211231 Fears, Friction and Forecasts - 2022

 211231

31^st December, 2021

 

That's the last time I write 2021 unless I'm talking about the past – and no, I'm not going the make a list of what happened over the last year, nor a list of "the most effective people" of that year, because the real movers and shakers of this world are the quiet, behind the scenes people who don't make anyone's list.

 

Shabbat Shalom everyone! Shabbat Shalom and more importantly Shalom Aleichem. I often talk about the amazing institution called Shalva, but the word שלווה  is what I wish you, Shalva means serenity, composure, tranquility – all qualities that have been lost in the mire of political Covid.

 

We lost our patience over the last surreal period, and it showed in our driving, reactions and behaviour toward each other. We were confused and angry at what we cannot control and blamed our leaders, who by the same token are confused by this erratic enemy too; a virus takes no prisoners and has no known path so our leaders are in an equal state of confusion and their path is far from clear. They take the best medical advice available but the rules of the game keep changing, both they and we have to change with them. So, when I wish you Shalva, I wish you composure to face the challenges of the next year.

 

We lost our stability, so I wish you composure to face whatever comes our way

We lost our ability to see, hug and love our friends and families, so when I wish you Shalva I wish you calm and the words to let them know that you love them just as much

We lost our financial security, so I wish you Shalva, calm to pull in our belts and pray for better times

We lost our health and that is the hardest of all. I wish you the tranquility to help those who need you and accept the help of those who love you.

 

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Covid period is that responsibility for educating our children has returned from schools to the parents. Of course it always should but times changed and I'm not talking about mathematics or geography, I mean the moral leadership that modern parents have abrogated, have passed on to schools, the teaching of how to treat those different to ourselves, weaker than ourselves or poorer than ourselves. We have failed miserably, ably aided and abetted by the internet and it's time to don the parental gowns and take responsibility for our failures.

 

That's it. No more Covid talk…….

 

Many people have eulogized Bishop Desmond Tutu. He certainly brought South Africa out of its darkest hour through his support of Nelson Mandela, side by side with many Jews who bravely fought Apartheid, but he was an out and out anti-Semite and his attitude toward Israel was beyond the pale. Melanie Phillips wrote, what in my opinion, is the most eloquent description of the man and the myth. I quote "Desmond Tutu did some great things. But he had a monstrous side too"  https://melaniephillips.substack.com/p/the-airbrushed-feet-of-clay

 

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas came to visit Israeli Minister of Defence Benny Gantz's home for a quick cuppa and a chat. Really! I believe it is a very important event, one of huge significance because when one sits in a person's home over a cup of tea one changes the entire paradigm of the relationship from enemy to colleague. We have to find a way to accept that we will never think alike, but that is no reason to incur violence. We have to find a way to live as neighbours despite our differences – something which begins with learning about each other in schools, discussing openly, tolerance in education. Adults, particularly politicians, have a tendency to use belligerent rhetoric to reach the lowest common denominator of their citizens through a common enemy, and it is time to stop to enter a new era, a new paradigm of thinking what is best for one's people.

 

Talking of new paradigms and neighbours, last night we had a huge party in the wonderful building in our park, the fabulous edifice created in the image of the White House. The party celebrated the opening of our spa and of the success of the building committee in weathering the spurs and arrows of infighting. It was amazing to see everyone dancing, eating (well it was a Jewish affair) laughing and chatting together, all arguments forgotten. Neighbours are rarely what we want, let alone what we expect, but then neither are we! Yesterday turned our neighbourhood into a community and that brings me back to the chat over a cuppa of two leaders, out of the public eye, one of whom realised that he can't get everything he wants by being a bully.  Just so that you understand the situation, the Israeli security forces, police and IDF, work very closely, many times in tandem, with their Palestinian counterparts, nothing is the way you read in the media.

 

Talking about the media, the BBC had a field day and was thrilled to air the news that the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby, agreed with a statement suggesting that the numbers of Christians in Israel is being decimated due to ill-treatment! What drivel! The numbers of Christians in Israel is increasing daily as they flee the oppression in the PA! In the very near future you will see a response from both Canon Andrew white and former Archbishop George Carey.

 

Yesterday was an especially good day! First of all the sun shone brightly before the rain; and I received a phone call from my grand-daughter Ayala that she and Talia want to come "just to be with you Safta"! What grandparents wouldn't be thrilled? We went to collect them and brought them home and we went for a wonderful long walk, chatting all the way, when we met a lovely neighbour, Adi, schlepping two huge bags to the big house. Of course the girls immediately took the bags from her, carried them to the big house then stayed to prepare the place for that night's party. Then every grandmother's dream – they came back here to bake cookies and watch "Anne of Green Gables" or as it is called today "Anne With an E" Trying on clothes, giggling with Saba Zvi and talking about everything that most parents are too busy on their cell phones to discuss…..especially the fact that Rachel explains and discusses every subject they raise with the children, as indeed I did.

 

The girls were absolutely thrilled that Saba Zvi is now a Television star! What? I hear you ask – a television star? How? Why? Where? Patience is a virtue but I'll put you out of your misery right now!

 

There is a regular morning TV spot on Israeli Channel 13 all about collections or various items of historic or curiosity value, and our home is full of them thanks to Zvi's mother's determined collecting of anything that could be of historic importance. We met an internet auctioneer some months ago and became friendly with him and when I called him to remind him that we have some more fascinating artifacts he asked me to go on his morning television spot. Of course I said no, really not my thing, I write I am not a performer, but that Zvi would love to do it! He was a star! The stories behind the cameras, 8 mm movie cameras and projectors from the 40's and 50's still in their original boxes with instruction books were fascinating; the Golda Meir and David Ben Gurion puppets were the favourites of the presenters but everyone was fascinated by the unique collection of pre-State letters, programmes and pamphlets relating to the theatre group created at the Hebrew University by Zvi's mother Alla in the early 40's. I often complain about the boxes and boxes, and boxes of items that fill the potential guest room and store room but in fact they are filled, mostly, with the history of Israel. I loved the fact that when Talia saw the video of Zvi's appearance her reaction was one of curiosity and dismay that she had never seen any of the amazing artifacts and "please Saba tell us about them we need to know about real history". Of course what makes Zvi a star is not only his story-telling ability but the fact that he grew up in a home filled with the importance of history alongside two people who made history. Kalman and Alla Raviv who lost every tiny shred of close family in the Shoah and understood the meaning of our past in creating our future.

 

Two added bonuses of collecting the girls from Givat Ze'ev and taking them back home is that I get to see the glorious panorama of Jerusalem from the heights of Nebe Samuel- Samuel's Tomb, both in day and night. No matter how many times I see it I am in renewed awe of its sheer beauty. Jerusalem, Yerushalyim, Ariel, Moriah, Neve Zedek, Shalem – just a very few of the 70 names for Jerusalem in the Bible. As I look over the new city I wonder what new name should be added to the 70, perhaps City of Miracles - Ir Pla'im, as I look over the skyline of what grew out of an ancient, spiritual, Biblical city and spread its wings to become a thriving metropolis. Here we joke that the national bird of Israel is the "building crane" and it is really true. It seems that every time I put on Waze to find an address for me he takes me on a different roundabout route because of the huge amount of new building going on in the city. However, as usual I digress – that doesn't change from year to year! The view, the panorama, the rolling hills of white houses and tall skyscrapers that never fail to take my breath away. In the coming year, years, I pray that this city, this view, this panorama will continue to grow, to flourish and to be accepted as the Jewish miracle as a multicultural, free city which accepts all races and faiths with open arms. If only the international media would take off their jaundiced, embittered spectacles and really look at the miracle that is Israel…………..but perhaps that is too much to ask for. Oh, and the other bonus of taking them home? I got to hug Rachel and Yosef too!!!

 

The words of this song cross every barrier and obstacle because of one word, Together. Together, one at a time, we can change our world, together. https://youtu.be/JIdADujEf2g

 

I always loved Louis Armstrong, long before I got to hear about his life. His song "Wonderful World" teaches us to recognise every beautiful moment in our lives. If I had one prayer for you it is to recognise that we really do have a wonderful world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE

 

Adon Olam, probably the prayer on most lips after the Shema. Here the Revivo Project sing it with such joy, joy that I want you to take into 2022. Sorry no subtitles, but each song in this medley is giving thanks to the Almighty for everything we see around us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgCrmxR_1to  

 

That's it. Time to get cooking, to put the white cloth on the table, the best china and prepare the apartment for Shabbat. Time to think about all of those I want to hold close but can't; time to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and time to remember that just because someone is different does not make them wrong. This week's Torah reading tell of our release from slavery and escape toward the Promised Land, it tells of the miracles that God showed the Children of Israel through Moses, yet they were hard to convince of Moses leadership and they rebelled exactly as we do today. Some lessons, no matter how old and proven, are not learned!

 

I wish you a peaceful Shabbat and a wonderful 2022 in which you see the miracles and beauty around you despite the disappointments and cancelled events.

 

With love from our veranda and from that incredible city, the centre of our world, Jerusalem.

 

Sheila

 

 

 

   

211224 Shabbat Shalom Merry Christmas

 211224

24^th of December 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom and a blessed Christmas to everyone.

 

In our strange, surreal circumstances brought about by a virulent virus I think all of us have lost touch of time passing. Yes it is almost the end of 2021 and our hopes are for a kinder 2022, one in which we can hug our families.

 

The other day I was talking to my sister Doreen, reminiscing our childhood as we often do, and the fascinating facts of Christmas in a traditional, Masorti, Jewish home. We always had a turkey dinner but never on Christmas day, always on Boxing Day which is an important day in the British calendar. Mummy used to do the turkey, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts etc, although we always started with Lokshen soup and ended with her special bread pudding – my Bubbey's recipe! It represented a day on which the whole family was together because nobody was working. It was also a celebration of my big sister Eddie's birthday!

 

Growing up in Wales, which at that time was a devoutly Christian country, gave the small Jewish community an insight into the lives of others, we didn't close ourselves within our own religious enclave, which created an acceptance of the other, of other religions that could only come from shared experience. My children grew up in a similar environment in the town of Reading in Royal Berkshire, the sense of sharing continued. We used to invite our Christian neighbours to our Chanuka parties and the children used to help them dress the Christmas tree – they also invited us for a glass of traditional, highly alcoholic, punch; a wonderful mixture of apple cider, spirits and spices – especially cinnamon bark, cloves and cardamom. Mutual respect was the order of the day and it brought so much joy!

 

What's Boxing Day I hear the non-Brits say! Well there are many responses so let's try a few and you choose which one you prefer.

1.     It was a day off for servants and employees who had worked so hard cooking and preparing for Christmas lunch in the big houses and mansions and they went home with boxes of delicious left-overs.

2.     It was the day that public servants called to get their "Christmas Box" which instead of food turned into a great big tip – and if your tip wasn't big enough then the Bin-Men (garbage collectors) used to forget to empty your bins or even worse, would tip them over!!

3.     The 26^th of December (Boxing Day) is also St. Stephen's Day. St. Stephen was the patron saint of horses so it has become the day for horse racing, hunting (no longer with foxes) and as a by-product for Rugby matches too.

4.     It was the day that one took boxes of gifts to the Alms Houses in recognition of the giving at Christmas

5.     I shouldn't have said that if you aren't British you won't know what it is because it is celebrated in the entire British Commonwealth and Ireland!

 

Christmas in Israel is different, the neighbours don't have trees but Jerusalem and Nazareth have Santa Claus, sometimes arriving on a camel rather than reindeer, but still wearing the essential red outfit, white beard and padded stomach, who hand out gifts for the children. The Jerusalem municipality gives out trees that are small enough for an apartment but big enough to carry the traditional baubles. This year everything will be quieter because the pilgrims cannot get here thanks to Covid. Bethlehem will have the tree in Manger Square and of course Midnight Mass will take place but in a very limited fashion, as will St John's Church, St. George's Church and the exquisitely beautiful YMCA. I always remember when I first arrived in Israel; Zvi took me to a Carol Concert at the Brigham Young University Campus on Mount Scopus. The decorations were amazing in the concert hall and the view over Jerusalem from the huge windows behind the choir took my breath away and I will never forget Zvi's expression as I merrily sang along with all the Christmas Carols, but that's how I grew up, religious Jewish but able to enjoy my surroundings!

A few Christmas tree facts!

Did you know that originally they had nothing to do with Christmas? They began in Europe, on the 24^th of December, which apart from being Christmas Eve, is actually Adam and Eve Day! No I didn't know that either! My goodness how things evolve!

 

The Jerusalem Music Academy has many international students and in their honour a big Christmas tree was erected to help them celebrate since many cannot get home.

 

Since the huge Russian immigration many trees are appearing yet they are not Christmas trees! In Russia the traditional pine tree represented Novi Grod or New Year, after all it is the Gregorian Calendar!!

 

I ought to give you a quick insight into the goings on here in Israel, as much as I would love to continue my journey down memory lane and Christmas trivia!

 

Hazza Al Mansouri isn't Israeli, yet two years ago when, as an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates, he flew to the International Space Station, he took an Israeli flag with him. Remember that this was before the Abraham Accords. This week, Hazza took that flag to the Israeli Pavilion in the Dubai Expo and presented it to the representatives. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy200brgjt

 

Israel has placed a Covid travel ban to many countries including the USA, Canada, UK, UAE etc, in an act of self-protection. Some claim that it is an act against Olim who want to fly to see their families while others claim that it is an act against the Jewish Diaspora that wants to visit Israel. Of course, to rational thinkers it is neither, it is purely and simply to protect against the rampant advance of new mutations and variants coming into Israel.

 

Israeli medical innovation is alive and well. A new drug which halts the progress of Covid in those severely affected has gone for approval to the FDA. There is hope. Also the nasal spray which prevents contagion of Covid and many other viruses.

 

Mansour Abbas is a Member of Knesset, and the current government, for the United Arab List and a Member of the Moslem Brotherhood. He is also one of the Deputy Speakers of the Knesset. Abbas has never identified as anything but Pro-Palestinian but this week he spoke out about the Israel denial attitude of most of his fellow Arab politicians. "The State of Israel was born as a Jewish state, and the question is how we integrate Arab society into it. We are at the beginning of the partnership," he added, "but I believe in it. You can't wait for change without creating a new reality. We always demanded change without moving forward. Instead of waiting for it to happen before there would be a partnership, Ra'am came along and said 'Let's form a partnership that will bring the change." A true sign of hope

 

The Knesset discussions on the Egalitarian Section of the Western Wall have come to a temporary halt. It isn't that they don't want to pass the new regulations allowing a broader congregation to pray at the Wall, but rather discussion as to how it will be carried out. Prime Minister Bennet is very much in favour but this is a democracy and discussion is essential. Misunderstandings of this subject have caused a rift with communities in the Diaspora, essentially in the USA.

 

Over 27,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel over the last year. They emigrated from (we call it coming home) from every corner of the globe and every type of community finding themselves a new life. Welcome home to each and every one of them.

 

Rain, rain, don't go away!! We have had four days of real rain! It was classed a storm and given a name, "Carmel" and although most of the country didn't feel the storm quality there were certainly incidents. Trees uprooted and Tel Aviv, Holon and other stretches along the coastline suffered flooding but we were lucky it wasn't worse. When we look at the tragic storms of Kentucky and the Philippines we have to thank our stars. Hopefully the parched earth will benefit and the winter rain will lead to a green spring. Our veranda has certainly benefitted, the rain washing away the dust and sand of the summer and autumn, emitting a beloved aroma of new life. The early mornings brought many fabulous sunrises over the misty panorama of Jerusalem, shadows of the hills peeking through the rain. I love this season – it isn't spectacular but it brings hope of Spring hope of a new and better year.

 

If you aren't European you won't remember Anne Marie David who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973 for Luxembourg despite being French/Moroccan! She is not Jewish but has always loved Israel and she arrived here this week to sing with the wonderful Sassy Keshet who is moving away from his usual Yiddish songs to sing with her in French. Here's her 1973 winning song – see how formal everyone was then! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtIm4nRWvO4

 

New Year resolutions are usually forgotten by January the 6^th, but in Judaism the atonement, the change of heart, is supposed to continue throughout the year. The next song, performed by Sassi Keshet and David d'Or is about the promise we make to change. 'Master of Forgiveness, Examiner of Hearts, we have sinned before Thee, have mercy upon us" It's an acceptance that we aren't perfect but pray to be better – surely good for 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqvXhdkrqIA  

 

Tom Jones is essentially Welsh, has never tried to hide his Pontypridd accent; he is also, by chance is a regular visitor to Israel. Here, a very young Jones reads from Dylan Thomas's witty, descriptive "A Child's Christmas" along with the Treorchy Male Voice Choir singing all our favourite Carols. I love it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfDnCYN015c

 

Last week I found it difficult to tell you all that it was two years since losing my beautiful eldest son Daniel. I just couldn't put it on paper because it made it real. However, since then I have been reading the beautiful words written by his patients and parents on the website of Uptown Pediatrics and Mount Sinai Hospital where he worked and it helped. Also knowing that all of us, all the family wherever we may be, are ensuring that his good name and incredible generosity of spirit will endure.

 

I wish all my amazing Christian readers a beautiful and Blessed Christmas. I hope you will be able to spend it with family but even if it is on Zoom, I hope you will feel the love.

 

I wish you all a Shabbat Shalom, Happy Birthday to my big sister Eddie in Toronto and remember – there are always blessings, you just have to recognise them.

 

With all my love

Sheila

 

 

211217 Changes, Christmas, Covid and Education

 211217

17th December 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom everyone!

 

Just one week to Christmas and the Old City of Jerusalem, especially the Christian Quarter, and Nazareth are ablaze with coloured lights and Christmas trees! The main road to Bethlehem, actually called Hebron Road, has Christmas decorations and lighting and the general feeling is one of hope that the mood will change to one of peace. Sadly so far it hasn't.

 

On the one hand Member of Knesset Ayman Odeh of the Joint List, a Moslem and pro-Palestinian, put a Christmas tree in his office; on the other hand, yesterday there was a drive-by shooting, a terrorist attack, in the Shomron region and a young Yeshiva student, Yehuda Dimentman, a 25 year old father of a toddler, was killed in a rain of bullets. As I have told you time and again, the moment that Hamas – or Palestinian Islamic Jihad – are out of the news or their funding is endangered – they incite and encourage individual attacks. The international community, both in the West and many Arab countries, has woken up to the imbecility of the claims and corruption of the Palestinian Authority and the funding is gradually drying up. Billions upon billions have been poured into those organisations to better the lives of their people and all they have done is to buy arms, dig tunnels and produce incitement so that their children will grow up …….actually they won't grow up because they are taught to blow themselves up while killing Jews. Changes we have wrought in their schoolbooks will take a generation to undo the incitement of previous teachings. Indeed Impact-se's latest research and report shows the level of incitement in Palestinian text books has not abated. Unlike most of the Arab nations they are not interested in tolerance in their text books or anywhere else. Switzerland is the latest in a long list of countries offended by UNWRA interference and writing of these textbooks, most of which have stopped funding the above.

 

I just wrote about Ayman Odeh and the Arab Joint List Party. I wonder how many countries around the world have members of the government who are bent on that country's destruction? Members of the Government who call themselves citizens of a country which incites again their own? A country which is so democratic that it accepts diversity as a fundamental right – not only on the basis of freedom of prayer and faith but of views in direct opposition to the good of that country. Yes, that's us – the much maligned country that is the only Jewish country in a world of Moslem and Christian countries……and we are proud of it!

 

One strange phenomenon is that one shooting, one killing, one attack here in Israel affects us all and hundreds are currently attending Yehuda z"l's funeral which will leave his settlement in the Shomron to be buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. After all these years we cannot get used to shootings, stabbings, attacks which occur every five minutes in most cities around the world. It is the hatred, the sheer unadulterated hatred for us as Jews that is so horrific. Just as the beating of "obvious" Jews in the UK, USA, all over Europe and even in Australia that horrify us. Some of this is instigated by the biased reporting of CNN, BBC, NYT and the Guardian, but as Covid drives economies into the gutter the usual scapegoat is an easy target for anger.

 

Dame Maureen Lipman is an amazing British actress, author, stand-up comedienne and a proud and active Jew. When the British Jewish community decided to demonstrate against the BBC biased reportage of Israel, she recorded the following video. I apologise that it takes you to Facebook but sadly her words were not recorded on Vimeo or Yutube. https://www.facebook.com/100034688737561/posts/750310962801855/?sfnsn=mo

Her words carry great weight but there are not enough famous people who speak out. One who does in the States is Joshua Malina…..we need more.

 

Former President Donald Trump chose to go along the populist route and speak out, in a most undiplomatic manner, about Benjamin Netanyahu. Nothing like kicking a man when he's down. Why? Why do it? Why do it now? Incredibly one of the only people to come forward and defend Mr Netanyahu was Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, proving once again that he is a Mensch. Mr Olmert was deeply offended by the former Presidents indelicate words and the offence to Israel and an Israeli leader. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/olmert-defends-netanyahu-from-trump-688618

 

Iran, Iran and more Iran….but no-one is really doing anything! Talks in Vienna, international Defence Ministers flying to meet each other, but just as in the past, nobody actually does anything just as they did nothing despite knowing that the former IAEA Chief was a member of the Moslem Brotherhood!! Every time there is a discussion on "What to do about Iran" I recall Shimon Peres sitting on the stage in front of an audience of 2 or 3 thousand Jewish leaders, sitting totally relaxed reading a newspaper (sorry if I've already told the story but it is supremely relevant) We all sat in quiet anticipation when suddenly he spoke up "There's an article here about India" he said "Did you know that the public hangman retired 6 months ago and they can't find a replacement" He continued reading and we all wondered if the great mind had finally begun to wander. He then turned to us and said "I am not afraid of a country that cannot find a new hangman having nuclear arms, but I fear nuclear arms in countries where everyone wants to be a hangman". The man who fought the world to ensure that Israel achieve nuclear capability (which everyone knows but no-one admits) and build the facility in Dimona brought a sense of reality and context to the entire Iranian nuclear dilemma. Should we enter talks with the Ayatollahs? Talk but prepare.

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/the-peres-doctrine-against-iran-is-still-relevant-opinion-688751

 

Israelis love to travel, especially to countries we couldn't go to previously. After the various Peace Accords with Jordan and Egypt our curiosity took us to the great archaeological sites in those countries. The latest destination for Israelis is Dubai, and the wonders of the modern world. Sadly, Israelis also flew to just about every available destination taking advantage of ridiculously cheap airline tickets. As a result we are slowly but surely going into round 5 of Covid-19 and it's multiple variants. Oy vey! Most Israelis feel that without a weekend or week in "chutz l'aretz", a visit to Duty Free and a shopping spree at the outlets of Europe the USA and the Emirates, their life is not complete. So, my friends, it looks like we won't be seeing each other in the near or distant future!!

 

Another side of Israelis is that most weekends we go in search of picnic sites, of exquisite nature trails and tours of cities we thought had no history and discover their beauty and past glory. Every trail and climb has wooden picnic tables and you really have to be the early bird to catch one sufficiently large for a family! Of course there are those that come with a car filled with the essential barbeque, meats and Israeli salads, so that the delicious aroma of Middle Eastern cooking pervades the surrounding area inviting one back to the picnic site. We tend to take easy finger food, each member of the family bringing their own "specialite de la maison" and I promise that after a brisk walk nothing is ever left. Of course we have stopped taking disposable plates etc, unless they are biodegradable and we take our rubbish home.

 

By the way

 

Hadassah Hospital will open a hospital in Mexico! Hadassah Bosque Real https://today.in-24.com/News/amp/335150 Another incredible achievement.

 

Israel just donated over 2 million Covid vaccines to African countries and unlike the Palestinians they accepted with gratitude.

 

The Ukraine not only recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital city but intends opening a diplomatic mission here. After all they know all about being overpowered.

 

The vaccination of children in Israel is slower than we wanted although increasing nicely. Numbers can deceive since many already had Covid-19 whether they knew it or not.

 

Israeli invention and development of the Sonovia Masks have proven that they protect against all variants of the Covid virus and also an unexpected, added bonus, against acne!

 

Did you know that the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus has been voted the premier university for the Humanities and Education? I was there this week, with Marcus Sheff, to see the Impact-se collection of educational reports gathered over the last 25 years, to be called the Dr. Daniel Cammerman Collection, and since the entire campus is a warren of passages and food halls and hallways Marcus and I walked 2 kilometres just finding our destination in the Education Department. Of course we passed the Liwerant Center and the Bloomfield Library, so proud of their interaction with the University, and we noticed something so obvious that only the blind could not see. At least 60% of the students at the best university in the world for their studies were Arab, to be more precise Arab Moslem, from all over Israel. How on earth can anyone claim this is an apartheid country unless they are so biased they cannot accept the truth. Studies are in Hebrew and give the students an outstanding opportunity to blend in to the highest levels of the workforce – if they choose.

 

If you choose to read this week Torah reading you will discover the wisdom of good parenting by Jacob, the lesson he learned after the disaster of favouritism, and the generosity of Joseph who overcame his brother's jealousy.

 

This week's letter is longer than usual, maybe because it's raining outside which puts me in a good mood. Rain, life-giving rain, washing away the horrible dust of last week, cleaning, feeding, creating new life…..I can't wait for the wonderful eruption of brightly coloured flowers in the Negev Desert!  Apparently it will rain much more heavily next week which is when Jerusalem really comes into her own because Tel Aviv and all the cities along the shoreline will be flooded. It happens every year!!

 

Perhaps it is time to give you some music to lighten your mood

On Sunday Talia and I are going to the huge spectacular for Shalva and, among others, Shiri Maimon will be appearing. I love her voice and she is a wonderful representative of Israel.

A Song For Peace – Shir l'Shalom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcG2WicDF7c If you don't get the English subtitles just click on CC and it will tell you how.

 

Gad Elbaz sings of togetherness under siege – standing together. I loved this song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_SEWX_IphI

 

The next song has no subtitles but proves that prayer does not have to be a serious, miserable reaching out to the Almighty! Here Yaacov Shwekey and a group of Jerusalemites manage to "Praise His Name" while having fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hzOuAK5gY

 

So that's about it this week.

 

We have a few wonderful events in the family this week. Stephanie and Gideon, my incredible London family, celebrate 21 years of marriage. It seems impossible because in my mind Gideon, despite all his achievements, the greatest of which is choosing Stephanie, he is still my amazing little boy. Is that ridiculous considering the fact that he will be 50 on his next birthday! Actually all my girlfriends say the same so perhaps it is natural.

 

Another event is that my lovely sister Eddie and her husband Raymond have moved into a fantastic new home, with all amenities, in Toronto. I wish them many years of joy and friends there. Just in time for Eddies birthday!!

 

Actually there is another cause for congratulations but hopefully I can tell you about that one next week!

May everyone who is under the weather feel better soon.

Shabbat Shalom to one and all. May this Shabbat bring you a warm glow in the cold winter.

 

With love from Motza Illit and our view of Jerusalem from the veranda.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

211210 Vizier, Violence and Visions

 211210

10^th December 2021

6^th Tevet 5782

 

Shabbat Shalom! Just 14 days, a fortnight, until Christmas Eve! Where has this year gone?

 

I was looking at this week's Torah reading and am convinced that every family should read it and interpret its message for our own family and friends. We all know about Joseph's jealous brothers throwing him into a pit and his sojourn in Egypt, but few think about what followed. When famine hit their homeland (yes we all know where that is) Joseph's brothers came to Egypt begging for help. They didn't recognise their brother who was now a fine aristocratic adult and he admittedly taunted them and demanded the imprisonment of his younger brother Benjamin, but when it came to the crunch, when elder brother Judah begs for Benjamin's release, Joseph reveals his identity and asked just one question "Is my father still alive"? It's all about family, forgiveness and again family. Joseph promised to save his entire tribe from famine and his father Jacob came to Egypt with all his sons and their families, 70 in all, and Joseph gave them the fertile land of Goshen, a gift to the children of Israel (Jacob's other name) to thrive and grow into a fine nation. Joseph forgave his brothers, I believe for the sake of his father. A lesson for so many families to learn. You don't have to like everyone but you can love them.

 

Talking about forgiveness and tolerance, perhaps it is worth thinking about theocracies as opposed to democracies with natural religious leanings. I'm not talking about Synagogue, Church or Temple teachings, we are allowed to learn and use as we choose, I'm talking about forced theologies. Yes of course it is possible to combine democracy and religion – Italy, Spain, France are all democracies with clear religious connection to the Catholic Church and yes, the United States is based on Christian values, the motto of the United States is "In God We Trust"; the motto of the British Monarchy is "Dieu et mon droit" which means "God and my right"; I could continue but I think you get my gist. When does it become a danger? When the ruling of the country is by theocratic principles – a Theocracy. Of course one instantly thinks of Iran, formerly, under the Shah, a relatively free society despite it being a dictatorship; many of the Gulf States, and more recently, Turkey, where Erdogan is doing his best to overturn Ataturk's laws https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk thus turning a democracy into a theocracy – after Europe's rejection of Turkey's application to join the EU and Erdogan's failed attempts to be accepted into Arab alliances. Never think that religious beliefs, or religious teachings are an imposition as long as you have a choice.

 

It is believed that Iran is now building a nuclear facility in Syria – Ehud Olmert defied the world and destroyed the last Syrian nuclear facility, just imagine what would have happened had he not done so! Syria, a once thriving democracy destroyed by  two cruel dictators encouraged by Iran alongside another once beautiful country destroyed by the Iranian backed Hezb-Allah. I believe the West has underestimated the influence of Iran, fighting their nuclear facilities rather than their octopus like thirst for power. Talks began in Vienna a few days ago and lasted exactly one hour before the Europeans walked out for consultation when the Iranians changed the entire paradigm.

 

Today, most of the Gulf States and indeed many of the Islamic societies have made a conscious attempt to become closer to the West, to change their intolerant manner of teaching children to hate everything that isn't Islam and have come forward asking for assistance in rewriting their school curriculum. The latest member of the Arab world to ask www.impact-se.org for assistance in changing their schoolbooks, introducing tolerance of the other, is Qatar. Yes, book by book, student by student, we can change our world.

 

A few days ago a 15 year old stabbed a Haredi man near the Old City, and two days ago a 14 year old girl from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jerach stabbed a young woman walking along with her 5 children. Perhaps the hardest thing to accept is that the woman was the girl's neighbour. Luckily the young Mother was lightly injured, although the children were in shock, and when the police arrested the girl they found Hamas style schoolbooks in her bag. We can change the schools but not the Madrassas, the hatred that is taught by religious clerics is considered untouchable. That must change – the teachings in religious institutions must be examined for incitement. Those who teach religion need not fear, but those who teach children to hate must face the music. I am aware that in your country yet another stabbing or shooting is doesn't even make the media, but here it does.

 

I know you want some good news – even good Omicron news! Yesterday, in an interview, President of Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, Professor Yonatan Halevi, gave the good news that the hospital now only has 3 serious cases of Covid-19, all of whom were not vaccinated. They have not seen any Omicron at all. The hospital nearly collapsed under the vast numbers of cases about a year or so ago and now, thanks to Israel's vaccination programme's success, the numbers of hospitalized patients is very low. The third vaccination, known as the "booster" has tipped the balance and as parent slowly come to trust the vaccination for children we may just have seen the back of the worst. Since this pandemic took on the appearance of a war on infection I quote Sir Winston Churchill "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. It is, perhaps the end of the beginning"

 

It rained! Really, really rained! The dreadful dust storms of early winter have been washed away and the air is clear and crisp. My view of Jerusalem is perfect and the sunsets are bright red and pink – simply stunning. My British family find it hard to understand why on earth I am excited by rain…..but then we all know why Britain is such a green and lush land!

 

This has been a very "social" week. I visited my neighbour Naomi, admiring her apartment design then the next day going to our downstairs neighbour Nili to celebrate her husband Itzik's birthday. Itzik has Alzheimer's Disease and although he smiles and is a sweet and kind man, much of his memory has disappeared. A great adventurer, Itzik loved to sing, still does, so Nili invited an accordionist to sing all the old Israeli songs along with the friends and neighbours. He absolutely loved it, even though the words were forgotten his face shone as he hummed and lalala'd along. Toward the end of the evening one of his old friends stood up and told us that whenever there was a function of any sort Itzik always sang "Eli Eli", the poem of Hannah Senesh that Nomi Shemer put to music. We started softly then came to a crescendo – and suddenly Itzik remembered the words and sang out in a beautiful baritone, loud and clear. Not a dry eye in the house.

 

On Wednesday Poodle came to visit. Poodle (aka Sarah), a beloved friend of Daniel and his best friend Justin (aka Paddy) since their Carmel College days, is a very special person. Always kind, wise and gentle she is the truest friend anyone could dream about. Of course we sat and talked about Daniel, but in the way he would have wanted, about his life. Just as Poodle left we got a phone call from our lovely friends the Dagans, telling us that they missed us, so I invited them to supper for left overs!! It was wonderful. Today lovely Flory Benalal is coming for tea and then I meet Zvi and we are going to Amiad and Noga's for supper together with all Zvi's family and to round off the week, tomorrow evening we are going to celebrate Ruth Dodzuik-Justitz birthday in the lovely coffee shop of Shalva. If you have never been to the coffee shop, you are really missing out!

 

I have been asked to describe our project our "Mitcham". About 240 families, predominantly in apartments but also in houses, totally mixed ages from young families to people like us – the AK Club! AK means Alte Kackers or politely put, Oldies! Each evening as I take my prescribed 2 kilometre walk (usually a bit more) I love to see the children in the playgrounds in the park. The central building, once the sanitorium of the major Union, the Histadrut, where people came to recover from various illnesses, in the "best air in Israel". The design of the big house is based on the White House, yes really! It is absolutely stunning and at night is lit with many colours, like Joseph's coat! Most of the area is parkland, the trees newly planted but promising to provide shade and the walking paths zig-zag throughout. The landscaping is exceptional and slowly slowly flowers are taking hold. We live on the old road into Jerusalem, the Seven Sisters, named for the hairpin bends which the old buses used to manouevre with varying success! All around us are walking trails through the Jerusalem Forest and each day I say thank you for living here.

 

Zvi? I hear you ask, what is Zvi up to? Well he is now singing in 3 choirs. Hakol Yahassi, The Jerusalem Academy of Music Choir and the Ensemble a quartet that sings for the elderly and Holocaust survivors. He is always busy with other voluntary work, helping everyone and working with "Ha Tsad Hasheni" which reaches out to the Spanish speaking world with news of Israel. This morning at 07:00 we set off to Jerusalem so he could get the bus to Tel Aviv for a course – I think at the Tel Aviv Museum. Why the bus? Because apparently the train doesn't run on a Friday!!

 

This video is stunning! Jerusalem and all her faces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrOb0Pw0stk

 

Advances have been made in the final designs for Dr. Dan's Room https://give.shalva.org/daniel and I promise that those of you who gave so generously wil be excited by the results. It will be worthy of Daniel, a Studio for Music, Dance and Drama for the incredible children of Shalva. The studio has been in use over the last 2 years but because of Covid and the susceptibility of the children in Shalva it has not been decorated. Next week I am meeting with some of the Impact-se team to see the proposed Dr. Daniel Cammerman Library, in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, containing all the reports of the last 25 years in one accessible place. Daniel lives on in all our memories and his name will be there for all to see in places that he would have loved.

 

In honour of Itzik, the first song is actually called "A Walk to Caesarea but is commonly known as "Eli Eli". The poem was written by Hannah Senesh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Szenes and set to music by David Zehavi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1hH5c4k51Q

 

Israel is now choosing our representative for the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy. We are amazed at the level of talent of the hopefuls. Absolutely stunning! Here is last year's representative the beautiful Eden  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjzyZZ-oidc

 

For anyone who thinks that Shalva is a scary place filled with problem children – think again! Firstly it is beautiful, the biggest centre of its kind in the world, full of laughter and fun for the children and a haven for the parents. It's HAPPY! https://youtu.be/ch7MmFlzPmY

 

A special message to all who are not feeling up to par, who are fighting illness – you are in all our prayers, our hearts and minds.

 

To my big sister Eddie and her husband Raymond – I am so thrilled for you, starting a new life. It is going to be amazing!!

 

With all our love from Jerusalem, always in our hearts and minds.

May God bless you

Sheila

 

211203 Alpha, Upsilon, Comicron

 210312

3^rd December 2021

 

Gosh I can't believe it's already December tonight is the 6^th Candle of Chanuka and it's only 21 days to Christmas! Where has the time gone?

 

This morning, thanks to a crossword clue that I couldn't answer, I discovered that the word Omicron is a strange choice for the newest variant of the SARS2–Covid-19 virus, it's meaning makes the choice of name an even stranger choice. Omicron is the rarely used letter in Ancient and Modern Greek meaning a "little o" – the short antithesis of Omega. It's sort of a micron "o". Strangely named because everyone has made a very big noise and named it a very small sound! I also find it odd that one is not allowed to called viruses by the names of the country from which they appear to stem. I clearly remember the Hong, Kong Flu, the Asian Flu, Russian flu and of course the horrendous Spanish Flu which killed many millions, but now we have to find other names. Why? Because it is apparently racist to call the current pandemic the Chinese flu. I understand that in some countries people of Chinese origin were attacked which is horrific, but that indicates a problem in the society not the pandemic. Anyway I digress. I'd love to know who named the most recent variant Omicron – and why!!

 

Every year the United Nations resolution known as the "Palestine Package" is put forward and passed by a huge majority. It's main aim? To declare the Temple Mount as a solely Moslem Holy site called Haram Al-Sharif, devoid of any reference to Jewish or Christian ties to the Holy site for all three monotheistic religions. In other words the intention is to deny Jews and Christians the right to pray on the Temple Mount. 19 countries decided to change their votes but 129 countries still voted for, 11 against and 31 abstentions. Sad to note that none of the countries who signed the Abraham Accords voted against the resolution. Apparently diplomacy is diplomacy and the United Nations is the United Nations. Sadly, the good intentions after the dissolution of the League of Nations after failing to prevent WW2 and forming of the United Nations in its stead, has not prevented the tacit approval of the denigration of Israel.

 

Taking of the UN, UNWRA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (in Palestine) has declared itself on the verge of bankruptcy after its major donor countries decided that their handling of hate education in the PA and Gaza took them beyond the pale and decided to withhold funding until serous changes are made. I am happy to say that this corrupt organisation was "outed" by Impact-se.

 

The Western world should be ashamed! The poorest countries on the globe do not have the means to buy any of the vaccines, not even the ones which we throw away because they only have one month until their "sell by" date. We offered them to the Palestinians but they refused to take them insisting we were trying to poison them (so what's new?) and it would appear that most of the wealthy countries do not think it important that the pandemic has overtaken Africa – except to ban travel to and from that continent. Israel has decided to provide many African countries with vaccines. Dr. Dan Turner, of Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, has been advocating sending vaccines to African where less than 6% of the population has been vaccinated against Covid-19. Our Minister of Health, Nitzan Horowitz, announced that large numbers of vaccines will be sent for distribution over the next weeks.

 

It was a source of great hilarity in Israel when Mark Zuckerberg announced the new name for his company…META means "dead" in Hebrew. However last month META proved to be alive and surprised us all by actually moving quickly. META removed over 160 Facebook and Instagram accounts with connection to Hamas. A small start, but an important one since both were used not only to incite but to create organised chaos.

 

I was not really surprised when the Economist declared Tel Aviv the most expensive city in the world. It isn't only housing ($10,000 to $21,000 per square metre) – it isn't that much more expensive than Jerusalem, but home rental is outrageously expensive and parking, simple parking is insane1 Since Tel Aviv roads are mostly narrow finding a "blue and white" parking spot is almost impossible and the average parking lot charges about 40 shekels ($13) an hour – wait a minute that would be considered cheap in NYC!!! Maybe hotels? Israeli hotels in general are very expensive, in fact the top level of hotels in Israel are all extortionate; maybe restaurants? Even in Tel Aviv there are restaurants from over-priced to cheap…… so what is the report based on? Strangely enough, it is because the Israeli shekel is one of the strongest currencies in the world thus pushing up the costs in comparison to the dollar.

 

Today is 48 years since David Ben Gurion passed away. Tiny of stature but a giant among men Ben Gurion did not care for the demands of others, he knew that the Jewish people needed their own country – he knew we had to come home. He understood that after the Shoah we could not listen to others, we had to be independent and despite even the members of his own cabinet and certainly the USA he declared the founding of the State of Israel on that fateful day in 1948. Even the name of the Jewish homeland was his secret – many thought it would be Judea, but he was, by modern standards a bit of a dictator, and we need to thank Heaven for that. His stubborn leadership was matched only by his personal humility, no fancy limousines, new furniture for the PM's home, or double beds in planes for him, as one can easily see both in his "tsriff" in Sde Boker and his home in Tel Aviv. One interesting fact about Israeli Prime Ministers as opposed to USA Presidents; The US has always voted for the taller Presidential candidate, the exception being James Earl Carter, whereas Israeli Prime Ministers have often been quite short – even very short! Ben Gurion, Shamir, Golda Meir, Begin, Barak even Naftali Bennet; why? Because in Israel one votes for the leader of a party not an individual. Just thought it funny!!

 

This has been a wonderful Chanuka! Actually our wonderful week began on Shabbat when suddenly we had the most wonderful visitors who just popped in – Peter and Yaella Cooper! I've known Peter for more years than either of us care to remember and although Yaella looks as beautiful as when Peter first introduced her to us, they are newly empty nesters and had time to walk in the gazelle park and then come to us! On Sunday, for first candle of Chanuka, the entire choir came to our place for a party/rehearsal/sing-song. We were so lucky with the weather and set the food table outside on our veranda, everyone brought something. First of course we lit the Chanuka candle with Zvi leading the blessings, then to the excellent electric piano accompaniment of choirmaster Meron, we all sang our hearts out, not just Chanuka songs but their regular repertoire. All the neighbours said how amazing they were and how much they enjoyed the "concert". I'm also happy to say that everyone cleared away the mess and we were left to sit around and muse on the lovely evening.

 

Monday was very special for both Rachel and I because we were meeting the truly wonderful "Poodle" for lunch. I should explain, Brits in general and private school students in particular, tend to give each other nicknames. Poodle was at school with my son Daniel (DanCam), Justin (Paddy because he is Irish) and so on. Their names stuck and even in University the tradition continues as in RobRab (|Robert Rabinowitz). Anyway I digress – we met Poodle in a lovely local restaurant called Naya and none of us particularly remember the food because we chatted and remembered and learned and – that's what you do when you are with Poodle, whose real name is Sarah but since she had a very unusual hair style while a student with Daniel in Carmel College she earned the name "Poodle". I can only wish everyone friends as true and gentle as Poodle and Paddy….. but that's another story entirely.  On Wednesday we met up with Yaffa and Martin Glass and Yaffa's "baby brother" Zvika for a delightful lunch in Modi'in which was really fun and then we went on to Tel Aviv for candle-lighting with a group of Zvi's schoolmates and friends from University. Are you exhausted yet?

 

Tonight we have our delightful neighbours Yael and Naftali (gosh I love that name) coming for candle-lighting and Shabbat dinner because it is so rare that neither they nor we have our children and grandchildren over! Tomorrow we are going to Zvi's lovely cousins Sergio and Sara……..

 

This week's parasha, Torah reading, is a very modern story or perhaps an eternal one. It describes paternal favouritism, fraternal jealousy, a gift which made the favourite son stand out and created a strong reaction ending in the son being exiled to a foreign country. However the son was very clever and interpreted the Pharaoh's dream and prevented famine…..sound familiar? Of course it is the story of Joseph, his coat and his rise to power in Egypt. So much to learn, it is well worth reading in whatever language you wish, but worth reading.

 

Perhaps that brings us nicely to the first song. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" in 1965 it shot them to fame and fortune and suddenly brought a Bible story to those who would otherwise never have thought to read it. The words of "Close Every Door" are sadly relevant today, as is the story of Joseph, the Bible reading for Shabbat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxthRD-f35g

 

Arik (Leib) Einstein, was born on the 3^rd of January 1939 in Mandate Palestine and passed away 8 years ago. His best friend was Uri Zohar and two of Einstein's daughters married Uri Zohar's daughters – giving them 17 grandchildren! Arik Einstein wrote the following song about his friendship with Uri Zohar. You and me will change the world – Ani ve'Ata https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgCUgDUBmA

 

Imagine two sisters in London with voices like angels taking a song from a movie about a shipwreck and turning into a glorious Chanuka song! The Fabian Sisters.  My thanks to the wonderful Gaby Hirsch of Shalva for telling me about it and for helping me through a really tough time, for her part in the creation of Dr. Dan's Room in the name of my beautiful Daniel and for being a great, loving friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNjc8kvgc3Q

 

So that's it! The rain has stopped for now and the sun came out but it is really chilly! In Hebrew it is called a "lying sun" shemesh m'shacker. Zvi has gone off to his parliament in Jerusalem and I am preparing food for Shabbat. Since my veggie soup has become a staple during these cooler days it will be served after the gefilte fish with shockingly fuchsia coloured horseradish sauce (chrein), veggie latkes, steamed salmon, courgettes with mushroom, chopped salad and ……an as yet undecided desert! Whatever I decide to make will be enhanced with home grown herbs and fresh lemons and kumquats picked from our trees.

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, a peaceful weekend and a smile as you open another window on your Advent Calendar. As you light the sixth Chanuka candle tonight then the Shabbat Candles remember that you are helping to light the world, candle by candle, praying for enlightenment to match the glow of the flames.

 

With much love from our home to yours and of course from the view from our veranda

Sheila