210827 Terror, Taliban, Bennett and Biden

 210827

27^TH August 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom! I hope this letter finds you well, vaccinated and Covid free.

 

Every leader suffers the mistakes of his predecessors. I don't know if there is an appropriate quote but that's the fact. It takes at least two years, some say four years, to undo mistakes and if concurrent leaders made the same mistakes the current leader has to take brave, unpopular steps to turn things around. Perhaps this should be considered "Hindsight can be merciless. People of any given era often look back in time and wonder how their predecessors could have been so dimwitted."

 

Two days ago a representative of Al Queeda decided to show his support for the Taliban by driving his car among a group of civilians and American soldiers, blow up the vehicle then as the crowd neared to investigate he blew himself up killing 12 Americans and maiming uncountable numbers of both soldiers and civilians. Support for the Taliban and the various offshoots begins in Iran but doesn't end there. Afghanistan has a sinister neighbour, Pakistan. The Pakistanis are very dangerous because they play the international game very well. On the one hand condemning the anti-American stance of the Islamic terror organisations while simultaneously funding them and allowing them to flourish within Pakistan.

 

I have no doubt that the blame game has already begun, but the biggest question is not why or when the American troops are taken out of Afghanistan but rather, why, ever since they entered that G-d forsaken country, has nothing been done to encourage the formation of formal government. The international community is so busy fighting windmills and finding jobs for the boys that they made no effort to build an alternative to the savage, inhuman, brutish, brilliant tactics of the Taliban. The United States had 20 years since 9/11 to change the countries it entered, but nothing was done. So folks, the blame games are inappropriate on every level – we have a common enemy and it is irrelevant as to whether you are Republican or Democrat – indeed the same goes for Israel – it is irrelevant whether you are Likud or anything else. In both cases the internecine fighting was about individuals not policies and it weakens us all.

 

Prime Minister Naftali Bennet arrived in Washington with an agenda for his talks with President Biden, first and foremost to repair any rift created by the former government. His intention was to discuss the questions which pertain to the very existence of Israel. However, understandably, President Biden has a dire situation on his hands and the meeting has been delayed until 10:00 Washington time which will be very close to Shabbat in Israel causing the PM, who is Shomer Shabbat (he keeps the laws of Shabbat) to delay his return. It can't be helped.

 

Hamas is strengthened by the tragic events in Afghanistan. They plans huge disruptions starting with their border "demonstration" and undoubtedly followed by more rockets. Hamas needs publicity. The Qatari money is not going to Hamas, it goes directly to the families who have suffered so horribly; the food and staple goods which Israel sends each day don't pay for missiles and if they don't have publicity then they don't get donations and they can't build rockets. Hezb-Allah is also feeling more powerful at the "success" of the Taliban and has increased its threats – even the cowardly Nasrallah has poked his head out of his bunker on occasion!

 

What is the link between all of the above? Iran. Yes Iran. Don't be fooled, the threat from Iran is not only nuclear in fact it is something far more insidious….terror.

 

As you already know Rabbi Jeremy Rosen is more than a friend and mentor, we agree on just about everything!! I don't know if it's the Cardiff connection (I still remember my brother Ronnie and I playing with the Rosen brothers in the garden of Green Gables, the home of Jeremy's Grandfather MJ Cohen. Anyway to return to the crux of the matter, this week Jeremy wrote a piece about "Appeasement" a word hated by both of us. It applies to the policies of the West in general and so much more. Well worth a read, it is philosophical, well rounded and relevant. http://jeremyrosen.com/2021/08/appeasement.htmlm

 

Not everything in this world was death and depression this week – let's talk about the things that make life worthwhile.

 

This is a "Watch This Space" but just so that you know that the European Union is currently discussing information gathered and published by Impact-se.

 

As a non-Spanish speaker it has been both a fun week and a trying one!! Zvi has been meeting old friends from his Mexican High School – the famous Yiddische Shule in Mexico City. All of the others were born in Mexico but Zvi arrived as an oversized 13 year old with his parents and little brother Meir z"l immediately after Zvi's Bar Mitzva, his parents sent by the Jewish Agency as Hebrew teachers to the community. They took the challenge because Zvi's father Kalman had many family members who fled Europe for Mexico and since both he and Alla were orphans – every member of both families wiped out by the Third Reich – they saw it as an opportunity for their children to know family. I digress. The meetings were actual and by Zoom. Of course Zvi wrote a lovely message for his classmates most of whom are still in Mexico, saying how the decades which have passed have not dimmed the friendships of those times 60+ years ago.

 

 

Iyab Shalabi is Israeli; Iyab Shalabi is a deaf, mute, paraplegic Israeli; Iyab Shalabi is a Paralympic Gold winner who proudly wore the strip of the Israeli team. Iyab was born deaf and suffered a terrible accident as a child, falling from a roof, which left him paralysed from the waist down. However Iyab has an incredibly supportive family and a father who gave up his regular life to support his son and drive him wherever he needed to practice his swimming. This is the story you won't read in the international media, the story of an Israeli, irrespective of his colour or creed, an Israeli pure and simple. A story of great bravery and determination encouraged by his family, his community and his country. https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/bywcwyqwy

 

The Paralympic Games had humble beginnings at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire (if you are British you say Bucks or Buckingham not the whole mouthful) in 1944-45 after the British government asked Dr Ludwig Guttman, a neurologist who had escaped Nazi Germany and believed that sport was the only way to rehabilitate patients with spinal injuries, to create a rehabilitation centre at Stoke Mandeville.  His story is fascinating https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Guttmann

 

The Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky is considered a brilliant Torah scholar who when Covid first appeared told his flock not to get the vaccination, but his brilliance helped him understand that there is no shame in changing one's view. This week he came out with the statement "No jab, no job". He has warned his followers that it is dangerous to remain unvaccinated which is a huge step forward for the haredi, Ultra-Orthodox community in general.

 

I "unfriended" someone on Facebook this week. I don't mind if anyone wants to discuss with me, to disagree with me but his man went well beyond the Pale. He is obviously an narcissist because he joined the Anti-Vaxxers movement but that isn't enough – he used and wore a yellow star, a fabric yellow star with Anti-Vaxxer written instead of Jude! The lowest of the low.

 

Man was instructed to rest on the seventh day, and the land must rest every seventh year. According to the Bible (e.g. Exodus 23:10-11) every seventh year the land may not be worked, and the produce of the land may not be bought or sold. Rather, the land is to be left alone, though people may pick what grows naturally in the fields and orchards as they need. Of course one must still water the land so the trees will not die, but no more than that.    

This Rosh Hashana takes us into a new harvest year, or rather a new non-harvest year. Shnat Shmitta, Jewish ecology. Each 7 years, as I learned as part of our history\ geography lessons in high school in Wales, one must leave the land to rest. "Rotation of crops encourages the restoration of minerals to the soil" I can still hear the lilting Welsh tones of the teacher. A fascinating conundrum since during this year an observant Jew will not buy produce from Israel for fear of breaking this rule, but rather imported produce.

 

Since my little trees, especially the lemon and kumquat trees, are laden, groaning with fruit, I will have to decide what to do.  The little lemon tree is magical! I have a full crop of fast growing fruit, then a second crop of tiny fruits and now it is in blossom again! I have a feeling that we will have lemons until next year!

 

Today's music has a theme, here the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, whose home is at the YMCA in Jerusalem, is made up of young Israeli and Palestinian singers who talk of making change and being friends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrMtRyaQYXk  Mashup for Change!

 

Achinoam Nini is an Israeli of Yemenite origin who grew up in the States and came back to Israel to serve in the IDF. Mira Awad is a Christian Arab Israeli. Together they represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest with "There must be Another Way"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTQFOkFZw8

 

The last song is also one of hope, of togetherness. Sung in English, Hebrew and Arabic, recorded in the multicultural city of Haifa 2 years ago. One Day by your favourites, Koolulam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gqw0WirTRQ

 

So we are getting closer and closer to Rosh Hashana, to what we hope will be a new start, in readiness for the Day of Atonement. Perhaps a good start is to understand the difference between dialogue and dialectic, talk, discuss, listen. My incredibly wise Mother, the legendary Betty Silver, always told us "You have two ears and one mouth, try to use them in the correct proportion"

 

With much love from the glorious air of Motza Illit. Zvi is about to come home after taking the four girls (Leor's daughters) to see a new centre in Ma'aleh Adumim. Yes, we have 4 girls staying over tonight so that their parents can have a fun weekend. Before you gasp in dismay – all of them had a Covid test yesterday so that Zvi and I would be safe. Zvi just called to say they are on their way home "Have you got pizza in the freezer"? Well of course I have! They will then help me get everything ready for Shabbat…..

With love to you from us.

Shabbat Shalom, a blessed Shabbat

Sheila

 

 

 

Afghanistan and Arson, Booster and Bar Mitzvah

 210820

20^th August 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom to everyone, wherever you may be, however you pray, to whom you pray.

 

How on earth do I start this missive? Afghanistan, forest fires and arson, the return of Covid? (not that it ever really left us) Caliphate, Rockets? I will try to explain all of it but in no particular order since I cannot truthfully give preference to any one situation.

 

http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/afghanistan-and-arson-booster-and-bar-mitzvah/

 

The forest fires around Jerusalem this week were almost certainly arson. The Fire Department investigation has shown that in the fire which raged near Hadassah Hosspital there were three simultaneous points of combustion, (discovered by an American reconnaissance satellite). Several towns and villages were evacuated including Moshav Ramat Raziel and Kibbutz Zova; sadly Eitanim Psychiatric hospital had to be evacuated causing enormous distress to the patients. The second fire near Shoresh has yet to be investigated. Most were able to return to their homes after the firefighters deemed it safe, but some homes were nothing but ashes. Of course there are raging forest fires in other countries, a sad fact of summer heatwaves, parched earth and careless picnickers; the difference is that this is intentional, nationalist and religious based. The fires of hatred led to the arson of a hundred years of tree planting and careful husbandry of wild life.

 

One pinpoint of hope is that Israeli and Palestinian fire fighters worked together to fight the flames of hatred.

 

To link the arson to what is happening in Afghanistan does not stretch the imagination too far, although instead of burning trees the Taliban is killing people; their list of Afghani Christians providing them with the ability to go from Christian house to house and taking the residents or worse. The level of their preparedness is terrifying; they also go from house to house taking any girl child over the age of 12 to what purpose one can only imagine. It is abundantly clear that the American troops could not stay, former Presidents understood that and a plan for their withdrawal was approved long ago, but not carried out. Those who shout and claim that it is all about American politics do not understand the Middle East or the Taliban, or the Caliphate or, sadly, extreme Islam. The purpose is World domination a simple fact ignored by the West and Western leaders. Sadly subsequent US Administrations ensured that the troops fought but not that an alternative government be formed. One cannot expect a theocratic, tyrannical leadership will simply give up power if there is not a well-established, confident leadership to take its place, backed by a loyal army to control the rebels. The Middle East is far more complicated than any Western Leader understands, far stronger and infinitely more powerful. If we don't wake up they will rule the world. I received a description of what is happening to the Christians of Afghanistan from Canon Andrew White – who was the one who alerted us all to what happened to the Christians of Iraq, Gaza and the PA. This isn't about Islam versus Judaism………

 

As I look at the paragraph above I am amazed at myself. My leanings are definitely toward centre left, human rights, tolerance and acceptance of the other, but we have to look reality in the eyes and understand that someone, some brave leader, a modern day Winston Churchill, will have to stand up and say that such cruelty is unacceptable.

 

Hamas decided to close the pincers along with Hezb-Allah in the north and arsonists in the centre. Rockets, Missiles, fires – all with the same purpose but they can't scare us away. Whatever they throw at us we have already known worse.

 

Covid is back in Israel and its variants are coming with it. Let's face it Covid 19 is in itself a variant – another name for it is SARS 2. The reason for its return is obvious and backed up by research – not that we needed it – Why oh why do people have to travel? What did anyone leave behind on one of the many beaches? Crowded airports, museums, trains, planes, restaurants……travellers bringing their variant home, not isolating or having tests (over 6,000 police reports of those who left their homes when they were meant to be in isolation have been given out). Put that together with the utter self-centeredness of those who do not inoculate. There are countries in this world that would give anything for the chance to get a vaccine and still, in the West there are those people who are so adamant in their ignorance, don't want to be vaccinated. Why? Oh poor things, it's against their civil rights!!! All, yes, virtually all of those in serious condition in hospitals are unvaccinated – perhaps that tells you something!

 

Over a million Israelis have already had their booster (3rd vaccine) and now the 40 to 60 age group are getting theirs.

 

Since I was in contact with someone who as later ill with Covid, I went to be tested, once on Monday, at the amazing drive-through testing centre next to the Kraft Sports Centre here in Jerusalem. Wow! I couldn't believe my luck, just one car in front of me. I took my second test yesterday. I left the house in plenty of time to get to the same centre for opening time at 14:00, got stuck behind a garbage truck and arrived at 14:04…..to discover that no less than 100 cars had beaten me to it!! Since the testing centre is in a cul de sac I had no way of going home and trying later so I just sat in the queue and made phone calls! Of course one call was to the lovely CEO of Impact, Marcus Sheff, to catch up on what is happening in the world of Tolerance in Education, to my children, a couple of girlfriends and then I suddenly realised that the baby steps of moving forward, I had really advanced and the end was in sight. As I saw the young man who checks one's ID and gives you the appropriate stickers for the test vials approach, I said a thank heaven, he heard me and pointed up on the hill beside us where there was a big sign with the first line of Shema Yisrael " Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad: Hear, O Israel: the LORD is our God, the LORD is One."  – the very important prayer we say every day. Only in Israel! Anyway, 100 cars and passengers were tested and I was already on my way home within 25 minutes.

 

In most countries around the world the shadow of early AIDS and HIV misinformation of the 80's meant that even after testing homosexual men could not donate blood. Israel has just changed its policy, thanks to Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz. Horowitz, himself homosexual, understood the slurs and misconceptions that still abound and put forward the change in policy which was accepted.

 

Last weekend was amazing. I was so upset that I couldn't go to London to be with everyone for my beautiful grandson Zachary's Bar Mitzva, as was Rachel, but we decided that it would be irresponsible. From Thursday until Monday we were in contact on WhatsApp, joining in whenever possible and then on Monday, Zachary had his big day. He and all the family decided that he would be called up to the Torah reading on a Monday since one cannot do a Zoom in the synagogue on Shabbat (obviously). We watched as Saba (Grandpa) Philip did the entire morning service, then Gideon came on and called up Zachary. I was so thrilled, he sang out his Torah portion in a clear and beautiful voice, well taught by Gideon. We were all thrilled to see Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg appear on the screen, joining in when appropriate then running upstairs in their holiday home to get a shofar and give a good loud "tekiah", which did not do any favours to the microphone!! All in all, it was wonderful and the ensuing party, just a very few people in the garden, was capped by Zacky and Olivia whacking the beautiful 13 piñata that Auntie Rachel sent from Israel,  which after several attempts and with one almighty thwack from Zacky the party favours inside rained over the attending guests! So much fun even if it was from afar.

 

Gosh I hadn't realised the time! I need to get cooking! In the hope that we could have a family Rosh Hashana here in the new place I have already made lots of food and frozen it so not only am I doubtful that we can meet up, even outside on the veranda, there's no room left in the freezer. So today it will be "orange" soup,  Moroccan fish, veggie patties, roasted cauli, chopped salad and probably a fruit crumble for dessert. It's going to be fun that's for sure…..

 

Right now I don't have to cook for our lunch because a neighbour just popped in for a chat and brought us falafel!!

 

We are all fed up with distressing news and increasing isolation so here's something to cheer you up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oszKeU7lEs Happy!!

 

One Israeli artist always sings of hope, of change – everything that was here will change from tomorrow and we can repair everything that is broken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CNTvEQZ6nQ

 

This is one for the Spanish speakers among you. Such a wonderful song by Shwekey and Shlomi Shabbat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xuzcC-qNSk

 

With all our love and wishes for a safe, healthy, peaceful weekend – a Shabbat Shalom – from Jerusalem, still on the view from our veranda!

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Loyalty and Love

210813

 

Shabbat Shalom to everyone but especially to my amazing, clever, gorgeous and kind grandson Zachary who will celebrate his Bar Mitzva this weekend and thanks to Covid I can't be with him or with my family. If only people were less selfish and more understanding that this is a scary pandemic perhaps I could have been there to hug my loved ones. Anyone would think it was a contravention of ones rights to wear a mask or honour isolation rules; it ain't easy but it protects our right to live healthy lives. Yiddish is an expressive language – whether a joke or a story it somehow takes on a life of its own in Yiddish. No point in making plans in there strange times and the Yiddish expression מענטש טראכט אונד גוט לאכט – Mensch Tracht und Gott lacht, which means Man plans and God laughs.

 

Phew! I thought that Covid-19, SARS 2 or whatever you choose to call it was out of the headlines, but here we are back in trouble and possibly headed for another closure. The American Centre for Disease Control has put us on a level 4 list, a no-go list, because our numbers are rising, as they are in Florida and California, and I can't go to my beautiful grandson's Bar Mitzva. Please before flying anywhere; think twice if you really can't cope without the annual holiday abroad. Try glamping, camping, hoteling or touring near home. Israelis have discovered the phenomenal sights all over the country from nature to museums, from white water rafting to visiting the Old cities. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293977-Activities-Israel.html

 

I had my 3^rd inoculation two days ago and apart from a slight temperature for a couple of hours I feel fine, I feel exactly as I did before the jab but more confident!!

 

The Druze are a fascinating religion which developed out of the peaceful Ismaili Islam and do not identify as Moslems. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druze_in_Israel  One of their tenets demands absolute loyalty to the country in which they live. This week Lebanese Druze caught the Hezb-Allah operative responsible for a rocket attack on Israel and made his life very uncomfortable, had him crying with fear as they crowded around his car. Please understand, Hezb-Allah has brought Lebanon, that beautiful country, to its knees and in the eyes of the Lebanese Druze that is treason. As with the Israeli Druze, who pretty much to a man, serve in the IDF, Border Guard and defend Israel with pride and courage, they live on the Golan Heights, but the Lebanese side. https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-hezbollah-man-who-launched-rockets-seen-near-border-in-plain-clothes/

 

Lebanon is not the only country in our area devastated by extreme Islam – it is hard to find one that isn't. However Turkey, that once favourite country for Israeli tourists, is fast diving into third world status. Erdogan has repeatedly chosen the wrong side and is now paying. Horrific fires consume the country and he has no money for firefighting aeroplanes to quench the fires! So sad.

 

Minister of Finance Avigdor Liberman is contemplating taxing soft drinks in plastic bottles, indeed all plastic disposables. I understand the logic of banning or taxing disposable tableware but the problem with taxing plastic bottles (and what about wrappings) is the alternative which is glass – and glass-making requires a huge amount of dirty energy! On the other hand it's a great way for the government to make money!!!

 

The Poles have taken their denial of their responsibility in the Holocaust to new levels. Not only did their government claim that Poles were never part of the German death machine but they now deny that land and properties appropriated by their government at the time should be either returned to their owners or be given restitution. The same government demands that Israel give restitution to Arabs from 1948. My father fled Poland in 1910 after a spate of yet more pogroms and he always said that Anti-Semitism is in the very bones of the Poles. It would appear that he was absolutely right.  https://apnews.com/article/europe-middle-east-poland-laws-aff8252937db7f5b8e3653f71e7726bb

 

I have decided that Wikipedia twists truth too. When the usual banal claims of occupation rose again this week I decided to check out which countries have appropriated land after wars, and there are many, very many! Why am I cross? Because the first few on the list – separated by a little box, is Israel and the "occupied territories"!! See for yourself that we are so far from the only country that won a war and annexed the land. Some are logical some are cruel some are hard to understand but I can promise you that we are the only country among the long list that gives those residents full medical care, education, social security etc https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_occupations

 

I forgot to tell you that last week I finally managed to meet up with Joy Wolfe, the legendary British lady, journalist, fighter for Israel and stalwart of the British Jewish Community. It's always so refreshing to talk to Joy and we sat in a gorgeous local coffee shop that bakes all its own pastries making it really difficult to forgo – so we didn’t! I was very concerned about the current situation in the UK, the lack of positive action by most of the Jewish organisations to combat rising anti-Semitism – actually reflecting what I hear from friends in Canada, USA and most of Europe. Keeping a low profile doesn't help folks.

 

We gave our returning Olympic team a huge welcome at Ben Gurion Airport! Front and centre was Linor Ashram who won a Gold for Athletic gymnastics but everyone got a cheer. Now our Paralympic Team is off to Tokyo for the prestigious Paralympics, often forgotten by the media but of huge importance and cache. Our Paralympic teams are world class, world renowned and bring us huge respect. Time to recognise their achievements and the achievements of each and every team from each and every country. https://www.jns.org/thrill-of-victory-and-agony-of-defeat-paralympic-athletes-are-already-winners-say-israelis/

 

Think about the word disabilities. Dis-abilities, someone who is not able to. That is one word that the superb Kalman and Malki Samuels refused to accept that word when their son Yossi became blind and deaf. Malki understood the importance of giving respite to the overstretched parents and began to care for other children too, starting with just 5 children plus Yossi who was also hyperactive. Today Yossi is an expert on wines and communicates his brilliant mind through finger language. By the way, Malkii doesn't have children in her home any more…….. so let me remind you!

 

Yesterday morning I went with my 3 very best friends to visit Shalva, the most beautiful, incredible centre for children and young adults with widely varied disabilities. Shalva is exceptional and the largest centre of its kind in the world. Gaby Hirsch took us through an amazing video about the creation of Shalva and then throughout the building, 11 stories of pure joy! We then went to visit Dr Dan's Room https://give.shalva.org/daniel going over the incredibly exciting plans which are beginning to come to fruition thanks to your incredible generosity. Rather than talking about the hope, beauty joy and sheer fun that Shalva brings to families that are stretched to their emotional limit why don't you watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8dFK3WFemI

 

Last night Zvi and I went to Tel Aviv to the ever welcoming home of Nattie and Yolli Zonszein to meet with a few friends from Zvi's days at the Yiddische Schule – the Jewish School in Mexico City. Clearly we split up into those who spoke Spanish at great excited speed about their schooldays and of course about their teachers Alla and Kalman Raviv, and those who, like me, don't speak Spanish and we spoke in a mixture of English and Hebrew over the excited tones in the lounge!

 

Today I am really excited because my two cousins, actually the daughters of my beloved cousins Cyril and Irene Silver, are coming to visit! Actually Joanna, Debbie and her husband Zeev will be here in a very short while and I'm still preparing food!!

 

Tonight Gideon and Zachary will go to the synagogue, and tomorrow morning then on Monday Zachary will read his Torah portion. I don't know if I told you but their Rabbi, the incredible Jonathan Wittenberg, has done them the huge honour of lending them his family's Sefer Torah, yes, the Wittenberg Torah, so that he can do his "bit" at home and those of us who are unable to be there can see and hear him on Zoom. How strange and sad is the time in Covid-19. Vayikra from Leviticus is perfect for a 13 year old boy. Gory details of what to do with the heifer to cleanse it for an offering.

 

I must go to finish cooking and set the table. I left Zvi peeling eggs as our friends came to see the new apartment and take ideas on building etc. Always busy at the Raviv household!!

 

When thinking of songs for today I had one in mind already. No need for research!  The Shalva group with "One Day"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN5n4eSNGIA

 

We have a tendency to ignore the things for which we should be grateful and concentrate on what is missing. This will put you in a grateful mood! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alI7YGMOMH8

 

I love the Revivo Project and their incredible Eastern Jewish music. I'm sorry that the translation is in Spanish but I'm still reeling from yesterday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7lMA7aUTQI

 

So, my heart is in London, with Zachary and all my family. I love you with all my heart and I'm so proud of Zac who is an AVID Chelsea fan so the rest of you can switch off or sing along with Zac. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uchOo5HU95s

 

Take care of yourself and of those around you. We have to beat this pandemic and cannot do it if everyone thinks of their own comfort – wear a mask, only travel if you have no choice and get the inoculation!

 

Shabbat Shalom to you all wherever you may be. With much love from Zvi, me and our veranda

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

  

210806 Tokyo, Theocracy and Trees

 210806

6^th August 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom to everyone! Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, well, just outside Jerusalem but with a wonderful view over the city.

 

Gosh it's been hot, but then this is the Middle East and it is August after all. I don't know why everyone is surprised at the high temperatures, I still remember my first visit here in 1963 and my disbelief that every day was hot and sunny as opposed to rainy days and sunny interludes! Of course the ground is parched, the grass brown and the chances of spontaneous combustion in forest areas almost inevitable, especially when the above conditions are helped along by political conflagrations.

 

Talking of trees, yesterday Zvi and I drove from Motza to Eli and Eva's home in Tsur Hadassah for a wonderful Swedish lunch. As we travelled through the rolling, tree lined hills of the Jerusalem Forest I found myself wondering who came up with the idea of trees in Israel as the perfect gift for the Diaspora. Thanks to KKL or JNF or whatever it is called in your country, Israel is the only country in the world with an annual increase in forestation!

 

I'm not trying to avoid the news, I just wanted you to join me on my journey through the winding lanes and great beauty of the Jerusalem Hills. Artistic gymnast Artem Dolgapyot won Gold in the Tokyo Olympics, proudly standing on the highest podium as Hatikva played. Of course this is Israel so it had to cause either political or religious tsunamis, and it did. But, take a second look at the situation. Artem's mother is not Jewish, he was not raised as a Jew and his fiancée is also not Jewish, thus they are not eligible for a Jewish religious marriage, but the media has taken the opportunity to create a fuss that neither of the young people want. The young couple are distressed at the politicization of their situation and they are happy to marry elsewhere and that marriage will be accepted, or to marry in any of the other religious, non-Jewish ceremonies available.

 

Artem's situation brings me nicely to two fascinating articles I read this week. One is by an amazing lady, Brenda Katten, for whom I have great respect and not a little love. Last week I wrote about the intrusion of religious Jews to the Conservative, Masorti and Reform section of the Western Wall and the lack of tolerance in a tiny section of that community. Here Brenda takes it one step further. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/israel-world-jewrys-secret-to-success-tolerance-knowledge-opinion-675922

 

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen wrote "You can obey the law in a mean-spirited, literal, automatic way and ignore feelings and exclude sensitivity. The law is supposed to blind, yes, but not soulless.  There can be times to be flexible. This is true with charity, as much as with other laws. This is precisely why the Torah emphasizes the spirit that matters just as much, if not more than the letter. If only people paid more attention to what is actually written in the Torah."

 

Fatah and Hamas have a long-standing, very violent past and apparently things have not improved although the open killing of Fatah members in Gaza seems to have tapered – on the other hand perhaps they are either gone underground or are already under the ground. This week The Palestinian Authority decided not to transfer Qatari funding to Hamas. I quote "The Palestinian Authority's (PA) banking and humanitarian systems are refusing to take part in an outline to facilitate the transfer of Qatari aid money into the Gaza Strip, fearing such cooperation would expose them to legal actions on the grounds of supporting and funding terrorism" Very clever, they appear clean of supporting terror and of course Israel will be blamed for "the siege of Gaza" even though we are providing all their staple needs every single day!

 

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz spoke this week of the Iranian Nuclear Programme. I am afraid he is absolutely right when he says that Iran is just 10 weeks away from full nuclear capacity. During the Presidencies of both Bill Clinton (Dem) and George W Bush (Republican) a leading light of the Moslem Brotherhood headed the International Nuclear Watchdog Organisation (IAEA). Mohamed El Baradei hid his affiliation behind a warm, erudite exterior but I cannot believe that the authorities of the USA were unaware of his leanings yet accepted his assessment that Iran was not a nuclear threat. Sadly, I believe that Benny Gantz is right. It should also be said that if we need to we are prepared to attack the nuclear sites in Iran, particularly since the election of a very dangerous new President, Ebrahim Raisi, the country is still very much in the control of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It would appear that a brave few are still taking their lives into their hands and demonstrating against the Iranian Theocratic leadership.

 

This week we had two 12 year olds staying with us which was amazing, but coincided with a large number of meetings, both Zooms and actual! We still managed to have fun, including a visit to the Galita Chocolate Farm in Kibbutz Tzova. A great experience but rather expensive! The weather was so hot that on the second day they enjoyed the peace and quiet of sibling-less, girlie television series and then decided to wash and clean our car!!

 

Back to the meetings. Marcus, CEO of Impact-se is back from a highly successful visit to the States and we had a catch-up Zoom with my Vice-Chair David Lui. Gosh, you wait until the report comes out of the acceptance and respect that Impact-se gets in the Political and diplomatic world. My second meeting also involved Marcus as he and I have chosen to help with a project that has won both our hearts. It is not Impact-se related but also involves education, of a very special nature. Danny Adeno Abebe arrived in Israel aged 9 after a horrific trek through Sudan with his parents. Family were lost to starvation and cruelty, but they made it. Danny, always a brilliant student was chosen to serve in the IDF radio "Galgalatz" as an editor and writer, his mentor ensuring that Danny achieved his huge potential. Today Danny is married to Aviva, a nurse and is the father of 4 children, one of whom was born in South Africa but that's another story! He a journalist with Yediot Aharonot and the author of a fascinating book, From Africa to Zion https://www.amazon.com/Africa-Zion-Danny-Adeno-Abebe/dp/9652012866 the story of his life from the wastes of Gondar to renowned Israeli. I will tell you all about it next week but Danny has a dream which he is turning into a project. Apparently education for the rich in Ethiopia and most of Africa is excellent. The problem is that exceptional children do not have a chance and the children of the rich go to Oxbridge and never come back Danny wants to create boarding schools for exceptional children from the remote areas and educate them to be leaders, to stay and change their country. He ultimately wants to create 4 schools in 4 countries. I am so full of admiration for him.

 

Last night, oh my goodness last night! Right up the road from us there is a 4,000 seat open air amphitheatre and last night the phenomenal Idan Reichel Project performed and we were there! In order to sit in the seated area one had to show one's "Green Pass" to show that one had been inoculated and despite the searing heat I still wore my mask. The youngsters ware all on the grassy area well behind us! Idan Reichel is exceptional, his humility and determination to stay in the background and allow his singers and musicians to hold the limelight singing his songs is a joy. The audience knew every word of every song and as the last ten or so songs grew in volume and tempo the kids were all up and dancing and even a few Alte Kackers (in polite language OAP's) were jiggling away!! Zvi and I were so hyped that we walked home down the old Jerusalem Road, the 7 Sisters, enjoying a break from the heat of the day.

 

Obviously the first song has to be from the Idan Reichel Project, not last night's concert but an earlier one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9oA_SnTB4Q The chorus translates as - Here is home, here's the heart, And from you I'll not depart, Our forefathers, our roots, And we are the blossom, the music  - A tribe of brothers and sisters

 

Simon Cowell's influence reached Israel long ago with Israel Got Talent and a Star is Born, and every so often real magic happens on stage. Caryn Rosen Adelman sent me a video of a couple singing Leonard Cohen's Halleluya. I was simply blown away, as were the jury.  https://youtu.be/irEpp0NsgkI

 

As we near the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, days of contemplation and atonement, we see a fascinating difference between the Sefardi (Spanish and Portuguese) and Mizrachi (Eastern or North African Jews) and Ashkenaz or Eastern European Jews. The former beg forgiveness for 40 days whereas the latter for just 10 days! I fell in love with this prayer for Selichot, for forgiveness by David D'Or Adon Selichot  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ9mvnOG01E&t=5s

 

Isn't it strange how suddenly something small can brighten one's life and bring tears of sheer joy? Well it happened to me this week. My adored, incredible grandson Sammy, who is complex needs, received an end of term letter from his teacher of 3 years. She spoke of his kindness, humour, cheekiness and most of all, how Sammy, who cannot communicate with words, looks deeply into one's eyes, into one's soul, as she said "even more than her optician". I am so proud of her pride in his progress and his sheer amazing Sammyness.

 

Never forget to see beyond the exterior of people, there is often a depth and wisdom that cannot be seen to the naked eye.

 

Wishing you a beautiful weekend, a thoughtful Shabbat and the Torah reading this week is fascinating as it introduces what is kosher, introduces the Tithe, talks of the priesthood and Jerusalem…..well worth a quick scan, or even a deep read.

 

With love from us to you, from Jerusalem to the whole world.

Sheila