Trump, Eli Sharabi and Hostage Square

 

7^th of March 2025

7^th of Adar, 5785

518^th of October

 

Shabbat Shalom, Ramadan Mubarak, have a peaceful weekend

 

David ben Gurion said “If Jerusalem will fall there will not be a State.” Not Tel Aviv, nor Haifa, Jerusalem, the City we should not forget.

 

I want to begin with a quote from our dear friend Dr. Kimball Taylor who is here for the JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) meetings. We had the rare opportunity of a few extra days with him due to the crazy demand for flights! I was talking to Kim, as they say “of cabbages and kings” and he told me about an interview he gave to promote the cause of JAFI and Israel in the world. I quote Kim directly, as he spoke in the recording, because I feel that it encompasses so many elements of our life here in Israel.

 

“I love the story of father Abraham and his tremendous faith in being willing to offer his son Isaac up to God. At that point he did not know that there would be a ram in the thicket, but fortunately there was and he was spared the agony of losing his only son. Today, in Israel, tens of thousands of parents, every day, are called upon to lay the lives of their sons and daughters upon the altar of freedom not knowing if there will be a ram in the thicket to save them. Sadly, for many of them, they are not offered such a reprieve. We owe these people our freedom. We need to pray for these parents and to pray for all of Israel that they will be protected that they will come home safely just as Isaac was able to return home to with his father Abraham”

 

There are more than two sides of President Trump and this week we saw both of them. A belligerent  Zelensky showed us that the meeting he had with President Trump was probably staged but he knew his role, not a happy one, as Ukraine became the Czechoslovakia of the undeclared war with Iran. The other side of Trump was when the former hostages were received in the Oval Office and he sat listening to every word they said, not interrupting, clearly moved by each of them.

 

I think that we were all shocked by the interchange between Vance, Trump and Zelensky. By siding, or appearing to side, with Russia, the USA then opens a channel to Iran. Putin's ego is massaged by making him central to such channels. Through Putin Iran can be persuaded, through promises, to stop financing their proxies, thus securing Israel and Jordan. Iran no longer has access to Lebanon since Syria fell.

A convoluted scheme indeed. Sometimes, if the situation calls for diverse tactic one needs to deal with the devil to reach one’s goals.

 

Talking of dealing with the devil, Eli Sharabi was over 500 days in captivity by the cruellest of cruel captors, Hamas. His story captured the hearts of anyone who has a heart as he returned home, haggard, skeletal and broken by the news that his beloved wife and daughters were killed on the Black Saturday. I say broken but Eli is an exceptional man, capable of looking beyond his pain and tragedy and finding strength in his love for everyone.  Ilana Dayan is a strong and determined investigative journalist on Israeli television. While a gentle soul in her private life she is unwavering is seeking the truth. Eli Sharabi asked her to interview him and the result was highly emotional and brilliant. I was entranced by this man who came out of the gates of hell and has no need for vengeance. Please, take the time to watch and listen, the English subtitles are excellent. https://vimeo.com/1062681067/e63e614963?share=copy

 

The students of Michigan University reached the depths of odious, repugnant behaviour when they desecrated a memorial to the Bibas family. The sheer evil reflects much more than ignorance.

 

Ramadan is an important festival in Islam, fasting during the day and feasting by night. It should be a period of contemplation and prayer, but the current wave of incitement to hatred has changed all that. This week they have been Terror attacks in Sweden, German and Austria as well as those in Israel. The whole of Europe is on high alert as Islamic Jihad, Isis and other Hamas supporters “celebrate” Ramadan in a manner not known to any rational religious thought. Those who still believe that Israel is the reason, even the cause, have a rude awakening as they learn that extreme Islam has simply put Israel as the arch enemy to hide the real purpose. Believe you me I have the honour of knowing many Moslems, not in the “some of my friends are….” but real friends who abhor the realm of terror as I do. The Gulf States despise the perpetrators of terror, maybe excluding Qatar, and are doing whatever it takes to take hate education out of their children’s schools.

 

Talking of terror (yet again my lateral thinking takes you places you never thought you would go). What about Islamist Extremist terror against Christians? A Report from the Gatestone Institute disturbed me beyond sadness. After forces from the al-Qaeda affiliated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group conquered Damascus and overthrew Syria's Assad regime in December 2024, they urged the residents of the Valley of the Christians to surrender any weapons they kept for self-defence, telling them that civilians would not be harmed. Since the jihadists' takeover of Syria, however, around 500,000 Christians in the country have been faced with increased persecution and abductions. On February 16, more Christians were abducted from another village in the area. Their kidnappers, according to sources on the ground, are torturing them. Christian clergy are not allowed to walk outside in any clothing that makes them recognisable as priests or pastors. Crosses have been removed from church buildings." So when you see the reports that it is all about Israel, it isn’t. It’s not only about Jews either, it is everyone that does not conform. The Syrian leader may now wear a suit and tie but his heart is still in the garb of dissent.

 

My week began by singing “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” with an assorted group of about 25 proud Welsh people in a busy shopping mall in Jerusalem. Actually, we sang several Welsh songs with gusto while shoppers looked on in confusion. We all looked normal but then they had no idea that you can take the Welshman out of Wales but you can never take Wales out of the 500 Jews who made Aliya!!!

 

From our meet I went off to the airport to collect Kim and come home to hear the tales of an LDS family in Western Canada! Kim is everything I write about him. Friend, brother, listener and having him to stay with us is a joy.

 

We all had Shabbat lunch with our lovely friends Ronit and Yossi Dagan and then after Shabbat we went to Hostage Square with our friend Ruth Tamir who kindly let us park in their car park. There were thousands upon thousands of people there, but since we arrived fairly early Ruth and I moved toward the front and people moved aside to get me a free place on the railings next to the stage. It was deeply moving as the families of those still in Gaza, under diabolical conditions, stood together with the placards holding pictures of their loved ones. After standing for over half an hour I needed to find a chair! I realised that I had to get from our wonderful perch at the front all the way to the back, through a sea of people. I started walking and that sea of people parted like in the Bible story! Nobody pushed, people just extended hands to help me through until I found the tent with chairs. I believe that my little story illustrates the kind of people that come to Hostage Square. It isn’t political, there were people of every political belief, it is all about the Hostages and supporting the families. Yes of course there were determined cries of “Achshav” NOW! Concerning obtaining the release of those still in captivity and the bodies that the Hamas body snatchers took with them to Gaza. The parting of the people to let me through said so much about those who go to Hostage Square.

 

Most of this week was our usual insane schedule but last night was spectacularly joyous! Zvi decided to have an early birthday party for his 80^th, because he celebrates together with three other friends, all of whom celebrate their 80^th, born within days of each other. Yolli Zonszein, Samuel Bettsak and Daniel Liwerant plus the ridiculously young Yitzik Lev who has a couple of years to go! Zvi ordered Mexican food (he’s so generous that we couldn’t manage even half the amount) and then Rachel, Ayala and Yosef arrived with the biggest balloons I have ever seen pronouncing 80! It gave me so much joy to see the warmth and love that they exude which is returned by all they meet.

 

I’m sure there will be lots of birthday parties, Zvi already mentioned bringing friends from his various parliaments to come home instead of to the coffee shops to chat and celebrate. Sounds good to me! Any chance to celebrate to forget the dirty politics that are dragging us down further and further into depression. We have to take the example of Eli Sharabi and find joy even through the tragedy.

 

Tonight I will see an old friend, Bryan Isaacs, the big brother of an even older friend Stephen Isaacs, and the Uncle of a wonderful young woman, a baker whose support for Israel warms my heart, Tami Isaacs! Generational love! Bryan is coming for dinner to catch up on the 60 years since I last saw him!!

 

My goodness I’m late today but for a very good reason. Actually two very good reasons! One is because the electrician came back because last night, as we were about to sit down to dinner, we the electricity decided to leave us in darkness. Thanks to our neighbour we managed to get some light but something was seriously wrong with the system and this morning Michael came to put it right. Then my wonderful, fascinating neighbour Yael popped in and as usual  we got chatting and I lost all sense of time. So much as I would love to continue our conversation, I have to get the table laid for Shabbat, have a quick clean and prepare to light the candles so excuse me if I run.

 

Songs and music warm my heart even in the darkest days so here we go

 

It is 25 years since the beautiful Israeli singer Ofra Haza passed away. Perhaps you all know her rendition of Jerusalem of Gold which she sang at the 50^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.  https://youtu.be/L8Co7IzOyhw?si=XG_XQxiTEvcitul0

 

What does an Israeli, held in captivity in a tunnel for 490 days, beaten and starved, loses the use of his right hand, do when he is released? He sings a song about the sunshine in his life. Use the cc button for translation https://youtu.be/nflbvTepb4k?si=2dW5PS2faKOEWw7r

 

Omer Adam is one of the most popular Israeli singers who spends a lot of his time singing for injured soldiers and in this song he prays for a return to love and joy. https://youtu.be/uhSZKAcJs38?si=1LohGGuvsr8xIl-_

 

I wish you a Shabbat shalom, a shabbat of peace and love while the world continues in its uncaring manner. Remember how you feel is up to you, the world around you, your personal space depends upon how you make it.

With love from Jerusalem, glimmering in the distance.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orange Balloons

 

27^th February 2025

29^th Shevat 5785

509 days since the 7^th of October

 

 

Shabbat Shalom and Hodesh Tov, a new month, the month of Adar, and, if I dare, I wish all my Moslem friends a peaceful Ramadan which begins tomorrow

 

Haim Nachman Bialik was the Israeli poet laureate, the national author. Bialik wrote these words after a pogrom, even though he never knew two tiny babies with bright red hair his words ring true. He wrote:-

“Vengeance for the blood of a little child has yet to be designed by Satan”

 

Each death, each body, each tortured soul that is returned from the hell of Hamas captivity is a tragedy, no-one is different, each is mourned, but somehow, these two beautiful children and their mother became a symbol of the barbarity, savagery of Hamas. Shiri Bibas’s terrified face as she clung her babies to her breast touched every heart, except for those who have no heart only hatred. Thousands of Israelis lined the route of the funeral cortege for many kilometres, our only way to express our national grief. Orange balloons, Israeli flags, large signs saying “Slicha” Sorry. A cavalcade of motor cycles accompanied the official cortege. Finally they came to the cemetery of Nir Oz and Shiri, Kfir and Ariel (z”l) were laid to rest together. Yarden, the adoring husband who came out of Gaza with a broken spirit, stood and eulogised the love of his life and his babies as did Dana, Shiri’s sister.  Each and every person saying sorry we couldn’t protect you. Dana and Shiri’s parents were killed on that fateful day, the day that caught all of those who were meant to protect us, asleep at the wheel.

 

The day before the Bibas funeral the funeral of Oded Lifshitz z”l took place in his beloved home of Kibbutz Nir Oz. As with each funeral thousands came to honour this man of peace. His widow, Yoheved, herself a released hostage, said “Our abduction and your death have shaken me to the core. We fought all through the years for social justice, for peace. To my sorrow, we were hit by a terrible blow by those we helped on the other side. I stand here staggered to see the number of graves, and the terrible destruction of our community that was completely abandoned on October 7th.”

 

Kibbutz Nir Oz, a truly liberal community of some 400 members, 100 were either lost or abducted. At least one quarter of their members. Many of the members came from Latin America, predominantly Argentina, and thousands of Argentinian Jews filled the streets of Buenos Aires, orange balloons, Israeli flags and singing Hatikva. The Argentinian Government is about to change the name of a street to Bibas Street.

 

I can't stop thinking about those two devastated young men, the two hostages, Eviatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who were forced to sit in a car and watch their friends forced to take part in a ludicrous ceremony, but on their way home to their families. Such cruelty.

 

We have a tendency to believe that it's just us just Israelis or just Jews in general but it isn't. Not only have Christians disappeared from Gaza, it is unknown if they fled or were killed or both; but in any country that has Islamist fanatics Christians are killed. This week 70 Christians were beheaded in the Eastern Congo aka The Democratic Republic of Congo, if ever there were a misnomer that has to be it.

 

Yesterday we received the bodies of four slain hostages in exchange for 600 convicted terrorists held in Israeli jails, several of whom are murderers. More than 100 murderers and lifers released, most of them deported via Egypt; 445 post-Oct. 7 prisoners returned to Gaza and dozens released to Yehuda and Shomron known as the West Bank. Such is the price of bringing all the hostages home for burial.

 

I have to address the supposed siege and starvation in Gaza. Even if we ignore the fact that hypermarkets and fruit markets have reopened, how many trucks do you think have passed through the borders from Israel in the last month? Remember that until last week we were still officially at war. A couple of hundred? A couple of thousand? This official report is from COGAT the Israeli Government  Humanitarian Aid to Gaza (and the world but at the  moment let’s concentrate on Gaza). “Israel’s war was never with the people of Gaza. Hamas, by choosing to continue the war, significantly obstructed aid delivery. Despite challenges, Israel has successfully facilitated the entry of over 1.3 million tons of aid to Gaza within the last 15 months.” https://gaza-aid-data.gov.il/main/  I beg of you to spread those numbers to all the doubters who are still so brainwashed that they believe the Hamas lies about starvation.

 

It feels as if the whole world is against us but suddenly, one incredible person, one politician stands up and speaks her mind. Australian Senator Jacqui Lambie delivered a heartfelt speech in parliament, urging politicians to stand with the Jewish community and condemn those behind the recent wave of antisemitic attacks. https://youtu.be/MI0oqE2Hzas?si=RO8t49QENotnhnSm

 

Finally the IDF, tired of waiting for an official, governmental commission of inquiry into the 7^th of October, has published their own results. It does not put the IDF or the various arms of the secret service in a good light, but they are honest. Herewith https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-identified-but-ignored-5-warning-signs-of-hamas-attack-on-eve-of-oct-7-its-probe-shows/

 

The need for togetherness, to be with friends and neighbours has held us together, communities, parliaments, just being with others who understand how we feel has strengthened. We hold classes in the village, lectures in the hall where we hold our mind and movement class, trips to museums and exhibits, all to be together. Two days ago our “Over 60+” group went to see an excellent museum, one that I pass on a regular basis and always say “I must go there” but don’t. Zvi and I took the opportunity and we went to the “Museum of the Khan in Shaar Haguy on the main Tel Aviv Jerusalem Road. It is the story of the fighters who broke through the road to Jerusalem providing food and arms to the besieged city while under heavy Arab gunfire. You hear their testimonies and how they made fateful decisions. We watched a moving presentation that describes the high price the generation of 1948 paid in their struggle to keep the lifeline to Jerusalem open. We learned that when three vehicles were blown up and a British officer who came to the Hagana base, told them that they were finished, they couldn’t stand any more losses, to which they responded that they would continue to fight through and win, and they did. https://www.magazine.esra.org.il/posts/entry/khan-museum-at-shaar-hagai-jerusalem-1.html

 

Last Friday night’s Shabbat Dinner guests were Nattie and Yolli Zonszein, Becky and Samuel Bettsak, Derek and Irit Leroith and of course Itzik Lev! It was, as always, lively and fun and I think they enjoyed their food…. And Nattie’s wonderful Tiramisu for dessert. During the week Zvi has meetings for Hora Yerushalyim Dance Troupe and I had telephone meetings with Marcus Sheff, the amazing CEO of Impact-se. He gave me some incredible news!

 

“IMPACT-se announces that it is to open Abu Dhabi office at the International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference and hold high-level talks at UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The office will enhance collaboration, act as launchpad for engagement across the Middle East and as a key center to eradicate antisemitism from textbooks in the region.” So incredibly proud  www.impact-se.org

 

I was very excited to take part in Zvi’s mini-parliament on Tuesday, the only woman with 8 men, and they were perfectly happy to let me join in! Actually, the following day Zvi went to his mini-mini-parliament at Yoram’s home. Tomorrow is the main parliament, all of which explains how social my husband is!

 

Tomorrow is a very special meeting for me. I don’t know if you realise but out of the original community of about 3,000 Welsh Jews, some 500 came on Aliyah. Why? Because we were an essentially Zionist society which was very aware of its roots. WIZO was strong, Habonim was led by the beautiful Norman Berg z”l who instilled in us the beauty of Israel, the love of Israel and the importance of Israel. Norman affected our entire generation of Welsh Jews. Anyway, of course I digressed! I meant to tell you that tomorrow we are holding a St. David’s Day meeting (I know it’s early but this year St David’s Day is on Shabbat). This year it is in a Jerusalem coffee shop but nobody minds if we burst into song. We are all expected to bring something Welsh with us and I will wear my sweatshirt proclaiming “Living in Israel with Roots in Wales”.  It is all arranged by Angela Ben Gur and Adele Rothman has created a Welsh Quiz. If you want to be friends with a Welshman, or indeed a Scot, just don’t ever say they are English! The wrath of a Celt will fall upon you, possibly in Welsh Gaelic!

 

From the Welsh meet I am driving to the airport with great anticipation because our wonderful friend Kim (aka Dr Kimball Taylor) is arriving! Kim comes at least twice a year for the JAFI meetings, the only non-Jew, and certainly the only member of the LDS church to take part. He will be staying over with us as always. Another welcome guest at our Shabbat Table will be Adrienne Spiner Arkin who came to Jerusalem for the Welsh meet. I decided to make a thoroughly traditional meal. Egg salad and smoked salmon hors d’oeuvres, Chicken soup and kneidlach (matzo balls) followed by a non-traditional makluba, aka magic rice!! Makluba is a potato, chicken and rice dish which if it works comes out of the pot as a sort of rice cake that then falls apart to reveal the chicken pieces within. Dessert? I haven’t got that far yet!!!

 

I would love to write an entire letter to you with just boring news, about walks in the park or the nature reserve, meeting friends, but it doesn’t seem to happen. The news has just come in about a car ramming in Karkur – Pardes Hanna in which 13 people,. Ordinary people at a bus stop, were injured, two seriously and one 17 year old is critical. The driver of the car carried a blue ID card, he was an Israeli Arab.

 

This week’s music is very special

 

Dma’ot Shel Malachim, Tears of Angels was going through my head throughout the funeral. I’m certain the angels are crying right now.  https://youtu.be/gjR8ct2twn0?si=KIr_wLZgWwnhDnnF

 

Shmor al ha Olam Yeled – Child take care of the world. Written and sung by David D’Or it admits that we have made a mess of the world so we now rely upon the next generation to do a much better job. Click on the subtitles icon (CC) to get the English https://youtu.be/e7EV4IWgR2A?si=V031z_RmE3WIBcup

 

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber understood the full meaning of the story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Perhaps this song is the most appropriate for our time, yet the most hopeful. Close Every Door to Me speaks of the despair of feeling alone and shunned yet the determination of continuing.  https://youtu.be/d8reEiq4ui8?si=U5argKUnbNLQnYAv

 

I wish you a good Shabbat, a peaceful week, even a boring one. Spend time with your loved ones and don’t forget to tell them how much you love them; it will stay with them forever. Remember that it will be alright, eventually. Surely this world is not so stupid that they will continue falling for those who wish to change their lives, to bring about the downfall of modern society with all its faults.

 

With much love from Jerusalem, beautiful Jerusalem.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

4 Coffins

 

20^th of February 2025

505 days of pain and disbelief

 

Shabbat Shalom, if one can honestly call it that

 

I have some Hebrew words for you, words that are on the lips of all Israelis today.

עצב, כאב, השפלה, נפש שבורה

Sadness, pain, humiliation, a broken soul

 

Humanity has reached depths of depravity that no rational human being believed. Israelis are seething with anger, those of us who have watched the domino effect of ineptitude and sheer corruption of morality whereby every decision since well before the 7^th of October led to this ghastly day. The inability of Western nations to recognise who is the enemy of all humanity and who is fighting that enemy alone and lonely. The hate teaching has taken its toll on the people of Gaza too. Nobody, but nobody wants them, they are considered the psychological lepers of the world bringing only death and destruction with them.

 

Hamas was too afraid of bad publicity to give the babies tiny coffins for their macabre ceremony. As the four coffins are taken in four vehicles through the streets of Israel to the forensic identity centre,  people line the route silently holding Israeli flags; standing on bridges over the highway, in pouring rain and hail, determined to pay the families last respects. Oded Lifshitz, 84, Shiri Bibas and her two babies Kfir and Ariel.

 

I don’t know if you know but most of the kibbutzim along that beautiful and fertile strip of land of the Western Negev were founded predominantly by Jews from Argentina and other Latin American countries. They came with a deep commitment to the soil and to peace. They were the ones who fought to bring cancer patients to Israel for treatment; they are the ones who extended the hand of friendship to the Gazan workers who tended the land beside them; they are the ones who believed that kindness would bring peace – and it was those very workers who mapped their villages and houses while receiving good will. And yet, and yet, the families of Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas family have begged for restraint and refuse to call for vengeance. That is the ultimate spirit of Israel.

 

Natan Alterman wrote a poem that still rings true today

 

The Silver Salver by Natan Alterman 1910-1970, the official poet of David Ben Gurion

 

And the land grows still, the red eye of the sky 

 slowly dimming over smoking frontiers

As the nation arises, Torn at heart but breathing,

To receive its miracle, the only miracle

As the ceremony draws near, it will rise,

standing erect in the moonlight in terror and joy

When across from it will step out a youth and a lass

and slowly march toward the nation

Dressed in battle gear, dirty,

Shoes heavy with grime, they ascend the path quietly

To change garb, to wipe their brow
They have not yet found time.

Still bone weary from days and from nights in the field

Full of endless fatigue and unrested,
Yet the dew of their youth. Is still seen on their head

Thus they stand at attention, giving no sign of life or death 

Then a nation in tears and amazement
will ask: "Who are you?"

And they will answer quietly,

 "We Are the silver salver on which the Jewish state was given."

Thus they will say and fall back in shadows
And the rest will be told

In the chronicles of Israel

 

I dedicate this song to Shiri Bibas who tried so hard to protect her little ones.” Bo’I Ima” Come Mother and Sit by Me Just a While https://youtu.be/qetzeHGADes?si=0tVX0ZLaJcrEMbgw

 

With heavy heart I wish you Shabbat Shalom. Perhaps, perhaps the six who will arrive home on Shabbat will ease the pain, just a little

 

Sheila

 

 

 

  

 

Ecology and Hope

 

14^th February, 2025

Tu b’Shvat 15 Shvat, 5785 the New Year for Trees

 

Shabbat Shalom! Today is a very important day in the Jewish calendar, today ecology was born; today is Tu b’Shvat. The festival of Tu B'Shvat itself does not originate in the Torah. It is first mentioned in the Mishna (the first written collection of the Jewish traditions that are known as the Oral Torah) where it is referred to as Rosh Hashanah L'Ilanot or the New Year for the Trees. All those years ago the wise sages declared that we need to ensure future generations, to ensure that our earth remains green and that the rain will fall. Jewish children all over the world plant a tree, learn about nature and ecology even if we don’t call it that modern word. Just incidentally, Keren Kayemet (and JNF) have planted no less than 247 million trees since its inception in the fifth Zionist Congress in Basel in 1901!

 

My quote of the week is aimed at everyone, everywhere!

One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

Plato

 

Before I talk about the talks between various leaders and the President of the USA, I want to address, yet again, the Iranian nuclear facilities and abilities. Let’s begin with Mohammed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA years ago, who was, in fact, a member of the Moslem Brotherhood, hardly an objective observer. Since then there have been so many mistakes in attempting to contain nuclear research in Iran. The best explanation of the problem was given by the exceptional Shimon Peres at the President’s Conference. Remember that it was Shimon Peres who brought the Dimona facility to Israel. So, imagine the situation, 3,000 people sitting in a conference waiting for the words of wisdom from our host, Shimon Peres. As we waited, he was sitting alone on the stage, reading a newspaper seemingly ignoring us. After a few minutes of silence, he lowered the newspaper and looking straight at us he said (paraphrase) “Did you know that for the last 6 months, the Indian government can’t find an official hangman to replace the one that retired” the audience was hooked but confused “I believe that I prefer relations with a country that cannot find someone who wants to be a hangman than a country where everyone wants to be a hangman” We were stunned at his theatrical performance and the deep wisdom of his statement. Then he was talking about Iran, today I would link it to the Palestinians, certainly the Gazans.

 

Which of course brings us to the Trump plan. As I said last week, it sounds beyond rational thought, but, since the original thought was a buffer zone, and of course that didn’t work, since we know all too well that Gaza is now a disaster area, mostly because in order to blow up the tunnels and arsenals the houses that stood above such tunnels were inevitably destroyed, a solution must be found. The people need to go somewhere in order to rebuild, and most of all, the amazing people of the Western Negev aka the Southern Border, could return to their homes, their fields, their crops, schools, businesses and families without fear of another massacre. Nothing has worked thus far, nothing, not a single day of peace and security and believe you me, the will to slaughter has not been quelled. By the way, yesterday a rocket was launched at Israel and fell within Gaza killing a 14 year old child in a refugee camp.

 

Last week I told you about a friend who came up with a perfect plan, not as extreme as the Trump Plan for sure, but an excellent plan and exchange of land that could have given the Palestinians a contiguous state and Israel a greater level of security. He gave me permission to name him. Advocate Yehuda Ressler, a name well known in Israel, and I’m sure that he would be more than happy to show anyone who is interested the beautifully prepared map and plans.

 

The hostages are still coming home from hell, one, two and three at a time, unbearably painful for them, for their families and for us, ordinary Israelis. The pain is beyond understanding, we each know someone who knows someone whose family is waiting either to hold their loved ones or to bury them. Sadly, we have long understood that kindness is considered weakness in our neighbours’ eyes, that chest beating is considered strength, despite the sense that it is ugly and offends our sensibilities. The next few days will either prove that the recent chest beating is effective or we made another miscalculation.

 

Gillian and Pete Brisely live in the Welsh town of Brigend. Gillian and Pete had a beloved daughter Lianne who came to Israel as a volunteer on kibbutz, fell in love and married, after going through conversion to Judaism. Lianne and her husband Eli had two beautiful daughters, Noiya and Yahel. Gillian and Pete’s only grandchildren. They came to Israel often to see their family on Kibbutz Be’eri and adored their son in law Eli. You saw Eli come back from the hell hole called Gaza to learn that Lianne, Noiya and Yahel has been slaughtered and worse on the fateful day in October. Please listen to them https://youtu.be/oetoLSgZEW0?si=bqzbb6Cfj9XQfsiO

 

When we saw the release of the three men, Eli Sharabi, Or Levi and Ohad Ben Ami emaciated and emotionally devastated, the way they were paraded, so weak they were held up by masked, armed and hooded Hamas terrorists, our hearts sank. However, not everyone thinks as we do and are clearly susceptible, for whatever reason, to the Palestinian propaganda. Julia Hartley-Brewer interviewed journalist Yvonne Ridley concerning that and other releases. The interview turned into a very heated discussion, but helps us to understand how blind the Palestinian/Hamas flag waving supporters are. https://youtu.be/m0KM4LUrRUs?si=XWaDRWd_JicOjPf8

 

Despite it all, or maybe because of everything that happens around us, every attempt to break our emotional resolve, to keep life as normal as is possible, we all keep going, keep on living our lives.

 

Our week began on Friday after I wrote to you, Zvi and I went to a fascinating event in the Tel Aviv theatre Tzafta, not a show or a play, it was an event to honour Israel\USA expert and professor at Bar Illan University Eitan Gilboa. Born in the then tiny town of Binyamina, growing up with many future leaders whose parents were true “halutzim” or pioneers, where Betar and Hapoel were close friends, political views a basis of discussion, his fascination with his sphere of knowledge is infectious, his determined search for truth exceptional and despite giving his expert opinion on an average of three television programmes a day, nobody knows his actual political leanings. A rare treasure.

 

Did you see Shira Hass’s dress at the opening premiere of Captain America? It was golden yellow with a gathering at the back in the shape of the hostage ribbon. What a wonderful thing to do. Incidentally have you noticed that Israeli women are excellent superwomen and it isn’t just in the movies! Many of them have become outstanding spokespersons for Israel.

 

Friday and Saturday were family days then Tuesday evening I met Zvi at the Khan Theatre where he sang with the choir conducted by our beautiful friend Ronit Banit with Hilleli (known as Leli) Shemer who recounted her relationship with her famous mother, Nomi Shemer and how her mother grew up in Kibbutz Kinneret where most of the members, including her parents, had grown up in Vilna. The evening was absolutely delightful. My only problem is that our very special friend Prof. Gabby Barkay, caught me out in a lie. Actually, I wasn’t lying, just misinformed. I thought that the Khan, because of its name, which translates as Inn, was just that, an inn for the traders on the silk route. I was so wrong! Gabby, an expert on everything Jerusalem (in fact on any subject you choose) gave the real description. Apparently, in ancient times, the Khan was actually a silk factory where they had silk worms and produced fine silk! I had no idea. In fact, I cannot think of anyone except Gabby who would know that!

 

On Wednesday we split ways, Zvi going to Tel Aviv to have discussions on the revived basketball team of HaPoel Jerusalem and I went to Modiin to meet friends. It’s really an excellent middle of the road meeting place. That evening, I went to my craft meeting, where women from the village, of all ages, meet up to create, and crazy as it sounds, I decided to make a “Kitchen Witch” to ensure the success of whatever I bake!

 

Thursday morning and we met our wonderful friends Merle and Frank Friedman for a Tu b’Shvat ceremony and brunch, incorporating all the 7 species traditionally eaten on this day. We sang special songs and learned many things about Tu b’Shvat, not only is it a new year for trees, but it signifies the end of the winter harvest and the sowing of the spring crops. Yet again I am struck by the significance of everything we see and learn from the Bible and Jewish tradition. The event was held very close to our home in the beautiful surroundings of Beresheet. In fact, the building isn’t finished, as the extremely muddy state of the car park proved. Never mind, we can get the car washed this morning to remove the mud!!

 

Last night we went to the Tower of David, nestled in the ancient walls that surround the Old City of Jerusalem to celebrate the 80^th birthday of another Jerusalem/Herzl expert, our friend Dr. Motti (aka Mottle) Friedman. Of course it was a big secret, a surprise party, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more, teacher, initiator, expert and lovely man. Walking up the steps from the Mamilla Mall toward the Jaffa Gate, or rather toward the opening beside the Jaffa Gate (widened to appease the German Kaiser) and into the magical Tower of David Museum, we were struck once again at the majestic walls and the mix of the people walking in and out of the Old City. Anyway, the surprise was complete, Motti and Rivka’s daughter Esther MC’d the evening beautifully and then we went on a tour of the newly refurbished museum. What struck me was the fact that the museum not only records the various religious periods, the entire exhibit, each and every room, honours all three monotheistic religions without preference. It makes me so proud. The museum is well worth a visit, even worth the many steps that presented quite a challenge for me.

 

Today, Friday we are off to Tel Aviv again but this time for a very special party. Ella Raviv, our granddaughter, beautiful Ella, is Bat Mitzva! It’s a very small party, she’s not into big affairs, but it will be very happy. What I loved best is that she called Saba Zvi for explanations so that she would understand the Bible reading on her special day. She is called Ella because it means tree and she was born on Tu b’Shvat! Her name was chosen, not only because of the Jewish date but also in memory of Alla, Zvi’s wonderful mother.

 

And so to music

 

Ehud Manor, the exceptional Israeli songwriter and poet, was born in the tiny Moshav of Binyamina. Binyamina. Binyamina gave birth to many leaders and academics, the children of pioneers, of Shoah Survivors, among them Eitan Gilboa, the Olmert family and many more. This song, wistful and now sadly relevant, is sung at memorial ceremonies. The words are so true Mishu, Someone. https://youtu.be/YHx9xDAHOIE?si=7-L-FQUrq0LtvDux

 

Since I wrote of Nomi Shemer and Tu b’Shvat, the next song is very relevant. Called the Eucalyptus grove, Nomi Shemer herself sings of when her mother first came to the nascent state, how her parents built her a home and planted trees, Eucalyptus trees to drain the malarial swamps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My9HiZIPsak

 

So many songs pray for peace, that oh so elusive peace, peace of mind. Perhaps we live in the wrong part of the world but frankly it’s everywhere.  Yedid Nefesh is a very special song/prayer, for that elusive peace of mind. https://youtu.be/Qd4J1EiW6wc?si=jr-cJJtqI6R3vEx9  

 

As I said, yesterday I was in Modi’in and on my way home got stuck in the worst traffic jam. I have a tendency to give in to the situation, listen to music, talk on my phone (hands free) rather than get cross because losing one’s cool doesn’t help, there is no escape! Anyway, I took the opportunity, as I crept my way up to Jerusalem, to see the buds and light green leaves indicating renewal, the almond blossom, the wild cyclamen and even a patch of multi coloured Calaniot, or wind flowers or anemones! Normally, when one is one the highway these things pass too quickly but the virtual standstill gave me a special opportunity.

 

So that’s that. I pray that the planned next hostage release will go well; I pray that they will be able to stand on their own legs; I pray that the disgusting excuses for human beings will not put them through either ceremonies or hordes of baying creatures, will not give them goody bags and will allow them some dignity at the end of their nightmare.

 

I wish you a Shabbat of love, of family and of sweet thoughts

 

With love from Jerusalem the city so beautiful that everyone wants a part of it

 

Sheila