Eisenkot, Albanese and the wedding of the year

 

13^th of November 2026

3^rd of Kislev 5787

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I’m sure that you noticed that today is Friday the 13^th, but don’t worry, in Judaism 13 is a lucky number so today is really lucky Shabbat!

 

My quote this week, given to me by Rabbi Jeremy Rosen, is exceptionally appropriate.  Maimonides wrote “when religion is joined to political authority, piety disappears.”

 

I have so much to tell you about the fabulous wedding about my grandson Yosef to his bride Tsofia and the wonderful fun of having Valerie and Martin to stay with us, but first, let’s get the politics and non-diplomacy out of the way.

 

Gadi Eizenkot faces all the challenges left by an inept, manipulative, extreme, one sided government. Finally, he was given a security briefing by the current Prime Minister, a briefing to the man who the President called upon to form a government, a former Chief of Staff. The forming of a feasible, inclusive coalition is the task in hand and decisions that may be uncomfortable but will include all sectors of Israel’s incredibly diverse citizenship. One cannot discount those who serve our country and hopefully will be part of the necessary changes to give more and more a sense of loyalty to Israel. The hard work begins after the elections, finding a compromise through a complex maze of our election process. True democracy can only be reached through compromise.

 

Francesca Albanese, the Special Raconteur of the United Nations, told the Irish parliament’s Committee on European Affairs this week, “Israel has always killed children, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, the use of torture, even rape.” She even suggested that we train dogs to rape Palestinians. Not only insane but her incitement must bring her dismissal. The Mediaeval Blood Libel is alive and kicking in the United Nations, and in Ireland.

 

One of the most important and moving of ceremonies in Britain is the ceremony of Remembrance Day. At 11 minutes past the 11^th hour on the 11^th month a very sombre ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph Memorial, with leaders of every religion and the reigning monarch. A pro-Palestinian group produced Palestinian poppies, metal copies of the red poppies representing the bloody Battle of Flanders Field and all wars thereafter.  Since the ceremony of Remembrance Day is remembering British and ANZAC soldiers who died in battle, surely this is the most insulting of all protests. It is just another step throughout the world of trying to change British and Western traditions.

 

Last week I wrote about the important dates at the beginning of November and, shamefully, I didn’t write about Kristallnacht, the 9^th of November. As the Western world descends into Nazi-like symbols and actions, I should have put November 9^th at the top of my agenda.

 

Despite its apparent desire to pursue acceptance by the west, Egypt announced this week that conversion to Christianity warrants a death sentence, according to Sharia Law. I then did my research, since I never make accusations without checking sources etc and discovered where this diabolical law is practiced. Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (rarely,) Somalia and Sudan; so the list goes on. I have no words.

 

I’m happy to tell you that while proselytising is frowned upon Christianity is thriving in Israel and the number of Christians is increasing (the only country in the world where that is true).  In fact, when I took our friends Valerie and Martin to Ein Kerem, to the Franciscan Monastery of St John the Baptist (the site of St John’s birth and circumcision), we saw a large group of Mexican Pilgrims coming down the steps. Since Martin is as crazy as I am, we love talking to strangers, he began chatting to them in his native Spanish and even found one who, like Martin, is originally Venezuelan. They told him how wonderful they found Israel and loved their Christian tourism and the Christian sites that are faithfully maintained. Then we met a delightful Italian Monk who sadly spoke no Hebrew or English, only Italian and Arabic (which surprised me). When Martin managed to draw upon his few Italian lessons and speak to him it charmed the Monk to such an extent that he took us down into a locked area, unlocked the ancient gate and we entered a Crusader chapel! The sheer simplicity of the ancient stones blew our minds! Yet another reminder of freedom of worship based on Jewish teachings.

 

Martin loved reading Danny Adeno Abebe’s book From Africa to Zion, and was thrilled to know that Danny is a good friend. Of course, I called Danny and invited him to come for supper. Martin and Valerie sat entranced by his story, his warmth and charm, the title in Hebrew is The Journey without End, tells it all. Danny’s adorable youngest daughter tells the story. https://www.instagram.com/p/DfkVKjzihEO/?hl=en

 

This week, Ethiopian Jews celebrated the Sigd Festival, telling of their 500-year yearning for Jerusalem. It takes place on the Hass Promenade with its view of Jerusalem and winds its way to the Western Wall.  

 

Before the visit to Ein Kerem, Val and I went for a walk on the path over the reservoir. When Zvi and Martin called they decided to join us and I was thrilled to share our “secret spot” with its glorious view over the hills, before going home then leaving for our local restaurant Naya for dinner. Martin left Israel for Madrid where his wife Helene and baby granddaughter waited for him and the next day I took Valerie to our mutual friends in Netanya.

 

And so to the most exciting news of all!! Yosef Eliahu (Joseph Elijah) my eldest grandchild, married his Tsofia in a fabulous ceremony, in a truly magnificent site right on the edge of the Negev Desert.  It was breathtaking. There were representatives of our families and friends, including Gideon, Zachary, Leor and his girls, friends from far and wide, Rachel’s father Philip’s family, and of course his wife Barbara. The rain stopped and although the evening was chilly (brrrr) everyone enjoyed the food before the ceremony as the family of the bride and groom socialised. If you haven’t been to an Israeli wedding, then you cannot imagine how good the food is before the food! A number of positions with various forms of finger food along one side of the beautiful plaza as people mingled and got to know each other, then it is time for the Chuppah, the actual ceremony.

 

They gave me a seat right up front near the wedding canopy, sightline somewhat blocked by over enthusiastic photographers, but Martin placed himself to create a video of the following – First came Rachel, Igal and Yosef, walking along the runway to the canopy, Yosef grinning all the way, then Tsofia and her parents, leaving her at the beginning as her dress was arranged; then it happened! Yosef ran down the runway to his love, grinning and clapping his hands. He gently lifted her veil over her face and they walked to the Chuppah holding hands. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry so I did both. The 7 blessings then took place and Philip sang his blessing so beautifully, proudly standing in front of his grandson. We all sang “If I forget thee oh Jerusalem” and then Yosef jumped on the glass to consecrate the proceedings with remembering how frail life is, although some say to remember the shattering of the Temple.

 

We all then went into the very impressive events hall to warm up and eat the most delicious food, proof catering for 370 people one can still serve perfect steaks and moist well spiced fish. Our table was fun and Martin got on like a house on fire with our friends Shauli and Rochele, Gideon and Zac sat at a table with his cousins and friends. That’s it! Each night there are events to celebrate the seven blessings but we only went to one at Rachel’s in-laws.

 

Apart from the obvious joy of seeing one’s grandson marrying the love of his life, it was simply wonderful to watch his closest friends, all in the IDF, cheering and dancing as he broke the glass. Wonderful young men who, after hundreds of days of Miluim (reserve duty) still have a long way to go to heal their PTSD. All the youngsters danced into the early hours before heading home.

 

What have I missed? Oh yes. Rachel, Talia and Ayala looked so incredibly beautiful. Their faces shining with the joy of the night. I couldn’t leave that out!

 

As we come down to earth and Rachel prepares for the weekend called “Shabbat Chatan” the Groom’s Shabbat, when she will have about 20 people for Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch, I won’t be going to her today. We went to a truly crazy place to get all the fruit and veg she needed for the meals, it’s a huge hangar in the middle of nowhere, full of boxes of excellent fruit and vegetables stacked high. The customers, each with piled high trollies, were Arab and Jew, Palestinian and Israeli, Secular and Haredi, a true representation of Israeli society but luckily not everyone has found it, it’s crazy enough without even more people!

 

What music fits everything we talked about? Such a wide range of events but one thing is certain, It’s a wonderful world.  Yes, I know there are many things that disturb but when it comes down to it, events like a loving, beautiful wedding remind us how amazing life can be. https://youtu.be/CaCSuzR4DwM?si=CervycWEsomufToK

 

Love conquers all may be naïve but Arik Einstein wrote a song believing that love will win. https://youtu.be/M7Xe4IKxghw?si=P4rwD2-cHCeMR06V

 

A complete change of pace, although in a strange and very upbeat way it’s a love song to Israel! A crazy song for a crazy country! Bamba bamba, Matka matka, lemon popsicle…… https://youtu.be/guROkmvhC28?si=fY5lGzqeKpEd2AEf  I bet you’ll wind up singing along with it and leaping about!

 

I’m sitting here looking out the window at the almond tree, the almonds mostly eaten by the birds with a few hanging on hoping to fall and produce new trees. The apartment seems strangely quiet, the empty beds remade and waiting for our next guests, whoever they may be. Zvi has gone to his parliament in the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the music because music eases the soul and reminds us that life is good despite.

 

Shabbat Shalom and much love from Jerusalem, right there through the window as I light the Shabbat Candles.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2nd, 4th 5th and now the 8th

 

5^th of November 2026

25 Cheshvan 5787

 

Shabbat Shalom everyone! Well, one couldn’t say that this was an uneventful week in politics! Maybe I’ll start there so that we can look at the gentler side of life afterwards.

 

As you know I search for an appropriate quote each week and after both the USA elections and our own this seemed to say it all “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” John F. Kennedy

 

Whatever side of the political aisle we stand on, democracy means accepting the results of a free and fair election — and remembering how fortunate we are to have the freedom to choose our leaders at all. But this election tsunami in the United States leaves me both concerned and wondering what it is really telling us. Is it simply a reaction to the current President and his policies, or is something deeper happening in American society? How much responsibility lies with the media, and how much with a genuine desire for change? And what should we make of the election of candidates such as Abdul El-Sayed, now the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, and the re-election of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? Is this a warning sign, or perhaps democracy doing exactly what democracy is meant to do, giving voters the power to decide, even when the result makes many of us uncomfortable? I don't pretend to know the answer, but I think we would be wise to listen carefully to what America is telling us.

 

However, my 17 year old grandson, Zachary, who understands politics far better than 99.99% of this world’s population, believes that Jon Ossoff is a future star on the American political map. Ossoff is the 39 year old rising star Senator for Georgia. An interesting prognosis Zac.

 

I am confused about the apparent decisions of both Trump and Netanyahu to end the supposed “aid” to Israel. Virtually every penny goes on buying (i.e. exchanging) aid for arms and planes. In other words no cash, just jobs created in the US industry. American Aid to Israel which amounts to several billions, is almost exclusively used to buy American Military and aircraft. I just don’t understand the point.

 

 JD Vance blames all of the above on Israel.

 

And so to our own politics; where to begin? Our election results are, as always, complicated by the extraordinary number of parties, and now comes the even more complicated business of trying to put together a government. Oh, how I wish we could simply have a handful of parties, representing the interests of the country rather than their own particular sector! I remember the British system, where voting for an individual constituency MP brought a very direct sense of responsibility to the people who elected you. Our system is rather different — wonderfully democratic, certainly, but sometimes it feels as though we need a degree in political mathematics just to understand who is going to govern us!

 

Yesterday, the 4^th of November, reminded me of the danger of slander in political campaigns and the ensuing incitement. Yesterday was 31 years since Israel lost its innocence. 31 years since the assassination of Yitzchak Rabin after a peace rally in Tel Aviv. The campaign of the right, posters of Rabin wearing a kaffiah; an ugly rally in Jerusalem when the current Prime Minister stood on the balcony of the Hotel Ron in Jerusalem to address the crowd as the mob below chanted “Death to Rabin”. In another demonstration they carried a coffin with Yitzchak Rabin’s name.  The inevitable happened and the generational grief has never really disappeared.

 

The 2^nd of November, 1917 was a day of hope, written in a letter to Lord Rothschild by one Lord Balfour announcing support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. It was the first time a major world power backed a Jewish national home in Ottoman-controlled Palestine, elevating the movement to an international objective. A brilliant scientist, a need for acetone during wartime and the ability of that scientist to swim in the sea of the British aristocracy brought about the Balfour Declaration. Chaim Weizman brought the need for a Jewish state to those who mattered just weeks before General Allenby defeated the Ottoman control of Palestine

 

On the other hand today is the 5^th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot!! Guy Fawkes, lauded for an unfortunate attempt to blow up the British Houses of Parliament! Bonfires, potatoes roasting in the fire, children laughing and lots of fireworks. I wonder how many remember the political significance?

 

I think I told you about my lovely friend Bryan Isaacs and his incredible relationship with Magen David Adom, the Israeli ambulance service. A short while ago Bryan donated an ambulance in the name of his beloved late wife Helga and this week, MDA brought the ambulance from Tiberias to Tel Aviv and told Bryan that since he brought it to Israel in March 2025, it has answered no less than 4,200 calls. What a wonderful contribution Bryan.

 

Boy George, is Catholic by birth, Gay by choice, British and supports Israel. He’s in Israel now and loving it. It isn’t his first time but I loved his response to showbusiness critics, regarding political nonconformity vs. blind repetition. Criticizing fellow artists and cultural figures who repeat slogans without critical independent thought, he wrote that he would not be "another 'Free Palestine' parrot” He visited the Nova Festival Memorial site, prayed at the Western Wall, met with President Herzog, travelled around and then last night gave a huge concert in Tel Aviv.

 

This week’s Torah reading is the only one which is named for a woman. Chayei Sara, the life of Sara. Sara, wife of Abraham was said to give birth to her first child at the age of 90 and was a truly pure person. Through her and husband Abraham the Jewish Dynasty, the Tribes of Israel began, but through her husband Abraham and his concubine Hagar, the Tribe of Mohammed began. We were surely destined to be as one, to be family rather than dire enemies.

 

The time has almost arrived! I am excited beyond words because Yosef, Yosef Eliahu, my first grandchild, is about to get married to his Tsofia! In just three days he will be a married man, he will have broken the glass and made his promises, he will have slipped a ring, bought with his own money on her right forefinger and promise to be a good husband, to care for her and cherish her, and it’s all written down in the Ketuba (the marriage contract). I am excited beyond words. My incredible friend Valerie is already here and were having fun (more about that in a moment), Rachel’s father Philip and his wife Barbara, Marylin and Marcos, are ensconced in the hotel; tomorrow Gideon and Zachary land from London at the same time as Martin lands from Madrid, Richard from London and Justin (Paddy) Raffi and I am so thrilled for Yosef. He is a truly good young man, ready to help anyone, kind and polite…..not that I am biased!

 

OK so I told you that Valerie and I were having fun, but so much beyond our usual ability to laugh at the same jokes, today we went to the Museum of Islamic Art.  The watch and clock collection of Sir David Solomon is magnificent, the timepieces dating anything from 100 to 400 years. The Marie Antoinette Breguet is the crown jewel of the collection which emphasizes the mechanical genius, craftsmanship, and the 823 intricate components that make up the watch. The entire collection from minute watches, tiny cuckoo clocks, carriage clocks and so much more throughout the other exhibits is exceptional. One aspect, explained beautifully by Gilad Levian, the Director and old friend, is how he tries to explain to people that there are “Arab” Jews, or Jews from Arab countries whose heritage is just as much from the lands they lived in for, in the case of Iraq, thousands of years, and that heritage should not be lost but should be exhibited. A Museum well worth visiting. Tell Gilad I sent you! https://www.islamicart.co.il/english/

 

I just saw a newsflash that while the United Torah Judaism party refused to back anyone for the governmental race, Mansour Abass is backing Eizenkot.  Good man!

 

Looking over the week’s news I now want to find you appropriate songs.

 

On a Friday night after the lighting of the candles, as the family stands around the table waiting for the blessing over the wine, the man of the house sings (or says) this song praising the lady of the house. Maybe it isn’t Woke any more but it is surely the most beautiful way to say thank you. https://youtu.be/uno7_nCfxCI?si=y2a8uNrP8oy6vsHi

 

Yachad Tamid, Always Together. This song makes it clear, we always stand together and it’s going to be alright. I chose this rendition to honour the IDF.

https://youtu.be/M8Nz-wBEf7o?si=A-y4PrJcPVXvndvp

 

Koolulam honouring incredible women, heroines of Israel. I love this, you will see their faces as they sing and an insert of their jobs, brave women, strong women one and all.  The sheer joy and togetherness in the hall is phenomenal  https://youtu.be/pB8LhGTvI5c?si=_AunndMvlcp_c0O3  

 

That’s it. By the time was talk next I will have a married grandson!! It seems like yesterday that I stood in the labour ward, beside Rachel, at his birth! I tell all three of Rachel’s children that I saw them, held them before anyone else in the world!!!

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom. I hope and pray that we will have a peaceful week with no rash actions, that the riots will end in Europe, that our leaders will understand what their duty is, that those who oppose them will temper their rhetoric because 31 years ago the rhetoric killed a great man, a soldier for democracy who loved Israel and her people more than anything. Yitzchak, I pray that you will re-find the Israel we lost on that awful day

 

With all my love from Jerusalem, the centre of the world, the city so beautiful that everyone wants ot call it their own.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

Choices, Selections and Elections

 

28^th October 2026

19 Cheshvan 5787 (י״ט בְּחֶשְׁוָן תשפ״ז)

 

Good morning, good afternoon or good night, depending where you are in the world, and most importantly, Shabbat Shalom.

 

Of course I’m disappointed by the election results, although we still have no definite conclusion. With so many parties involved, confusion reigns, and we now enter the complicated business of President Herzog deciding whom to ask to form a government and whether that person can put together a viable coalition. In the meantime, Netanyahu will continue to head the interim government.

 

What I find particularly difficult to understand is how almost those living in Sderot in the South, a town that suffered so terribly, not just on the 7^th of October, but through twenty years of rockets and repeated threats, could vote for Likud. Not the Likud of their grandparents, but the party it has become today, with all the questions of corruption, failed leadership and responsibility for the catastrophic events of 7^th of October and the subsequent war. I struggle to understand how people can look at what we have endured and still put their faith in those who were in charge when the warnings went unheeded.

 

But this is a democracy, and the picture is clearly more complicated than any of us might wish. The coming weeks will be full of manoeuvering, negotiations and, no doubt, surprises. I hope that somehow this extraordinary political conundrum leads us to a happier outcome and to a government that puts the country and its people before anything else, a government worthy of the amazing people of Israel.

 

Perhaps that is the most worrying thing of all: how easily political loyalty can survive even the most painful questions of responsibility. We deserve answers, accountability and leaders who put the country before themselves.

 

When I think of Israel, I think of so much more than its government. This is my home, the country I chose, the place where our families live and most of our grandchildren are growing up. It is also a country of extraordinary kindness, courage, generosity and hope. I see it in the people around me every day, and I cannot believe that the failings of our leaders should make us lose sight of all that is good.

I know that people will disagree, sometimes profoundly, about the choices Israelis make at the ballot box. I don't expect everyone to share my views, and I certainly don't ask anyone to turn a blind eye to what is wrong. I only hope that those who feel disillusioned can leave a little room in their hearts for the Israel they once cared about — for its people, its spirit and all that it might yet become. We are living through difficult times, and perhaps it is precisely now that we need the friendship and understanding of those who love us. I still believe in this country, even when it breaks my heart. And I hope that, whatever our disagreements, we can continue to believe in its future together.

 

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the elections is the huge Arab turnout. On the one hand it utterly disproves the accusations of apartheid, but on the other the Arab parties may well hold the balance in the Knesset meaning that they can veto almost every law put forward. I have long held the view that Mansour Abbas should be included in any government, but I worry about the other parties because he, unlike some of the Jewish parties, believes that Arabs should serve the country, probably not in the IDF, and accept Israel as a Jewish homeland. Abu Ghosh, long regarded as a community very much part of Israeli society, saw an impressive 78% voter turnout. Many residents felt deeply threatened by Ben Gvir’s inflammatory rhetoric which is strongly reflected in their vote: 56% voted for the Joint List, which takes a more oppositional stance towards political cooperation with Israel, while 35% supported Mansour Abbas’s Ra’am, which has chosen a more pragmatic path of working with Israeli governments.

 

I went to my Movement class and I’m sure you can guess what the main subject of our conversations was. Ultimately we released all our tensions of the last few days with fabulous music and dance under the instruction of Gali. What struck me is that several members of our group were observers in the polling stations and all said that the atmosphere between the representatives of all the parties was exceptional. Haredi and secular, left and right, Arab and Jew, everyone behaved with the utmost respect. It made me very proud.

 

The next subject is particularly sensitive and goes back many years. Jerusalem is facing a delicate and increasingly urgent land dispute involving extensive areas of prime real estate, particularly land originally owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. Under 99-year leases signed in the early 1950s, the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) holds rights to the land beneath hundreds of homes in desirable neighbourhoods   Although the leases don’t expire until 2051–52, negotiations stalled in 2025, leaving homeowners in limbo concerning the future of their homes. This week, the High Court pressed KKL-JNF to go back to the negotiating table and try to reach a solution which will protect residents’ rights while resolving a delicate and complex dispute involving church property, private investors and neighborhoods that are an important part of Jerusalem’s fabric. The Armenian Church also owns large areas of central Jerusalem, also on 99-year lease, and a similar legal battle continues

 

Just curious, did your news outlets report on the fact that on the 26^th of October, just days ago, Jordan carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria after a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, in which nine people were killed? Hmm, thought not.

 

I remember many years ago a friend of Ron Carner z"l came to our apartment.  Ron told us that he was an exceptional investigative journalist and had something important to show us. That’s how we met Steve Emerson. The "something important " was a translated video of Yasser Arafat, even before the Intifada, speaking of his true aim, the destruction of Israel, while he was still being courted by the world's leaders. Today Steve runs the Investigative Project on Terrorism and just completed a report 5 part report on Abdul Al Sayed, the Democratic candidate for Michigan and supporter of the Moslem Brotherhood. Americans should have learned their lesson with Mamdani,

Please read his deeply disturbing report on Abdul Al Sayed, the 5^th and probably most damning. https://www.investigativeproject.org/9467/el-sayed-in-the-brotherhoods-orbit-part-5.

 

The EU says it will ‘raise concerns’ over Syrian schoolbooks glorifying jihad and anti-Semitism

The statement follows the publication on October 19 of a report by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se), the Israel-based body that reviews schoolbooks against UNESCO standards. Impact-se is on the ball yet again and our extensive research and reports are taken very seriously. As ever I am more than proud to be the Chair of the Impact-se Board.

 

Our lunch with Bryan Isaacs  last weekend was lovely! What made me laugh is that we both left Wales more years than I care to remember, but were both surprised to be told that we still have Welsh accents! It was so delightful as we walked along the boardwalk in Jaffa’s Old Port. The shipping boats moored along the edge, the fishing nets heaped in careful piles and a few fishermen selling their catch of the day. We were so happy that Samuel Bettsak joined us too. Until recently my only memories of Bryan were when I was 14 years old and coming back from 2 months with my French relations. Bryan helped me carry the wonderful doll, resplendent in her national costume, that I won for our float in the Nice, Battle of Flowers! We both recalled that the aeroplane was a Dakota, propellers of course, and to fly from Paris to Cardiff, we would take off in Orly, land in Bournemouth, take off from Bournemouth and land in Bristol, take off from Bristol and finally, after over 3 hours flying, land in Cardiff, Rhoose airport!!! I know that was a bit of a rambling yarn but it’s absolutely true!!

 

Last night Zvi and I went to a concert of folk songs, in Hebrew called “Shira b’Tsibur”. Basically, the audience enjoy singing wonderful Israeli folk songs which are projected onto a screen so we can all join in. Under normal circumstances I really enjoy such evenings but last night something happened so that I couldn’t join Zvi’s wonderful Bass-Baritone and the rest of the audience. A lady with an enormous head sat in front of me and I couldn’t see the screen! She bobbed to the music, rocked side to side thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere! Oh well, at least I enjoyed the brilliant accompaniment of our friend Ronit on the piano.

 

I’m not going to Rachel today but I really have to tell you about a fabulous experience I had on Wednesday evening. It was the celebration of the “Hina” (Henna) and “Hafrashat Challah” which is a fascinating ceremony based around the bread making of the Challah. A part of the dough, actually a tithe (one tenth) is taken off the risen dough and a prayer said, but when it concerns a bride to be, in this case my incredible grandson Yosef’s beautiful bride Tsofia. It included many blessings for her future life with Yosef. Tsofia, was glowing! A wonderful, warm, beautiful girl, this ceremony, held in her family home, surrounded by her loving family, both old and new, simply lit her up. After the Challah ceremony came the henna part. Tsofia danced with a bowl filled with a henna concoction and each guest had a wad of the concoction put on their palms with a little gold disc to hold it in place until the henna had created a brown spot. Every aspect of the evening expressed sheer joy and the music and masses of food continued well into the night. Needless to say, Rachel, Talia, Ayala and Yosef’s other Safta Pnina and Aunties all shed tears of happiness at each stage of the ceremony!

 

Tonight the family is coming, probably just 12 of us but I never know for sure. I learned from my Mummy that one should always have an additional set of cutlery and plate, just in case another person dropped in. No complicated dishes this week, lots of salmon, sea bass with roasted peppers, antipasti, a big green salad, various other salads all starting with roasted pepper soup! For me that’s a simple meal.

 

And so to music! Music saves my soul, saves me from feeling down and gives me hope. You just have to listen to the words carefully.

 

Rak b’Yisrael, which means Only in Israel, is one of my favourites. Just listen and read the subtitles, it really tells you who we are. https://youtu.be/i-7EvfJje88?si=UNOjEO6EAyShaJfD

 

Halleva’i has no direct translation, maybe hopefully. The late lyricist Ehud Manor wrote the words that express our prayers and Boaz Sharabi added the beautiful music which he then sings. Amazing. https://youtu.be/hwEatU285N8?si=SYAgnyCactoYWHrn

 

Hachayim Shelanu Tutim which is a very Israeli expression which translates to Our life is Strawberries meaning our life is wonderful!! A wonderfully funny cynical song by Hanan Ben Ari which suits Yosef and Tsofia, indeed all young couple setting out on their new life together. Life here is ultimately a bowl of strawberries!!!    https://youtu.be/ATOhZp_FZQ0?si=MlBLYX_mDauBBpSZ  

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I really hope that although today’s newsletter has many serious aspects you had fun with the enjoyable ones. I suppose that’s the essence of life, wherever you live. If you have a positive view life is really wonderful.

With all my love flying across the miles from our home in Jerusalem to yours.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact, Obama and Good News

 

23^rd October 2026

12^th Heshvan 5787

 

 

Shabbat Shalom lovely friends

 

 

This may be a strange decision to make but I am going to try and write a positive newsletter to you today, even though it may seem that our world is falling apart.

 

Yesterday evening I opened up my WhatsApp to find no less than 30 messages from Marcus Sheff, the CEO of Impact-se. Since this is a very rare occurrence, tired as I was, I decided to take a look and found articles from the world media which published Impact-se’s reports on the Syrian textbooks. The work has only just begun on creating even more changes in textbooks, introducing tolerance to people who have only been taught hatred, in this region and beyond.

 

On Monday, Marcus and I met with Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, to give him a report of our enormous successes. He was amazed! He knows all the countries in which we have changed the textbooks and believes that what we have done is nothing short of miraculous

 

Not a bad start eh? I would be naïve if I thought that the news is only good so I have to mention Barak Obama, who finally showed us his true colours. I am one who long tried to rationalise the presidency of Barack Obama and criticise those who criticised him. However, this week when he claimed that the Jews had apparently stolen their own Homeland while he was speaking in Belfast on October the 13^th. His words succeeded in continuing the misrepresentation of the Jewish people's return to the land of Israel into a story of persecuted European Jews who sought refuge and then took Palestinian land and provoked the violent response on ourselves.

 

If you are over 70 but you don’t have to be Welsh to remember the Aberfan disaster when an entire slag heap (residue from coal mining), illegally built over a stream, slid down the hillside and killed an entire school of children. It happened 60 years ago and Wales still mourns.

 

The elections near, the slanging match continues, and the current government refuses to condemn the actions of the Jewish lunatic fringe who use God’s name in vain. Settlers, a word with disturbing connotations, but think about it, like everything in life it has many meanings. The ordinary folk who live in Maaleh Adumim, Ariel, Efrat (incidentally, Gush Etzion was always within the boundaries of Israel) or the Jerusalem neighborhoods of French Hill, Ramot or Gilo who CNN and BBC, Guardian and NYT give the misnomer of "settlements " indeed derogatory connotations

 

Oh boy, I said that today my musings would be positive and here I am doing the opposite. Back to the beautiful side of life which is being overshadowed but not erased by our elections and the US mid-terms or by-elections.

 

So after our highly successful visit to Ehud Olmert, we went for dinner to Nattie and Yolli Zonszein in order to meet up with the lovely Perla Jinich. Perla was a classmate of Zvi in the Yiddische School in Mexico and of course Yolli is Mexican too. It was delightful (Nattie is a great cook) and conversation was, as always, lively.

 

Our amazing, wonderful friend Kim aka Dr Kimball Taylor, arrived on Wednesday. It is always such a joy when he comes to stay, taking a few days before he goes to the Jewish Agency meetings. This time he decided to join me, despite coming off about 26 hours of flights from Western Canada, and meet my granddaughter, Talia, to buy her all sorts of things for her student apartment to make it livable. Talia is incredible and we tried to get through her list of needs while she darted from place to place. We succeeded and Kim even helped her carry everything to her fourth floor walk up flat!!!!

 

Thursday was one of those truly special days — joyful, moving and full of unexpected moments. Kim and I met Keith and Deidre Beville from Australia at Shalva. They always make a point of including Israel in their travels, and it was lovely to see them again.Another small group was just beginning a tour at 11.30, led by our own Yuval and Lewis. There was a couple from Baltimore and a gentleman from London, all of whom had made Aliyah, so we decided to join forces. After a short introduction, we headed up to Dr Dan’s Room, where Yuval and I shared the explanations. From there, we visited the basketball court and swimming pool. Yoav Engel came into the lift and came straight to hug me! His son, Ofir, had been kidnapped to Gaza by Hamas on that fateful day, 7 October 2023, a date etched into all our souls. Thank heaven, Ofir has been brought home to his loving family and is slowly recovering. When we reached the synagogue, we had the rare honour of meeting Kalman Samuels, the founder of Shalva, who came to talk to us. And there was another lovely surprise: Barbie and I discovered that we shared mutual friends, the Kaufthal family. After the tour, we all sat down to lunch in Shalva’s fabulous restaurant, where Barbie and I chatted and laughed our way through the meal. It was a truly wonderful day.

 

Back to reality. Michigan Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayad came out of the anti-Israel closet. As I tell everyone here in our elections and even more so in the US Mid-terms, get out and vote.

 

I am ashamed and angry that Jewish thugs brutally attacked Heidi Levine, photographer for the Washington Post. There can be no justification for such violence, and if we care about the values Israel stands for, our government must condemn it and demand that those responsible face justice.

 

I keep thinking back to the riots in France in 1968 and 1969 which happened simultaneously with the student riots in the USA. Anger about the cost of living, housing and the future is real, and people have the right to protest. But when demonstrations turn into organised violence, intimidation and the looting of shops such as Louis Vuitton, I find myself wondering whether something much deeper is at work. We cannot assume that every rioter has the same motive but since of late the extreme left and the immigrants (predominantly from Muslim countries) join forces to disrupt the current rule. What worries me is how quickly threats and slogans can become a justification for violence, and how often people seem more eager to explain it away than to say plainly that it is unacceptable. The response is the rise of the extreme right.

 

Back to heartwarming events! Tonight we have dinner that will include Australians, a Panamanian, a Canadian, a former Romanian, a former Welshwoman (me) and of course Zvi who was born a Palestinian!! When we got home from Shalva, I had the house to myself. Zvi went to a rehearsal and Kim went to visit friends in the Old City. After a quiet cup of coffee I set about making the salads for tonight. I never decide beforehand, I just find what’s in the fridge and get cooking. Actually I began with the pumpkin soup, remembering to put a nice chunk of ginger into the pot! That should open everyone’s sinuses! I went on to make Zvi’s courgette salad, cucumber salad, zucchini and mushroom salad and a beetroot salad. Today just the guacamole to start and when I finish writing I’ll take the salmon out of the freezer. I think we will have fruit salad for dessert, with Ice-cream of course.

 

Tomorrow we will have lunch with Bryan Isaacs, a dear friend from Cardiff. Bryan and friends have done a fantastic job of buying ambulances for Magen David Adom, quite apart from being a lovely man.

 

Deciding what to write is not always easy. I don’t want you to think that life here is tough. We have tough moments but we live very well, Israelis enjoy life. We enjoy our parks, wildlife, treks and of course that so very typical pastimes of eating and shopping. The cost of living is high but hopefully we will deal with that after the elections!!

 

One very important part of life here is music. Music of every kind, Eastern, Western, Chassidic and Jazz………. So let’s get started.

 

I love this song, the words are so hopeful. Ye sit’s with soldiers but it shows us that they are just ordinary people. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/M8Nz-wBEf7o?si=L9ozzV2FECXc-_vp

 

A song that should be sung at every wedding (especially  my grandson Yosef to Tsofia) It is so beautiful. https://youtu.be/OGugR9Ey6gU?si=b3JK3r4rhKa6q7wr

 

Mi haish, Who is the man, who desires life, loves​​ days,
in order to see good? Keep your tongue from speaking​ evil
and your lips from deceitful​ speech
Turn away from evil and do good.
Seek peace and pursue it.  https://youtu.be/-N-uzKNW7rY?si=lC4xHCCAtfSS9yv8

 

I wish you a beautiful Shabbat filled with family, joy and good thoughts. It felt good to intersperse the usual news with the things that make me happy

Shabbat Shalom from our veranda and the glorious view of Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You and Me can change the world

 

16^th October 2026

6^th Cheshvan 5787

 

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

 

This week it’s Parashat Noach, the story of Noah and the Ark. What a week Noah must have had! Imagine building an enormous ark, rounding up two of every animal and keeping the whole lot fed and watered for forty days and nights. I wonder how many times Noah wished he’d booked a cruise instead!

Eventually, the rain stopped and God gave us the rainbow as a promise never to destroy the earth with another flood. Sadly, the flood may have washed away the old world, but it clearly didn’t wash away human folly. Thousands of years later, we are still struggling with hatred, violence and the simple business of learning to live alongside one another. The rainbow was not just a symbol of hope; it was a reminder of our responsibility to one another. And if Noah could manage an ark full of animals without losing the plot, surely we humans can do rather better at sharing the planet!

 

Our lovely friend Dr Kimball Taylor sent me an article suggesting that we are losing the social media battle because we don’t strategise, we defend rather than initiate. The medieval accusations of the blood libels against Jews have taken different forms, but the underlying danger is all too familiar: Israel, and Jews everywhere, are portrayed as uniquely evil and we know that lies can travel around the world before the truth has even put on its shoes, especially when backed by prejudice and clever dissemination of falsehoods gives them such fertile ground. Social media has made it possible for these claims to spread at extraordinary speed, often stripped of context and nuance. What troubles me most is how easily accusations can become accepted as truth, and how quickly hostility towards Jews can be presented as a moral virtue. The echoes of medieval Europe are deeply disturbing. We have not done well in combatting the lies so far, now it is a case of recognise and STRATEGISE.

 

Just a word about the ignorance of the demonstrators. The black-and-white keffiyeh that they all wear proudly in demonstrations against Israel’s actions against Hamas is actually the Keffiyeh of Fatah (PLO), yet in Gaza in 2007, Hamas slaughtered any and all Fatah members when it seized power.

 

The lines of confrontation in the Middle East have become increasingly confused, with Iran-backed Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia and threatening shipping in the Red Sea. Yet there is an important and unexpected positive reaction to Iran’s aggression; it is pushing countries towards greater cooperation rather than driving them apart. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are standing together against the Houthi threat, while plans for a permanent UAE Embassy in Herzliya have just received approval, on the 13th October. Six years after the Abraham Accords, that is a significant step forward. The dangers are very real, but so is the possibility that shared threats may bring Israel and its Arab neighbours closer and perhaps lay the foundations for a more stable region.

 

Talking of Embassies, yet another has opened and the Ambassador of Colombia presented his credentials to President Herzog and the Embassy has opened in Jerusalem.

 

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the pre-election period! I want it clean, I want to know the what, how, where and when, presented in a clear and understandable manner, as I always say, a manifesto. I don’t want to hear the accusations of misconduct, mismanagement and corruption (however accurate), I want to know what they will do to bring about change. Currently our education system has gone from 3^rd in the world to 30^th, even allowing for the war it is bad. I want to know how it is possible that despite our vibrant hi-Tech and military exports, we are still in financial trouble and most of all, I want an answer, a clear and determined solution, not an empty promise, of how to bring two thirds of our population into serving the country in some shape or form. I want a government that will remind us that we are one, wonderful, productive, crazy country that must pull together. I want a Noah, a leader who is capable of building a huge vessel, bringing in the animals, ensuring they don’t eat each other and finding a safe landing place.

 

Of course, there are those who are devoted to the current PM and then there are those of us who yearn for change. Even worse there are those who say that if Netanyahu is returned to office, they will leave the country, alternatively, if he is not, then there are many Israelis, who now live abroad who want to return home. The constant angst of the charges and court appearances, the questions about whether the PM was warned of the impending disaster of October 7^th, exacerbated by the current accusations as a result of the libel case brought by former Head of the Secret Services (Shabak) Ronen Bar alleging that the Prime Minister knowingly published false accusations about his (Bar) conduct before the October 7^th attack to shift responsibility from himself. Until there is a National Inquiry, a full investigation into how on earth the slaughter of so many Israelis, young and old, took ANYONE by surprise, we cannot heal.

 

Walter Bingham, the world’s oldest working journalist and incredible human being, celebrated his 102^nd birthday by sky-diving! Born in Germany, Shoah survivor who found refuge in Britain then made Aliya to Jerusalem, is one of the brightest, most fascinating people I have ever met. Happy Birthday Walter.

 

Through hard earned excellence, Israel and Magen David Adom’s first responders, both doctors and paramedics are now spreading their expertise. Doctors and paramedics from the USA are here learning how to deal with major disasters, and small ones. I’m sad that the Israelis gained their knowledge through events that should never have happened, but glad that their expertise is being spread to help others.

 

Baroness Deech is one of Israel’s greatest proponents in the UK. She sits in the House of Lords and is highly respected by all. Thanks to my childhood friend Monica Black who sent me this truly magnificent, concise speech by the Baroness. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DebopKkAUau/?obrf=MTQxZWx2MGhhdnE0ZQ==

 

Zvi and I are hooked on the series “The Tudors”. It isn’t new but is brilliantly written and the acting is superb. Anyway, apart from that, we are now on Series 2, Episode 2 and the build up to the religious war between Henry the Eighth and the Catholic Church is at its height. The similarities to what is happening now in Israel is stunning! Worth watching the series just to see how this battle progresses. It bears a frightening resemblance to Jezebel (follower of Baal) and Ahab who allowed his Queen to dictate the worship in the Holy Land. Sounds familiar?

 

Zvi has many rehearsals in preparation for the visit to Berlin’s Lewandowsky Music Festival in December. It may seem a long way away but it’s a really large choir and the liturgical pieces are quite complex. Anyway, he had a rehearsal on Monday, then went to the photographic exhibition of our friend Meishi (Moshe) Schreiber at the Jerusalem Theatre where he met up with Australian Jyl Bell and her friend Shosh. They came back to us for an early supper and a wonderful chat.  In the meantime, I spent a real mother daughter day with Rachel, looking for clothes in Tel Aviv for my grandson Yosef and Tsofia’s wedding next month and got back just in time to put together surprise supper!

 

Talking about Australians, on Wednesday, my lovely friend and neighbour Gila, took me to visit her sister Margot and her husband Benny Dudkevitch in Moshav Ramat Raziel, a glorious village in the Jerusalem Corridor.  Both of them were very serious journalists, Benny in radio and Margot a military correspondent for the Jerusalem Post including the period during the 2^nd Intifada.  Thanks to Benny’s gardening, raising fascinating and rare plants and the incredible peace and quiet of the village, especially since their retirement, he has produced a place to rest one’s soul. Certainly, during Margot’s time as military correspondent, just sitting and listening to the birds must have provided her with a haven of peace. Loved every second especially Benny’s enthusiasm for each plant. I came home with cuttings and instructions! Gila and Margot came to Israel many years ago and have never regretted it.

 

Before I leave to Rachel’s she just this minute sent me an fascinating video of the release of fish to feed the White Pelicans in the Hula Valley to give them strength for their long winter migration. It really is a fantastic sight and shows yet another aspect of Israel and our care for the environment. I love listening to the child’s excitement, even if we don’t understand her words.  https://www.instagram.com/reels/Deh2EG9AFJ4/

 

 

Our home really is a confluence of nations! Tonight our friend Sammy Bettsak, from Panama and Atlanta, is coming for Shabbat Dinner; Monday and we go to Tel Aviv where I will meet with our Impact-se team  (a wonderful mixture of origins) and continue to meet up with Perla Jinich and daughter (Mexico) at the home of Nattie and Yolli Zonszein (Mexico and Israel) on Wednesday Kim Taylor (Canada) is arriving to stay with us before joining the Jewish Agency meetings; then on Friday night Keith and Deidre Beville are coming for Friday night dinner; Shabbat we will have lunch with Bryan Isaacs (Wales) and take Kim to Tel Aviv for his meetings. I’m not even going into next week!!!

 

So the excitement is growing for Yosef and Tsofia’s wedding next month, it’s amazing to have a “simcha” a happy event, to look forward to. Sheli and Amit went dress shopping together, and today I’ll hear many more stories when I get to Rachel. I haven’t even thought of what to make for supper but I’m not worried, it will come together. Shabbat always comes together no matter how many people turn up.

 

Our next song was written and set to music by David Deor many years ago but is so appropriate to today. Shmor al HaOlam Yeled. Take care of this world child because we didn’t manage. Ask for subtitles. https://youtu.be/2_zgDjMv1UA?si=r5x5Ci_2zr6xOhOa

 

Next, one of my favourites. It opens with Don Quixote and Pancho Sancha riding into the sunset and the song is Arik Einstein’s Ani v’Atah -You and Me. You and Me can change the world https://youtu.be/iOv9wSI8Qe4?si=8VNtAPOEjV8ab4rE  

 

Finally an uplifting song that you can sing along with! Hallelujah as you have never heard it before. Shulem Lemmer in concert in Jerusalem. He is everything I want to see in a Haredi man quite apart from his incredible voice. https://youtu.be/-orFQA3fCyA?si=Dh87vywKItgJo788   

 

I have always been a fan of Don Quixote whose fight was not against windmills but rather against ignorance and stubborn determination against change. David Deor and Arik Einstein really “got it” and as I have been saying for 26 years “The Power of One”, that’s you and me, is the only way to save our confused world.

 

I wish you a beautiful weekend, a beautiful Shabbat and remember You and Me Can Save the World.

With love from Jerusalem and our amazing veranda.

Sheila