Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan and Bondi

 

19^th December 2025

29th of Kislev, 5786 

Third week of Advent

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

 

 

We were shaken to the core by the terror attack in Australia at Bondi Beach, a place synonymous with openness, joy, and freedom. What should have been a Chanukah gathering — a moment of light, community, and celebration — turned into horror when innocent people were targeted by men driven by hatred. The attack was not only aimed at Jews who had come together that night; it struck at the very values Australia prides itself on: tolerance, safety, and the right to live openly without fear.

 

Hundreds of surfers paddled out on Bondi Beach in a demonstration of unity with the Jews of their community. Bondi Beach Jewish community sings "Oseh Shalom" (עושׂה שלום) or "He Who Makes Peace" – a heartfelt Jewish plea for universal peace, wholeness, and an end to conflict, often sung during times of need and Jewish communities around the world sent condolences, actually that isn’t accurate, people of all faiths around the world sent condolences and dismay at the horror of that day. Waltzing Mathilda, that oh so Australian song, was sung in a memorial at Bondi https://youtu.be/U52AfCqj-LI?si=UuAQ0xGDdZ5N7gBr and Nova Peris, Olympian, former Senator and representative of the Australian Indigenous peoples, spoke beautifully.

 

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected claims that his words or policies contributed to rising hostility toward Jews and Israel, yet many Australians feel that years of political “wokeness” and moral equivocation have allowed antisemitism to fester in plain sight. As the world mourns those killed and injured the Islamic State put out statements praising the Bondi attack. Even more chilling are claims that threats were issued against Ahmed al Ahmed, the man widely credited with saving lives by confronting one of the attackers, turning a would-be hero into a target for extremists. In that contrast lies the tragedy of our moment: light met with darkness, courage answered by hate.

 

As Mohammed Ehab wrote, every time a shooting happens in the West, Muslims hold their breath, knowing that if the attacker is Muslim, the backlash will fall on millions of innocent people through suspicion, harassment, and fear. He argues that Muslims living in non-Muslim countries carry a responsibility to live peacefully and represent Islam with integrity, and that those who reject this responsibility damage everyone. That fear is now shaping policy too, from the UK criminalizing chants like “Globalise the Intifada” to President Trump banning entry to the U.S. for holders of Palestinian travel documents and citizens of several Islamic states.

 

Something broke in South Africa this week — quietly, politely, and disturbingly familiar. Through votes and procedures at the University of Cape Town, exclusion was dressed up as “justice,” reviving a form of inverse racism that echoes the moral rot of apartheid. “Zionist” has become a convenient stand-in for “Jew,” allowing discrimination to hide in plain sight. This is not about Gaza or humanitarian concern; it is the procedural, sanitized push to remove Jews from public life. UCT didn’t debate — it enforced a purge. And history tells us that apartheid never returns all at once; it creeps back under new names.

 

Food for thought from a Yemeni speaker at the United Nations. Why does nobody care about Yemen while 188 motions are considered about Israel and Gaza? https://youtu.be/IH-Jfo7-eBI?si=rBRDpMmqug0GST9n

 

Still in the UN, The Executive Board of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has unanimously elected Qatar's representative, Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, as its chairperson. Just when we think they cannot sink any further.

 

However, as friendships grown in this region, it’s just been revealed that the UAE is the customer in a massive Israeli defence contract worth $2.3 billion. Amnesty, Oxfam and other Jew hating “human rights” groups are predictably seething. So much for BDS!

 

The shooting at Brown University, a private Ivy League school known for wealthy, high-achieving students, occurred in a preparatory class taught by economics professor Rachel Friedberg, who was not present. During the attack, the shooter reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar.” But the shooter doesn’t appear to be a Muslim. Prof. Friedberg researches immigration economics in the U.S. and Israel and has testified before Congress and Knesset committees. 

 

Chanukah is here! This evening, before lighting the Shabbat candles, we’ll light the fifth candle on the chanukiah — and yes, chanukiah, not menorah. The menorah is the ancient seven-branched candelabrum of the Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed long ago but never forgotten, and it remains one of Judaism’s most powerful symbols. The chanukiah is different: a nine-branched lamp used only for Chanukah, with the shamash lighting the others, reminding us of the miracle of the oil when the Temple was rededicated after desecration. Even in the shadow of destruction, Chanukah celebrates renewal, resilience, and the enduring light that refuses to go out.

 

I love the symbolism of the Chanukiah, of Chanukah, and this year our determination to thrive, our resilience is paramount. For me every additional candle brings more light into the world. Interestingly, in Hebrew, light as in flame or lamp is used to describe a person who is enlightened, someone who brings knowledge and illumination to their surroundings.

 

And so to Christmas! Actually, we are celebrating three religious festivals this month. Chanukah which began five days ago, then on the night of the 24^th Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Ramadan on the 26^th. There are four Israeli cities that celebrate all three festivals, Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa and Nazareth, where Christmas trees stand beside Chanukiah and the Crescent all lit up together to represent unity in a manner which is sadly rare in this world. Religious Jews go into Santa’s grotto, while priests and monks wish passers by “Chag Chanukah Sameach” Happy Chanukah! We live side by side, not always in harmony but as friendly neighbours. The municipalities of those cities ensure that we all feel the warmth of the decorations that light our streets. Interestingly, Bethlehem Road in Jerusalem, is lit all the way to the border, showing the way to hope for the Christians of that city and Jerusalem’s Christians enjoy free Christmas trees from the city. It’s hard to explain to those who have never been here, but we live together without conflict and the cities I mentioned, where many religions and denominations are represented, are truly multicultural.

 

Two days ago the International Board of Impact-se met by Zoom to hear of the incredible achievements of the organisation that I’m so proud to Chair. I really suggest you go to the website and understand that the world can change and is changing in this region, if you just take hate teaching out and put tolerance and understanding into schoolbooks. https://www.impact-se.org/

 

I was in Shalva this week. Rachel and I went to a meeting there and once again were enchanted by the sheer beauty and joy of the place. This centre for people with disabilities and their families, from age two weeks to young adults is a source of joy, of understanding and education. If you want to feel the heartwarming atmosphere of Shalva just watch this. It takes you from the very beginning to the incredible facilities in the Centre https://youtu.be/sVPokzGY9eE?si=sNNC4ffAs0XfkV_F  

 

Tonight Zvi and I will be together, all the children have other plans! I love it, the quiet, the real sense of Shabbat. I cheated this week, I’m not cooking our dinner! Yesterday Rachel and I were in Shilat, next to the city of Modi’in, actually, that is very important to the story of Chanukah, it’s where Matityahu refused to give up his Jewish laws and then told his sons to fight the Greeks/Syrians hence the Maccabees or Hammers began fighting for Jewish existence, a bit close to the current truth for my liking. Anyway, I digress. So Rachel and I went for a late breakfast at one of our favourite restaurants and then did some Chanukah shopping right next to a ready-food place. I’d never been tempted but we went in to take a look. I bought Kubehs, actually the Iraqi Jewish traditional red (beetroot based) soup and some meat moussaka which looks delicious and a fellow customer insisted that it is just like home made! I’ll report on the results next week. Just as Israeli life is multicultural in so many ways so the Israeli cuisine has become a conglomeration. Zvi and I are 100% Ashkenazi but I cook food from the Jewish Diaspora, but then I also cook Japanese and Mexican food!

 

This weekend we will visit friends to light candles, eat latkes those delicious fried potato pancakes. I like mine with thickly grated potatoes so that they are crispy, and lots of sufganiyot (doughnuts). In truth I’m not a doughnut fan but give me latkes with sour cream on the side and I am a happy bunny. OK so back to the friends  who tend to make Chanukah parties every year and we do a communal lighting of the candles and after the blessings we all sing the song Maoz Tzur.

 

With the madness in the world, I thought that the most appropriate song is all about a Christmas cease-fire in World War One, between British and German soldiers. Paul McCartney wrote this song dedicating it to the possibility of peace.  It’s called “Pipes of Peace”  https://youtu.be/B3q4Up5ugTc?si=dNwqzcrcYfqWMF5h

 

This next song gave me goose bumps. While they were recording in the streets of New York with the Children’s Choir of NYC, onlookers joined in.  Enjoy “We Are Lights” https://youtu.be/nRSqCaUvUlU?si=UyVYvergaFuOroHb

 

When we were young! This song started a trend, in fact Bob Geldorf started a trend of giving through song. Try to see how many of them you remember or are still around today! On the other hand, see who is till open and caring and who has fallen for the woke disinformation about Israel.  https://youtu.be/RH-xd5bPKTA?si=D4nmEYhr66-c8Jqo

 

That’s it! There are so many reasons to send you blessings for all our festivals. I wish you peace, joy, family, friends and time to mourn, time to rejoice and most of all time to love.

 

Shabbat Shalom, Chanuka Sameach, a Joyful Christmas and a peaceful Ramadan from Jerusalem, the city we all love.

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Chanukah Christmas and Goodwill to all men

 

12^th December, 2025

22^nd of Kislev, 5786

 

 

Shabbat Shalom! I’m back! I didn’t go as far or as long as I intended but here I am, back in your living rooms! Our travel plans were complicated but important, Zvi heading off to his family and old friends in Mexico City; me to family and old friends in London and in Wales and then to meet in New York for the 6^th anniversary of my wonderful son Daniel’s passing. Four insurance companies had other ideas and I could get medical insurance so at the last minute we changed everything and I had an incredible time with both family and friends and came straight home/ I arrived to a wonderful warm welcome from Yosef, a steaming hot cup of tea and a huge hug. From then on Sheli, our lovely “chosen” granddaughter, stayed with me accompanied by her Mum Ira yesterday. Zvi’s plans changed completely and he flew for four days to Cuba, taking clothing and medicines for the community there. He had a contact in the community through Maccabi who was more than grateful for the suitcase full and Zvi managed to hear, and experience, of the abject poverty that Cuba is suffering. Zvi is now on a flight home and I have prepared all his favourite salads and foods ready for Shabbat.

 

Incidentally, many may wonder why I put the Hebrew date at the head of my writings. It’s simple. I want to remind everyone how long we have been around for a very long time. The Hebrew (Jewish) calendar is 5786 years old. The Jewish calendar system traditionally counts the years from the creation of the world, which is calculated to have occurred in the autumn of 3761 BCE. 

 

So, what’s been happening since we last met? If I tell the absolute truth I avoided news broadcasts while away, relying on my son Gideon for updates. To my amazement and delight, my grandson Zachary, Gideon and Stephanie’s son) is a brilliant debater like his Dad and is really au fait with what is happening in the world. Not bad for a 17 year old. OK that was a serious digression from my intended path.

 

On the schoolbooks front, Greece has cleaned up its schoolbooks, removing any indication toward antisemitism, indeed of intolerance, and Morocco seems to be on board for the same. The Gulf States are welcoming change too, in fact when Marcus Sheff, the CEO of Impact-se arrived in Abu Dhabi, straight from the airport, he thought he was coming to a meeting, for the official opening of our office there, only to be met by a ceremony with men in full local dress dancing! The Emirates are an essential and willing partner for Impact-se and our intention to make the world a better place. You can read all about it, both short summaries and full reports on https://www.impact-se.org/

 

If you remember, it was a young researcher for Impact-se who first found the UNWRA text books online and the world slowly woke up to the truth. Well, this week the Israeli Police raided the Jerusalem offices of UNWRA, closed them and raised the Israeli flag. Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Ariah King said ““People need to remember that UNRWA was involved in the terror attack and massacres of October 7. UNRWA cars were used by Hamas, and UNRWA compounds, schools, clinics, and kindergartens in the Gaza Strip were used by Hamas to hide Israeli hostages and to bury Israeli bodies in the compounds. There’s no difference between UNRWA in Gaza and UNRWA in Jerusalem,”

 

While in the UK I read Eli Sharabi’s book, Hostage, and took several copies for special friends. What an incredible man. I know that we all grieve in a different way, but he has brought a new level of dignity, has restored the will to live life to the full after unbearable torture and loss. It’s a quick read and well worth every word.

 

Amnesty International has finally released a report directly accusing Hamas of crimes against humanity; murder, rape, torture and extermination (their word, I would call it is intended genocide)  for what happened on October 7th and for the horrific abuse of the hostages. For many of us who have watched Amnesty hesitate for years to call out Palestinian perpetrators so clearly, this kind of unequivocal statement is nothing short of remarkable. It feels like a long-overdue acknowledgement of the brutality Israelis have been trying to tell an uncaring world about since that terrible day.

 

This article by Alony Elinel took my breath away. He was a Medical Examiner after October 7^th. I leave you to judge whether or not you read it but it is very important and relevant to the above decision of Amnesty International. https://eastwestliteraryforum.com/prose/aloni-elinel-shadow-in-the-protocol-of-silence/

 

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal made a statement that terrified me and should distress anyone, not just Jews, in the USA. His words “Over half of 18-21 year-old Americans are active in Hamas resistance” We all know what “resistance” means and while his numbers are clearly inflated, probably only include young Islamists (not Muslims, I would never include all Muslims) it is terrifying. To call out such dangerous anti-American behaviour is not racist, it is preserving the moral code on which the United States is built. Before readers in other countries smile smugly, it is no different where you live, be it Montreal, Melbourne or London.

 

Having said that, I must tell you about two wonderful people thar I met in London. When I finally spilled out of the sardine tin that was my flight to Luton, near London, I was met by Imran, and within minutes we were chatting like old friends; he told me about his grandfather, a bootmaker in the British Army in Aden, and we quickly found ourselves talking about Israel and how often it’s misunderstood. Two days later, my Uber driver, Arshad, a thoughtful, modern Muslim with Pakistani roots and a deep love of Wales, continued the unexpected warmth. We spoke about the dangers of the internet, the beauty of Rhossili Beach in Wales, and when I mentioned I live in Israel, he lit up, saying he knew perfectly well that a large part of Jerusalem is Muslim and that many in the UK just don’t realise how free Muslims are here. By the time I stepped out of the car, I understood what I always knew, that so many British Muslims are open, curious, genuinely kind people — and many are just as afraid of their own violent minority as we are.

 

I don’t expect all Jews to support Israel, just look at the ghastly Miriam Margolyes, brilliant actress, awful person, but to my dismay at Paul Simon joined the foul Hollywood woke crowd. I loved Simon and Garfunkle, adored his music in Graceland, my children grew up with his music, I held him high and now he has become a fallen idol. I don’t know how any Jew can accuse Israel of crimes we know she didn’t commit unless he is currying to his supposed audience.

 

On the other hand, British legend, actress, raconteur Maureen Lipman (I love her, always have always will) wrote a wonderful Opinion piece. “Unfortunately, we cannot all fit into Douglas Murray’s cellar” https://www.thejc.com/opinion/cannot-fit-douglas-murray-cellar-bnb1gfnc  You will love her ability to amuse while telling many home truths.

 

As Australia’s social-media ban for teens begins, something important will happen: youngsters are remembering what it feels like to live without the endless stream of hate propaganda, no social pressure shaping their thoughts before they’ve even found their own. Israel is preparing to introduce a similar ban for under-16s, and for many families it feels less like a restriction and more like a rescue. After years of watching teenagers bruised by online cruelty, this moment offers a small but powerful hope, that our children might finally have the space to grow up gently, surrounded by real voices, real faces, and their own unfiltered sense of who they are meant to be. Conversations, discussions can be held person to person and literally face to face.

 

So 2025 is almost over and we are into the festive season, Chanukah and the Christmas. Personally, I’m not a believer in Chanukah bushes or menorahs on the Christmas tree. We both have such important religious and legendary traditions and we should learn, enjoy and keep our ancestor’s traditions separate. The story of Chanuka is about our survival (yes I know it’s only one of the multitude of times our existence was threatened); There are those who think it’s all about sufganiyot (doughnuts) and giving the children gifts for eight nights; others think it is only about the last receptacle for oil that lasted for eight nights; yes it is about that but the story is about preserving Shabbat, Kosher food, Circumcision and all the important aspects of Jewish life. Judah Maccabee was a Jewish freedom fighter who lived in Judea during the 2nd century BCE. He was born in the village of Modi'in, northwest of Jerusalem. Judea was caught between the Ptolemaic (Egyptian) and Seleucid (Syrian) empires, eventually falling under Seleucid rule around 197 BCE. The Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to force the Jewish people to adopt Greek customs, which sparked the Maccabean Revolt in 167 BCE. 

 

After his father Mattathias's death, Judah assumed leadership of the revolt and waged a successful guerrilla war in the Judean countryside. His victories led to the recapture and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE, an event commemorated annually by the festival of Hanukkah.

 

Christmas on the other hand celebrates the birth of a baby boy in a humble stable, a baby who became so much more than a King, he became the son of God. The traditions of the Christmas tree, the nativity scenes and plays for children; going to church for Mass; Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, family get-togethers and everything of great importance therein. Something unexpected happened for the Christians of Bethlehem (who are now a minority, only 20% or less of residents of that City); The Christmas trees in manger Square will sit again this year high atop a hill next to the Church of the Nativity, its lights glittering on a tree as tall as the church itself. For two years Hamas cancelled all festivities that were not their own but this year thousands came to watch the symbolic lighting of the Bethlehem Christmas tree 

 

Melting pots are all very well but the success of that society depends upon our individuality, retaining everything that was precious to our ancestors and should be carried forward to our future generations, otherwise we all blend into a grey mass or worse by far, our children search for an identity and find it in a society far removed morally from everything we stand for.

 

I love Christmas Carols!! I love the music, the sheer joy of them. Perhaps my favourite renditions of all time is this one with David Bowie and the inimitable Bing Crosby. Little Drummer Boy and Peace on Earth  https://youtu.be/lCpXMy5GalI?si=18gG8EmFmMDPn_Hn

 

Did you know that White Christmas, the iconic Christmas song, was written by a Jew for the movie Holiday Inn? Irving Berlin, who at the time was mourning the loss of his son, wrote this beautiful song. Interestingly, Bing Crosby was performing for the troops in WW2 and didn’t want to sing this song because he didn’t want to make the soldiers sad.  https://youtu.be/GJ36gbGlm8Y?si=DG4gXjUlrobE_CiM  

 

Chanukah, gosh so many options, wait and I’ll try to find the best one. How about this, Shulem Lemmer sings several traditional songs, albeit with a very Ashkenaz accent! His voice is so wonderful and he makes all the traditional songs so happy that it makes me want to dance!!  https://youtu.be/GIeeVZfE5i4?si=2vePnhkEYP65uswX

 

The first light of Chanukah will be on this coming Sunday and then we have dates with family and friends for almost every night. Zvi’s return will be celebrated with all his favourite foods, I have been busy!!!

 

Traditions, irrespective of which way you face to pray, every sing one of those traditions honour our parents and grandparents and ensure that we will not be swallowed up in the capitalist dream or the intent to change who and what we are. In the meantime, Shabbat Shalom from very rainy Israel. The people of our coastal plan find it hard to thank God for sweet rain when they need boats to get to work!!

 

I pray that the Christmas blessing of “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men” will be real, that mankind will learn to love, to replace hate with tolerance in our everyday relationships and teach our children to love.

 

With love

Sheila

 

 

 

 

MBS, Sigd, Alon, Rom and Eli

 

21^st  of November 2025

776 days and 3 families still await their loved ones to be returned home for burial

 

The great philosopher and anti-war leader Bertrand Russell said "War was always a great evil, but in some particularly extreme circumstances, it may be the lesser of two evils."

 

Shabbat Shalom! I hope you are well. The good news is that I am writing today and despite appearances there are still good things happening in this part of the world; on the other hand, I won’t be writing to you for a few weeks because I am flying to visit my family in the UK and if I am able to get travel insurance, my family in NYC. Incredibly it is now 6 years since that ghastly day, after a delightful tour of Jerusalem with friends, we received the phone call which changed my life; the news that my son Daniel was killed in an accident in New York. Together with family and friends we are going up to the grave in far off Westchester on his Yahzeit (anniversary)

 

So, what’s been happening here in Israel, or what’s been happening in the White House that affects us in Israel? The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, generally called MBS, received a contrite President Trump, as we have never seen him before. It was strange to see the manner in which MBS was received, with full pomp and circumstance which has not been afforded to any other visiting leader! It’s amazing what a promise of $600 billion investment can do, especially when it then goes up to $1 trillion. I can’t even remember how many zeros that entails!! I was fascinated by MBS’s body language When the President spoke of money. He was obviously bothered, because in polite company such things are not for public consumption. However, when questioned about Khashoggi, despite the President suggesting it was impolite, he answered saying it was a mistake that must be rectified. Of course nothing was said about all the other killings!

 

However, surprise, surprise, amid talk of Israel–Saudi normalization, something remarkable has already happened. Rabbi Yaakov Israel Herzog has become the first Chabad rabbi in modern Saudi history to open a Chabad House in Riyadh, creating a welcoming home for thousands of Jewish expatriates working in the Kingdom. It is the first time that any place of worship other than Islam, was allowed. Chabad is truly amazing, often providing a home away from home and a source of kosher food and prayer for many.

 

Iran is now claiming that it hasn't recovered, nuclear facilities destroyed after trying to incinerate Israel ae no longer viable. Could it be because there is about to be an IAEA inspection?

 

Did you know that Gaza has its own water desalination plants (based on Israeli technology) that serve half of its population? So much for the constant shout that Israel is denying water into Gaza. And Jordan which has a major water problem, following the ceasefire with Hamas, is weighing renewing the project under which Israel and Jordan would fulfil the exchange deal of desalinated water for solar power.

 

On November 18, 2025, the UN Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution (Resolution 2803) both France and Britain voted to make Gaza an international protectorate. Yet both countries recently recognised the sovereign “State of Palestine” which is incompatible with this new resolution. Ah the joys of diplomacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_2803

 

The Israeli government decided that they would not accept Gaza being administered by the PA, which may seem logical but the problem is that now we have lost the power to decide who will administrate, who will have soldiers on the ground and the options are not in our favour. Turkey is becoming more and more radical and……… well you know what I mean.

 

On the other hand, the latest Impact-se (www.impact-se.org ) report on the Palestinian text books is deeply distressing and despite their insistence that they have improved, they have not. The PA curriculum continues to embed antisemitism at its core, with textbooks for all grades portraying Jews collectively as deceitful and corrupt. Across grades, Israelis are presented in grotesquely dehumanizing and demonic terms, enforcing conspiracy theories. Israel is compared to serpents, vipers and Satan’s aids, promoting demonic depictions of Jewish people as a collective. Teacher guides harden the message further, directing educators to teach that Israeli Jews are “fated to disappear.” You can see the full report on our website above.

 

On yet another hand, Eric Adams the outgoing mayor of NYC is in Israel, and despite the obvious fact that he has nothing to gain by it, he has declared his loyalty and allegiance to Israel in a visit at the Kotel

 

OK, so I have almost as many other hands as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof but if I don’t jump from subject to subject, I’m going to miss something. This week, about 130 military officials from around the world have arrived to get an inside look at the country’s newest battlefield insights from the 2023–2025 Middle East war, in a behind-the-scenes tour of cutting-edge tactics and tech. The guest list is surprisingly diverse: a big U.S. delegation, plus officers from Canada, Britain, France, Germany, India, Morocco, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Estonia, Japan, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. It’s a rare mix of uniforms, accents, and perspectives—all comparing notes, swapping stories, and seeing firsthand how Israel adapts on the modern battlefield.

 

In the Christian world things are not going smoothly. What on earth is happening to the USA? U.S. District Judge Garcia on Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction mandating the removal of Ten Commandments posters from classrooms many Independent School Districts in Texas, which were named in a lawsuit filed by multifaith and nonreligious families in September. What on earth can be offensive about the 10 Commandments?

 

There is one situation where I run out of hands unless it’s to punish the hooligans, the Jewish terrorists in Yehuda and Shomron. The situation is close to anarchy and the government doesn't appear able or willing to do something about it. A very small group of Jewish Israeli youth is going on rampages against Palestinians and last Tuesday about 100 of the most likely young thugs attacked the village of Beit Lid near Tulkarem. Some were initially detained but only one was held for more than a day. I want to see them locked up as the terrorists they are. Let it be no mistake the vast majority of Jewish Israelis in the West Bank are law abiding and vehemently condemn violence against the Palestinian residents.

 

The debate and knowledge team from Ehad Ha’Am Middle School in Petah Tikva, competed against 2,500 students from 64 countries at the prestigious World Scholar’s Cup competition held at Yale University. The competition, all in English, included challenges in debate and writing. The Israeli team won the gold medal in debate and other academic areas, and won third place overall as a team.

They won 10 trophies in total!

 

Today is the Festival of Sigd, the festival of Ethiopian Jews who celebrate 50 days after Yom Kippur. There are 177,600 people of Ethiopian descent in Israel, 47% born here, 53% came on Aliya, a tough masa, a treacherous trek through Sudan. This is a fantastic Aliya primarily because the Ethiopian Jews prayed for centuries to return to Jerusalem. They have achieved success on every level.

 

17 survivors of Hamas captivity went to the White House to be greeted by President Trump. The gesture is one of warmth from a President whose disposition is somewhat mercurial, but in terms of the hostages has remained steadfast.

 

Rom Braslavski was in Hamas captivity for 738 days. He suffered the worst of extreme physical and sexual abuse, as did others, and he feels that they do not receive the help that they deserve and desperately need. It was not a political statement; it was a cry for help from the overwhelmed social security and medical world. However, some disgusting people sent abusive messages because they perceived it as a criticism of the government. How low can human garbage go?

 

Alon Ohel dreamed of music and piano while in captivity. Although blinded in one eye (surgery on his return has saved his sight). This week Alon sat at the piano in Hostage Square and played for the first time.  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRO5hsbiERn/?igsh=MWlvMXp3a2p5OHdscA%3D%3D

 

And then came Eli Sharabi! Eli Sharabi who lost everything, his wife and daughters and his brother, to the barbaric actions of Hamas, yet his dignity and goodness have won through and incredibly, this week, he became a runway model! Here he is on the runway of Israel’s fashion week https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yo6dZcyCSbo

 

Melanie Shiraz is Israel’s contestant for Miss World. Melanie designed her own symbolic dress. Poppies for October 7^th, a yellow shawl for the yellow ribbon and a big Magen David on the front. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRO8oA2kbQv/

 

I don’t know about you but I am exhausted by the amount of information I have just crammed into less than 2 pages! I feel that, although there is lots more news, I should finish on a high, on Eli Sharabi. In fact if you haven’t already bought his book “Hostage” you really should https://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Eli-Sharabi/dp/0063489791

 

The song that Alon Ohel played in Hostage Square is exceptionally beautiful. Called Song without a name Yehudit Ravitz sings https://youtu.be/aK184Uoejgo?si=qRLHxCwFmJlNAXma

 

Masa, or journey is the song recorded by a choir of young children of Ethiopian origin about their trek and their dream of Jerusalem. It is the story of all those who left the hills of Gondor, endured the bandits of Sudan,  with the dream of Jerusalem ever on their minds.

 

“The moon watching over above, On my back, the meager bag of food
The desert beneath me, no end in front, And my mama promises my little brothers…
A bit more, a little more, To lift you your legs, A final effort, Before Jerusalem
The strong moonlight scene, Our bag of food got lost, The never-ending desert, the howls of jackals
And my mum calms my little brothers…
Another moment, a little more, Soon we will be redeemed, We won’t stop going, to the land of Israel
And in the night, bandits attacked, With knives and a sharp sword
In the desert, the blood of my mum, the moon my witness and I promise my little brothers
Just a moment, a little more, The dream will be fulfilled, Soon we will arrive, to the land of Israel
In the moon, my mama’s image, Looking at me. Mum, don’t disappear from me!
If only she was by my side, she would be able to convince them, that I’m Jewish
A moment more, a little more, The dream will be fulfilled, Soon we will arrive, to the land of Israel
A moment more, a little more, Lift your legs A final effort, Before Jerusalem.”

https://youtu.be/Jia0eXB1eP0?si=Q964iIWzctWpSL10

 

Finally, one that you all know. The Shabbat Prayer from Fiddler on the Roof, after all, I have been “on the other hand-ing” all the way through this missive. https://youtu.be/LnaZqHy2ZHE?si=1R-0Po__ZLO7zpyR

 

I wish you a wonderful Shabbat, a warm family orientated weekend. Sending all my love to each and every one of you. Remember the old adage about being worst before the dawn? Well I have a feeling that things must get better, will get better, after all it all depends upon each and every one of us. Talking of adages do you remember my motto “The Power of One”?

 

With love from Jerusalem, the glorious place that 500 years of dispersion and humiliation never halted the Jews of Ethiopia determination to come home.

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THUGS, HEROES AND RAIN

 

THUGS HEROES AND RAIN

 

14^th of November, 2025

23^rd Heshvan, 5786

 

Shabbat Shalom, I hope this missive finds you well.

 

Guess what? It’s raining, it’s pouring and we are thrilled!  Our WhatsApp is flooded with photos of rainbows and the veranda is glistening, washed clean by the downpour! The air is fresh and the scent of after rain leaves is filling my heart. I’ll do my best to be concise with the bad news and skip to the good news, but I gave us both a rest last week with the good news and this week I have to be honest with you as I promised from the very start.

 

It's 50 years since the harbinger of modern Anti-Semitism that we are witnessing throughout the world, was made acceptable. It is 50 years since the United Nations, Zionism is Racism resolution came into effect. Chaim Herzog was our Ambassador, and after the adoption of Resolution 3379 he stood before the UN General Assembly and lambasted them for their racist action.  That is the day it became acceptable to hate Israel.

 

Keith Sigal stood before the United Nations and did what so few dare to do: he told the truth. He spoke openly of the atrocities of his captivity — humiliation beyond imagination, the pain of physical brutality, and the crushing loneliness of not knowing whether his beloved Aviva was alive or dead — a savagery the world still tries to explain away. His voice trembled not from weakness but from absolute clarity. For a moment the UN didn’t see us as enemies, but as human beings. Almost in the same breath of history, another truth arrived: the body of Hadar Goldin, stolen and taken to Gaza in 2014, was finally returned. His mother’s face, carved by a decade of grief, spoke volumes. Itai Chen was also brought home for burial in this blessed soil, because Israel brings home its soldiers, alive or dead; that is who we are. Yet the fact that we had to bargain for the remains of a fallen soldier reveals the same moral asymmetry that  Keith Sigal exposed so clearly. Bringing Hadar home is not closure, it is a reminder of the price we pay to remain humanein a world, and a region, that so often refuses to be.

 

Now, as Hadar is finally laid to rest in the land he died protecting, a deeper question rises, one that we alone must answer. Will his return strengthen our resolve to stand together against the darkness that surrounds us, or will we slip back into the familiar fractures that have weakened us so many times before? The price we pay to remain human is already unbearably high. The only real danger now is that we forget what it has cost us — and each other.  

 

 The world, meanwhile, looks at us with a hatred so practiced it feels automatic. New York feels less safe than it did days ago. Melbourne boils with open antisemitism. Countries far from our region speak the language of peace while calling for our destruction. And yet, in irony almost biblical, many Islamic countries nearby are becoming more understanding of our impossible reality — more curious, more open, more willing to draw close.  

 

The Telegraph is a rare animal in today’s world, a newspaper that does its best to tell the truth. The Telegraph called out the BBC, brought to light all the bias and disgraceful anti-Israel journalism and finally we may see the result of the Balen Report that I fought so hard to bring to light. The damning Report cost the British taxpayer about $500k to produce and then the BBC refused to publish it. Only now, thanks to President Trump’s legal action, it may come to light. Baroness Deech, an outspoken proponent for Israel in the House of Lords, has said the BBC ‘cannot be trusted to mark its own homework’ 

 

Young thugs who call themselves observant Jews are committing acts of terror against innocent Palestinian families, desecrating everything our faith holds sacred. They burn cars, break trees, and threaten ordinary people — all while pretending to act in God’s name. As an Israeli, I am heartsick and furious. This is not Judaism and not love of this land. They are not defending Israel — they are wounding her soul. This is not who we are. Not in my name.

 

On the other hand, and there is always another hand, the head of the Christian Kateb Party of Lebanon,  Samy Gemayel, supports peace talks with Israel and accused Hezb-Allah of obstructing all efforts toward peace. Hezb-Allah is again breaking UN Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Hezbollah and other forces from Lebanon south of the Litani River, the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, with no armed forces other than UNIFIL and Lebanese military south of the Litani River, which flows about 29 km north of the border. Hezb-Allah is rebuilding and rearming their aggressive tactics create a situation whereby Israel has no choice but to react. However, if Samy Gemayel is successful, perhaps Lebanon will go back to being a Christian country the way it was meant to be.

 

Golda Meir best explained the situation we find ourselves in today way back in 1973. https://youtu.be/7Q5PZIBkQck?si=vpG88yITvrXO7XSx

 

This weeks Torah reading is called Chayei Sarah or the life of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. The interpretation of this section, this reading, underlines all future conflicts in this region and the modern world.

Sarah and Abraham were married for 10 years without any sign of an heir. Hagar was Sarah’s maidservant who Sarah chose to be a surrogate and provide Abraham with an heir, but once Hagar became pregnant, the tension in the house exploded; Hagar felt herself more important and was very rude to Sarah. After things finally broke down, she ran away with her son only to be met by an angel who told her that God saw her pain and that her son, Ishmael, would grow into a great nation. Later, when Abraham sent her away again it begs the question; did he really abandon her or was he simply creating space between two women who couldn’t live under the same roof? Maybe he sent her to another part of his land, a place where both sons, Yitzchak (Isaac) and Ishmael, could grow up together.

 

Staying with great women -

 

On the lighter scene, Kim Kardashian decided to bring SKIMS, her multibillion-dollar shapewear brand, into the Israeli market. With many millions of followers, it’s a powerful message in a time when so many celebrities cave to pressure. You rock, Kim and good for you for moving on from your disgusting Ex.

 

Gal Gadot, a true “Wonderwoman”, has won the million dollar Genesis Prize for her incredible work promoting Israel and motherhood. Of course she will choose a charity to donate her win. Well deserved

 

Noa Kirel, a sweet and hugely talented Israeli star, married the love of her life, football star Daniel Peretz in a relatively small ceremony, the big party to follow. Noa Kirel is huge but has never lost her natural kindness and quality.

 

This was an insane week, busy beyond imagination, something that keeps us on the ball and rather tired! I had a wonderfully quiet Shabbat and then it all went crazy. Monday morning we met some of Zvi’s choir friends in the Ella coffee shop and that evening we went to a new restaurant near us called “Motza” with Harry and Nancy Bloomfield, from Montreal. The food wasn’t that good but the service was wonderful, especially when they heard Harry and Nancy’s surname; everybody knows the Bloomfield football stadium! The young waiters were amazing, the house brought us “shots” and dessert on-the-house and fun was had by all. However, there was something that I recognised about one smiling young waiter and I managed to talk to him over the jubilation that surrounded us. “Tell me about yourself, I see sadness behind your smile” “I lost my brother in the Nova Festival and I can’t seem to recover my joy” Had there been less people at the table and easier access to him I would have given him a hug – sadly I know that pain but for different reasons.

 

The next day, Wednesday, was split in to 3 sections! Firstly I went to say farewell and wish a wonderful trip to my incredible, beautiful, bright granddaughter Talia who was off on a big adventure to Latin America, starting gently with the natural hospitality of our friends Martin and Helene in Miami. I miss her vibrant personality already! I then rushed home to open the door for the window man who had to repair something small and then our friends Merle and Frank Friedman arrived, a wonderful chance to sit and natter with two wonderful people before setting off for a huge event for the opening of a highly luxurious and exquisite assisted living where Merle and Frank have a huge apartment. Here, assisted living doesn’t mean and Old Age Home as it once meant, it is simply a place where you live a perfectly normal, active life with all the facilities should something go wrong. Classes, lectures, theatre, elegant lounge, beautiful dining room and wonderful gardens, and best of all it is around the corner from us so we can see them frequently!  They stayed over and we sat to have breakfast together which is a rare treat. Last night we went to Maccabim-Reut for a delightful dinner with Inbal and Marcus Sheff (yes Impact-se’s outstanding CEO). Their home is phenomenal, a rebuild after their former home became untenable. Delicious food Inbali! Tonight, we have Zvi’s boys and families for Shabbat Dinner. I am making it easy on myself, a home-made soup from the freezer, salmon, roast veggies, Amiad’s home-made pizza, lots of salads, and a bought cake with ice-cream for dessert. Tomorrow we have nothing! Shabbat will really be a day of rest!

 

I am already excited to hear Zvi’s beautiful voice reciting the blessing over the wine and then the children all place their hands over the cover for the Challah and recite the blessing over the bread. From then on, it’s a free for all!

 

And so to music.

Idan Amedi, despite his fame left everything on October 7th to put on his uniform and fight in Gaza. He was badly injured and while recovering he wrote this song. He doesn't see himself as a hero, indeed he rejects the very idea. He sang this song at the funeral of Hadar Goldin and in his speech he stressed the fact that it was the people, not the government, that brought Hadar home. We must not forget that there are 3 more bodies to bring home. https://youtu.be/qQepsm0Rc0U?si=QwHtuRO_gPyDElbk

 

Everyone is a hero seems an odd title for a song but that’s what happened for two years of our life and they deserved a song just for them. As the song says, everyone look normal but we are a notion of heroes. https://youtu.be/EjCVg_aYfp8?si=hUYt-KEW36p3fBcR

 

Let’s end won a high note with “Rak b’Yisrael” Only In Israel, a fun song which describes life here best of all! https://youtu.be/i-7EvfJje88?si=uWwwy6AeqOVIuVS7

 

Shabbat, ah Shabbat, the Sabbath, the day of rest, created so that we can distinguish between the days of the week and the day that the Almighty stepped back and after admiring his work, rested. It may be the day you choose to go to the beach or to spend the day in prayer, either at home or in a synagogue or church or mosque; it is irrelevant, as long as you remember that this world is a miracle and it’s time to stop those who would destroy it and the peace of Shabbat.

 

It's time to get cooking, to set the table, prepare whatever is left to prepare so that I can go to visit Rachel and the children. I hope I’ll manage it because it is an important part of leading up to Shabbat for me. The candles are already in the candlesticks, one each for each of the families of our children, one for the hostages so that I will not forget that there are still 3 families waiting for closure and two brightly coloured ones for my incredible memories of my son Daniel z”l.

 

That’s it!! Shabbat Shalom to each and every one of you, my friends, my close friends even if we don’t know each other! With love from the eternal city of Jerusalem, the golden city on a hill.

Sheila