4 Coffins

 

20^th of February 2025

505 days of pain and disbelief

 

Shabbat Shalom, if one can honestly call it that

 

I have some Hebrew words for you, words that are on the lips of all Israelis today.

עצב, כאב, השפלה, נפש שבורה

Sadness, pain, humiliation, a broken soul

 

Humanity has reached depths of depravity that no rational human being believed. Israelis are seething with anger, those of us who have watched the domino effect of ineptitude and sheer corruption of morality whereby every decision since well before the 7^th of October led to this ghastly day. The inability of Western nations to recognise who is the enemy of all humanity and who is fighting that enemy alone and lonely. The hate teaching has taken its toll on the people of Gaza too. Nobody, but nobody wants them, they are considered the psychological lepers of the world bringing only death and destruction with them.

 

Hamas was too afraid of bad publicity to give the babies tiny coffins for their macabre ceremony. As the four coffins are taken in four vehicles through the streets of Israel to the forensic identity centre,  people line the route silently holding Israeli flags; standing on bridges over the highway, in pouring rain and hail, determined to pay the families last respects. Oded Lifshitz, 84, Shiri Bibas and her two babies Kfir and Ariel.

 

I don’t know if you know but most of the kibbutzim along that beautiful and fertile strip of land of the Western Negev were founded predominantly by Jews from Argentina and other Latin American countries. They came with a deep commitment to the soil and to peace. They were the ones who fought to bring cancer patients to Israel for treatment; they are the ones who extended the hand of friendship to the Gazan workers who tended the land beside them; they are the ones who believed that kindness would bring peace – and it was those very workers who mapped their villages and houses while receiving good will. And yet, and yet, the families of Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas family have begged for restraint and refuse to call for vengeance. That is the ultimate spirit of Israel.

 

Natan Alterman wrote a poem that still rings true today

 

The Silver Salver by Natan Alterman 1910-1970, the official poet of David Ben Gurion

 

And the land grows still, the red eye of the sky 

 slowly dimming over smoking frontiers

As the nation arises, Torn at heart but breathing,

To receive its miracle, the only miracle

As the ceremony draws near, it will rise,

standing erect in the moonlight in terror and joy

When across from it will step out a youth and a lass

and slowly march toward the nation

Dressed in battle gear, dirty,

Shoes heavy with grime, they ascend the path quietly

To change garb, to wipe their brow
They have not yet found time.

Still bone weary from days and from nights in the field

Full of endless fatigue and unrested,
Yet the dew of their youth. Is still seen on their head

Thus they stand at attention, giving no sign of life or death 

Then a nation in tears and amazement
will ask: "Who are you?"

And they will answer quietly,

 "We Are the silver salver on which the Jewish state was given."

Thus they will say and fall back in shadows
And the rest will be told

In the chronicles of Israel

 

I dedicate this song to Shiri Bibas who tried so hard to protect her little ones.” Bo’I Ima” Come Mother and Sit by Me Just a While https://youtu.be/qetzeHGADes?si=0tVX0ZLaJcrEMbgw

 

With heavy heart I wish you Shabbat Shalom. Perhaps, perhaps the six who will arrive home on Shabbat will ease the pain, just a little

 

Sheila

 

 

 

  

 

Ecology and Hope

 

14^th February, 2025

Tu b’Shvat 15 Shvat, 5785 the New Year for Trees

 

Shabbat Shalom! Today is a very important day in the Jewish calendar, today ecology was born; today is Tu b’Shvat. The festival of Tu B'Shvat itself does not originate in the Torah. It is first mentioned in the Mishna (the first written collection of the Jewish traditions that are known as the Oral Torah) where it is referred to as Rosh Hashanah L'Ilanot or the New Year for the Trees. All those years ago the wise sages declared that we need to ensure future generations, to ensure that our earth remains green and that the rain will fall. Jewish children all over the world plant a tree, learn about nature and ecology even if we don’t call it that modern word. Just incidentally, Keren Kayemet (and JNF) have planted no less than 247 million trees since its inception in the fifth Zionist Congress in Basel in 1901!

 

My quote of the week is aimed at everyone, everywhere!

One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

Plato

 

Before I talk about the talks between various leaders and the President of the USA, I want to address, yet again, the Iranian nuclear facilities and abilities. Let’s begin with Mohammed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA years ago, who was, in fact, a member of the Moslem Brotherhood, hardly an objective observer. Since then there have been so many mistakes in attempting to contain nuclear research in Iran. The best explanation of the problem was given by the exceptional Shimon Peres at the President’s Conference. Remember that it was Shimon Peres who brought the Dimona facility to Israel. So, imagine the situation, 3,000 people sitting in a conference waiting for the words of wisdom from our host, Shimon Peres. As we waited, he was sitting alone on the stage, reading a newspaper seemingly ignoring us. After a few minutes of silence, he lowered the newspaper and looking straight at us he said (paraphrase) “Did you know that for the last 6 months, the Indian government can’t find an official hangman to replace the one that retired” the audience was hooked but confused “I believe that I prefer relations with a country that cannot find someone who wants to be a hangman than a country where everyone wants to be a hangman” We were stunned at his theatrical performance and the deep wisdom of his statement. Then he was talking about Iran, today I would link it to the Palestinians, certainly the Gazans.

 

Which of course brings us to the Trump plan. As I said last week, it sounds beyond rational thought, but, since the original thought was a buffer zone, and of course that didn’t work, since we know all too well that Gaza is now a disaster area, mostly because in order to blow up the tunnels and arsenals the houses that stood above such tunnels were inevitably destroyed, a solution must be found. The people need to go somewhere in order to rebuild, and most of all, the amazing people of the Western Negev aka the Southern Border, could return to their homes, their fields, their crops, schools, businesses and families without fear of another massacre. Nothing has worked thus far, nothing, not a single day of peace and security and believe you me, the will to slaughter has not been quelled. By the way, yesterday a rocket was launched at Israel and fell within Gaza killing a 14 year old child in a refugee camp.

 

Last week I told you about a friend who came up with a perfect plan, not as extreme as the Trump Plan for sure, but an excellent plan and exchange of land that could have given the Palestinians a contiguous state and Israel a greater level of security. He gave me permission to name him. Advocate Yehuda Ressler, a name well known in Israel, and I’m sure that he would be more than happy to show anyone who is interested the beautifully prepared map and plans.

 

The hostages are still coming home from hell, one, two and three at a time, unbearably painful for them, for their families and for us, ordinary Israelis. The pain is beyond understanding, we each know someone who knows someone whose family is waiting either to hold their loved ones or to bury them. Sadly, we have long understood that kindness is considered weakness in our neighbours’ eyes, that chest beating is considered strength, despite the sense that it is ugly and offends our sensibilities. The next few days will either prove that the recent chest beating is effective or we made another miscalculation.

 

Gillian and Pete Brisely live in the Welsh town of Brigend. Gillian and Pete had a beloved daughter Lianne who came to Israel as a volunteer on kibbutz, fell in love and married, after going through conversion to Judaism. Lianne and her husband Eli had two beautiful daughters, Noiya and Yahel. Gillian and Pete’s only grandchildren. They came to Israel often to see their family on Kibbutz Be’eri and adored their son in law Eli. You saw Eli come back from the hell hole called Gaza to learn that Lianne, Noiya and Yahel has been slaughtered and worse on the fateful day in October. Please listen to them https://youtu.be/oetoLSgZEW0?si=bqzbb6Cfj9XQfsiO

 

When we saw the release of the three men, Eli Sharabi, Or Levi and Ohad Ben Ami emaciated and emotionally devastated, the way they were paraded, so weak they were held up by masked, armed and hooded Hamas terrorists, our hearts sank. However, not everyone thinks as we do and are clearly susceptible, for whatever reason, to the Palestinian propaganda. Julia Hartley-Brewer interviewed journalist Yvonne Ridley concerning that and other releases. The interview turned into a very heated discussion, but helps us to understand how blind the Palestinian/Hamas flag waving supporters are. https://youtu.be/m0KM4LUrRUs?si=XWaDRWd_JicOjPf8

 

Despite it all, or maybe because of everything that happens around us, every attempt to break our emotional resolve, to keep life as normal as is possible, we all keep going, keep on living our lives.

 

Our week began on Friday after I wrote to you, Zvi and I went to a fascinating event in the Tel Aviv theatre Tzafta, not a show or a play, it was an event to honour Israel\USA expert and professor at Bar Illan University Eitan Gilboa. Born in the then tiny town of Binyamina, growing up with many future leaders whose parents were true “halutzim” or pioneers, where Betar and Hapoel were close friends, political views a basis of discussion, his fascination with his sphere of knowledge is infectious, his determined search for truth exceptional and despite giving his expert opinion on an average of three television programmes a day, nobody knows his actual political leanings. A rare treasure.

 

Did you see Shira Hass’s dress at the opening premiere of Captain America? It was golden yellow with a gathering at the back in the shape of the hostage ribbon. What a wonderful thing to do. Incidentally have you noticed that Israeli women are excellent superwomen and it isn’t just in the movies! Many of them have become outstanding spokespersons for Israel.

 

Friday and Saturday were family days then Tuesday evening I met Zvi at the Khan Theatre where he sang with the choir conducted by our beautiful friend Ronit Banit with Hilleli (known as Leli) Shemer who recounted her relationship with her famous mother, Nomi Shemer and how her mother grew up in Kibbutz Kinneret where most of the members, including her parents, had grown up in Vilna. The evening was absolutely delightful. My only problem is that our very special friend Prof. Gabby Barkay, caught me out in a lie. Actually, I wasn’t lying, just misinformed. I thought that the Khan, because of its name, which translates as Inn, was just that, an inn for the traders on the silk route. I was so wrong! Gabby, an expert on everything Jerusalem (in fact on any subject you choose) gave the real description. Apparently, in ancient times, the Khan was actually a silk factory where they had silk worms and produced fine silk! I had no idea. In fact, I cannot think of anyone except Gabby who would know that!

 

On Wednesday we split ways, Zvi going to Tel Aviv to have discussions on the revived basketball team of HaPoel Jerusalem and I went to Modiin to meet friends. It’s really an excellent middle of the road meeting place. That evening, I went to my craft meeting, where women from the village, of all ages, meet up to create, and crazy as it sounds, I decided to make a “Kitchen Witch” to ensure the success of whatever I bake!

 

Thursday morning and we met our wonderful friends Merle and Frank Friedman for a Tu b’Shvat ceremony and brunch, incorporating all the 7 species traditionally eaten on this day. We sang special songs and learned many things about Tu b’Shvat, not only is it a new year for trees, but it signifies the end of the winter harvest and the sowing of the spring crops. Yet again I am struck by the significance of everything we see and learn from the Bible and Jewish tradition. The event was held very close to our home in the beautiful surroundings of Beresheet. In fact, the building isn’t finished, as the extremely muddy state of the car park proved. Never mind, we can get the car washed this morning to remove the mud!!

 

Last night we went to the Tower of David, nestled in the ancient walls that surround the Old City of Jerusalem to celebrate the 80^th birthday of another Jerusalem/Herzl expert, our friend Dr. Motti (aka Mottle) Friedman. Of course it was a big secret, a surprise party, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more, teacher, initiator, expert and lovely man. Walking up the steps from the Mamilla Mall toward the Jaffa Gate, or rather toward the opening beside the Jaffa Gate (widened to appease the German Kaiser) and into the magical Tower of David Museum, we were struck once again at the majestic walls and the mix of the people walking in and out of the Old City. Anyway, the surprise was complete, Motti and Rivka’s daughter Esther MC’d the evening beautifully and then we went on a tour of the newly refurbished museum. What struck me was the fact that the museum not only records the various religious periods, the entire exhibit, each and every room, honours all three monotheistic religions without preference. It makes me so proud. The museum is well worth a visit, even worth the many steps that presented quite a challenge for me.

 

Today, Friday we are off to Tel Aviv again but this time for a very special party. Ella Raviv, our granddaughter, beautiful Ella, is Bat Mitzva! It’s a very small party, she’s not into big affairs, but it will be very happy. What I loved best is that she called Saba Zvi for explanations so that she would understand the Bible reading on her special day. She is called Ella because it means tree and she was born on Tu b’Shvat! Her name was chosen, not only because of the Jewish date but also in memory of Alla, Zvi’s wonderful mother.

 

And so to music

 

Ehud Manor, the exceptional Israeli songwriter and poet, was born in the tiny Moshav of Binyamina. Binyamina. Binyamina gave birth to many leaders and academics, the children of pioneers, of Shoah Survivors, among them Eitan Gilboa, the Olmert family and many more. This song, wistful and now sadly relevant, is sung at memorial ceremonies. The words are so true Mishu, Someone. https://youtu.be/YHx9xDAHOIE?si=7-L-FQUrq0LtvDux

 

Since I wrote of Nomi Shemer and Tu b’Shvat, the next song is very relevant. Called the Eucalyptus grove, Nomi Shemer herself sings of when her mother first came to the nascent state, how her parents built her a home and planted trees, Eucalyptus trees to drain the malarial swamps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My9HiZIPsak

 

So many songs pray for peace, that oh so elusive peace, peace of mind. Perhaps we live in the wrong part of the world but frankly it’s everywhere.  Yedid Nefesh is a very special song/prayer, for that elusive peace of mind. https://youtu.be/Qd4J1EiW6wc?si=jr-cJJtqI6R3vEx9  

 

As I said, yesterday I was in Modi’in and on my way home got stuck in the worst traffic jam. I have a tendency to give in to the situation, listen to music, talk on my phone (hands free) rather than get cross because losing one’s cool doesn’t help, there is no escape! Anyway, I took the opportunity, as I crept my way up to Jerusalem, to see the buds and light green leaves indicating renewal, the almond blossom, the wild cyclamen and even a patch of multi coloured Calaniot, or wind flowers or anemones! Normally, when one is one the highway these things pass too quickly but the virtual standstill gave me a special opportunity.

 

So that’s that. I pray that the planned next hostage release will go well; I pray that they will be able to stand on their own legs; I pray that the disgusting excuses for human beings will not put them through either ceremonies or hordes of baying creatures, will not give them goody bags and will allow them some dignity at the end of their nightmare.

 

I wish you a Shabbat of love, of family and of sweet thoughts

 

With love from Jerusalem the city so beautiful that everyone wants a part of it

 

Sheila

 

 

 

Trump for better or for worse

 ​6^th of February 2025

 

Shabbat shalom to one and all!

 

“The rain will stop, the night will end, the hurt will fade. Hope is never so lost that it can't be found.”

― Ernest Hemingway

 

I decided to jump right in rather than avoiding the elephant in the room, after all one of my favourite words in the English language is the word mahout or elephant trainer. So, chances are I will upset or offend most people, irrespective of which side of the political scene they choose. I have no intention of talking about other countries or the Trump implications thereof, although I am obviously aware that “the” speech meant different things to different people. I want to address what was said in relation to Israel since, after all, that is within my realm of expertise. Here goes.

 

I can honestly say that I am not a Trump fan, indeed have major problems with his diction and syntax, the pursed lips, to say nothing of his impetuous, fractious personality, but since I am a logical thinker, I promised myself that I would try to analyse what he said, removing all the extreme rhetoric, what in Hebrew is known as getting down to Tachlis, to the nitty gritty behind the speechifying. Let’s begin with the simple truth; nothing, no conventional thought or plan concerning Gaza has had even one iota of success, indeed all plans led to greater power for Hamas, more wars, more killing, more hatred; someone had to come along with a totally new perspective, a possible solution to the crucible called Gaza.

 

Instead of thinking like a diplomat or even a politician, Donald Trump thought as a builder/businessman dealing with a crime ridden tenement, which requires flattening and rebuilding, by offering voluntary relocation of Gazans to the most likely candidate country, Egypt. Not permanent, not enforced (?) but to a country that already has nearly 118 million citizens and severe financial problems. If Al Sisi could solve his financial problems by taking in a couple of million Gazans, I’m certain he will. Presumably to spread them about rather than create an enclave to foment more fury and a breeding ground for Hamas. Egypt would not be willing for Hamas or any equivalent to spread their vile dogma of death. Surprisingly, a poll has shown that many young Gazans would jump at the possibility of getting out from under the Hamas regime. Accepting that the idea of Gaza becoming an international playground, a Mini Dubai, is so far fetched that one tends to ignore the possible logic behind the pursed lips. Trump’s plan is not to rebuild Gaza, not to rebuild that seething crucible, but rather to replace it with something better.

 

The strange thing is that some 15 or more years ago a dear friend (I don’t want to mention his name because I don’t have his permission) put together a plan, with maps and clear explanations, similar in principle to the Trump plan, but doing it from the perspective of a liberal left-wing strategist. It could have given the PA and Gaza a contiguous land, just as they claimed they wanted.

 

Do you understand what I am saying? Just because you find someone repulsive, their views diametrically opposed to one’s own, does not make anyone right or wrong. I admit that I had a major problem with our own Prime Minister sitting there ……… no I promised myself I would not lower myself into unsavoury comments.

 

Perhaps the statement that caught my attention most of all and above all others, was the demand that all the hostages be set free without delay. Sadly, even the President of the United States has no control over that one. Each and every one that is set free, the first words out of their mouths are “Everyone must come home, continue to demonstrate, take to the streets”. The men’s stories of being held in cages, of beatings and starvation, of mental and physical cruelty mean that everyone, everyone still alive must be set free before they die. It is known that thus far only those who still look relatively normal have come home, although Keith Segal was clearly very sick and skeletal. The euphoria of coming home kept them on their feet and those observers, those phenomenal girls, young women, they have shown huge courage, incredible loyalty to each other, and have shown their captors that they cannot be beaten down. The video of them dancing at Liri’s 20^th birthday party was breathtaking.

 

One of the first actions of the American administration is to defund UNWRA which as I have been telling you for the last 5 years, is behind the hate teaching of Gazans and Palestinians. UNWRA schools, UNWRA textbooks, led directly to the slaughter of Israelis on the 7^th of October 2023. If you think I am exaggerating, please read the reports - https://www.impact-se.org/unrwa/   

 

On the same theme, Israel has reclused itself from the UN Human Rights Council. Hardly surprising since it is the second most corrupt branch of the UN, with Iran on the Women’s Rights Council!!

 

Douglas Murray made a video recently, yes, I know he makes many but this one caught my imagination more than most. He said that when someone loses a dog or cat, they put posters on every tree and if someone were to tear those posters down it would cause uproar, yet, there are those who tear down posters of hostages, even of those two beautiful gingy babies, and the world is silent! So, it is in many universities yet, incredibly, while the incitement can be traced back to Qatar, the Qataris are the very people who claim to negotiate with the devil for the return of the hostages.

 

Brendan O’Neill writes for the UK Spectator. His writings are concise, precise and honest. Do read this statement to the world asking why there was no uproar, not just about the treatment of the hostages but the diabolical handover. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-are-the-anti-racists-silent-about-arbel-yehuds-terrible-ordeal/   

 

Recent polls have shown something fascinating. The current government is going down in popularity but not significantly, in my opinion because the opposition cannot get its act together, but if Naftali Bennet comes back into the fray, he could form a strong government with Benny Gantz in second place, the two who could easily unite. Until now the opposition has proven ineffective. However, in the meantime, the highly experienced Mossad chief Dedi Barnea is being pushed out of managing hostage negotiations with the Americans in favour of Ron Dermer. Shin Bet leader Ronen Bar is being “considered” for removal from the hostage release negotiation team and Caroline Glick, the conspiracy theorist, is being appointed to a senior role in the public diplomacy apparatus and taken to Washington. What??? Eylon Levy, who was genius as our spokesman, was thrown out because a certain woman didn’t approve of the fact that he attended a demonstration and in his stead Caroline Glick?

 

That’s it! I cannot deal with being negative for one more moment. Today we should be given the names of the next hostages to be released and the families prepared.

 

Yesterday I had cause to go to the beautiful village of Ein Kerem just outside Jerusalem. The drive through the rolling green hills on the way to Ein Kerem was spectacular as the pink and white fluff balls of the almond blossom seem to pop up at the side of the road and surprise me at each turn on the winding back road. The almond blossom stood out, defined by the tree covered hills, each and every tree as far as the eye could see was planted in the hope of making a green and beautiful land. Today I headed in the opposite direction toward Modi’in to meet Ged and Judith Ornstein in BigA Restaurant. We had never met before although friends on Facebook (yes some of us oldies still use Facebook) and we clearly have many interests in common. The meal was delightful and the conversation lively, well worth the drive through the pouring rain and high winds!

 

Education begins at home. This week we, my siblings and I, lit the memorial candle for the anniversary of my father’s passing. My Father, Jack Silver, was a quiet man, auto-didact, having emigrated to Wales in 1910, following his older brother Ben, determined not to suffer the pogroms of Poland. He was so proud of being British, the bunting would come out at every public holiday and he read the newspaper avidly, having learned to read English. He had been a Yeshiva student until his “relocation”. Why did I mention education starts at home? Because my parents welcomed all comers into our home, but not even that; all four of us have memories of my Dad’s face lighting up every time we walked into the room, even if it was from the kitchen! For me, he was my rock, when my Mummy passed away I was only 17 years old and he had no experience of what to do with a willful teenager, but he did it, he gave me the one thing that made me what I am today, his love. I knew that he absolutely adored me. Simple. Teach love and it snowballs into loving others. Know that we are loved and we learn to love others. Make sure that your face lights up when your children and grandchildren enter the room, no matter how old they are, and you will build amazing human beings.

 

Mount Hermon is covered in snow and the rest of Israel is finally getting the rainfall we so desperately needed. Zvi has gone to his final rehearsal of his second choir for a performance next week and is really upsetting me since they have asked him to grow a goatee for another performance……. Sorry but I’m not a facial hair person!!

 

Anyway, it’s time for music to take away the blues and turn us away from politics!

 

Tamir Grinberg sings the song in all our hearts. Bring You Home. Each of us, all of us, just wait to welcome all our hostages, to bring them home to their families and begin the healing process. https://youtu.be/wOVTFlTkwDs?si=HjDBy7wHVKvibnhI

 

Our prayers repeat the same words in many forms, many tunes but always the same theme, we pray for peace. Oseh Shalom https://youtu.be/TFwqF2qVU38?si=KA9Ibz_3cq-5BLXx

 

Nearly Shabbat and almost time to welcome more Israelis home, to go through the emotional wringer of knowing there are still so many more. Never ever give up, always stand tall in your determination to make this world a better place. Just remember, we’ve been here a long long time. We’ve been taken into slavery ( a couple of times!), denied our right to prayer, suffered expulsion, dispossession and banishment and look, we are still here, alive and kicking! We have suffered the stones and arrows of many an overlord, religious and hedonistic, and we always bounce back, we’ll survive this because if you look very carefully, you will notice that all of those who tried to rid the world of Jews, have disappeared into oblivion. Oh yes, they try to raise their ugly heads every so often, but then as the Passover prayer says We are still standing https://youtu.be/Y784Uw96Rbs?si=jUB-VWwuCyQUTxWB

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Israel, from Jerusalem, from our heart.

Sheila

 

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

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

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

The Day that Gadi and Agam came home

 

30^th January 2025

2^nd of Shevat, 5785

482 days since 7^th of October

 

Shabbat Shalom

 

 

I don’t know how to express my horror at the scenes yesterday morning as we watched what was meant to be a joyous moment as two more hostages were released. We stared open-mouthed in disbelief, then in a deep nauseating fury as the bloodthirsty, baying, gloating mob seemed to engulf the two Israelis. I honestly thought they would not get to the Red Cross vans alive. They were paraded, a final humiliation as if 16 months of bondage, of being held in inhuman conditions, was not sufficient. We saw Arbel, her terrified face occasionally visible in the mob, but Gadi seemed to be engulfed and we thought he was lost. Incredibly, as they sat in the Israeli Air Force helicopter, he simply hugged Arbel, a hug to tell her it was alright, they were going home. Gadi Moses was kidnapped without his hearing aids or glasses. He spent 16 months in captivity, hearing and seeing little, yet, while surrounded by a baying mob he held his head high. His first words when he finally stepped off the helicopter were “I want to rebuild Nir Oz” the kibbutz from which he was kidnapped on October 7^th. https://youtu.be/w80ZXXjk5wk?si=XwVU40HLBDNwuQi4

 

Each and every one that returns is met with love, not just from their family but from the entire nation. One scene that struck at my heartstrings was that the four observers who returned less than a week ago, Liri Elbag, Daniela Gilboah, Naama Levi, and Karina Arayev, were busy making posters to welcome Agam Berger home. As soon as Agam had reunited with her family, they met her in the hospital and the five girls hugged and wept in relief that all the observers who survived the storming of their base had come home.

 

Last week I described our national mental state as like a tsunami of emotions, the sheer unadulterated joy at seeing families reunited, praying that they can overcome the diabolical trauma of the last 16 months, grieving the young lives lost, the names of the soldiers who fall and realizing that we have a government that is, for whatever reason, incapable of doing what they are meant to do – protect our people. As Lucy Aharish stated, “someone who cannot bring 90 people home cannot govern 10 million”.

 

Western leaders suggest that various countries in the region take in Gazans until the basic structures of Gaza can be rebuilt. They really don’t understand, cruel as it may sound, nobody wants them! No country in this region will take responsibility for a people that has had hatred inculcated into every aspect of their lives for 50-60 years! Gazans have nothing else; the concept of free thought has been brainwashed out of them replaced by a bloodthirsty demand for vengeance. It is something that few leaders understand, or choose to ignore and put the onus on other countries, especially on Israel, to come up with a solution.

 

Education either raises people up beyond all expectation, teaching them to live full and worthy lives, or it can drag them down into a Sargasso Sea of hatred and despair. Hamas thrives on the self-fulfilling prophesy of hate-filled education. Impact-se revealed this week that Hamas is already prepared to go back to the schoolbooks that bred generations of violence, culminating in the 7^th of October. Thus Israel has banned UNWRA from East Jerusalem.

 

George Orwell wrote “The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.” So it is in too many Western societies. University campuses in the USA and the UK; Australia, is suffering from the syndrome of hating truthtellers, Canada too, both countries suffering from Woke governments who would not know the truth if it hit them in the face, which is precisely what is happening now. Most of Europe is waking up but it may well be too late and Scandinavia is lost.

 

This week the world outside Israel commemorated International Holocaust Day, the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Russian troops. Ironically the 27^th of January was declared International Holocaust Day by the United Nations, that man-made body which has not, in any way, shape or form, tried to prevent another Holocaust. Ceremonies were held in Jewish and non-Jewish communities worldwide, with great dignity.  However, not everywhere. In a ceremony in Dublin, the Irish President Higgins made a sly comparison between the Shoah and Gaza (Palestine) an unconscionable comparison. There is no comparison to the calculated and organised decimation of the Jews of Europe, ethnic cleansing. Those who make that comparison are blind, deaf and stupid. The burgeoning population in Gaza denies genocide and to suggest that Israel had genocidal intentions is to turn the truth on its head. Sadly, the sole intention that binds the Palestinian people is the genocidal dissolution of Israel.

 

And so to our week

On Monday evening we met Nancy and Harry Bloomfield in the gorgeous and delicious Eucalyptus Restaurant, right opposite the walls of the Old City in the Artists quarter of Chutsot ha Yotser. I love the food prepared by the Chef Owner Moshe Basson. All food is based on Biblical herbs and recipes and although Moshe, an old friend, was not there last night Zvi called him so that he could say hello to Nancy and Harry. The conversation is always lively when Harry is around and it bounced from current politics to English language, especially concerning the word Verandah, which is yet another English word emanating from the Indian during the Raj, and my use of said verandah. However it was fun and delicious as always, Nancy and I hobbling through the ancient stones to return home.

 

On Tuesday I had a wonderful surprise guest as Sharon Voss came to visit! I really love Sharon but somehow, despite both of us moving out of central Jerusalem to the rural beauty of this area, we don’t seem to get together. I was very excited when Sharon actually like my rather strange creations in Crafting group!!!

 

Wednesday and Rachel and Yosef, together with Yosef’s friend Raphael, drove down to an army base beside Gaza to present the soldiers with 30 warm jackets that friends had contributed. They were absolutely thrilled. The timing was right because the next day they went into Gaza where the nights are cold and anyway, they deserve every gift that they receive. These incredible youngsters put their lives on the line to protect us.

 

Last evening we met up with friends on Gaza Street. Really, not only called Gaza Street but the private home of the Netanyahu family is just down the road. Many streets in Jerusalem begin at the Old City and were the roads to Bethlehem, Hebron, Jaffa etc, the roads that merchants travelled with their wares. Anyway back to Gaza Street aka Azza Street. I had a rather problematic day so decided to go with Zvi to meet his musical friends for a bite to eat. As usual the subject turned to the history of Jerusalem – well hardly surprising since Zvi really is an expert – and what everyone calls the “old Knesset” on King George Street. Apparently Ben Gurion had no intention of moving the parliament from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem until there was a final political arrangement with the Arabs. However, he heard rumours that the Arab population intended making Jerusalem, the Holy City, into their symbolic city, so decided to move the Knesset to Jerusalem. The first sittings were held in the Jewish Agency building, and on March 13th 1950, the Knesset moved to Froumine House, a former biscuit factory on King George Street and Knesset sittings were held there for more than 16 years when the current Knesset building was dedicated in 1966.

 

When someone that you love passes away it doesn't matter how old or how young it's always a shock. Tema Gaba z”l  represented my childhood, my parents friends and everything that was good about the community and Cardiff in South Wales. At the incredible age of 102 she kept all of her daughter Susan's close friends listening in rapt attention to the stories she brought from our hometown, stories about our families and our parents that we thought were forgotten. I love the fact that after many many years living in Israel she still had that lovely lilting Welsh accent that warmed my heart. We will talk about her with great fondness, her smile and her penchant for lovely hats, for many years to come. May her soul rest in peace and the family be consoled among the mourners of Zion

 

I forgot to tell you that last Shabbat Zvi and I crossed the road to the Nature Reserve for a little walk in the glorious fresh air that our area is famous for.  We set off under blue skies and crisply cool air and then almost immediately I saw it! The huge almond tree that I saw last week in my movement class, standing proud with its pinky white blossom, harbinger of spring and better things to come. As we walked we found wild cyclamen, both light and dark pink, seemingly emerging from the stoney ground, proving that things here can grow if left to their own devices.  We met people along the way “Shabbat Shalom” and “B’sorot Tovot” which is a wish for good news.

 

Tonight Zvi’s boys and their families are coming for Shabbat Dinner. Once they walk through the door they don’t allow me to move! They serve the food, clear the table, put everything back in its place and turn what could be a working night into a very enjoyable one.

 

And so to music.

Shiri Maimon is an Israeli singer with a beautiful voice. She has used that voice to spread the word of the plight of the hostages and to sing this amazing song “I’m Coming Home” https://youtu.be/f5-q8x8ERnM?si=Ee9yPu1pmu7L7YmE

 

Stevie Wonder sang this song many years ago and it has been my favourite, among many favourites, since I first heard him sing in concert.” A Place in the Sun”. Listen to the words and you will see how appropriate it is for these troubled times https://youtu.be/f5-q8x8ERnM?si=Ee9yPu1pmu7L7YmE

 

The words of the final song need no complicated translation because they repeat the blessing “Shabbat Shalom Umevorach” A blessed and peaceful Shabbat, over and over again and is what we all sing before getting down to the serious stuff of blessings over the wine, the Challah (bread) and then the meal. It is a joyful way to bring everyone to the table. The late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach sings https://youtu.be/Zh2Dv_W-Xqw?si=km97JEUyLY8gtWdz  

 

I often write about Rachel’s children because I see them most frequently but I am equally in love with my grandchildren outside Israel, Sammy, Olivia and Zachary in London, Joshua and Callie in New York, Zvi’s grandchildren Amit, Gili, Ori, Yuval, Ella and Yonatan here in Israel but don’t live right next to us and I am equally proud of each and every one of them, bless the day they were born. There is something so special about grandchildren, the Hebrew expression “basar besari” the flesh of my flesh probably expresses it best of all. The fact that these human beings are the result of our children is a miracle! Grandchildren are our future, the future of life on earth, so teaching them to love, the think, to rationalise and to make this world a better place is the most important inheritance we can leave behind us. It’s all about education and every day we understand that education to think for themselves can change the direction of everyone around us is a step in the right direction.

 

I think back all those years ago when Pastor Mike Evans knelt before Kinneret Chaya and told her “You can turn your scars into stars and bitter into better” and that is what we have to do now. We cannot seethe, turn our anger into a sick society and call for revenge, we have to prove our own strength and teach, teach, teach.

 

This weeks Torah reading speaks of the death of the first born, the plague that broke Pharoah, the plague that finally forced him to set the Jewish slaves free. We do not need to impose plagues, the time has passed, we are free and here in our own land. We just have to learn to stand tall in the face of adversity. However, one thing, the first law God asked of us upon leaving Egypt, was to honour a Jewish calendar, Jewish months (lunar) and so we do until today. Today is the second day of the month of Shevat, 5785.

 

We await the release of the three hostages who are due to come home tomorrow. I pray that they will not have to suffer the baying mob of yesterday and will come home safely to their loving families.

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Stay strong, stay safe and stay close

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lu Yehi - Let it be

Lu Yehi – Let it Be Edit

By sheila | January 24, 2025

​24th January, 2025

Shabbat Shalom. I hope this missive finds you well

In November 1942 Winston Churchill said “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” And so it is for us, for Israel, for the families of the hostages, for the whole of Israel. While it is true that we do not have a leader such as Winston Churchill, a leader capable of rallying the hearts and minds of the people, in fact I’m not sure any of the countries this missive goes out to have a leader capable of rallying the hearts and minds of the people, but that’s another matter entirely.

What a week!! What a week of high hopes, dashed dreams and the return of three incredible young women to their families, yes, Doron, Emily and Romi came home. The jubilation was tempered with fears that once their joy at surviving the unbelievable had waned, the truth of their time in Gaza would arise like an emotional tsunami. Even as we speak the fear that the emotional torture of Hamas could stop the exchange in its tracks. The 4 hostages due to come home this weekend could change, dashing all our hopes. Hopefully the threats of President Trump will ensure their return and the return of all the hostages, alive and dead.

I must admit that watching the sheer joy of Emily, her incredible fortitude and somehow very British attitude to the entire situation brought a smile while the sudden emotional collapse of Doron and Romi brought tears. Both reactions were so natural; their uncertainty when handed over to the Red Cross; their relief at being handed over to the young soldiers who were to bring them to the helicopters and finally as they ran into the arms of their families, the joy was contagious. Emily’s hand, two fingers amputated after she was shot on October 7th, has become a symbol of their return. Her bandaged, disfigured hand ironically forms the sign language for I love you.

Chief of Staff, Herzi HaLevi, true to his word, decided to resign his post with the following words:-

“On the morning of October 7, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price—in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many—security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians—were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life. In recognition of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7, and at a time when the IDF has recorded extraordinary achievements and restored Israel’s deterrence and strength, I request to conclude my tenure on March 6, 2025. This decision was made long ago. Now, with the IDF holding the upper hand in all theaters of combat and with another hostage return agreement underway, the time has come.”

One of Halevi’s final decisions is to clear Jenin of the terrorist cells from which many attacks emanated. The IDF went in and hopefully have made Jenin a livable home once again for its residents.

A new President of the United States was sworn in this week. The ceremony, due to the extreme cold in Washington, was held in the Rotunda, that beautiful hall between the Congress and Senate.  If I may digress, Zvi and I are familiar with the Rotunda, where in 1995, the opening of the “Jerusalem 3000” celebrations were held. It was the last time either of us met with Yitzchak Rabin, my last hug, but, as I said I digress. The ceremony was, as always beautiful, and yet again I recognised what a deeply religious country the USA is. “In God We Trust” is not only on the country’s fiduciary currency, it is the ethos of the Founding Fathers until today. The words of the hymns, the beautiful voices of the choir, the three religions represented, the elegance of the First Lady, the quiet, distinguished presence of President and Dr Biden and the expected surprise of President Trump’s speech. His manner and intentions are somewhat shocking, but the United States has a full range of stops and balances before any law is passed. One of his statements, actually, not in the actual speech, was that all Gazans should be sent to Indonesia – the amazement of the Jakarta government who had never heard of the idea! I have no intention of repeating the litany of intended changes to the world map, I’m sure you registered every one.

Still in the USA, Congressman Brian Mast Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee makes a truly magnificent speech against the ICC and their determination to arrest the Israeli Prime Minister and former Minister of Defence Gallant.  https://youtu.be/m9sez9pJUgU?si=6fEJ0FZZdXosutv_  

Just in case you think that I’m the only writer in the family, I want to include this posting by Zvi. I found it fascinating.

Dear Friends,

In Hebrew, there is a saying: “You either kill the guard or eat the grapes.” The time for human sacrifice is over! Hamas has received a bitter lesson that will serve them for a generation. Don’t be fooled by the “celebrations”—Gaza is a total “rubble.” Most homes in the areas we fought are no longer habitable. The education system, governing bodies, as well as electricity, water, roads, and all services are destroyed. Hamas knows that the assistance of Arab and Western countries in rebuilding Gaza depends on a different kind of regime. They may be part of the regime, but they will not lead it! Remember, they are Sunni, who were abused and used by the Iranian Shiites to “conquer” the Sunni countries! Israel and the Palestinians were merely an excuse.

Now, Israel faces the problem that 5 million Arabs who call themselves Palestinians will not “disappear”! But if we can eradicate the extremist Muslim elements, we will be able to build a better future for all. The new regimes in Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and perhaps others will join us to do that! We assisted the Sunni world in overcoming the Shiite threat, and they KNOW it.

The biggest achievement of this dreadful war was the destruction of the “Circle of Fire” around Israel, built by Iran over 40 years! We were “lucky” that Nasrallah believed his own foolish statements, because if he had joined Hamas, we could have been in much more trouble. We would still have won, but at a much higher cost!

I am not afraid of ANY outside threat, only the internal cohesion of our society! Israel was established as a “Jewish and Democratic” state. Yet, after 76 years, half the country wants it to be more “Jewish,” and the other half wants it to be more “Democratic.” If we cannot find a “painful” compromise between both sides, we will either go down the path of a “Civil War,” like the US or Mexico 100-150 years ago, or see the destruction of the third attempt to establish Jewish independence. Both previous attempts failed—not because of external threats, but because of internal strife!

We will go through a difficult period. I am sure we will overcome it with “joy” while the hostages return, and “sorrow” while we receive the remains of those victims who did not survive. We will see “Victory Parades” on the Palestinian side, but we will always remember the words of Pyrrhus II: “If we win another such battle against the Romans, we will be completely lost.”

There is no question who won the war.
Am Yisrael Chai! Remember that!
Look after yourselves and be good.
Zvi

Isn’t it wonderful?

King Charles will attend a commemoration service at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi death camp on January 27th. The service will be live streamed. King Charles has always been close to the Jewish community, if you recall he opened his home to Chief Rabbi Mirvis so that he could attend the Coronation ceremony on a Saturday. He is also patron of many Jewish organisations.

Last night was very tense! It was the final of the competition to choose our representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. I know that it is not a big thing for Americans but, well it is for us! The final four were all excellent performers. Daniel Weiss, with the voice of an angel, who lost both his parents on October 7th; Valery Hamati, a Christian Arab from Jaffa, whose voice reached the skies; Moran and Red, a brilliant singer and a large purple puppet; and finally, Yuval Raphael, a Nova massacre survivor who sang her heart out and won. Yuval is an excellent choice. She took her pain, her ghastly trauma and turned it into a performance that took the hearts of the country. Those terrifying hours of hiding in a concrete shelter, talking to her father who kept telling her to play dead, have culminated in a fine representative to the internation music contest. Facing those booing crowds will be nothing compared to what she already survived.

This is the song which started her rise up the ladder to success. It’s called Anyone and if you listen to the words you can tell why it is so appropriate and the judges cannot help but shed a tear. https://youtu.be/b1pV-8Asjok?si=LWk7ybs0dhQ_3g25

It is 50 years since the death of the great Cantor and opera singer Richard Tucker a truly magnificent voice. I am going to be selfish and give you the song that my Mummy used to sing to me “Roshinkes mit Mandlen” Raisins and Almonds. A beautiful lullaby. As always, the words are so much more than a simple lullaby, it is the words of a mother telling her little son Yiddeleh of the day when he will be free and rich…..   https://youtu.be/DQhDraX2hwI?si=KTdUCJuN2jbBetY2 

During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Naomi Shemer heard the Beatles singing Let It Be and wanted to translate it to Hebrew. However Ehud manor told her that instead of a simple translation she should write a new song, a song that tells the Israeli story. Here Chava Alberstein sings to the soldiers of the Yom Kippur War – a prayer  May It Be  https://youtu.be/0jbIo5KGLVw?si=Vi8cEQ3EdkdHzdlN

Yesterday I went to my Movement Class and as we heard the music a thought kept going through my head, a reminder of what I used to tell my children about the oak and the willow. When the storm rages the oak, the solid strong trunk of the oak tree cracks and falls whereas the willow, its branches waving in the wind, survives to live another day. Bend with the troubles, be flexible but keep your roots firmly planted in your beliefs. As we moved, danced to the music, one woman suddenly shouted, “Look, look! A Shkediah!” We rushed to the window and there it was, our first almond blossom! A glorious tree, high on the hill, a cloud of white against the green. It gave us hope, relief, an omen of better things to come. The next morning I woke to a gorgeous double rainbow which ended close to our building. Surely two good omens?

This morning Zvi is going to visit our dear friend, Zvi’s close friend Prof. Gabby Barkay, professor of archaeology and anthropology and a dear and special man. A few buddies will go, as they do regularly since Gabby has been in Hadassah Hospital. From there he will go to his parliament. I will go to Rachel to see Talia, home from Netanya where she is doing her National Service, Sherut Leumi, which involves voluntary work in schools, teaching maths and caring for the minds of young children. Yosef finally got to meet his close friend who has been serving in the IDF both north and south and came home for the weekend to the incredible news that, thanks to Yosef’s initiative, and Rachel’s determination, the entire platoon has warm jackets to wear under their uniform. It’s cold both in the north and the south. Then there is Ayala, too young to serve but definitely not too young to volunteer! I can’t wait for their hugs. Then home, rest and off to Tel Aviv to Amiad and Noga for Friday night dinner. Again, the high spot is the children, Ella and Yonatan. Ella is almost 12, Bat Mitzva. Zvi is so thrilled that she is taking her role seriously, wants to understand the “parasha” her reading from the Torah. She was born on the Jewish new year for trees, the day when every Israeli child goes to plant a new tree.

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, a weekend to remember and please, please God, we will see four more hostages coming home this weekend and the remainder coming home very soon. Never give up hope, that’s our National Anthem – HaTikva.

With much love

Sheila​