Bimah Article - What is it like to live in Israel

Sheila Silver Raviv – What is it like to live in Israel?

Gosh, that is a huge question!

What is it like to live in Israel? It is wonderful, but that isn't what you asked.

Living in Israel means you are alive, alert and aware of the world in which you live, nothing is taken for granted except that if you need a helping hand you will find many reaching out to you.

I live in Jerusalem which is admittedly a little, maybe a lot, different to other towns and cities in Israel. Living in Jerusalem one is constantly reminded of the responsibility of the city and the incredible rainbow of humanity that lives here. This is not just the city of the three monotheistic religions it is a centre for just about every sub-sect of those religions! It is said that there are 52 Christian denominations, 8 Moslem denominations and a minimum of 600,000 Jewish denominations because everyone has at least 3 opinions!

Jerusalem is also the city that everyone wants to visit, to see our veranda, to spend time with us and enjoy the welcome found in our home – my lovely husband Zvi also comes from a welcoming family – so rarely a week goes by without somebody staying and a dinner party for long lost friends and family.

Our building has Jews from Poland, Morocco, Kurdistan, Iraq, Turkey, Tunisia and our cuisine is equally diverse. When one comes into the building on Friday morning the Shabbat aromas that permeate the very stones are of Hamin and Cholent; stuffed vegetables and gefilte fish; carp chraime and fresh salmon; indeed one can easily identify the part of the Diaspora by the scents emanating from under the front door!!

Living in Israel one need never be ashamed of who you are. You don't need to hide your kippa, keffiya or hijab, because nobody notices. The Armenian priest shops alongside the Haredi family and the Catholic Monk walks beside the Moslem family, we just do it, there is no sense of strangeness. Despite the media most of the so-called "settlements" house supermarkets for the entire area, whatever building they pray in! We become expert at distinguishing men's religious leanings by the colour, size and fabric of their kippa but that's another story!

We love to tour and last weekend we went with my husband Zvi's choir to the North of Israel and met with and learned about the Druze, Circassian and Bedouin communities that are an essential part of our society.

In Israel it is normal to ask a person how much they paid for their house, dress, furniture and obviously it is just fine to ask who they voted for. Truthfully asking about how much people earn is just a bit too much for this Welsh woman!!!

We talk to each other in the doctors waiting room, the bus and light rail, discover we are family while at the supermarket check-out and generally make friends very easily although it is certainly harder if you didn't serve together in the IDF.

Living in Israel is an adventure. I am never bored, rarely talk about the weather except to say that it is too darned hot in summer and moan about the lack of rain until it pours! Life is full to overflowing and people never give up and just grow old. All our friends are busier now than they were before retirement!!

Babysitting is much more than watching the telly while the parents go out to dinner, it involves collecting from school, kindergarten and taking them to the park, feeding them and bathing them until parents come home from work in the evening often several times a week. Women are just as likely to earn high position as men, and work as hard and without grandparents it would not work.

So, I have given you lots of reasons and facts about life here but haven't told you why I am so happy here. I suppose it is simple – I came home.

180525 Nero, Embassies, Turkey and Gaza

180525

25^th May 2018

Shabbat Shalom! How are you? I hope you are well or at least recovering!

When we were children we were told the story of Nero fiddling while Rome burnt and tended to take it as literal, whereas in fact our romantic version was allegorical the true story was filled with tyranny and corruption. Nero himself set fire to the Christian Quarter of Rome to build himself a huge palace. Today's media are the modern equivalent of Nero, they play their own fiddle irrespective of the flames that engulf most of the world, concentrating on their political agenda and the agenda of whoever pays their advertising. The days of believing what is reported in the press are over, done and dusted. As I always say to those who criticise Israel as a cruel overlord, "If all I saw was what the BBC I would probably feel the way you do" The view from there is so slanted that the violin has no strings.

This week's death tolls - Syria – 204, Sudan – 170, Yemen – 230, Ethiopia - "dozens", Nigeria- 1,351 in 10 weeks, Congo - 49 out of 5,000,000. So why did the media, UN and ICJ ignore those horrors and suddenly care about 50 Hamas deaths?

The violent "demonstrations" on Israel's Southern Border are slowing down as Hamas once again asks for a brokered Hutnah – cease fire. The question is whether the cease-fire will benefit the Gazan people or if they will use the hiatus to rearm and build new tunnels. The International Community has missed an essential element in the situation – education to hate. http://www.impact-se.org/reports/palestinian-territories/hamas/   The worst perpetrators? UNWRA schools.

There is a huge difference between the Palestinians of the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority, and the Gazans. Quite apart from the ethnic differences there is another important element, the West Bank Palestinians have lived, and in most cases, worked, alongside Israelis. While the youngsters have been radicalized it is still a much smaller minority who call for the destruction of Israel. Their young people want the fine things in life, the pop music, the electric bikes, the fashionable labels on their sports shoes and clothes, they see that life can be good if they are. Let Khaled Abu Toameh explain, he does it better than anyone. https://www.timesofisrael.com/west-banks-apathy-amid-gaza-chaos-shows-palestinians-becoming-a-divided-people/

USA, Guatemala and Paraguay have already moved their Embassies to Jerusalem and Jerusalem has welcomed them with open arms and great ceremony. Two Embassies are within sight, the Guatemalan and Paraguayan Embassies are in the Technological Park right in front of our veranda. The irony is that they are in the same building as CNN and BBC!! Our neighborhood became hot news for ten minutes! The Czech Government chose to open an Honorary Consulate rather than an Embassy but their Foreign Minister Martin Stropnicky spoke out loud and clear on the subject of the Gazan demonstrations. He said they have no connection to the return of the American Embassy to Jerusalem and are simply acts of terrorism. A brave statement indeed as the lone member of the European Union to speak out for Israel.

There was a very important vote in the Knesset this week and for once I agreed totally with Meretz leader Tamar Zandberg. For diplomatic reasons Israel did not recognise the Armenian Genocide, the forced exile of at least a million and the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by Turkey.

Our relationship with Turkey was healthy on military, economic and tourism levels even during the beginnings of the more and more megalomaniacal regime of Tyepp Erdogan. His rantings and ravings are more like Hitlers every day, his hatred for Israel, Turkey's former ally, his deepening alliance with extremist Islamic groups deepening by the minute.  We no longer have to bend to the will of Turkey, on this subject we never should have. Israel, of all countries, must recognise the Armenian genocide – and we must honour the Armenian community who found safe haven here in Jerusalem.

It is ironic that a Turkish leader accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, a miserable place to live but with a burgeoning population, yet chooses to ignore Turkey's decimation of Assyrians, Armenians, Greeks, Maronites and Dersim Kurds. Attaturk is spinning in his grave. See this article by Ambassador Zvi Mazel https://www.jns.org/opinion/erdogans-turkey-a-caliphate-in-the-making/

I try my best to stay out of the politics of other countries, but I must express my disappointment concerning the meeting that apparently will not take place between North Korea and the USA, Kim and Trump, in Singapore. Let us hope it has simply been deferred to another date. Meanwhile the posturing continues!!

So who watched the wedding – or as my Daddy would have said "de vedding"? I thought it was spectacular. Elegant to the last white flower; what about those elegant, interesting and funny sideways hats which for some strange reason are called "fascinators"? Since we no longer have the BBC on our TV provider and it seemed inappropriate to hear the commentary in Hebrew I watched CNN. Richard Quest clearly knew what he was talking about as did Iysha Sasey, both raised in the British traditions, but I must admit the statement from a lovely American lady "specialist" brought a fast response from Mr Quest, not known for holding back…. She said "Now that there is a feminist woman of colour in the English (British please) Royal Family she will no doubt change many things" to which Richard Quest quipped "Hardly likely. Even the Queen can't influence policy"! I love these occasions which bring out that old fashioned British loyalty to Queen and country, which has become unfashionable. Union Jacks abounded, laughter and joy were the order of the day and the handsome couple brought romance back into a very tough world. Gosh the Brits know how to perform ceremonial occasions.

Talking of the Royal Family being unable to influence policy, the Royals have made several private visits to Israel, Prince Charles for both Peres and Rabins funerals, Prince Philip for the honoring of his Mother, Princess Alice of Greece, as a Righteous Gentile by Yad Vashem. Both Charles and Philip visited Princess Alices grave on the Mount of Olives. All of these visits were unofficial, that is without the official consent and organisation of the Foreign Office which is about as pro-Israel as the State Department! Anyway, whatever the reason, Prince William is headed our way. On June 24^th he will arrive in Amman to meet King Abdullah then he will visit Jerash, a truly magnificent site which we had the honour of visiting with King Abdullah's Royal Archaeologist years ago. From there he will travel to Tel Aviv then Jerusalem, finally to Ramallah before heading home. As the future King of Great Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth I believe this to be a very important step.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is an exceptional woman. Her contribution to her country and her loyalty to her heritage are unequalled. The first Cuban woman to enter Congress she is also a proud defender of Israel. Please read all about her. https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Honoring-Ros-Lehtinens-unique-contributions-to-human-rights-and-democratic-values-556672

Before we get to the happy, clappy part of my missive I have to let off steam. Not only the idiots who held a very public Kaddish, prayer of mourning, for the 50 Hamasniks who died in the "peaceful demonstrations"  …they called themselves Jews yet felt no allegiance whatsoever to Israel or our need to defend ourselves. Perhaps even worse than that is the ignorant spoutings of some members of ………. No I won't say it, some people we know who left Israel and went to California and the good life. They are so ignorant of the truth that they support anti-Israel groups, and have lost even the tiniest iota of moral relevance. I am so mad I feel sick! I don't expect anyone to love us or everything we do but to totally deny the amazing contribution this little country has given to the world is ignorant, infuriating and treacherous. OK Rant over. Now to good things.

Last Saturday evening Zvi and I found ourselves in the Baka neighbourhood of Jerusalem in the wonderful garden of Rami and Yael Erez where we were all dressed in white! White is traditional apparel for Shevuot, even though in Israel Shevuot ended as dusk. It was such a delightful evening with many, many old friends. One person I had long wanted to talk to, to and spend time with is Dassy Stern, wife of Yair Stern, the son of Avraham Stern the leader of the Lehi. Our conversation was of today not of the past and I hope we will continue over a cup of coffee!

Why is IKEA Israel different to all other IKEA's? Because the food is all Mehadrin Kosher and the stores are not open on Shabbat. Rachel and I always try to get there before opening, drink the excellent free coffee and order one of their outstanding breakfasts.

Despite the horrendous heat – 41 degrees two days ago – the veranda is looking spectacular! Geraniums need no looking after, just dead-heading but to my amazement the Hibiscus bushes are all doing really well, rewarding us with orange, yellow and pink blooms. The remnants of the Sahara which fell upon us last week have now been cleaned away and the garden chairs are in place for the balmy Jerusalem evenings.

I am about to go to Givat Ze'ev to see the family which is fun and I won't need WAZE to get me there, I will follow the aroma of Rachel's freshly baked Challot! I don't need to cook this Shabbat because we are going to Kfar Maccabiah, the Maccabiah Village for Shabbat. Imagine, me not cooking!!!! Tonight will be amazing, meeting up with old friends especially Leo-Dan and Eva Bensky from Finland, very excited they will be here together.

So what should I play for your enjoyment this week?

Richard Shavei-Zion is a former South African who lives in Israel and produced this outstanding international rendition of Oseh Shalom https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=298&v=0FB6JK8uE9s  

The next song makes me very happy – in fact I can't imagine it not making anyone happy!! A wonderful Jerusalem version of Pharrell Williams song "Happy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=-oszKeU7lEs

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, I will think of you as I go over the hill next to Samuel's Tomb and look over the breathtaking panorama of Jerusalem. Maybe next time I'll take you with me!

With love from Jerusalem and our amazing veranda

Sheila

180518 Gaza, Embassy, Shevuot

180518

18^th of May 2018

Shabbat Shalom! There is so much to write about and so little that you think you already know about our current situation that I am going to precis the entire political and diplomatic scene into one paragraph.

1.     Yes, Israelis are thrilled about the American Embassy moving to Israel even though it should have happened in 1995

2.     No, the Gaza riots have nothing to do with the return of the Embassy to Jerusalem

3.     The Guatemalan Embassy is here too – I can see the big banner on their offices from our veranda! The strange thing is that they are in the same building as the journalist who basically ignored them!!!

4.      Yes at least 50 of the 62 who were killed in the Gaza border riots were members of Hamas.

5.     Yes Hamas successfully blew up the lifeline for food, and fuel at Kerem Shalom

6.     Yes Hamas refused Israeli medical aid

7.     Yes rockets and live ammunition hit Sderot and firebombs hit Kibbutz Nahal Oz

8.     No, Israeli soldiers do not want to kill and are not trained to kill without very good cause

9.      Yes the Gazans are downtrodden and oppressed, without food or services but not because of Israel. Hamas is a cruel regime that kills its own people without a second thought; stones gays; performs honour killings on a daily basis and does not allow any freedom.

My answer is to do as the Egyptians did and cut a swathe between the current unsubstantial fence and a wall to separate the two entities completely. A wall that goes deep enough to prevent tunnels.

If you think about it , we have peace with Jordan because they wanted peace with us; we have peace with Egypt because they wanted peace with us – they accepted our hand of friendship. We do not have peace with the Palestinians because they do not want it – they spurn all attempts.

I am past being angry at the media – their ignorance of the true situation is astonishing but even more I am furious, but furious at the mental incapacity of Jews who believe themselves liberal and sophisticated actually saying Kaddish (prayer for the dead) over those killed in the Gaza demonstrations with big black signs with their names.

It actually thrills me to say that both the NYT and the Guardian wrote with great intelligence about the rioters aims.

My niece Ruth sent me this excellent and concise article in the Toronto Sun which sums up the situation http://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/malcolm-heres-the-real-story-on-the-palestinian-protest

CNN asked David Keyes, the PMO spokesperson "Doesn't the fact that all the deaths are on one side mean the response is disproportionate?" David Keyes – "How many Jews need to die to make it even?"  Keyes is brilliant, just brilliant. I hope you have Facebook because I cannot find it on the Prime Minsters spokesperson site. https://www.facebook.com/davidkeyespmo/videos/1750307501702844/

What can one say about the Turkish President? He actually accused us of genocide of Palestinians – Yeah sure the Armenians just dropped dead alongside the greeks and Kurds? If we really committed genocide than why is the number of Palestinians increasing ever year? Well one could say he is an insane meglalomaniac!!

Sunday and I met my lovely friend Ruth Dodzuik-Justitz for lunch at the Botanical Gardens. It was wonderful eating our favourite Sweet Potato Oreganatto salad facing the lake where all the water lilies were putting on a fabulous show, earning their real name Lotus.

Monday was especially exciting for Rachel and I as we set off to brave the ghastly traffic jams of Tel Aviv – actually WAZE took us a roundabout route which helped us avoid the worst of the traffic. Our purpose was intense, we were about to meet up with my son Gideon (the QC) who had business here for 2 days. It was every bit as exciting as we thought and while he had meetings we decided that we should go for a walk to Shouk HaCarmel. It's OK but has nothing in comparison to Mahane Yehuda. It hasn't got the spirit, the joy, the fun of Mahane Yehuda. The people pushed and shoved instead of chatting to everyone. Just not the same!!!

We went back to collect Gideon and head off to Jerusalem. Even WAZE couldn't save us from the traffic!!! My voice on WAZE is Simon and Simon was terribly apologetic, changing his mind every so often to try to extricate us from the standstills! Finally we began to move and found ourselves on the main highway Route Number One, still pretty busy and then turned off to the 443 and headed home, but not without a visit to Rachel's where Igal, Yosef, Talia and Ayala pounced on "Dod Gidi"

That evening I intended going with Zvi to the presentation of the "Yakir Yerushalyim" awards to see our dear friend Prof Gabby Barkay receive his well deserved award for his undaunting work on the Sifting Project and many other archaeological projects. However……… I have no intention of going anywhere that wasn't next to Gideon so we just "hung out" which was my greatest joy. I didn't feel bad since the driver came to pick him up for the airport at 06:30 next morning!

On Wednesday I was to meet Canon Andrew White, Hanna and Esther for Gefilte Fish at the King David. Easier said than done when the entire street was a security area….. Both the Prime Minister and the President were at the Hotel for a reception for the Guatemalan President and Ambassador!!! It was wonderful for people watching but not for parking!! As always our supper was a joy, not just the food but we are never lost for things to tell each other! Andrew and I have had many an adventure together. Sadly he can no long get up our stairs to hear Zvi's wonderful rendition of Kiddush, but we always get together. We sat outside on the veranda of the historic hotel as the sun came down. The impeccable veranda overlooking the walls of the Old City is also for people watching and greeting friends. Alan and Bonnie Cohen came to say hello and I introduced Member of Knesset Tsachi Hanegbi to Andrew – an important connection for both.

Yesterday Talia and Ron Carner and Barry and Monica Gurland came for lunch. Barry and Monica brought their adorable grand-daughter Karen with them – she is an absolute delight and exceptionally adult for 11. Today they went first to Yad Vashem and then to the Herzl Museum – always a good mix – from desperation to hope.

Tonight is Shabbat and tomorrow Shevuot – we will be 20 for supper. I have already made most of the salads (remember Israeli salads don't have lettuce!!!) Aubergine and Labaneh; Courgette and egg; stuffed mushrooms; Moroccan mushrooms; Rachel's cucumber salad; mushrooms in balsamic vinegar; gosh a load more – I had to stop cooking because the fridge is full. Yes Arlene – my fridge is full!! I'll bake salmon, lasagna and pasta for the children and all will be well.

Of course Shevuot is much more than cheesecake and blintzes. It is the celebration of receiving the Torah – the 2 tablets of stone – that have guided our lives for thousands of years.

My favourite part of Shevuot is the reciting of the Story of Ruth – Megillat Ruth. If you read the story carefully it teaches us tolerance, acceptance, the wisdom of Naomi in recognizing her daughters in law and of course the beauty of her relationships with those daughters in law. When the three women, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah, lost their husbands Naomi decided to go to a new land, the land of Moab and Ruth chose to go with her (the famous saying "Whither thou goest". At that time Naomi didn't need her daughters in law to take courses and exams to prove they were good Jews – it was obvious and clear. The reward for Ruth's loyalty and love, caring for Naomi through thick and thin, was that she met a new love, a good man called Boaz. I have the honour of having two incredible friends and one family member who chose to be Jewish and they are the most incredible Jewesses I know – real Yiddische Mommas. We have a lot to learn from Naomi who for me is the real heroine of the story. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Ruth

I know I keep mentioning the Yuri Shtern Holistic Center for Cancer Patients and their Families but I love this organisation! Now a big big Mazal tov to the Yuri Shtern Center we just received an award from the Minister of Health! Kol hakavod to Lena, Varda, Sivan and Orit and all the volunteers and administrators! http://www.israelgives.org/amuta/580475085

Shevuot! 10 Commandments – This song – it is actually for children but hey! It's great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq4h3Opy-Xc

I love our President! Reuven Ruvi Rivling is so amazing at bringing the people together. The beginning and the result https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmy1V65ZioY  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxzR9Z-kG6Q&t=14s

Mazal Tov to the Windors, the Royal Family who have a simcha this weekend!

So – Shabbat Shalom, Chag Sameach and remember that we must be proud of who and what we are.

With much love from our veranda – with its view over Jerusalem. Jerusalem Capital of the State of Israel.

Sheila

180511 Iran, Trump, Bibi and life in general

180511

11^th May 2018

Shabbat Shalom! Hope you are well and happy.

The flags are up all over Jerusalem, the Stars and Stripes shine on us and in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Arnona, on the border of Talpiot Mizrach, the road signs are alreay in place pointing their way to the American Embassy! It is very exciting and Israelis love nothing better than a reason to celebrate, and we are already in celebratory mood! It is finally going to happen, starting with the American Embassy, then Guatamala, then………… who knows. I will always remember the words of former British Ambassador Sherrard Cowper-Coles "Every time I come to Jerusalem I go to the site of our Embassy, it's still just a piece of land, and stand and pray for the United States to move its Embassy to Jerusalem so we can follow suit" OK So now you can!!!!

I can hear you saying "Why is she so happy? Israel is at war with Iran!" Well I have news for you, no we aren't. We are not happy that they sent missiles and rockets (16 didn't even reach Israeli land, they flopped, and the others were shot down before reaching Israel) but then we responded and wiped out some 50 Iranian bases and arsenals in Syria! The "peaceful" demonstration in the South, on the Gaza border, isn't peaceful and it isn't a free expression of the downtrodden Gazans for the "siege". Israel is the only country of the area that isn't denying Gazans their basic needs, in fact providing them, but they are scared to demonstrate on the Egyptian border and anyway they can't get near the Egyptian border because the Egyptian troops came in, cleared a swathe of land next to the border and put up a wall! This "peaceful demonstration is sending kites, ordinary paper kites, with inflammable material to add to the effect, and they are burning down whole fields of carefully tended crops before the Kibbutz farmers have time to harvest. Quite apart from the evil ingenuity of their actions, the fear is that a farmer on his tractor could be trapped in a burning field, but then that is the aim!

In the meantime, Israelis are carrying on with life, obviously preparing for the worst but we don't scare that easily. We are never complacent and the IDF is on alert, in this neighborhood one cannot be sure of anything. This isn't a new situation, but the paradigm has changed. We managed very well on our own against all enemies, but now we know that the USA is behind us with all its weight with a leader that doesn't fear rejection.

Let me explain. Iran has proxies who do not have to heed consequences for their violent actions against Israel (or Saudi, Kuwait etc), like Hamas, Hezb-Allah, even Al Qaeeda and ISIS, however, Iran is a country, a state, and if they wreak havoc they will pay with embargos from the world community, even if their aggression is against Israel!!! For most countries it was a convenient excuse to come out against their actions this week, countries that is, not of course the NYT. Nobody will take action, yet, and the United Nations will find a way to blame Israel but the Iranians know they walk a fine line.

David Horovitz, Editor of the Times of Israel, gives a concise and clear explanation of the Iran deal's history https://www.timesofisrael.com/trumps-iran-deal-withdrawal-it-should-never-have-come-to-this/

Now, love him or loathe him, President Trump is fulfilling his promises. He has gone quiet on the immigrant situation, but since most of the wall with Mexico was already built by President Obama he didn't need to continue – now I admit that was rhetoric. However, he is standing fast on the Iran deal, which is dangerous in its inadequacies. The Iran deal was based on the Clinton North Korean deal and we know where that led!!! His public shaming of President Kim of North Korea horrified those who do not understand the region, but look where it led - a meeting between the two Koreas and with the American President. Finally, he decided to honour the vote in Congress to move the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel. Newt Gingrich and Daniel Moynihan went against President Clintons warnings of conflagration in the area if they went ahead with the statement "We have diplomatic relations with 184 countries and Israel is the only one where the Embassy is not in the functioning capital". The vote was in 1995, the intended move in 1999 and all it took from any sitting President was to say nothing, simply not to defer the move. This fascinating reading https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_Embassy_Act

Perhaps the strangest outcome of recent events is that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the go-between for any negotiations or talks between Putin and Trump. Both talk to him but not to each other. It is surely a machisto situation between the eagle and the bear but incredibly Israel is acceptable to both. I said that whether one loves or loathes Trump one must accept his successes and so it is with Mr Netanyahu. I didn't vote for him or his party but he has done everything right over the last two weeks.

Perhaps now is the time for us to hear the song We Are a Miracle by Yaakov Shwekey – more from him later https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmyKFLQDHns

The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem was established in 1980 by three dear friends, Tim King, Jay Rawlings and Malcolm Hedding, among others, when most countries chose to have their Embassies to Tel Aviv. The Embassy was founded in recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital city of the Jewish people. Quite apart from their incredible work in support of Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular, they throw a wonderful party twice a year, Chanuka/Christmas and Jerusalem Day. Last Monday was the Jerusalem Day party, on a day which produced rain, high winds and almost every conceivable weather threat! As Beverly Dwyer said "We prayed and prayed that the rain would hold off" and it did!! The exquisite building once housed the Czechoslovakian and Ivory Coast Embassies and the incredible work of the ICEJ in ensuring the return of the Embassies to Jerusalem may just backfire since the building belongs to the Ivory Coast!! Zvi and I went with "my friend Sheila" the wonderful broadcaster Sheila Zucker and we were again in awe of the beauty of the building, the grounds and the support of people like Juergen Buhler. The Embassy does not proselytise as has been suggested, they give enormous political support worldwide.

Israel is through to the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest with Netta Barzilai singing I'm not your doll. Of course the BBC complained that she uses swear words in the song…….. quite incredible when one considers the fact that the first time **** was heard on the air was Kenneth Tynan on the David Frost Show oh and all the British late night show presenters in the USA use the word non-stop to say nothing of rappers!! We are vaunted to be the winners but only if politics stays out of the competition.

Last night we went to Tel Aviv for two reasons, one was to meet Perla and Carlos Jinich two lovely Mexican friends of Zvi's from his high school days in Mexico City. My complaint? I only just met them when they have been coming to Israel for many years!! What a delight! Perla mad coffee and I brought an Orange Cake (Rachel's famous recipe) and suddenly we realised that time has flown and we needed to leave for our next appointment!!

One day, Zvi was at a Maccabi World Union event and met a new friend called Ron Carner of the USA. Ron introduced his wife, Talia, and to his amazement she and Zvi hugged each other as old friends……….. because they were and are! Talia and Zvi went to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem together when Zvi was a student leader! Of course once I came on the scene we because friends too. In the meantime Talia has become a famous author of 4 books and last night Talia and Ron threw a big birthday bash for Talia's 70^th and we had fun! I had the huge fortune of sitting next to Ilan Horowitz (he told me to say that) and Zvi sat with Cilla Horowitz, and the men regaled stories of their past and sang together in Russian. To our amazement, a crowd gathered around us and sang the Russian songs with them!! It has never happened before! I knew that Ilan is a great storyteller of the stand-up mode, but for anyone to have the courage to sing with Zvi's booming bass-baritone is rare. The only one in our life who willingly does so is Martin Lindenfeld but he a too far away in Florida!!!

We have some wonderful occasions coming up, tomorrow Yonatan ha Katan will be 4, a beautiful boy and Zvi's only grandson – not that we are complaining about the grand-daughters!!! Rachel has made him a fabulous piñata, a yellow duckling with big blue eyes and  I will take the far less interesting "memula'im" stuffed vegetables and my new favourite salad – roasted aubergine and labaneh whizzed with a stick blender. Try it! It is easy and delicious!!!

Rachel is already creating incredible things for her Talia's Batmitzva in a few weeks. Fabulous flowers atop pens and pencils for the girls, unbelievably beautiful invitation reminders – cards and invites printed on clear plastic with flowers attached and with magnets for the fridge…. And little favours that she makes from scratch. I love it!!

On Monday we have the honour of watching Zvi's close friend, Professor Gabby Barkay, receive the Yakir Yerushalayim Award for his amazing work on sifting the earth removed from underneath the Temple Mount by Sheikh Raeed Salah. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Barkay

For me, of equal if not even greater importance (sorry Gabby) is the fact that my middle son, Gideon, is in Israel for a flying visit from London and I will get to hug him and he will get to hug Rachel and family. I am madly thinking of what food to make for him that he loves, he has gone healthy on me so not sure!

And so to music. Perhaps something about the Golan Heights? About Jerusalem, although the choice is daunting; no, I think I have the perfect song for this week – Ani Ma'amin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyEcCj56fo

We are so grateful to our incredible IDF for protecting us and for all they do to help our supposed enemies. Yaakov Shwekey sings the blessing for the soldiers of Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suKZK8O_x2s 

The blessing

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God, from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighters from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under our soldiers’ sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is the Lord your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Now let us respond: Amen.

With love from Jerusalem, our veranda and the view all the way to the newly established American Embassy in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

180504 Rhetoric, Abbas, FDR

180504

4^th May 2018

Shabbat Shalom my friends. I hope you are well.

Rhetoric. When does rhetoric become disinformation and disinformation propaganda and propaganda incitement to hatred?

Rhetoric is defined as "Language designed to have persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content" Today's rhetoric is far more sinister and has become propaganda - and, as Goebbels proved, is an alternative truth that is more acceptable than reality.

Mahmoud Abbas stated clearly that the Jews deserved their fate in the Shoah since they were usurers etc – although carefully avoided mention of the homosexuals, Catholics and communists. Even the New York Times condemned his words calling for his resignation, admittedly while condemning Israel and settlements but nonetheless https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/27/opinion/sunday/mahmoud-abbas-resign.html

A Rabbi spoke at a ceremony to commemorate those who died in an Italian transit and extermination Camp – Risiera di San Sabba – and was booed and faced with Palestinian flags. Of this instance Didier Lestienne wrote

“It should not be said that those who booed the rabbi are ‘young people without culture and without historical memory’. Maybe orchestrated, but not innocent.” Sadly, regardless of whether they were put up to it or not, so many young Europeans have been brainwashed into believing a very different narrative that it has now entered the European and Muslim mindset. If you doubt me, just look at Britain, where the Labour Party, the main opposition and soon possibly the government, has to all intents and purposes adopted a narrative that discriminates against any Jew seeking to assert his or her right to a homeland. Across Europe Jews are now told to hide their identity.

Thanks to Jeremy Rosen for the quote

We should not be complacent, it is all too easy to say "Europe is lost", it can happen anywhere in the world. The rhetoric became lies and is now indoctrination verging on brainwashing. Jews are not acceptable, we are told to hide our identity and disappear. Don't buy your children Magen Davids, don't wear a kippa – as if we are the ones guilty of inciting violence upon ourselves.

It is not new. On this newsletter I have oft referred to the fact that FDR refused to enter WW2 until his own country was attacked in Pearl Harbour – not by the Third Reich but by Japan, a totally different enemy. It was against American moral codes. Now we know why. FDR was not just an anti-Semite, he believed in eugenics. He didn't accept Jewish refugees because he wanted them spread thinly all over the world. I got my answer as to why he refused to take the USA into a just war and refused Churchill's pleas to bomb the railway lines of death http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/260862/m-project-franklin-delano-roosevelt-jews

Reactions to PM Netanyahu's Iran Nuclear danger speech were mixed. Some said it was too theatrical, some suggested it wasn't news but rather old information but nobody doubted the genius of the Israeli Secret Service in removing the files and discs to give actual proof. Here is the speech, it starts in Hebrew but is predominantly in English. https://tinyurl.com/y7ejj4nd  

Laugh at the theatrical approach of the PM but an Israeli satellite company reports and displays unusual activity at the Iranian Nuclear facility in Qoms https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1843089

President Trump has put forward a proposal that Israel transfer 4 Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem to the Palestinian Authority – Jabl Mukaber, Shoefat, Issawiya and Abu Dis. The strange thing is that this was exactly the proposal of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, a proposal that Mahmoud Abbas walked away from. It is a good proposal, it is a logical proposal since all four neighborhoods consider themselves Palestinians anyway, even though they receive all the municipal, health and social services of Israel. I think it is an excellent idea to give them a jolt of reality to live in an utterly corrupt society, without any social benefits, that they have been supporting for years.

Incidentally Israel has just signed a $775 million deal with the Palestinian Authority for an independent electricity supply for the West Bank – excluding Gaza where the people suffer long electricity cuts. Why not Gaza? Partly because the PA is sick of paying and never getting money back from Hamas but mostly to squeeze Hamas until they leave.

Enough sadness – enough news – let's go into our wonderful social life this week!

The week started last weekend with our grand-daughter Gili's 9^th birthday and Irit Lev's Mum  Dita's 90^th!  Both were real celebrations.

On Monday Jill and I went down to Shouk Ramle to search out bargains and absorb the atmosphere – the very noisy, bustling atmosphere. A market in every sense of the word the site is empty during the week, a huge covered space which holds no secret of what happens from 07:00 on a Monday morning. Market traders arrive from all corners of Israel, in time to spread out their wares in semi-permanent sites next to the Malha Train Station. From baby clothes for 5 shekels to beautiful kitchen ware; from disposable cookware to designer soft furnishings; from rows upon rows of brightly coloured sweets and dried fruits to stickers…… yes stickers, my grandchildrens favourite. In fact last time Daniel and Karen brought Joshua and Callie all the way from New York we went to visit the site of Safta's gift purchases and took photos with the delighted owners. Jill found some delightful bargains to take back to the UK and a particularly gorgeous pseudo Sportsac!!

While Jill and I were browsing bargains Zvi took Irit Lev's family from Seattle on a tour of the Old City. They learned so many new things, different things, special things that anyone who has not been to Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular cannot understand. They were amazed at the number of Arabs who live and work and have normal lives in Jerusalem. They firmly believed that Israel was the apartheid state the left claim and Arabs weren't allowed here!! Gosh it makes me furious – Israel is a wonderful free society for all her citizens.

We enjoyed a total Goldstein week – lunch in Mahane Yehuda with Michael and Dorothy which was absolutely wonderful and then we had an extra special surprise when they came for breakfast with a lovely fruit salad, of course I made Shakshuka and we sat around the kitchen table………. after a tour of the verandah then later today I will be with Gloria in Tel Aviv for a chat and a coffee. Not that I will be satisfied with a short visit – hopefully we can meet again next week! What!!!! I can hear your cries of dismay from here, but don't worry a description of our Mahane Yehuda visit follows!

Mahane Yehuda, that most Jerusalem of Jerusalem sites. It began as a place for farmers to sell their produce and today is a phenomenal bustling social experience. The costermongers still shout their wares, from incredible, "straight off the tree and field" fruits and vegetables, heaped in a glorious multicoloured display, to the designer jewellery store, unbelievable variety of halva, tisanes and spices whose scent fills the entire shouk. Dodging trolleys is the name of the game and of course meeting friends. Yaron Tzidkiyahu is a friend and an important political figure in Jerusalem and of course in the shouk where his father was one of the senior figures. Tzidkiyahus not only has the best pickles and ready food but also the best of Israeli cheeses, all kosher, all absolutely delicious. At night it changes face completely as the shutters of the stalls come down the chairs and tables come out and Mahane Yehuda becomes one big night club/bar/coffee shop and the average age goes down to 21!

On Wednesday Dr Motti Friedman, aka Mottle, came for a cuppa. I love to make a tisane from mint, lemon grass, ginger and cinnamon stick – I am happy to say that Mottle agreed. He and Zvi chatted and decided – they really enjoy each other. Mottle is the founder and emeritus expert on Theodore Herzl and any conversation with him on history is special. That's why he and Zvi get on so well!!

And so to Lag b'Omer, the day of celebration and joy during the more sombre days of the counting of the Omer. http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayb.htm  Lag b'Omer, what is the meaning of Lag b'Omer? Well yes it is the 33^rd day of the counting of the Omer and represents the determined bringing of light to Judaism by Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai and visiting his grave in Meron. For me it is about Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva was Bar Yochais teacher and during the Omer a plague raged amongst his students. Rabbi Akiva told them it was because they did not show respect one to another, they lacked love but on Lag b'Omer the plague ended and they learned respect. Hence the lighting of bonfires as beacons to respect. If only the lighting of beacons also indicated respect and love of each other today.

Today and tomorrow the Giro bicycle race is in Israel, the first time that it has been held outside Italy. It is so exciting! Today it begins in Jerusalem with 10k time trials around the Walls of the Old City and nearby neighborhoods http://giro-bigstartisrael.com/eng/about.html 

Finally a truly magnificent woman received the honour of the Israel Prize her name is Miram Peretz. She came from a family of emigres from Morocco who did not speak or read Hebrew. Today speaks of her heart in perfect, high Hebrew. Israel Prizewinner Miriam Peretz is a powerful woman, an inspiration to one and all. She lost two sons to Arab terror while serving as IDF soldiers. She also lost her husband to a broken heart after the loss of their first son. Overcoming the tremendous natural sadness from her huge loss, she now spreads love, joy and appreciation to all who hear her. With English subtitles, the most incredible speech. https://israelunwired.com/the-speech-of-the-century-that-everyone-is-listening-to/

So, what else? Music of course!!!

Netta Barzilai is the antithesis of a skinny pop star and certainly of the various country representatives in the Eurovision Song Contest. She is happily overweight, sings the funkiest song ever heard in the contest and present a totally different face of Israel. It is the front runner!! I love the song, Zvi hates it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CziHrYYSyPc

I just found this song and I love it! Women sing - 70 years old https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oLVmKqj1fI

So that's it!

Shabbat Shalom to you all, wherever you may be, whatever you do, whoever you are. May your Sabbath be one of thoughtful kindness and love

With love from Jerusalem and our View from the Veranda

Sheila