is only 14 years old I asked the builder why he isn't in school. “He won't go to school, doesn't want to learn so I decided it is better to bring him with me, teach him everything I know including how to do the job properly so at least he is not on the streets and easy pickings for the extremists.” The risk for Arab Israeli children is just as severe as those in the West Bank and I realised that Faiz was not preventing Asai from learning – he was in fact teaching him to be a useful , hardworking and productive citizen. Not everything is what is seems.

All of the workers are Israeli Arabs except for one fine artisan, the tiler. Abu Moussa (a common name so I am not divulging anything) comes from Bethlehem. Only 39 years old he looks at least 50 and has multiple medical problems – all easily healed with a little care. When I asked him why he didn't go to the doctor in Bethlehem he told me “They won't give us medication and the doctors are all Jordanian and really no good” We are trying to help him but it is difficult since unless his situation becomes serious he will not be brought over to hospital in Israel. It makes one wonder where all that aid money has gone........... obviously not to the people.

The jack hammer is disturbing the peace as we speak and I am finding it difficult to collect my thoughts. I rose at 06:00 to write to you before they arrived, while my brain was still intact!! Tonight we move to Sammy and Fridas home in Mevasseret Zion – peace and quiet and most importantly – a toilet!!! Back tomorrow morning to the smell of Turkish coffee, no, I don't make it I put everything ready for them and they help themselves.

Next week I will write again of the mirpesset and the view and about the beauty that is Jerusalem.

I wish you a wonderful Shabbat, one filled with family, friends, contemplation and love.

With love from Jerusalem, heart of our heart, centre of our world.

With love from Zvi and Sheila
PS Bank Leumi has launched their “Two million good reasons” drive for charitable NGO's in Israel. All it takes is a vote. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-leumi-le-israel-bm-and-youtube-are-re-launching-the-online-campaign-to-promote-the-banks-charitable-giving--renaming-it-to-two-million-good-reasons-132604473.html Lev Binyamin is a wonderful organisation which cares for and gives to the Special Needs community. http://www.levbinyamin.org.il/english.php find them on the Bank Leumi Site and vote vote vote http://www.youtube.com/leumi2million?x=I3Hk_gvALD0 where it says הצבע

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-12-02T11:02:00.000+02:00

111202

2nd December 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

Having read a horrific story in the paper about an Afghani woman who was raped, imprisoned for adultery because of the rape and then released from prison on condition that she marry her rapist I couldn't keep quiet. This is ultimate inhumanity, only surpassed by slaughter. Indeed maybe even worse because she will die every day of her life. It brought to mind the wonderful words of philosopher Bertrand Russell who wrote: I cannot see how to refute the arguments for the subjectivity of ethical values but I find myself incapable of believing that all that is wrong with wanton cruelty is that I don't like it.

Do you know what the Salafim are? Well neither did I until very recently. Salafim are those who think that the Moslem Brotherhood are just too lenient and lovers of Western society!! Yes really. When one considers that the Egyptian elections have produced a Moslem Brotherhood victory (you read it here in April), that Fatah are romancing Hamas to the extent that they are spouting extreme anti-Israel, anti-West rhetoric again, I think that we have to understand that the borders of Islam have broadened to the extent that extremism is not enough. My natural tolerance is also being stretched to its limit.

This weeks Parasha (Torah reading) is fascinating and varied. It talks of greed and envy which not only caused brother to raise hand against brother; it talks of Jacob who ran away from his home and security in order to avoid the anger of his brother Esau; Jacobs travels and search for love and so much more. A very important, and much ignored aspect is that while on his journey to Padan Aram where his uncle and family lived, Ya'akov slept on the place where the Temple would be built by Solomon many years later. The Torah states:
"And Ya'akov woke up from his sleep and he said, 'The Almighty is in this place and I did not know it' " (Gen. 28:16).
Rashi's commentary explains that Ya'akov said, "If I were to have realized the sanctity of this place, I would not have slept here."
Jacob was unaware but understood it, today too many people are unaware of the sanctity of the Temple Mount – its sanctity in Judaism. As with so many Jewish sites the Temple Mount has been taken over and we are not allowed to pray there – yes exactly what I said – we are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount (not Jew not Christian) because it will offend the sensibilities of the Moslems for whom it is holy. It seems ludicrous. I do not demand from Moslems that they do not pray wherever they wish in Jerusalem but I expect equal respect to be allowed to pray on this holiest site.

An explosion in Iran, what exactly exploded is unknown but it is not difficult to guess. The Times of London, a dedicatedly accurate newspaper, says it was a uranium enrichment plant. Please G-d it has delayed the meglaomanic plans of Iran for long enough that our leaders recognise the danger!
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/150252#.Tth_cLJCqU8

Incredibly an Iranian plot was recently uncovered to attack Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Just las tweek I mentioned this possiblity, that they were in greater danger than Israel, but was told that idea was ludicrous. http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/iran_e143.htm

President Peres went to visit King Abdullah of Jordan in his palace in Amman. Once our closest friend, the King has been wavering recently. Hopefully King Abdullah learned from his fathers mistake of siding with our enemies in '67, an act he came to openly regret.

Our friend Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen stands firm on her support of Israel, not only from her emotional ties but through considered reason of what is best for the USA http://republicans.foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=2113

We went northward last Friday morning to spend a wonderful weekend in Deganiya Bet. We travelled the route down past sea level, down down until we turned left, seeing Jericho on our left – another place taken over by the PA. Our friend Eva is a tour guide http://tour-guides.co.il/evayaron and gave us a running commentary, she is so good that even Zvi learned new things!! We pulled off the road at Qasr el Yahud, which translates, from the Arabic, to Jewish Castle, a religious site which ws unattainable due to old Jordanian land mines on the site. The land mines are cleared and we walked down to the River Jordan and to the original site where John baptised Jesus. It was a very spiritual site, one need not be Christian to appreciate the spirituality, and we watched in fascination as pilgrims stood in the trickle of the Jordan (it is said the River Jordan has more history than water) to be baptised. At this point the River is only 5 metres wide and as we stood on the Israeli bank, just five or six metres away, on the Jordanian side, pilgrims were doing just the same. Glorious sunshine, wonderful site, beautiful ritual and good friends. It was an amazing experience.
From Qasr al Yehud we drove northward, the skies above us filled with arrow shaped skeins of cranes leaving the Hula Valley Reserve, heading for warmer climes. Our next stop was at Kibbutz Kinneret, home of Naomi Shemer whose most famous song is Jerusalem of Gold, written just before the Six Day War and triumphantly finished when Jerusalem was re-united. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJYYCh-f1Bo&feature=related Naomi Shemer was prolific and many of Israel's favourite songs were written in this haven, well worth a visit.

Finally we arrived at our destination, Kibbutz Deganiya Bet. Ah, leaving the hurry and scurry of the big city behind we arrived in the green miracle that is the North. I asked you a question last week and most of you made the same mistake I made until corrected! Moshe Dayan was not the first child born to Deganiya Aleph, the firstborn was Gideon Baratz and the second was the future and legendary Chief of Staff born so close to Naomi Shemers birthplace – to be irrevocably connected through the reunification of Jerusalem. Friday night was spent in the “chader ochel” of canteen of the Kibbutz, the kibbutznikim turning in curiosity as Zvi sang out the Kiddush and his choir joined in. We just relaxed and sang for Shabbat – and wandered in the rustic beauty of the kibbutz, one of the few which still keeps to the communal principles of kibbutz life.

This week has been really strange. Our veranda is floorless and bottomless – as we try to cure our neighbours damp problem. All our plants – yes Stanley including the little orange tree, are sitting in our lounge which doesn't give much room for manouevring! The noise was phenomenal as the power tools worked away at the base level and took the tiles from the walls. Since we are simultaneously enlarging our bathroom, therefore removed all clothes and ourselves from the bedroom, life is hardly calm! I was fascinated to discover that two of the young workers were only 14 and 15 years old – and the 15 year old was married! Faiz, their boss, told me it was a familiar story in the neighbourhood of Jabl Mukabr – next to French Hill, but that he was determined that his 7 children would become doctors, lawyers, architects …..... anything but builders. However just in case, after school and at weekends he brings them along so that they will know how to work hard and appreciate what he is doing to ensure their future. Faiz laughs, talking away in his perfect Hebrew “No-one believes I am an Arab and sometimes I don't either” Faiz works with his brother, both speak perfect Hebrew and understand that the way forward is not through fanaticism but rather through hard work and teaching your children to stand on our shoulders and reach for the sky.

By next weeks letter I hope that I can report a beautiful clean and renewed house – but Zvi has the bug and is already talking of doing the other bathroom............. maybe he is right.

Thank heavens we have great friends and are invited out for both Friday night and Shabbat lunch. Indeed Shabbat lunch will be hamin – North African Jewish Cholent, a stew which is left on a hot-plate all night to honour the laws of Shabbat, and we will eat it with delightful friends. I cannot wait to have my home back and invite friends to sit on the veranda and see the view I try to bring to you each week, but on beautiful new chairs on a beautiful new floor. The view hasn't changed, the beauty of Jerusalem is constant as it lays before me. From Gilo on the right, through Beit Safafa in the middle with Ramat Rachel on the ridge of the hill opposite forming a green horizon; Talpiot, Baka, the German Colony and of course the Holyland Project to our left, it is all there, all waiting for us to return to our usual position, admiring the view. The flag is still flying proudly in the corner, framing the tapestry of white houses and green trees. The shopping mall below us busy, but the car park is slowly emptying as the city winds down towards Shabbat.

By the way, Egelbert Humperdink and Red Hot Chilli Peppers are the latest famous people to visit – why didn't you?

I wish you Shabbat Shalom, may your Fridays always be bright and clear and never “black” because if there are too many black Fridays your account will be in the red!!!

With love

2011-11-29T15:25:00.000+02:00

111129

November 29th – Kaf Tet b'November – is a most significant day in Jewish life – the official Birth of our Nation.

To learn more and be enthralled watch http://www.youtube.com/ToldotYisrael and then click onto http://www.jcpa.org/quiz/November29.html to test your knowledge!

Listen to UN vote

In February 1947, Great Britain, which had controlled the mandatory territory since 1917, decided to turn the issue of the Palestinian Mandate over to the United Nations. The UN established a Special Commission on Palestine (UNSCOP), which recommended the establishment of two states - Arab and Jewish - in the area and Jerusalem as an international enclave.
The Jewish population - while dissatisfied with the small size of the territory allotted to their state in contradiction to the promises made by the League of Nations in 1922, as well as the plan to sever Jerusalem from the state by internationalizing it - accepted the compromise. In sharp contrast, the Arab states and the Arab residents of the Mandatory territory rejected UNSCOP’s recommendations out of hand.

The UN General Assembly held a vote on the partition plan and on 29 November 1947 UNGA Resolution 181 was adopted by 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions.

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Partition_Plan-64_years_later.htm

So much has happened in the history of this tiny country despite the media impression we are not just about wars! This video, entitled “Israel Today” is a return journey for a young man who came back home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCEDbNyT4xQ

Israel today is a wonderful, thriving, democratic, fiscally successful and incredible country. Israelis are free, expressing their opinions openly and frequently. Israelis are leaders in hi-tech, medicine, bio-tech, nano-technology, agriculture, bio-chemistry, pharmaceuticals, hybridisation of crops to ensure large yield for minimum hydration and desalinisation of brackish water. All of the above not only benefit Israel but Israeli companies and governmental bodies provide humanitarian aid to third world countries.

Incredibly, the BBC wrote an excellent article about Israel today and why this country has succeeded where much bigger countries have failed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15797257

I am so proud to be Israeli, proud of my country, proud of my nationality, proud of our generosity, intelligence and initiative – proud of my people.
The United Nations is no longer the organisation it was formed to become after the League of Nations was disbanded because it was unable to prevent World War 2, but this one decision - United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 changed our world.

Let's all give this amazing little country, prayed for, prayed to, dreamed of for 2,000 years – let's give a standing ovation for Israel. Rita, Israel's premiere singer, sang Hatikva at the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I was there, standing and singing with her and you may just hear the sound of my tears of joy as she sang. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9h63FTppwo&feature=related

Remember this day, remember the way the world was and be proud of that decision, Resolution 181 to form the Two State Solution to the Middle East. Jordan and Israel - a country for the Jews and a country for the Moslems.

Remember, remember the 29th of November.
With love from Jerusalem, capital of the State of Israel
Sheila

Thanksgiving Shabbat shalom

2011-11-24T16:50:00.000+02:00

111124

24th November 2011

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you many reasons to give thanks and the ability to find joy in all you do and see.

Happy Sigd. Sigd is the Ethiopian Jewish festival officially celebrated today. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?ID=246762&R=R1

Sadly one institution that we certainly have no reason to give thanks for is the United nations. Their latest insanity? Syria has been accepted to UNESCO committees dealing with human rights!!! Want to know what is even worse? The USA, UK, France and other Western countries unanimously elected Syria to a pair of committees. Syria will serve a second two-year term on the 30-member Committee on Conventions and Recommendations, which examines “communications … relating to the exercise of human rights,” according to UNESCO’s Web site. Syria also joins the 23-member Committee on International Non-Governmental Organizations, which is mandated to encourage approved activist groups to help further UNESCO’s overall goals. http://www.unwatch.org/cms.asp?id=2750557&campaign_id=65378

CNN did an excellent report on the treatment of Sudanese and Cambodian refugees fleeing to Israel and their diabolical treatment at the hands of the Sinai Bedouin. A young man by the name of Aron Adler wrote of his experiences as a reservist on the border. A must read. http://israelinsider.net/forum/topics/aron-adler-on-the-egypt-gaza-border-israel-is-a-safe-haven-not-on

Ron Paul was wrong (actually the man is a fool) when he announced, at the Republican Candidates Debate that the USA doesn't have to defend Israel. He just doesn't get it. Israel is the only country in this entire area that would defend the USA from the very long-range missiles our neighbours will probably launch future. Don't worry about us. Israel defends herself; not through attack but through intelligent defence. My thanks to Tom Gross for sending this excellent article http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/16/israel-s-secret-iran-attack-plan-electronic-warfare.html

A bill is before the Congress of the United States to designate the “Human Rights” Flotillas to Gaza as acts of terror for encouraging a Hamas based terrorist state http://www.investigativeproject.org/3301/bill-seeks-terror- designation-for-flotilla-groups

Something for your interest – the International Child Day Israel Israeli statistics – fascinating. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/People/Israeli_children_statistics_2011.htm

The American expression is to turn lemons into lemonade – here in Israel we turn Rockets into Roses.
We do it through medicine We took the broken heart of a young man and gave him a new life.http://www.saveachildsheart.org/265-4975-en/News.aspx?pos=1
We do it through art. We take destruction and build with it. This beautiful Chanukia was made out of Kassam schrapnel http://www.rocketsintoroses.com/lp/menorah2/
We do it though song – 12 year old Avishai Rosen sings “thousands of children will be happy and change the world - let's demand joy, that's what brings light to the heart” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRKF5xqHQdM&feature=related
We do it through dance. The Hora Dance Troupe of Jerusalem did a flashmob in the Mamilla Mall – Happy!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/jerusalemhora?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/RzhQuQGyulA
We take shards and turn them into a Mosaic Chanukiah. Roslan Sergeeyev is a Russian, Jerusalem artist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Mj1pwURns

Sir Martin Gilbert is conceivably our generations greatest historian. He wrote a wonderful treatise about Israel called “AN OVERWHELMINGLY JEWISH STATE” - FROM THE BALFOUR DECLARATION TO THE PALESTINE MANDATE” This link will take you to a chapter of this fascinating and infinitely informative book. http://www.jcpa.org/text/israel-rights/kiyum-gilbert.pdf

November 22nd 1963 means just one thing to most of you, the Assassination of President Kennedy – to me it has an even deeper meaning. It is the day, the hour which coincided with my own Mothers passing. Regina (Betty) Silver z”l beautiful and elegant, clever, funny and kind. 48 years and her teachings, love, warmth and Jewish traditions still walk me through life. She taught me to love Israel, my parents came to visit in 1953. They came for a family wedding, no small feat in those days, travelling on the Israeli ship “The Artza” from Southampton. That taught me that family is worth travelling for; it taught me that Israel is the Jewish home; it showed me the enormous differences from my fathers movies of that time to the amazing modern State of today; it showed me that the King David hasn't really changed!!!! My parents taught me to be proud of my Judaism, proud enough to accept others and expect to be accepted, their marriage taught me what a marriage should be.

The rain fell, and fell and fell – it was wonderful!! It may sound strange to most of you but this is the most exciting time of the year for me. Rain, the rain that will make the desert bloom, literally, as the apparently barren sands burst into colour after receiving life giving nourishment from the grey skies and flash floods. The sky today cannot quite decided whether the clouds are rain clouds or just giving us a rest from the sun. I just looked out and saw a rare sight. The skies are grey, the rain is falling yet somehow there must have been a small break in the cloud cover to allow the last glimmer of the setting sun through to throw a red glow onto the buildings of Katamon. Almost a perfect circle or warm red as if G-d was smiling “Goodnight”. The flag, flying at the corner of our veranda, is happily playing in the breeze, waiting for Arlene to come and stand beside filled with emotion as her Jerusalem lays before her. Arlene, my beautiful friend will stand up in her synagogue tomorrow night and talk about her life – or rather talk about Israel and her family – her family and Israel. Arlene is celebrating a special birthday this weekend, her 75th. Arlene is a true Zionist, a true Eshet Chayil who is a natural and innovative leader for the task at hand not for the power or kavod but rather because she is a leader by example – and what a fine example she is. Happy birthday wonderful woman!

Finally Shabbat Shalom to you all. Zvi and I are off to Kibbutz Degania Bet in the north, near the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. We are going with Zvi's choir to sing our hearts out! I have a question for you..... who was the first child born on Degania Aleph, the first Kibbutz?

Wishing you a peaceful and happy family Shabbat.
With love from Jerusalem, centre of our prayers and our life.
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-11-18T14:14:00.000+02:00

111118

18th November 2011

Shabbat Shalom for glorious rainy Jerusalem!

I love the rain, it cleanses the air, the city, the soul and gives life to the earth. I imagine the tiny seeds and bulbs hiding in the cracked arid earth suddenly springing into life, preparing to burst forth in the spring.

I am so furious with the so-called humanitarian organisations. They spend all their funds and energy on the Palestinians when there are so many others who truly need their attention. The media too but they have a different agenda because if you check their advertising almost all of them are dependent on either ownership or advertising of Moslem companies. Emirates and CNN, Sky, even Fox!!! Let me explain.

The killing in Syria continues and as CNN reporter John Vause cleverly observed more have died in this uprising, killed by their own government, than in all the Israeli/Palestinian debacle. Just yesterday another 19 died and all they get is a smack on the wrist.

The Sinai Desert elicits thoughts of snorkelling, scuba diving, sunshine and tourism? Not if you happen to be a refugee from the genocide in the Sudan and want to reach freedom in Israel. The Bedouin of the Sinai trade these refugees and on route they beat, rape, kill, and steal their organs. Where is the outrage? Where are the humanitarian organisations? Stop concentrating on the Palestinians and look to those who really need you!!!! http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/02/world/meast/egypt-refugees/index.html

If we are already talking about the Sudan, where was the outrage at the slaughter, the ethnic cleansing that took place by the Moslem North on the predominantly Christian South? Why was Israel the first nation to accept the newly emerging South Sudan?

The most self-destructive actions seen recently concern Iran. For years, Mohammed El Baradei, a man with highly suspect affiliations to the Moslem Brotherhood, was responsible for overseeing the Iranian nuclear capabilities for the IEAE, supposedly to conform with the non-proliferation treaty. Nothing will convince me that no-one knew. The dire situation we now find ourselves in was due to sheer negligence on the part of our leaders.

Aah, the idiocies and interests of NGO's, media and governments – who was it who said “Nations don't have friends, nations have interests” and sometimes that is made very clear by open-mike incidents when the French and the Americans – both known for never ever going back on their word!

OK enough bad news, I just switched on the TV and the movie “Exodus” is on. It is so outdated and so brilliant! I love it, try to ignore the romanticised version but adore the scene when the British Officer claims he can always recognise a Jewish face and Paul Newman (aka Ari ben Canaan) asks him to see if he has something in his eye........... and of course fools him! As Ari ben Canaan and Mrs Freeman sit on the terrace of the King David one feels that time stood still – the glorious view of the Old City hasn't changed, although now we can go inside and walk to the Kotel in freedom and then, as they walked through the main lobby I half expected to see Adnan behind the Concierge desk!!! Even the Irgun prisoner scene was taken in the actual prison near the Russian compound. The United Nations vote on partition, partition of the land into a Jewish State and a Arab State (Jordan) and Ben Gurions declaration of that vote and his thanks to the British troops who”Carried out their task with honour” and to the Arabs to join hands and live in peace as the crowd sang Hatikva. What a story, what a movie and Pat Boone captured the urgency and desperation of those who were coming home through the theme song and its wonderful lyrics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0FLzUKphw&feature=related It may be a movie but it is so close to the truth of the horrors of the escape from the Holocaust and the fight to create a state from a Biblical dream. We need Exodus to be re-released.

I found an amazing video for you - celebrating 60 years for the IDF. It is in Hebrew but I am confident you will understand anyway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz1M8E6nYpU

The second video shows the first ever film of Jerusalem, shot in 1896, showing Jews at the Train Station and in the streets. The narrator tell us that at that time the City of Jerusalem had approximately 45,000 citizens with a clear a Jewish majority. 28,000 Jews, 8,500 Moslems and 8,700 Christians. That is over 60% Jewish, and about 20% each for Christians and Moslems. As such evidence is uncovered the truth is becomes clearer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP1Xp8lCHEg

This week Zvi met with a fascinating man to hear of a truly important project. Shmuel Willenberg is the only living survivor of the Treblinka death camp. Zvi made contact with Shmuel after a newspaper article about him in Zvi's search for information about his family, all of whom perished in the Shoah. Zvi's Uncle Josef Ribak, a physician and footballer in the Polish national team, became known as the “Doctor of Treblinka” where he took care of the 600 workers in the camp. It was known that when patients thanked Dr Ribak for curing them he begged them not to thank him for returning them to hell. Dr Ribak died shortly before war ended.

Shmuel Willenberg and his wife Ada take groups to Poland, to Treblinka so that we will never forget. Shmuel and Ada wanted Zvi to meet Sigmund Rolat, a Polish/American Jew who Helped to build the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and now wishes to help fulfill Shmuels dream to build a Visitors Centre at Treblinka. Shmuel and Ada's daughter is a fine architect and has designed the project so that those who come to pay tribute to that most Jewish of death camps can rest, learn, lecture and contemplate on the site. Treblinka had the highest percentage of Jewish in-mates and dead, although much smaller than the other camps, over 90% were Jews. Zvi wants to help – after all that is as close as he can ever manage to get to any of his Uncles, Aunts or Grandparents – all of whom perished.

Rain, cleansing, life giving rain has made the view from our veranda even more beautiful than usual. The hills stand out against the hazy horizon and the buildings are sparkling clean. The flowers breathe a sigh of relief and their colours seem to smile at the grey and cloudy skies. Did you know that the rains that fall on Jerusalem go in two directions? Really! King George Street is the line, the ridge from which the rains flow either to the Mediterranean or to the Dead Sea.

The skies are closing in and the rain strengthening as soggy Jerusalemites wend their weary way home. This is the real weather for Hamin or Cholent, warm and satisfying as it sits overnight on the hot-plate. Meat, potato, beans, onions, carrots and turnips – the difference between the two is that Hamin has whole eggs in it the shells browned by the long, slow cooking and Ashkenaz Cholent has Kishkeh – stuffed intestines (yes really). If one is too tired or too lazy to cook one can go to the haredi Meah Shearim neighbourhood and take home entire pots filled with the succulent Shabbat dish. The aromas the come from the slow slow cooking whet appetites and awaken memories.

Time to finish cooking and prepare the apartment for Shabbat. Zvi will sing the kiddush in his wonderful Bass-Baritone voice, the same kiddush that Jews around the world will be singing to their families to bless the wine and welcome the bride of Shabbat. He will bring the challot home from Angel's bakery, the one in the petrol station after putting the world to rights with his parliament as so many Israeli men and women do on a Friday morning.

Shabbat Shalom to you dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem
With much love
Sheila

By the way Stanley – the pomegranates are red and juicy and the oranges turning a bright sunshine colour as the ripen on the little tree.

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-11-11T11:50:00.000+02:00

111111
The 11th Day of the 11th Month of the 11th year of this century.

Shabbat Shalom

A tragic incident took place today as Rabbi Dan Martzbach was driving home to the settlement of Otniel at five in the morning and he saw what he thought was an ambush. He drove as fast as he could not realising it was an IDF checkpoint. The soldiers, when the car, travelling without lights, wouldn't stop despite several orders and shooting in the air thought it was a terrorist attack, since it had been reported to them as suspicious by another group. The soldiers fired and the Rabbi died and his passengers were injured. Simultaneously a Palestinian truck driver at the site ran a soldier down severely hurting him. Tragic, avoidable and so so sad. May his soul rest in peace. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4146864,00.html

At 11:00 this morning Britain will honour the dead of two World Wars and too many campaigns and “minor” wars. At 11:00 the top brass of the Biritish Army, the Royal Family and the Government will stand to attention for two minutes silence and will lay wreaths on the Cenotaph, the monument created by Lutyens at the request of David Lloyd-George for the first Peace Day as a Memorial to those who died in the 1st World War – the War to end all wars. We honour those who died to ensure we live – those who still die to ensure our freedom. We honour their lives and mourn their deaths.

Two nights ago Israel commemorated the death of a soldier, a hero, our Prime Minister who fought so hard for the sake of Israel, for the safety of his soldiers and for the freedom of his people. He was not the man the left have re-invented, something I told you year after year after year. Yitzchak Rabin was a proud Israeli; a reluctant politician, a shy man who despised the cant and hypocrisy of politics and diplomacy; he was a friend; he was a member of Zvi's family. I will never forget his gentle care the last time we met, in the Rotunda, Washington, when he raced across to me, ignoring the high power group assembled there for the opening ceremony of the “Jerusalem 3,000” celebration of the US, gently hugging me concerned that all those people might push me about after my serious operation. That was the real Yitzchak Rabin. I almost always agree with what Isi Leibler writes and I believe that Isi's words on theis 16th anniversary of Yitzchak Rabin's assassination by a Jewish terrorist is complette. Stop distorting Rabin’s legacy by Isi Leibler http://wordfromjerusalem.com/?p=3725

The Hebrew “Yahzeit” of Yitzchak Rabin coincided with the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass, which heralded the Holocaust. The dehumanisation which preceded that fateful night is too similar to the dehumanisation of Israel, making Israel, the Jewish State, expendable as Jews became after Kristallnacht. We have to be alert – it is happening in the West, incitement to hatred on campus, even in the Wall street demos! The Holocaust is over but the lessons of Goebbles are used today by those who would see us gone.

The Obama/Sarkozy “overheard” conversation teaches us two things. One is that politicians act like school children, bickering about one another instead of holding themselves above and secondly that the media does not honour a gag order and blabs when it is against an Israeli leader. Actually one more aspect – Sarkozy claims that the Israeli PM is a liar? C'mon – you have not honoured one word of your manifesto. Who's lying now Sarky?

Moshe Katsav, former President of the State of Israel will go to prison for rape. Israel does not accept abuse of women even if the man is a President. Supreme Court Justices Miriam Naor, Judge Edna Arbel and Salim Joubran found the evidence unquestionable and decided to uphold the original sentence of 7 years in jail. Katsav was offered less severe deal but is so arrogant that he thought he would get away with it! I am sorry he came to power because of Ehud Barak's determination that Shimon Peres would not be President and I am so sorry that none of the press, who were aware of his evil ways, spoke out – not the press, not other politicians, no-one. Shame on them and shame on us. A rapist is a rapist is a rapist – however powerful or rich.

I found this excellent video, well worth viewing, explaining the real partition plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhNF2bTsUg4

Zvi and I went on the Jerusalem Light Rail. We waited at the start on Mount Herzl and along with an awful lot of other people, watched Jerusalem go by as we headed to the centre of the city. Along Herzl Blvd, over the Calatrava Bridge, past the Central Bus Station, along Jaffa Street into the centre. It was fun people watching and Jerusalem watching and we didn't need to park!

One of Zvi's meetings this week was with Young Tsamid of Jerusalem Municipality under the direction of Sara Salman. “Tsamid” means People with Special Needs and during Zvi's tenure Sara and her team set these amazing young people with a variety of disabilities as a self-run NGO whereby they hold meetings int eh Municipality, run their own sociel programmes and a radio programme. Their independence and confidence has grown to such a extent that Zvi was delighted to hear that almost all of them are working in paid jobs! While Zvi was running the New Jerusalem Foundation he received a one-time honour from these amzing young people “Yakir Tsamid” Beloved of Tsamid – it takes pride of place in our home to this day.

Yesterday was fun! I met up with two wonderful friends, Susan and Averil, at the Israel Museum. Gosh it is amazing! We chose two tours, starting with archaeology and artifacts dating from 6,000 years ago through Biblical times going on to the Judaica exhibits. From Chanukiot to Torah crowns, clothing, succot, symbols and emblems from every conceivable corner of the earth to the prize exhibits – the four synagogues, moved piece by piece from their original homes. Suriname, sandy floors and light Caribbean air http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AU6aWh6Jz0 ; Horb, Germany, simple painted wood, naïve artwork http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=32&itemNum=199707%20%20%20%20 ; Cochin India, with thanks to our dear friends Fred and Della Worms http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=33&itemNum=199804%20%20%20%20 and the Venetto synagogue from Italy http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=30&itemNum=200184%20%20%20%20 . The guides are volunteers who really know their stuff and take the tours out of love. An extremely kind group of Christian ladies allowed us to join their tour and explanation and the lady at their helm was none other than Anne Ayalon, wife of our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon.

After a wonderful lunch at the Botanical Gardens Averil and Susan came to sit on our veranda, to relax , look at the view and then to meet Drew and Roni Staffenberg from Calgary, Canada who had been with Zvi for a tour of the Davidson Centre at the Southern Wall excavations of the Temple Mount. The Davidson Center takes you back to the times of the Temple – virtually and actually! http://www.archpark.org.il/panorama.shtml

One of my favourite people in Israel is Tim King formerly of the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Tim and his wife Martha have a gloriously beautiful red-haired daughter called Anna who became a model but gave up her career for a much more important one – to become a Hummer instructor in the IDF! This week Tim sent me a message proudly proclaiming the fact that Anna is now a fully fledged Israel Citizen. Bar Rafaeli should learn about national pride from Anna whose career has not suffered at all! Mazal Tov to the entire King family and especially to Anna – Israeli – proud of you Anna!

I saved the best till last – we have a new baby in the family! Zvi's son Leor and his wife Shiri gave birth to a little girl, Ori at the Meir Clinic in Kfar Saba. Ori is just beautiful, and adored by her sisters Amit and Gili. While we were at hospital, waiting to go in to the ward a young Moslem Israeli woman was sitting with her new baby son. We exchanged baby compliments and she sweetly gave us a beautiful favour filled with chocolates and goodies to celebrate her new son with the words “Blessings on your new grand-daughter. Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov”

Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, fascinating, spiritual, addictive city in the world!! In the words of Menachem Begin (yes it was him) “No more War, no more bloodshed”. If only the killing ended in 1919 with the raising of the Cenotaph after the war to end all wars.
Love

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-11-04T11:40:00.000+02:00

111104

4th November 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.

I am so excited this Friday morning since I awoke to the sound of rain, heavy rain, glorious, life giving rain! Admittedly I am equally thrilled that it didn't rain yesterday or the day before which gave me the opportunity to sit in the crisp autumnal sunshine of Jerusalem with my lovely cousin Debbie and with Nancy and Harry – but more about that later!

Have you noticed that Western diplomats involved with Israel and her neighbours are critical of Israel when in power and suddenly when they leave their positions they write books and the truth comes out........ Israel has been flexible and agreeable whereas the Palestinians have been rigid and against any solution however equable? Dennis Ross did it, Tony Blair did it and now Condoleeza Rice is doing it in her new book. She quotes Ehud Olmert's offer to the PA as the most generous ever and Abbas did not consider it a starting point for negotiations. By the same token how can the USA, UK, and most of Europe play the outraged idealists concerning a few homes being built in Jerusalem, when they know full well that the Palestinians are building as if there is no tomorrow within Jerusalem city limits!!!

Judge Richard Goldstone wrote a truly surprising and accurate article in the NY Times refuting any claims that Israeli society resembles the South African Apartheid regime in any way or form. Professor Gerald Steinberg writes “Confronting former allies after an honest change of heart is tough; Richard Goldstone deserves to be embraced and congratulated.” http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=244036&R=R7

UNESCO voted to accept the Palestinian Authority into its once august midst. UNESCO UN-Educated UN-Scientific UN-Cultured and UN-Organised The Palestinian educational system does not in any way or form meet UNESCO's criteria, their books deride the Infidel (that's Jews and Christians) and deny the existence of Israel. Please read the academic report of IMPACT-SE presented to UNESCO on the lack of tolerance in PA. schooling http://www.impact-se.org/research/pa/index.html

This isn't a first for UNESCO however. Thanks to Barbara Ledeen for this wonderful quote.
When Golda Meir visited Princeton – when no longer Prime Minister in 1978 - , at a question and answer section in the main auditorium of the university, one of the students asked her: “Why was it that UNESCO had rejected Israel and accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for membership/associate membership.
Golda replied that that was a question that should be addressed to UNESCO, not to her.
The student responded: That is of course correct but it would be interesting to know your opinion, why UNESCO made these decisions.
Golda replied: As you know, UNESCO stands for the United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization. We must assume that these gentlemen, after due consideration, came to the conclusion that the PLO has more to contribute to education, science, and culture than Israel does.
The audience roared with laughter and applauded.

The USA, Canada and Israel rescinded their payments to UNESCO, as they should, but more surprisingly Ban Ki Moon came out with a statement to the PA that he did not support their method of entering the UN through all the subcommittees – a rare statement of great substance.

The South of Israel is still subject to rocket attacks. Egypt warned Islamic Jihad that if they don't stop launching missiles then they will pay the consequences and Western leaders have intimated that Israel must not respond. Maybe we are too polite or just too attentive to world opinion?

Pat Condell is a very clever and totally anti-establishment Brit whose irreverent, but highly relevant videos say what we think. Mr Condell is not PC and is prepared to take the flak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N1zhUm84w “Is it racist to say that the Palestinians are the most tiresome cry-babies whose problems are all self inflicted? It probably is”

Since we last spoke we said goodbye to Kim, Robert and Deanna after their frantic week of filming for a documentary on Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular. As soon as I have a link I promise to send it to you and you will find it on the Children of Israel Foundation website.

On Wednesday I met my dear cousin Debbie Gelbard at the Jerusalem YMCA for a wonderful glass of mint tisane and some naughty desserts! The Jerusalem YMCA is conceivably the most beautiful building in Jerusalem. It was so delightful to spend time with Debbie and catch up on our family news, sitting in the last rays of sunshine. As we sat enjoying one another I noticed a young man on the grass who took out his prayer mat, bent his knees bowed down towards Mecca, prayed and then got up and went on his way. So very Jerusalem; sitting in a Christian garden, overlooking the famous King David Hotel, watching the open prayer of a Moslem in a public place. If only Jews and Christians could openly pray in Moslem countries.

Yesterday we met up with Nancy and Harry Bloomfield of Montreal, Canada and Jerusalem. Nancy and Harry have two sons studying in Israel and they simply love Jerusalem! They chose our lunchtime venue and I applaud their taste! The Anna Ticho Artists House is situated right in the centre of town, next to both the original Hadassah Hospital and Rav Kook's House. The Anna Ticho House sits in its own beautiful gardens, inside is a gallery of her works and a restaurant and outside is a large tree lined terrace with tables set with placemats showing her exquisite etchings. The meal was a delight, the company outstanding and my goodness do I enjoy every time Nancy exudes love. She made me laugh when she told me that after arriving exhausted from the long journey from Montreal she immediately went to Shouk mahane Yehuda. A friend called her from Canada to check is she had arrived safely and when the friend asked where she was she said in the Shouk. “Why on earth would you go straight to the Shouk?” asked the friend “Because I wanted a Sheila moment” said Nancy!!!! Apparently you love my stories about the shouk, its sounds aromas, colours, people and atmosphere. I will have to go again next week to absorb some new senses!!

Talking of Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Harper isn't afraid of the Arabs – not only because he has incredible natural resources and enough oil in Alberta to ignore their wealth but because he is a principled man who is not afraid to speak his mind. Now THAT is a leader.

Since I am always persuading you to come to Jerusalem and experience the joys thereof I thought this article essential to your travels. The top 10 public toilets in Jerusalem!!!! http://israel21c.org/travel/the-top-10-toilets-in-jerusalem

Today began early. Zvi and I met with our dearest friend Bernardo Romanowsky for breakfast at Angel's Coffee shop in the gas station of Nayot! It was delicious. You guys don't understand that an Israeli breakfast is so vast and so healthy........... let me explain. One example of many is the “Israeli breakfast” which means an omelette of any combination (I love the herb one), a freshly cut chopped salad in a bowl, an assortment of avocado, tuna and aubergine salads in tiny presentation dishes, three types of white cheese, a freshly squeezed fruit juice and – of course – Cafe hafuch!!!! There are other assorted breakfasts but this is almost a foregone conclusion for most diners! The tiny table was groaning as beside us the first Parliament sitting took place – thank heaven smaller and less vociferous than Zvi's Parliament- and the waitresses all come to say hello, kiss the regulars and even the chef comes to greet everyone at this simple diner. Having spent delightful time with Bernardo, talking about everything from family to baking, to health I came home to write to you!!! Zvi will be back soon and I will drop him at his Parliament and escape to my daughters home to be with the grandchildren, read stories, play games and just cuddle them ensuring they know just how much Safta loves them. Yosef says I love him to the sky and back; Talia says I love her trimillion and baby Aylah just stands akimbo with her arms wide as she can get! I love that my daughters home is filled with the aromas of Shabbat, especially her amazing home baked Challot (she got it from me you know!) My drive back home will thrill me and fill my heart as I pass Samuels Tomb to the sight of Jerusalem set out in her glorious entirety, fresh and glisteningly clean from the blessed rainfall.

Finally, use your last chance to vote for the Dead Sea as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World since the voting ends on 11.11.11 www.new7wonders.com

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world, centre of our hearts, hopes and prayers.

Mid-week update. Moshe Ami z"l

2011-10-31T12:52:00.000+02:00

111031
31st October 2011

Halloween, for real.

30 rockets were launched by Islamic Jihad yesterday and the day before. All 30 created the terror intended among Israelis in the South sending them running for the bomb shelters and closing schools. 30 rockets over a short period; the 28th caused great joy in Gaza and horror here in Israel.

Moshe Ami was on his way home when Islamic Jihad decided to launch a Grad rocket on the town of Ashkelon. He called his girlfriend, Elah Kostin, to say he was nearly home, just two minutes away, when his car was hit by schrapnel from the rocket.
"We agreed that as soon as he arrived we would go to the supermarket. He called around eight when he arrived in Ashkelon and said that he can go shopping," she recalls. I told him I missed him and that he should come home. Moments later a siren was heard. I called him. At first he didn’t answer. I heard the explosion not far from my house. The second time he did answer and said that he was hurt by shrapnel".

Moshe was rushed to Barzilai Hospital where it was found that he had schrapnel wounds ot his abdomen. His condition was declared “light injuries” - not life threatening. In the operating theatre, sadly, the doctors found that they could not overcome Moshe's injuries and he died.

The media and the fact that we become inured to the pain of loss mean we don't really talk about the man, the family he left behind and his own pain in life. Moshe, 56, was divorced and father to four children. Unlike so many men he chose to stay in close contact with his ex-wife and children, affording warmth and kindness to ensure family life.

Just over two years ago he decided to place his name with a couples website called "Love me" and met Elah, they fell in love and moved in together. His life was good. This man who still missed his brother who died as a soldier in the first Lebanon War, finally found love and happiness. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Memorial/2011/Victims/Moshe_Ami.htm

I wanted you to meet Moshe Ami, to know that he, like all of those so horribly affected by this war of attrition, whether adults who lose their lives or children who have only known the fear of sirens and the 15 second dash to find haven in the bomb shelter. Hamas is no longer the most evil Islamic gang in Gaza, they actually wanted to call a ceasefire but the Islamic Jihad has the power now, Islamic Jihad is directly funded and takes orders from Iran without any go-betweens. As evil as Hamas is Islamic Jihad knocks them into a cocked hat. Islamic Jihad will not talk to anyone, they are not just evil they are the declared representatives of Iran and the despotic, evil tyranny that Iran represents.

If we respond, what will the world out there decide is a proportionate response? Are we allowed to do what others do and wipe out entire cities? Will we continue to fear what anyone says or will we do what we have to do? Just as no-one fully understood our high moral ground in our determination to bring back one young soldier in exchange for a thousand evil doers. Incidentally, our decision as to whether or not we bomb the hell out of Gaza is somewhat simpler now that Gilad isn't there. There is a new factor in the equation however. The Egyptians, post rebellion, are very unhappy at the ruling gangs of Gaza and want to regain THEIR control of Gaza. We don't know the outcome but it is more hopeful than the current situation.
Hamas wants a ceasefire, Islamic Jihad wants to continue the water torture of constant bombings.............. so the rockets continue. Iron dome works but we don't have enough, their war of attrition continues but we, Israel, hum silently in our heads “We will not be moved” This is our home – not theirs – we don't run – we speak softly and carry a very big stick.

Praying for peace, praying for anger at our constant suffering, praying for sorrow at the death of Moshe Ami. May his soul rest in peace and his family find comfort among the mourners of Zion.

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-10-28T14:19:00.000+02:00

111028

28th October 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. How are you?

The weather here in Israel is so glorious that “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” keeps running through my mind as the sun's rays become warm and welcoming rather than glaring; the pomegranates are red and ripe, bursting with health giving juice, the oranges beginning to develop a soft orange glow and the herbs filling out as the leaves rest from the searing heat of the summer. Faces lighten up and we all begin to feel the relief of autumn. The warmth in the air was conducive to gardening and I moved the annoying tree and created a wonderful flowering corner using the incredible orange and yellow hibiscus trees and the lovely fuchsias. I don't know the real name of the fuchsias but I called them Valerie's fuchsias because my girlfriend's garden was the first place I saw that variety!!!

Most of this week was spent with our dearest friend Kim Taylor who is here filming a documentary for his Children of Israel Website which will hopefully also be on PBS. I took a small part but Zvi, Zvi was a star, the camera just loves him and he knows how to talk to the camera.

I joined Kim, Deanna and Robert and of course Zvi, to film Member of Knesset David Rotem, leader of the Christian Caucus of the Knesset and Chairman of the Law and Legislature Committee. MK Rotem gave Kim's team and incredible interview. Actually, reaching his office was an adventure in itself, as we each got lost in different areas of the rambling new wing. The Knesset is such a beautiful building, walking up the main entranceway, past the eternal flame into the bustling halls and passageways of justice and democracy makes my heart burst with pride.

From the Knesset we drove out to the Community Centre in the Pisgat Zeev neighbourhood of Jerusalem. Pisgat Zeev comprises predominantly of new immigrants and the incredible Valla found a beautiful way to help absorb them and provide work for many musicians. The Pisgat Zeev music conservatory now has 300 young students and 30 music teachers. We were there to see a very special class of Special Needs youngsters who have learned to play instruments under the loving care of their teacher. Their disabilities range from Muscular Dystrophy, Downs Syndrome and Autism. The joy on their faces as they played “David Melech Yisroel” and “Ani Ma'amin” (I Believe) with great aplomb was plain to see. Achievement for those who fight so hard ot achieve is inspiring.

The next occasion that I joined the team was to the Municipality of Jerusalem and Mayor Nir Barkat. Nir gave a wonderful interview explaining the challenges of Jerusalem (he refuses to call them problems) and the pride and responsibility he feels in his Mayoral position. From the offices of the Mayor we went out to the Council Chambers where the Chairperson of the Social Services Department talked about the special situation of this city's residents, from abuse dchildren to drug addiction, from battered women to the elderly and homeless all made infinitely more complex by the varied religious elements.

Zvi explained the significance of the huge domed ceiling representing the myriad of thoughts and beliefs that make up this special city, the round table representing equality and of course the Biblical element of the circles of justice. While surrounded by columns – the straight lines of the law – the table is round to ensure justice always be shown in this decision making.

From the veranda of the Municipality one gets a 360 degree view of Jerusalem, its magnificent Old City, the modern buildings, the Hebrew University, the domes, towers and spires that represent the religious rainbow of this complex and fascinating city which has remained the centre of our world for 3,000 years.

I have a sneaky feeling that the highlight of Kim, Deanna and Robert's week was a visit to “Zion ha Gadol” the Middle Eastern restaurant where the display of salads was so incredible that Robert felt the need to photograph it! We always say that an Israeli salad contains just about every ingredient except lettuce! Shiny, succulent egg plant salad, bright beetroots and fresh garlic and lemon, carrot salad, rice salad, cabbage salad, beans, courgettes and potatoes all become a glorious cornucopia of delight! There is nothing quite like it. The array of salads each individual yet blending perfectly with all the other foods is so representative of Jerusalem's society – our very differences merging to make a delicious combination of colours and flavours.

The world is still trying to understand our willingness to release over 1,000 various killers in exchange for one incredibly frail and clearly ill treated son of Aviva and Noam Schalit, so don't try. It is something inexplicable, something so very Israeli, something so telling of our high moral stand and also our relative sense of what each human life is worth when dealing with peoples who hold death in far higher regard than life. One boys life is worth whatever it takes.

The same humanity made Israel the first to offer help and assistance to Turkey after the disastrous earthquake that befell that country. Erdogan, who initially refused Israel's help, is a highly unpopular leader, the Turkish people resent his determination to even further sour the relations between our countries. We sent sent caravans, blankets and other necessary aid to protect those whose homes were destroyed leaving them to fend for themselves in harsh winter conditions.

Ishmael Khaldi, Bedouin Israeli, is our former Consul in San Francisco and outstanding speaker on behalf of Israel. He was speaking at Kent State University when a Professor, not an ignorant student, a Professor screamed abuse at Khaldi he also shouted “Death to Israel. Do not be lulled into thinking it is not happening in the USA. http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/10/27/3090001/kent-state-prof-shouts-death-to-israel-at-former-diplomat

Dr Einat Wilf, Member of Knesset spoke on the BBC about the Gilad Schalit deal and the lack of equivalence between the release of Hamas murderers and a kidnapped soldier, Gilad Schalit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSQls2M3Kj0&feature=share

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of he Technion University of Haifa they created a truly outstanding video – well worth watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzilbrH3CcA&feature=youtu.be

Just in case you thought that Israeli chocolate was limited to Elite – think again. Gosh this makes ones mouth water. Look out Belgium, Israeli chocolates are phenomenal!! http://israel21c.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9504:israel-becomes-a-chocolate-heaven&catid=59:culture&Itemid=109
The Shabbat food is prepared, food that reflects the change in weather. Autumnal salads (no lettuce of course), Chicken soup with kreplach and kubeh, thoroughly stewed beef with vegetables and chicken paprika followed by pecan pie and fresh seasonal fruit. The table is ready, a sparkling white tablecloth, best dishes, sparkling silverware and glassware and of course the new Challah cover. I love the sense of Shabbat covering our neighbourhood, the quiet descending, the aromas rising and the families arriving to be together. Kurdish Jews have a special treat, Friday lunch is a big family affair. 'Marak Kubeh” http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/837727/ We have a great Kurdish friend who, when asked why she was cooking on Friday morning when she was feeling poorly said “If a Kurdish man doesn't have Kubeh soup for lunch on Friday he sets of to work on Shabbat morning because he doesn't know what day it is!!!”

Finally, you enjoyed last weeks music so much I decided to bring you Three Israeli Tenors singing Adon Olam. This is so great – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-NEbNW9h_s&feature=related

I wish you Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the beautiful glorious centre of our world.

Sheila

Thanks to Phillip Pasmanick for this wonderful greeting
✡(¯`´•.¸(¯`´•.¸ ________ღ✡ღ_________ ¸.•´´¯)¸.•´´¯)✡
..✡ שבת שלום ✡♥ ✡ I LOVE ISRAEL ✡ ♥ ✡ Shabbat Shalom✡
✡(_¸.•´´(_¸.•´´ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ღ✡ღ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ´ •.¸_) ´´•.¸_)✡

--

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-10-21T16:16:00.000+02:00

111021

21st October, 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

In case you are wondering, for us Simchat Torah (Celebration of the end of the reading of the Torah and the beginning of the new reading from Genesis) was yesterday, today is a friday with all the normal cooking and preparations for Shabbat. Life has been so intense over the Succot/ Tabernacles period. First the incredible tension of fearsome expectation of what Gilad's condition would be when he got home ate at most of us. The relief at seeing his incredibly frail form tentatively lower itself from the helicopter and then the van was tempered at the physical realisation of what awful conditions he was held in. He clearly had not seen the light of day for five long years, his normally pallid complexion wan and ashen, his body unbearably gaunt, his gait uncertain – but his salute strong and determined. The tension of seeing the media around the world question our sanity yet describe the return of these multiple murderers as Palestinian prisoners equal to Gilad. How could they? Those disgusting excuses for human beings were tried and sentenced, imprisoned in controlled conditions, thoroughly well fed and educated with family and conjugal visits............ they certainly leapt off those buses – no unhealthy pallour or gaunt physiques here.

Incidentally anyone who thinks that the interview with Egyptian TV was voluntary or that the interviewer didn't know he was forced into it should check out the photo of the masked Hamas guy standing over him with a huge gun should he answer incorrectly! Melanie Phillips caught the mood http://melaniephillips.com/journalism-no-cruelty-and-propaganda

If anyone doesn't understand our actions or believe that our determination to return Gilad to his home and family is a sign of weakness then they just don't get it!!! We know all the horrible possibilities – we live them every day!!!! It was worth it, and if you remember I was against the deal but the second I saw him I burst into tears and thanked G-d for bringing him home.

Col Khaddaffi of Libya was a tyrant of the first water, he committed heinous crimes against humanity and well deserved to die but I do not understand all the Western leaders who merrily announced his death without talking of the foul manner in which he was bludgeoned, shot and then his dead body was further abused and bludgeoned before stripping his clothes. The world is better off without him but should we condone such animalistic behaviour?

Back to Jerusalem, where Shabbat is closer than I realised and my table is not yet laid! The aromas returned from rotten fruit and stuffed vegetables to the regular Shabbat tastes and sounds. The shopping mall car park is empty, the roads almost devoid of vehicles and families begin to prepare for the arrival of the Bride of the Sabbath. I paid my regular friday visit to my grandchildren in Givat Ze'ev, having invented a few new games ot allow my daughter to clear the house and finish the cooking. Their favourite is “Savta Says” and slight change of the original Simon Says!!!!

Coming home I pass the glorious sight of Jerusalem, white, glistening, the undulating hills so close to our heart spread out before me. It takes my breath away.

Oh my, almost Shabbat. Time to put the oven on, set the white cloth, the plaited loaves and the wine goblet ready for Kiddush and Motse. Zvi needs to be woken so he can go to the Synagogue to sing my favourite Shabbat song Lecha Dodi http://koshertube.com/videos/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&id=7659

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Please remember that in this tiny beautiful country every young soldier is our son; every young soldier is ours; every young soldier is prayed for and loved and we do not allow anyone to suffer in seclusion at the hands of terrorists.

With love from a hazy, silent Jerusalem spread before me as a gift.
Sheila

A special addition is this story, sent by new friends I met just yesterday. It captures the very essence of Israel, our founding and our fights.
Tell Danny he had a Mother http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/week-s-end/tell-danny-he-had-a-mother-1.390953 We met Danny yesterday
Finally a wonderful site with pictures from the founding of this Nation and before. http://www.israeldailypicture.com/2011_08_01_archive.html

Letter from Jerusalem - Gilad Schalit is home

2011-10-18T16:57:00.000+02:00

111018

18th October 2011

Simchat Torah............... Gilad is home.

Dearest Friends

This has been a week of joy, anger, delight and compassion. We are a schizophrenic country at best – we smile during times of terror and we stand tall when the world tries to make us bow down............ today our schizophrenia reached its height. As a country we are thrilled to see this frail young man return to the bosom of his country and his family; we are angry at the murderers who are set free; we find the price of Gilads release too heavy to imagine yet I, like so many Israelis, hung our flags proudly at our windows as Noam Schalit requested.

Poli Mordechai, the IDF Spokesman, was the officer responsible for the search and information on Gilad Schalit for the last 5 years ws the man who announced Gilads return home today. Poli knows what it is to lose friends and is an exceptionally humane man. Gilad was checked by doctors and psychologists, changed into IDF uniform and smiled again. GILAD SCHALIT, SERGEANT FIRST CLASS, LEFT ISRAEL AS A SOLDIER AND RETURNED AS ONE.

The most emotional moment was when Gilad Schalit, IDF soldier saluted the Prime Minister who returned his salute with tears. “I love you Gilad” as he hugged him, Defence Minister Barak shook Gilads hand a little too firmly for the frail boy and Chief of Staff Gantz saluted his soldier, hugged him and walked him gently to the room where he met with his parents, Aviva and Noam after more than five years of solitude and despair.

Noam and Aviva Schalit fought a phenomenal fight, their determination to bring their son home has taken them, Noam especially, on a long and heart-wrenching ride. Noam never ever gave up, used his democratic right to fight for his son and travelled the world, ready to talk to the enemy if it brought Gilad home.

I am aware of and sympathise with the distress and dismay of the families of victims of terror and survivors of terror to see those who killed and maimed their loved ones go free – indeed as you read here in my letters I was not for this deal at all; however, I believe that Benjamin Netanyahu got the best deal possible, I believe that we had to bring Gilad home.

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke beautifully of his determination to bring Gilad home and Chief of Staff Benny Gatz said On June 24th, 2006, Team 2, from the 188th armored brigade in the "Barak" division of the Infantry Corps left for operational activity along the Gaza border, near Kerem Shalom. During the course of their mission, on the morning of June 25th, the tank's crew came under attack by terrorists. During this attack the tank's commander, Lieutenant Hanan Barak and Staff Sergeant Pabel Slozker, may they rest in peace, were killed. Staff sergeant Roei Amitai was injured and Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit was abducted. Today, upon the return of Gilad Shalit to his country, his nation and his family, their mission is completed.

The helicopter just landed in Mitzpeh Hila – Gilad finally and really came home – the streets of this tiny village filled with Israeli flags and joyous people.

I wish Gilad and the Schalit family Chag Sameach, Shana Tova and time to repair the abyss of experience that they must cross to come back together as a family. Chicken soup and hugs may just do the trick for now.

Simchat Torah – this year we have good reason to dance and be jubilant and may Bereshit herald a new beginning. We already did our time in the desert, time to recognise that we came home........... just like Gilad.

Chag Sameach, Moadim le Simcha

Sheila

Succot Sameach from Jerusalem

2011-10-12T14:33:00.000+02:00

111012

12th October 2011

1935, 1935 days – Will he come home for Simchat Torah? Will Aviva and Noam Schalit have reason to dance? Will Hamas perform yet another turn-around breaking the hearts and spirits of this family that fought so hard to bring their son home?

Israel is on tenterhooks. We all want Gilad Schalit at home, every mother cried to see the smile finally cross Aviva Schalit's face, we are all proud that we finally did it, late but we got there............. but my goodness, we are filled with trepidation. One fear is, who will they give us back? Will the man who returns from more than 5 years of solitary confinement bear any resemblance to the boy who left? Will Gilad's psychological torment allow him to receive the love and comfort his family is so desperate to offer him?

Then come the fears, the deep concerns of over 1,000 killers whose sole purpose in life is to kill Jews and remove Israel from the map.

Finally comes the anger. The bile rises in my throat when I think of all those “humanitarian” organisations whose humanity lost its way when it came to demanding a single visit in all those long days and endless nights. They ensured that the killers who walk to freedom had conjugal visits, time to meet together, religious rights including prayer facilities and halal meat, education right up to doctorates, good food and entertainment, but one child, one young soldier whose only sin was being Israeli, not Amnesty, not the Red Cross, not the unChristian Christian Aid, no-one forced Hamas to allow a visit. Not one visit in all that time, not one word to say his parents love him. Nothing. Gilad was alone because we are alone........ and we are alone because no-one is out there demanding that we receive equal treatment.

Please G-d, help the Schalit family to become whole again.

The hammers have been tapping on every veranda, tapping into the night. Some people have wooden frames and fabric Succahs, some have fancy wooden panelled ones, some are built in the street and some on the roof................ the streets of the religious neighbourhoods are filled with stalls selling Etrog (Citrus fruit special to Tabernacles Festival) Lulav (the tall palm fronds woven at the base and of course decorations for the Succah. The strange sight of cars driving carefully down the road with what seems to be a whole palm tree on the roof, to be placed on the top of the Tabernacle to form the Schach or cover elicits thoughts of childrens toys with the expectation that they will metamorphose into a magic Succah! Dried fruits abound at the supermarkets, Dried fruits and nuts to eat in the Succah and one fruit that I cannot develop a taste for, fresh dates. Fresh dates bear no resemblance to the sweet sugary brown dates we are all familiar with, they are still on the stems and are a strange yellowy/beige colour and so dry to the mouth!!!

Thousands and thousands of Christians are here in Jerusalem for the Tabernacles Festivities and parade where Christians from around the world come to honour their beliefs and the City of Jerusalem. The parade is delightfully colourful, with national dress and flags of the myriad of countries represented, almost inevitable accompanied by Israeli flags. The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem organises most of the events surrounding this shared festival and Zvi and I will go to the International Conference Centre to the huge Tabernacles celebration. Thank you Jurgen Buhler for inviting us so elegantly. Welcome everybody, welcome. Your presence is just another message to Israelis that we are not alone. Thank you for your prayers for Jerusalem, for Israel and for Gilad Schalit.

The favourite occupation of many Jerusalemites is “Succah Hopping” going from friend to friend, family to family just to say hello, to sit in the Succah (Tabernacle) and bless the food which is inevitably presented to you!!!! Sweet stuff, fruity foods, stuffed foods, aromatic herby foods and …....... well to be honest just food!!!!

I wish you a wonderful Succot and a Holy Tabernacles.

With much love from Jerusalem which in less than an hour becomes a tent city of temporary homes to remember our years of wandering in the desert. Well folks, the desert is now blooming and we came home!

With love from Jerusalem – heart of our world

Chag Sameach one and all

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom - Gmar Chatima Tova

2011-10-07T16:36:00.000+02:00

111007

Friday 7th October 2011

Yom Kippur is almost upon us. Hopefully we have all spent time in contemplation of our own actions and the actions of those around us to seek ways to make our world just a little better.

This week one Israeli made me so proud I could burst and others made me angry. I will begin with the latter because I want to leave a sweet taste in my mouth and yours.

Some Israeli vandals, nay Israeli hooligans, burned a mosque in an Israeli village which has always been friendly with its neighboring kibbutzim and true to Israel. I am incensed and disgusted. They have been arrested and President Peres and Israel's chief rabbis are among the Jews in Israel and abroad who have strongly condemned an arson attack on a mosque in northern Israel.
The rabbis made a solidarity visit to the Israeli Arab village of Tuba Zanghariya, near Galilee, on Monday (Oct. 3), soon after vandals torched the mosque. I beg “Slicha” from the villagers and pray that it will not harm their relationship with all of us, normal Israelis who wish them no harm.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/05/chief-rabbis-shlomo-amar-yona-metzger-burned-israeli-mosque_n_996908.html

Now that is out of my way........ I am so proud of Professor Daniel Shechtman. Not only for winning the Nobel Prize for chemistry, not only because he brought our tenth Nobel home but because despite being vilified and shunned by his fellow scientists he knew what he saw and he continued with his research until it was proven beyond all possible doubt.......... and made them eat their insular snobbery and refusal to think outside the box.
Professor Shechtman won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his controversial discovery of non-repeating patterns in atoms called quasicrystals.

A strange, almost eerie silence is descending on Israel, on all of Israel – no cars, no buses, no trains, no noisy motor bikes, no movement that isn't by walking. The shops have already closed, families are preparing the “Aruchat Mafseket” the final meal before the fast. Wherever I went today (indeed this week) shopkeepers and shoppers alike called out “Gmar Chatima Tova” Shana Tova – Tsom Kal (Fast easily). Religious and secular alike say these familiar, traditional blessings. Today all over the country people are doing “Kapparot” - few still use a live chicken to dispel their past sins, most use a cloth with money in.......... it is more politically correct and less cruel!!

Zvi and I went to shouk Mahane Yehuda this week, to buy in all the root vegetables and non-perishable foods before the insane rush next week. The Arab costermongers, along with the Jewish ones were wishing everyone Chatima Tova.Shana Tova and the colours seemed even brighter than usual, the voices had a sense of urgency as everyone chose the best fruit and vegetables, and of course the freshest fish. When I say fresh fish I am not joking, they are still jumping! Sometimes they jump out of the crates and straight into the path of unwary shoppers!

I asked Israeli friends for their forgiveness for anything I may have done, unwittingly, which may have hurt them as I do of you now. I beg forgiveness and promise to gather strength through my prayers to think a little harder before putting words to paper or opening my mouth!!

So, as I said, the kneidlach are bobbing merrily in the chicken soup – soup filled with the vegetables we picked so carefully in Mahane Yehuda. Leeks, Carrots, Onion, Courgettes, Parsnip, parsley and of course the herbs and spices that make that special aroma and taste....... turmeric, garlic, black pepper, hawiij, and of course a few sprigs of thyme, sage, rosemary and the scent of my veranda.

Almost silent, expectancy – both religious expectancy and the excited expectancy on the faces of the children as they wait for the last car to pass and parents allow them to ride their bicycles up hill and down dale to their hearts content!

Remember to pray for kind thoughts and change – change for positive thinking, different, out of the box thinking to bring about peace and tranquility in our insanely instant world. It took over 20 years of ridicule for Professor Shechtman to receive acceptance – it will take us longer. Think like Mahatma Ghandi and Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr, like Theordore (Benjamin Zeev) Herzl, have a dream and make it come true.

Gmar Chatima Tova

With love from Jerusalem, centre of our lives, our hearts and our prayers.

Not just Shana Tova, Shana ha ba'ah b'Yerushalyim!

Sheila

Shana Tova 5773

2011-09-27T12:19:00.001+03:00

11092727th September 2011Shana Tova dear friendsThis has been a strange year of wonderful achievements and unbearable lies. It has been a year of revolution, rebellion and renewal, but little sign of democracy in those countries where the people reached out for it. Riots in the East and the West yet it seems that the only civilised and democratic revolution took place right here in Israel as the students and the disenfranchised joined hands and pitched their tents to change their lives and bring Social Justice. The Trajtenberg Report on Social Justice, formed at the request of the PM, praised the demonstrators and gave their findings. There will be changes – maybe not everything they asked for – but changes nonetheless.Israel's Prime Minister yet again held out the hand of peace to the Palestinians, despite the vitriolic rhetoric in the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As we in Israel watched both speeches in rapt attention the people of Ramallah were denied that right – as soon as Abbas finished his speech their screens went blank lest they should see the Israeli PM offering peace. If you haven't seen the speeches take time to watch Prime Ministers Netanyahu's speech in particular. www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301726-4President Ahmedinejad was invited to the UN again, but not exactly top of the social attendees list, his fellow diners had to be paid to attend. Yes $1,500 for the “pleasure”.And now to the news befitting Rosh Hashana, befitting a time of penitence and atonement.Israel has changed the world in which she exists by reaching out. Israel reaches out through MASHAV http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/missionhome.asp?MissionID=16210& through IsraAid http://www.israaid.org.il/ through Save a Child's Heart http://www.saveachildsheart.org/ and through so many other amazing organisations who reach out to third world countries and of course to the sick and troubled in the Palestinian Authority. Israel has little to apologise for at a time when even the best of us has. Tikkun Olam indeed.One fabulous innovation is the first Israeli Dragon Boat Race to be held on the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) in May. Form a team and come!!! Well done UIA Canada. http://www.dragonboatisrael.com/And so to me.I pray that I have never hurt you, or written anything that has offended you. If I have in any way, shape or form I apologise and promise to try and have more patience and less anger in future.My prayer this year, the 5773rd year of Jewish life is that we gain strength and pride in what we are and our incredible heritage, that we end the practice of hiding behind the social acceptance of a comfortable western life, using it as an excuse to ignore from whence we come.My prayer is that convenience and bias will no longer be an excuse for the press and media to tell half truths which hide the truth of our world and our region.My prayer is for a gentler world, a world of tolerance and acceptance of the “other”. I will fight for this tolerance by sitting on the Board of IMPACT-SE http://www.impact-se.org/ to ensure that the child abuse of hatred ceases as an educational tool.My prayer for Israel is that she will be recognised as the wonderful, vibrant, giving democracy, an example to the world and a light unto the nations, that she truly is, and that we will continue to be a thriving, living, bustling, noisy, rambunctious nation that is proud of her achievements.My prayer is that the next generation will understand the past and how their ancestors prayed and fought to return to this land. I pray they will no longer take Israel for granted.My prayer for you is a joyous year filled with hope, love and family, fulfillment and generosity and very good friends.I pray that you will come and visit Israel and visit me as Anne and Rafi Bechar did yesterday. We sat eating a delicious lunch in the Botanical Gardens discovering how many things we have in common, our great love of Israel being the initial glue and our common ethics followed.By coming here you make an unambiguous statement of your loyalty and your belief. By coming here and understanding why we are surrounded by a jealous people you will recognise why this minute tract of land is worth fighting for. To come here is to fall in love, with a country, a people and your heritage.Shana Tova, may your good deeds be written in the book of life and all your troubles fly away as the new year beginsTo my incredible children I wish you everything you wish yourselves and pray that you will continue in your path of tolerance and teaching your children to love the other – every other - irrespective of belief. I love you arms and legs and up to the skies.To my amazing husband, I wish you a year whereby you receive the recognition you so deeply deserve for giving your heart and soul to the Jewish people. From 1969 when as a student with Chutzpah you changed a Prime Ministers mind, to your years with Keren Hayesod, Jerusalem 3,000 and the NJF. You continue as a volunteer with the same vigour and I am so proud to stand beside you.With much love from Jerusalem centre of our world, our heart, our dreams and our prayers. Remember, we cannot all be Alan Dershowitz, Irwin Cotler, Itamar Marcus or Dore Gold but we can be strong and independent........... and unafraid to say who we are and fight for justice.Sheila

Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem

2011-09-23T17:08:00.000+03:00

11092323rd September 2011Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova (Happy New Year) to all of you, each and every one, whether near or far, t our friends and family, we wish you a joyous year and for Israel a little taste of the honey without the inevitable sting.Last night I flew back from a glorious visit to my grandchildren (and their parents) in the UK. Family is so essential to our well-being, especially when as cute as Sammy, Olivia and Zachary! I travelled to South Wales to see my family there too, which was wonderful. I will honour my children's request not to make them famous but.................. gosh those little people are amazing. Watching Olivia head off to “big school” in her school uniform and taking her to ballet; Little Zachary deciding that he is too big for nappies and applauding himself at every um er – creation! Sammy, gosh Sammy is our little miracle boy, a joy. Hugging and kissing them was all so much better than Skype!!!! I am proud of all my children, and my children's children and my heart breaks when I am not with them........... and heals when I see them.When I see the services for the special needs world that my former home provides I am proud, when I see the changes in that wonderful proud country my heart breaks.My favourite part of travelling is meeting new people, chatting and getting to see the world from another perspective. On the way to South Wales I met Bronwen, a Christian lady who had spent time I Israel and was excited to hear I was from Jerusalem. Of course she was even more excited when we discovered our mutual admiration for Canon Andrew White! Upon my return from South Wales I was so tired I decided to take a short cab ride from Barnet Station home. The driver of the immaculate mini-cab was a gentleman called Sylvester, and guess what.... Sylvester, who hails from Nigeria, also spent some time in Israel with his church as a young man and wanted to do his Masters in Criminology at the Hebrew University but chose London instead. He had just lost his position and was working as a taxi driver while sending his CV around London. Sylvester understood Israel and her misrepresentation in the media, it was such a pleasure to meet this highly intelligent young man who was willing to drive taxis rather than be idle. At Olivias ballet class I met a beautiful young Lebanese Christian woman and we swapped so many stories!!! The final leg of my journey, homeward bound, was shared with a lovely young couple returning home and a marvellous lady, Judith, who knew almost all the same people I did!!! There is something so special about flying El Al, flying the flag, flying Israel. The stewards and stewardesses are the best in the world.Britain has several problems right now. Whether to simply pull down illegal housing built by Travellers/Gypsies/ Romanys in a town north of London. The same bleeding hearts that throw themselves in front of the IDF now sit and throw themselves before the poor British Bobby who just wants to abide by the law and move these interlopers on. It sounded so familiar – and the BBC pretty much sided with the Romanys as they do with the Palestinians!!!My son Gideon does not allow me to listen to the BBC news for fear of apoplexy!!! I watch Sky and got the basics of what is happening concerning the Palestinian ploy to achieve statehood through the back door. It seems so ridiculous to make this big performance when all they have to do is accept our existence! If they would just accept that Israel is here to stay and that the Jews are here to stay – back where we belong – they could be independent – can't think of anything better!!!The most crucial aspect of Palestinian statehood that distresses me, or rather the aspect which seems almost acceptable to the world but not to me, is their insistence that the new country be Judenrein – ethnic cleansing to all intents and purposes. The world is up in arms at the idea of transfer, the plan for which Foreign Minister Lieberman was lambasted, they want only one way traffic – us OUT! The plan the Palestinians have in mind includes all of Israel – just so that you understand. We have never been against a Palestinian State – but where, how and when.............. As Barry Shaw wrote in this weeks article discussing the Bible reading for this week VeYelech Choose life. Love God. Listen to His voice. Read His words. For it is His Covenant that we will dwell in the land that is west of the Jordan that God swore to our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance. And this is where we are today. http://israeltheviewfromhere.blogspot.com/2011/09/god-supports-israel-do-you.htmlPrime Minster Stephen Harper of Canada is a man true to his word and his moral backbone when it comes to Israel is astonishing – just when I thought that an ethical politician was an oxymoron .http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/148102#.TnmFPUAZJ9B.facebookPresident Obama left me surprised and relieved when he spoke at the United Nations this week. The American President stated that there are no shortcuts to Statehood through UN resolutions. “Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians -- not us -- who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them: on borders and security; on refugees and Jerusalem," he added. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4125565,00.htmlComing home is wonderful. The hub-bub of the ultra-modern airport, the sense of belonging when one doesn't need to stand in line for passport control but just go to the “hand machine” and out – I swear that Ben Gurion Airport has the most efficient baggage handlers in the world – cases begin to go round before one can race to the belt! The scent in the air as you step outside, a mixture of airport, citrus and fir; the tooting of horns; the laughter of the cab drivers; the knowledge that Zvi is there, waiting for me; the incredible climb up to Jerusalem; the familiarity and warmth of my chosen homeland. I loved the British Autumn and walking through the nature trail with Gideon and the boys or having afternoon tea with Stephanie, but this is home, this is Israel.This morning we went to a 60th birthday party where the birthday boy ran 60 kilometres for charity., then on to a “brita” for the first grandchild born to good friends. I thrill to the sense of joy in Israel; joy for the birth of all babies; joy for the grandparents; joy at family; joy at the festivals; joy for everything and anything – we celebrate life loudly and enthusiastically!!!After the two parties I drove to Givat Zeeve, out through Ramot and over the highest point at Samuels Tomb, coming down to the sprawling town. After kissing my Jerusalem grandchildren, Yosef, Talia and Ayala, who insisted they loved me with or without presents (but Safta what did you bring) I read them my childrens favourite “Flat Stanley” and drove back to Jerusalem, passing Samuels Tomb again, opposite the incredible vista of Jerusalem before me as if a relief map of past and future. How lucky I am.So Jerusalem is asleep, preparing both for the Bride of Shabbat and for our first blessed rain of the autumn. Our table is ready, the food not yet placed but certainly prepared. White cloth, white plates, plaited bread, wine glass for the blessings, just awaiting the perfect addition of family.Almost a new year, time to think, time to really delve deeply into our thoughts and ensure we have not hurt others, that we give only sweetness to a world which is overflowing with bitterness. One drop of kindness can change a million lives. Never sit on the sidelines, always fight for justice and remember to sweeten lives.Shabbat Shalom dear friendsWith love from Jerusalem, heart and soul of our world.Sheila

We Remember - 9/11 Ten Years

2011-09-11T07:52:00.000+03:00

11091111th September 2011Ten years onI was home, watching the television ten years ago, watching the surreal situation as it happened. I felt as if I were watching a movie, it couldn't be real, it surely couldn't be real................. please G-d don't let it be real.After several minutes of traumatised immobility I recognised the horrific reality of what I saw – I had two children on Manhattan. Where were they? Are they OK? Rachel lived on 13th and 1st and travelled each day to Brooklyn, Daniel should have been safely uptown at the hospital but he had Jury Duty and was right next to the Towers in the Court House. I was one of the lucky ones as 8 hours later I spoke to them through Kim in Canada. Thank G-d they were fine, shocked but alive. Rachel watched the whole thing from her office in Brooklyn.The pictures of people jumping, the last minutes of those trapped inside the symbols of Western success, hearing the brave fight of the passengers of another aeroplane that prevented even greater tragedy, taking the lives of those on board in a field in Pennsylvania; yet another hit the Pentagon, the heart of Americas security. Horror and disbelief gradually gave way to anger. Anger that people could take the life blood of a great nation by slaughtering 3,000 of her children in the name of god – not my G-d, He could never condone such hatred in His name.How? How could anyone be so possessed with vile hatred to take a planeload of ordinary people and turn that vehicle into a missile of mass destruction. To plan death.After a series of horrific terror attacks, in December 2001 NY Mayor Rudi Guiliani and Governor George Pataki came to Jerusalem, sharing a stage with their friend Mayor Ehud Olmert, to express their support and solidarity with the people of Israel and stood at Zion Square to light Chanuka candles on Ben Yehuda Street where days before teenagers were blown to pieces.We can never forget that statement of friendship and were so sad when it came to our turn to show you, America, our support for you in your time of need.I went to see my children a few days after the horrors of the eleventh of September, on the first foreign flight into JFK (El Al of course) I walked the streets, suffering the unbearable stench and dust that filled the air, listening to people talking. I searched to find the similarities and differences in the trauma suffered by New Yorkers and Jerusalemites as a result of the unbearable tragedy enforced upon us by an alien hatred and came to one conclusion, the only conclusion;Americas trauma was that of a violently raped virgin – Israels trauma is constant, that of an abused women, a daily occurrence that no-one cares to recognise.We recognise your pain, we share your pain, we honour your pain. Israel honours each and every one of the 2976 victims of that horrific, inhuman attack on America and on freedom at our memorial in the Jerusalem Hills http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRPYTiN5OsoAmerica, Israel stands beside you and weeps with you for the lives taken. We mourn with the children who lost parents and the parents who will never have grandchildren.May the victims rest in peace and may their families and their nation know no more sorrow. We pray you can find solace among the mourners of Zion. G-d bless America

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

2011-09-09T14:53:00.000+03:00

110909September 9th 2011Shabbat shalom to everyone and especially to my wonderful, adorable and gentle son Daniel. Happy Birthday my darling, I am so proud of you.Zvi and I went for along weekend to Crete. It is just one and a half hours flight which suits me perfectly! On the flight I sat next to Salem, an Israeli Arab, Moslem, who was responsible for all our safety in the emergency exit. Salem lives in Acre and his love of Israel, his sense of togetherness with everyone, irrespective of religion or creed were heartwarming. His interpretation of Islam honours the other and he openly decried the murder of women and children saying that the Koran specifically demands that even in war one must never harm women and children who are not your enemy. Apparently Hamas, Al Qaeeda, Islamic Jihad etc do not read the same Koran. We had a delightful flight and at the end wished each other Shalom and Salaam. On the flight home I sat with Mary, an Anglican from Nazareth who spoke to me about the intense problems Christians suffer. She was so excited I knew Canon Andrew White, he is her hero too!Crete is fascinating but you know me I love to talk to people and find out the lay of the land – Greeks hate Turks!! They are not surprised to find that Turkey is threatening Israel, brandishing their diplomatic arms and including the Greek Islands in their aggressive speeches. Erdogan has chosen sides – he has chosen to go with the extremist Islamic states and leave Europe behind. As Zvi said “The pyromaniac chose to ignite the Middle East last year and cost 9 lives, this year his pyromania will cost far more. Pyromania and megalomania are the norm for Erdogan and he is taking Turkey with him. If Erdogan chooses to accompany the next flotilla with Turkish warships (the same warships that carried out exercises with the Israeli and US navies) then the entire area will burst into flames. Thank G-d he was not taken into the EU!!!The Palmer Report is a clear and honest report of the Marvi Marmara incident in particular and the flotilla in general, thus proving that the United Nations is capable of producing an unbiased document. Erdogan of Turkey claimed that the naval blockade of Gaza is illegal and that Israel acted irresponsibly in the case of the Mavi Marmara. This article also points out Erdogans lemming like determination to follow the extreme regimes of the Arab world taking his country back into pre-Attaturk solitude. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904716604576546643185160996.htmlGoodbye Golden Rose. Tom Gross told of the destruction of the last remains of Ukrainian Jews as casinos replace synagogues. Tom wrote “It seems parts of Europe are less tolerant now than they were in the 16th century. Last week I watched as bulldozers began to demolish the adjacent remnants of what was once one of Europe's most beautiful synagogue complexes, the 16th-century Golden Rose in Lviv. Most of the rest of the synagogue was burned down, with Jews inside, by the Nazis in 1941. “ Thanks to Tom's article the Ukranian Government rethought and stopped the work. Kol haKavod Tom. The power of one yet again. http://www.tomgrossmedia.com/mideastdispatches/archives/001221.htmlWe all love to hate the United Nations – which we pay for dearly – watch this video to understand why!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Mupoo1At8&feature=youtu.beThe Israeli Government is the watchdog of democracy. As such they must uphold the law which includes some unpopular action. Migron village was built illegally on private land between Jerusalem and Ramallah. The Arab owners of the land went to the Israeli Supreme Court to evict the illegal squatters and this week the Supreme Court decision was executed and the homes destroyed. The response of the right wing group was to burn down an abandoned Mosque and they then vandalised IDF property, including 17 vehicles, writing abusive graffiti against the IDF. This is a democracy and we must abide by laws which protect the entire community if these criminals want to deface mosques and IDF property let them go to prison and think about their crimes.On September 5th 39 years ago 1972, during the Olympic games in Munich, 11 Israeli athletes were massacred by a group of Palestinian terrorists called "Black September" at the behest of their leader, Yassir Arafat. The Germans botched the rescue attempt and Avery Brundage, President of the Olympics Committee demanded that the games go on despite the carnage.Yosef Romano, David Berger, Ze'ev Friedman, Eliezer Halfin, Mark Slavin, Yosef Guttfreund, Moshe Weinberg, Amitzur Shapira, Kehat Shorr, Andre Spitzer. Killed because they were Jews, in Germany by Terrorists. May their souls rest in peace and their killers rot in hell.Durban III? Rabbi Jeremy Rosen says it all. http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.com/2011/09/durban.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jeremyrosen%2FtAYl+%28Jeremy+Rosen%27s+Blog%29Honest Reporting decided to be funny!!! This excellent video tells it all. 'What has Israel ever done for Peace”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc1kDE4jeHcThe peoples revolution of Israel is almost over. The tents are folded and many of their aims achieved – at least in part, but for some it doesn't begin to solve their problem of incredibly high house prices. It was a very important demonstration and brought the plight of the poor and the students to the governments attention. Israel's demonstrations were held in wonderful atmosphere without the violence of our neighbouring countries. Good for them – hope their hopes will be fulfilled in the coming year.I am proud to say that we knew Dan David who died suddenly this week. Dan was an exceptional man, a Holocaust survivor who never took his wealth or his life for granted and gave a great deal back to this world. The Dan David Prize earned great cache in a world of easily achieved prizes. We met Dan when Zvi and the New Jerusalem Foundation entered and then won the Dan David Prize for the City of Jerusalem, and although the Israeli panel chose to split the prize into three – to be politically correct, (Jerusalem, Rome and Istanbul) for Dan there was no question which city was his favourite and his second home. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=237132&R=R2I love weddings. I love Israeli weddings in particular because the informality encourages humour, conversation and of course political arguments.......The daughter of close friends met a delightful young man at university, they fell in love and married two days ago. The ceremony, the clothing, the setting and the catering were presented with humility and taste. The music phenomenal with songs from “way back when” although all the youngsters were singing along! What I loved most of all is that among the elite guests were many who joined the demonstrators on Rothschild Avenue in Tel Aviv. Yes this was the wedding the media chose to discuss in tandem with the demonstrations of the homeless and the students. It had nothing to do with anything except family joy and a wonderful new couple on their way to a fine life. Mazal Tov Elital and Jason!!!Zvi is on his way home from buying Challot and chocolate kuchen from Angel's – yes the one in the petrol station, before going back to argue the toss and put the world to rights at his Parliament!!! At Angels (pronounced anjells remember) the challot are piled high on shelves and in boxes, round ones, loaf-tin ones, plaited ones, sweet, plain, sesame topped or poppy seed, finally those filled with raisins – each family choosing their favourites! The aromas which rise from the huge Angels bakery near the entrance to Jerusalem lingers long after the ovens cool down for Shabbat!Today one felt the gentleness of autumn creeping in Somehow the weather becomes gentler, the shops take down their “back to school” stock and replace it with Israeli honey. Honey! Clover honey, nettle honey, wildflower honey, citrus honey, just about every type and flavour of honey imaginable. The mall is closing, the customers wending their weary way home to rest before dinner with the family. The bride of Shabbat is on her way bringing with her a sense of calm and peace that is tangible. It is not important if you are religious or not, traditions are what matters, traditions which pass from generation to generation – the joy on a child's face as the glow of the Shabbat candles throw their warmth; the freshness of a white tablecloth set with fine dishes; the challot, covered so that they will be discovered after we bless the wine; the smells of generations as the food is prepared; the sense of family, family, TRADITION. Some things have changed but so many are the same! http://wn.com/Fiddler_on_the_Roof_TraditionTradition! I wish you Shabbat shalom, a Shabbat filled with traditions that you can hand down to your grandchildren as your grandparents handed their traditions down to you with loving hands.With much love from Jerusalem the heart of our traditions and our worldSheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-08-26T13:36:00.000+03:00

110826

Friday, 26th August, 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you had a peaceful week with lots of love and joy. Israel has lots of love and joy but sadly not such a peaceful week. Your media have probably not reported the fact that the rockets have been pouring down on the South of Israel – despite the much vaunted “cease-fire”. Israel has said “If you stop aiming rockets at us we will stop reacting” of course according to the CNN, BBC and all the rest of them – Israel is in the wrong, the rocket attacks are not reported and we are the aggressors!
After last weeks deadly terror attacks the Islamic Jihad (Hamas says it is not them!) and Al Qaeeda (remember them?) killed 8 Israelis and injured many more then attacked us from the air killing and maiming more. Here is a short report of attacks with thanks to Norman and Lola Cohen of BIG.
ISRAEL UNDER FIRE - (What you won’t hear on the news )
AUGUST 19thA synagogue and school in Ashdod were hit by rockets fired from Gaza. One person was seriously injured and ten wounded. There was extensive damage to the buildings. August20th Two rockets hits in Beersheba, one Israeli civilian killed, four critically wounded various degrees of injury caused to three others. One house severely damaged. Four Grad rocket hits in the region of Ashdod, ten civilians wounded, three critically, one sustained minor injuries and one was treated for shock, several structures damaged. Three rocket hits in Ofakim, several people, including a four-month-old baby were injured. Severe property damage. August 21stproperty in Beersheva was damaged by a Grad rocket. August 24thSome 20 rockets were fired at Israel’s southern communities on Wednesday night. In Ashkelon a 9-month-old baby was hit by glass splinters when a rocket exploded near a house. A car was destroyed and damage caused to several structures.
The ordinary people of Gaza did not pay as a result of the attacks on Israel by their leaders. Border crossings continue routinely despite the fact that several rockets landed near them, aid and supplies continue to enter Gaza. In addition, more than 100 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip in need of medical treatment entered Israel.
Israelis in southern areas, about 1,000,000 people, have been warned not to venture more than 15 seconds away from a bomb-shelter.
Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss wrote to me of his experiences, living in the southern, port town of Ashdod. The fear of sleeping, the fear of showering, of shopping, of eating - even the fear of going to the toilet – how do you prepare yourself race to the shelter in 15 seconds? http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/2011/08/edward-beaman-hodgkiss-writes-from.html
Glenn Beck was in Israel. Glenn Beck, the man the left loves to deride, came with the sole purpose of supporting Israel, reminding us that we are not alone. This trip was at great personal expense and under dire threats, but he came and he brought some people of exceptional character with him. Jon Voigt went to a hospital in Ashkelon to visit the injured from the attacks and was amazed to see the number of Palestinians who are being treated there alongside the Israelis. If Jon Voigt didn't know then how can you? During the rally in Caesarea our friend Pastor Mike Evans spoke out for the first time of his painful childhood and his special connection to Israel. Pastor Mike understands terror attacks and was one of the first to meet Kinneret Chaya – teaching her to turn her scars into stars. He sent me this video, telling me it was too painful for him to watch himself, you should. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hK94BznRg0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Appreciating Glenn Beck has nothing to do with being on the right or the left – please read what Alan Dershowitz says about Mr Beck. http://www.hudson-ny.org/2374/glenn-beck-israel
Give Peace a Chance is a fascinating and informative video which gives us so much information to counteract the disinformation all around us. From San Remo to today. Again well worth listening. . http://givepeaceachance.info/video/

Colonel Khadaffi, former firm favourite of the Western leaders, is still evading capture. He is still defiant and apparently still in Tripoli. He urges his followers to resist “Crusaders and Unbelievers” Hey Guys – that's you and me!!!! In the CNN report of his supposed capture they put a map on the screen clearly marking Tripoli with a great big arrow. The only problem was that it pointed to Tripoli in Lebanon not in Libya!!!!!! It actually looks as if Tripoli is in Jerusalem. I hope you can see the proof - I couldn't have made that one up!!!! file:///C:/Users/Sheila/Downloads/Tripoli%20in%20Jerusalem.htm
Pastor Adaboye was a university lecturer in his native Nigeria when he chose a different path. The pastor now brings huge groups to Israel to see their Biblical roots and to support Israel. I was thrilled to see the lobby of the Dan Hotel in French Hill filled with wonderful colourful outfits and smiling faces. I spoke to one gentleman in the lift (elevator to you) asking him if Israel was everything he expected “Everything and so much more. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind , the biblical sites are respected and Israel is a miracle” There are those who abandon us and those who support us – and give us a boost of love and confidence that are impossible to quantify! I went to the hotel gym and what I saw did my heart so much good, nothing to do with exercise! http://www.africanloft.com/pastor-adeboye-nigerias-redeemed-christian-church-of-god-general-overseer-listed-among-newsweek-global-elites/
THE LIGHT RAILWAY OF JERUSALEM IS WORKING!!!!
Finally and at last, the light railway carries passengers. Since the journeys are free for this month every carriage is filled to bursting with children on vacation and happy parents who finally found something their children like that doesn't cost money. As you will see at least half of the passengers seem to be journalists!!!! This first line runs between the modern neighbourhood next to Mount Herzl, through the centre of Jerusalem and out the other side to Shoefat, Beit Hanina and Pisgat Ze'ev. Jerusalem's light railway is for ALL of the cities residents, indeed most of the drivers are Israeli Arabs. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/147012

I love people. I love my family and my friends. Indeed like most of us I love those who love me just a little more than I love others but I never hate. The reason I don't hate is because my parents taught me tolerance. Tolerance, the most important gift any parent can give to any child. Mummy used to read from “The Water Babies” and stress over and over again MRS DO-AS-YOU-WOULD-BE-DONE-BY. So many children around the world are not give that gift, they are given the curse of hatred instead.

As a child, I had a “madrich” - leader - in my Zionist youth group of Habonim. In many ways our paths have taken us in diverse directions but in even more our paths meet and run together. Andrew, Lord Stone of Blackheath, is going to hate what I write now, because he is an innately modest, nay, humble, man who changes the world he lives in, little by little, practically and honestly. I took Andrew to the Hebrew University to see the work of IMPACT-SE which monitors the education of 6-18 year olds here in Israel (in all sectors) and in our neighbouring countries too, reporting on their findings to ensure that children are taught tolerance and acceptance of the “other” in accordance with the rulings of UNESCO. Tolerance is what Andrew and I come together on more than anything else. We both believe the future of our world is only safe when we all understand those who think differently to us and accept the difference. Different is not wrong! Anyway, the purpose of the preamble is to tell you that Andrew came up with wonderful and innovative ideas to help IMPACT-SE and that I am very, very proud to call him friend. Thank you old friend.

Zvi has taken his little grand-daughters, Amit and Gili, down to the shopping mall where there is a huge shady area with blow-up castles and climbing equipment in order to tire them out so that we can rest too before Shabbat!! Last night they slept at our home and I loved the way the little one kept finding her big sister in her sleep and curling up with her for comfort. That's how we should be – you and Israel, Israel and you. We should cuddle up to one another, support one another and be the best friends to one another. Accept our differences.............. actually no........... celebrate our differences!

Here in Israel we learned to celebrate our differences through culinary delights!!! From the Yemenite fire-eaters delight “schug”, to the Moroccan sweetmeats, the Kurdish spicy fish, the Polish chicken soup, Syrian pitas, Turkish lamb kebabs, goulash, chicken paprika and all of the above aromas are reaching out to me from the veranda! Friday is the day for cooking and for preparing our homes for Shabbat. Tables are laid, white tablecloths spread, on tables which sit on sparkingly clean floors, the traditional terrazzo tiles shining, reflecting the fine tableware. Shabbat is special, Shabbat is family, Shabbat is another time when we pray to Jerusalem.

I wish you all a Shabbat Shalom, a truly peaceful Shabbat. I pray that Israelis in the South will get to light their Shabbat candles and welcome in the bride of Shabbat, to eat their Shabbat meal and sleep peacefully through the night.

With love from the most beautiful city in the world – wish you were here.
Sheila

Edward Beaman Hodgkiss writes from Ashdod

2011-08-25T20:44:00.000+03:00

tonight the people of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba cannot say "Shevua Tov" (have a good week) at the end of Shabbat. They are under a blitz of rockets from Gaza. Hamas has taken responsibility claiming the rockets are because Israel dared to seek the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in the South whereby 7 Israelis died.
Time to stop funding terrorists America!!!
Sheila

My Experiences of Living Under Rocket Attack in Israel
by Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss on Saturday, 20 August 2011 at 10:20

It’s amazing how life can change so rapidly in Israel in the space of a few short hours. The deadly gun and grenade attack on vehicles near Eilat a couple of days ago sparked a heated and ever escalating confrontation between the IDF and Islamic terrorists. This has now resulted in multiple rocket attacks on southern Israeli cities including my own, in Ashdod, where I live with my dear girlfriend.

I’ve experienced rocket attacks before, in my half year in Israel, when last April there was a rise in tensions. So these current attacks are not something new but they have taken on a more frightening feel. Last April, we barely heard the explosions when they hit and so the danger seemed far away. However, this time, the explosions hit close by. They made the ground shake and people in the shelters looked at one another in dreadful anticipation that possible deaths would soon be reported.

Running to an outside shelter is no fun, especially at night when you have to pull yourself from bed and find things to wrap yourself in. The sleep is still in your mind and all sounds and feelings become magnified, rather as if you’re in a nightmare. It takes a few seconds to fully realise what’s going on and the loud omnipresent city-wide wailing sirens send a haunting fear throughout your entire body. You know rockets have just been launched and are heading in your direction and after hearing previous explosions and seeing how a single rocket can demolish half a house, all sorts of images race through your mind.

For families with children, this is a dreadful time and from my experiences in the shared rocket shelter, the fear and horror that appear on children’s faces is not something you want to see ever again. It takes quite a long time for the children to relax again and return to normal after a siren has sounded. Mothers and grandmothers hug and console their children but the fear is clear to see, no matter how hard they try to hide it, in the eyes of adult and child alike.

Life under the threat of rocket attacks begins to take a stunted appearance. It’s difficult to do many of the things you take for granted during the long quiet periods. You know there’s going to be another rocket barrage within the next 24 hours but you don’t know when exactly. This means taking a shower, going to the bathroom and having a nap all become actions you need to think twice about before doing and have plans of action in place beforehand.

The same applies with going out into the city or to the beach. You have to be aware of where the nearest buildings are, where there’s a strong shelter and where you can lie on the ground (somewhere clean and preferably not baking hot concrete) in the event of an attack. You also worry about the people you love and how they are coping with it all, plus the family back home who hear about it all on the news.

Before I came to Israel, I had long followed the events taking place in the country, most notably in the brave town of Sderot, bordering the Gaza Strip. I was aware of every rocket attack and also of the deaths, injuries and stress these people suffered from. But you never truly realise just what they actually go through if you’ve never experienced the panic of a rocket alert siren yourself nor heard the ground shaking explosion of a rocket hitting something nearby. Then, suddenly, it all becomes clear in the most direct way. I think now I could look a Sderot resident in the eye and say “I know” and really mean it.

What the next few hours, days and weeks will bring, it’s hard to say. There’s definitely going to be another siren, that’s for sure, what with the increasing rocket barrages and hateful words from those in Gaza. However, I know Israel will remain as strong as ever and that her people will battle through this period, as they have done countless times before. I’m just so proud, grateful and lucky, as an Englishman, to be able to be with the brave people of Israel as we together face what the terrorists throw at us.

It truly amazes me how my girlfriend, her family and all Israelis have coped with these horrors all their lives and live under these threats almost like nothing is happening. It makes me appreciate their bravery, strength and resilience like never before.

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Long live Israel!

Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss (Aug 2011)

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-08-19T16:13:00.000+03:00

110819

19th August 2011

Shabbat shalom dear friends. Shabbat shalom from Israel, still reeling from the horror of what happened yesterday, last night and this morning. The facts are easy, detailed extremely well in this article from Ynetnews http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4110938,00.html , but it isn't about facts. There is nothing even remotely logical about our situation, nothing that our Western morals and ethics can absorb or understand.

Imagine the scenario –
An Egged bus filled with young soldiers travelling along the road, everyone chatting, joking, generally messing about as young people on their way back to their base would do. Suddenly terrorists opened fire on the bus. Their officer told them to hit the floor and the incredible Egged drive decided to risk his own life to save the children on the bus and he just kept driving. Thank G-d this hero kept driving because one of the aims of this gang was to kidnap more soldiers
A family – two young couples, were driving south through the desert, excitedly talking about their long weekend in the beautiful resort of Eilat. Those were their last words as the terrorists picked their next targets.
A young soldier, a paramedic, running to help the injured was gunned down in cold blood – he was unarmed.
Finally an officer, a major part of the round up of the terrorists, was caught by the last round from the last terrorist alive before he was stopped.

The IDF and Secret Services believe that the attacks were the work of a large group of between 15-20 terrorists, Hamas claims they are not their people, who gained entry to Israel through our border with Egypt. Indeed when one of them tried to get back into Egypt the Egyptian forces caught him and he blew himself up taking at least six Egyptian soldiers with him.

The port of Ashdod is Israel's largest port – and the port through which much of the aid to the Palestinians of Gaza flows. Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss reported his experiences of last night on Facebook. Sirens in the early hours of the morning, giving 45 seconds warning of incoming Grad rockets. He wrote of frightened children in the shelter and the trauma of waiting for the boom of a rocket which found its target. This morning it found a Talmud Torah, a synagogue and study hall, filled with young Torah students. One student was seriously injured others moderately – but the trauma – the trauma.

Many people have asked me for an explanation of their reasoning – why just before September? Well partly because the last thing in the world that Hamas/Al Qaeeda/Islamic Jihad/Moslem Brotherhood want is an agreement for any State which excludes Israel; they want to torpedo any chance of talks; they feel they are not on the front of peoples minds after UNWRA proved they do not need aid; they want to elicit a strong response from Israel in order to regain their “downtrodden “ status.
Above all – that's how they think! Ways to kill never ways to build.

We fought back – we killed the perpetrators – the masterminds in Gaza. A short while ago, IAF aircraft targeted two weapons manufacturing sites in the central Gaza Strip and a terror activity site in both the northern and southern Gaza Strip.

Last night Jerusalem was incredible. The Arts and Crafts Festival http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=234128 a concert in Sacher Park, shops, restaurants and malls filled to brimming. Zvi and I went to the opening of our friends exhibitions, Eli Matityahu's digital photography and Joyce Matityahu's wonderful ceramics. A friend of Eli's expressed our thoughts beautifully “How can one concentrate on beauty while such horror hits our lives? It is simple, because beauty and enjoyment give us hope” That is how we cope, that is the spirit of Israel which determinedly puts pain to one side which verges on the schizophrenic.This is a war of attrition, a determined attempt to break our spirit but really – if they were not so set on changing history they could learn from history – too many nations tried to enslave us, to capture us, to defeat us and most of them no longer exist whereas we survive and thrive as never before!

In general the foreign press ignored the deaths of Israelis (those pesky Jews messing up our lives again eh?) but were distressed by the fact that we responded. Some of our spokespersons have courage however.....................Tom Gross wrote - I would like to applaud my friend David Horovitz, the recently retired editor of the Jerusalem Post, for hanging up the phone in a discussion on BBC World Service radio after repeated justifications by invited BBC guests of the unprovoked murder, today, of Israeli civilians. BRAVO DAVID.

Andee Goldman sums up how we Israelis feel about Israel in this video. My Israel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Lpw2Dbo-E
As our enemies take lives without compunction our doctors climb Kilimanjaro to SAVE A CHILD'S HEART If this isn't ♥ LOVE ♥ then I don't know what is!!!!!! http://www.saveachildsheart.org/sip_storage/FILES/6/3856.pdf

Even Prime Minster's have families. Prime Minister Netanyahu has a new grandson and this morning he put down the heavy mantle of leadership and celebrated the birth of his new grandson in the time honoured ceremony of “Brit Mila” a covenant with the word. Mazal Tov Mr Prime Minister. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4110943,00.html

This has been a week of grandchildren. We created, walked, sang, danced, experimented and discovered – but my favourite was the Peter Pan extravaganza at the Botanical Gardens! Tinkerbell gave the children wings and crowns and sprinkled them with fairy dust; Captain Hook tied up Tiger Lily and feared the crocodile – all on the peaceful lake! The little girls were thrilled and so were we!

That's it! My mind is confused at the lack of concern for what we go through and the lack of disgust at those who perpetrate the terror. It is time that YOUR governments stopped giving aid to countries that burn your flags and despise your freedom.

I wish you all a Shabbat shalom without riots, without killing, without jealousy and without bias or racism. It will come. I keep thinking about a wonderful man by the name of Theodore (Zeev) Herzl who said “If you will it it is not a dream” and Martin Luther King who said “I have a dream” and his dream is on its way to being fulfilled. When it comes down to it.............. “Ayn li Eretz Acheret” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLsiFfv6K6E&feature=share I have no other country

The shopping mall is closed, the streets emptying, Zvi is home from his Parliament and the aromas rising from our neighbours kitchens making me very grateful that we are out to supper tonight!!!

With love and hope from Jerusalem, the most glorious beautiful city in the world.

Sheila

Update - Terror attack near Eilat

2011-08-18T14:45:00.001+03:00

Two buses were attacked today on the road near Eilat. The first bus attacked was full of young soldiers on their way back to base. There were also officers on board who got everyone ot lie down and the Egged bus driver saved lives because he simply kept driving despite the shootings. Another bus was attacked, current reports suggest it was hit by a rocket attack; also attacked was a military vehicle which drove over a land mine. Five people are reported dead in the triple attack, apparently among the five are a family of four whose car was hit in cold blood. The police are searching for further terrorists before they escape back to Gaza.

The three terrorists of the first attack engaged the IDF in a gun battle and all three were killed. The Security Services believe that the terrorists came through the border with Egypt. Jordanian security forces are helping Israel in their identification process and search for any further terrorists.

It is my belief that the first incident was a foiled attempt at kidnapping soldiers.

Furthermore it is almost certainly an attempt by Hamas to derail Fatah attempts to declare statehood in September.

Praying for better news
With love
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-08-12T15:17:00.000+03:00

110812

12th August 2011

Shabbat shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well and that you had a good week.

Britain is a wonderful country. It is the home of true democracy which then disseminated throughout the Western World. It was in Britain that the anti-slavery campaign began by act of Parliament in 1833 and the demand for social equality has become stronger and louder ever since. People from former British Colonies have poured into Britain and many Jews who had no-where else to go before, during and after WW2 came to Britain, all of which changed the shape of that society, in the most part for the better. My parents fled Poland, my father in 1910 and my Mother in 1920 and they found safe haven and a warm welcome. British socialised medicine ensured that no-one died or suffered unnecessarily. Social Security and Family benefits ensured that no-one starved but all of this together developed a sense of entitlement by which democracy overflows into anarchy. We saw it this week. Almost exclusively young people, most using very expensive means of communication to co-ordinate the riots, went on a purposeless rampage thorough several cities, looting and burning, even killing, bent on destruction. The British police are not armed and were caught unawares. I don't think it will stop in the UK. The reason? Who knows what ignites such insanity? I keep returning to the idea that it is the sense of entitlement without demands and for once and for all the West must learn that rights demand obligations – nothing is for free.

Australia has the right idea! When the usual inanity of Boycott Israel came up in Melbourne, and the BDS demanded a boycott of Max Brenner chocolate shops (are they kidding, maybe they never tasted the sheer heaven of those choccies) an immediate enquiry was initiated by Michael O'Brien, Minister for Consumer Affairs. Secondary Boycotts are illegal in Oz. So here is the Australian site but the “Bald man” has stores in the USA too. https://shop.maxbrenner.com.au/c-14-everything-max.aspx

I walked into the former Hyatt, now a Dan Hotel, in Jerusalem with my dear friend Rosa and we were met by an incredible sight. At first I thought it was a set-up for a movie!!! On one of the sofas in the foyer sat a Haredi young man, with flowing side-curls, working on a lap-top computer while obviously having a serious meeting with the older gentleman sitting next to him – an Arab with full robes and a red and white Kaffiya on his head. We both stopped in our tracks at the sight wishing for a camera!!!

The “Peoples Protest” in Israel is incredibly well mannered, unlike the supposed democratic demonstrations in the Arab world (of which only Tunisia created change for the better) and the UK where democratic expression broke into anarchic riots. Indeed 300,000 people marched, many thousands have formed tent cities in most large towns and central Tel Aviv is slowly being covered in tents. The Government recognises most of the demands, cheaper housing is dependent mostly on the unlikely good nature of builders, but student housing and the cost of university is in the governments hands. The demands are very real, housing is unbearably expensive and rentals too, and many people who work in the public sector (and some in the private sector) receive governmental help to raise their salaries to subsistence levels; however, while many are for real there is a definite movement to bring down the government. Latma has the answer of course, with great good humour! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBQKmmJsN3g&feature=relmfu

Isi Liebler frequently writes what I think – this week he expressed my own disappointment with Israeli Leader of the Opposition Tsippi Livni who publicly shamed our Prime Minister in an interview for American Television – suggesting he should capitulate to Obamas demands in order to make life easier for American Jews. Sorry but that isn't the Israeli PM's job! Ms Livni has lost my vote. http://wordfromjerusalem.com/?p=3052

Last evening Zvi and I were invited to join our first meeting of IMPACT-SE http://www.impact-se.org/ the outstanding and thoroughly academic organisation which researches education in Israel, the Middle East and overseas assuring that education of young people meets the UNESCO standards of tolerance and peace. The standard of our fellow board members is humbling and the work they have done is phenomenal. Just look thorough their website and you will recognise that this is blessed work. As always this type of work needs funding, it doesn't have a name on the building but my goodness it works to provide our children and their children with a better world.

For Zvi and I this has been a week of grandchildren. A wonderful week but a strong reminder as to why one has children when young and agile!!! I took Talia, Yosef and Ayal to the Bloomfield Science Musem, right near the Hebrew University and gosh they had a marvellous time! Without realising it they learned all about density, electricity, hydro-power, velocity and relative weight! It was so much fun and I loved watching my daughter Rachel give a lesson in architecture to all the children trying to build a bridge. She showed them how to place the wooden struts, to build the arched bridge out of huge polystyrene blocks, finally placing the keystone so that all the children who seconds previously watched in rapt attention could then jump and bounce on it in vain attempts to make it collapse!!!! It was the perfect place to take three children on a steaming hot day!!! http://www.mada.org.il/en

Two days ago Zvi took his little grand-daughters, Amit and Gili, to Kiftsuba in the Moshav of Tsuba near Hadassah Hospital where they jumped and leapt and ran and drove bumper cars to their hearts content. That night as we put them to bed Zvi read them Cinderella in Hebrew and I sang them Brahms Lullaby which I sang to my three children so many years ago – it still works!! In the meantime, Yosef, Talia and Ayala went to the huge park in Modi'in with their parents and had a ball. Yosef even did bungie for beginners!!!! http://lizraelupdate.com/2010/07/11/modiins-anava-park/

You see – Israelis have fun!!! Indeed my great-niece and nephew, Carly and James, came back from Tel Aviv for Shabbat Dinner with the extended Raviv Family! The raucous chatter, the food (usual eight or nine salads- remembering that Israeli salads are often cooked and never contain lettuce!!!!) the fun and most of all the view.

Our friend Sasha Teslers son Marlon came too, along with Zvi's sons and grandchildren, and was surprised at the way Jerusalem calms for Shabbat. Of course there are more central parts of Jerusalem that are still busy but they love the fact that nothing moved, the streets were silent except for the sounds of families walking in the balmy evening air, family life, families eating together, Shabbat dinner, children bringing pots of food to parents and parents to children. Peace, quiet, Shabbat, yet with the call of the Muezzin to remind us that this is a multi-cultural society. The tiny but prolific orange tree was admired and the pomegranate tree too. We drank home brewed and concocted herb tea at the end of the meal as we sat overlooking Jerusalem, just being, just absorbing, just enjoying the wonderful sight. In the corner of the veranda the Israeli flag flies, high above Jerusalem, exactly at the spot that Arlene stands and tears fall down her cheeks in joy.

Tish b'Av came and went, some people learn the lesson of “sinat chinam” some don't. Life is so much sweeter if we can just learn to love the other, to be tolerant of others ways. Life goes on.

I wish you a Shabbat shalom, a Holy Ramadan, a peaceful and loving life. Go on, smile at the thought!
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-08-05T12:03:00.000+03:00

110804

4th August 2011

Shabbat shalom dear friends. I hope you are well.

Israel's social demonstrations are taking a very different turn to those of the Arab Spring. Our demonstrations are an expression of our democratic right to complain! Students for whom accommodation is too expensive, young couple who cannot find affordable housing and families who cannot upgrade because the cost of housing in the larger towns and cities is prohibitive. The government often talks about improving job opportunities in the “periphery” which means almost everywhere other than Jerusalem and Tel Aviv but not enough has been done; on the other hand too many people expect to much for too little effort. The junior doctors are also striking – they feel it unfair that they work horrendous hours for ludicrous salaries. Junior hospital doctors have always been poorly paid for courageous work but here one must not forget that all of these junior doctors served in the IDF before beginning their studies (starting aged 21 to 26) and most already have a growing family. They perform a most essential, life or death, job and deserve due recompense

Norway's Ambassador to Israel made a disgraceful statement in response to Israel's condolences on the heartless slaughter of so many young people in Norway last week, was to say the “Israel brings terror upon herself but Norway doesn't deserve it”. Personally I would have discredited him and sent him home with a note to the Norwegian government suggesting we just don't need their support, but we are too polite. http://www.hudson-ny.org/2310/terrorism-norway-israel

Grad rockets fell on the South this week, one actually reaching Ashkelon. The Code Red sounded over the South – Israelis from Sderot, Nahal Oz, Ashkelon, had 15 seconds to find a safe place without knowing where the rockets may fall. Did anyone hear the cries of dismay and anger and censure on Hamas from....................... anyone?

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak appeared in court this week on charges of corruption. It is a disgrace to the “new” Egyptian leaders that they took a man who led their country, stirpped him of any dignity, brought him to court in his hospital bed. Shame on them for showing how dismissive they are of the human rights they claim to embrace.

I was asked to join the board of a truly essential organisation based at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. IMPACT-SE http://www.impact-se.org/ , headed by Shelley Elkayam, performs research to give us insight into the world of education, both in our region and worldwide; testing the temperature of hate and tolerance through education. IMPACT-SE not only examines the educational material of Arab nations but of our own, Israeli, home grown, educational material ensuring they teach tolerance. Situated in tiny premises the library of IMPACT-SE has become a resource for students and professors alike when studying education, tolerance and the Middle East. Only last week Shelley demonstrated their work to a group of British Lords including 2 Lords who are Jewish and from my home town of Cardiff!!! I am very proud to be associated with this august organisation.

The silence of the violin – the victory of music. A story of a violin that survived Auschwitz. http://new.ba-bamail.co.il/View.aspx?emailid=9649&memberid=738155

Monday is Tisha b'Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, a fast day to honour the destruction of the Second Temple. We are taught that the cause of the destruction was “needless hatred” - sinat chinam. What can we learn from it? What can we do other than fast? We can start by loving each other; we can start by caring for those who love us; we can start by doing unto others as we would have others do unto us; we can start by not inciting hatred; we can start by being kind and forgiving........ then we can begin to fight our enemies with an overpowering ability to prove that hate achieves nothing but greater hatred.

Jill left on Monday after a month of healing sunshine and her beloved Israel. I am so proud to tell you that my great-niece Carly and her fiance James came to stay with us, their first time in Israel, beating both their parents (and most of my family) to this achievement. It was such a joy to see their amazement as their preconceptions were shattered. “From what I heard I thought that there were only Jews here, not all the Arabs I see walking freely everywhere or the church bells I hear!” said James. “I expected a backward country and I found a modern, vibrant and happy country” After they arrived at the beautiful Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport I drove them back to Jerusalem and gave them a “drive through” tour of Beit Safafa, Gilo, Talpiot and the Sherover Promenade which overlooks the whole city, a glorious panorama set out before us. Driving through Hebron Road and down to the Old City took their breath away, then through to French Hill and around the huge and leafy Campus of Mount Scopus, overlooking the Old City and of course the beautiful Brigham Young University site. Home to supper and preparations for tomorrows plans! Zvi took Carly and James to the Old City wher ethey joined a tour of the Southern Wall Excavations and the Davidson Centre with its virtual reconstruction of the Temple and the Temple Mount. From there they went to the Western Wall and the Western Wall Tunnels http://english.thekotel.org/ walking back up through the Arab shouk to the Jaffa Gate and the Mamilla Mall. In the evening we went for Jill's final and Carly and James first, wonderful hot and delicious FELAFEL which bears no resemblance to anything you tasted anywhere else! James polished off a huge one in an Iraqi Pita!

On Monday I took them to the Herzl Museum, as unlike a traditional Museum as one could imagine as it carries one through from Herzl's childhood, to the Dreyfus trial, Altneuland and the first World Jewish Congresses. http://www.herzl.org/English/ From Mount Herzl we took the short journey to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Educational Centre http://www.yadvashem.org/ . The Holocaust – the ultimate expression of “Sinat Chinam”, the deadly proof that a lie told often enough becomes the perceived truth and that lie/truth can kill millions. To bring their shocked souls back to the reality of beautiful Israel we went out to the German Colony in the evening, to eat a sumptuous hamburger and just walk on a balmy Jerusalem evening among the crowds. On Tuesday they went down to Massada, to bathe in the Dead Sea and to see the phenomenal moonscapes of the panorama. Massada is overwhelming – the story so very familiar – the Romans, again “Sinat Chinam”, again Jewish resistance, and finally death. As Zvi's old professor once said “We were hated by the Holy Roman Empire which is no longer Holy, barely Roman and most certainly not an Empire!” Strange how that seems to happen! Carly and James are now in Tel Aviv, sunning themselves by the hotel pool and walking to Old Jaffa for a delicious “Abulafia”- where they give the word pita a whole new meaning!! I can't wait to hear their new stories as they come to us for Friday night supper on our veranda and hear once more, Zvi's mellifluous voice chant the Shabbat Kiddush over the wine. We will be surrounded by young people as we sit down for the traditional meal.

Yesterday I met with my eldest son Daniel's oldest friend Justin, his wife Daniella and their beautiful children Rafi (Justin's double) Mimi and Orli, at the botanical gardens. Apart from the delicious food the children were thrilled ot be joined by my daughter Rachel and her children Yosef and Talia who happily jumped around the pond and all of them enticed the black swans, fish and turtles with bread, taken from us and cadged from anyone who wasn't eating theirs!!! They had such a ball, admittedly not the usual peaceful haven but we had fun!

The Voices of Peace Choir epitomises beautiful Israel. Here with Dudu Fischer and David d'Or they sing prayers of and for peace before Pope Benedict and President Peres in the Presidents Garden. http://www.youtube.com/embed/e7oK0nXB188?rel=0

I wish you Shabbat Shalom, Shabbat of Peace, and a world that understands that “sinat chinam” brings only sadness and poverty whereas love – ah love.........................

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-07-29T09:19:00.001+03:00

110729

29th August 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat shalom to you and yours from Jerusalem.

Jerusalem has been sweltering this week, from many aspects that do not include the weather! The tent cities, protesting the immense cost of both buying or renting apartments, have been growing. Their basic cause is a good one but sadly there is little that can be done from the Knesset. If one wants to live in the major centres then one must pay the price. Israel is a free enterprise society and developers cannot be told to build cheap housing in city centres! However, the Prime Minister has already put forward a proposition to build 10,000 more student units and to build more public housing. When a Prime Minister makes such offers and is told that it is ludicrously little one understands that while there are many demonstrators who have genuine needs there are also political instigators who run the show. After the “Cottage Cheese War” which succeeded in persuading manufacturers and stores lowering the cost of this staple food many are on the badwagon.

This has been a week of evening activities and air conditioning! For the myriad of tourists who come from rainy Europe it is the perfect opportunity to don swimming gear and race to the pool but Israelis seek anywhere cool!

The South Sudanese secession has been very successful on the diplomatic front. Finally the Christians and Animists can live freely, no longer under constant threat of annihilation by the Moslem North Sudanese. The African Union has welcomed the nascent country and now Israel, one of the first to congratulate the decision, has formally established diplomatic relations. IsraAid has long been involved in helping the South Sudanese people. http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=231419

I was staggered to read this article on MEMRI today US Serviceman refuses to serve in Afghanistan for religious reasons. He refused orders and is still free? I have 3 questions. Why is he in the US Army? Why isn't he out of the US Army for refusing orders? Would this have been accepted if he were not Moslem? http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/5514.htm
In Washington, Mrs Clinton is “suggesting” that Israeli Defence Minister Barak makes reconciliatory moves toward Turkey. We make the moves? Turkey sends us boats which carry IHH members who attack our soldiers while carrying unnecessary, and non-existent “aid” to Gaza, they declare us diplomatic lepers, continue to insult us and WE should make the moves. Yet again Mrs Clinton, you expect Israel to be the Uriah Heep. Sorry we don't do that any more. Turkey needs Israel more than Israel needs Turkey and we want them to come half-way.
Israel's open society expresses itself in many ways. Not just in the rainbow of people who walk the streets, shop in the Malls, barter in the shouks, live, eat and party in their own special manner but also in our freedom of expression which range from the rabid Member of Knesset Hanin Zoabi who was not only on the Mavi Marmara but also after the heinous Itamar killing the Fogel Family announced “I condemn the horrendous murder of the babies in Itamar and the breeding ground in which it was conceived: The Israeli Occupation of Palestine.” to the wonderful Israeli Moslems like Khaled abu Toameh and Ishmael Khaldi. Khaled is a journalist, much quoted on this newsletter and Ishmael Khaldi a highly respected Israeli diplomat who is currently a cherished advisor to the Foreign Minister. “I am Bedouin; I am Moslem and I am Israeli; I am a shepherd; I am a scholar and now a diplomat. Listen to his words. http://wn.com/Arabs_for_Israel__Muslims_for_Israel__Ismail_Khaldi

By the way, guess what? Saeeb Erekat, despite resigning from the PA still appears as their spokesperson, is very angry at the distorted facts in Danny Ayalons amazing video The Truth About the West Bank. Worth watching, very clever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGYxLWUKwWo

Last Shabbat Dinner was a great success. 17 of us sat around the ever extending table on our veranda, the night was perfect, Jerusalem stretching before us in her Shabbat gown of white, the table groaning with the delicacies of the Diaspora and a few local dishes (yes I was tired but thrilled and satisfied) and the conversation ran the gamut of politics and religion (without those two subjects Israeli conversation would not exist) and heated arguments while the children happily played and ignored the adults!

On Sunday my beautiful friend Arlene arrived. I fought the crazy traffic in order to be there before she arrived from the airport but of course as I entered the King David lobby there she was, sitting on the beautiful sofas, admiring her historic surroundings. In truth, for me the wonderful intricate ceilings and panorama of the Old City Walls paled in comparison to the sight of my wonderful friend. We immediately continued our conversation of last year and caught up on gossip when in walked our friend Dalia Itzik who was there for a meeting. Upon introducing Dalia to Arlene I soon found that she was as intrigued by this incredible lady as I am. The former Speaker of the Knesset and Chairperson of the Kadima Party sat and listened to Arlene while hugging me. As soon as she discovered that we would be at the Knesset the next day she invited us to visit.

The very next day we had a meeting with Knesset Forum on International Affairs Chair Michael Gribov and Richard Wittman. We sat in the Coffee shop of the Knesset right next to the plenary hall. It was a hive of noisy activity, although we had an excellent meeting and we co-opted Arlene on to the Forum. Many MK's passed us, Arabs and Jews; left and right all friends and chatty outside the hall which demanded rivalry and dissonance from all of them! There were two major votes going on so the noise levels were high and the TV crews aplenty. We both arrived home exhausted!

Wednesday saw us at a truly amazing reception to honour the great Chazan and singer Richard Tucker on the lawns of the King David, overlooking the walls of the Old City at night http://www.jerusalemshots.com/Jerusalem_en138-7994.html

We were invited to the reception by dear friends Joyce and Fred Claar who have known the Tucker family for many years. The Tucker Foundation http://www.richardtucker.org/ which was founded by the 3 sons of the man whose greatest loved was Jewish liturgical music, presented an outstanding concert here in Jerusalem with the Israel Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta. I was delighted by the awareness of Jewish life and Israel in particular that his sons carry in the blood and their hearts. This was not just another group of people mingling for the sake of being seen, this was a group of people who care for music, for Judaism and most of all for Israel. We missed the concert http://www.fathomevents.com/performingarts/event/reneefleming.aspx but for a good reason!

Last night, in Maaleh ha Chamisha we went to the wedding or Erez, son of our downstairs neighbour Shoshana. Jill had a ball as did we all. The bride and groom under the canopy, under a prayer shawl and under the Jerusalem skies, pledged to love each other and keep a Jewish household, food food food and then more food and then the young people danced off their overeating while we sat unable to move!

Today I am a happy woman! Finally and at last a member of my wider family will see where I live, what I do and what I write about. My nephews daughter Carly and her fiance James arrive for Shabbat with Auntie Sheila and Uncle Zvi. The next few days will be a flurry of museums and parks, history and fun, food and experiences that make up Jerusalem. I am so excited! My dreams came true as I take Carly and James on the journey of a lifetime and impart my love of this incredible city and beautiful, innovative, generous, outgoing, noisy, brilliant country to my niece to filter through the rest of the family and generate a run on the Raviv hospitality!!!

Tonight will be a special Shabbat.

Wishing you all a loving and generous hearted family to share Shabbat with – especially right here in the most beautiful city in the world.
Love
Sheila

The country is in shock at the death of Rabbi Abuhatzeira, grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, known as the "Baba Sali", a leading Moroccan Sephardic rabbi and kabbalist who was renowned for his alleged ability to work miracles through his prayers. The Rabbi, a recluse who rarely left his home, held an open meeting at his Yeshiva where a member of the public stabbed him to death. May his soul rest in peace. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4101678,00.html So strange, right before the 9th of Av – the fast day of mourning to commemorate the destruction of the Second Temple – destroyed by “sinat chinam” unwarranted hatred.

2011-07-22T11:28:00.000+03:00

110722

22nd July 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.
Isn't is amazing how we are constantly surprised by life? Sometimes it is less pleasant and sometimes more but life is an adventure!

As an Ex-Pat Brit, and a Jewish one at that, I learned that Lawrence of Arabia was just that – an out and out Arabist who only ever put forward the Arab cause at the expense of the Jews. Well apparently that was todays big surprise!!! Thanks to Yael I discovered this article describing the book by the erudite British Jewish historian Martin Gilbert called Lawrence of Judea. Apparently Lawrence was critical to the discussion between the Faisel family and Dr Chaim Weizman and he totally supported the founding of a Jewish State, believing it highly positive for the Jews to return to their Oriental origins. http://www.speroforum.com/a/57299/Lawrence-of-Judea

Palestine - 'Occupation Incorporated' Tim Marshall
http://blogs.news.sky.com/foreignmatters/Post:9af1d847-da96-4825-9836-47e32000c275

“An African UN worker in the West Bank recently remarked to a mutual friend 'When people see me coming they see a walking ATM machine'.

Driving through Ramallah, and then Jericho, the other day I was reminded of that quip as I looked at the smart restaurants, sparkling new hotels, and the scale of building work.

The Palestinian Authority likes to boast about the West Bank' s 8% economic growth, so does the Israeli government, which uses it to suggest that a prosperous Palestine would make an easier negotiating partner. They also know the Palestinians have more to lose if a 3rd Intifada breaks out.

What they fail to remind us is that there are well over 200 NGOs in the West Bank and Gaza, and 30% of the GDP here comes from international aid. Palestinians are among the most foreign aid funded people in the world and the place is awash with money.”

This is immoral, deeply immoral. While East Africa is starving the Palestinians and Gazans are bulding new shopping malls and hotels while feasting in overladen markets.

Danny Ayalon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a brilliant video that I really want you to watch! “The Truth about the West Bank” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGYxLWUKwWo

Danny Adino Abebe came to see us on Sunday. Danny who came from Ethiopia, is a major journalist here in Israel. Handsome, ebullient, with amazing dreadlocks, Danny has meticulously built a plan to encourage the brightest young Ethiopian immigrants in high school to take a course in communications. Ultimately this will give them entry to the highly academic Hebrew University. Kol ha Kavod Danny; your work is outstanding and your dedication heartwarming. Good luck with your fundraising to make this dream come true.

I went with Michael Gribov of the Knesset Forum on International Affairs to meet our dear friend Juergen Buhler at the Christian Embassy. The Embassy, housed in one of the most exquisite buildings in Jerusalem, does phenomenal work to put forward Israel's case in a most positive manner. The PR sector is run by David Parsons who joined us for the meeting. Most fascinating aspect was the fact that we delayed to meeting because of the fast of Tammuz and when we arrived at the Embassy we found that Juergen was himself fasting!!

My favourite organisation in the world is Stand With Us; not only because I deeply admire and love the Director Michael Dickson but rather because of the work they do involving and educating Israeli and overseas students in Israel Information – preparing them through intensive courses and projects to go out into the world campuses and understand their subject and how to present Israel in a totally positive and factual light. Jill and I went to the graduation ceremony for 150 students which was held in the leafy garden of Beit Anna Ticho, home of the famous Jerusalem artist. The young ambassadors were beautiful and enthusiastic – their projects impressive. Leader of the Opposition Tsippi Livni spoke of our challenges and then David Horovitz – former editor of the Jerusalem Post, brought his incomparable humour and wit to the proceedings – at about 10 minutes notice and wowed his audience. A proud evening indeed. http://www.standwithus.com/

I don't only have meetings!! I have fun with friends too. We met with Rosa and Berele at Caffit in the German Colony because there was simply no table to be had in the Botanical Gardens. The German Colony was jam packed too and parking spots were at a premium! As we sat down I found that I had a delightful partner at the next table – Professor Irwin Cotler. Jerusalem is a small town pretending to be a big City!!

The next morning we met the delightful Marc and Elaine Oppenheimer at the Botanical gardens – this time we were luckier and found a table right next to the lake! Despite the intense heat, eating under the protection of their umbrellas, watching the black swans, turtles and egrets seemed to cool us as efficiently as the gentle breeze. Children in playgroups chatted happily as they ran up and down the hills.

Last night Jill and I set out for the Gerard Behar Theatre for the Premiere performance of the professional troupe of the Hora Dance Troupe. http://www.horajerusalem.org/english It was indeed and exciting evening and one that would have been quite wonderful ........... but we couldn't find a parking space free in the centre of town!! Jerusalem is popping every night but on a Thursday it is just filled with happy diners, theatre goers, promenaders, families, and despite investigating every conceivable alleyway and lane couldn't get there.
Tonight Leor and Shiri, Amit and Gilli, Jill, Amiad, Sagi and Ditti and Yehonatan, Dalia – daughter of Moise and Sandra who is here on tour from Mexico City. We will sit on the veranda – the table stretched to its utmost laden with all the salads, fried fish balls, stuffed vegetables and wonderful fresh Israeli fruits that I always talk about. As we eat we will look at Jerusalem, Jerusalem of Shabbat, of Gold. Shabbat Jerusalem is different, so very different to the rest of the week. Religious and secular alike enjoy the quiet, the peace of Shabbat Jerusalem embodied in the softening skies and the myriad of stars, intermingled with the sound of families enjoying their Shabbat meal. The sounds and aromas of Shabbat are different, the appearance of the city is different, the sense of family is intense all combine to make me grateful every week afresh of the fact that we are here – at home.

Next week is a truly exciting one. ARLENE IS ARRIVING!! I will have two wonderful days with her just being together and enjoying each other and then she is off to Tel Aviv and Opera.

Oh well, that is all I have time for although there is so much more to tell. The French Yacht was stopped before arriving in Gaza – which was lucky since they didn't have any aid on board and anyway the Gazans don't need it!!!
Shabbat Shalom to you all. I wish you could be her,e in Jerusalem with us to “feel” the incredibly special Shabbat that this city elicits. There is no city like this in the world – it is beautiful, it is special, it is proud, it has depth of meaning and history and IT IS OURS.
Shabbat Shalom
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-07-15T09:54:00.000+03:00

110715

15th July 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you are well and that you had a good week. So much has happened since our last conversation but I chose to talk about the beautiful things we did this week rather than world news.

One event which warmed my heart however was the declaration of Independence of South Sudan. Finally and at last the Christians and Animists will finally live in peace, separated and no longer oppressed and massacred by the Islamic North Sudan. The Moslem states are furious and blame Israel for the separation – well I can only say that whatever part we played in this is blessed. We simply sent doctors, engineers and civic managers to help them when the world forgot their existence. http://www.israaid.org.il/

The week began with a tour of the Tel Aviv German Colony, one of the Templar sites in Israel. I loved being with our friends but quite honestly – anyone from Jerusalem or Haifa should not go on that tour!!! As we walked I spoke to Surka. Surka and her husband Rafi and all their family live on kibbutz Nahal Oz. Yes, you have heard the name many times as rockets from Gaza rain down on their idyllic farming community. “Each time there is a barrage of rockets, rather than send us running it strengthens our community. During the worst times we had the best films showing, the best music playing and we all gathered for parties every night to keep up morale. Our house enjoys an extra room as each of us gained a “mamad” or bomb-proof room. Of course it is hard but why should we give in to them and leave the land, which is right here in Israel, because a group of terrorists say so” Right on Surka, right on.

Every summer something exceptional happens in Jerusalem on a Monday and Thursday. Shouk Mahane Yehuda becomes a giant nightclub!!! Jill, Irit and I went for supper on the pavement of Jaffa Street , right near Ben Yehuda Street. We sat watching to world go by – religious Jews, Arab Moslems, Arab Christians, secular Jews indeed everyone was out to promenade on that balmy Jerusalem night providing us with a constant floor show! After supper we walked up Jaffa Street, together with many, many others, until we came to the shouk. Throngs, nay masses of people, the sounds of Jazz, pop, classical and Latin music called to us from each of the alleyways as people danced in the street. The music mixed with the usual calls of “One shekel, only one shekel” drew us in despite my dislike of overly crowded places. We found a corner near the trendy coffee shop and stood listening to an excellent jazz group, dancing quietly to the rhythm. Yet again the people were of every conceivable race, creed, nationality and colour.

Tuesday was a truly exceptional day. It was the day Lauren became Liba!!! Lauren Efron, daughter of our dear friend David, made Aliya from Florida to Israel on a Nefesh be Nefesh flight. Last year Lauren chose to come to Tel Aviv University for a semester, Aliya being the las thing on her mind.... it was about 73 after ensuring her hair was perfect and wearing the latest fashion! After a 3 week army volunteer programme and generally living the Israeli lifestyle the hair dryer was forgotten and Aliya moved up to first place. Lauren has been working toward the day she can come and live here and three days ago she fulfilled her dream and now she is fighting jet lag, asleep in our spare room. Last night she discovered one can go to a wedding in jeans and no-one will object! http://www.nbn.org.il/live/ WELCOME LIBA – WELCOME HOME.

On Wednesday Zvi and I went to the Opening event of the Knesset Forum on International Affairs. Every time I walk through the gates and along the huge area to the impressive Knesset building I feel a deep sense of pride. The organisers asked me to choose a few good people to join me there and I thought deeply and invited Barry Shaw and his wife Carol, Phillip Pasmanick, Juergen Buehler, Professor Irwin Cotler (who was certainly welcome without my intervention, particularly as the latest victim of Ha'aretz misquoting) and others. My choice was those who not only do outstanding work in the hasbara field but more importantly not those who simply complain about others but who really appreciate the incredible society we have built right here in Israel. I wish Michael Gribov and all his team great good luck in the coming year, I vow to work hard and long to help and keep the values and intentions of the Forums founder, the late Yuri Shtern. The Forum is non-partisan and will work hard to ensure that what we stand for and what Israel truly represents will finally and at last reach the world. Finally though it is up to YOU and your actions to ensure your local media tells the truth and that individuals speak out – not in defence of Israel – we don't need defending we just need ot shout our wonderful truth.

Wednesday night found us at the Sheyan restaurant celebrating the birthday of an exceptional man. We met Alan and Bonnie Cohen about 18 years go, during the Jerusalem 3,000 celebrations when Alan walked into Zvi's office asking for assistance with some very high quality groups he and Rabbi Irwin Katsof, through Aish haTorah, were bringing to Israel. Not only did we meet and befriend many of the participants of those groups, we found true friendship. So great a friendship that when Zvi and I married, the Ketuba (marriage contract) was signed in Alan and Bonnies lounge, the Chuppa (wedding canopy) which was held by our children, was placed at one end of the street (Zvi “moved” some police barriers to ensure privacy!!!) and the party in their street. We have not always been able to meet up but it was such an honour to be included in that small group of close friends to celebrate a man – half of a couple – who changed the shape of so many lives giving them purpose and a Jewish perspective. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAN!!! AD ME'AH C'ESRIM

Yesterday was the wedding that Lauren came to in jeans. Our neighbours daughter was married in a wonderful traditional ceremony with every conceivable tradition interlaced and every conceivable Israeli equally enjoying the fun. - Arab Moslems, North African and Ashkenazi Jews, everyone doing what we Israelis do best – eating, eating and eating some more and then dancing it all off!!!!

Tonight and tomorrow Steven Gandel is visiting from far off Melbourne – only one or two Gandels left to see this month!!!

Now to the cooking – Steven loves his food so tonight we will have wonderful spring chicken, stuffed vegetables, cabbage salad, green salad, chopped salad, aubergine salad with tehina, courgette salad a la Zvi, and a few others and I must go to buy a ripe, juicy, red and ready water melon (avatiach) for dessert. Gosh the menu looks good, especially since I haven't even started yet!!! Tomorrow he will get cake! Tea-time in Jerusalem, sitting on our veranda in the shade overlooking the city we all love is a special time as the searing heat lessens (slightly) and the breeze gently kisses the flowers and trees.

In order to cook I must shop and the supermarket will be filled to capacity as frayed cashiers try to deal with the Shabbat shopping of a nation preparing to welcome the bride of Shabbat. Shopping, cooking, resting and then........ and then...... a glorious gentle quiet descends upon Jerusalem. Even the colour of the city changes from a bright, glaring white to a gentle pink glow as the sun sets and a city of white table clothes and laden tables slowly rests.

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom and although I promised no politics I must send special wishes to Carol Gould who speaks fearlessly on behalf of Israel in the most unfriendly of place – left wing university campuses. Carol, bless you. You are appreciated and your words do not fall on deaf ears, you are the living proof of what I call the power of one. Kol ha Kavod. Remember the cruel words of anti-Semitic, self-hating Jews can never drown you out. We are with you every step of the way and than you for your determination. http://www.currentviewpoint.com

With much love from Jerusalem, love from Israel, new home to Lauren/Liba.

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-07-08T15:00:00.000+03:00

110708

8th July 2011

Shabbat Shalom to you all and a special big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my son Gideon. Only one year til the Gideon Saul book.

This week Israeli news broadcasts are all about the 'mashat' – the flotilla from morning to night. Turkey and Greece decided that they would not allow the flotilla to leave their countries and most Western nations warned their nationals not to take part. Indeed on Facebook we had a funny discussion about – flotilla, flotzilla but decided that all will be fine when G-d-zilla comes into the equation. It wasn't meant to be an impious comment – rather a rational one.

I am not afraid of a few boat-loads of misinformed Infidels and a lot of ill-intentioned Moslems, I am however incensed at the idea that Gaza needs aid. They do not. While Sudan, North Korea, Eritrea and many other parts of the world are worthy recipients of sympathy, food and medicines, Gaza flourishes. It is unfair, unjust and Un-nations to pity the fed and ignore the starving. Please read Tom Gross' outstanding report this week on that subject.
Truth of supposed aid to Gaza – Tom Gross http://www.tomgrossmedia.com/mideastdispatches/archives/001208.html

As the threat of hundreds of pro-Palestinian passengers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport loomed one Government Minister came up with a great idea. Each and every passenger arriving at Ben Gurion would receive flowers and a warm greeting. The hoards of press photographers waiting for angry troops would have been very disappointed as beautiful young people handed out Israeli grown flowers. Flowers at the airport http://www.israelnewsmagazine.com/review-analysis/tourism-ministry-is-ready-to-welcome-thousands-of-tourists-expected-to-arrive-in-israel-this-weekend/
The latest news is that five activists did land and tried to make a major demonstration but were generally ignored. Our thanks to the airlines who decided to stop their futile efforts and not allow them onto the planes.

Talking of a very different air operation, it is 35 yeas since the flight to Entebbe to rescue the 254 passengers on an Air France aeroplane. Jew and Israelis separated from the others no-one knew what would happen. Palestinian and German terrorists were responsible. This video tells the story of a truly heroic rescue enabled by personal knowledge of Idi Amin who trained in Israel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ct-meb6U0

It is 6 years since the horrific 7/7 bombings in London when local, British born, middle class young Moslems drove their fathers Mercedes to London with the prime and only intent of killing as many infidels as possible. They attacked the buses and the tubes and many died and even more were horribly injured. It should have been a lesson but Britain is too lenient a society, still believing in the ultimate good of mankind and sadly I believe will suffer more before understanding that not every Moslems is good, just as not every Moslem is bad. Our hearts go out to the families of the dead and to the injured – may they be healed in heart and body. May they occasionally remember that we not only empathise- we KNOW what they went through – IT IS THE SAME SYNDROME AS ISRAEL SUFFERS AND IT IS TIME EVERYONE REALISED. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuhBdHc8Nqs
Jerusalem scientists at Hadassah Hospital identified a molecular basis for DNA breakage, which results in the development of cancer. This is one the most hopeful pieces of research thus far. http://www.jpost.com/HealthAndSci-Tech/Health/Article.aspx?ID=228363&R=R1

Walid Shoebat was a Palestinian Terrorist. Walid Shoebat understands and speaks out. Please, if you watch nothing else watch this 40 minute video and you will understand the Middle East and your own country. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acNoBV5Ehzc&feature=player_detailpage

Not everything in our lives is serious. We had a special treat this week as Australian friend arrived in Israel for the very first time. It was special because Dermot Molloy brought his lovely wife and two children with him, special because young people are more susceptible to media influence than adults and more honest about their reactions. As we sat around a table, yes you guessed, at Zion ha Gadol, in the busy Talpiot neighbourhood of Jerusalem, the table laden with never-ending salads, I asked them how the reality of Israel compared to the impression they had from the television news. 'EVERYTHING' was the instant response. Israel is modern, mixed, fun, busy, noisy, beautiful and we have loved every second. Most of our family and friends told us not to come but, my goodness, it is marvellous.' Now folks, that is what I have been trying to tell you – don't listen to the news – listen to me.

Jill arrived this week for her annual months sojourn in Israel. It never fails to amaze me seeing Israel through her eyes. I always thought that I appreciate the beauty and wonder of Israel, until she arrives and reminds me of the little things that are so very special. Today we went to collect Yosef and Talia from gan, kindergarten. The sheer freedom of the children is so refreshing. Watching tiny children being carefully walked home by big brothers and sisters with a freedom so few countries afford. Children are loved here – they come with us to restaurants and shopping, they are not told to be quiet and speak when spoken to – they are free souls since responsibility comes all too soon. After taking the children home, reading a story to all of them and then showering them before Shabbat, such fun with the baby Ayala, we drove home past Samuels Tomb and the spectacular panorama of Jerusalem.

We went to Mahane Yehuda, not so much to shop but rather to breathe in the aromas and activity that sums up that wonderful place. The yelling of the costermongers, the incredible summer fruits piled high – nectarines, peaches, figs, cherries – white and rich juicy black -, firm cucumbers in pyramids and vine tomatoes giving off the smell of summer. The people are as varied as the fruits and vegetables but much noisier. I feel that I live and breathe Jerusalem each time I go there.

The German Colony has a very mixed history. Built to house the German pilgrims to the Holy City the houses are a wonderful mix of Middle East and European. The roads have changed name though, once German streets are now call 'Lloyd George' and 'William Deedes' and 'Josiah Wedgewood' proving that one can change history to suit the times. Many of the roads have taken on the names of the Twelve Tribes and the Matriarchs, gosh this is such an interesting place.

Jill is now sitting on the veranda, reading my Jerusalem Post and watching the City slow down, become drowsy in the summer heat and then give in to tiredness after a weeks work. Sleep comes easily to the men but the women are still tweaking the spices in the cornucopia of delicious dishes – not with Egyptian Fenugreek though. The most popular spices used here are Hawiej, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamon, tumeric; with lots of hot pepper and garlic thrown in for fun. The helpings are generous and the variety enormous. Don't forget that Israel is the only country where you can have twenty salads on the table and none of them contain lettuce. I will pop down to Shoshana soon, to wish her Shabbat Shalom and then cross the entrance to Michal and Kobi before Zvi comes home from his Parliament.
We have another busy week ahead of us which makes Shabbat all the sweeter. In fact it is a very exciting week but.................... you will have to wait til next week to hear about it since I am off to set the table, finish off the gefilte fish and tweak my spices.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, love from Jerusalem, the most precious and beautiful jewel of our crown.
Love
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-07-01T15:18:00.000+03:00

110701

1st July 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this weeks letter finds you well and happy.

Two days ago I did something I have never done before; I took the face of a grown man in my hands and simply said “Thank you”. The grown man in question was retiring Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency Richie Pearlstone. What makes Richie different to almost all other leaders? It isn't his wonderfully dapper exterior or his ear-ring, Richie didn't enter the four year honorary post for self-aggrandisement; Richie Pearlstone put his entire heart and soul into the good of the Jewish Agency and Israel, 24/7. So I took his face in my hands and thanked him. I guess one should really thank his delightful wife and partner Amy for “giving him up” to the Jewish people.

The Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings include Keren Hayesod, UJC (by any other name), the Orthodox Movement of America, The Reform Movement of America, Keren Kayemet and of course Maccabi (Zvi is their representative) and many others. These are good people, people who want to better the Jewish world, to move us forward, to include and improve the small and large communities the world over. The internal politics and strife of any large organisation are evident but most of those present just want to advance the cause of Israel and ensure Jewish continuity.

Old friends like Jack Smorgon, Carol Solomon, Nancy Polchuk, Sondra Sokal the delightful and aptly named Paul Israel and many new ones too including impressive new faces to the world of Tikkun Olam. When we brought Saul Same and his sister Molly to the final cocktail party to introduce and welcome James Tisch as the new Chairman everyone wanted to say hello and shake Saul's hand. It is through the incredible example of this superb man's love of Israel that generations have followed suit.

Carol Solomon said something very important during her morning session “WE LIVE IN A 90 SECOND SOUND BYTE WORLD” It's true and we mustn't give lengthy explanations we must write concise and catchy letters and responses to the media. Push the fact that ZIONISM IS NOT A DIRTY WORD indeed it is the culmination of a dream. For instance, I cannot stand the word “deligitimisation” indeed can't even say it why can't we just say ISRAEL DENIAL?

So, what's in the news this week?
The Flotilla of course -Alistair Burt, the United Kingdom's Middle East envoy cannot understand the Gaza Flotilla and advised British citizens not to join. “There are recognised ways to get humanitarian aid into Gaza which is supported by the Israeli Authorities and the UN, and anyone looking to make a humanitarian contribution should do just that” The members of the “Flotilla of peace” (now there's a misnomer) think that IDF divers “nobbled” 2 of their ships but ignore the fact that the Greeks and Turks do not want the flotilla to leave their shores ruining their improved relationship with Israel. One man actually admits it is political not humanitarian http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10322&Itemid=56

The Hezb-Allah killers of Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri have been indicted and found guilty in Lebanon. Justice is not always executed in our neighbouring countries and it is of great import that this case ran its full course.

Delta Airlines is accused of agreeing to ban Jewish passengers on flights to Saudi Arabia – duh! Of course they did! Jews cannot go to Saudi Arabia at all – not on any airline! Delta is one of the few airlines that flies directly to Israel – don't punish them.

The week started with a visit to “Zion ha Gadol” with John and Pauline Gandel from Australia. Picture simple wooden tables, filled with never ending salads, chopped vegetable salads, tehina, hummous, cabbage, tomato, garlic and lemon, fire-hot Yemenite schug, rice, bean and onion salad – and that's just the first course. It was fun, noisy, crowded, busy, redolent with the smoky aromas of meats on the fire and very Israeli and so much nicer than sitting in a posh restaurant! In the evening we went to a beautiful reception at the Israel Museum – out on the veranda overlooking the Knesset and the Jerusalem sunset. We first did a tour – I never tire of the phenomenal collection in the Israel Museum especially the Judaica and Synagogues.

Monday. I managed to escape and meet my lovely friend Rosa to meander through the Mamilla Arcade, next to the Jaffa Gate, shopping a little and admiring the statues exhibited there especially those of Irit Lev, dear friend and artist, who has some spectacular models exhibited.

Yesterday, after Zvi took them to the Kotel and the Old City, Saul, Molly and I left Zvi at the Board meetings and escaped to the botanical gardens and “Caffit” for lunch yesterday. Sitting beside the lake, watching the black swans floating by as families laugh, eat and enjoy the freedom of an Israeli coffee shop.

I made it to Mahane Yehuda for a few glorious moments this week. I ran through, absorbing the aromas, noise, hustle and bustle, people and of course the sight of multi-coloured piles of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, as I rushed into the throng to get my fish. Mahane Yehuda. So “Yerushalmi” and the epitome of everything we stand for – free enterprise, free movement, free speech, freedom of prayer, freedom, freedom.

Zvi will soon be off to his parliament where they will vociferously solve the problems of the world.....a process carried out in coffee shops all over Israel. I wish a few of our leaders would play fly on the wall and find some answers too. Whether governmental or voluntary; NGO or Quango it is time our leaders listened to their constituents. Too few are Richie Pearlstone, too few care for the work more than their own seats or ambitions.

Jerusalem is slowing down as the epicurean aromas fill the air, happily replacing the exhaust fumes. My downstairs neighbour Shoshana brought us “Marak Kubeh” Kurdish kubeh soup which we will eat alongside our gefilte fish for supper! The local convenience store brings in wonderful stuffed vegetables, sigarim, pastellas and kubeh for busy housewives to add to their already burgeoning tables.

Soon I will set the Shabbat table with the white dress of a bride adding the Challah cover my lovely sister Doreen and her husband Melvyn gave us for our wedding, place Zvi's fathers kiddush cup and then light the candlesticks which stood in my parents home. We are the culmination of our traditions and we must remember to endow our children with the rich traditions we inherited.

Finally we must never forget what an amazing country this is -in the words of Dick Hirsch “WE CAME TO ISRAEL TO BUILD IT AND WE WERE BUILT BY IT”

With all my love Jerusalem, city of our inherited dreams.
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-06-24T18:42:00.000+03:00

110624

24th June 2011

Gosh, what a week. I am late with the letter and cutting it too close to the line before we leave to go to a Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner with the World Zionist Organisation which follows the Presidents Conference on a better tomorrow but precedes the Keren Hayesod meetings and then the Jewish Agency and the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency...... but apart from that we have little happening.

The Presidents Conference on Tomorrow was filled with amazing people on panels and in the audience - academics, politicians, philanthropists, military experts of world standard, discussing the future of Israel specifically and the world in general in a series of panel discussions and plenaries.

They all give their time and brilliance freely for President Shimon Peres. The standard of speakers and the discussions were stimulating and disturbing. Malcolm Hoenlein, Irwin Cotler, Iain Ferguson, David Trimble and Tony Blair who was on the opening panel, were clever, funny and humble. John Gandel with his outstanding cheerleaders – the family and us spoke on the panel of philanthropy. Mike Evans who was there filming with his son and Mike Atkins told me of his adventure which led to an interview with Ahmedinejad. Dr Kimball Taylor of the Children of Israel Foundation, Michael Dickson of Standwithus, Prof Gerald Steinberg of NGO Monitor and of course their Lordships Stone, Trimble and Goldsmith.

Shakira impressed me deeply with her understanding of what is needed to right the world. She spoke intelligently and outlined the true meaning of hands on philanthropy.

Israeli journalist Ilana Dayan held one-on-one interviews with a varied group of people among them Jibril Rajoub of the Plaestinian Authority who was sitting in the front row between Yom Tov Samia, former Chief Officer of the Southern Command and President Shimon Peres while Arieh Deri spoke, quietly and elegantly. A democratic rainbow indeed. It bothered me deeply that Jibril Rajoub, who privately was able to be friendly got on the stage and immediately began to lie. 'Israel has not honoured any of her obligations otherwise there would be peace'........... aw c'mon.

In one panel on Israeli/Palestinian peace negotiations that Kim attended when asked what the result of a vote against the Palestinian state in the UN the confident response was 'A THIRD INTIFADA'

At the closing plenum Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that if Gilad Schalit is not freed from his underground dungeon where he does not receive even the minimum of human rights he will reduce the rights of Palestinian killers imprisoned here in Israel. Gosh – how cruel – no more doctoral theses or conjugal visits for them eh. Five years since he was captured and his friends killed. Five years and he has not seen a Red Cross representative; Amnesty isn't breaking down their doors to free him and no country has come ot our true aid. Shame on a world that does not hold out the hand of assistance and cut finances to the Hamas until he is back home.

Israels 5th President Yitzchak Navon, is a delightful man and a friend. When we left the conference and Zvi offered him a ride home Lord Stone could not believe that he did not have bodyguards and his own car. That generation was not like that though – humility was the norm.

Robert and Anita Simons and Saul Same and his sister Molly for Shabbat Lunch which is the fun part of these conferences – we get to see old friends. The next day we had guests too as Pauline and John Gndel and Saul Same with sister Molly got together in our home for supper. Both families have known Ehud Olmert for many years an love him dearly – as we do. I wish that you could meet him and hear his stories and receive one of his wonderful hugs to know the man – the real man not the one the journalists so love to hate. It was a delight and we all enjoyed the privacy of a family supper.

On Tuesday our dear friend Kim Taylor flew all the way from Cardston, Alberta to be with us during the President Conference and the Jewish Agency meetings. Kim is a member of the family in every way.

I just gave you a tiny taste of the last week. I most certainly left out huge chunks and many people but please forgive me – I raced home from a wedding to finish this letter before Shabbat.

Delta Airlines flies to Israel unlike most other airlines but they received the right to fly into Saudi Arabia on condition that no Jews be on the aeroplanes. There was no reason for the ban since Jews, not just Israelis, cannot fly into Saudi Arabia as their visa website clearly states. No Jews are allowed – by law - which by definition is racist.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/23/us-jews-not-able-to-fly-o_n_883568.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C72803

My favourite news item of the week is
Orna Barbizai, mother of 3 children, regular soldier, exceptional woman was invested as the first woman general in the IDF. While women in our neighbouring countries are oppressed in Israel they blossom. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4086464,00.html

Another piece of great news is that Ambassador Ron Prosor, our new man in the UN, has already come out with a strong statement about the next Flotilla. Most of you don't know Ron Prosor but I can promise you that he will not take any nonsense and will defend Israel in the way we want her defended – vociferously and determinedly.

Jerusalem is quiet – so quiet that I can hear all the dogs barking in the neighbourhood. It is so beautiful – the last few rays of the summer sun as we move toward Shabbat. Tables are laid, families waking from their afternoon siesta to gather around their parents tables. The shadows are deepening on the distant hills and the heat of the day changing to a gentle warmth. Time to wish you all a Shabbat Shalom
With love from the most beautiful city in the world
Jerusalem
Sheila

BY THE WAY – I HAVE A TASK FOR YOU. I WANT ALTERNATIVE NAMES FOR
DELEGITIMIZATION
INTIFADA
ETC ETC – POSITIVE AND ISRAELI................. C'MON THINKING CAPS PLEASE.

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-06-15T20:57:00.000+03:00

110615

15th June 2011

This is an early Shabbat Shalom, but for good reason!

Sunday evening we drove down toward the Dead Sea on the Jerusalem -Jericho road, the one that Nomi Shemer wrote about in the last verse of “Yerushalyim shel Zahav” - the road to the Dead Sea via Jericho. It never fails to amaze me that once one leaves the glorious lushness of Jerusalem, through the tunnel beneath the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus, one emerges into another, unloved world of barren scrub and unkempt landscape, a world without KKL.

As one passes the marker of Sea Level and begin the steep descent toward Sodom, the bald hills soon give way to a moonscape of strangely shaped hillocks and startlingly white land in stark contrast to the deep purple mountains of Jordan on the far bank of the Dead Sea, mountains which hide the secret treasure of Petra. Down, down, down, and down some more to the lowest place on earth – the phenomenal Dead Sea, Yam haMelach. http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/dead-sea

We were invited by the Nancy and Harry Bloomfield to join them at an exceptional event to draw attention to the opening of the Bloomfield Family Visitors Center of the Negev http://www.ormovementevents.org.il/EN/info-center.html .

Andrea Bocelli at the foot of Massada

The anticipation was evident in all those at the pre-concert reception as everyone hummed along with the piped Bocelli favourites. The site was magical, deep in the desert, hot and breezy, seemingly in the middle of arid nothingness until one looked up, up and up to the deeply emotive, historic site of Massada. Massada, scene of the most famous of Jewish revolts, Jewish refusal to be enslaved by another of the many armies that wanted control of this land. This revolt ended in mass suicide rather than capture by the Roman army. The Roman not only wanted control of the Jewish people, so extreme were their desires that they even changed the name from the Land of Israel to Palaestina – a change which was to cause so many problems. The site of Jewish resistance was now going to be the site of joy and music and culture. Sweet revenge indeed.

We sat in rapt anticipation as the orchestra struck up the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco – so appropriate to the site. Our backdrop – Massada itself – was softly lit ensuring that we were aware of the glory of our position. Mr. Bocelli walked onto the stage to rapturous applause, his assistant bringing him to the stage and then the conductor placing him before the microphone. His shy smile seemed to light up the audience of 7,500 and as he began to sing, the sheer effortless purity of his voice rang out over the Mistral that threatened to spoil the evening. I didn't know that Barry and Carol Shaw were in the audience too but you can listen and understand our emotions and joy as you watch Barry's videos of the event.

Achinoam Nini, known in the world as Noa, is a close friend of Mr. Bocelli and they sang the theme song of “Life is Beautiful” together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KA1EqUhnV0&feature=share
Miri Awad is the Arab-Israeli singing partner of Achinoam Nini and here exhibits her exquisite voice as she sings with Bocelli http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X559haj7D0g&feature=share
The concert was over, two encores had been received with standing ovations but we wanted more. As Mr. Bocelli was led back to the stage again, Zvi yelled out “Nessum Dorma” and a few seconds later the first notes rang out and Mr. Bocelli's effortless voice rang out beneath a starlit Massada. Magic. Magic. Magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhK4rxFPhx8

The early greetings are for good reason. Our dear friend Saul Same arrives tomorrow all the way from Melbourne, Australia and we want to see him as soon as we can and then we have a wedding in the evening near Tel Aviv.

On Friday morning we have the stone setting ceremony for Zvi's dear mother Ala, the traditional ceremony at the graveside is followed by an equally traditional meal at our home whereby one presents food to enable four essential blessings of gratitude – wine or grape juice, the fruit of the ground and of the tree and bread. Her head-stone is etched in perpetuity, not only with her name Ala (Leah) Raviv-Hendler, but also the names of her family who died in the Shoah so that they too will have their names on a grave, as we did with Zvi's father Kalman. It is difficult to remember that she has gone, she was such a huge part of our lives. We are still finding treasures of history as we go through papers and letters which reveal parts of her life that we did not even realise. This was a generation of fiscal poverty and cultural and moral wealth – I hope that revealing evidence of their selflessness and dedication to the better of their fellow countrymen to others we can reclaim just a little of their strength of character.

Our Navy is at the ready for the latest flotilla about to leave the shores of Turkey but I think that this is purely a media magnet - they are not bringing unnecessary aid to Gaza. Maybe the "aid flotilla" is really headed for the spa at the new Movenpick in Gaza. The people of Gaza are starving my foot!! This is amazing - just read through it!!! They used Israeli products because of the high quality!!! http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/gazas-five-star-destination.html

Last night Jerusalem took on a strange yet spectacular sunset. I assume it was due to the thin layer of Eritrean volcanic dust that turned dusk into a magical glow on the white stones of our buildings. As I stood on our veranda looking out it was exceptional. Just in case Stanley was wondering, by the time you all come for the KH conference you will see the tiny orange tree with a dozen small hard green fruits already and the herbs – lavender, lemon pelargonium, melissa, basil, thyme, zatar, louisa, rosemary and more – reaching the peak of their pungency. I may even manage some pomegranate buds!

We just met Avraham and Mindele Jasqui of Mexico in the Mamilla project. Avraham told me about a project of the Syrian Chalabi community in Mexico City whereby they investigated the breakdown of Jewish continuity in the wider Jewish community in mexico. The result of an indepth invesitgation ws that it was the breakdown of FAMILY that was the cause. Family, the traditions of family, the warmth of family, the desire for family amongst the young women or young couples............. all ultimately contribute to the breakdown of traditions which hold us together as a community and a people. I agree 100% since most young people today dare to claim it boring to raise children so put it off and insist upon their own lives and careers even when they do make the huge decision. Me? I cannot think of anything more rewarding and fulfilling than raising children – I loved every second and now reap the rewards of my grandchildren – basar basari – flesh of my flesh. TRADITIONS!!!

I am now awaiting a full eclipse of the moon – the first shadow is already creeping across his face – I promise to stand on the veranda and watch it – trying to capture the miracle on film. I am so excited!

Finally, my favourite article of the week which embodies who and what we are. Israeli soldiers of the Israeli DEFENCE Force literally give their blood for Israel http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144862

Wishing you and yours Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, with all the love of this amazing city.
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-06-10T10:41:00.000+03:00

110610
10TH June 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.

The Shabbat dinner party I described last week went off like a dream. The conversation was delightful as were the guests and it felt somehow right to introduce our new friends to old friends and mix the past with the present making new future friendships. The mix of origins reminded me of dinner parties in the States, Canada or Australia where many are immigrants from other countries, the only difference is that here we all came home. The guests came from Morocco, Canada, Wales, Belgium and of course right here in Jerusalem, Palestine.

Palestine, Palaestina. The name was changed by the Romans to eradicate all resemblance and memory of the Jewish era of Judea and Samaria; they were less successful with the name Jerusalem, attempting to call her Ilia Capitolina, but Jerusalem is so musical, so prayerful, so powerful that they did not succeed. Now the “Palestinians” are insisting that the prayer “If I forget thee oh Jerusalem” is a Christian prayer and not Jewish at all!!! http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=5133

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen has written an excellent piece about Jerusalem this week – well worth reading the words of a dove, a religious dove but as he says not a suicidal dove. http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.com/2011/06/jerusalem.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jeremyrosen%2FtAYl+%28Jeremy+Rosen%27s+Blog%29

This week you are getting only good news. I am tired of the Syrian situation whereby everyone shouts and no-one does anything. I cannot but think what they would all be saying if Israel behaved in the amoral and inhumane fashion of Bashar Assad – the highly sophisticated, soft spoken and seemingly mannered tyrant whose cruel regime is still running rampant in Syria – a country created when the entire Middle East “divvied up” this time by the French a country which created the strongest links with Iran and Iraq of Saddam benefitting his country with armaments that no-one quite knows about. The refugees fled to Turkey where they will not be welcomed with open arms. Gosh and I said no politics eh?

Actually there are some good politics too. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is at the forefront af a Congressional move against the declaration of sttehood by the Palestinians and the cessation of American financial aid to any government including Hamas. Prime Minister Steven Harper has yet again chosen the side of moral truth and sided with Israel publicly and openly – KOL HA KAVOD TO CANADA

Danny Adino Abebe is a handsome young reporter who began his journalistic career in the IDF and works with Yedioth Aharonot, one of the 3 majors newspapers in Israel. Danny is from Ethiopia but just as his identity never bothered him so it has never impeded his progress. Easily identified by his dreadlocks and enormous smile at any major event, Danny feels that many Ethiopians use their colour or origin as an excuse not to succeed - read all about Danny in this marvellous article by Ruth Eglash http://www.jpost.com/Features/InThespotlight/Article.aspx?ID=224185&R=R1

Shevuot , the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost was wonderful. We were invited to friend both on Erev Shevuot – the night before Shevuot – and for Shevuot Lunch. It always fascinates me how different families have different traditions all of which include cheeses, milk, quiches, fish, anything but meat- but Zvi raised the question Why?
Why when we are expected to celebrate all festivals with meat and plenteous dishes do we stick to white foods – milk foods, on Shevuot. Most of us learned about receiving the Torah and not knowing how deeply the question of the calf in its mothers milk took us.......but no......... Zvi's response was much more interesting. Halav......... milk..... is made up of three hebrew letters hey, lamed and bet. In gematriah – the mathematical calculations of hebrew letters this adds up to 40. Moses was atop Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights while receiving the Torah. Since Shevuot is the celebration of receiving the Torah – ergo milk!

In a few minutes I will leave for Ramot to collect my little grandchildren Yosef and Talia from their schools and take them home to play for a while before Shabbat preparations take over my mind. From Ramot we drive out to Givat Zeev on the main road, passing Samuels Tomb and driving down the long hill to Givat Zeev – named for Zeev Jabotinsky, one of the major founding fathers of modern Israel. Despite the searing heat of a Sharav or Hamsin, the air atop the mountain is fresh and the views spectacular. Givat Zeev is a pretty town, basically a dormitory neighbourhood of Jerusalem, although CNN and the BBC would call it a settlement! The homes are white, just like Jerusalem, and the local Arabs walk freely and tend their land, crops and animal herds without anyone bothering them – unlike Arab towns which do not allow Jews within a stones throw – literally.

The drive back home is even more spectacular as one climbs again to Samuels Tomb on the opposite side of the road one is taken aback by the panorama – a spectacular carpet of white buildings as far as the eye can see as Jerusalem, Israels Capital City and the the largest by far, spreads out before one in splendour. The number of towers is growing, once only the Augusta Victoria Hospital, St Georges, the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus and those few in the centre of town stood proud of the homes, now one has the Holyland Tower, the Calatrava Bridge, and many hotels and offices – Jerusalem is not only a city of ancient stones – Jerusalem is a thriving, bustling city of three-quarters of a million people whose ethnicities form a glorious rainbow evident in our skyline.

Each and every visitor to our home is mesmerised by the view. Jerusalem is so special, so heartwarming, spiritual, contentious and thoroughly embedded in our souls that to see her laid out before us is a gift of such magnitude that we must never ever forget her “If I forget thee oh Jerusalem, let my right hand becoem useless and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth”. The Palestinians can say what they wish – we know that this came from Psalm 137 "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion." The psalm mourns the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army in 586 BCE, is part of Jewish tradition and liturgy and has appeared in Jewish sources for thousands of years. Before you consider their statements check out their lies.

I wish you Shabbat shalom and those who are preparing to arrive for the Presidents Conference on Tomorrow – see you there.

With much love from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world.
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from jerusalem

2011-06-03T15:19:00.000+03:00

110603

3rd June 2011

Dear lovely people, today I not only nearly missed the Shabbat boat – cooking too much as usual – but I was trying to get my brain around the number of things I want to tell you without boring you to death!!!

This week Israel celebrated Jerusalem Day with wonderful parades, shows, specials at the museums, children's activities, rejoicing and prayer. The reports in the media were only of the unnecessary rumpus, on both sides of the political fence, of those who don't want to celebrate but rather want to make points and be right – rather than to be happy for one day of the year. I feel that one does not always have to create dissention. I love to see the flags out, hear the children singing Jerusalem songs in the nursery school down the road, appreciate the parties and barbeques in the evening and know that in 1967 Israeli soldiers re-united Jerusalem after a 19 year period of Jordanian rule in which we were not allowed to pray at our shrines and ancient Biblical sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was left to crumble, the Via Dolorosa uncleaned and the Mount of Olive tombstones smashed and used as road paving. When Shuly Natan sang Nomi Shemer's song "Jerusalem of Gold" just before the 6 Day War, it came from a place of longing and yearning for the very heart of our ancient beliefs; when she added the final verse after the 6 Day War – which says that we can now go to our Holiest of sites – which then included Jericho – our hearts sang with pride. Somehow time and the tide, nay Tsunami of lies has washed away the truth and made us appear to be the occupiers of our own land. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZT5fKD9bM after this original recording we returned to the Old City, we pray at the Western Wall, we were allowed on the Temple Mount for a short period, we drove to the Dead Sea via Jericho but still they call our Biblical Jerusalem Arab East Jerusalem – only 19 years and they talk of time immemorial.

British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould declared his commitment to Israel and the principles of Zionism on Thursday, at an evening dedicated to his new pet project: raising awareness and support for Kibbutz Eshbal, a young community in the Lower Galilee dedicated to helping children at risk from all segments of the population.

“I hope that this is not controversial, and if anyone believes that it is then they need to take a good look at their values and ask why they would object to me supporting a project like this,” said Gould, who is the first Jewish ambassador to represent Britain here. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?ID=222636&R=R1

Talking of Ambassadors, arguably the best Ambassador in a long time has been Ron Prosor, Israel's Ambassador to the Court of St. James and prospective Ambassador to the United Nations. Ambassador Prosor did us proud under impossible circumstance. Thank you Sir and good luck in the unfriendly waters of the United Nations. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/8551220/Israel-and-Britain-are-allies-in-the-fight-for-democratic-values.html

To quote Monty Python - And now for something completely different!!!!
Let's take a look at the real Israel, the genuine wish for Tikkun Olam and the desire to help.
Sir Bob Geldof was here in Israel to receive an honour from the Ben Gurion University. He stated that Israel's care for the poorest areas of the world should bring great accolades. He should know, he didn't trust the "aid" organizations and their wasted monies, he began with Band Aid and each year went to Africa to ensure the money went to the intended communities.
Issraaid http://www.israaid.org.il/ not only reached out to Haiti with the first field hospitals but while others left Haiti and Japan they remain to ensure social and psychological help continues long after the headlines.
Save a Child's Heart http://www.saveachildsheart.org/ reaches out to children the world over to provide the best care imaginable to cure heart diease. At least half of their patients are brought in from the Palestinian Authority.
Golda Meir went to Africa in the 50's and came home with the idea for Mashav the International Centre for Women "How can a country move ahead if it ignores 50% of its population" Initially only for women this incredible training centre is thriving and changing the third world by empowering women and teaching men to understand their importance. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/VideoLibrary/MASHAV_Lending_hand_changing_world.htm?lang=english
The Hebrew University in Jerusalem has an exceptional programme to improve the way of life for African countries. Senior Pears Foundation alumni cite valuable Hebrew University experience in helping them to cope with health issues in Africa. http://www.huji.ac.il/cgi-bin/dovrut/dovrut_search_eng.pl?mesge126708681432688760
ZAKA formed as a first response team within the Haredi community during Israel's horrific time of terror attacks ZAKA has proven itself more than capable of acting as first response in international disasters. http://www.zaka.org.uk/
These are just a few of the true faces of Israel, not the media cant, the Palestinian lies – by the way, when was the last time you heard of a Palestinian team going to the aid of Japan, Turkey, Haiti or anywhere else? Tiny Israel, tiny, beleaguered Israel still looks out to find those to help.

Today as I went on my morning walk I saw many children walking to school with decorated plates of fruits. Almost Shevuot, Pentecost, the Feast of Weeks, the end of the counting of the Omer (the 49 days after Passover) a time of begging forgiveness and of prayer – of reading the book of Ruth. The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai more than 3300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-gives” the Torah. We wear white for purity and eat cheese, cheesecakes, blintzes…indeed anything with cheese, milk or yoghurt!

Back to the cooking, tonight we have a wonderful and varied list of guests. Nancy, Harry and Jon Bloomfield are here from Montreal Canada, Lea and Yehuda Ressler, Prof. Shimon and Miri Shitreet and my wonderful friends Jenny and Brian Bell who haven't been to our place for Shabbat dinner for probably 30 years – and since their home in Ra'anana was my support and bolt-hole when I most needed it I think it is high time we returned the compliment!!!! I cannot wait to see their faces when Zvi begins the Kiddush in his incredible bass-baritone voice using the simple glass Kiddush cup his father sang over for so many years rather than the multiple silver ones – the view of Jerusalem at night behind him. Traditions hold us together and make us who we are, without traditions we have no past and little future.

I wish you Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Take out some small item from your past, from your parents or grandparents home and enjoy it. As Michael Doppelt said this week as he sat on our veranda "I can never forget my grandparents – I carry them with me at all times" We are what we are because of what they taught us.
Shabbat Shalom, Chag Shevuot Sameach and much love from Jerusalem, East, West, South or North, divided for 19 years of her 3,000 year history and free, beautiful, flourishing and ours.
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from jerusalem

2011-05-27T14:46:00.000+03:00

110527

27th May 2011

Shabbat shalom dear friends
How are you? I hope you are well and looking forward to fine weather, sunshine and kinder times.

Rarely have I heard a more varied set of opinions than those concerning President Obama's speech prior to Prime Minster Netanyahu's arrival at the White House! He certainly dropped a "J" bomb when he suggested "retreating" to the '67 borders… could it be that he doesn't realize that means us giving Jerusalem, the Jewish Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Western Wall, Southern Wall, Ofel, Temple Mount and all the Christian sites that we negotiated with Jordan in exchange for peace after a mere 19 years that they were in Arab hands? Does he understand that there is no Palestinian people? Does he include my husband and many of his friends born into Mandate Palestine. When freezing building in the "settlements" he went further than Abu Mazen could have dreamed. We need YOUR voice to shout out to your representatives. Pastor Leo Giovinetti did it with his flock, now I want you and your synagogues and churches to do the same.

If you doubt the power of one look at the site of Philippe Karsenty of France. He fought against France 2 television after their rigging of the Mohammed Al Dura piece that convinced the world that a child was intentionally killed by IDF fire, when in fact he was not killed and there was no Israeli fire! Monsieur Karsenty fought, appealed and won; not that anyone on the Western media told you but France 2 is guilty of rigging a news item to intentionally disinform their viewers against Israel. http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/french-court-vindicates-al-dura-hoax-critic/
Philippe is now running for Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine Sarkozy's former constituency, and he needs the votes of anyone with French citizenship overseas. Go to his Facebook site and find out how!

I met Philippe through Barry and Carol Shaw. Barry and Carol came to Jerusalem with four purposes. To hold a meeting with Philippe; to be introduced by me to meet and discuss hasbara with Jurgen Buhler the delightful new Director of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem in their phenomenally beautiful home; to promote his excellent new book ISRAEL - RECLAIMING THE NARRATIVE www.israelnarrative.com and of course, to stand on our veranda to see the view.

I know that Jurgen Buhler will do a fantastic job because his heart is in the right place and his belief in Israel unquestionable. The outgoing Director, Rev. Malcolm Hedding is off to the United States but hardly leaving the Embassy behind and certainly continuing his incredible advocacy of Israel. Malcolm has spoken out for Israel for many years but of late the idea that Israel is an apartheid state has incensed him above all other accusations. A former South African who fought Apartheid with all his heart Malcolm is insulted that a free society such as Israel be compared to that oppressive and foul regime – thus insulting the Africans who fought so hard for their freedom. Malcolm, we wish you great success, happiness, fulfillment and await your return to the Jerusalem you love so much.

How can one compare the Palestinian Authority to Israel? An impossible question so vast its responses. I was taught that a society is as good as the way they treat their weakest members. These next two videos will explain that difference with need for further explanations. The first tells the story of a child with special needs taunted and persuaded to walk toward a group of IDF soldiers with an explosive belt strapped to himself and a detonator in his hand. The soldiers saw the belt, ducked and then gently took the button from his hand, disarmed him and took him to an Israeli hospital http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBgUCX9gEs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
The 2nd talks of Muhammad Kunbar and Jafar Tawil from the Arab neighbourhood of Beit Tsafafa, Jerusalem, mentally challenged young men who will represent Israel in the Special Olympics in Athens playing tennis. http://www.israeltenniscenter.com/htmls/my_story_muhammad_jafar.aspx?c0=13715&bsp=13448
One could point to the difference in the treatment of women, the IDF has appointed Major General Orna Barbiviai, mother of 3, the first Major General in the IDF
http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=222412

It's Maccabi time again! I love it when dear friends arrive from all over the world and gather in Kfar Maccabiah amid great celebration. The purpose is to plan the next Maccabiah but the warmth and joy of the Maccabiah family is exceptional. Allen and Maida Gerskup are here from Toronto and came to Jerusalem to see us before the big celebrations begin. They requested lunch in the Botanical Gardens, after my descriptions and were not disappointed! Not only did we get lots of OTH tasters because our neighbours daughter, the beautiful Gal, is a waitress there while studying, but because they know me! We sat beside the lake on a glorious balmy day, Oreganetto, sweet potato salads huge before us, and watched the display of children in various colour hats carrying Israeli and Jerusalem flags. As we left our delicious fare, Zvi stopped to ask one child from where they came. "Taibeh" was the response. Taibeh is an Israeli Arab town in the north of the country and here they were with their school, loving every moment of celebrating Jerusalem Day! Where are CNN and the BBC when you need them?

Jerusalem Day, a proud moment in our history when after 19 years of Jordanian rule Jerusalem was taken in a fierce series of battles culminating in the words of Motte Gur "Har haBayit beyadenu" The Temple Mount is in our hands. In the words of Chief of Staff Yitzchak Rabin
“I felt truly shaken and stood there murmuring a prayer for peace. Motta Gur’s paratroopers were struggling to reach the Wall and toudh it. We stood among a tangle of rugged, battle-weary men who were unable to believe their eyes or restrain their emotions. Their eyes were moist with tears, their speech incoherent. The overwhelming desire was to cling to the Wall, to hold on to that great moment as long as possible.”

Last night we went to Mamilla for supper with Deidre and Keith Beville who are here with The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council under the Directorship of Colin Rubenstein ‏http://www.aijac.org.au/?id=aboutaijac It was delightful sitting, talking about the world in the Café outside the very house that Theodore Herzl stayed in when he visited Jerusalem to speak with Kaiser Wilhelm; in the glorious city that we longed for and redeemed, on a wonderful soft Jerusalem evening with the full rainbow of humanity passing by in absolute freedom.

Gosh I am a lucky woman.
Shabbat Shalom and a memorable Jerusalem Day
With much love from Jerusalem, heart of our world
Sheila

Update letter - PM Netanyahus speech to Congress

2011-05-24T21:04:00.000+03:00

110524
24th may 2011

Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech before Congress may 24th 2011 received 50 rounds of applause and 30 standing ovations – yes I counted every one!!!! As you know I have not always been a fan of our current Prime Minister while never doubting his ability to speak brilliantly but today he said what is on our heart – OUR heart and I was very proud.
He said that we want peace above all but not at any price. We want recognition of our existence, we do not and will not give up on our capital city, we are the only democratic country in the Middle East and ironically the only Arabs who are free to demonstrate against their government are those who live in Israel! There were three subjects he did not raise which surprised me but it was a genius speech and his humour won the Congress.

My eyes were on Joe Biden whose hands were clearly seen behind the PM as he spoke. Mostly he applauded politely, several times he held himself back by grasping his hands together but ultimately his personal views broke through and he applauded heartily and then he stood to acknowledge the PM's words.
http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/PMSpeaks/speechcongress240511.htm

President Obamas speech prior to the PM's visit to the White House – don't be too quick to decry his words– look at them carefully and you will see that he is not giving into the Palestinians, indeed his words were careful but he made it clear that any land exchanges must ensure Israel's security and must include their recognizing the Jewish State of Israel. It appeared that his speech before AIPAC was softer because he had a Jewish audience but in fact that speech was also going before an American audience and he was very aware of the impact of those words too. http://www.cfr.org/israel/obamas-speech-aipac-conference/p16419

Prime Minister Netanyahu speech before AIPAC http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/PMSpeaks/speechaipac230511.htm

Finally a small contribution by me -Let Obama come to Mahane Yehuda and see the freedom of all the incredible varieties that make up Jerusalems rainbow of people. When I can achieve that same freedom in our neighbouring countries I will be ready to talk to them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae9m4Ahp1xs

With much love from a very proud Jerusalemite
As Bibi said "Israel has no better friend than America. And America has no better friend than Israel. We stand together to defend democracy. We stand together to advance peace. We stand together to fight terrorism."

Shabbat Shalom letter from jerusalem

2011-05-20T14:21:00.000+03:00

20th may 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear Friends. I decided, taking into consideration the current situation in the Middle East and the abominable misreading of the cultural, political, strategic and logical map by our world leaders, to see if you are more knowledgeable than they are and if you are, to understand why you aren't doing something about it? When was the last time you wrote to or lobbied your local politicians or congressmen about Israel? I am not talking about demonstrations because although they catch the headlines they don't get anything done! Anyway – I thought I would give you a question and answer test, not exactly multiple choice but you do have a choice of answer – then you get to hear what wonderful things happened in Jerusalem this week!!!! OK here goes!

1. Just one country was ever ratified by the United Nations and subsequently the condition that its borders be "safe and defensible" was added
Was it a) the Palestinian Authority or b) Israel
2. One "country" has in its declared statement of intent the complete annihilation of the other. Is it a) Israel or b) The Palestinian Authority
3. One country has successfully absorbed over 1,000% of its population all of whom were refugees from persecution and terror, at least 30% from Arab countries, while the other is the only "country"? in the world whose inhabitants are considered refugees for ever while those who flee dire and real oppression are not more than 2 years! Was it a) Israel or b) the Palestinian Authority
4. Which country has constantly given aid to the other and helped industry, agriculture, infrastructure and habitation of the other country even while under threat of terror attacks? The Palestinian Authority or Israel?
5. Was it Israel or the Palestinian Authority that sent rescue and medical teams to every corner of the earth when help was needed irrespective of diplomatic relations? A) Israel b) Palestinian Authority
6. Which country has complete religious freedom written into its laws and constitutional precepts and which country persecutes and kills Christians and has made their undeclared country Judenrein…. Sorry that one is obvious – no choice!
7. Which country has lied consistently and used Nazi material and cartoons to dehumanise and even demonise the Jews and the Jewish State? Israel or Palestine
8. Which country has a full democratically elected government without coercion or threats to those who demur? Israel or Palestine
9. Which country has taken the suffering of its inhabitants, from oppression in the past and terror in the present, and turned it into a productive, giving, economically successful country filled with initiative and innovation? Duh!!!
10. Which capital city has been ignored and diminished by constant governments by their refusal to place their Embassies in the Capital of the Jewish State despite, in the case of the USA a virtually unanimous vote in the Senate to do so? Jerusalem was never the Ottoman capital city – so it is not a return or they would have chosen Ramleh!!! Ooops sorry didn't give you the option of answering!
11. What is the only Jewish State in a sea, no an ocean of Islamic States?
12. Which country is an actual country with a centre of government and full civil service together with all the bureaucracy that comes with it and which country has been too busy hating to build anything including to form a country with viable leaders?
13. Finally – lucky thirteen. Which country would you want to live in? Want as your neighbour? Want to learn from? Want to live in? want to set as an example ot our children as to how they should look to the future with a strong and proud identity?

SO TELL ME – IF YOU KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS WHY AREN'T YOU SHOUTING THEM FROMT EH ROOFTOPS? WHY DO YOU ALLOW YOUR PRESS AND MEDIA TO DEMEAN AND DECRY A WONDERFUL LITTLE, TINY COUNTRY THAT JUST WANTS OT BE LEFT IN PEACE SURROUNDED BY VIOLENT ENEMIES?

Ok – tirade over. I just don't understand why President Obama, who is clearly a clever man, would allow his State Department advisors to influence him to the extent that he really believes that the Pals are the beleaguered ones and Israel the aggressor!!!!

This week Zvi and I have been sorting through his parent's apartment and found the most incredible things. Quite apart from his birth certificate and his parents curfew night permits from the Mandate period – again declaring them as Palestinians – we found letter from Alas parents and her friends in Lodz written in Polish, exquisite tiny autograph books in which her school friends wrote little signatures and messages; both Kalman and Alas medals and ribbons from their Hagana service during the War of Independence; photographs from Ala's high school, the Gimnasia Lodz; breathtaking documents all which we need to go through, separate and put into albums and decide what goes to Yad Vashem, what goes to the Museum of the Diaspora and what stays in the family. Such incredible lives representative of a generation that understood why Israel must exist and thrive, people who lost everything because there wasn't a Jewish State and who survived because they were prepared to fight for one, but not just anywhere, right here where we started from.

The weather has changed and the warmth is creeping into our days although the nights are still very crisp. Children roam the streets searching out any burnable piece of wood, loading supermarket trolleys with their treasures and heading off to any available clearing. Tomorrow night is l'ag b'Omer http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/42944/jewish/Lag-BaOmer.htm
The 33rd day of the counting of the Omer – precedent for Lent – which, despite the somber time of mourning between Passover and Shevuot we celebrate the saving of the disciples or students of Rabbi Akiva from a plague which raged throughout the area.

In Israel it is an excuse for a party – of course – and for children to stay up all night while eating the burnt offering otherwise known as barbeques. Parents occasionally drop in but once they reach the age of 8 or 9 they take care of each other, most staying close to home. Children here are safe, they are very independent and love to feel that they are "grown up" enough to be out all night. Bonfires and singing in true cumzitz style – from my perch above Jerusalem I see the bonfires like a myriad of stars on the ground, the air redolent with burning wood and sausages!

Don't forget dear friends, most of our religious festivals and celebrations are because we fought back and so survived – we have to pre-empt and make sure that everyone in the free world can answer the 13 questions properly without hesitation and don't make the mistake of thinking that it is not worth standing up because you are only one…………… if all the ones stood together and yelled we could make one heck of a din!!!! THE POWER OF ONE IS HUGE – THE POWER OF LOTS OF ONES IN UNIMAGINABLE.

Shabbat Shalom dear wonderful friends
With much love from Jerusalem our Capital City
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from jerusalem

2011-05-13T23:58:00.000+03:00

110513
Friday 13th May, 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, I hope this missive finds you well.

Isn't it strange how quickly one falls back into the swing of life? Zvi gets up at 05:30 each morning to go to morning prayers and will continue to do so for the next 11 months. He prays 3 times a day, chanting the mourners prayer as his father did for his brother and he did for his father, a last mark of respect for his late mother. Traditions are so important to Jewish continuity – if we do not continue with the traditions of our parents to teach our children, who will remember or respect them?

The headline says it all Satisfaction and stupefaction after Demjanjuk trial
Observers at the trial of John Demjanjuk expressed relief at the verdict, but many were stunned when the court ordered Demjanjuk’s release on the grounds of his age shortly afterwards. This most foul of human beings would have used his advanced age and health as an excuse to torture, slaughter and then burn people and should be treated accordingly. http://www.euronews.net/2011/05/12/satisfaction-stupefaction-after-demjanjuk-trial/

Nakba or catastrophe is what the Israeli Arabs call Israel's Independence. A bill just passed in the Knesset so that public money could not be used to fund anti-Israel demonstrations – even riots – in Arab villages and towns across the country. They, of course, suggest that such action is anti-democratic- I say it is self-preservation and logical. Imagine demonstrations in the USA against commemorating 9/11 or American Independence!
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Editorials/Article.aspx?id=220337&R=R6

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper makes no bones about his support for Israel. It cost him a position in the UN and he has absorbed discontent from some countries but he is a leader of a democratic country that supports the only democratic country in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebrations:

“Today, on the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s independence, I extend warm regards to the many Canadians who are celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut.

“Since its creation in 1948, the world has witnessed Israel’s unwavering dedication to affirm its right to exist and to achieve peace and security with its neighbours.

“This day offers an opportunity to remember the constant struggles facing Israel and its citizens, and to reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the bonds of our partnership. Through trade, investment and the exchange of knowledge in areas such as innovation, green technology, medicine and law, our nations can continue to grow together.

“Our Government understands the realities of the Middle East and we will not falter in our continued support of Israel, Canada’s friend and ally, in defending the values that both nations share – freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“As we celebrate the creation of the State of Israel and the return of the Jewish people to their homeland, I call on all Canadians to wish them peace and prosperity in the year ahead.”

Mr Harper leads Canada with his conscience not with an eye on the next election. Thank you Sir, thank you for being a true friend. To write to him pm@pm.gc.ca

Former Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik wrote a short article for the Jerusalem Post "10 good reasons to love Israel". Personally I could find hundreds but I thoroughly enjoyed her lighthearted thoughts for Independence Day. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=219804

Most of the cast of the hit TV medical series 'House", all excepting Hugh Laurie, came to Israel this week to experience Remembrance Day and Independence Day. From all reports they had a ball really touring and seeing everything to the delight of their local fans!

Two nights ago I went with Zvi's cousins Billy and Ruth to see the phenomenal sound and light show at the David's Tower Museum. First we walked through the old/new Mamilla Arcade and sat in Aroma to have a good cup of coffee and a famous Aroma sandwich. Walking through the Jaffa Gate one immediately comes upon the stately walls of the David's Tower, built by Suleiman the Magnificent, in the footsteps of those such a Allenby, Kaiser Wilhelm and Pope John-Paul, to enter the Museum on your right. The Museum itself is quite marvelous, situated at the Jaffa Gate, and the sound and light show is well worth seeing. The history of Jerusalem is portrayed through laser light show onto the ancient walls of the Citadel in a spectacular manner. One feels as if one lives history as the images and sounds surround you using innovative trompe l'oeil technology. Well worth a visit. http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/english/night_spectacular

My dear friends Yaffa and Martin Glass came from Leeds for a very special event. Their youngest son Rafi had his passing out parade after basic training in the IDF last night at the Western Wall. Emotional, nervous but above all very, very proud, they have been overwhelmed not only by their sons decision to come to Israel, his mother's birthplace, to pause his medical training and serve in the IDF but most of all by the warmth and attention a "lone soldier" receives. The ceremony was amazing, the young men and women glowing and most of all they were given the respect the so deeply deserve. Mum, of course, cried her eyes out in pride.

One tradition in Israel is to help mourners after the seven official days of mourning during which time the bereaved sit and receive friends and relatives in their home. The emptiness after the seven days can sometimes be worse than the actual Shiva week. Frida made her famous mushroom rice; Shula made kubeh soup bright pink from the beetroot base filled with delicious meat filled kubeh; Shoshanna arrived from downstairs with delicious stuffed vegetables; Danby could not be outdone and made a full meal of chicken soup, chicken wings, salads and dessert even preparing the noodles (lockshen) for the soup! Friends kindness and the sense that one is not alone in the world is very much part of Jewish tradition. Zvi's "buddies" from the synagogue (Bet Knesset) in Gilo ensured a quorum each evening for the services during the Shiva and embrace him each morning as he goes to pray and say the mourners kaddish. Sometimes in the evening Zvi goes to the "Shtibelech" in the Old Katamon neighbourhood. The Shtibelech or little synagogues, was built for the Jews who lived outside the Old City but did not have where to pray. Services are every 15 minutes day and night until midnight and working men come to fulfill their duty of praying thrice a day at a time which suits them.

So now, Israel is an exquisitely beautiful 63 year old lady; ever wiser, ever more open to learning and to giving. As she learns and gains more knowledge she teaches the world fulfilling her promise of Tikkun Olam. This is an inquisitive nation which will not take no for an answer. We do not dwell on tragedy, although we do not forget it either. We use our past to build our future and to teach our children to be strong and successful.

Lag b'Omer is around the corner and huge bonfires are being built – we all hang on to our wooden structures lest they disappear during the night!!!! There is a Hebrew expression "kol siba l'mesiba" every reason for a party – that is the difference between Israelis and our neighbours – we build we don't destroy – we rejoice what we have we don't wreak revenge for what we don't.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. We wish you a peaceful Sabbath and a truly wonderful week. With much love from Jerusalem, not 63 years old but 3,000+ and without a wrinkle in her pure white skin.
Love
Sheila

--

Independence Day in Jerusalem

2011-05-09T17:29:00.000+03:00

110509
Mon, 9 May 2011
5th of Iyyar, 5771 -
Yom HaZikaron - Israel at 63 - 20th day of the Omer

The only sound one could sense over the mournful wailing of the siren was the fluttering of the flag high on its flagpole on our veranda with the view over Jerusalem.
Standing to attention together with the entire nation Billy and I, heads bowed, sensed the weight of Israel's bereavement, the grief of so many young lives lost to a struggle we did not invite nor do we want with neighbours who wish only for our demise.

Remembrance Day in Israel has a solemnity and unity rarely seen. It is not a few who honour our fallen around a monument or cemetery, it is a nation of stopped buses and cars – no restaurants or places of entertainment. Zvi and Ruth, Billy's wife from Mexico, were in the market and experienced the eerie sensation of a world standing still in that crowded place that only seconds before and after were bustling hives of humanity. In a few hours the face of grief will drop from our public face and the joy of Independence will take its place, almost like theatrical masks which change from tragedy to comedy. To hear and see Israel go to
http://www.iba.org.il/ http://www.iba.org.il/world/ http://www.janglo.net/component/option,com_adsmanager/page,display/tid,145780/catid,99/Itemid,361 http://www.israeltoday.co.il/tabid/178/nid/22781/Default.aspx and of course each year I make you cry with pride http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEBgtEGlCDw

Ruth and Billy will go to the National Ceremony on Mount Herzl with Rosa and Bernardo since Zvi is in the 30 days of mourning for his late Mother. The lighting of the beacons is both beautiful and deeply symbolic. The lighters come from all walks of life and are those who changed our society for the better. Holocaust survivor Michael Goldman Gilad, who still bears the Auschwitz number 161135 on his arm; Physicist and former Refusenik Zeev Dashevsky ; MK Matityahu Drobeles, who headed the Settlement Department of the Jewish Agency ; Orit Dror of Kibbutz Lavi lost her 15-year-old son Netzer and donated his organs thus saving other lives; Sa’ar Shapira, a volunteer firefighter will be joined in the ceremony by Arij Rahab, the first female Druse officer in the Prisons Service. Col. (res.) Omer Bar-Lev, who was a General Staff commander in the IDF, today chairs Aharei (After Me), an organization dedicated to persuading youth from peripheral communities to join the army; Hosha Friedman Ben- Shalom, a colonel in the reserves who does 165 days a year of reserve duty and heads the pre-military training school Beit Israel, which has a mixed religious-and-secular student body; Zahava Dankner, who engages in numerous volunteer activities particularly in beleaguered Southern Israel; Gadi Bashari, founder of the Sweet Heart organization, which assists soldiers, the disabled, and new immigrants of every background; Yobi Teshuma, who immigrated from Ethiopia in 1984 and in 2005 founded Friends in Nature, an organization committed to helping Ethiopian immigrants; and American immigrant Barbara Goldstein, the deputy director of the Hadassah Office in Israel, who has been a fervent Zionist all her life and Moishe Holzberg, whose parents Gavriel and Rivka were killed in Mumbai Habad together with his grandfather Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg.

There the transformation from tragedy to comedy is most noticeable as the music changes and soldiers parade with their company flags to change the guard after which the young dancers and musicians of Israel will take on their role and Israel celebrates with music, fun, fireworks and pride. We move seamlessly into a nation of barbeques and parties determinedly moving forward while always holding our grief in its special and private place.

For Zvi last week passed in a haze of hundreds of visitors to his parents tiny apartment to pay their respects to Kalman and Alla Raviv, two phenomenal people, true representatives of a selfless generation of nation builders; students, pupils and fellow teachers; friends and admirers from a different way of life when people thought only of the common good and not of their own.

Zvi related incredible stories of their life and heard new ones. He found his parents marriage certificate from the British Mandate and his own birth certificate – both of which proclaimed both he and his parents as Palestinians; he found his Mothers baccalaureate certificate from the Lodz Gymnasia and the breast-feeding report of the local nurse for his Mother. Incredible memories as Former PM Ehud Olmert and Mayor Nir Barkat came to comfort Zvi. Former Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik came and told wonderful tales of the days when she and Alla were political rivals and friends learned incredible new stories that made my husband the man he is. The seven days of mourning are a time of story telling and prayer; of respect and even humour; of open grieving. As the Shiva came to an end we went to the cemetery to part from Alla as she was finally reunited with her Kalman laying side by side in a beautiful tree lined section for those rare people named "Yakirey Yerushalyim" literally those dear to Jerusalem – exceptional people. On Kalmans gravestone Zvi wrote the names of his family that perished in the Holocaust and have no graves and that is what he will do for his Mother – two lonely people who found each other and loved each other as only those who have lost everything can know to love. May their souls rest in peace - together again.

As we lead toward our joyful Independence Day don't forget those who gave their lives to make it possible. Cherish every second of independence for it is under constant threat.

Chag Atzma'ut Sameach – Happy Independence Day
With love from Jerusalem - festooned with blue and white flags
Sheila

Alla Raviv z'l - Eshet Chayil

2011-04-30T18:36:00.000+03:00

MY MOTHER-IN-LAW, ALLA RAVIV, WOMAN OF WORTH

Born on September,18th, 1913, in Lodz, Poland, Leah Hendler did not realise what a fascinating life lay in front of her. Her travels began when she was only five months old. Her family, father Meir, mother Golda and big brother, four year old Shmuel, fearing the already extreme antisemitism of their homeland, left Poland for the relative security of life in Russia.

Since the name Leah was difficult to the tongue of a small child, so she called herself Alla. Her mother, an exceptional woman of her times, understanding the future of the Jewish people, decided that despite the stringent anti-religious laws of post-revolutionary Russia she would bring a Hebrew teacher into their home, through the back entrance, so that her children could learn Hebrew. She talked always of the home land in far off Palestine and of the Jewish dream of a State of Israel. Times became more difficult for the family in Russia, Meir was taken to prison by the Communists for being bourgeoise, for being successful. His wife and children never knowing if he would be alive or dead at their next prison visit. By the age of 10 Alla found herself back in Lodz, Poland, the family having lost everything in Russia. The young girl had to accustom herself to the strange environs of a Polish school. New language and new atmosphere. Based upon their Mothers insistence upon teaching her children Hebrew Alla and Shmuel gained entrance to the top schools in Lodz, the Jewish Gymanasia, with rarely achieved scholarships.

Both children studied well and achieved high marks. After the Baccalaureate Alla made up her mind that she wanted to study Pharmacy at the University in Vilna. There was a problem however, Jews were banned from studying sciences or medicine. In an every increasingly antisemitic Poland. The University accepted her to study Classics. The ban and the clear antisemitism that it signified worried Alla. That night, as she was packing her clothes for University, she expressed her concerns. Her mother simply unpacked her daughters bags and they made the decision together, Alla would go to study at the newly formed Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

It was a long and lonely journey. Her future unknown, Alla spent her time learning to sew so that she would have a skill if she didn't find a job. Over the next years she used that skill to repair her own clothes as they grew old and frayed. She tutored children in Hebrew, she scrubbed floors and cleaned bathrooms at the University all to pay for her studies and her meagre keep. Alla worked as a school secretary in Jerusalem, girl Friday to the headmaster.

Alla went back to Lodz once. She went to see her parents after feeling her letters were not sufficient to tell them of the handsome young man who had won her heart, Kalman Raviv, Mandate Policeman number 81, spy for the Hagana. On that visit to her family Alla saw the horrors of the future beginning to take a firm hold. She begged her family to leave Poland, to join her in the fledgling country of Israel and they promised to come soon, in a little while. They did not come for Allas wedding to Kalman, held on the roof of her cousins home in Tel Aviv arriving by bus rather than carriage, carefully repairing her torn skirt on the journey so as not to embarrass her beau. By the time Allas first son Zvi was born in 1945 her entire family had died in the torture of Auschwitz at the hands of the Nazis.

Alla chose to work, to fulfil all the great ambitions that her mother had set for her. From acting school secretary she became a replacement teacher; from replacement teacher she won a permanent position. She, together with her lifes' partner Kalman, headed the Teachers Union in Jerusalem. Alla went on to be a headmistress, one of the most famous, and beloved in the City. She has won every award possible from the City for her community service and her outstanding work.

This woman who had lost everything, her parents and brother to the Nazi horror; her younger son to a road accident, never gave up or felt sorry for herself. She lived to give reason and purpose to the lives of others in the country that she so loved. At the age of 87 she, together with her lifes partner Kalman, was still active in running a social and learning group for some three hundred retired teachers.

Alla Raviv is the shining example of what every woman should try to attain. To turn every obstacle into a rung up the ladder; to spend the energy wasted upon crying and moaning to build a stronger future to justify the pain of the past. Her relationship with her beloved husband was one of two people who had only each other – both of their families had been erased by the horror of the Holocaust.

She became as a Mother to me, understanding all to well what it meant to lose ones mother at a young age. She and Kalman took me under their wings, wings so wise and kind. Her last words to Zvi were to tell him how handsome he was, not a word of complaint about herself.

Alla left behind her a wonderful legacy of school children who became educators, a deeply respected and loved son who learned to give to his community and country; Amiad and Leor her two adoring grandsons; Amit and Gili her two little grand-daughters. Alla was loved by my own children and grandchildren who will also miss her dearly. She will be missed more than one can imagine but she left the world is a better place for Alla Raviv having been in it.

Alla Raviv, aged 97, woman of worth, Eshet Chayil, I loved you very much.

26th Nissan, 5771

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-04-22T15:09:00.000+03:00

110422

21st April, 2011

SHABBAT SHALOM AND A PEACEFUL AND CONTEMPLATIVE EASTER.

I APOLOGISE FOR THE CAPITAL LETTERS BUT SINCE I SENT MY COMPUTER FOR REPAIR AND REMOVAL OF A PART I DIDN'T NEED IN the FIRST PLACE - I DON'T HAVE A WORKING 'SHIFT' BUTTON --- WE WILL OVERCOME.

THE JEWISH WORLD IS IN TURMOIL AS HEZB-ALLAH WARNS THAT THEY WILL ATTACK US WHEREVER WE ARE IN THE WORLD – ESPECIALLY ISRAELIS WHO ARE OVERSEAS. WHILE WORLD LEADERS ARE TIED UP WITH THE VARIOUS 'REBELLIONS' IN MANY OF OUR NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HEZB-ALLAH IS TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO THREATEN BRINGING ARAB CHAOS TO YOUR COUNTRY. IF ISRAELIS ARE KILLED OR HARMED THAN YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THAT THE MEDIA WILL CLAIM IT IS OUR FAULT.......... AND EVEN MORE SO IF THERE IS 'COLLATERAL DAMAGE'. THEY SPREAD THEIR EVIL THICKLY ON THE BREAD AND BUTTER OF THEIR JEWISH DEHUMANISATION.

THE ARAB WORLD IS IN TURMOIL AS DEMONSTRATORS FIGHT EVIL TYRANTS AND ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS WAIT IN THE WINGS FOR THE HIATUS BETWEEN CORRUPT GOVERNMENT AND REFORM IN ORDER TO JUMP IN AND TAKE OVER – ENSURING THE 'IRANISATION' OF THE REMAINING RELATIVELY SECULAR STATES. ISRAEL IS NOT THE ONLY TARGET OF THESE ORGANISATIONS BUT WE MAKE A REASONABLE FIRST COURSE.......... EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS ARE THE SOUP AND THE GREAT USA THE MAIN DISH. WE NEED TO ACT BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE GREAT LEADERS NEEDED TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS – GREAT MEN LIKE WINSTON CHURCHILL.

THE RED CROSS ADMITS THAT THERE IS NO HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA – FINALLY. http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=217460

JOURNALISTS ARE UNDER INTENSE ATTACK IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE HATRED FOR THE WEST IS EXPRESSED IN ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110421/media_nm/us_media_journalists_1

KHALED ABU TOAMEH IS A RARE JOURNALIST WHO WRITES AND SPEAKS THE TRUTH OF WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD. HE BRINGS ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT DESPITE A PA BAN ON PALESTINIANS WORKING IN THE 'SETTLEMENTS' MANY DO AND THEY EARN TWICE AS MUCH AS THEY CAN WORKING FOR ARABS. http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=217506&R=R3

JUSTIN BIEBER CAME TO ISRAEL AND ARGUED WITH THE PAPARAZZI – TWITTERING WILDLY ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE PRIVATE TIME IN HIS RELIGIOUS SITES. HE THEN CANCELLED HIS APPOINTMENT WITH OUR PRIME MINISTER BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO MEET CHILDREN FROM SDEROT WHO WERE TO BE AT THE MEETING SAYING THE REQUEST WAS TOO POLITICAL AND THEN CLAIMED THAT MR NETANYAHU WAS TO BLAME. C'MON JUSTIN – MEETING CHILDREN WHO HAVE SPENT TEN YEARS IN BOMB SHELTERS TO GIVE THEM A SMILE IS TOO POLITICAL........... BET YOU WOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT ANYWHERE ELSE.

ISRAELI WINES HAVE COME A LONG LONG WAY SINCE THE DAYS OF SICKLY SEET KIDDUSH WINES. DANIEL ROGOV, EPICURE AND WINE MAVEN, IS A VERY TOUGH MAN TO PLEASE BUT HE WAS DELIGHTED WITH A NEW WINERY CALL ASIF. SEE WHAT HE HAS TO SAY AND ORDER SOME. http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=38753&sid=4e0619051ab28fa65e7f25d97e392208

MY DEAR FRIEND RABBI JEREMY ROSEN LOVES QUESTIONING AND DELVING INTO JUDAISM WITH RARE CURIOUSITY. THIS WEEK HE APPROACHES THE QUESTION OF 'KITNIOT' OR PULSES ON PASSOVER – THE GREAT SEFARDI/ASHKENAZ DIVIDE. WELL WORTH READING, AS ALWAYS.
http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.com/

SEDER NIGHT WAS WONDERFUL. WE HAD FAMILY AND 'LIKE' FAMILY AS WE SAT AROUND RELIVING THE TRADITIONS OF HISTORY, RETELLING THE STORY AND RECOGNISING OURLIFE AS FREE PEOPLE.......... NO LONGER SLAVES AND NEVER AGAIN TO BEND TO THE WILL OF OTHERS. OUR DINNER SERVICE, THE LAST REMNANT OF KALMANS – ZVI'S FATHER – LIFE IN POLAND, WAS SAVED FOR ANOTHER DAY SINCE WITH 25 PEOPLE AND MANY CHILDREN WE CHOSE TO USE DISPOSABLE DISHES.............. EXCEPT FOR THE CHICKEN SOUP OF COURSE.

AS SOON AS OUR TABLES WERE SET AND THE FOOD COOKED I WENT TO THE NEIGHBOURS TO CHECK ON THEIR DISHES AND GIVE AND RECEIVE HUGS AS WE ALL WISH EACH OTHER 'CHAG PESACH KASHER V'SAMEACH'. OUR GUESTS ARRIVED WITH GREAT EXPECTATIONS OF A MEMORABLE EVENING. IRA AND VALERY ARRIVED FIRST WITH TOMER AND SHELLY. NO SOONER WAS TOMER THROUGH THE DOOR WHEN HE ASKED WHO WOULD ASK THE FOUR QUESTIONS ' MA NISHTANA' SINCE NOW HE WAS BAR MITZVA HIS YEARS AS THE PRIMARY QUESTIONER WERE OVER – WE PROMISED HIM THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE LITTLE CHILDREN HE WAS STILL ALLOWED TO 'HELP' THEM. AS IT TURNED OUT ZVI'S LITTLE GRAND-DAUGHTER AMIT AND HER NEW BEST FRIEND NAAMA FROM HAIFA DID IT ON THEIR OWN – PROUDLY SITTING ON SABA-DOD'S KNEE. FOR SOME GUESTS IT WAS THEIR FIRST 'REAL' SEDER AND THEY LOVED THE SCENTS OF THE TRADITIONAL FOODS AND AT THE EXQUISITE SEDER DISH THAT CAME FROM MY PARENTS HOME. AFTER THE FOUR QUESTIONS CAME THE RECITATION OF THE STORY THEN BLESSINGS ARE MADE OVER THE MATZA, THE WINE, THE PARSLEY IN SALT WATER, THE GREATED HORSERADISH TO REPRESENT THE BITTER TIMES, MY ZEIDY'S CHAROSIS – COMBINING – WHICH IS MADE IN BULK SINCE EVERYBODY WANTS MORE – AND FINALLY THE FOOD........ THEN A QUICK VISIT FROM THE ELIJAH, THANKING G-D FOR OUR MEAL AND THEN THE SONGS. WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL VERSION OF ONE SONG 'CHAD GADYA' – ONLY ONE KID. AS WE SING OF THE KID, CAT,DOG, ETC ETC WE MAKE ANIMAL OR FIRE ENGINE NOISES APPROPRIATE TO EACH VERSE ENDING WITH A HUGE CHEER AS G-D SAVES US ALL.

AS I GO ON MY MORNING WALK AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD EVERYONE SMILES 'CHAG SAMEACH – BOKER TOV' AS WE TRY TO WORK OFF OUR CONSTANT MATZA SNACKS. PARKS ARE FILLED WITH PORTABLE BARBEQUES, FATHERS WIELDING SPECIAL PLASTIC FANS TO ENSURE A GOOD BLAZE, MOTHERS TAKING A WELL EARNED REST AND CHILDREN AMUSING EACH OTHER AS THEY TURN THE PATHS INTO CYCLE TRACKS AND PLAY ON THE GRASS. EVERY SINGLE SPACE IN THE FOREST, HILLS AND ROADSIDES IS BARBEQUE WORTHY AS FAMILIES ENJOY THE OPEN SPACES AND THE WONDERFUL SPRING WEATHER – NOT TOO HOT AND NOT TOO COLD. HOTELS ARE FULL TO OVERFLOWING AND THE MALLS AND ARCADES ARE FILLED WITH HAPPY FOLK – SOME SURPRISED AT THE CHANGE AND SOMEWHAT LIMITED MENUS OF FINE RESTAURANTS.

I JUST WENT ONTO THE VERANDA AS A GUST OF WIND BLEW DOWN A PLANT POT AND I BREATHED IN THE RICH SCENT EMITTED BY THE MASSES OF WHITE ORANGE BLOSSOM ON OUR INCREDIBLY SMALL ORANGE TREE. AS I LINGERED IN MY FAVOURITE SPOT I WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT THE TRAFFIC IS LESSENING AND JERUSALEM IS WINDING DOWN AS IF HOLDING HER BREATH AS SHABBAT NEARS. THIS IS AN AMAZING CITY IN EVERY SENSE. THE SHEER VARIETY OF HER RESIDENTS AND THE VIVACITY OF A MILLION DISCUSSIONS – BIBLICAL, POLITICAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ALL CARRIED OUT WITH MUCH HEAT AND GESTURING, EVEN AS THEY LEAVE THE SHOPPING MALL. SLOWLY SLOWLY THE NOISE OF HUMANKIND ABATES AS THE BRIDAL VEIL OF SHABBAT 'SHALOM' FALLS OVER THE GOLDEN CITY OF JERUSALEM

IT HAS TAKEN TWO THOUSAND YEARS TO RETURN FROM OUR DISPERSAL AND COMPLETE OUR FREEDOM FROM BEING SLAVES AND UNDERDOGS. WE WILL NEVER EVER BE SLAVES AGAIN BUT WE NEED YOU TO PLAY YOUR PART TOO. ONLY THE SILENT BECOME SLAVES AND THIS PESACH LET'S PLEDGE TO ENSURE NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM – B'SHANA HA BA'AH BE YERUSHALYIM HA B'NUYA.

CHAG PESACH SAMEACH – A TRULY BLESSED EASTER
WITH LOVE FROM JERUSALEM
SHEILA

The Survivors Haggadah - Solly Ganor

2011-04-20T17:43:00.000+03:00

We must never forget - we must always remember our slavery under the Nazis.

The Fabulous Survivor's Passover Haggadah.

By Solly Ganor

Munich, April 12, 1946

"There is no such thing as a “bad” or 'good' exile. Every exile leads to extinction." Holocaust survivor Sheinson.

The harsh winter of 1946 in Munich was coming to an end. Spring was in the air and the Passover holiday was approaching. For us, Holocaust survivors, it was of tremendous significance. It was our first Passover Seder after our liberation. We were going to celebrate a double holiday of Freedom. One for the exodus of the Jews from Egypt and the other, our Exodus from Hitler's concentration camps. Yet the two events were vastly different. Moses managed to bring the whole Jewish people to freedom, whereas only a fraction of European Jewry survived the Holocaust. What were we to do? Spend the rest of our lives mourning for our nearest and dearest? The calamity was so enormous that had we mourned for a thousand years, it would not even make the tiniest dent in our grief. We also knew that those who perished wouldn't want us to do that. Their expressed wish was never to forget them, but to go on with our lives, rebuild the Jewish nation from scratch in our own homeland in Israel.

The debate of what should be the fate of the Sheerit Hapleta (the saved remnant) was going on in the DP camps all over Germany. Most of us were still in shock of the incredible liberation, when we were convinced that the Nazis would finish us off before their end came. Most of us were in a forced denial trying to shut out the gruesome experiences that no human being should have ever been subjected to. We couldn't function without that denial. The black hole of the Holocaust trauma would have swallowed us alive. But there was one thing that the majority agreed upon, that there is no other place for us, but Eretz Israel.

The project of the survivors Haggadah was born in Munich and the person whose brainchild it was, was my father's friend Sheinson. He had the idea that we survivors should have our own Haggadah, different from the traditional one. He was a fellow survivor from Lithuania, and he literally became obsessed with the project. Some thought it was a way of trying to forget what happened to him and his family. Not only did he write much of the text, but was involved in all the phases of its complicated logistics. He often consulted fellow Lithuanian Jews, among them my father, but he always made his final decision what to include and what to exclude from the Haggadah. I remember some of the arguments involving the text, as he advocated Allyah to Israel as the only way remaining to us survivors. Especially one sentence was objected by some: He wrote in Yiddish: “Nito kein shlechter oder guter goles. Yeder goles firt zum untergang.” (There is no such thing as a “bad” or 'good' exile. Every exile leads to extinction.) You must understand, that there were those among us, who were tired, dispirited, mourning after their nearest and dearest who perished in the Holocaust. The idea of going to Israel to face strife, hard work and war, after what they went through was impossible to accept. They simply couldn't take it anymore. Those of us who were determined to make Aliyah, could understand them. They simply didn't have it in them to continue to struggle indefinitely, as the struggle in Eretz Israel seemed to indicate. Still, Sheinson included that sentence, despite some protests.

The person who worked tirelessly to help us was U.S. Army chaplain Rabbi Abraham Klausner. He played an important role in all phases of our existence in Bavaria. From helping to establish the Central Committee of Liberated Jews in Bavaria, to founding the first Yiddish newspaper (Unzer Weg).

My father, who was one of the founders of the first Hebrew school in Munich and a member of the Central Committee, couldn't praise Rabbi Klausner enough for all he did for us survivors.

It was Rabbi Klausner who helped with the logistics of having the Haggadah printed. The printing of the Haggadah was done by a group that called itself “Achida.” They were fellow survivors from Kovno Ghetto, who tried to avoid getting involved in the politics of the Yishuv in Eretz Israel. Ironically, the Haggadah was printed by a former Nazi printing house named Bruckman, who published during the war Nazi propaganda.

The two editors of Unzer Weg, Levi Shalit and Israel Kaplan, both fellow Lithuanians, took the Haggadah to Rabbi Klausner who accepted it and had it printed through army press facilities. There were some changes introduced by Klausner. The new cover was emblazoned with the tricolor insignia, in the middle of which there was a large white capital A, for the Third Army. (The army of occupation of Bavaria.) There was a poetic two-page introduction in English by Rabbi Klausner.

“And the khaki-clad sons of Israel commanded by Lt. General Trust gathered together as was the custom in Israel, to celebrate the Passover Festival.”

Was the first sentence of the part of the Haggadah. The next page said in small letters: “We were slaves to Hitler in Germany”

Following was a Hebrew version and a Yiddish version of the Haggadah. Some of it was traditional text, but much was written by Sheinson's anguished soul, reflecting the anger of the horrors inflicted on us and hope for a new life in Eretz Israel.

Here is a passage in the Haggadah that Sheinson wrote. It is full of bitterness and irony towards the world.

“When the righteous among the nations of the world saw that Hitler had decided to exterminate Israel, their great assembly came together and out of their great sorrow decided to keep silent. And the righteous among them say: How can we in our weakness save Israel from the hands of the evil man! Perhaps this is the hand of G-d and who are we to interfere in the conduct of this world. And the people see how Israel is swimming in their blood and they pass by. And the children of Israel groaned and cried out but were not heard. And they cried out to the Lord, the G-d of their fathers, who saw their suffering and oppression, and their cry went up. And that man of evil, Hitler, made instruments of destruction which he sent across the sea, killing many. Babies were being killed and still no one knew what to do about it. Finally, the enemies of that man of evil grew indignant, and they girded themselves and unleashed against that man of evil and his people great wrath, rage and fury, disaster, and a band of avenging angels, afflicting them with two hundred and fifty plagues. And G-d hardened Hitler's heart. And instruments of destruction, and eagles of iron and copper shower fire and brimstone upon his garrison cities, killing man and beasts alike.

And a multitude of chariots, as plenty as the sands of the sea, sweep across the land of the evil man, and destroy him, and the Holocaust survivors (Sheerit Hapletah, the saved remnant) are rescued and redeemed.

When peace came down on earth, the people of Israel were gathering. The surviving remnants were coming out of the caves, out of forests, and out of death camps, returning to the land of their exile. The people of those lands greeted them and said: We thought you were no longer alive, and here you are, so many of you. And they sent the survivors all sorts of messages, telling them to leave the land, even killing them. And the people of Israel ran for their lives; they were sneaking across borders only to be robbed of everything they had. And they abandoned their homes, and they saved their lives, and they went to Bavaria in order to go up to our Holy Land.”

Y.D. Sheinson

* * * * * *

This is but a small example of what is written in the Haggadah, we called survivor's Haggadah, but some, rightfully, call it Sheinson's Haggadah.

The full text of the Haggadah with an inspiring introduction by Professor Saul Touster can be obtained from the American Jewish Historical Society, in New York. ID # ISBN 0-911934-50-2

I would like to add that what makes the Haggadah even more unique are the printings of the original woodcuts surrounding each page. It was supplied by a superb artist and fellow survivor, Miklos Adler.

Ramat Hasharon Israel

April 18, 2011

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-04-15T13:30:00.000+03:00

110415
April 15th, 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear friends – countdown is on!!!

No news this week, just a happy Shabbat Shalom. My hands are too careworn from Pesach cleaning to type!

Jerusalem is so clean! I swear that the white stones are glistening, the streets gleaming and the parks have not one sweet wrapper on the ground as we prepare for the last run-up to Passover!!! Despite the wonderful orange blossom on the trees the predominant scent is of cleaning fluids!

The shouk, Mahane Yehuda, is buzzing and the multi-coloured mountains of newly picked fruit and vegetables are grabbed as if going out of style. In the markets the fish are jumpin' in the springtime too. Carp, traditionally used to make gefilte fish, is so fresh that it is bought alive and I won't describe the other part! Remember the supermarket I went to last week that had nothing on the shelves because they were cleaning them all? Well this week even the wide passageways were filled to overflowing and the streets around Givat Shaul were lined with huge delivery trucks trying hard to keep up with demand!

I have not seen my neighbours for a week or two, but I can hear them. The constant hum of vacuum cleaners and furniture being dragged to clean behind, the thud of carpet beating on verandas and the sound of scrubbing as apartments and houses are prepared for Passover. The sense of spiritual cleansing is deep in our souls and the excitement of the new and fresh days to come make it all worthwhile. However – it is important to remember that Passover is the festival that celebrates our delivery from slavery so please – don't overdo it!

Seder – the order of reading the story of the Exodus from Egypt is brilliantly put together. We eat herbs; we bless the wine; the children ask four essential questions “Why is this night different from all other nights” pertaining to our behaviour on this night; the host then reads the story to explain to the children so that they will also make their nights different to all other nights and respect our incredible achievements for a nation that has been in slavery not once but many times.

We eat unleavened bread – to appreciate the simple essentials of life of a free man
We eat a hard boiled egg in salt water – to celebrate new life embodied in an egg combined with the tears we shed in slavery.
We eat bitter herbs, herbs and a delicious combination – to remember the bitterness, to celebrate the green of new growth and to remember the cement between the stones of the incredible structures we built in slavery.
We eat........... and eat............ and eat........... and eat!!! Oh yes, predominantly we eat after reading the story and then we thank G-d for what we have eaten, we put out wine for the Prophet Elijah who visits each home (not down the chimney though) and then we sing special songs.

This year we have another international Seder with guests from California, Mexico, Florida, Cuba, Puerto Rica, Canada, Philippines, Russia, Wales (that's me) and of course........................JERUSALEM!!!

Usually I describe the aromas but today I want to tell you about the sounds of Seder. Each family has its own traditions and after the dispersion they absorbed the music, sounds and prayers of their host nations, bringing them back to Israel together with the wonderful mixture of foods. Here the melting pot is different to other places, other countries – we didn't emigrate or immigrate – we came home. As I look over Jerusalem, waiting for our guests and family to arrive I wonder at the panorama which presents itself before my eyes. “The View from my Veranda”. What an amazing country this is; what an amazing city this is and we built it, we rebuilt it and we are indeed an exceptional people to have done so against all odds. Even those who agreed to our homecoming didn't think we could survive and look at us now! We didn't just survive – we thrive! We thrive despite political, diplomatic and heart wrenching terror because we are meant to be here and we know it.

9 years ago Naomi Ragen and her family decided to go to Netanya for Passover, so that they would be in a hotel and she would work less. Thank G-d Naomi and her family were saved but horribly traumatised – others were not so lucky. A homicide bomber walked into the Park Hotel, Netanya and blew himself up turning a happy throng into a war zone. The UN condemns Israel for attacking civilians – so what in G-d's name was this? As we sit down to our Seder night we must remember those who did not reach the table but were struck down by hatred, again. http://www.naomiragen.com/2002/04/26/passover-massacre/

So, back to Jerusalem and the insanity of pre-Pesach buying! This morning we raced out early to a very religious supermarket in the Romema neighborhood which always has the “non-legume” goods that I search out. Interestingly enough in this neighborhood it is the men who wander confused around the supermarket carefully following the list of goods their wives have carefully written – of course adding a few extra sweets, chocolates, nuts and various luxury items that the wives omitted! Beards and sidecurls flying they race from row to row carefully reading each label for the type of Kashrut (Rabbinical approval) and whether it may be for Eastern Jews who are allowed to each “kitniot” or pulses. The piles of food grow and grow to feed the huge families and the supermarket check-out girls – also religious – wait for the end of the seemingly endless days.

I must go and attend to my own piles of food and empty cupboards cleaned and lined. I was fascinated to discover that while most people give their “hametz' or leavened goods to a Rabbi to dispose of, in Givat Zeev, where my daughter lives, they give all the perfectly good and healthy “hametz' to Arabs in a nearby village. Such cruel settlers eh?

Cary, in far of California, asked me what Jerusalemites say on Seder Night since the whole Jewish world invokes the prayer “Next Year in Jerusalem” at the end of the Passover Seder (literally means order but has become a term for the meals at which we recite the story of Exodus) but we are already here. Cary dear, the prayer is not just a selfish prayer, it is a prayer for the whole Jewish people. Here we it sing with extra gusto so that you will come here too - “NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM” ......... next year and the year after that and the year after that and after that and after that............ ad infinitum. AMEN

I wish you a happy and kasher Pesach – with love from Jerusalem where it all started!

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

2011-04-08T13:37:00.000+03:00

110408

8th of April 2011

Shabbat Shalom dear Friends

CALUMNY
cal·um·ny (klm-n)
1. A false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation.
2. The utterance of maliciously false statements; slander.
MK Danny Danon initiated a lawsuit which will be submitted to US District Court in NY: “The distorted picture of the State of Israel that Goldstone generated harmed, harms and will continue to harm Israel."

Maurice Ostroff has known Richard Goldstone for many years, from their days in the South African Jewish community. Maurice gives an entirely different perspective to the “Goldstone Affair”. http://www.2nd-thoughts.org/id324.html

Two of the people killed in the air attack on a car in the Sudan were Hamas senior operatives responsible for armament shipments to Gaza........ their lives wreaked havoc with the lives of two peoples, their own and ours. Now they answer to a greater power than oil money.

Ironically after killing the men who masterminded the arming of Hamas in Gaza, an Iranian missile of greater strength and accuracy then previously known was directly aimed at an Israeli schoolbus, badly injuring the one child remaining on the bus. The boy, aged 16, was not a regular passenger on the bus, which had already safely delivered children to their homes, but asked for a lift to go and see his grandmother nearby. His injuries are serious but the schrapnel which pierced his brain is considered less invasive than originally thought. We wish him a speedy return to visit his grandmother.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4053704,00.html

While the South of Israel suffers constant bombardment with rockets from Gaza the “Iron Dome” rocket defence system showed its mettle yesterday as iit successfully halted a rocket aimed at Ashkelon while it was still in mid-air. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4053837,00.html

Alexander Mashevich intends creating “an Israeli Al-Jazeera” 24 hour news channel which will "represent Israel on an international level, with real information." At last – at last. http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishNews/Article.aspx?id=215498

The Toronto Star, not known for open reporting, this week gave a wonderful report of the Israeli field hospital in earthquake torn Japan. The reporter was amazed at the speed and efficiency with which our tiny country came, once again, to the rescue – giving of herself with generosity unknown in far richer and certainly bigger countries.

“Forty countries around the world approached Japan and offered their (medical) assistance. We were the only ones to come,” said Dr. Ofer Merin by phone from the remains of Minami-Sanriku, seven hours north of Tokyo. “It’s a real privilege.” http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/969049--porter-israeli-field-hospital-carries-on-inspiring-work-in-japan

Pesach is nigh!!! the constant sound of vacuum cleaners, the beating of carpets on verandas and of course the air redolent with various cleaning fluids herald the festival of spring cleaning. I went to the supermarket the other day in search of specific items. I did very well in the well stocked fruit and vegetable department and the cleaning materials department seemed to have grown but when I got to the main supermarket I found a flurry of activity and empty shelves! The shelves were not only empty but were being carefully taken apart and scrubbed by energetic young men! Neither biscuit nor cereal, chocolate nor candy........... all had disappeared into the great “Hametz” in the sky!!!! Gosh it was wonderful.

When I lived in a small community and Valerie and I would travel up to London to do our big Pesach buy – everything had to be bought at once or do without! Here everything is ready for us – even if you don't cook you can order in or supermarket buy just about everything. On the other hand you have to watch for the pulses, no not heartbeat, pulses as in rice, beans and lentils!!! Ashkenazi Jews do not eat pulses in Passover but Eastern Jews do! I guess I am back to label-reading again!!!

This year Zvi's lovely cousin Becky is here from San Diego and yesterday Zvi took her to the Jerusalem Municipality to see the incredible view of Jerusalem set out before her on the 360 degree balcony on the 6th floor. From there they went to the Knesset, our centre of government. Next week Becky will go to the Kotel, the Tunnels and of course the Generations exhibit – and theDavidson Archaeological Park.

Most importantly Becky will be part of our Pesach Seder together with her son and his family who live here in Israel. I love the night of Passover; I love the retelling of the story of our fight for freedom from slavery......... and I love relating it to today. Today our slavery is a different one – we are not slaves to people but rather to society. We are slaves to PC, slaves to earning; slaves to excelling; slaves to academia; slaves to gadgets; slaves to everything except real honest time with our family and with ourselves. Passover is family. Passover is sitting together and speaking of our common history and future. Passover is a night when we accept that this is a night different to all other nights. Let's make it a year that is different to all other years – not by eating kneidlach soup but rather by moving away from things and returning to people.

Just in case I am up to my ears in cleaning and cooking next week I will wish you a truly wonderful Passover. Jerusalem at Passover is even more beautiful than any other time of the year – after all G-d sent rain to clean the outside of our buildings and make them as sparkling clean as the insides!!!!

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila