181130 CNN, UN, Yahya Mahamid Chanuka

http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/united-nations-cnn-yahya-mahamid-chanuka/

30^th November 2018

Shabbat Shalom! How are you doing? I would love you to tell me what  is going on in your family or town or city! It thrills me every time I hear from you!!

I know it isn't number one on the world news stations but it is absolutely marvellous for those of us who despise racism of any nature. Marc Lamont Hill stated during a pro-Palestinian meeting at the UN to "free Palestine from the river to the sea". I wonder if he knows that he is talking about a full 8 miles width!! Hill, proud to be photographed with Farrakhan, has been dropped by CNN – he went too far even for them! Despite the oppression which is apparent in the PA Hill identifies with the Palestinians, which is ludicrous because he claims to be a "liberal pundit" with free access to truths, yet he chooses to denigrate one sector of society and their homeland. Liberal, methinks not even with a small l.

CNN carried out a poll amongst Europeans who decided that there are too many Jews (despite their best attempts to reduce out numbers 70 years ago) and that we have too much influence. Well, I sort of agree with their estimate of influence because, well, because we take an interest in our surroundings, try to improve the situation of our adoptive countries, and make more noise than our numbers suggest!! Jews don't just sit back and let their lives happen – we get out there and change things.

Talking of meetings in the UN, indeed the UNGA – they have decided that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the Palestinian state. Oh really! That is really the ultimate Chutzpah. The PA already chose its capital in Ramallah (incidentally did you know that Ramallah was a Christian City?) has all its administrative building and offices there and even Mahmoud Abbas's palace.  Ramallah is a mere 10 kilometres from Jerusalem, many of its residents work in Israel and yet, the ignorance of the United Nations wants to move all of the above to East Jerusalem without bothering to ask the residents what they want! Currently they have social welfare, socialised medicine (despite being Jordanian citizens) and the benefits of living in a big city, I have my doubts that they would want to change that and become Palestinians.

Despite the best efforts of the United Nations more countries are moving their Embassies to Jerusalem, next to express determination is the Czech Republic and this week a surprise visit from the President of Chad (a totally Moslem Country) proves that the PM's outreach to Africa is paying off.

Amazingly Netanyahu is now not only Prime Minister but also holds the other two most important portfolios in government, those of Foreign Minister and Defence Minister. For most of us this is a distinctly worrying situation. However the political fight for power has begun, since the decision of Lieberman to leave the Cabinet, and Miri Regev's highly controversial bill to limit government funding to those who are totally anti-Israel – not satirists or the regular anti-establishment comedy and so on – but rather those like Muhammad Bakri who's works are verging on treason.

In most news items one hears about the "bad" Israeli Arabs, which is most unfair since there are very few of them, however some towns and villages have Imams and Sheikhs who are known to foment hatred of Israel and the Jews. One such town is Umm el Fahem, home to Ryeed Salah, who's rhetoric is so hate filled he was banned from entry to the UK. One day a 17 year old resident of Umm el Fahem heard on the news that three Israeli boys of his own age, while out on a walk, had been kidnapped and killed. He began to think of how his own Mother would feel and that brought him to question, to discuss, to be very angry at the lies he had been fed for his whole life about the Jews. Yahya Mahamid came to Jerusalem, at first he had to seek safe houses because his life was threatened by radicals, he worked and travelled for Standwithus and then, after passing all the necessary security checks he volunteered for a "Kravi" – Battle unit of the IDF. Tonight Yahaya has a television programme all about him on national television. I am so proud to know him – he is so proud and in his unit one can see him singing Hatikva louder than any other! His smile can win the world!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAr4aiC3GY

Yet another misunderstanding throughout the world is the close cooperation between the IDF and the Palestinian police and their armed forces which don't exist because they are not allowed an army by international law!! The two entities discuss and work together trying to keep some form of law and order and prevent terror attacks. Neither are easy thanks to the incitement to hatred of most political and religious leaders in the PA, but since 90% of attempted attacks are stalled it apparently works.

Captain Charles Cunnigham Boycott was an Irish Protestant land agent who tried to evict poor tenants from their homes when the British imposed very tough conditions on the poor Irish and they decided to remove workers from his land and refused to serve him in local stores – hence the word Boycott. I suspect we have all boycotted something at some point. My father insisted that we boycott anything German, be it camera or car, and many of us boycotted South Africa or other undemocratic countries. However today, boycott in the form of BDS has become unadulterated rcism. I have long said that apart from the few we should bring the students, easily impressed young people who's desire to create a better world has been skewed by disinformation, to Israel to show them just how amazing this place is. One BDS'er came to Israel to fight and fell in love with a young Israeli and is moving here! I assume that she realised that her lesbian relationship would get her killed in the PA! See what Rabbi Jeremy Rosen has to say about it!! http://jeremyrosen.com/2018/11/boycott-hanukah.html

The case of Mark Lewis, a British lawyer who tweeted that a particularly disgusting anti-Semite was a **** , Lewis was taken to a legal tribunal and ultimately fined and had to pay costs. As Jonathan Hoffman said, "A London-based Jewish lawyer, Mark Lewis, stood up to anti-Semites and as a result faced a professional disciplinary hearing. Anyone who regards themselves as an antiracist should be appalled by this hearing and verdict. The victim has become the perpetrator.’

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/crowdfunders-rally-behind-lewis-after-offensive-tweets-fine/5068468.article

Universities have become a hotbed of anti-Israel activities – for the above reasons. Here are two fascinating and disturbing reports.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/12/22/britains-top-universities-becoming-no-go-zones-jews-baroness/

https://www.algemeiner.com/the-40-worst-colleges-for-jewish-students-2017/?fbclid=IwAR3nrFytpfusY77Nfy9WjqDJOjyfX8hQQrjC7Gyq1AJ2Bi8J_aJi-iCX-Hg

Chanuka. What is Chanuka if one really comes down to it? Well, the Greeks, unlike most of our depressors and oppressors, didn't want to kill us! They were tired, wanted to go home and it was just too much work to kill us off. So what did they do? They put out an edict that there was no Shabbat, no Kashrut (kosher food), no Brit Milah (circumcision) and no Jewish prayer that way we just became like them and they could go home. Of course they did some nasty stuff too like bringing pigs into the Temple but basically they just wanted us to lose our identity. Along came some brothers, led by their father Matityahu, who really weren't happy about the whole situation and they fought, ran out of oil and, as tradition has it, won their battles.  That's Judah Maccabee and his brothers. So, when you think about it the real miracle is not that there was a miracle then but rather that we survived and thrived but then we always do – in fact, right where the Macabees lived there are 3 wonderful Israeli towns – Reut, Maccabim and Modi'in!

This has been a better week for me personally. In fact the doctors are really pleased with me even though it all seems unbearably slow to me!! I really shouldn't complain because there are so many people infinitely worse off than I. Tonight some Tel Aviv friends are coming to us for Shabbat Dinner. Since I am not yet up to cooking properly they are all bringing salads with them!!! I will provide the salmon!

I am infinitely proud of my Zvi who had a write up about his and Yona Yahav's part in the establishment of the struggle for Soviet Jewry in today's Jerusalem Post. I would have given you the link but he took it with him to his parliament!!

I am very proud that I was asked by Lena Shtern and Varda Hershkovitch, to be interviewed for the Christian Allies Caucus Television by Josh Reinstein, about the Yuri Shtern Holistic Centre. Yuri Shtern z"l was the founder of the Christian Caucus and a much loved Member of Knesset. Since I am not clever enough to cut the video to size (!!!) you will find me at 11 minutes and 45 seconds!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK2krVDJZao

I hope that you will consider donating, however small or large the sum https://my.israelgives.org/ennew/Project_862

Pvt. Shahaf is a volunteer in the IDF, but what a brilliant IDF!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaHVvZlfs9s

OK now to the music!!!

Sally Safdie sent me this incredible recording of Bohemian Chanuka. I was prepared to hate it and loved every second!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=9P30ckBf1wk

Shalva is an incredible organisation for children and adults with special needs – but it is so much more. Just watch this performance!! https://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/387505

Finally – what else? Maoz Tzur the song of Chanuka! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH9u6EEYsQI

With much love from Jerusalem, from the two of us and of course from our veranda.

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

My Website  http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/ The Yuri Shtern Holistic Center  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kMhjARej5-o 

181123

23^rd November 2018

Black Friday!

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. How are you this week? I almost missed the boat on writing this week, sorry but it may be a short missive.

So much has happened, some wonderful and some depressing.

Gerard Butler is an actor who is very open about his visits to Israel and recently took part in Haim Sabans event for the IDF. In the horrific fires that engulfed many homes in Southern California, Gerard Butler lost his Malibu home, burnt to the ground. I know he wasn't alone, many lost their homes but he received foul messages, Twitters and Facebook, telling him that they were pleased he lost his home because he supported Israel. The world has gone mad – and no I don't think it is new or that it began in the last 2 years. https://www.algemeiner.com/2018/11/12/actor-gerald-butler-slammed-for-idf-support-after-sharing-photo-of-destroyed-california-home/

Airbnb made the decision to drop any rentals over the green line. Now perhaps you think tha tis fair, occupation and all that, but they have not dropped Turkey over Armenia in fact they have not dropped any other country no matter what the regime….. so instead of ranting about Airbnb I choose to introduce you to some other companies that don't have such racist policies!! https://www.tripping.com/industry/rental-companies/9-airbnb-competitors-that-you-should-know-about

Prime Minister Netanyahu may not be my choice, in fact he isn't but this week he showed us all that he is an expert politician, out manouevering Lieberman and then Naftali Bennet. Kudos. The attempt to force new elections was in direct opposition to the PM's decision to enter into yet another "peace" agreement with Hamas. This proved that he is unquestionably the most wily of politicians but does that make him the best?  https://www.timesofisrael.com/?p=1964588

Some years ago a group of us worked hard to persuade the then Head of the editorial staff of the BBC Malcolm Balen to investigate bias within the British Broadcasting Corporation news department. He agreed and received the funding. Some 200,000 pounds later the report was ready for publication, but it never made it. I happen to know for a fact that it revealed very strong anti-Israel bias, actually that's not correct, it showed very strong pro-Palestinian bias and it was locked away in the deepest archives of the BBC News Dept. Somehow some of it has been leaked. Fascinating reading! https://www.standard.co.uk/news/the-secret-report-at-heart-of-bbc-s-gaza-paranoia-6870301.html  

The world seems to have gone mad. The recurring tale of the scapegoat and the constant blaming of Jews for every ill on the face of the earth is again raising its ugly head, but now it isn't limited to one megalomaniac leader, it isn't in one country, it is everywhere. Sadly the wonder of internet has allowed the perpetrators of evil to reach and influence an entire generation that Jews are evil. Again my dear friend Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains http://jeremyrosen.com/2018/11/blame-the-jews.html

So, I told you this would be a short missive. My energy levels are somewhat limited these days and I rested which means it is almost Shabbat. I am thrilled to be able to tell you that the skies are grey and the rain is falling, we so need it to heal the parched earth. I love to take photos of the incredible cloud formations, I will try to upload them onto my website.

Let me leave you with a song or two.

First a medley from the IDF! Yes our soldiers sing songs of Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx3Vwya-UtE

Shalom Aleichem the beautiful song that welcomes Shabbat in our homes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=913jZFL1bdE

Have you noticed that in our songs every other word is Peace? We pray for it, sing about it, write about it……………… Many parts of the world honoured 100 years since the end of the Great War, the war to end all wars, and Paul McCartney chose to write a song about a very special event. A football match. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--uXQQ0h-yQ  I wish us all peace an end to bickering and fighting, an end to hatred.

Shabbat Shalom, with all our love from our lovely wet veranda

Sheila

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

My Website http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/ The Yuri Shtern Holistic Center  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kMhjARej5-o 

California fires, Jerusalem election, Hamas

16^th November 2018

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you are well and that life has been kind to you this week.

Horrific and tragic fires spread through California. This is the season of forest fires in that beleaguered State but I cannot remember anything as dreadful as this year. I know that the popular Californian response to President Trumps statement that someone must be responsible for the fact that the fires ran amok, and perhaps his timing was off, but he is right. Where are the clearings to prevent the fires spreading? Are there sufficient fire stations? Meanwhile, California is mourning its dead and the loss of so many homes.

Southern Israel suffered 500 rocket and missile attacks over a 24+ hour period. I am not sure if you understand what that means because the outrage was minimal. I felt that the media was waiting to pounce on Israel's response, which of course would be deemed disproportionate, but it didn't come. Few mentioned the pinpoint destruction of Hamas sites. One Israeli pilot described his senior officers conversation with a family who lived next to Hamas Radio. The officer spoke in Arabic to ensure that the man's family moved from their home next to the Radio building. Only when they left did the IAF bomb the Radio Station, source of the greatest rhetoric. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/254826 

It is difficult to imagine the terror of convincing your children that all will be well when for 24+ hours the "Red Alert" sirens wailed out every few minutes and they know that they have anything from 10-20 seconds to reach the shelter. Schools closed, workplaces closed, people trembled in their homes, most of them already with PTSD after years and years of "Red Alerts". Most stayed home except for a group of high-schoolers who decided to do something. They set off from the South to walk to Jerusalem. Joined by many others en route they achieved great publicity, though the current government didn't really pay heed. In fact Defence Minister Lieberman resigned in disgust and Minister of Education Naftali Bennet is threatening to leave the government if he doesn't get the Defence position!

What I am about to write is fiction, not even one tiny element is true but knowing that rhetoric reigns in the Middle East……. here goes.

Imagine the scenario.

Haniya "Things aren't going so well for me right now, a bit of a rebellion in the ranks and I can't get that money from Qatar"

Bibi "Yeah, not so easy for me either"

Haniya "So what do you think we should do"?

Bibi "I suggest that we kill your problematic guy; you respond with rockets – I'll give you 24 hours; then I make sure your $15,000,000 comes through, Lieberman resigns, you buy tons of Israeli sweets and candies to hand out after declaring a victory and we all get back to routine"

Stranger than fiction or is it?

Check out a new source of information concerning Israel. https://en.mida.org.il/

The second round of the Jerusalem Mayoral elections took place this week. Zvi and I supported the Independent Candidate Ofer Berkovitch and his party Hitorerut (Awakening) a party that represented every sector of Jerusalem society, Jew, Moslem, Christian, secular, observant or Haredi. The opposing candidate, a very able man, Moshe Lion, had one specific problem, his backers. Minister of the Interior Arieh Deri and the Shas Party declared that if Lion won Deri would have control of Jerusalem (it is actually illegal for a Minister to take part in local elections) Now the elections are over and the democratic process is complete. I for one wish the new Mayor every success and the strength to overcome the infinite challenges a city like Jerusalem presents. Why do I wish success to the man who beat our amazing candidate and actually conducted a rather dirty campaign against Ofer Berkovitch? Because his success is Jerusalem's and that's democracy at work.

Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the UK had a really bad week. Brexit is becoming more and more complex, leaving the Economic Community has become a nightmare, the Minister in charge of Brexit, Dominic Raab, came back from negotiations without a deal and quit, and her Ministers are leaving the ship like……… well a lot of them! Any divorce is tough but imagine trying to divorce 27 spouses with economic ties!!

Now to some good stuff.

Chloe Valdary is a fantastic proponent for Israel. I love, but love her latest video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3AR5gvoDXI

Next in line is the best Sodastream advert, in fact the best advertisement I have seen in a very long time. It is green, ecological and clever. https://vimeo.com/300681831

Then to make it a hat-trick of excellent videos - an Israeli company that produces water from air in a small, economically sound, household unit! Talk about save the world. https://youtu.be/cKK12lmbiTs

George Deek is a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nothing special about that. Let me rephrase that – George Deek is a highly acclaimed Diplomat in the Israeli MFA. Not special enough? Pay attention, George Deek is an Israeli Christian, a highly acclaimed Diplomat who has just been chosen as the Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, a Moslem country. If you are on Facebook, find him and congratulate him. https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Jewish-state-sends-Christian-envoy-to-Muslim-country-572001

This week's Torah reading is about Jacob, his journey from Beersheva, ladders, his work for Laban who broke his promise to give Jacob his beautiful daughter Rachel in exchange for 7 years work, of his marriage to Leah and then after discovering he had been cheated Jacob married Rachel one week later, promising Laban another 7 years of labour. Leah gave birth to 6 boys and a girl but since Rachel was barren, she gave her handmaiden Bilha to Jacob and 2 more sons were born then Zilpah, Leahs handmaiden gave another 2 sons and then finally Rachel gave birth to Joseph. Honestly, and you couldn't understand why there are arguments in Jewish families!!!! Now, this is where we link to today – Laban gave Jacob (Israel) some sheep which really thrived and God said to Jacob that they would increase as the children of Israel. Today Jacob's sheep have returned https://www.timesofisrael.com/biblical-sheep-in-israel-for-first-time-in-millennia/  

Another week of being home, although I left home to go for tests in Shaare Zedek and of course to vote. Since the sun was shining I even walked home from the Voting station – don't get excited it's probably about 500 metres! Yet again I was amazed by the genuine multicultural staff and patients and wish that groups coming to Israel would visit hospitals, any hospital, and see the incredible cooperation of staff, from the ancillary staff to the Professors, irrespective of creed. I am really doing much better and each day is a joy as I find more energy. Hopefully we will have Shabbat Dinner with Zvi's cousins Joseph and Rachel Rybak tonight. I hope I will garner the energy because I really want to see them!

The very welcome rains have totally revitalized the View from our Veranda! The clouds take on special shapes and colours and the entire city seems to glisten and shine as the rains clean the dust of summer revealing the sparkling Jerusalem stone. It never fails to take my breath away! The geraniums are yet again proving why they are such a popular plant, scarlet blooms dripping fresh raindrops; the Hibiscus has revived, her leaves green and her spectacular blossoms feeding the tiny Tsufit, her feathers gleaming iridescent black as she hovers from flower to flower; my lemon tree suffered somewhat in the high winds, but just like the friends who bought it for me, the little fruits hung on tight, never letting go. Sage, Thyme, Lemon grass, Mint, Spearmint, Stevia, Lemon Balm, nothing better than picking your own herbs!

What songs fit this week?

The words are very simple. "Peace will come to us and to everyone. To us and to all the world. Peace will come to us, and to everyone. Salaam to us to the whole world. Salaam, Shalom, Salaam". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qunVCzxF00

Hatikva, Israel's National Anthem as you have never heard it before. A Capella on the Light Rail!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOnh_KMSEQ

We have had the distinct honour of meeting both Cantor Izchak Meir Helfgot and Maestro Yitzchak Perlman, two phenomenal and proud Israelis, they join their formidable forces to call us to REJOICE. Yismachu  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyWkx6CfSI

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, reason to rejoice and the will to bring about change in our world. Never ever forget the power of one.

With love from Jerusalem and the View from our Veranda.

Sheila

16^th November 2018

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you are well and that life has been kind to you this week.

Horrific and tragic fires spread through California. This is the season of forest fires in that beleaguered State but I cannot remember anything as dreadful as this year. I know that the popular Californian response to President Trumps statement that someone must be responsible for the fact that the fires ran amok, and perhaps his timing was off, but he is right. Where are the clearings to prevent the fires spreading? Are there sufficient fire stations? Meanwhile, California is mourning its dead and the loss of so many homes.

Southern Israel suffered 500 rocket and missile attacks over a 24+ hour period. I am not sure if you understand what that means because the outrage was minimal. I felt that the media was waiting to pounce on Israel's response, which of course would be deemed disproportionate, but it didn't come. Few mentioned the pinpoint destruction of Hamas sites. One Israeli pilot described his senior officers conversation with a family who lived next to Hamas Radio. The officer spoke in Arabic to ensure that the man's family moved from their home next to the Radio building. Only when they left did the IAF bomb the Radio Station, source of the greatest rhetoric. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/254826 

It is difficult to imagine the terror of convincing your children that all will be well when for 24+ hours the "Red Alert" sirens wailed out every few minutes and they know that they have anything from 10-20 seconds to reach the shelter. Schools closed, workplaces closed, people trembled in their homes, most of them already with PTSD after years and years of "Red Alerts". Most stayed home except for a group of high-schoolers who decided to do something. They set off from the South to walk to Jerusalem. Joined by many others en route they achieved great publicity, though the current government didn't really pay heed. In fact Defence Minister Lieberman resigned in disgust and Minister of Education Naftali Bennet is threatening to leave the government if he doesn't get the Defence position!

What I am about to write is fiction, not even one tiny element is true but knowing that rhetoric reigns in the Middle East……. here goes.

Imagine the scenario.

Haniya "Things aren't going so well for me right now, a bit of a rebellion in the ranks and I can't get that money from Qatar"

Bibi "Yeah, not so easy for me either"

Haniya "So what do you think we should do"?

Bibi "I suggest that we kill your problematic guy; you respond with rockets – I'll give you 24 hours; then I make sure your $15,000,000 comes through, Lieberman resigns, you buy tons of Israeli sweets and candies to hand out after declaring a victory and we all get back to routine"

Stranger than fiction or is it?

Check out a new source of information concerning Israel. https://en.mida.org.il/

The second round of the Jerusalem Mayoral elections took place this week. Zvi and I supported the Independent Candidate Ofer Berkovitch and his party Hitorerut (Awakening) a party that represented every sector of Jerusalem society, Jew, Moslem, Christian, secular, observant or Haredi. The opposing candidate, a very able man, Moshe Lion, had one specific problem, his backers. Minister of the Interior Arieh Deri and the Shas Party declared that if Lion won Deri would have control of Jerusalem (it is actually illegal for a Minister to take part in local elections) Now the elections are over and the democratic process is complete. I for one wish the new Mayor every success and the strength to overcome the infinite challenges a city like Jerusalem presents. Why do I wish success to the man who beat our amazing candidate and actually conducted a rather dirty campaign against Ofer Berkovitch? Because his success is Jerusalem's and that's democracy at work.

Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the UK had a really bad week. Brexit is becoming more and more complex, leaving the Economic Community has become a nightmare, the Minister in charge of Brexit, Dominic Raab, came back from negotiations without a deal and quit, and her Ministers are leaving the ship like……… well a lot of them! Any divorce is tough but imagine trying to divorce 27 spouses with economic ties!!

Now to some good stuff.

Chloe Valdary is a fantastic proponent for Israel. I love, but love her latest video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3AR5gvoDXI

Next in line is the best Sodastream advert, in fact the best advertisement I have seen in a very long time. It is green, ecological and clever. https://vimeo.com/300681831

Then to make it a hat-trick of excellent videos - an Israeli company that produces water from air in a small, economically sound, household unit! Talk about save the world. https://youtu.be/cKK12lmbiTs

George Deek is a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nothing special about that. Let me rephrase that – George Deek is a highly acclaimed Diplomat in the Israeli MFA. Not special enough? Pay attention, George Deek is an Israeli Christian, a highly acclaimed Diplomat who has just been chosen as the Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, a Moslem country. If you are on Facebook, find him and congratulate him. https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Jewish-state-sends-Christian-envoy-to-Muslim-country-572001

This week's Torah reading is about Jacob, his journey from Beersheva, ladders, his work for Laban who broke his promise to give Jacob his beautiful daughter Rachel in exchange for 7 years work, of his marriage to Leah and then after discovering he had been cheated Jacob married Rachel one week later, promising Laban another 7 years of labour. Leah gave birth to 6 boys and a girl but since Rachel was barren, she gave her handmaiden Bilha to Jacob and 2 more sons were born then Zilpah, Leahs handmaiden gave another 2 sons and then finally Rachel gave birth to Joseph. Honestly, and you couldn't understand why there are arguments in Jewish families!!!! Now, this is where we link to today – Laban gave Jacob (Israel) some sheep which really thrived and God said to Jacob that they would increase as the children of Israel. Today Jacob's sheep have returned https://www.timesofisrael.com/biblical-sheep-in-israel-for-first-time-in-millennia/  

Another week of being home, although I left home to go for tests in Shaare Zedek and of course to vote. Since the sun was shining I even walked home from the Voting station – don't get excited it's probably about 500 metres! Yet again I was amazed by the genuine multicultural staff and patients and wish that groups coming to Israel would visit hospitals, any hospital, and see the incredible cooperation of staff, from the ancillary staff to the Professors, irrespective of creed. I am really doing much better and each day is a joy as I find more energy. Hopefully we will have Shabbat Dinner with Zvi's cousins Joseph and Rachel Rybak tonight. I hope I will garner the energy because I really want to see them!

The very welcome rains have totally revitalized the View from our Veranda! The clouds take on special shapes and colours and the entire city seems to glisten and shine as the rains clean the dust of summer revealing the sparkling Jerusalem stone. It never fails to take my breath away! The geraniums are yet again proving why they are such a popular plant, scarlet blooms dripping fresh raindrops; the Hibiscus has revived, her leaves green and her spectacular blossoms feeding the tiny Tsufit, her feathers gleaming iridescent black as she hovers from flower to flower; my lemon tree suffered somewhat in the high winds, but just like the friends who bought it for me, the little fruits hung on tight, never letting go. Sage, Thyme, Lemon grass, Mint, Spearmint, Stevia, Lemon Balm, nothing better than picking your own herbs!

What songs fit this week?

The words are very simple. "Peace will come to us and to everyone. To us and to all the world. Peace will come to us, and to everyone. Salaam to us to the whole world. Salaam, Shalom, Salaam". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qunVCzxF00

Hatikva, Israel's National Anthem as you have never heard it before. A Capella on the Light Rail!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOnh_KMSEQ

We have had the distinct honour of meeting both Cantor Izchak Meir Helfgot and Maestro Yitzchak Perlman, two phenomenal and proud Israelis, they join their formidable forces to call us to REJOICE. Yismachu  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyWkx6CfSI

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, reason to rejoice and the will to bring about change in our world. Never ever forget the power of one.

With love from Jerusalem and the View from our Veranda.

Sheila

181102 Pittsburgh, Daniel Seaman and much more

http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/pittsburgh-daniel-seaman-and-so-much-more/

181102

2^nd November 2018

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I know I abandoned you for a few weeks but I wasn't well and spent 10 days in Shaare Zedek Hospital, but I am home now – tired but recovering. While in hospital I was yet again reminded of the incredible rainbow of humanity that makes up the staff of an Israeli hospital. They range from Professors to ancillary staff, Jews, Moslems and Christians; black, white and in between; Religious and secular of all three faiths and of course the patients follow suit – indeed a truly magnificent mix – and they all talk to one another!

Tragedy hit a Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the screaming voices of blame made it so difficult to mourn, to assess, to repair. The blame doesn't lie on any individual other than the racist pig who pulled the trigger. It doesn't lie with any current leadership, nor does it lie necessarily in past leadership, it lies in the ease of access to weapons. Oh boy! I can hear the voices raised against me already! It is an innate right to carry arms, it is written in the constitution is the general war cry. "But if everyone in that synagogue was armed it wouldn't have happened". I was criticised for suggesting (on Facebook) that had there been a guard at the front gate it could have been prevented "The United States is not at war, we cherish the freedom of our congregants to come and go". Well, let's think about those two statements. How's it working for you?

I have two friends who wrote wonderful pieces about the tragedy. One is Rabbi Jeremy Rosen who recognises the danger of blaming politicians rather than the innate anti-Semitism which is raising its ugly head yet again. https://mailchi.mp/a60dcf27f4e7/death-in-pittsburgh?e=58fea4332b

Ashkenaz Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau, in an interview with an Israeli newspaper of majority Orthodox readership, said that “any murder of any Jew in any part of the world for being Jewish is unforgivable,” but instead of saying the massacre took place in a synagogue, he called Tree of Life “a place with a profound Jewish flavor.” The Conservative and Reform movement was deeply offended. I know his father would never have said it, maybe it was taken out of context, but it offended me too.

It offended Daniel Seaman, former Director of the Government Press Office who wrote this piece. It says it all

"All Jews must die"
All Jews - not Orthodox or Reform, Conservative or Reconstructionist; ALL Jews. Not right wing or left wing; not liberal or conservative; not Democrat or Republican, Likud or Meretz. All Jews. Not Baby Boomers or Millennials, old or young; not Ashkenazi or Sephardic, European or African Jews; not white or black Jews; not American or Israeli. All Jews. Just like every single persecutor throughout our history. They never, ever, cared about the differences we attach to each other. Never saw any of us as better than the other. It never matters to them. They always saw us as Jews. JUST JEWS. All of us - Jews. That which unites us. Makes us who we are, makes us stronger. We are one people. We are all Jews. And tonight we mourn with the Jews of Pittsburgh and the Jewish families and the families of the police officers who came to their defense.
We are all Jews. It could have been any one of us.

May their souls rest in peace. May their families be consoled among the mourners of Zion.

Israel suffered a terrible loss this week. A driver of a big Jeep clipped the corner of a small family van and 8 people died; parents and six children. It was on a relatively narrow road by the Dead Sea but that wasn't the problem. The driver of the Jeep was high! So terrible, so tragic, so angry.

Prime Minister Netanyahu paid an official visit to Oman and was greeted with great warmth. Minister of Communications Ayoob Kara paid an official visit to Dubai, and was greeted with great warmth and incredibly, two Israeli athletes, Sagi Muki and Peter Paltchik, both judokas, won Gold Medals in an international competition and Hatikva was heard in Abu Dhabi. https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-hatikva-anthem-played-at-uae-contest-after-israeli-judoka-wins-gold/  There is a definite and clear change in alliances, a recognition of Israel's status in the Arab world, This recognition doesn't come from the West which became more and more hostile, but from our regional neighbours who, conceivably, realise that Israel is a positive ally.

We had local elections!! Oh boy, did we have local elections! There were political upheavals, some surprising, there were old loyalties and in Jerusalem, beautiful surprises! After 15 years Zvi's friend Yona Yahav was deposed as Mayor by Einat Kalish Rotem, a vibrant woman with great plans. Another woman ousted the Haredi Mayor of Bet Shemesh, Aliza Bloch, herself Modern Orthodox, took the vote with ease, an important move for Bet Shemesh since she represents ALL sectors of society equally.  Here in Jerusalem it was all much more complex, well of course it was! There were three front runners, Minister for Jerusalem Ze'ev Elkin, Former Director of the PM's Office Moshe Lion and our special favourite, a young man Zvi and I have mentored for 10 years, Ofer Berkovitch. Some journalists gave 35 year old Berkovitch no chance whatsoever but he and Lion are in the run-off elections in 10 days! I felt sad for Elkin but despite being backed by Bibi and the Likud Party he just didn't cut the mustard. Moshe Lion has allied with Shas and Degel ha Torah whereas Ofer has chosen to discuss with everyone but ally with nobody. Moshe Lion did not win even one seat on the council so would be a lame duck Mayor which nobody wants. A young vibrant, handsome Mayor who represents us ALL, speaks Hebrew, English and French and is more than willing to accept advice from those with greater experience is our man. I'm not ashamed to express preference, Hitorerut (|Awakening) Ofer's Party, has in its ranks, Jerusalemites of all colours and creeds, which is about time! The Hitorerut campaign was the only one which ran on a positive note, not demeaning other candidates and putting forward a clear manifesto.

I first met Yahya Mahamid when he was looking for a safe haven and protection against the radical elements in his town of Umm el Fahem. Always a charismatic and incredibly brave young man, Yahya travelled for Standwithus, speaking to students. He is now a soldier in the IDF. Watch and understand  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAr4aiC3GY

This week, historian and journalist Dr Uri Millstein interviewed both Zvi and Yona Yahav about their historic part in the World Struggle for Soviet Jewry. Both men brought along their memorabilia from that time – a copy of Zvi's speech to the first student demonstration; Yona's plan of action files; interviews with former refuseniks; Ida Nudel's interview; in fact everything that proves that in 1969 two young men with incredible chutzpah, caused an Israeli Prime Minister to change her attitude and began the open fight. As a result she sent Geula Cohen to the United States and everything happened. If you read Hebrew then  

https://www.maariv.co.il/news/israel/Article-667691 if not you will have to be satisfied with my report! http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/soviet-jewry-40-years-after/

While I was in hospital, the incredible angels of the Yuri Shtern Holistic Centre came each day to ease my path. Even after years of involvement and visits to the Oncology Departments of Shaare Zedek Hospital to see their work and its incredibly positive effect on patients, I still didn't grasp the beauty of their work. 150 volunteers who exude such love one feels it through their fingers. My pain seemed to leave and my fears dissipate as they performed reflexology and healing (they also have psychologists and a variety of therapies for patients). Watch the video https://youtu.be/kMhjARej5-o and if you choose to donate just go to https://www.israelgives.org/amuta/580475085  and choose Yuri Shtern

If I am talking about angels, Zvi and my daughter Rachel were phenomenal! Rachel really made sure that the right questions were answered by the doctors – Professors don't scare her! – and she and Zvi just took care of me with such love. In Israeli hospitals the family is expected to be part of the medical team, the best information comes through that way. They made sure I was never alone and it was deeply appreciated. Thank you both, I love you.

November 4^th, 1995 was a tragic day in Israel, the day our Prime Minister was assassinated by another Jew. Here is Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin's last speech and perhaps one can understand how great the tragedy was. Even the most cynical of politicians cried, Kings and Princes, Presidents and Prime Ministers came to mourn the man who won the hearts of the heartless. "Shalom Haver" was more than a bland motto, he really was loved and he brought that love toward Israel, his beloved Israel. Zvi and I are proud to have known him, the caring man who was more worried about me with the crowds in Washington at the opening of the Jerusalem 3000 celebrations than he was about the self-important politicians around him. That was just 9 days before he was assassinated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz8O0OcAA3c

Yitzchak Rabin was a growler rather than a singer, he was also a very shy man for whom the thought of singing in public was a nightmare but, that fateful night he chose to sing. What was the song? Shir le Shalom, a song to peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz8O0OcAA3c

Jethro Tull, the band, came to Israel and unlike all the others they played a huge concert in Jerusalem too. They donated all the monies to co-existence charities in the area. In concert in Binyanei ha Uma in Jerusalem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdLtkuPtshM

A truly beautiful Israeli song Biglal Ha Ruach – Because of the Spirit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPY7TwkwimM

May your spirit be strong because we are not in easy times. The only important thing to remember is that united we stand – there is no other option. We have so many wonderful traditions and history that bind us, we have to stop concentrating on that which tears us assunder. Read and re-read Danny Seaman's words. Jewish lives matter too, all of us.

Shabbat Shalom. With much love from Jerusalem, the most stunningly beautiful and spiritual city in the world.

Sheila