180727 Tu b'Av, Day of Love?

180727

27^th of July, 2017 – Tu b'Av

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Today I wish you a day of love, in the Jewish tradition of Tu b'Av – the fifteenth day of the month of Av when the girls of the villages would dress in white, go out into the fields and wait for the love of her life to find her!! Things have changed a bit and sadly there is very little love around.

Hatred of the other is the drive behind so many incidents, so many terror attacks, be it an insane terrorist, incited by his Imam, who goes on a wild shooting spree killing two and injuring many in Toronto, Canada, in an area known for its evening walks and coffee shops or in the sleepy suburb (aka settlement in CNN or BBC language) of Adam near Jerusalem where a young Palestinian, Mohammed Tariq Yousef aged 17,  from the Palestinian settlement of Kobar, walked into a home and stabbed those within. One of the three injured died of his wounds. A Palestinian worker in Jerusalem didn't do his job well, was fired and set fire to the small hotel where he worked leaving 3 people in critical condition from their burns. It is irrelevant which country, which continent, we are all targets. Rockets fly from Gaza and now from Syria landing in the Sea of Galilee, a site for peace not war. A Syrian aeroplane flew 2 kilometres into Israeli airspace before being downed by a woman IDF specialist. Indeed, over the last few days there has been a great deal of air activity over our skies. Understand that this is a war of attrition – attrition means wearing down and weakening your opponent by sustained attacks or pressure.

Israel is being attacked from the North, South, East and the greatest tragedy is that, as if it is not sufficient that half of the world is against us, our values are being attacked from within by our internecine fighting. As we said last week, there is little love lost between the various Jewish, Christian and Moslem denominations both of each other and within. I am more than aware that this is a worldwide phenomenon, hatred for those who do not think exactly like you, but it doesn't have to be that way.

If you ever doubted PM Theresa May's loyalties – watch this one! She absolutely destroys Corbyn!!  https://twitter.com/SussexFriends/status/1019661741263933440

I have been trying to meet up with a very special man for some time now. He was the Israeli Consul in San Francisco, the Information Officer in London, a brave soldier in the Border Guard and a very proud Bedouin from the northern village of Khawaldi.  His name is Ishmael Khaldi aka Shmulik. Ish has written a book about his experiences called A Shepherds Journey https://www.amazon.com/Shepherds-Journey-Israels-bedouin-diplomat/dp/9655554732 but that isn't why I wanted to meet him now – specifically now.

We met at the Aroma Coffee Shop opposite his workplace in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since we only met on line, it was very exciting when he walked through the door and we greeted each other as old friends. I sensed an element of reserve about him, not totally certain of what we would discuss.

Since neither of us is into small-talk we immediately got down to the crux of the matter. Not the new and ill-timed Nation Law, but rather about the insane infighting here in Israel. As Ish said "I don't care about anywhere else, I know they are fighting as much as we are, all I care about is Israel, this is home. We have to work to increase tolerance between the sectors of society, not just between Arab and Jew, Christian and Moslem, but between Israelis." His words hit home immediately since that is the way that I think too. Ishmael's face becomes deeply intense as he expresses his distress and we try to understand the why, what and when we became a zealous people; when each sector became convinced that theirs is the only way. Perhaps it is clearest in the Jewish community where the division is such that each fervently defends their "rights" denying those of others. As I said, we know it is happening everywhere but for Ishmael and me, we cannot cure the world but we can try to cure our own little country. Neither of us know how but we will find a way I promise, and if not, it will not be for lack of trying. I would suggest an organisation encouraging talks in schools whereby one introduces people who are different to the schoolchildren to speak to the children class by class but sadly the schools that need it most may not allow it. Worth trying though! We have the rainbow, now let's make sure the colours stay bright.

I am sure you have your opinion but to quote John Galsworthy "Idealism increases in direct proportion to ones distance from the problem"

Tolerance and respect begin at home. If our children hear us demean any other person or sector then they learn that it is OK. It could be a secular person deriding religiosity, Jew about Arab, Arab about Jew, in fact anyone about anyone, it teaches them it is OK.

So now we go back to love after all, as I said at the very beginning, today is the day we forget about hatred, about division, Tu b'Av is about love for one's fellow man.

Just as Tisha b'Av commemorates the disasters that befell the Jewish people so Tu b'Av commemorates the miracles and wonders. The end of a terrible plague; the decision that not only could a woman marry a man from the tribe of Benjamin, a ban that nearly saw the extinction of that tribe, but also that marriage between the 12 tribes was finally permitted; Hosea ben Elah removed Jeraboam's guards who prevented the ordinary people from reaching the Temple Mount thus allowing access to all; the Romans finally allowed the bodies of the soldiers of Bar Kochba to be returned for burial; the end of the harvest and in olden times Tu b'Av was also a time to rethink our year and atone. Not a bad thing methinks.

I met with Avi Bieler this week. Avi is an excellent young man who, among a whole team, is working hard on the campaign to elect Hitorerut leader  Ofer Berkovitch as Mayor of Jerusalem. The campaign is getting more complex and we wanted to strategise. The English speaking community here, known as Anglos, requires a different approach to the Hebrew speaking electorate and we really need to think about it. Here are the candidates!

Ofer Berkovitch heads the party known as Hitorerut or Awakening. They are mostly young, of varied backgrounds, both observant and secular, who want to make Jerusalem a city for all her residents whatever their leaning, ensuring culture and attracting businesses, so  that young people do not leave for better jobs and all of us who are grandparents will have their grandchildren near them.  Zvi and I have been mentoring Hitorerut  for several years.

Rachel Azaria was Hitorerut, left, formed her own party, left, ran for the Knesset apparently left that and is now back and running for Mayor.

Yossi Havilio, Avi Salman both very experienced in the workings of the municipality itself and although good people, not suitable for the international role of Jerusalem Mayor.

Ze'ev Elkin, Minister for Jerusalem Affairs. A good man, highly experienced politician, the personal choice of the Prime Minister against the wishes of his party.

Moshe Lion, many contacts from his time as Director General of the Prime Minister's Office and the Jerusalem Development Agency. An experienced man, the official choice of Likud

Chaim Epstein and Yossi Deutsch are both Haredi candidates who, from past experience, work hard for their own communities, which is excellent on the municipal council but not good for a pluralistic Mayor.

How often can I say that the summer temperatures are the same in London and Jerusalem? 35 degrees celcius is hot but not that extreme for Jerusalem (and about 45 in the Dead Sea) but the last time I remember those temperatures in the UK was in 1976 when I had 3 small children to keep cool!

I felt as if I was going to melt this week especially since I spent a fair amount of time either out of the apartment at meetings or cooking! I was cooking because we are 20 for Shabbat Dinner tonight and I never ever leave things to the last minute. My fridge is so full that I took a photo of it so that my beautiful friend Arlene could have a laugh!! The menu, since I know you love to hear what we are eating is….. antipasti, roasted cauli in tehina, Tuscan sweet peppers, courgettes and aubergine and then mini burgers, spring chicken pieces and salmon baked in lemon and garlic served with roast potatoes and mini-potato cakes made in the shape of smiley faces………… all homemade!! Dessert? Rayas 7 minute Chocolate Cake with Vegan Ice cream and incredible, seedless, sweet, icy cold and juicy local watermelon! We'll sit on the veranda so that we can catch the special Jerusalem balmy breeze, while overlooking the breathtaking view and wait for the eclipse of the moon. It all looks so peaceful, indeed on so many levels it is and if the prayers of all who sit around our table came true it will be.

What songs are appropriate for today? A song of love? A song of peace? All You Need is Love is just too easy and a little too flippant.

Biglal ha Ruach – Because of the Spirit was the song chosen when the parent sof lone soldiers surprised their children on Yom Ha'Atzmaut. I dare you not to cry! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hium-xajVNc

I dedicate this song, Thank you World, to Israel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzPN7Pnj7WU

Who is better to bring us to a harmonious, melodic and thoughtful Shabbat then Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, something of a rebel in his time Shlomo Carlebach was first and foremost a Jew. His drew in young people who didn't know the beauty of their own music, so deeply into pop that they forgot their traditional songs. Likrat Shabbat – before Shabbat -- is basically Lecha Dodi but sung in his very special spiritual style. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6_Neq4C8-4

On Sunday I am flying to London with Rachel, Yosef, Talia and Ayala for an extra special reason, there we will meet up with Daniel, Karen, Joshua and Callie. Samuel George, my incredible grandson, Olivia and Zachary's big brother, is going to be bar-mitzva. Sammy, above all others in this world, taught me how to love. Sammy cannot speak or walk but he is the most feeling, amazing little boy whose judgement of goodness in people is unwavering. Sammy brings joy to all who have the privilege of being on the receiving end of his enormous grin. Gideon and Stephanie, I don't have words to tell you how I admire and love you. Sammy is a food and music connoisseur, a fine diner, but just like his Daddy his favourite song of all time is this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpJXLNO6MF4  

I wish you a peaceful Shabbat. This Shabbat as you go about your business, whether to pray in the synagogue or simply walking in the street, smile at those you pass, greet those you have never met before, spread a little friendship. It does wonders!!

With much love from Jerusalem, the city that is so special it has 70 names in the Tenach.

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

180722 Tisha b'Av

180722

Sunday the 22^nd July

Yes I know it isn't Shabbat but Dubi Gordon quite rightly pointed out that one of our biggest problems right now is not coming from our Southern neighbours, nor our Eastern or Northern neighbours, but rather from within.

It happened in the Church when Protestantism broke away from the Catholic Church because the Catholic Church became too stringent, too controlling and did not allow for flexibility. Erasmus, Luther and Swingley each led a Reform of the church. Erasmus accepted the Catholic dictate while working for change within but others chose to break away from Papal control. Sadly, Judaism is following the same route but being Jews we do so vociferously.

Until now there was a benign dictatorship from the Chief Rabbinate, both Ashkenazi and Sefardi, the rules existed but a general acceptance of those whose belief was somewhat more traditional than rigorous prevailed. It was called tolerance. It showed in the determination that unreligious Jews would never park outside the home of a religious Jew on Shabbat out of respect for the religious Jews beliefs and the religious Jew would simply avert his eyes as the unreligious Jew drove by.

As a child of a small community who also grew her children in a small community in Britain, it was irrelevant how you got to synagogue, your presence and the presence of your children was of prime importance. All the boys, no matter what their background, learned to read from the Torah, to sing their Bar Mitzva parasha and every baby, boy or girl, was blessed in the synagogue by the Rabbi. It was also irrelevant if you were Ashkenazi or Sefardi – you read in whatever accent you wished!

Today everyone wishes to dictate to the others, each level of Judaism believes they got it right. The non-religious eat pork out of spite not belief; they marry in non-religious hippy like ceremonies and reject their own heritage whereas the traditional Jew has to go through an interrogation, sometimes for days, before declared worthy of a religious ceremony!  What happened to compassion and respect, the cornerstones of Judaism, what is the cause of our rebellion?

The culmination, for me, was when the Chief Rabbinate considered annulling the conversions of Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren of those who came on Aliyah from the FSU, served loyally in the IDF and were thus converted. The ultra-Orthodox within the Chief Rabbinate saw this as a change in Ben Gurion's famous "Status Quo" and began the shut down on all leniency. Rabbi Goren foresaw the future trials and tribulations of a divided society and tried to preempt the internecine fighting, but his wise attempts were foiled by a determination to hold on to and wield the enormous power of the upper echelons of religious control.

The pot came to a terrifying boil this week, a truly hubble, bubble, toil and trouble situation when Conservative Rabbi Dubi Hayon was taken in for questioning by the police for performing non-Orthodox weddings which apparently is against the law since Ben Gurion's days but never invoked. It does to remember that Rabbi Hayon was performing traditional ceremonies, Masorti weddings, not even non-conformist weddings!

When today one looks at the fractured church structure with so many denominations (52 just in Jerusalem) each believing the other is an aberration, we should learn a lesson. We Jews are so few and becoming fewer, we must give our children a chance to learn the beauty of Judaism, the traditions that have held us together through very tough times (and now is not easy), we have to teach our children to love who they are otherwise our grandchildren will not know who they are.

Today is Tisha b'Av the Ninth of the Hebrew month of Av. So very many of the unfathomable disasters that befell our people occurred on this day in our past – so many because of Sinat Chinam – literally free hatred – diametrically opposed to everything we believe in.

The anger is equal on both sides of the religious fence, each deriding the others beliefs or lack of them because of some illogical fear. It is true that one side appears to have control but let's sit down and talk, debate, argue – not with the like-minded but talk with those we disagree with most. NOBODY NEEDS TO MAKE PEACE WITH HIS FRIENDS.

HaRav Avraham Itzchak Kook was the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the British Mandate, a tolerant and brilliant scholar he wrote -

"The pure righteous do not complain of the dark, but increase the light; they do not complain of evil, but increase justice; they do not complain of heresy, but increase faith; they do not complain of ignorance, but increase wisdom."

I wish you tolerance, justice and light on this day of deep contemplation – we do not wish for yet another reason to mourn.

With much love from our beloved Jerusalem

Sheila

180720 Israel Twito and Tisha B'Av

180720

20^th July 2018

Shalom, Salaam, hello and Shabbat Shalom to everyone.

So much has happened this week in our world. The reactions to the Trump-Putin summit have been so filled with hate that it terrifies me; the Trump visit to Britain was portrayed as if the entire island was anti Trump for one reason only – nobody showed the very large pro-Trump and certainly pro-USA rally; Gazans have been lobbing anything that terrifies Israelis and destroys farm and parkland and one rocket landed on a home injuring the residents; in fact as we come closer and closer to Tisha B'Av (the ninth of the Jewish month of Av) I see what is referred to as "sinat chinam" – hatred for no reason – that caused the destruction of the second Temple. We Jews become more and more split as we each hang on determinedly to our own opinion and sector. We are so lost in hearing our own voices that we are unable to be tolerant or liberal or see the other person's viewpoint at all. We prefer to hate.

To be tolerant and to open oneself up to finding a solution instead of fighting the problem is perhaps one of humankinds hardest tasks because we seem incapable of finding it in our hearts.

That was a very pessimistic introduction because I see it more and more and it is depressing. I don't necessarily like what or who is leading our international politics, or internal politics, but I would never ever photoshop an innocent, if silly, photo of Israeli politicians taking a selfie and put them in front of a part of "the wall" with Death to Arabs graffiti on it! It made me feel sick – it is exactly what our enemies need to fulfil their propaganda dreams. So it is with the USA, and for that matter with the UK. Take a step back and breathe – does your hatred get you anywhere?

Surprisingly, all of the above came out of the most incredible visit to a factory yesterday! The factory is the result of the dream of one man who in his deep humility decided to change his world and the world of those around him. His name is Israel Twito.

Israel Twito and his family lived in Tunisia, his father was a Zionist and when life for Jews in Tunisia became very difficult he decided to take his family to the Promised Land. Since it was before 1948 his family encountered immigration laws that prevented their entry to Israel and they went to an internment camp in Cyprus. In 1948 they came to Israel and since he was never a talented student Israel Twito chose to become an air conditioning mechanic. Despite his lack of formal education Israel had, and has, an exceptional mind and he decided to build his dream alongside his wife Shoshana and children. It started small producing parts for air conditioners but then came the fruition of his dream – Israel took his factory to the Barkan Industrial Estate in the Shomron town of Ariel. The factory now employs over 100 people, Israelis and Palestinians alike all of whom have a personal relationship with Israel. Moshe explains the story better than I, and then I will continue with what we saw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTQOK6EkCLk&feature=share

The factories produce electronics for Smart houses and parts for air conditioning, Israel Twito has registered some 160 patents,  and the Barkan Industrial zone employs 7,000 workers half of whom are Palestinians who live within a very short distance of the factory – indeed the fence that runs beside the factory is already in the PA – indeed the factory next door is in the PA but Israelis are not allowed to work there. Israel and his right hand man Moshe, arrive each morning and go from worker to worker, be they Palestinian or Russian Immigrants to wish them a good day, to ask how their family is and if they feel good. The Russians say  Sabah Alkhyr to the Russians and the Arabs say Dobroye Utro to the Russians. The warmth and security of the factory is tangible. If Israel sees a particularly bright worker he will pay for them to go to university in the PA and then promote them to responsible positions on their return; if a workers child is sick he organises health care- indeed one child had cancer and the hospital in the PA couldn't treat her so Israel organised for her to go, with her mother, to an Israeli oncology unit where she was for a whole year and she is now 3 years after her cancer and healthy; he closes the factory on one fun day a year and takes the entire factory for an overnight in Eilat – not easy since there is a law going back to Mandate period that does not allow neighboring Arabs to go to Eilat but Israel managed to overcome that and his workers flew for the first time and had a ball in Eilat.

Why am I telling you all this? Because when I looked up the barkan Industrial Park on Google I found the most damning of articles, be it Haaretz or NYT or the Guardian, suggesting that all the Industrial Parks are built because of Israel's colonial ambitions etc. Both their ilk and BDS would like nothing better than to close Israel Twito and his big heart down. Because those people – Jews, Christians, Moslems and atheists alike don't get it.  Let me give you the figures so you understand

Let us assume that 100,000 people from the PA work in factories in West Bank "settlements". Each of those 100,000 has a family of at least 10 people dependent upon their salary including wives, children and parents, which makes 1,000,000 people hungry if those factories were closed by the idiocy of Roger Waters and his ilk. The Israeli economy would be fine, it may be a small glitch, but the Palestinian workers who receive equal pay and great working conditions would suffer dreadfully. They do not get any social services from their own government! Moshe took this to the European Parliament - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My5vuF-IEg8  

So back to everyday life.

Our weekend in Tel Aviv was delightful and we managed to see many friends. I love Gloria Goldstein and we always have so much to tell each other that no matter how long we are together we have to part too soon!

On Wednesday evening Zvi and I met our lovely friends Ruth and Jozek Dodziuk-Justitz for dinner. They were thrilled to find a restaurant that we didn't know right next to Shouk Mahane Yehuda! Zvi and I parked our car up at Mount Herzl and took the light rail to Mahane Yehuda and found the restaurant at 113 Jaffa Street. I love the name "HaMotzi". We all four had absolutely incredible Middle Eastern food and got to know each other even better. Since they are coming on Aliyah very soon we can continue our conversations for a long, long time! Next time we meet I want to hear Yozek's story!

Tonight we will have a quiet Friday night. Of course I have prepared salads, much to my lovely friend Arlene's amusement, I never have enough space because I love to see it full of goodies – after all I never know who is going to turn up at the last moment!

Considering the Hebrew and Jewish significance of the date – Tisha b'Av should have been tonight and tomorrow but since it is the Sabbath it is deferred by a day and the fast will take place on Sunday after nine days of mourning for so many disasters in our history including the destruction of both the first and second Temples, the expulsion of Jews from Spain on this day. It is time to remember, as I said at the very beginning of this missive, that we almost disappeared as a people because of Sinat Chinam – a total lack of tolerance for each other – internecine fighting which looks all to familiar. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tisha-bav-101/

I cannot bear the thought of being without music. I can fast, I can limit my enjoyment on so many levels but I am tied to music in my very soul.

They say that the Kabbalistic song/prayer Ana b'Koach has powers beyond it's words to heal our world. I know I have given it to you before but I feel we desperately need it now. Sing it with all your heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr1gyl9o3Wk

Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu ve al koolam – Peace will come to us and to everyone. Shalom – Salaam  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qunVCzxF00

Actually the answer to all of the above is something that Israel Twito already knows  "All you need is Love"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OuYLGHkrBk

Shabbat shalom to you all wherever you may be, whatever your beliefs, I love you

Sheila

180713 Friday the thirteenth?

190713

13^th July 2018 – Friday 13^th!

Good morning! G'day! Bonjour! Buenos Dias! Guten morgen! Salaam Aleikem! שלום עליכם. Bora da. Shabbat Shalom. I wanted to speak to you in your own language and since, unlike Zvi, I am not a polyglot, that's as far as I go!!!

This has been a fascinating week on the international scene, from Presidential visits to football disappointments to the miracle of rescued boys.

The Presidential visits have been fascinating. In his inimitable, somewhat gauche manner President Trump told the Europeans what every American wanted to hear, even though they almost certainly refuse to admit it. The United States share of NATO payments is simply too large! It is high time that nations which have the money pay a more substantial quota into the defence fund from which they benefit. It may be unpopular but in truth, it is a major part of the reason Britain left Europe – unfair level of payments and insufficient response. How long can successful countries underpin the crumbling structures of unsuccessful economies?

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/trump-tells-nato-allies-military-spending-4-percent-180711163313193.html

The President arrives in the UK today to a reception at Buckingham Palace and full pageantry. I am deeply ashamed at the childish and disrespectful behaviour of protesters in London. It is irrelevant whether one approves of or dislikes the President of the United States, he is the President of the United States, Britain's greatest ally. The decision taken by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who up until now has proven to be a clever decision maker, to allow a giant balloon deriding and poking unworthy fun at the American President is disgraceful and unbecoming – in fact it simply isn't cricket. Britain is known for the warm welcome extended to her diplomatic visitors and this simply doesn't do anyone justice. While not a fan of Piers Morgan, I believe his article in the Daily Mail sums up my reaction http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5934241/The-orange-Trump-baby-balloon-pathetic-stunt-makes-Britain-look-small-minded.html

The Irish Government has given its support to a dangerous and racist legislation in support of BDS, in other words supporting a boycott of Israel. http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/PressRoom/2018/Pages/Israel-s-response-to-Irish-Senate-legislation-11-July-2018.aspx

They have taken ancient battles with England and applied it to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. It would do the Irish people and their government well to remember who provided succour to the Irish –after the USA offered a paltry 50 pounds and Queen Victoria a mere 1,000– it was the Jews. Amnesia seems to be the common thread among those who hate Jews. http://www.aish.com/jw/s/Jews-and-the-Irish-Potato-Famine.html

For the first time since 1966 I sat through an entire football match! Supporting England doesn't come naturally to this Welshwoman but support them I did, alongside Zvi, Rachel, Yosef, Talia and Ayala and a somewhat bemused Ceci Bayon and her gorgeous grandson Liam. The first half brought out the fruit, crudités and popcorn, amidst excited cheering but the atmosphere became progressively downcast in the second half and then disaster in extra time. Oh well, at least nobody threw the popcorn in the air in celebration! Good luck to Croatia in the final.

The whole world was praying for a different football team and their coach in the beautiful Chang Rai region of Thailand. Rescuers came from all corners of the earth, from Australia and Britain, Israel, USA, Belgium, Russia, (full list below) and incredibly, they succeeded! The boys are now in hospital, checking them out for residual infection and malnutrition, but safe.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tham_Luang_cave_rescue

"The Wall" can refer to two subjects – the foul and disgraceful anti-Semitism of Roger Waters or Israel's security barrier. The first is easy to explain, he "ain't got no education" and without his racist BDS statements he would have disappeared into oblivion; the second means Israel, which is equally anti-Semitic since 68 countries have defensive walls and only one is described as "apartheid". Yes 68 countries http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3205724/How-65-countries-erected-security-walls-borders.html

Continuing in the same line – or as they say on TV the perfect Segway – we went to the offices of Standwithus in Jerusalem last night to watch a fascinating and revealing new documentary movie. The film was made by the Kirk family of the UK and their foundation Generation2generation. They took 11 young people from various backgrounds and countries to the Palestinian Authority and to Israel. They spoke to politicians, military personnel, "settlers" and members of Fatah and Hamas and at the end drew their own conclusions. One section has all the Palestinian politicians talking of apartheid, occupation and oppression until the youngsters spoke to a Christian representative in Bethlehem who said "What Occupation? I have not seen any Israeli soldiers in Bethlehem" The Kirks did their best not to guide or push the youngsters in any direction but to let them come to their own conclusions. The film is just over one and a half hours but is riveting, fascinating and to watch the minds of these young people analyse the information is magic. Both Zvi and I were particularly impressed by the young German woman. The Kirk family lost funding because of the fairness of this project – funding that would not have been lost had they been anti-Israel. https://vimeo.com/274104742?from=outro-embed The message that comes throughout the filming in Israel is that one must feel compassion for ordinary Palestinians but recognise Israel's need to defend herself and her right to be the thriving multicultural country she is. I highly recommend getting this film to show in your communities or for recalcitrant youngsters who have been brainwashed on campus!

Sunday night, thanks to the delightful Paul Israel, we were invited to an Australian evening at the King David Hotel, the culmination of a three nation conference with politicians from Australia, Britain and the US who met with Israeli counterparts, organised by Albert Dadon. My dearest friend Andrew Stone (aka Lord Stone of Blackheath) had prepared two of the participants to look out for me – Professor David Trimble, Nobel Peace laureate for his part in halting the Ulster "Troubles"; Meta, Baroness Ramsay, who is one of the most delightful people I have met in a very long time, and was thrilled to learn she was MI6 in her past! Among those new to me were the wonderful Joan Ryan, Chairperson of Labour Friends of Israel and fearless fighter for Israel within her own party; Member of Parliament, John Woodcock who asked the most relevant question of the night of the two American politicians "Is the USA leaving NATO?" Chris Pyne and Former PM Tony Abbott of Australia spoke beautifully of their loyalty to Israel and their desire to move the Australian Embassy to Jerusalem and Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert explained the Israeli perspective as only he knows how. My quote of the evening came from the almost taciturn David Trimble. We were chatting before the big dinner and he told me that many Brits and Irishmen ask him why he supports Israel. His response "Because it is the right thing to do"

The following day, in the unbelievable steaming heat of July in Israel, I collected Rachel, Talia and Ayala, together with their friend Avishag, and headed off to Holon and the Yamit 2000 Water Park. It was a ladies day and if you can imagine about 3,000 females of all ages and religious persuasion, from bikinis to entirely covered, noisily enjoying the water slides of terrifying height and angles, the pools the fountains, squealing their delight; you may reach something close to the noise level!! The children thought it was the best thing ever………. I was happy to be heading home after 5 hours!!!

Cecilia Bayon is a dear friend from Mexico City whose husband Jacobo has been Zvi's friend since they were both 13. Ceci took the brave move of bringing her grandsons to Israel on her own, to show them every aspect of this incredible country. They visited virtually every site and sight in Jerusalem – Liam (11) said that he was most pleased with Yad Vashem, although it made him sad but thrilled that they followed that by going to the exceptional Herzl interactive Museum. The older boys loved the nightlife of Jerusalem, the throngs of young people laughing, eating, and sitting in the streetside cafes unfettered by the fear of most big city centres. All the boys aged from 17 down to Liam, are enjoying themselves and today they go up to Kfar Blum for some physical fun on the Jordan!! Ceci and her love for Israel will ensure that the next generation absorbs as she did.

I cannot allow this special time of fasting and thought for Jews to go without mention. It is a difficult time, but proves yet again that we survive and thrive. Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains it beautifully as always http://jeremyrosen.com/2018/07/season-of-fasts.html

This weekend we will be in Tel Aviv, to rest and relax and meet friends. While Zvi goes to his Tel Aviv parliament in the morning with Yitzik Lev I will be with my special friend Gloria Goldstein, Gloria and I never run out of conversation! We will stay at Amiad and Noga's home so that after Shabbat we can go to the beach to celebrate a friends 70^th birthday.

The weather has been searingly hot but the evenings wonderfully balmy, after all this is Jerusalem!! Sitting on the veranda and overlooking Jerusalem, picking out the new buildings springing up all over the horizon is a new game, showing guests the neighbourhoods that lay before us, from Gilo, through Ramat Rachel, Beit Tsafafa, Baka, Talpiot, Arnona where the American Embassy sits, the German Colony, Katamon, Katamonim, Ramat Denya, Bayit Vegan………….. gosh it takes my breath away. I admit absolute self-satisfaction as I bring my eyes back to the veranda itself and the stunning bright scarlet of the geraniums and the newly planted lobelia and petunias. It almost seems a shame to go inside! I know that the Israeli invented irrigation system will ensure the summer display.

Today I am not going to Givat Ze'ev, Zvi and I are going to Mamilla Mall next to the Old City to meet our Argentinian friends Julio and Monica Jarak and the whole family. Nothing pleases me more than seeing whole families, especially the youngsters,  coming and seeing Israel for themselves. That is the only way to ensure the truth.

I don't often write about Zvi, although he certainly deserves it. I was thinking that 28 years ago I didn't even know he existed! Knowing Zvi has enriched my life beyond belief. He is a man of absolute principles from which he never wavers; he is a man that everyone turns to for advice and help and he doesn't turn anyone away; even when tired and in pain he will never refuse to take friends or friends of friends or friends of friends of friends on a tour of Jerusalem; he is loyal, tireless, noisy, funny and incredibly clever and his motto is "We don't have problems we just have to find the solution"  – here is my song for him, my man of dreams who fights for a better world.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClGXhHcjBSI

For Shabbat, for this turbulent time in the Jewish year I chose Ana b'Koach, a Kabbalistic prayer which prays for calm and understanding in a world that has lost its way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EdL_TLbHsg

I can't promise you a welcome like this one when you arrive at Ben Gurion airport but hey, who knows!!!! Hevenu Shalom Aleichem – We bring you peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ_nbinWkvE Amen!!!

With much love from both of us as we sit on our veranda looking out over the view……

Shabbat Shalom to you all!

Sheila

180706 Good morning, Good Shabbes, Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

180706

6^th July 2018

Good morning, Good Shabbes, Good day!!

Whenever a peace plan is put forward to this very small region in the Middle East, you can be sure the Israelis will look into it and usually accept the conditions with a few changes for security and the Palestinians will immediately denounce it. Khaled Abu Toameh tweets "Palestinian Bar Association calls for open-ended campaign to thwart Trump's upcoming peace plan and urges its members to participate in planned protests, which begin Monday in Ramallah." Why? Why don't they want to even consider a plan to give them a country? Very simple – a country has to take responsibility for its actions; a country has to develop an economic plan and finally a country will be held responsible for the incitement and calls to war and the insane corruption within that country whatever its name may be. In other words – refugees will have a home and their status may not be hereditary.

The destructive arson, where seemingly innocent children's toys, kites and balloons, are turned into incendiary devices and launched into Southern Israel, continues apace. On Wednesday 40 such devices destroyed farmland, crops and wildlife. I understand the anger and frustration of Gazans, they live in a sardine can of hatred; their children taught hatred and jihad; they have no food or electricity and their leaders live in luxurious mansions, but why Israel? Why can't they benefit from work in those kibbutzim instead of destroying them and creating an entire generation of children with PTSD from the rockets and missiles? Why? Because it is to the benefit of their cruel regime to continue receiving aid and using it for war.

The entire world has been praying for the wellbeing of a soccer team – not in the World Cup – but in a deep cave in Thailand. Two days after the boys were lost an Israeli team was in Chiang Mai working with the most modern equipment to discover where they were. Two days ago they found them but it may take months to get them out. The sheer depth of the cave, the water that lies between them and freedom, the fact that the boys can't swim all hinder their rescue. Thai experts suggest it may take months to reach them. In the meantime they are receiving some food and their terrified parents are able to see that they are miraculously healthy. http://nocamels.com/2018/07/israeli-rescuers-missing-soccer/

Sometimes the liberality of governments works against their determination to live in an accepting and generous society. This happened in Canada recently. While most of the world is ending funding terrorist groups, a desire to help accept new immigrants has back-fired in that beautiful country. The Canadian government plans to spend $23 million on fighting Islamophobia, a fine cause, but sadly the vessels used to receive that funding support terror and were declared so by the Canadian Government itself! Far be it from me to interfere in another country's politics or policies but this one directly affects me – in fact all of us.

https://www.investigativeproject.org/7514/canada-is-funding-and-supporting-terrorism-front

As you know, I am very proud to be involved in Impact-se, the organisation which translates educational curriculae, analyses and recommends changes to governments, changes to encourage tolerance toward the "other". The reports in the above link have led to debates in UK and US parliaments. Member of Parliament Joan Ryan of the Labour Friends of Israel, spoke eloquently of the findings of Impact-se in the Palestinian schoolbooks which encourage hatred and violence in a debate concerning British funding of Palestinian Education. Herewith the reports that stimulated the debate in the UK and elsewhere http://www.impact-se.org/reports/

Nikky Haley announced that the United States is leaving the UNHRC this week. About time. Here Former Minister Danny Ayalon explains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIRJO9TaaOI&feature=youtu.be

A law to withhold funding to the Palestinian Authority as long as it uses such funding to pay stipends to terrorists and their families was met with disbelief by the PA leaders. The law was passed in the Knesset to the cheers of the vast majority of MK's and the dismay of the Joint List (an Arab Party). Stuart Force stood in the Knesset tearful but grateful for the decision. His son Taylor was stabbed to death while walking in the street in Jaffa and his killer, Bashar Masshala, a Palestinian, since when Stuart has lobbied Congress and the Senate to stop payments to the PA.

According to Israel’s Defense Ministry, the PA in 2017 paid NIS 687 million ($198 million) to the so-called “martyrs’ families fund” and NIS 550 million ($160 million) to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club — some seven percent of its overall budget. Palestinian prisoners serving 20- to 30-year sentences for carrying out terror attacks are eligible for a lifetime NIS 10,000 ($2,772) monthly stipend, the Defense Ministry said, citing PA figures. Those prisoners who receive a three- to five-year sentence get a monthly wage of NIS 2,000 ($554). Palestinian prisoners who are married, have children, live in Jerusalem, or hold Israeli citizenship receive additional payments. Australia made the same decision this week.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-passes-law-freezing-pa-funding-over-terror-payouts/

While former government minister Gonen Segev sat in court accused of spying for Iran and other treacheries, the Mossad was performing a mission impossible worthy of Hollywood. They successfully returned the gold watch of legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen who was killed in Syria  50 years ago, after unthinkable suffering. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/178803-180705-mossad-returns-watch-of-legendary-agent-eli-cohen-killed-in-syria

  

Our weekend was wonderful! We spent time with our great friends John and Pauline Gandel and of course Michelle and Steven, Ian and Linda. Time spent with the Gandel family is always special, relaxed and ………….. family. On Sunday Ian and Linda came to Jerusalem to go shopping for Judaica and Rachel suggested going to Haddad Silversmiths in Shabbat Square – Mea Shearim. She was utterly right about the store – kind service, beautiful stock and half the price of others. After their purchase we decided to have a wander in Mea Shearim, yes Josephine and Tom, we decided to do it again! I love walking around Mea Shearim and most people are welcoming and the sense of Europe prevails. The language is predominantly Yiddish but we suddenly felt the change in the education of their children (seen in another Impact-se report) and as Linda and I walked by, fully covered but wearing very feminine trousers, we heard the children shout "Shikseh, Shikseh" which followed us up the road. Shikseh means non-Jewish female but in a derogatory manner. So sad. It couldn't spoil our mood however and we giggled and laughed our way back to Tel Aviv where we hugged everyone goodbye………. For now.

On Wednesday I went with the Women's Giving Group to the Israel Museum to a truly magnificent exhibition of Israeli fashion from Fini Leitersdorf until today. The exhibit shows the social importance of fashion and its impact on our thinking.  I strongly recommend a guided tour. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-museum-exhibit-puts-decades-of-israeli-fashion-on-runway/

Like those of us who reach a certain age, we make various visits to medical units – hospitals to visit friends, clinics to have blood tests, seeing our GP, and all remind me of the incredible mix of Israeli society in which we, Israelis, could not cope without our Arab citizens. Doctors and nurses, ancillary workers work alongside their Jewish and Christian counterparts in harmony, their only concern is to save lives and help the patients. If only all areas of our life could follow suit.

Why do you call it July 4^th? Yes I know that's the date but I want to call it by its proper name "Independence Day". You fought for it – albeit against the Brits; you wasted an awful lot of perfectly good tea and replaced it with Orange Pekoe but you earned your Independence…… celebrate it! It is time to replace dissonance with harmony, argument with debate and bring back the incredible freedom you taught the world to uphold. Anger and insult extended to your elected leader doesn't show democracy it shows a divided nation that our enemies see as breakable. I'm sorry if you feel I have no right to speak out – no actually I am not sorry – just as I would tell a friend that their behavior is unconscionable I tell you dear friends to find the common ground, fight for it and stop using foul language on television shows to bring down an elected leader. I dedicate one of my favourite songs to American Independence, to the USA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFAoWwUwknc

A song for my son Gideon whose birthday is tomorrow. Gideon has fulfilled all my prayers for him when he was born, an honest man, a great husband a fabulous father and a man who seeks justice………. and a brilliant son and brother. Gids, for you, even though you sing it so much better – More Than Words https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrIiLvg58SY

Shabbes, Sabbat, Shabbat is nearly here. Today we, the Ravivs, will go to the cemetery above Jerusalem, to the special area saved for Yakir Yerushalyim, the honoured of Jerusalem, to say a prayer of remembrance to Zvi's beautiful parents, Kalman and Ala Raviv. After that I will take the girls, Amit, Gili and Ori to visit Talia, Yosef and Ayala in Givat Zeev then back home for Shabbat – hopefully we will still have time to make Challa together. Shabbat tonight will be very special as the girls sing Kiddush with Zvi and then fight over who breaks the challa!! They will sleep at our place tonight and tomorrow, tomorrow there is so much happening in Jerusalem for children that doesn't require payment. I think we will go to the Bible Lands Museum where they have wonderful projects for children that relate to our history.

Let's end with a Shabbes song.Actually this is a Pesach (Passover) song but it speaks to me as no other of our past and future Vehi Sheamda  from Yaakov Shwekey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOzqmb-akg

With all our love from Jerusalem, from the verandah overlooking the city we love. Last night we sat with Flory ben Alal breathing in the fresh breezy, balmy air and spoke of her husband, our dearest friend, Shmuel who was killed in a terror attack in Mali while working to improve the education and lives of children in that country. Zvi and his coir Hakol Yachassi are producing a disc of songs that Shmuel loved. He is sorely missed.

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila