24 years, 706 days

 

11^th of September, 2025

 

24 years since that fateful day in the USA; September 11, 2001 at 3:46 PM GMT+3, 2,977 people lost their lives. The attacks were very specific, the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, Shanksville . The response to those horrific attacks was all out war on Iraq and ultimately on Afghanistan; but this is Israel and any war we wage is questioned and met with angry condemnation. Some of those who were US allies in that cruel war are our harshest critics.

 

Since few people truly understand this week’s attack on the Hamas HQ in Doha, I feel compelled to explain. People ask why Israel sometimes strikes beyond its borders; to understand, you must first feel the air we breathe, walk a mile in our shoes. People ask why Israel sometimes strikes beyond its borders; to understand, you must first feel the air we breathe, walk a mile in our shoes.

 

Israel, a sliver of land no bigger than Wales, is surrounded not by distant rivals but by neighbours whose leaders seek our destruction, have never accepted our existence. That hatred is not an idea on a page; on the 7^th of October it became flesh and blood, as families were butchered in their homes and hundreds were dragged away. Even now, under Houthis missiles financed by the Iranian regime, we live with forces that would see us erased. The irony is that Qatar funnelled money into Gaza and gave Hamas leaders safe haven at Israel’s request, a sign of how complex and imperfect diplomacy in this region can be.

 

Our politics are raucous, our arguments fierce, yet whatever divides us we share the same small, threatened space and the same heartbreak for those still held in Gaza. Hamas has made life there a living hell, crushing its own people while holding our citizens hostage. The families of the hostages hold vigil in Hostage Square, loved one’s photos clutched in their hands, finding some solace in their togetherness, each day arriving with no news, only the same gnawing fear.

 

This is not some far-off peril across an ocean; it sits at our gate. Before judging, hold that truth in your heart and understand why survival sometimes forces a nation into choices no nation should ever have to make.

 

Perhaps now I can honestly wish you all Shabbat shalom.

 

Two days ago, that broken peace, that hatred so deep in the culture that surrounds us, burst forth in a diabolical and tragic terror attack in the Jerusalem suburb of Ramot. The Ramot intersection is conceivably the busiest in all Jerusalem, cars, buses and people waiting for buses to get to work or study. Two terrorists hitched a ride over the border from the PA with blood on their minds and the moment they arrived at their target, began shooting wildly at everyone in the vicinity, a Haredi soldier and another man successfully stopped the carnage but not before 6 people died and another 50 were injured. Such hatred, taught hatred, taught by UNWRA schools and the Imams who should be teaching love of the Quran.

 

Charlie Kirk wasn’t my cup of tea, his teachings far right, against blacks and Moslems and ironically pro-gun, often expressing a lack of tolerance, but he appealed to the young and now he is dead, killed for his views. Extremism of any nature frightens me and almost inevitably leads to violence. I don’t know the identity of the killer but he is part of the sickness of killing anything that is not your belief.

 

The word genocide is bandied about losing its impact through repetition and inaccuracy. Every time the word is used concerning Israel and Gaza it diminishes the Shoah, the Armenian genocide, the Rwandan genocide of the Tutsi and many more. It isn’t enough to show its fabricated disinformation as a political tool; it must be fought with all our might. This week the British Government declared that Israel is NOT committing genocide in Gaza, stating a hope that the European countries would follow suit.

 

Talking of the UK, or London to be exact, 70,000 people took to the streets in support of Israel. They walked peacefully through the streets of Central London flying not only Israeli flags but of the good old Union Jack. British Jews were always proud of being British and want to be again. https://x.com/antisemitism/status/1965346800795291854

 

Kibbutz Beeri is slowly recovering from the diabolical events of the 7^th of October, over 700 days ago. Haim Yellin from kibbutz Be'eri announced an excellent use for their barley crop! Whisky! As part of their incredible determination to rebuild the stricken kibbutz they chose to produce whisky called Single Be'eri from barley grown in Be’eri and malted in Germany.  

 

Shabana Mahmood, the UK's new Home Secretary, faces scrutiny over her past votes on Gaza and links to pro-Palestinian activism as tensions rise. Interestingly this comes at a time when New York is facing the possibility of a Pro-Palestinian Mayor. A new poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party candidate for New York City mayor, opening a large lead over his rivals. According to the poll, most city residents support his hard-line positions against Israel. My distress has nothing to do with their religion, but rather with the fact that their views will affect Jewish communities.

 

Nothing is new under the sun. This report on the over 900,000 Jews from Arab lands whose land and property was confiscated. The rise of Arab nationalism and growing opposition to Zionism unleashed a wave of discriminatory laws, violence, and state-backed repression. The situation worsened immediately before and after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, which led to 900,000 Jews being uprooted from their countries of birth. Most fled to Israel, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people for millennia.

Today, some 99% of the descendants of the historic Jewish communities in 10 Arab countries plus Iran do not exist https://justiceforjews.com/facts-figures/

 

El Al made a wonderful Rosh Hashana greeting to the Israeli Airlines passengers entitled "EL AL wishes you a happy holiday and a Shana Tovah, one in which we all return home safely". I cried about half-way through. https://youtu.be/XYRraeLgg0w?si=AAlbx9xU2AEArHNi

 

This was not an exciting week socially. Actually, poor Zvi has been really unwell with a dreadful cough. For anyone who knows him well losing his voice was a major disaster! He is really worried that his voice will not return before his choir’s concert on Sunday. I just want him to be well. Don’t worry, obviously we both took the Covid test more than once, but luckily it was negative.

 

I have been thinking about the repercussions of the disinformation machine, repercussions on Jewish communities around the world, repercussions on our moral compass.

 

About 15 years ago I met a young man in Jerusalem. His name was Kasim Hafeez. Kaz grew up in a strictly Moslem Pakistani family in the UK, learning that Jews were the devil and Israel their work. One day, Kaz read Alan Dershowitz book The Case for Israel and his world turned upside down. His journey has been long, with many turns and he now lives in the USA and is the Middle East Analyst at Christians United for Israel (CUFI),; Kaz is married to Shian. Today I read his Facebook post and realised that he and I still think the same way. I have taken the essence of a long post, he spoke of America, I took it as the world. We all need to absorb the words of this exceptional man. “We should all look in the mirror and ask who we are becoming. Every word that dehumanises someone who thinks differently, every attempt to silence views we dislike, chips away at our shared humanity. Our world is beautiful, fragile and full of contradictions. But if we truly want it to be better, it begins with us: resisting the lure of outrage, taking responsibility for our own words and actions instead of blaming distant leaders. Only then can we begin to recover the humanity we’ve lost.”

 

This week’s music was difficult to choose. I hope that you approve

 

Each morning as we wake we thank the Almighty for giving us back our souls, a blessing called Modeh Ani. It is a lesson in giving thanks and taking nothing for granted.  This rendition by Omer Adam is very special. Hope you like it too. https://youtu.be/npRw36_Ftmc?si=An4sCrj-cA0VsJDl

 

Hanan Ben Ari writes and sings songs that relate deeply to life here in Israel. Aluf ha Olam – World Champion is one of his finest. Listen to the Hebrew but read the subtitles in English. https://youtu.be/2jATxza1i_0?si=ZQCJ5Asm8RljmzTG

 

Ishay Ribo “Habayita” Returning Home. A beautiful song with a beautiful message for all of us https://youtu.be/Gfs4WgGrhhM?si=LRSfWghT21jSRq7u

 

I don’t know what the repercussions of the Doha operation will be. My heart goes out to the families of those hostages still alive and I pray that they will keep their last iota of hope to bring their loved ones, albeit broken shadows of their former selves, to bring them home. As October the 7^th creeps around again we must bring them home. Almost a new year, almost Rosh Hashana, we are in the time for Slichot, for begging forgiveness before the High Holy Days. Have we done enough? What else could we do to make this world a better kinder place. I don’t know except that each of us can make sure to smile at those around us, to have a kind word for everyone, to bring as much joy with our presence as is possible. Accept those who differ from us, even if it takes effort, it’s worth it. I pray that before yet another Simchat Torah, the Joy of the Torah, we can leave this war behind us and bring our loved ones home.

 

Here in Israel everyone wishes you Shabbat Shalom even though it is only Thursday. It is sometimes called the eve of the eve of Shabbat!! I had to get the previous paragraphs off my chest before wishing you a peaceful Shabbat.

 

I love that about Israel, strangers and friends alike greet you with “Shabbat Shalom” or just “Shalom” expressing warmly our desire for that oh so elusive peace.

 

With love from Jerusalem the most beautiful, spiritual city which is in desperate need of hope, of renewal and of love

 

Sheila

 

Oh boy! You have no idea what happened to us just now! I was making supper and we received a call from our friend and neighbour Hannah to remind us to come to the huge patio of the big house for a fabulous Greek evening with music, light food and arak! I think the entire village came out to sing, dance and just see each other. It was absolutely wonderful and the Jerusalem air was perfect, just a slight nip but gloriously clear. Great musicians and lots of friends. Some of the women (the brave ones) began to dance Sirtaki while everyone sang along. The atmosphere was amazing, exactly what we all needed. That’s what I love most about this incredible country, nothing gets us down even when we are depressed!!!

 

 

700 +900

 

5^th of September 2025

 

Shabbat Shalom dear lovely friends.

 

700 days of watching the despicable become acceptable

700 days of unimaginable agony for the parents of those who were and are in dire captivity

900 Israeli soldiers, of every race, men and women, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons, lost in a war we didn’t want

 

To be Jewish, to be Israeli, is to walk with history as both burden and blessing — exile and return, persecution and rebirth woven into our very being. No one escapes pain, fear or suffering; our story has carried all three. I found this beautiful quote which so perfectly expresses out situation “From pain we draw wisdom, from fear we find courage, from suffering we shape strength, the quiet alchemy of resilience”. We are a resilient people and out of that resilience we have built not only homes and hopes but also world-class hospitals, life-saving medical and scientific innovations, and sporting achievements that far outstrip our size. It is the same thread of endurance that turns ashes into seeds, loss into song and hardship into hope, binding us across generations and urging us to keep creating, defending and dreaming under every sky.

 

The current Chief of Staff of the IDF is Eyal Zamir. Eyal Zamir. He previously served as the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Deputy Chief of Staff  Commander of the Southern Command, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, commander of the 36th Division and commander of the 7th Armored Brigade. In other words, a well seasoned, experienced soldier and leader. Orit Strook is an extreme right Member of Knesset and last week announced that when Eyal Zamir, a seasoned soldier and General, announced his opposition to taking over Gaza, called him incompetent. Sadly, most of this government has, in the words of today’s young “lost the plot” and taken our policies so far right that we have to find a way back.

 

My intention was to veer away from the situation, both here and for the communities abroad, so that’s what I intend doing! Instead I want to tell you about our insane week starting with Sunday and the last finishing touches to the wonderful extension to the apartment. Don’t worry, we haven’t lost even one centimetre of the veranda, in fact we can see every flower, bush and tree through the huge glass doors and windows which protect us from extremes of heat and of course the winter gales and rain.

 

Here in Israel the unusual has long since become ordinary. When the Houthis sent another missile our way and the siren wailed, even the Arab workers who sometimes kneel to pray on our veranda hurried into the mamad with us. In that little room, the world pauses; strangers become companions and you can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

When the all-clear came I stepped back through the dust and workmen into my kitchen, because life goes on. I had a dinner to prepare — not just any dinner, but the first in our new extension and a chance to welcome Impact-se’s newest board member, Steve Bram, and his lovely Julie. Marcus and Inbal came too, along with our friends Shauli and Rochele, David and Tsiona. Around the table we introduced ourselves and slowly wove connections: entrepreneurs, judges, philanthropists, all finding common ground while Marcus answered a stream of questions about taking hate out of schoolbooks before flying off to Washington and Europe. The paint was still drying, the curtains arriving, the sliding doors being checked, yet our little house was full of voices and ideas.

 

Zvi, as ever, was off putting out organisational fires. Yesterday was no quieter: a “Mind and Movement” class for me, a mad dash for last-minute shopping, setting the table for sixteen for Shabbat and burning peppers, and creating a cornucopia of salads. Ira, Sheli and Tomer dropped by, then Hannah rang to insist we go to the opening of “The Big House”, once an exquisite building that was a convalescent home  now turned wellness centre. We walked the fifty metres, caught up with neighbours, and of course Ika and Ilana ended up back at ours to see the transformation

 

Zvi went to meet up with our friends David and Kathy Efron, from Miami, at the Efron Building which houses Hora Jerusalem Dance Troupes. You’d think that was the end of our day, but no, David and Kathy, together with Zvi, phoned to say they were starving and wanted to eat before heading back to Tel Aviv. I tried to get us into Naya, our favourite haunt, but every one of the 300 seats was full of happy diners and a long queue waited outside for cancellations. So we ducked next door instead and had a passable, if unremarkable, meal.

 

Tonight is Shabbat dinner and Amiad’s 49th birthday — sixteen of us around the table. We’ve managed to keep the new extension a complete secret, so I can’t wait to see their faces when they walk in!

Why am I telling you all this? Because it’s our quiet proof of resilience. Hearts can break for a million reasons, and into a million pieces, but life keeps going. We grieve, support and protest, marching to demand our hostages back, visiting families in Hostage Square, writing against the lies of foreign media and even our own leaders. And yet we still cook, meet friends, celebrate, set the table, and keep our spirits alive.

 

Back to reality. I have been doing my own research having heard the Sykes Picot Agreements bandied about a great deal lately. So, here goes, my thoughts. A century ago, the Ottoman Empire’s collapse produced a map full of new nations. France drew Syria and Lebanon, Britain carved out Iraq and Jordan, Ibn Saud built Saudi Arabia and Turkey rose from Anatolia. Yet of all the states born then, only Israel still has its very legitimacy questioned. Nobody doubts Jordan’s or Pakistan’s right to exist; the double standard aimed solely at Israel speaks less to history than to prejudice.

 

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman levied heavy criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, marking them as responsible for civilian front failures since the war broke out almost two years ago.

Establishing the mechanisms for such emergency situations is not solely a wartime responsibility, but should be upheld even when active use of it is not required, he wrote, adding that this had been tended to, notes the report, the price that civilians have paid in the interim would have been far lower.  For a fuller report https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-866162

 

 

Doctors at Ichilov Medical Center have performed a medical first in Israel, removing a rare skull base tumor through the eye socket without opening the skull. The minimally invasive brain surgery took place on July 21 and is being hailed as a breakthrough. The complex procedure brought together specialists in neurosurgery, oculoplastics, and ENT. Thanks to their teamwork, the young patient made a full recovery with minimal impact on vision or appearance, marking a milestone in Israeli medicine.

 

Children are back in school, excited to see their friends. The cutest of all is the greeting for “Kita Aleph”, first year little ones. At the entrance to the school there is a big balloon arch with Welcome Kita Aleph, and each child gets a brightly coloured label with their name on it. Those who need it get a little hug from the teachers (yes hugs for worried children is still an essential part of Israeli life) and off they go to a whole new way of life.

 

Millions, yes millions, of Brazilian Christians marched in the name of Christ blessing and praying for Israel. A heartwarming and hopeful event.

 

Greta Thurnberg’s “Aid for Gaza” flotilla turned back to port due to storm conditions. Storms in the Mediterranean at this time of year? Sounds a bit suspicious to me

 

After Impact-se CEO Marcus Sheff apprised US Ambassador Mike Huckabee of the incitement in the PA text books, the US State Department announced that it has introduced new sanctions on Palestinian officials, due to the ongoing incitement and glorification of violence replete in Palestinian Authority. The US State Department has published its 2024 Human Rights Report, a nationally and internationally recognized barometer of human rights in countries across the world. The 2024 update prominently cites IMPACT-se research. Our findings are referenced in chapters on Egypt and Saudi Arabia and discussed in relation to antisemitism in the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, Iran, Jordan, Yemen, and Syria. 

 

60 representatives of the Shalva Centre in Jerusalem flew all the way to Sydney, Australia to take part in the Sydney Marathon. They and their helpers were welcomed with open arms by the Sydney community; one of the greatest moments took place in the lobby of the hotel where an official welcome committee turned into a “love-in” and singsong.

 

Each week I learn so much from our Torah readings. The name of this week’s Parshah or Torah reading is "Ki Teitzei," which means "when you go out," is found in Deuteronomy 21:10. Seventy-four of the Torah’s 613 commandments (mitzvot) are in the Parshah of Ki Teitzei. These include the laws of inheritance rights of the firstborn, the wayward and rebellious son, burial and dignity of the dead, returning a lost object, not sending away the mother bird before taking her young, the duty to erect a safety fence around the roof of one’s home, and many laws of behaviour toward others. Interestingly, one of the laws reminds us that we must not forget Amalek. It seems out of place amongst all the social laws, but the purpose is that we remember the first attack on Jews after they left Egypt. In other words, it tells us not to be complacent.

 

Time to go back to the preparations! Most of the food is already prepared and Zvi has gone off to his Friday parliament in the Botanical Gardens. Anything from 10 to 20 men sitting around discussing the ailments of our sick world and how to solve all Israel’s problems. These are bright and able people, journalists, former Ministers, knowledgeable one and all. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if….. but it isn’t.

 

It isn’t easy to be Jewish or Christian right now. Perhaps part of it is the whole “melting pot” idea when we thought that if we melded our identities’ life would take on a different perspective. It didn’t because what we needed to learn is that our differences are what makes the world go round.  We must all stand up and be proud of who we are, of our history, our ancestors, our traditions and our beliefs, hiding our individuality for fear of offending or being offended doesn’t make sense. Say your prayers out loud, however you choose to do so. Perhaps tonight we could all light candles, whatever your chosen religion. Let’s bring light and warmth to our world by lighting two candles to welcome the bride of Shabbat.

 

Perhaps one of the most beloved of songs from West Side Story, a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Somewhere sung by the Israel Opera. https://youtu.be/7JVXMWqTKYA?si=EprJDkMH8AMnUFWj

 

Hanan Ben Ari sings of his home, of his Israel in Moledet, Homeland. https://youtu.be/9wYEWx1291g?si=BRnABIRwsf_38WnL

 

If I wanted to sum up what keeps us going, what we all feel deep in our souls it would be with “Am Yisrael Chai” – the people of Israel is alive. I love the words, the hope in this one. Singer Eyal Golan https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=_yVzuU_Q7Tr8-jCM

 

Sending you all our love. Don’t worry, our extension has a special window to ensure the view over the Jerusalem Hills to Jerusalem. Everyone who passes through our home gets to take a walk around the veranda to admire the plants and look at the view, and if the weather is inclement, they can look through the window before sitting down for a feast! Hopefully Rachel and Ayala will come soon for a visit and to see the finished extension and look out the special window before going outside for the open air version.

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, please pray for the hostages still hanging on to life and for their families for whom every day is a nightmare, the anguish of 700 days.

 

With love

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half Truths and Downright Lies

 

 

 

29^th August 2025

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sheila

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

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

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

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

Every last one must come home

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katan Aleinu - We Got This

 

22^nd of August 2025

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I have to approach the elephant in the room.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sheila