Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

130531

31^st May 2013

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

This has been a very, very special week for me as my nephew Steve, his wonderful wife Claire and their son Jake came to Jerusalem. It was such a privilege to have my family here and to show them why I love this city so much.

Simon Deng understands racism. Simon Deng was a slave in Sudan and suffered intolerable conditions for being a Christian in South Sudan; Simon Deng is offended by the suggestion that Israel is in any way racist let alone an apartheid country. Please listen to this brave man's words againhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMElbNh1JvM

Persecution of Christians is hardly rare in Islamic countries, indeed it is now perfectly legal to persecute Egyptian Christians. Steven Emersons Investigative Project exposes this outcome of the Arab Spring. http://www.investigativeproject.org/4034/arab-spring-egypt-legal-persecution-of-christians

The Mohammed Al Dura Affair keeps rising its ugly head. A child, a father wrapping his arms around the child while cowering beside an apartheid wall while being shot at by Israeli soldiers makes for wonderful headlines – as if someone wrote the script. Indeed the story is second hand and constructed from carefully edited pre-staged film; the child was not dead and the shots came from the opposite direction to the Israeli position. The immorality of the French television station which promoted the concocted story and the crew who created it is clear – their aim to discredit Israel and create even more hatred is obnoxious. Read the report on the truth – the whole truth and nothing but the truth of the Israeli report. http://jcpa.org/article/the-al-dura-affair-and-its-implications-for-morality-and-ethics-in-france/

A rare example of Palestinian recognition of Israeli aid to citizens of the PA in this report from United With Israel http://unitedwithisrael.org/palestinian-newspaper-recognizes-israel-helps-palestinians/

Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet published one of the most disgraceful, blatantly anti-semitic cartoons imaginable - using circumcision as their vehicle to promote hatred. And they consider themselves as civilised and democratic – not in my book!

http://www.dagbladet.no/tegneserie/gjesteserie/20mgdrefvelin/?1369692000 

Please write to their editor - "John Arne" <john.arne.markussen@dagbladet.no>

Ramot is a suburb of Jerusalem. Building in Ramot began immediately after 1967 and I can assure you that absolutely nothing stood in the place of the homes of the 50,000 population. There was nothing, but nothing there!!! The Palestinian Authority now claim that Israel building another 300 apartments in Ramot is the stumbling block to peace – not bombs and missiles but rather houses! If you had ever been to Ramot you would understand that it is about 800 metres to the current edge of Ramalla which is growing with new buildings going up almost daily right next to the Jewish homes. That tells us that nobody is complaining about the growth of Palestinian housing on the DISPUTED areas – only Jewish housing!!!!

http://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-condemns-east-jerusalem-construction-tenders

Syria's Assad is in a crunch. The world has finally decided that killing 100,00 people is really not very nice and also that the alternative to the tyrannical Assad is not a lot better so Assad decided to make a statement that was sure to bring the whole world to his side... he said he is ready for war on us now You can always rely on bombing a few Jews into oblivion to bring everyone round. However he couched his words very carefully – suggesting that he would only retaliate not instigate. Hm. The Russians have changed the critical balance by arming Assad with modern anti-aircraft arms.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-threatens-immediate-retaliation-for-any-israeli-attack/

The abyss which has grown between the secular/ modern orthodox and ultra-orthodox communities in Israel – grown into a bottomless pit as the Haredi commuinity prefers to go to prison than face its responsibility to the rest of us and pay the debts incurred by their rights as Israeli citizens. The cruch is nearing, those who give are fed up. I believe that everyone, secular, orthodox, flexi-dox, Moslem, Christian, Druze, Bedouin everyone, but everyone should give back to society in some way. We cannot morally bankrupt this society. Even Al Jazeera jumped on the chance to report. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/05/201352765110342382.html

Shai Agassi's Better Place was the hope of a greener future with a viable electric car. The epitome of Israel's standing as a Start Up Nation. Sadly his dream became a nightmare and this week Better Place filed for bankruptcy. Very sad. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Terra-Incognita-The-dark-side-of-the-start-up-nation-314554

Deaf mutes are now eligible to have barmitzvas like everyone else! In truth I had no idea that they couldn't but it is now official!!! http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4384696,00.html

So I started by telling you about Steve, Claire and Jakes visit. It saddens me deeply that many members of my family doesn't share my love of Israel, don't come to see where I live, who my friends are, what an incredible life we have here – my Zvi and I (and our children here)- and of course it saddens me; so this week when the final members of Steve's beautiful family came to visit I was ecstatic!! Steve and Claires daughters, Carly (and James) and Olivia have been here and loved what they saw so it was so important for me to show the three of them everything possible. The went to Yad Vashem, Herzl Museum and the military cemetery in all its peace and beauty; the Israel Museum (sorry Steve and Jake but Claire loved it) Mahane Yehuda and great felafel and schwarma; the Kotel, Kotel Tunnels, Davidson and of course Ir David and the water tunnels. As a final farewell we all went to Zion ha Gadol in Talpiot to visit my favourite restaurant. Middle Eastern food at its best and in vast quantities. We sat outside in a balmy Jerusalem evening as Uzi and Benny brought us a plethora of epicurean delights. Every conceivable salad, although Jake didn't like my favourite garlic in lemon! Cold beers, wonderful food and my fabulous family........ who could ask for anything more? Actually we did ask for something more......... I begged them to wait up to see the moonrise over the horizon – the one I always talk about. Well, I didn't reckon with the gentle mist over Jerusalem that hid the wonder.......... sorry guys!!! Yesterday morning they headed off for the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Massada. As Steve said “What a silly place to build a castle” Yeah yeah Steve http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/Pages/Massada.aspx They are now in Tel Aviv, beside the sea and the pool – just relaxing, which they certainly deserve since both of them work so hard.

So that is my week. Zvi is in Italy. He went with his Hebrew University Course in tourism and is undoubtedly regaling all the others with his knowledge and his jokes. I miss him so much but he will be home soon. Since I am late with my missive today I can tell you about the emptying streets, the quiet, the ethnic aromas and wonderful sense of rest lying its gentle hand over Jerusalem.

I wish you a wonderful Shabbat of loving family and gentle thoughts. Remember that our siblings and cousins are the result of beloved grandparents and we share too many memories to bring viciousness – arguments are irrelevant and holding grudges destroys all of those in our vicinity.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem

Shabbat Shalom letter - London slaughter, Al Dura inquiry, Kerry

130524

Friday 24^th May 2013

Shabbat Shalom everyone.

I very nearly didn't manage to write today since we have 12 people coming for supper including 6 Swedes (the people not the vegetable!!) and 6 Israelis. The Swedes belong to a choir called Swedish Basta Choir, and they came to take part in a Choir Festival run by Hora Jerusalem (www.horajerusalem.org) where Zvi and his choir (haKol Yechasi) practice. Six of the Swedish Choir are coming to supper on our veranda tonight. Last night they gave a performance, together with many other Israeli choirs, and today they did tours of Jerusalem followed by a performance for the public at the newly opened “Rakevet”, the old train station from the Ottoman and British times, now the site of restaurants and shops.

Israelis were horrified to see the devastation of the tornado in Oklahoma. The fury of these natural disasters is something we find hard to absorb. We reach out with our hearts and practical aid in the aftermath of clearing up and building homes and lives.

I was sent something hopeful by my old friend Yitzchok Katz, something w all need this week. In order to change perceptions a number of Moslem clerics went to Europe to visit the concentration camps and meet Survivors. "The main aim is to get Muslims who are leaders all over the world, particularly in the Middle East, to acknowledge the reality of what happened here and to be able to teach it to the people that they lead," said trip organiser Rabbi Jack Bemporad, who is executive director of the US-based Center for Inter-religious Understanding. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22644206

After the horror of the Boston bombing and riots in Stockholm, we saw the ultimate bestial behaviour of fanaticism two days ago on the streets of London. Suddenly in suburban Woolwich, two fanatical followers of Islam took a cleaver and a kitchen knife and hacked a young man to death in the middle of the street. One brave woman got of a bus and lay on top of the soldiers bloody body to prevent any further attack and tried ot calm the frenzied situation until the police arrived. The insane ramblings of the perpetrator for a bystander trying to record evidence for the police also showed his blood stained hands. The reason? Because that young man was a soldier, his name was Lee Rigby, of 2nd Batallion the Royal Regiment of Fusilliers, and he was just 25 years old with 2 year old son. So sad, so very sad. Killed by the very barbarism he fought against so far from home - right at home. May his brave soul rest in peace and his killers rot in hell.

Leaders still manage to rein in their rage and tell us that these are the actions of a very few and take care not to paint all Moslems with the same brush........... OK. http://www.investigativeproject.org/4029/jihadists-suspected-in-shocking-daylight-attack

Serious crime is rare in Israel and when it happens it cuts us to the very core. A gunman shot and killed 4 people after holding others hostage in a bank robbery in Beersheva. Of course some politicians blamed it on his financial troubles caused by the government but most recognised that it was a crime – no more no less. There was however a shining light in this tragedy. As I read an article about the killings in the Jerusalem Post I found this tidbit in the middle. One of the hostages spoke “I'm laying there and there's a Bedouin guy next to me. I told him I don't want to die and he lay on top of me, covering me with his body” Incredible and as I always say, very Israeli.

The Muhammed Al Dura affair is back in the headlines as a detailed in-depth inquiry into the footage proved that the child didn't die (not at the time of the shootings) and the bullets came from a different direction to the Israeli post. France 2 are sticking to their guns but we all know it was a supreme effort at Pallywood worthy of the Palm d'Or for imagination and film editing.

John Kerry is back! Very disappointed to find that he is having no more success than his predecessors he has decided to push the Israelis (well he won't have any success pushing the Palestinians will he) and demand a halt to all building in the disputed areas. You know what, I could accept that demand on two conditions. 1) If it would bring any form of peace, Shalom, Salaam, Sulcha and 2) if the Palestinians were under the same constrictions. No-one seems to recognise that Ramallah is fast encroaching on Jerusalem!

Suddenly the right have found an old sketch made by Abu Mazen from the days of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, of the areas included in the offer made by the then PM toward peace talks. Many have pointed the angry finger yet when Abu Mazen was questioned as to why he didn't accept the very generous offer he responded “Because PM Olmert was forced to leave office under fire. Had he stayed we could have reached an agreement” Makes you wonder eh?

I know there is lots of other news but I have to set the table. We are eating outside even though the temperature today is 38 degrees and Zvi would much prefer to be in the A/C!! The veranda is stunning and I want our Swedish guests to enjoy the view. I tried to make an Israeli meal, starting with home made little Challas for all, a multitude of salads, (this time I even have a green lettuce salad) then a main course of beautiful fresh salmon in lemon herb sauce, Hannahs Oriental rice, my baked oniony potatoes, petit pois with green onions followed by my fruit pie and Hannahs multiple desserts!!!!!

I didn't manage to see the children today, but am thrilled with the knowledge that we (my daughter Achel and I) threw Talia the best 7^th birthday party imaginable!! It was at her Auntie Tali's garden, with a huge inflatable castle, tons of food, cousins from both sides and a Hello Kitty birthday cake made by yours truly!!!!! Talia was beautiful as always and all the children had so much fun................. then Zvi and I went to about the worst play we have ever seen at the Khan Theatre which kinda dulled our joy!!!!!

The searing sun has gone behind the building, the shadows lengthening on the veranda as Jerusalem gets ready to schloof, sleep, siesta. The shopping mall is closing down, the traffic thinning, the aromas rising from the neighbours kitchens and the sound of children playing from Shoshanas after they have eaten their fill on her Kubeh Soup!!!

I am so excited that I find it hard to stop smiling – not that I have reason to stop!!! My niece and nephew, Steve and Claire and their son Jake are coming to stay with us this week!!! I have so much planned for them since, in their words, they want to come of the plane running and see as much as possible!! We will leave the airport and drive straight to see my beautiful grandchildren – Steves cousins – who have never met!!! I will then show them the sights and sites I tell you all about – starting with that view from Samuels Tomb over the whole of the city. It will be evening so the golden glow will be at its height. We will drop their luggage and race ot the Old City , walking down Mamilla grabbing a bite on the run and so to the David's Tower sound and light show. They will then come home and collapse in their beds!! The next day will be full of Yad Vashem, the Herzl Museum and maybe even manage the Israel Museum or keep it for another day!!!! Finally – one of my family can get as excited as I do. Actually that isn't fair because both of Steve and Claires daughters received the Auntie Sheila treatment!!!!

Off to rest for half an hour before setting the table. Luckily Shabbat is late at this time of year!!! Be well everyone and stay happy.

With much love from Jerusalem – heart of our world.

Shabbat Shalom letter - Syria, Baghdad, Abu Ghosh

130517

17^th may 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this letter finds you well. Here I am sitting in our salon looking out at the veranda blooming. It really looks amazing. More of that later, first to the news not much of it is good so we will need cheering up later!!!

I was thinking about the dreadful word used by most hasbara speakers – delegitimization. I hate the word, it isn't even in the Oxford dictionary I am sure. The purpose of the lies spread by the Palestinians throught he good offices of the far left is DEHUMANISATION of the Jewish State. Dehumanisation – Goebbels strongest tool.

The civil war in Syria has become a minor story, same old same old, another war in a distant country but in truth 100,000 people are dead and no-one really cared until chemical weaponry was used and suddenly it made the headlines. 100,000 people and it didn't bother anyone!!!! It happened by the millions in Sudan for many years and just this week Canon Andrew White wrote to tell me that at least a dozen major bombs and hundreds killed and injured in Baghdad yet no-one cares or reports. Bombs exploded in Pakistan on election day, killing and maiming. Two car bombs exploded in the town of Reyhanlı, Turkey - at least 51 people were killed and 140 more were injured. In Kabul, Afghanistan a car packed with explosives rammed a pair of American military vehicles killing at least 16 people, including 6 American military advisers. Hezb-i-Islami, a branch of the Taliban claimed responsibility.......... are we so inured to violence that we don't care or is it an effort by the media to control what we know?

Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister flew all the way to the USA to inform President Obama that there is trouble in the Middle East, as if he didn't know! He probably wants aid for the Syrian refugees pouring over his borders while he continues his lambasting of Israel and indeed the USA! It would appear that no-one understands the obvious, that if Assad the Horrific falls then what? The Salaffis? Worse? What a diabolical mess that should have been nipped in the bud but is now in full poisonous bloom.http://www.timesofisrael.com/obama-erdogan-talk-syria-say-assad-needs-to-go/

Sadly the Haredi community rioted this week, unable to accept that in order to be part of this wonderful society rights demand obligations. They rioted at the enlistment offices where Jerusalem's young men and women go to proudly join the IDF, to defend this country. I love my religion, love the beauty of Judaism but cannot cope with those who decry my country yet willingly accept the dole, free medical care and all the social services in the name of that religion. I cannot deal with those who pray for the ability to put food on the table yet refuse to work and pay taxes...... read on as the Ultra-Orthodox turned out en masse to protest draft: At Jerusalem rally, top Haredi rabbis call on public to rise up against Israel’s government of ‘sinners’ and ‘annul the evil decree.’ http://toi.sr/13zky4n

On the other hand I cannot possibly understand why Anat Hoffman – the antithesis of the Ultra-Orthodox, reached the Jerusalem Posts top 50 most influential Jews when a brilliant man like Malcolm Hoenlein didn't!!! In fact I hate to say it but I thought it a totally facile 50 http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Top-50-most-influential-Jews-2013-Places-1-10-313129

PM Netanyahu went to China and came back optimistic that there would be mutual business between the two countries; then he went to Russia on a flying visit to persuade Putin not to sell advanced anti-aircraft missiles to Syria but sadly Putin has already decided to side with the bad guys and is selling the Syrians warships too http://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-sends-at-least-12-warships-to-syria/ . What a crazy messed up world we live in where those who purport to have similar views arm our/their enemies and those with whom we have nothing in common recognise the dangers.

Five Israeli students went to South Africa to tell the South Africans that there is no apartheid in Israel! Sadly through natural sensitivity the Palestinian propaganda which presents Israel as a segregated society, the SA's believe everything. Only those who have never been here can possibly imagine that the Palestinian propaganda bears even a tiny iota of truth! Watch these beautiful young people.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nS7SFC1ME8

One of the men who convinced Professor Stephen Hawking to stay at home rather than attend the Presidential Conference on Tomorrow in June was Prof. Malcolm Levitt. Prof. Denis MacEoin is a long time defender and proponent of Israel. His letter to Levitt is the ultimate lesson in erudite response to these ignoramus's. http://mid-eastplus.blogspot.co.uk/

In truth – Shimon Peres' Presidential Conference will have truly incredible- or should I say credible – speakers including Prince Albert of Monaco, Former PM Tony Blair, Micha'el Gorbachov, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali, Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein, Munib Al-Masri, President Clinton, Stanley Fischerand so many amazing people that with a list like this who cares if Hawking comes or stays at home? It is his problem if he doesn't discover that there are several Palestinian speakers too!!!http://2013.presidentconf.org.il/en/speakers/

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is leading the demand for an enquiry into the Benghazi Embassy fiasco. Finally we may learn the truth
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/299485-gop-defies-boehner-on-libya-panel

The village of Abu Ghosh just a few kilometres outside Jerusalem on the ”aliya” through the hills and winding main road. It is a wonderful place. These Moslem children are Israeli in every way; they wear jeans, text all day on their cell-phones, adore modern Israeli music and play soccer in the street. Abu Ghosh is best known for its humous, freshly ground with a little olive oil and hot humousim (grabanzo beans) on the top. The humous and all the food here in Abu Ghosh draws Israelis from all over the country!!! Zvi goes to Abu Ghosh for his barber – Abu Azaam – who has a constant stream of clients of every variety going up the three steps into the tiniest barbers shop you have ever seen! Abu Azaam knows all about each and every one of them, remembering the smallest detail!!

The people of Abu Ghosh have been part of Israel from the start, fighting with us in the war of Independence, even taking tolls on the road to Jerusalem but only from the British troops not from the Jews!! Issa, in Bustan Abu Ghosh, tells the story of his family – they collected the tolls!! The people of Abu Ghosh are Chechen originally, Moslems who converted along with the Circassians, when their native Caucasus was invaded and rather than fight the Turks they converted from Christianity to Islam.

Right next to Abu Azaams tiny shop there is a Crusader Church and a spanking new and very large Mosque, funded from Chechnya, is being built. Jews, Christians and Moslems live together in absolute harmony and the citizens of Abu Ghosh were well rewarded for their loyalty with land and housing. Many young men volunteered for the IDF and their workplace is in the regular Israeli society. Abu Ghosh is the living proof that harmony is achievable with a little love and a whole lot of tolerance.

The Palestinians held Nakba Day (Disaster day) on the 14^th of May – a day of fury and violence - but for Israel May 14^th 1948 was a truly miraculous day -

My thanks to Daniel Seaman for this reminder. In the afternoon of Friday May 14th 1948, David Ben Gurion made the declaration anticipated by generations of Jews for 2000 years - the reestablishment of an independent Jewish entity in our ancient homeland of Israel. The declaration extended a hand of peace to our neighbors in the spirit of the prophets of Israel. There were no threats nor warnings issued, but a sincere expression of desire to build a nation for a people weary of exile and persecution. The Arabs were the ones who chose the path of violence and set out on a war with the intent of extermination. They failed. They may choose to commemorate this day, but they would be wise instead to use this day to reflect on all their mistakes and where their blind hatred has brought them. For the Jewish People May 14^th is a day of celebration the culmination of a dream of over a millennium of dispersion it is the day we officially came home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EfqxqSB5Rl8

So that's it! Zvi and I are alone tonight – a quiet Shabbat after an insane week of Shevuot food, family and friends. The veranda is at its best before the searing heat of summer. The day lillies are blooming, the little orange tree has about 15 baby oranges and the lemon tree is reviving after the shock of its first winter. I really baby it and know it will thrive. The herbs leave every evening redolent with their heady scents and the view, ah the view.

It is time to set off to see my grandchildren in Givat Zeev. I love that drive and I know I tell you often of the view but it is so much more than that. I pass the village where Judah Maccabee was born, the Tomb of the Prophet Samuel, the route that our forefathers walked and now I drive in 15 minutes the distance it took them days to walk. This land has always been the site of conflict – always been the source of great envy – it is the lot of our people. I love this country deeply, my loyalty is absolute and my acceptance of faults couple with a determination to right them. Israel is my family or as Jill once told me when I asked her what Israel means to her “Israel is both my Mother and my child. I will defend her with all my might as her Mother yet feel protected as her child” Absolutely Jill, absolutely.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I wish you a warm and good Shabbes, Shabbat, Sabbath. I leave you with a video of my favourite Shabbat song Shalom Aleichem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2mDP-p3qvY and of a truly spiritual Kabbalistic song which always makes me calmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EdL_TLbHsg

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom special. The ICEJ Jerusalem Day

130510

10^th May 2013

I had to write again today. It is just a short note but something beautiful happened yesterday and I just had to tell you about it.

Driving through the gates of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem on Rachel Imenu (Rachel our mother) Street, half way between the German Colony and Old Katamon, one enters a world of glorious gardens, exquisite architecture and absolute love.

It is hard to describe but one feels intense mutual respect at every turn. The love for Jerusalem is absolute and loyalty to and for Israel complete. Even when there is disagreement with policy one will not hear a peevish word from this quarter. The food for the evening is kosher and the servers are all Israeli Jews, so that the rule of wine is not broken – as I said, utter and total respect while adhering completely to Christian beliefs and tenets.

The building was the Embassy of the Ivory Coast which is most appropriate since the decision to create the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem was taken after a few incredible people were deeply offended by this slap in the face to Jerusalem and Israel. Those people began a movement that is now in many tens of countries all over the world. The work of Jay and Meridel Rawlings, Tim King and Malcolm Hedding and Jan Willem van der Hoeven, was to begin a movement that spread its wings and love in the most positive manner possible. Jay and Meridel Rawlings live here and have four sons who all served in the IDF, Tim and Martha King have a daughter Anna who forfeited a highly successful modelling career to not only serve in the IDF but to do so with distinction and received full Israeli citizenship as a result. Malcolm Hedding is currently in the States but is so loved here in Jerusalem that his permanent residency is being kept open as a special vote of thanks for his incredible work.

The current Director, our friend Juergen Buehler, came to Israel to study science in Haifa and found himself embroiled in the love of Israel and of the Jewish people that the Embassy represents. Juergen has continued the determined mutual respect between Christian s and Jews both holding on to their identity with truth and loyalty – and giving love one to the other. His assistant Beverley Dwyer is only two years in Jerusalem but has adopted the way of life with gusto and her warmth enhances the Embassy at all levels.

Juergen opened the proceedings by welcoming the International Board of the ICEJ to this celebration of Jerusalem Day then asking Rabbi David Rosen to speak, which he did beautifully; after all few people have worked quite so hard for interfaith respect as David. He was followed by a heartfelt blessing by Rev Malcolm Hedding and then the “bracha” was given by the Rabbi of Efrat... which led to the delicious barbeque and delightful conversations which ensued. I was especially thrilled to see our old friends Earl and Kathleen Cox, who epitomise the love, selflessness and respect of the Embassy in their incredible work to promote Israel in the Christian world and my lovely friend Sheila Zucker who I haven't seen for far too long.

I don't have words to thank the Embassy and their staff for the wonderful and unselfish support they give to us – to Israel – to Jerusalem and to all our people. Watching the faces of Jill and Victor, who came with me, I thrilled at their wonder. They really, really felt the love.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the centre of our world.

Shabbat Shalom to us all

Letter from Jerusalem. Jerusalem Day, Stephen Hawkings and Syria.

130509

9^th May 2013

Shabbat Shalom lovely people! Shabbat Shalom. Yesteerday was Yom Yerushalyim – Jerusalem Day, so I will try to get through the news as quickly as possible to tell you all about the incredible sight of thousands of young people singing dancing and marching with flags from all corners of the city to the Old City.

The day went almost without mishap. Some over zealous youngsters called out abuse to Arab residents of the Old City and I am happy to say that they were summarily arrested; there was an incident whereby the Mufti of Jerusalem was arrested for incitement to hatred which has created a diplomatic contretemps with Jordan and Egypt.

Anyway – in the meantime the main news flashes starting with Israel's decision to eradicate several arms caches which were bound for Hezb-Allah in Lebanon. Not only dangerous but also against international law governing arms. We did what had to be done. The Syrians tried to claim that we used nuclear material but they were obviously trying to cover up their own use of nuclear materials should there be an international investigation! The reaction from other Arab countries was quiet – they are aware of what is going on. Here is the explanation Confident strikes on Syria send a message to the nervous US http://www.timesofisrael.com/confident-strikes-on-syria-send-a-message-to-the-nervous-us/

Jamal Tirawi was released from his 30 jail sentence on a technicality. Few knew his name, but, it wasTirawi who sent the homicide bomber to My Coffee shop on March 30^th 2002. That was the terror attack in which Kinneret Chaya was so terribly injured. Incredibly, Tirawi regrets his terrorist past and believes that today he would never have done such a dreadful thing. He was interviewed in his elegant and opulent home in the "refugee camp" http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-convicted-of-terrorism-set-free/

That well known genius Professor Stephen Hawking was coming to the Presidential Conference in Jerusalem in June., but deicided to cancel because he suddenly became concious of the plight of the Palestinians!!! Cambridge University, where he teaches, said, “Not at all – he is just too sick to travel”. Well, there has now been a retraction of the retraction and he is not coming in order to boycott Israel!!! When you think of how many Israeli innovations are keeping him alive and the fact that Hadassah has just make a huge breakthrough in the treatment of ALS – I wonder how long his boycott of Israeli medical advances will last!!!! So I am asking a favour. Get voting NOW - but NOW!!! Was Stephen Hawking right to boycott President Peres Conference and Israel. VOTENOW http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/poll/2013/may/08/stephen-hawking-boycott-israel

A great article by our friend Danny Adeno Abebe about the financial and social situation of Jerusalem tells us that Jerusalem is doing just fine thank you. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4377163,00.html

Yesterday, Jerusalem Day, was the anniversary of the liberation of the Camps in Europe and Memorial Day for those who fell on their perilous journey from Ethiopia to Jerusalem. Pres Peres at wreath laying ceremony, remembered that President Bush (Snr) sent USAF aeroplanes to bring Ethiopian refugees from Sudan. "Many of those who departed for the journey didn't make it to the Jewish homeland. Today, at this huge event, the State of Israel honors their memory and their bravery. The story of the 'Exodus from Ethiopia' encapsulated the ethos of our people, courage - your spirit was a source of pride not only for your community but for us all. Here, standing by our national flag, we salute you all. Here and now, beside this monument, we bow our heads in memory of those Ethiopians who perished on their journey to Israel. To us they are heroes who fell in the line of duty." Here are the children of the Sheba Choir singing their journey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKcRKzbSeJM

I was in Mahane Yehuda twice this week and Shouk Ramle once!!! I took Jill and Victor to my favourite coffee shop, Mizrachis, for a delicious light snack and …....... of course a a cup of Cafe hafuch! I had the most delicious “sandwich” imaginable. Toasted croissant (freshly baked) with melted camembert, thinly sliced pears and rocket! Gosh it was gooooooood! We sat and watched the world go by. As Victor observed, Arabs and Jews, Haredi and secular, Christian Priests and men with long flowing earlocks........... all bustling and rushing to get to the most delicious piece of fruit or the freshly roasted nuts and seeds. It was delightful!

JERUSALEM DAY celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem after just 19 years of division. All of us who are of a certain age remember that magical moment when Motta Gur said the immortal words “Har haBayit b'yadenu” The Temple Mount is in Our Hands.

At 10:20 on June 7th 1967, the third day of the Six-Day War, Raphael Amir of the Israel Broadcasting Services announced, "At this moment we are going through the Lion's Gate in a jeep with the Deputy Chief-of-Staff and the commander of the Central Command. I am now in the shadows cast by the gate. Now we are in the sun again, in the street. We are inside the Old City. The soldiers are up against the walls." In the background could be heard noises of shooting and soldiers shouting, "To the Wall! To the Wall!" http://www.sixdaywar.org/content/ReunificationJerusalem.asp

-Hundreds of thousands of young people- parades, dancing and singing – it was heartwarming. Zvi and I took Jill and Victor to David's Citadel to meet Mayor NIr Barkat and wife who hold a reception for invitees - Jerusalemites - every year. The Citadel is wonderful, sitting and looking at the work of Suleiman the Magnificent – watching the guests, Jews, Moslems, Christians, Bahai and Druze clambering up to the great heights of the ramparts above us – needless to say from our very comfortable seats listening to the children's orchestra playing Jerusalem songs.

I can't help but be reminded of Jerusalem Day two years ago when I was stuck in the worst traffic jams near Mount Herzl with our Canadian friends the Kovens and the Robins and the car phone went. It was Andrew White calling me from Ezekiels Tomb in Iraq......... which was the beginning of a highly successful reclamation of the Tomb. A real international effort which succeeded in bringing together Moslems, Christians and Jews as only the Vicar of Baghdad can! Andrew went there at my behest and it culminated in a very emotional conversation with the Imam of the Tomb thanking me for bringing him and Andrew together. If it can be done in war torn Iraq – why not here????

Just about to go off to Christian Embassy for their wonderful Jerusalem Day reception on their lawn. There we will meet up with Earl and Kathleen Cox, Lola and Norman Cohen and so many other wonderful people all welcomed by the director Juergen Buehler into one of the most exquisite buildings in Jerusalem.

I have some congratulations this week. Barry and Cristine Slawsky are nearing the end of their 8 month honeymoon and we had the pleasure of seeing them at the Dan.

Guiora Esrubilsky, President of Maccabi World Union, has been Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress. Mazal Tov dear Guiora and Marta

I guess I should congratulate my grandson Joshuas class at the birth of 5 wonderful ducklings, a spectacular birth that I stayed up to watch on the CCTV in the classroom. It was absolutely rivetting!!!!

So that's it for today. I hope you will please, please vote and comment in the Guradian poll concerning Stephen Hawking

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom for tomorrow. Remember to be proud of Israel, of Jerusalem and of being who you are. There are too many people out there who are trying to change both history and the worlds perception of who we are.......... it was attempted before; it is called dehumanisation.

My daughter Rachel was very upset that I didn't tell you that there are camels at the side of the road to Givat Zeev!! There were two but suddenly there are now three! What fun!

With love from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, meaningful and spiritual city in the world

Letter from Jerusalem. Jerusalem Day and Syria.

130509

9^th May 2013

Shabbat Shalom lovely people! Shabbat Shalom. Yesteerday was Yom Yerushalyim – Jerusalem Day, so I will try to get through the news as quickly as possible to tell you all about the incredible sight of thousands of young people singing dancing and marching with flags from all corners of the city to the Old City.

The day went almost without mishap. Some over zealous youngsters called out abuse to Arab residents of the Old City and I am happy to say that they were summarily arrested; there was an incident whereby the Mufti of Jerusalem was arrested for incitement to hatred which has created a diplomatic contretemps with Jordan and Egypt.

Anyway – in the meantime the main news flashes starting with Israel's decision to eradicate several arms caches which were bound for Hezb-Allah in Lebanon. Not only dangerous but also against international law governing arms. We did what had to be done. The Syrians tried to claim that we used nuclear material but they were obviously trying to cover up their own use of nuclear materials should there be an international investigation! The reaction from other Arab countries was quiet – they are aware of what is going on. Here is the explanation Confident strikes on Syria send a message to the nervous US http://www.timesofisrael.com/confident-strikes-on-syria-send-a-message-to-the-nervous-us/

Jamal Tirawi was released from his 30 jail sentence on a technicality. Few knew his name, but, it wasTirawi who sent the homicide bomber to My Coffee shop on March 30^th 2002. That was the terror attack in which Kinneret Chaya was so terribly injured. Incredibly, Tirawi regrets his terrorist past and believes that today he would never have done such a dreadful thing. He was interviewed in his elegant and opulent home in the "refugee camp" http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-convicted-of-terrorism-set-free/

That well known genius Professor Stephen Hawking was coming to the Presidential Conference in Jerusalem in June., but deicided to cancel because he suddenly became concious of the plight of the Palestinians!!! Cambridge University, where he teaches, said, “Not at all – he is just too sick to travel”. Well, there has now been a retraction of the retraction and he is not coming in order to boycott Israel!!! When you think of how many Israeli innovations are keeping him alive and the fact that Hadassah has just make a huge breakthrough in the treatment of ALS – I wonder how long his boycott of Israeli medical advances will last!!!! So I am asking a favour. Get voting NOW - but NOW!!! Was Stephen Hawking right to boycott President Peres Conference and Israel. VOTENOW http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/poll/2013/may/08/stephen-hawking-boycott-israel

A great article by our friend Danny Adeno Abebe about the financial and social situation of Jerusalem tells us that Jerusalem is doing just fine thank you. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4377163,00.html

Yesterday, Jerusalem Day, was the anniversary of the liberation of the Camps in Europe and Memorial Day for those who fell on their perilous journey from Ethiopia to Jerusalem. Pres Peres at wreath laying ceremony, remembered that President Bush (Snr) sent USAF aeroplanes to bring Ethiopian refugees from Sudan. "Many of those who departed for the journey didn't make it to the Jewish homeland. Today, at this huge event, the State of Israel honors their memory and their bravery. The story of the 'Exodus from Ethiopia' encapsulated the ethos of our people, courage - your spirit was a source of pride not only for your community but for us all. Here, standing by our national flag, we salute you all. Here and now, beside this monument, we bow our heads in memory of those Ethiopians who perished on their journey to Israel. To us they are heroes who fell in the line of duty." Here are the children of the Sheba Choir singing their journey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKcRKzbSeJM

I was in Mahane Yehuda twice this week and Shouk Ramle once!!! I took Jill and Victor to my favourite coffee shop, Mizrachis, for a delicious light snack and …....... of course a a cup of Cafe hafuch! I had the most delicious “sandwich” imaginable. Toasted croissant (freshly baked) with melted camembert, thinly sliced pears and rocket! Gosh it was gooooooood! We sat and watched the world go by. As Victor observed, Arabs and Jews, Haredi and secular, Christian Priests and men with long flowing earlocks........... all bustling and rushing to get to the most delicious piece of fruit or the freshly roasted nuts and seeds. It was delightful!

JERUSALEM DAY celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem after just 19 years of division. All of us who are of a certain age remember that magical moment when Motta Gur said the immortal words “Har haBayit b'yadenu” The Temple Mount is in Our Hands.

At 10:20 on June 7th 1967, the third day of the Six-Day War, Raphael Amir of the Israel Broadcasting Services announced, "At this moment we are going through the Lion's Gate in a jeep with the Deputy Chief-of-Staff and the commander of the Central Command. I am now in the shadows cast by the gate. Now we are in the sun again, in the street. We are inside the Old City. The soldiers are up against the walls." In the background could be heard noises of shooting and soldiers shouting, "To the Wall! To the Wall!" http://www.sixdaywar.org/content/ReunificationJerusalem.asp

-Hundreds of thousands of young people- parades, dancing and singing – it was heartwarming. Zvi and I took Jill and Victor to David's Citadel to meet Mayor NIr Barkat and wife who hold a reception for invitees - Jerusalemites - every year. The Citadel is wonderful, sitting and looking at the work of Suleiman the Magnificent – watching the guests, Jews, Moslems, Christians, Bahai and Druze clambering up to the great heights of the ramparts above us – needless to say from our very comfortable seats listening to the children's orchestra playing Jerusalem songs.

I can't help but be reminded of Jerusalem Day two years ago when I was stuck in the worst traffic jams near Mount Herzl with our Canadian friends the Kovens and the Robins and the car phone went. It was Andrew White calling me from Ezekiels Tomb in Iraq......... which was the beginning of a highly successful reclamation of the Tomb. A real international effort which succeeded in bringing together Moslems, Christians and Jews as only the Vicar of Baghdad can! Andrew went there at my behest and it culminated in a very emotional conversation with the Imam of the Tomb thanking me for bringing him and Andrew together. If it can be done in war torn Iraq – why not here????

Just about to go off to Christian Embassy for their wonderful Jerusalem Day reception on their lawn. There we will meet up with Earl and Kathleen Cox, Lola and Norman Cohen and so many other wonderful people all welcomed by the director Juergen Buehler into one of the most exquisite buildings in Jerusalem.

I have some congratulations this week. Barry and Cristine Slawsky are nearing the end of their 8 month honeymoon and we had the pleasure of seeing them at the Dan.

Guiora Esrubilsky, President of Maccabi World Union, has been Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress. Mazal Tov dear Guiora and Marta

I guess I should congratulate my grandson Joshuas class at the birth of 5 wonderful ducklings, a spectacular birth that I stayed up to watch on the CCTV in the classroom. It was absolutely rivetting!!!!

So that's it for today. I hope you will please, please vote and comment in the Guradian poll concerning Stephen Hawking

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom for tomorrow. Remember to be proud of Israel, of Jerusalem and of being who you are. There are too many people out there who are trying to change both history and the worlds perception of who we are.......... it was attempted before; it is called dehumanisation.

My daughter Rachel was very upset that I didn't tell you that there are camels at the side of the road to Givat Zeev!! There were two but suddenly there are now three! What fun!

With love from Jerusalem, the most beautiful, meaningful and spiritual city in the world