111129
November 29th – Kaf Tet b'November – is a most significant day in Jewish life – the official Birth of our Nation.
To learn more and be enthralled watch http://www.youtube.com/ToldotYisrael and then click onto http://www.jcpa.org/quiz/November29.html to test your knowledge!
Listen to UN vote
In February 1947, Great Britain, which had controlled the mandatory territory since 1917, decided to turn the issue of the Palestinian Mandate over to the United Nations. The UN established a Special Commission on Palestine (UNSCOP), which recommended the establishment of two states - Arab and Jewish - in the area and Jerusalem as an international enclave.
The Jewish population - while dissatisfied with the small size of the territory allotted to their state in contradiction to the promises made by the League of Nations in 1922, as well as the plan to sever Jerusalem from the state by internationalizing it - accepted the compromise. In sharp contrast, the Arab states and the Arab residents of the Mandatory territory rejected UNSCOP’s recommendations out of hand.
The UN General Assembly held a vote on the partition plan and on 29 November 1947 UNGA Resolution 181 was adopted by 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions.
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Partition_Plan-64_years_later.htm
So much has happened in the history of this tiny country despite the media impression we are not just about wars! This video, entitled “Israel Today” is a return journey for a young man who came back home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCEDbNyT4xQ
Israel today is a wonderful, thriving, democratic, fiscally successful and incredible country. Israelis are free, expressing their opinions openly and frequently. Israelis are leaders in hi-tech, medicine, bio-tech, nano-technology, agriculture, bio-chemistry, pharmaceuticals, hybridisation of crops to ensure large yield for minimum hydration and desalinisation of brackish water. All of the above not only benefit Israel but Israeli companies and governmental bodies provide humanitarian aid to third world countries.
Incredibly, the BBC wrote an excellent article about Israel today and why this country has succeeded where much bigger countries have failed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15797257
I am so proud to be Israeli, proud of my country, proud of my nationality, proud of our generosity, intelligence and initiative – proud of my people.
The United Nations is no longer the organisation it was formed to become after the League of Nations was disbanded because it was unable to prevent World War 2, but this one decision - United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 changed our world.
Let's all give this amazing little country, prayed for, prayed to, dreamed of for 2,000 years – let's give a standing ovation for Israel. Rita, Israel's premiere singer, sang Hatikva at the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I was there, standing and singing with her and you may just hear the sound of my tears of joy as she sang. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9h63FTppwo&feature=related
Remember this day, remember the way the world was and be proud of that decision, Resolution 181 to form the Two State Solution to the Middle East. Jordan and Israel - a country for the Jews and a country for the Moslems.
Remember, remember the 29th of November.
With love from Jerusalem, capital of the State of Israel
Sheila
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Thanksgiving Shabbat shalom
111124
24th November 2011
Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you many reasons to give thanks and the ability to find joy in all you do and see.
Happy Sigd. Sigd is the Ethiopian Jewish festival officially celebrated today. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?ID=246762&R=R1
Sadly one institution that we certainly have no reason to give thanks for is the United nations. Their latest insanity? Syria has been accepted to UNESCO committees dealing with human rights!!! Want to know what is even worse? The USA, UK, France and other Western countries unanimously elected Syria to a pair of committees. Syria will serve a second two-year term on the 30-member Committee on Conventions and Recommendations, which examines “communications … relating to the exercise of human rights,” according to UNESCO’s Web site. Syria also joins the 23-member Committee on International Non-Governmental Organizations, which is mandated to encourage approved activist groups to help further UNESCO’s overall goals. http://www.unwatch.org/cms.asp?id=2750557&campaign_id=65378
CNN did an excellent report on the treatment of Sudanese and Cambodian refugees fleeing to Israel and their diabolical treatment at the hands of the Sinai Bedouin. A young man by the name of Aron Adler wrote of his experiences as a reservist on the border. A must read. http://israelinsider.net/forum/topics/aron-adler-on-the-egypt-gaza-border-israel-is-a-safe-haven-not-on
Ron Paul was wrong (actually the man is a fool) when he announced, at the Republican Candidates Debate that the USA doesn't have to defend Israel. He just doesn't get it. Israel is the only country in this entire area that would defend the USA from the very long-range missiles our neighbours will probably launch future. Don't worry about us. Israel defends herself; not through attack but through intelligent defence. My thanks to Tom Gross for sending this excellent article http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/16/israel-s-secret-iran-attack-plan-electronic-warfare.html
A bill is before the Congress of the United States to designate the “Human Rights” Flotillas to Gaza as acts of terror for encouraging a Hamas based terrorist state http://www.investigativeproject.org/3301/bill-seeks-terror- designation-for-flotilla-groups
Something for your interest – the International Child Day Israel Israeli statistics – fascinating. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/People/Israeli_children_statistics_2011.htm
The American expression is to turn lemons into lemonade – here in Israel we turn Rockets into Roses.
We do it through medicine We took the broken heart of a young man and gave him a new life.http://www.saveachildsheart.org/265-4975-en/News.aspx?pos=1
We do it through art. We take destruction and build with it. This beautiful Chanukia was made out of Kassam schrapnel http://www.rocketsintoroses.com/lp/menorah2/
We do it though song – 12 year old Avishai Rosen sings “thousands of children will be happy and change the world - let's demand joy, that's what brings light to the heart” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRKF5xqHQdM&feature=related
We do it through dance. The Hora Dance Troupe of Jerusalem did a flashmob in the Mamilla Mall – Happy!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/jerusalemhora?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/RzhQuQGyulA
We take shards and turn them into a Mosaic Chanukiah. Roslan Sergeeyev is a Russian, Jerusalem artist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Mj1pwURns
Sir Martin Gilbert is conceivably our generations greatest historian. He wrote a wonderful treatise about Israel called “AN OVERWHELMINGLY JEWISH STATE” - FROM THE BALFOUR DECLARATION TO THE PALESTINE MANDATE” This link will take you to a chapter of this fascinating and infinitely informative book. http://www.jcpa.org/text/israel-rights/kiyum-gilbert.pdf
November 22nd 1963 means just one thing to most of you, the Assassination of President Kennedy – to me it has an even deeper meaning. It is the day, the hour which coincided with my own Mothers passing. Regina (Betty) Silver z”l beautiful and elegant, clever, funny and kind. 48 years and her teachings, love, warmth and Jewish traditions still walk me through life. She taught me to love Israel, my parents came to visit in 1953. They came for a family wedding, no small feat in those days, travelling on the Israeli ship “The Artza” from Southampton. That taught me that family is worth travelling for; it taught me that Israel is the Jewish home; it showed me the enormous differences from my fathers movies of that time to the amazing modern State of today; it showed me that the King David hasn't really changed!!!! My parents taught me to be proud of my Judaism, proud enough to accept others and expect to be accepted, their marriage taught me what a marriage should be.
The rain fell, and fell and fell – it was wonderful!! It may sound strange to most of you but this is the most exciting time of the year for me. Rain, the rain that will make the desert bloom, literally, as the apparently barren sands burst into colour after receiving life giving nourishment from the grey skies and flash floods. The sky today cannot quite decided whether the clouds are rain clouds or just giving us a rest from the sun. I just looked out and saw a rare sight. The skies are grey, the rain is falling yet somehow there must have been a small break in the cloud cover to allow the last glimmer of the setting sun through to throw a red glow onto the buildings of Katamon. Almost a perfect circle or warm red as if G-d was smiling “Goodnight”. The flag, flying at the corner of our veranda, is happily playing in the breeze, waiting for Arlene to come and stand beside filled with emotion as her Jerusalem lays before her. Arlene, my beautiful friend will stand up in her synagogue tomorrow night and talk about her life – or rather talk about Israel and her family – her family and Israel. Arlene is celebrating a special birthday this weekend, her 75th. Arlene is a true Zionist, a true Eshet Chayil who is a natural and innovative leader for the task at hand not for the power or kavod but rather because she is a leader by example – and what a fine example she is. Happy birthday wonderful woman!
Finally Shabbat Shalom to you all. Zvi and I are off to Kibbutz Degania Bet in the north, near the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. We are going with Zvi's choir to sing our hearts out! I have a question for you..... who was the first child born on Degania Aleph, the first Kibbutz?
Wishing you a peaceful and happy family Shabbat.
With love from Jerusalem, centre of our prayers and our life.
Sheila
24th November 2011
Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you many reasons to give thanks and the ability to find joy in all you do and see.
Happy Sigd. Sigd is the Ethiopian Jewish festival officially celebrated today. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?ID=246762&R=R1
Sadly one institution that we certainly have no reason to give thanks for is the United nations. Their latest insanity? Syria has been accepted to UNESCO committees dealing with human rights!!! Want to know what is even worse? The USA, UK, France and other Western countries unanimously elected Syria to a pair of committees. Syria will serve a second two-year term on the 30-member Committee on Conventions and Recommendations, which examines “communications … relating to the exercise of human rights,” according to UNESCO’s Web site. Syria also joins the 23-member Committee on International Non-Governmental Organizations, which is mandated to encourage approved activist groups to help further UNESCO’s overall goals. http://www.unwatch.org/cms.asp?id=2750557&campaign_id=65378
CNN did an excellent report on the treatment of Sudanese and Cambodian refugees fleeing to Israel and their diabolical treatment at the hands of the Sinai Bedouin. A young man by the name of Aron Adler wrote of his experiences as a reservist on the border. A must read. http://israelinsider.net/forum/topics/aron-adler-on-the-egypt-gaza-border-israel-is-a-safe-haven-not-on
Ron Paul was wrong (actually the man is a fool) when he announced, at the Republican Candidates Debate that the USA doesn't have to defend Israel. He just doesn't get it. Israel is the only country in this entire area that would defend the USA from the very long-range missiles our neighbours will probably launch future. Don't worry about us. Israel defends herself; not through attack but through intelligent defence. My thanks to Tom Gross for sending this excellent article http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/16/israel-s-secret-iran-attack-plan-electronic-warfare.html
A bill is before the Congress of the United States to designate the “Human Rights” Flotillas to Gaza as acts of terror for encouraging a Hamas based terrorist state http://www.investigativeproject.org/3301/bill-seeks-terror- designation-for-flotilla-groups
Something for your interest – the International Child Day Israel Israeli statistics – fascinating. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/People/Israeli_children_statistics_2011.htm
The American expression is to turn lemons into lemonade – here in Israel we turn Rockets into Roses.
We do it through medicine We took the broken heart of a young man and gave him a new life.http://www.saveachildsheart.org/265-4975-en/News.aspx?pos=1
We do it through art. We take destruction and build with it. This beautiful Chanukia was made out of Kassam schrapnel http://www.rocketsintoroses.com/lp/menorah2/
We do it though song – 12 year old Avishai Rosen sings “thousands of children will be happy and change the world - let's demand joy, that's what brings light to the heart” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRKF5xqHQdM&feature=related
We do it through dance. The Hora Dance Troupe of Jerusalem did a flashmob in the Mamilla Mall – Happy!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/jerusalemhora?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/RzhQuQGyulA
We take shards and turn them into a Mosaic Chanukiah. Roslan Sergeeyev is a Russian, Jerusalem artist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Mj1pwURns
Sir Martin Gilbert is conceivably our generations greatest historian. He wrote a wonderful treatise about Israel called “AN OVERWHELMINGLY JEWISH STATE” - FROM THE BALFOUR DECLARATION TO THE PALESTINE MANDATE” This link will take you to a chapter of this fascinating and infinitely informative book. http://www.jcpa.org/text/israel-rights/kiyum-gilbert.pdf
November 22nd 1963 means just one thing to most of you, the Assassination of President Kennedy – to me it has an even deeper meaning. It is the day, the hour which coincided with my own Mothers passing. Regina (Betty) Silver z”l beautiful and elegant, clever, funny and kind. 48 years and her teachings, love, warmth and Jewish traditions still walk me through life. She taught me to love Israel, my parents came to visit in 1953. They came for a family wedding, no small feat in those days, travelling on the Israeli ship “The Artza” from Southampton. That taught me that family is worth travelling for; it taught me that Israel is the Jewish home; it showed me the enormous differences from my fathers movies of that time to the amazing modern State of today; it showed me that the King David hasn't really changed!!!! My parents taught me to be proud of my Judaism, proud enough to accept others and expect to be accepted, their marriage taught me what a marriage should be.
The rain fell, and fell and fell – it was wonderful!! It may sound strange to most of you but this is the most exciting time of the year for me. Rain, the rain that will make the desert bloom, literally, as the apparently barren sands burst into colour after receiving life giving nourishment from the grey skies and flash floods. The sky today cannot quite decided whether the clouds are rain clouds or just giving us a rest from the sun. I just looked out and saw a rare sight. The skies are grey, the rain is falling yet somehow there must have been a small break in the cloud cover to allow the last glimmer of the setting sun through to throw a red glow onto the buildings of Katamon. Almost a perfect circle or warm red as if G-d was smiling “Goodnight”. The flag, flying at the corner of our veranda, is happily playing in the breeze, waiting for Arlene to come and stand beside filled with emotion as her Jerusalem lays before her. Arlene, my beautiful friend will stand up in her synagogue tomorrow night and talk about her life – or rather talk about Israel and her family – her family and Israel. Arlene is celebrating a special birthday this weekend, her 75th. Arlene is a true Zionist, a true Eshet Chayil who is a natural and innovative leader for the task at hand not for the power or kavod but rather because she is a leader by example – and what a fine example she is. Happy birthday wonderful woman!
Finally Shabbat Shalom to you all. Zvi and I are off to Kibbutz Degania Bet in the north, near the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. We are going with Zvi's choir to sing our hearts out! I have a question for you..... who was the first child born on Degania Aleph, the first Kibbutz?
Wishing you a peaceful and happy family Shabbat.
With love from Jerusalem, centre of our prayers and our life.
Sheila
Friday, 18 November 2011
Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem
111118
18th November 2011
Shabbat Shalom for glorious rainy Jerusalem!
I love the rain, it cleanses the air, the city, the soul and gives life to the earth. I imagine the tiny seeds and bulbs hiding in the cracked arid earth suddenly springing into life, preparing to burst forth in the spring.
I am so furious with the so-called humanitarian organisations. They spend all their funds and energy on the Palestinians when there are so many others who truly need their attention. The media too but they have a different agenda because if you check their advertising almost all of them are dependent on either ownership or advertising of Moslem companies. Emirates and CNN, Sky, even Fox!!! Let me explain.
The killing in Syria continues and as CNN reporter John Vause cleverly observed more have died in this uprising, killed by their own government, than in all the Israeli/Palestinian debacle. Just yesterday another 19 died and all they get is a smack on the wrist.
The Sinai Desert elicits thoughts of snorkelling, scuba diving, sunshine and tourism? Not if you happen to be a refugee from the genocide in the Sudan and want to reach freedom in Israel. The Bedouin of the Sinai trade these refugees and on route they beat, rape, kill, and steal their organs. Where is the outrage? Where are the humanitarian organisations? Stop concentrating on the Palestinians and look to those who really need you!!!! http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/02/world/meast/egypt-refugees/index.html
If we are already talking about the Sudan, where was the outrage at the slaughter, the ethnic cleansing that took place by the Moslem North on the predominantly Christian South? Why was Israel the first nation to accept the newly emerging South Sudan?
The most self-destructive actions seen recently concern Iran. For years, Mohammed El Baradei, a man with highly suspect affiliations to the Moslem Brotherhood, was responsible for overseeing the Iranian nuclear capabilities for the IEAE, supposedly to conform with the non-proliferation treaty. Nothing will convince me that no-one knew. The dire situation we now find ourselves in was due to sheer negligence on the part of our leaders.
Aah, the idiocies and interests of NGO's, media and governments – who was it who said “Nations don't have friends, nations have interests” and sometimes that is made very clear by open-mike incidents when the French and the Americans – both known for never ever going back on their word!
OK enough bad news, I just switched on the TV and the movie “Exodus” is on. It is so outdated and so brilliant! I love it, try to ignore the romanticised version but adore the scene when the British Officer claims he can always recognise a Jewish face and Paul Newman (aka Ari ben Canaan) asks him to see if he has something in his eye........... and of course fools him! As Ari ben Canaan and Mrs Freeman sit on the terrace of the King David one feels that time stood still – the glorious view of the Old City hasn't changed, although now we can go inside and walk to the Kotel in freedom and then, as they walked through the main lobby I half expected to see Adnan behind the Concierge desk!!! Even the Irgun prisoner scene was taken in the actual prison near the Russian compound. The United Nations vote on partition, partition of the land into a Jewish State and a Arab State (Jordan) and Ben Gurions declaration of that vote and his thanks to the British troops who”Carried out their task with honour” and to the Arabs to join hands and live in peace as the crowd sang Hatikva. What a story, what a movie and Pat Boone captured the urgency and desperation of those who were coming home through the theme song and its wonderful lyrics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0FLzUKphw&feature=related It may be a movie but it is so close to the truth of the horrors of the escape from the Holocaust and the fight to create a state from a Biblical dream. We need Exodus to be re-released.
I found an amazing video for you - celebrating 60 years for the IDF. It is in Hebrew but I am confident you will understand anyway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz1M8E6nYpU
The second video shows the first ever film of Jerusalem, shot in 1896, showing Jews at the Train Station and in the streets. The narrator tell us that at that time the City of Jerusalem had approximately 45,000 citizens with a clear a Jewish majority. 28,000 Jews, 8,500 Moslems and 8,700 Christians. That is over 60% Jewish, and about 20% each for Christians and Moslems. As such evidence is uncovered the truth is becomes clearer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP1Xp8lCHEg
This week Zvi met with a fascinating man to hear of a truly important project. Shmuel Willenberg is the only living survivor of the Treblinka death camp. Zvi made contact with Shmuel after a newspaper article about him in Zvi's search for information about his family, all of whom perished in the Shoah. Zvi's Uncle Josef Ribak, a physician and footballer in the Polish national team, became known as the “Doctor of Treblinka” where he took care of the 600 workers in the camp. It was known that when patients thanked Dr Ribak for curing them he begged them not to thank him for returning them to hell. Dr Ribak died shortly before war ended.
Shmuel Willenberg and his wife Ada take groups to Poland, to Treblinka so that we will never forget. Shmuel and Ada wanted Zvi to meet Sigmund Rolat, a Polish/American Jew who Helped to build the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and now wishes to help fulfill Shmuels dream to build a Visitors Centre at Treblinka. Shmuel and Ada's daughter is a fine architect and has designed the project so that those who come to pay tribute to that most Jewish of death camps can rest, learn, lecture and contemplate on the site. Treblinka had the highest percentage of Jewish in-mates and dead, although much smaller than the other camps, over 90% were Jews. Zvi wants to help – after all that is as close as he can ever manage to get to any of his Uncles, Aunts or Grandparents – all of whom perished.
Rain, cleansing, life giving rain has made the view from our veranda even more beautiful than usual. The hills stand out against the hazy horizon and the buildings are sparkling clean. The flowers breathe a sigh of relief and their colours seem to smile at the grey and cloudy skies. Did you know that the rains that fall on Jerusalem go in two directions? Really! King George Street is the line, the ridge from which the rains flow either to the Mediterranean or to the Dead Sea.
The skies are closing in and the rain strengthening as soggy Jerusalemites wend their weary way home. This is the real weather for Hamin or Cholent, warm and satisfying as it sits overnight on the hot-plate. Meat, potato, beans, onions, carrots and turnips – the difference between the two is that Hamin has whole eggs in it the shells browned by the long, slow cooking and Ashkenaz Cholent has Kishkeh – stuffed intestines (yes really). If one is too tired or too lazy to cook one can go to the haredi Meah Shearim neighbourhood and take home entire pots filled with the succulent Shabbat dish. The aromas the come from the slow slow cooking whet appetites and awaken memories.
Time to finish cooking and prepare the apartment for Shabbat. Zvi will sing the kiddush in his wonderful Bass-Baritone voice, the same kiddush that Jews around the world will be singing to their families to bless the wine and welcome the bride of Shabbat. He will bring the challot home from Angel's bakery, the one in the petrol station after putting the world to rights with his parliament as so many Israeli men and women do on a Friday morning.
Shabbat Shalom to you dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem
With much love
Sheila
By the way Stanley – the pomegranates are red and juicy and the oranges turning a bright sunshine colour as the ripen on the little tree.
18th November 2011
Shabbat Shalom for glorious rainy Jerusalem!
I love the rain, it cleanses the air, the city, the soul and gives life to the earth. I imagine the tiny seeds and bulbs hiding in the cracked arid earth suddenly springing into life, preparing to burst forth in the spring.
I am so furious with the so-called humanitarian organisations. They spend all their funds and energy on the Palestinians when there are so many others who truly need their attention. The media too but they have a different agenda because if you check their advertising almost all of them are dependent on either ownership or advertising of Moslem companies. Emirates and CNN, Sky, even Fox!!! Let me explain.
The killing in Syria continues and as CNN reporter John Vause cleverly observed more have died in this uprising, killed by their own government, than in all the Israeli/Palestinian debacle. Just yesterday another 19 died and all they get is a smack on the wrist.
The Sinai Desert elicits thoughts of snorkelling, scuba diving, sunshine and tourism? Not if you happen to be a refugee from the genocide in the Sudan and want to reach freedom in Israel. The Bedouin of the Sinai trade these refugees and on route they beat, rape, kill, and steal their organs. Where is the outrage? Where are the humanitarian organisations? Stop concentrating on the Palestinians and look to those who really need you!!!! http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/02/world/meast/egypt-refugees/index.html
If we are already talking about the Sudan, where was the outrage at the slaughter, the ethnic cleansing that took place by the Moslem North on the predominantly Christian South? Why was Israel the first nation to accept the newly emerging South Sudan?
The most self-destructive actions seen recently concern Iran. For years, Mohammed El Baradei, a man with highly suspect affiliations to the Moslem Brotherhood, was responsible for overseeing the Iranian nuclear capabilities for the IEAE, supposedly to conform with the non-proliferation treaty. Nothing will convince me that no-one knew. The dire situation we now find ourselves in was due to sheer negligence on the part of our leaders.
Aah, the idiocies and interests of NGO's, media and governments – who was it who said “Nations don't have friends, nations have interests” and sometimes that is made very clear by open-mike incidents when the French and the Americans – both known for never ever going back on their word!
OK enough bad news, I just switched on the TV and the movie “Exodus” is on. It is so outdated and so brilliant! I love it, try to ignore the romanticised version but adore the scene when the British Officer claims he can always recognise a Jewish face and Paul Newman (aka Ari ben Canaan) asks him to see if he has something in his eye........... and of course fools him! As Ari ben Canaan and Mrs Freeman sit on the terrace of the King David one feels that time stood still – the glorious view of the Old City hasn't changed, although now we can go inside and walk to the Kotel in freedom and then, as they walked through the main lobby I half expected to see Adnan behind the Concierge desk!!! Even the Irgun prisoner scene was taken in the actual prison near the Russian compound. The United Nations vote on partition, partition of the land into a Jewish State and a Arab State (Jordan) and Ben Gurions declaration of that vote and his thanks to the British troops who”Carried out their task with honour” and to the Arabs to join hands and live in peace as the crowd sang Hatikva. What a story, what a movie and Pat Boone captured the urgency and desperation of those who were coming home through the theme song and its wonderful lyrics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0FLzUKphw&feature=related It may be a movie but it is so close to the truth of the horrors of the escape from the Holocaust and the fight to create a state from a Biblical dream. We need Exodus to be re-released.
I found an amazing video for you - celebrating 60 years for the IDF. It is in Hebrew but I am confident you will understand anyway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz1M8E6nYpU
The second video shows the first ever film of Jerusalem, shot in 1896, showing Jews at the Train Station and in the streets. The narrator tell us that at that time the City of Jerusalem had approximately 45,000 citizens with a clear a Jewish majority. 28,000 Jews, 8,500 Moslems and 8,700 Christians. That is over 60% Jewish, and about 20% each for Christians and Moslems. As such evidence is uncovered the truth is becomes clearer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP1Xp8lCHEg
This week Zvi met with a fascinating man to hear of a truly important project. Shmuel Willenberg is the only living survivor of the Treblinka death camp. Zvi made contact with Shmuel after a newspaper article about him in Zvi's search for information about his family, all of whom perished in the Shoah. Zvi's Uncle Josef Ribak, a physician and footballer in the Polish national team, became known as the “Doctor of Treblinka” where he took care of the 600 workers in the camp. It was known that when patients thanked Dr Ribak for curing them he begged them not to thank him for returning them to hell. Dr Ribak died shortly before war ended.
Shmuel Willenberg and his wife Ada take groups to Poland, to Treblinka so that we will never forget. Shmuel and Ada wanted Zvi to meet Sigmund Rolat, a Polish/American Jew who Helped to build the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and now wishes to help fulfill Shmuels dream to build a Visitors Centre at Treblinka. Shmuel and Ada's daughter is a fine architect and has designed the project so that those who come to pay tribute to that most Jewish of death camps can rest, learn, lecture and contemplate on the site. Treblinka had the highest percentage of Jewish in-mates and dead, although much smaller than the other camps, over 90% were Jews. Zvi wants to help – after all that is as close as he can ever manage to get to any of his Uncles, Aunts or Grandparents – all of whom perished.
Rain, cleansing, life giving rain has made the view from our veranda even more beautiful than usual. The hills stand out against the hazy horizon and the buildings are sparkling clean. The flowers breathe a sigh of relief and their colours seem to smile at the grey and cloudy skies. Did you know that the rains that fall on Jerusalem go in two directions? Really! King George Street is the line, the ridge from which the rains flow either to the Mediterranean or to the Dead Sea.
The skies are closing in and the rain strengthening as soggy Jerusalemites wend their weary way home. This is the real weather for Hamin or Cholent, warm and satisfying as it sits overnight on the hot-plate. Meat, potato, beans, onions, carrots and turnips – the difference between the two is that Hamin has whole eggs in it the shells browned by the long, slow cooking and Ashkenaz Cholent has Kishkeh – stuffed intestines (yes really). If one is too tired or too lazy to cook one can go to the haredi Meah Shearim neighbourhood and take home entire pots filled with the succulent Shabbat dish. The aromas the come from the slow slow cooking whet appetites and awaken memories.
Time to finish cooking and prepare the apartment for Shabbat. Zvi will sing the kiddush in his wonderful Bass-Baritone voice, the same kiddush that Jews around the world will be singing to their families to bless the wine and welcome the bride of Shabbat. He will bring the challot home from Angel's bakery, the one in the petrol station after putting the world to rights with his parliament as so many Israeli men and women do on a Friday morning.
Shabbat Shalom to you dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem
With much love
Sheila
By the way Stanley – the pomegranates are red and juicy and the oranges turning a bright sunshine colour as the ripen on the little tree.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem
111111
The 11th Day of the 11th Month of the 11th year of this century.
Shabbat Shalom
A tragic incident took place today as Rabbi Dan Martzbach was driving home to the settlement of Otniel at five in the morning and he saw what he thought was an ambush. He drove as fast as he could not realising it was an IDF checkpoint. The soldiers, when the car, travelling without lights, wouldn't stop despite several orders and shooting in the air thought it was a terrorist attack, since it had been reported to them as suspicious by another group. The soldiers fired and the Rabbi died and his passengers were injured. Simultaneously a Palestinian truck driver at the site ran a soldier down severely hurting him. Tragic, avoidable and so so sad. May his soul rest in peace. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4146864,00.html
At 11:00 this morning Britain will honour the dead of two World Wars and too many campaigns and “minor” wars. At 11:00 the top brass of the Biritish Army, the Royal Family and the Government will stand to attention for two minutes silence and will lay wreaths on the Cenotaph, the monument created by Lutyens at the request of David Lloyd-George for the first Peace Day as a Memorial to those who died in the 1st World War – the War to end all wars. We honour those who died to ensure we live – those who still die to ensure our freedom. We honour their lives and mourn their deaths.
Two nights ago Israel commemorated the death of a soldier, a hero, our Prime Minister who fought so hard for the sake of Israel, for the safety of his soldiers and for the freedom of his people. He was not the man the left have re-invented, something I told you year after year after year. Yitzchak Rabin was a proud Israeli; a reluctant politician, a shy man who despised the cant and hypocrisy of politics and diplomacy; he was a friend; he was a member of Zvi's family. I will never forget his gentle care the last time we met, in the Rotunda, Washington, when he raced across to me, ignoring the high power group assembled there for the opening ceremony of the “Jerusalem 3,000” celebration of the US, gently hugging me concerned that all those people might push me about after my serious operation. That was the real Yitzchak Rabin. I almost always agree with what Isi Leibler writes and I believe that Isi's words on theis 16th anniversary of Yitzchak Rabin's assassination by a Jewish terrorist is complette. Stop distorting Rabin’s legacy by Isi Leibler http://wordfromjerusalem.com/?p=3725
The Hebrew “Yahzeit” of Yitzchak Rabin coincided with the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass, which heralded the Holocaust. The dehumanisation which preceded that fateful night is too similar to the dehumanisation of Israel, making Israel, the Jewish State, expendable as Jews became after Kristallnacht. We have to be alert – it is happening in the West, incitement to hatred on campus, even in the Wall street demos! The Holocaust is over but the lessons of Goebbles are used today by those who would see us gone.
The Obama/Sarkozy “overheard” conversation teaches us two things. One is that politicians act like school children, bickering about one another instead of holding themselves above and secondly that the media does not honour a gag order and blabs when it is against an Israeli leader. Actually one more aspect – Sarkozy claims that the Israeli PM is a liar? C'mon – you have not honoured one word of your manifesto. Who's lying now Sarky?
Moshe Katsav, former President of the State of Israel will go to prison for rape. Israel does not accept abuse of women even if the man is a President. Supreme Court Justices Miriam Naor, Judge Edna Arbel and Salim Joubran found the evidence unquestionable and decided to uphold the original sentence of 7 years in jail. Katsav was offered less severe deal but is so arrogant that he thought he would get away with it! I am sorry he came to power because of Ehud Barak's determination that Shimon Peres would not be President and I am so sorry that none of the press, who were aware of his evil ways, spoke out – not the press, not other politicians, no-one. Shame on them and shame on us. A rapist is a rapist is a rapist – however powerful or rich.
I found this excellent video, well worth viewing, explaining the real partition plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhNF2bTsUg4
Zvi and I went on the Jerusalem Light Rail. We waited at the start on Mount Herzl and along with an awful lot of other people, watched Jerusalem go by as we headed to the centre of the city. Along Herzl Blvd, over the Calatrava Bridge, past the Central Bus Station, along Jaffa Street into the centre. It was fun people watching and Jerusalem watching and we didn't need to park!
One of Zvi's meetings this week was with Young Tsamid of Jerusalem Municipality under the direction of Sara Salman. “Tsamid” means People with Special Needs and during Zvi's tenure Sara and her team set these amazing young people with a variety of disabilities as a self-run NGO whereby they hold meetings int eh Municipality, run their own sociel programmes and a radio programme. Their independence and confidence has grown to such a extent that Zvi was delighted to hear that almost all of them are working in paid jobs! While Zvi was running the New Jerusalem Foundation he received a one-time honour from these amzing young people “Yakir Tsamid” Beloved of Tsamid – it takes pride of place in our home to this day.
Yesterday was fun! I met up with two wonderful friends, Susan and Averil, at the Israel Museum. Gosh it is amazing! We chose two tours, starting with archaeology and artifacts dating from 6,000 years ago through Biblical times going on to the Judaica exhibits. From Chanukiot to Torah crowns, clothing, succot, symbols and emblems from every conceivable corner of the earth to the prize exhibits – the four synagogues, moved piece by piece from their original homes. Suriname, sandy floors and light Caribbean air http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AU6aWh6Jz0 ; Horb, Germany, simple painted wood, naïve artwork http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=32&itemNum=199707%20%20%20%20 ; Cochin India, with thanks to our dear friends Fred and Della Worms http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=33&itemNum=199804%20%20%20%20 and the Venetto synagogue from Italy http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=30&itemNum=200184%20%20%20%20 . The guides are volunteers who really know their stuff and take the tours out of love. An extremely kind group of Christian ladies allowed us to join their tour and explanation and the lady at their helm was none other than Anne Ayalon, wife of our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon.
After a wonderful lunch at the Botanical Gardens Averil and Susan came to sit on our veranda, to relax , look at the view and then to meet Drew and Roni Staffenberg from Calgary, Canada who had been with Zvi for a tour of the Davidson Centre at the Southern Wall excavations of the Temple Mount. The Davidson Center takes you back to the times of the Temple – virtually and actually! http://www.archpark.org.il/panorama.shtml
One of my favourite people in Israel is Tim King formerly of the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Tim and his wife Martha have a gloriously beautiful red-haired daughter called Anna who became a model but gave up her career for a much more important one – to become a Hummer instructor in the IDF! This week Tim sent me a message proudly proclaiming the fact that Anna is now a fully fledged Israel Citizen. Bar Rafaeli should learn about national pride from Anna whose career has not suffered at all! Mazal Tov to the entire King family and especially to Anna – Israeli – proud of you Anna!
I saved the best till last – we have a new baby in the family! Zvi's son Leor and his wife Shiri gave birth to a little girl, Ori at the Meir Clinic in Kfar Saba. Ori is just beautiful, and adored by her sisters Amit and Gili. While we were at hospital, waiting to go in to the ward a young Moslem Israeli woman was sitting with her new baby son. We exchanged baby compliments and she sweetly gave us a beautiful favour filled with chocolates and goodies to celebrate her new son with the words “Blessings on your new grand-daughter. Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov”
Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, fascinating, spiritual, addictive city in the world!! In the words of Menachem Begin (yes it was him) “No more War, no more bloodshed”. If only the killing ended in 1919 with the raising of the Cenotaph after the war to end all wars.
Love
The 11th Day of the 11th Month of the 11th year of this century.
Shabbat Shalom
A tragic incident took place today as Rabbi Dan Martzbach was driving home to the settlement of Otniel at five in the morning and he saw what he thought was an ambush. He drove as fast as he could not realising it was an IDF checkpoint. The soldiers, when the car, travelling without lights, wouldn't stop despite several orders and shooting in the air thought it was a terrorist attack, since it had been reported to them as suspicious by another group. The soldiers fired and the Rabbi died and his passengers were injured. Simultaneously a Palestinian truck driver at the site ran a soldier down severely hurting him. Tragic, avoidable and so so sad. May his soul rest in peace. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4146864,00.html
At 11:00 this morning Britain will honour the dead of two World Wars and too many campaigns and “minor” wars. At 11:00 the top brass of the Biritish Army, the Royal Family and the Government will stand to attention for two minutes silence and will lay wreaths on the Cenotaph, the monument created by Lutyens at the request of David Lloyd-George for the first Peace Day as a Memorial to those who died in the 1st World War – the War to end all wars. We honour those who died to ensure we live – those who still die to ensure our freedom. We honour their lives and mourn their deaths.
Two nights ago Israel commemorated the death of a soldier, a hero, our Prime Minister who fought so hard for the sake of Israel, for the safety of his soldiers and for the freedom of his people. He was not the man the left have re-invented, something I told you year after year after year. Yitzchak Rabin was a proud Israeli; a reluctant politician, a shy man who despised the cant and hypocrisy of politics and diplomacy; he was a friend; he was a member of Zvi's family. I will never forget his gentle care the last time we met, in the Rotunda, Washington, when he raced across to me, ignoring the high power group assembled there for the opening ceremony of the “Jerusalem 3,000” celebration of the US, gently hugging me concerned that all those people might push me about after my serious operation. That was the real Yitzchak Rabin. I almost always agree with what Isi Leibler writes and I believe that Isi's words on theis 16th anniversary of Yitzchak Rabin's assassination by a Jewish terrorist is complette. Stop distorting Rabin’s legacy by Isi Leibler http://wordfromjerusalem.com/?p=3725
The Hebrew “Yahzeit” of Yitzchak Rabin coincided with the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass, which heralded the Holocaust. The dehumanisation which preceded that fateful night is too similar to the dehumanisation of Israel, making Israel, the Jewish State, expendable as Jews became after Kristallnacht. We have to be alert – it is happening in the West, incitement to hatred on campus, even in the Wall street demos! The Holocaust is over but the lessons of Goebbles are used today by those who would see us gone.
The Obama/Sarkozy “overheard” conversation teaches us two things. One is that politicians act like school children, bickering about one another instead of holding themselves above and secondly that the media does not honour a gag order and blabs when it is against an Israeli leader. Actually one more aspect – Sarkozy claims that the Israeli PM is a liar? C'mon – you have not honoured one word of your manifesto. Who's lying now Sarky?
Moshe Katsav, former President of the State of Israel will go to prison for rape. Israel does not accept abuse of women even if the man is a President. Supreme Court Justices Miriam Naor, Judge Edna Arbel and Salim Joubran found the evidence unquestionable and decided to uphold the original sentence of 7 years in jail. Katsav was offered less severe deal but is so arrogant that he thought he would get away with it! I am sorry he came to power because of Ehud Barak's determination that Shimon Peres would not be President and I am so sorry that none of the press, who were aware of his evil ways, spoke out – not the press, not other politicians, no-one. Shame on them and shame on us. A rapist is a rapist is a rapist – however powerful or rich.
I found this excellent video, well worth viewing, explaining the real partition plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhNF2bTsUg4
Zvi and I went on the Jerusalem Light Rail. We waited at the start on Mount Herzl and along with an awful lot of other people, watched Jerusalem go by as we headed to the centre of the city. Along Herzl Blvd, over the Calatrava Bridge, past the Central Bus Station, along Jaffa Street into the centre. It was fun people watching and Jerusalem watching and we didn't need to park!
One of Zvi's meetings this week was with Young Tsamid of Jerusalem Municipality under the direction of Sara Salman. “Tsamid” means People with Special Needs and during Zvi's tenure Sara and her team set these amazing young people with a variety of disabilities as a self-run NGO whereby they hold meetings int eh Municipality, run their own sociel programmes and a radio programme. Their independence and confidence has grown to such a extent that Zvi was delighted to hear that almost all of them are working in paid jobs! While Zvi was running the New Jerusalem Foundation he received a one-time honour from these amzing young people “Yakir Tsamid” Beloved of Tsamid – it takes pride of place in our home to this day.
Yesterday was fun! I met up with two wonderful friends, Susan and Averil, at the Israel Museum. Gosh it is amazing! We chose two tours, starting with archaeology and artifacts dating from 6,000 years ago through Biblical times going on to the Judaica exhibits. From Chanukiot to Torah crowns, clothing, succot, symbols and emblems from every conceivable corner of the earth to the prize exhibits – the four synagogues, moved piece by piece from their original homes. Suriname, sandy floors and light Caribbean air http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AU6aWh6Jz0 ; Horb, Germany, simple painted wood, naïve artwork http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=32&itemNum=199707%20%20%20%20 ; Cochin India, with thanks to our dear friends Fred and Della Worms http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=33&itemNum=199804%20%20%20%20 and the Venetto synagogue from Italy http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/viewItem2E.asp?case=30&itemNum=200184%20%20%20%20 . The guides are volunteers who really know their stuff and take the tours out of love. An extremely kind group of Christian ladies allowed us to join their tour and explanation and the lady at their helm was none other than Anne Ayalon, wife of our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon.
After a wonderful lunch at the Botanical Gardens Averil and Susan came to sit on our veranda, to relax , look at the view and then to meet Drew and Roni Staffenberg from Calgary, Canada who had been with Zvi for a tour of the Davidson Centre at the Southern Wall excavations of the Temple Mount. The Davidson Center takes you back to the times of the Temple – virtually and actually! http://www.archpark.org.il/panorama.shtml
One of my favourite people in Israel is Tim King formerly of the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Tim and his wife Martha have a gloriously beautiful red-haired daughter called Anna who became a model but gave up her career for a much more important one – to become a Hummer instructor in the IDF! This week Tim sent me a message proudly proclaiming the fact that Anna is now a fully fledged Israel Citizen. Bar Rafaeli should learn about national pride from Anna whose career has not suffered at all! Mazal Tov to the entire King family and especially to Anna – Israeli – proud of you Anna!
I saved the best till last – we have a new baby in the family! Zvi's son Leor and his wife Shiri gave birth to a little girl, Ori at the Meir Clinic in Kfar Saba. Ori is just beautiful, and adored by her sisters Amit and Gili. While we were at hospital, waiting to go in to the ward a young Moslem Israeli woman was sitting with her new baby son. We exchanged baby compliments and she sweetly gave us a beautiful favour filled with chocolates and goodies to celebrate her new son with the words “Blessings on your new grand-daughter. Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov”
Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, fascinating, spiritual, addictive city in the world!! In the words of Menachem Begin (yes it was him) “No more War, no more bloodshed”. If only the killing ended in 1919 with the raising of the Cenotaph after the war to end all wars.
Love
Friday, 4 November 2011
Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem
111104
4th November 2011
Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.
I am so excited this Friday morning since I awoke to the sound of rain, heavy rain, glorious, life giving rain! Admittedly I am equally thrilled that it didn't rain yesterday or the day before which gave me the opportunity to sit in the crisp autumnal sunshine of Jerusalem with my lovely cousin Debbie and with Nancy and Harry – but more about that later!
Have you noticed that Western diplomats involved with Israel and her neighbours are critical of Israel when in power and suddenly when they leave their positions they write books and the truth comes out........ Israel has been flexible and agreeable whereas the Palestinians have been rigid and against any solution however equable? Dennis Ross did it, Tony Blair did it and now Condoleeza Rice is doing it in her new book. She quotes Ehud Olmert's offer to the PA as the most generous ever and Abbas did not consider it a starting point for negotiations. By the same token how can the USA, UK, and most of Europe play the outraged idealists concerning a few homes being built in Jerusalem, when they know full well that the Palestinians are building as if there is no tomorrow within Jerusalem city limits!!!
Judge Richard Goldstone wrote a truly surprising and accurate article in the NY Times refuting any claims that Israeli society resembles the South African Apartheid regime in any way or form. Professor Gerald Steinberg writes “Confronting former allies after an honest change of heart is tough; Richard Goldstone deserves to be embraced and congratulated.” http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=244036&R=R7
UNESCO voted to accept the Palestinian Authority into its once august midst. UNESCO UN-Educated UN-Scientific UN-Cultured and UN-Organised The Palestinian educational system does not in any way or form meet UNESCO's criteria, their books deride the Infidel (that's Jews and Christians) and deny the existence of Israel. Please read the academic report of IMPACT-SE presented to UNESCO on the lack of tolerance in PA. schooling http://www.impact-se.org/research/pa/index.html
This isn't a first for UNESCO however. Thanks to Barbara Ledeen for this wonderful quote.
When Golda Meir visited Princeton – when no longer Prime Minister in 1978 - , at a question and answer section in the main auditorium of the university, one of the students asked her: “Why was it that UNESCO had rejected Israel and accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for membership/associate membership.
Golda replied that that was a question that should be addressed to UNESCO, not to her.
The student responded: That is of course correct but it would be interesting to know your opinion, why UNESCO made these decisions.
Golda replied: As you know, UNESCO stands for the United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization. We must assume that these gentlemen, after due consideration, came to the conclusion that the PLO has more to contribute to education, science, and culture than Israel does.
The audience roared with laughter and applauded.
The USA, Canada and Israel rescinded their payments to UNESCO, as they should, but more surprisingly Ban Ki Moon came out with a statement to the PA that he did not support their method of entering the UN through all the subcommittees – a rare statement of great substance.
The South of Israel is still subject to rocket attacks. Egypt warned Islamic Jihad that if they don't stop launching missiles then they will pay the consequences and Western leaders have intimated that Israel must not respond. Maybe we are too polite or just too attentive to world opinion?
Pat Condell is a very clever and totally anti-establishment Brit whose irreverent, but highly relevant videos say what we think. Mr Condell is not PC and is prepared to take the flak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N1zhUm84w “Is it racist to say that the Palestinians are the most tiresome cry-babies whose problems are all self inflicted? It probably is”
Since we last spoke we said goodbye to Kim, Robert and Deanna after their frantic week of filming for a documentary on Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular. As soon as I have a link I promise to send it to you and you will find it on the Children of Israel Foundation website.
On Wednesday I met my dear cousin Debbie Gelbard at the Jerusalem YMCA for a wonderful glass of mint tisane and some naughty desserts! The Jerusalem YMCA is conceivably the most beautiful building in Jerusalem. It was so delightful to spend time with Debbie and catch up on our family news, sitting in the last rays of sunshine. As we sat enjoying one another I noticed a young man on the grass who took out his prayer mat, bent his knees bowed down towards Mecca, prayed and then got up and went on his way. So very Jerusalem; sitting in a Christian garden, overlooking the famous King David Hotel, watching the open prayer of a Moslem in a public place. If only Jews and Christians could openly pray in Moslem countries.
Yesterday we met up with Nancy and Harry Bloomfield of Montreal, Canada and Jerusalem. Nancy and Harry have two sons studying in Israel and they simply love Jerusalem! They chose our lunchtime venue and I applaud their taste! The Anna Ticho Artists House is situated right in the centre of town, next to both the original Hadassah Hospital and Rav Kook's House. The Anna Ticho House sits in its own beautiful gardens, inside is a gallery of her works and a restaurant and outside is a large tree lined terrace with tables set with placemats showing her exquisite etchings. The meal was a delight, the company outstanding and my goodness do I enjoy every time Nancy exudes love. She made me laugh when she told me that after arriving exhausted from the long journey from Montreal she immediately went to Shouk mahane Yehuda. A friend called her from Canada to check is she had arrived safely and when the friend asked where she was she said in the Shouk. “Why on earth would you go straight to the Shouk?” asked the friend “Because I wanted a Sheila moment” said Nancy!!!! Apparently you love my stories about the shouk, its sounds aromas, colours, people and atmosphere. I will have to go again next week to absorb some new senses!!
Talking of Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Harper isn't afraid of the Arabs – not only because he has incredible natural resources and enough oil in Alberta to ignore their wealth but because he is a principled man who is not afraid to speak his mind. Now THAT is a leader.
Since I am always persuading you to come to Jerusalem and experience the joys thereof I thought this article essential to your travels. The top 10 public toilets in Jerusalem!!!! http://israel21c.org/travel/the-top-10-toilets-in-jerusalem
Today began early. Zvi and I met with our dearest friend Bernardo Romanowsky for breakfast at Angel's Coffee shop in the gas station of Nayot! It was delicious. You guys don't understand that an Israeli breakfast is so vast and so healthy........... let me explain. One example of many is the “Israeli breakfast” which means an omelette of any combination (I love the herb one), a freshly cut chopped salad in a bowl, an assortment of avocado, tuna and aubergine salads in tiny presentation dishes, three types of white cheese, a freshly squeezed fruit juice and – of course – Cafe hafuch!!!! There are other assorted breakfasts but this is almost a foregone conclusion for most diners! The tiny table was groaning as beside us the first Parliament sitting took place – thank heaven smaller and less vociferous than Zvi's Parliament- and the waitresses all come to say hello, kiss the regulars and even the chef comes to greet everyone at this simple diner. Having spent delightful time with Bernardo, talking about everything from family to baking, to health I came home to write to you!!! Zvi will be back soon and I will drop him at his Parliament and escape to my daughters home to be with the grandchildren, read stories, play games and just cuddle them ensuring they know just how much Safta loves them. Yosef says I love him to the sky and back; Talia says I love her trimillion and baby Aylah just stands akimbo with her arms wide as she can get! I love that my daughters home is filled with the aromas of Shabbat, especially her amazing home baked Challot (she got it from me you know!) My drive back home will thrill me and fill my heart as I pass Samuels Tomb to the sight of Jerusalem set out in her glorious entirety, fresh and glisteningly clean from the blessed rainfall.
Finally, use your last chance to vote for the Dead Sea as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World since the voting ends on 11.11.11 www.new7wonders.com
Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world, centre of our hearts, hopes and prayers.
4th November 2011
Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well.
I am so excited this Friday morning since I awoke to the sound of rain, heavy rain, glorious, life giving rain! Admittedly I am equally thrilled that it didn't rain yesterday or the day before which gave me the opportunity to sit in the crisp autumnal sunshine of Jerusalem with my lovely cousin Debbie and with Nancy and Harry – but more about that later!
Have you noticed that Western diplomats involved with Israel and her neighbours are critical of Israel when in power and suddenly when they leave their positions they write books and the truth comes out........ Israel has been flexible and agreeable whereas the Palestinians have been rigid and against any solution however equable? Dennis Ross did it, Tony Blair did it and now Condoleeza Rice is doing it in her new book. She quotes Ehud Olmert's offer to the PA as the most generous ever and Abbas did not consider it a starting point for negotiations. By the same token how can the USA, UK, and most of Europe play the outraged idealists concerning a few homes being built in Jerusalem, when they know full well that the Palestinians are building as if there is no tomorrow within Jerusalem city limits!!!
Judge Richard Goldstone wrote a truly surprising and accurate article in the NY Times refuting any claims that Israeli society resembles the South African Apartheid regime in any way or form. Professor Gerald Steinberg writes “Confronting former allies after an honest change of heart is tough; Richard Goldstone deserves to be embraced and congratulated.” http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=244036&R=R7
UNESCO voted to accept the Palestinian Authority into its once august midst. UNESCO UN-Educated UN-Scientific UN-Cultured and UN-Organised The Palestinian educational system does not in any way or form meet UNESCO's criteria, their books deride the Infidel (that's Jews and Christians) and deny the existence of Israel. Please read the academic report of IMPACT-SE presented to UNESCO on the lack of tolerance in PA. schooling http://www.impact-se.org/research/pa/index.html
This isn't a first for UNESCO however. Thanks to Barbara Ledeen for this wonderful quote.
When Golda Meir visited Princeton – when no longer Prime Minister in 1978 - , at a question and answer section in the main auditorium of the university, one of the students asked her: “Why was it that UNESCO had rejected Israel and accepted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for membership/associate membership.
Golda replied that that was a question that should be addressed to UNESCO, not to her.
The student responded: That is of course correct but it would be interesting to know your opinion, why UNESCO made these decisions.
Golda replied: As you know, UNESCO stands for the United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization. We must assume that these gentlemen, after due consideration, came to the conclusion that the PLO has more to contribute to education, science, and culture than Israel does.
The audience roared with laughter and applauded.
The USA, Canada and Israel rescinded their payments to UNESCO, as they should, but more surprisingly Ban Ki Moon came out with a statement to the PA that he did not support their method of entering the UN through all the subcommittees – a rare statement of great substance.
The South of Israel is still subject to rocket attacks. Egypt warned Islamic Jihad that if they don't stop launching missiles then they will pay the consequences and Western leaders have intimated that Israel must not respond. Maybe we are too polite or just too attentive to world opinion?
Pat Condell is a very clever and totally anti-establishment Brit whose irreverent, but highly relevant videos say what we think. Mr Condell is not PC and is prepared to take the flak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N1zhUm84w “Is it racist to say that the Palestinians are the most tiresome cry-babies whose problems are all self inflicted? It probably is”
Since we last spoke we said goodbye to Kim, Robert and Deanna after their frantic week of filming for a documentary on Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular. As soon as I have a link I promise to send it to you and you will find it on the Children of Israel Foundation website.
On Wednesday I met my dear cousin Debbie Gelbard at the Jerusalem YMCA for a wonderful glass of mint tisane and some naughty desserts! The Jerusalem YMCA is conceivably the most beautiful building in Jerusalem. It was so delightful to spend time with Debbie and catch up on our family news, sitting in the last rays of sunshine. As we sat enjoying one another I noticed a young man on the grass who took out his prayer mat, bent his knees bowed down towards Mecca, prayed and then got up and went on his way. So very Jerusalem; sitting in a Christian garden, overlooking the famous King David Hotel, watching the open prayer of a Moslem in a public place. If only Jews and Christians could openly pray in Moslem countries.
Yesterday we met up with Nancy and Harry Bloomfield of Montreal, Canada and Jerusalem. Nancy and Harry have two sons studying in Israel and they simply love Jerusalem! They chose our lunchtime venue and I applaud their taste! The Anna Ticho Artists House is situated right in the centre of town, next to both the original Hadassah Hospital and Rav Kook's House. The Anna Ticho House sits in its own beautiful gardens, inside is a gallery of her works and a restaurant and outside is a large tree lined terrace with tables set with placemats showing her exquisite etchings. The meal was a delight, the company outstanding and my goodness do I enjoy every time Nancy exudes love. She made me laugh when she told me that after arriving exhausted from the long journey from Montreal she immediately went to Shouk mahane Yehuda. A friend called her from Canada to check is she had arrived safely and when the friend asked where she was she said in the Shouk. “Why on earth would you go straight to the Shouk?” asked the friend “Because I wanted a Sheila moment” said Nancy!!!! Apparently you love my stories about the shouk, its sounds aromas, colours, people and atmosphere. I will have to go again next week to absorb some new senses!!
Talking of Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Harper isn't afraid of the Arabs – not only because he has incredible natural resources and enough oil in Alberta to ignore their wealth but because he is a principled man who is not afraid to speak his mind. Now THAT is a leader.
Since I am always persuading you to come to Jerusalem and experience the joys thereof I thought this article essential to your travels. The top 10 public toilets in Jerusalem!!!! http://israel21c.org/travel/the-top-10-toilets-in-jerusalem
Today began early. Zvi and I met with our dearest friend Bernardo Romanowsky for breakfast at Angel's Coffee shop in the gas station of Nayot! It was delicious. You guys don't understand that an Israeli breakfast is so vast and so healthy........... let me explain. One example of many is the “Israeli breakfast” which means an omelette of any combination (I love the herb one), a freshly cut chopped salad in a bowl, an assortment of avocado, tuna and aubergine salads in tiny presentation dishes, three types of white cheese, a freshly squeezed fruit juice and – of course – Cafe hafuch!!!! There are other assorted breakfasts but this is almost a foregone conclusion for most diners! The tiny table was groaning as beside us the first Parliament sitting took place – thank heaven smaller and less vociferous than Zvi's Parliament- and the waitresses all come to say hello, kiss the regulars and even the chef comes to greet everyone at this simple diner. Having spent delightful time with Bernardo, talking about everything from family to baking, to health I came home to write to you!!! Zvi will be back soon and I will drop him at his Parliament and escape to my daughters home to be with the grandchildren, read stories, play games and just cuddle them ensuring they know just how much Safta loves them. Yosef says I love him to the sky and back; Talia says I love her trimillion and baby Aylah just stands akimbo with her arms wide as she can get! I love that my daughters home is filled with the aromas of Shabbat, especially her amazing home baked Challot (she got it from me you know!) My drive back home will thrill me and fill my heart as I pass Samuels Tomb to the sight of Jerusalem set out in her glorious entirety, fresh and glisteningly clean from the blessed rainfall.
Finally, use your last chance to vote for the Dead Sea as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World since the voting ends on 11.11.11 www.new7wonders.com
Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world, centre of our hearts, hopes and prayers.
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