THUGS, HEROES AND RAIN

 

THUGS HEROES AND RAIN

 

14^th of November, 2025

23^rd Heshvan, 5786

 

Shabbat Shalom, I hope this missive finds you well.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Staying with great women -

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

And so to music.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a happier Note

 

7^th of November 2025

16^th day of the Hebrew month of Heshvan

 

Shabbat Shalom!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

And so to music

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sheila

 

 

 irony, Demonstrations and Alon Ohel

31^st of October 2025

755 days since the 7^th of October 2023

9^th of the Hebrew month of Heshvan 5786

 

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, lots to report, good bad and ugly, but, as always, with the sun shining on our lives

 

You may well ask why I still put the number of days since the horrendous events of the 7^th of October, 2023; basically, because even now, two years on, that day rules our lives and our emotions.

 

Yesterday many of those emotions came to boiling point. We didn’t attack the demonstrators; we did moan about the road closures at the entrance to Jerusalem and on the CocaCola intersection in Bnei Brak, but inside we boiled in frustration. About 250,000 Haredi demonstrators blocked both roads, with the intention of - here I will split into two thoughts -supporting the learning of Torah over defending the country and/or the slogan of “Die before conscription”, in other words, refusal to defend the very country they live in and for many, refusal to recognise this incredible Jewish country that nurtures them. Since Torah above all is another slogan surely most of the heroes of the Torah fought bravely, indeed were called to defend our country. I watched able-bodied young men climb huge cranes on the building site next to the demo, risking their lives, yet unwilling to serve in the IDF. Their Rabbis believe that if they go into the IDF they will lose their religious identity, become secular, despite the fact that the IDF has created totally kosher and halachically sound (according to Jewish law) divisions, and that is what they teach their Yeshiva (Jewish school) students. It is my belief that if their beliefs are so tenuous then they have a problem. Young Israeli fathers, sons and husbands are risking their lives, serving 500 days of Miluim (reserve duty) away from their families, just because the IDF is short of capable young people. These young men who minds have been sharpened by their study of the Torah, must, should, have to, understand that others are enabling their normal lives by risking and losing theirs.

 

A fascinating scene, caught on camera, at the central bus station in Jerusalem. Two moving staircases carry young Haredi boys and men up to street level whereas the down staircase carries soldiers on their way home from duty. The amusing and telling fact is that all the soldiers had big smiles on their faces, waving to those on the up staircase whereas the young haredi men stared in disbelief at those next to them. The scene held an ironic sense of reality.

 

I know, other demonstrations have closed roads, however they last a short time, pray for the return of hostages, clear up after themselves and carry Israeli flags. Yesterday, after the majority had left for home, young men of the Jerusalem Faction, threw bottles and planks at police, seriously injuring one, and ran riot. Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains the history of where the Haredi community is today https://jeremyrosen.com/2021/04/whats-wrong-with-us.html  

 

A truly magical Israeli moment happened in the Central bus station in Jerusalem when an Orthodox soldier sat and played the piano for hundreds of Haredim on their way to the demonstration. What was that we said about irony? Love it! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-cPoR6QaDwc

 

Enough of that, so many things are happening in this neck of the woods that it is crazy to concentrate on this incident – although obviously its connection to the 7^th of October is clear.

 

Slowly, ensuring the pain continues, the bodies of the slain hostages are returning. As the ambulances containing their remains pass through their former homes, the streets are lined with Israelis holding flags which they drop to half mast as the cortege passes, and as it reaches to Abu Kabir, the forensic institute for identification, police stand to attention and salute.  In a surprise admission the Red Cross actually put out a press statement that they regret not having done enough in regard of the hostages. In a strange twist of fate Israeli human rights organisations have taken the step of insisting that the international Red Cross should reinstate the right to visit Palestinian prisoners in Israel. It has now gone before the Supreme Court. Yet another Middle Eastern irony!

 

Talking of pain, of division in this little country, it is an incredible 30 years since the assassination of Prime Minster Yitzchak Rabin at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Perhaps the culmination of the left-right division. Yitzchak Rabin, a straightforward speaker who was the antithesis of a politician. He was a shy military leader who did not fit the pattern of politician and was reluctantly willing to sign an agreement with the enemy of Israel, pushed to shake hands with him by President Clinton. I knew him, watched him, admired him, miss the fact that he was not a great orator but when he spoke, he spoke the truth. His assassination by a Jewish extremist broke us. It is my belief that we never fully recovered, the rift never healed. Had he been Prime Minister now, the 7^th of October would probably not have happened, the Hilltop Youth would be in jail and who knows, maybe, just maybe, an agreement with the haredim may have been reached. His government was formed on June 3, 1974, by the Alignment party with coalition partners including the National Religious Party, and the National Security and Police Minister was Shlomo Hillel, an experienced and fine man who understood national security better than anyone else of his generation. We are still mourning the loss of a great man who sought to unite rather than divide.

 

This weeks Torah reading “Lech Lecha” meaning Go Forth, foretells today’s situation. The Almighty sends Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) forth and bequeaths the Land of Israel to Abraham and his seed. Ironically (there’s that word again) Sarah couldn’t conceive and told Abraham to take another wife to give him an heir. He chose Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael.  As usual two women in one house didn’t work, Sarah complained that Hagar was disrespectful, Hagar was distressed at the way that Sarah treated her and she left the house with her son. Apparently, after leaving, they didn’t cope well in the desert and Ishmael fell ill which is the start of the whole story of the descendants of Abraham and his son Ishmael. The rest, sadly, is history.

 

Anticipating the inevitable “day after,” IMPACT-se has spent over a year developing a comprehensive alternative curriculum for Gaza—free from antisemitism, violence, and the martyrdom culture that fuelled the horrors of October 7. Our curriculum is already being taught to 2,000 Gazan children in educational settings in Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis and is soon to expand to 6,000 students across two additional locations. An alternative to extremist jihadi education in Gaza’s schools is now a living reality.

Crucially, our curriculum is now supported by key international partners. Most importantly, the U.S. State Department has expressed its support, and we are working directly with the U.S. administration’s lead on Gaza education on curriculum development, teacher screening, and training—ensuring a values-based, scalable implementation. This marks a significant breakthrough toward replacing extremist education in Gaza. https://www.impact-se.org/

 

I love Eylon Levy, am furious that he was fired as Israel’s spokesman in the Foreign Ministry. His response to Ben Cohen of Ben and Jerry’s suggestion of an ice-cream flavour in support of Hamas is iconic! Please see this 40 second vid and have a good giggle https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQZPYuRDfgd/?igsh=OGxxdzNzMTB5ajAx

 

A diversion from the local news, my son Gideon and his son (my grandson!) Zachary arrived last Sunday for a short but exciting visit. They were on the first British Airways flight from London, the first flight since war broke out. When the plane landed, the ground staff stood and applauded the crew as they left the plane! Only in Israel. So began an incredible two and a half days in Jerusalem, two and a half days where we successfully fitted two weeks worth of activity. It is a long time since Zacky had been here, and his memories were faint, so we set out to really “do” Jerusalem and ensure that he had loads of good Israeli food. One of the days Yosef took his uncle and cousin on a trek up north to visit springs and waterfalls of the Golan. They climber tracks and swam in freezing pools, Yosef running like a gazelle over the rough ground and climbing hills, smiling as Gideon and Zacky bravely tried to keep up with him. That night we are at a local meat restaurant.  We went to the Kotel with Rachel, Talia and Ayala, I took the car into the Kotel parking while they walked back up through the Jewish Quarter. We then went to Mahane Yehuda which I believe to be the most “Yerushalmi” place in Jerusalem. It was great fun and we had lunch in “Pita Basar” a fun food place in a market full of good food places!  That night they met up with Ira, Sheli and Tomer and we just ordered Pizza, preferring to talk than cook! The next morning Zvi took them to the Knesset to meet Meirav Cohen, an excellent Member of Knesset, Zacky ready with highly relevant questions, and Zvi combined it with a visit to the National Library. They then packed and I took them to Tel Aviv for R&R. Sadly they are already home after a rushed visit but it was absolutely wonderful. Both of them well informed, reading material about Israel and doing their best to understand the complexities of this wonderful mosaic of humanity.

 

Beds changed and our lovely friend Kim Taylor arrived last night after a gruelling journey from Western Canada. Kim will take part in the Keren Hayesod/Jewish Agency Board meetings this week, an important member of both the Aliya and the Government Relations Committee. Tomorrow we are very excited that our Australian Ian Gandel is coming to us before a YPO mission begins. We have so much to talk about. Then, on Sunday as Kim leaves Zvis cousin Jack Gottlib is coming to stay before leaving for home in Mexico. That is our life, and thank heaven tourism is back and thriving in Israel.

 

And so to music, which for me is food for the soul

 

For the first time since being abducted to Gaza over two years ago, released hostage Alon Ohel sat behind a piano in public, this time on the set of Israel’s beloved satirical show Eretz Nehederet, the country’s version of Saturday Night Live. It was more than a television moment; it was a national heartbeat. As Alon’s fingers brushed the keys and the first notes of “Under the Sky” — the classic by Meir Ariel and David Broza — filled the studio, not a single eye remained dry. I dare you not to shed a tear https://youtu.be/uAcGsa87Mt0?si=_BD6Nz1Dr0i87Ke3

 

The second song was beloved of Yitzchak Rabin. As a member of the Palmach, before the founding of the State, he felt the camaraderie, brother’s in arms, was an essential part of the fight, camaraderie in Hebrew is Reut. https://youtu.be/4SP3jOQY6bc?si=udY1HT4ssFcZBSNF

 

Talking of Brother in Arms, Mark Knopfler wrote this song long ago but for me it is deeply relevant today. The Brother in Arms organisation here in Israel with Hebrew lyrics. I love it. You already know the English Lyrics.  https://youtu.be/GHNY_L5Hw1w?si=_IytIRrilrXXyopT  May their IDF uniforms be used for ceremonies alone, may they all come home to the safety of an Israel at peace with her neighbours.

 

I wish you Shabbat Shalom, a Shabbat where the leaders of this crazy world understand that given half a chance, we really are a light unto nations. As Golda Meir said “There are many Arab nations with thousands of square kilometres of land and Israel is just 1% of it” It’s time to let us live in peace.

 

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

Isaiah, Arabella and Eliya

 

24^th of October 2025

 

 

Shabbat Shalom, wishing you a peaceful weekend.

 

Isaiah once envisioned a world redeemed — “And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Yet he also called out, “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your dwellings; do not hold back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2). Between these two visions lies the eternal struggle of our people, the yearning for peace and the command to survive. But this week, when the government advanced a motion put forward by Avi Maoz, choosing Isaiah’s second vision, expansion over reconciliation, that choice felt deeply wrong. With almost no members of the Knesset present in the plenum and the vote sliding through with ease, the act carried the sting of arrogance, not prophecy. I was furious, and I was not alone. J.D. Vance expressed his outrage, condemning the recklessness of a government that speaks in Isaiah’s language yet forgets the prophet’s dream. The motion passed with ease, but at the cost of our moral disquiet, and of that distant vision where swords are meant, at last, to become ploughshares.

 

To add insult to injury, Smotrich responded to the Saudi normalisation proposal, saying that if it means accepting a Palestinian State that they should keep riding camels in the desert!  I am appalled! His stupidity can create a situation of further isolation of Israel. Saudi Arabia has been a constant and powerful ally of Israel for many years, since the Olmert Prime Ministership. In fact, if you look carefully at the proposals put forward by the USA and supported by Turkey, Qatar and most of the Arab countries, it is the peace proposal put forward by Ehud Olmert all those years ago. Three wars later………..

 

In the meantime, rather than Egypt rebuilding Gaza, Turkey won the biggest raffle prize in recent history. A somewhat motley crew of countries will oversee the situation, keeping Israel and Hamas apart. Turkey and Qatar have long supported Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, purveyed anti-Israel and antisemitic activities, and promoted Islamist ideologies that are anathema to Western ideals. On the other hand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, eschewed radical Islamism, and, at least in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have tamped down on anti-Israelism and antisemitism accepting changes in their schoolbooks and working with Impact-se to change their children’s future..

 

A thought that has been bothering me. If the Palestinians consider themselves a sovereign nation, and if they believe that Israel is the cause of their dispossession, why is it that almost all of them carry Jordanian ID cards?

 

The last living hostages are home. Their reunions with loved ones still vivid in all our thoughts. Our relief tempered by anger at those who wrought barbaric acts on our people. As Israel begins to recover, we have to face a new dilemma, what should be done with the terrorists of October 7? Around 250 members of Hamas’s Nukhba unit, the men who murdered, burned, raped, and abducted, now sit in Israeli prisons, awaiting trial.  Can Israeli jurisprudence, faced with such brutality, provide justice or simply follow the law?

 

Steve Wikoff and Jared Kushner have worked miracles. Their work is between a rock and a hard place, between terrorists and a government with unrealistic demands. Steve Witkoff who visits, hugs and listens to the families of hostages and went to visit released hostages to hear their stories and Jared Kushner, the stalwart whose expressionless face hides a very determined but sympathetic character. I, in fact virtually all Israelis, are deeply grateful for the work they have done, for the Trump administration’s determination to turn a deeply complex situation into a business deal, however, while deeply grateful, it must be remembered that we are an independent Jewish State and not the 51^st state of the USA. The recent visits of J D Vance and now Mario Rubio are of great importance, expressing their support of Israel and the Trump plan, apart from halting traffic between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to allow J D Vance’s motorcade of some 20 big black limos, safe passage. Everyone was scrambling for information as when and where the road closures were taking place since it was announced that his schedule was fluid! The Times of Israel suggested that J D Vance and Mario Rubio were sent to “Bibi-sit”

 

Reports suggest that there are only between 3-9 Jews left in Syria, but incredibly, Rabbi Henry Hamra, the son of the former Chief Rabbi of Syria is running for the Syrian Parliament, a Jewish Candidate after a 58 year ban. Perhaps there is hope after all.

 

The international Olympic committee has suspended all cooperation with Indonesia and their global sports federations will not to hold any events there after the country denied visas to all Israeli gymnasts.

Olympic gold medallist and reigning world champion Artem Dolgopyat is among the 12-member Israeli gymnastics team banned from competing at the world artistic championships in Jakarta this week because of Indonesia’s firm pro-Palestine stance.

 

I was thinking about the sudden desperation of some countries to hang on to the coat-tails of the Trump plan, amongst them Britain and the somewhat wishy-washy Keir Starmer. Suddenly this brilliant excerpt from “Yes Prime Minister” came to mind. Just two minutes and it sums up Europe, Canada, Australia, the US State Department and of course the Home Office policy of the UK. So clever. https://youtu.be/JdTUwtujH-g?si=46F6F8SEfD8MOxu_

 

Over the last two years many of the miluimnikim, the volunteer reserve soldiers who have served anything from 200 to 500 days of service in Gaza, have not only left their families, wives and young children, to fight, but have also left their businesses which in many cases have failed because they were off to war. A new website has opened urging us all to buy their goods https://www.shopgreenforsoldiers.com/

 

Too often the desire to welcome the newly freed hostages is overwhelming. Overwhelming for men who have been in solitary confinement in dark tunnels, ill treated and often beaten to deal with the hulabaloo, albeit well meaning, of their welcome has been difficult. So, last Sunday, all the employees in the Ayalon Mall had their phones confiscated, were sworn to secrecy, and the Mall closed its doors to the public, the employees stayed on while 18 of the 20 freed hostages had a shopping spree! Amazing!

 

This week I went to a great restaurant, simple but delicious, and our server was called Milcah. Apart from the fact that she was delightful and helpful, I was fascinated by her name. Milcah was the daughter of Zelophehad, Abram’s youngest brother, who had passed away without sons. They were five sisters who stood before their leaders and simply asked for what was fair — their father’s land. They weren’t out to change the system, yet in their quiet courage, they planted the first seed of equality that would blossom generations later, the seeds of feminism.

 

Zvi and I went on a tour behind the scenes of the new National Library. We had already seen the exceptional architecture, but this time we not only saw the holograms of ancient books we went down into the bowels of the building and saw the robots which bring the correct containers of whatever books one needs for research. It was other worldly!! At one point the guide asked if anyone knew why the building is designed with a roof which dips in the middle.  Zvi was the only one with the answer (of course). When Ruvi Rivlin was President, he said that the shape of the Library was irrelevant but he insisted that when he stood on the balcony of the Knesset, he could to see Mount Herzl, site of the grave of Theodore Herzl, the visionary of Zionism.

 

It was indeed a crazy week, all good things, and next week will be even better since Gideon and Zacky arrive, albeit for a very short visit, but when one hasn’t seen one’s son and grandson for over a year even one hour is an eternity! They go back on Thursday and the lovely Dr Kim Taylor arrives so that we can spend Shabbat together. So exciting. Tonight, the Ravivs are coming for dinner, less than usual only 14 of us, but first Rachel and Talia are popping in. Tomorrow we are with the Zonszeins and so we are enjoying life to the full.

 

Yesh bi Ahava, should be the anthem of Israel. Yesh bi Ahava means I have love within. Just think about the words and you will know what I mean. https://youtu.be/I1Zro9rVJ-E?si=61x51sqSd-uYftlj

Talking of love, according to Yehoram Gaon, we haven’t loved enough! There’s so much more love we can and want to give if only given the chance. Od Lo Ahavti Dai, the song that everyone that loves Israeli dancing has danced to! https://youtu.be/OEki0DUmoGM?si=99RddKv96OD4UBzX

 

Shir Tikva is a song of hope, of a new day, turning a new leaf, this day is a new beginning, never give up hope. In the sweet voice of Miri Metsika. https://youtu.be/MifWVsMglMw?si=P7MLeChGImh_uE0V  

 

I was amazed to learn that Arabella Kushner, 14 year old daughter of Ivanka and Jared Kushner, handwrote a little note for each of the 20 hostages released this week. The notes were delivered personally by Jared Kushner.

 

As Shabbat nears, I always feel a sense of new beginnings, of hope and prayer. I understand your fears, not just the Jewish communities, churches are attacked too, but I have a feeling that the tide is turning.  

 

Perhaps the epitome of strength, love, survival and hope for the future is encapsulated in something that happened yesterday Eight months after returning from 505 days in Hamas captivity, Eliya Cohen proposed to Ziv Aboud who survived in a shelter that claimed sixteen lives. Eliya bought the ring before October 7, never imagining that their world would shatter before he could give it to her. Their love endured separation, fear, and loss, waiting until the last living hostages were freed. Now, at last, what began before the war has become a story of survival, faith, and love as they were carried high on the shoulders of friends in celebration!

 

I was sitting with Rachel and Talia and Rachel told me of the words of former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. He wrote what I believe about the young people of Israel. Before October 7^th we thought that they were a hedonistic generation, like young people everywhere, but they are different. They have turned out to be the most phenomenal generation equal to the original Halutzim (pioneers) who fought to ensure a land for the Jews. The young people of Israel are not only not hedonists they are strong, clever, proud of their country and ready to fight for our right to be here on our land. I am confident that they will make great future leaders understanding that the fate of Israel lies in their hands. They, the best generation we could possibly dream of are capable of making this land a light unto nations again.

 

Shabbat, autumn in the air, balmy evenings, sometimes a chill in the air. The fruit trees are laden with fruits, late apples, limes, oranges, lemons, kumquats, all grown in pots, and of course my amazing hibiscus. The view over Jerusalem was hazy this morning, a gentle autumnal haze, now clear in the midday sun. The table is laid for dinner, all set ready for the blessings over wine and challah….and the blessing of family, friends and all comers.

 

I wish you a peaceful Shabbat filled with love

 

Sheila