Atonement and Hope

 

 

26^th of September 2025

4^th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei 5786

720 days of the October 7^th War

 

Shabbat Shalom, Hatima Tova.

 

I was thinking how many different greetings, blessings we have in Judaism. Shabbat Shalom  (I wish you a peaceful Sabbath), Chag Sameach (I wish you a happy or pleasant festival), Hatima Tova (May you be inscribed in the Book of Life) Gmar Hatima Tova (on the days over Yom Kippur and just after to wish that the inscribing in the Book of Life be sealed) and of course Moadim le Simcha (wishing you happy times) which we say in the intervening days of a festival which has beginnings and end like Passover, Succot etc. All different but all so much more meaningful than a simple “Good Yom Tov” which just means, have a good day!  As I said I really thought about all the different blessings and realised that that is exactly what they are, blessings; blessings for both the giver and the recipient. Fascinating

 

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, in a message to all those supposedly holy men in the coalition and their supporters: “You can fast for two years, pray continuously for five years, blow the shofar, and wave chickens for atonement. If you do not return the hostages (those who are still alive), you will never be forgiven—neither in this world nor in the next.” Strong words from a strong woman whose son was not saved.

 

Major Richard Kemp wrote: “The mighty Spanish navy has sent a warship to “protect” the Selfie Flotilla supposedly heading for Gaza. That same Navy declined to join the 14 others that deployed assets to protect international shipping from Houthi attack. And in fact, the Houthi terrorists praised Spain for it” Incredible.

 

Countries are rushing to “recognise” a Palestinian state. But statehood isn’t a hashtag — it’s supposed to be earned. Right now, there is no functioning government, no real bureaucracy, no financial plan. Before the world even whispers about statehood there must be iron-clad steps. Every single hostage must come home; Hamas must be disarmed and dismantled; The “pay-for-slay” stipends must end; UNRWA’s anti-Jewish curriculum has to be ripped out by the roots.

Without these, recognition isn’t peace, it’s a reward for terror. It keeps both Israelis and Palestinians locked in the same nightmare instead of opening a door to a future built on responsibility, not on blood and broken promises. Real peace and real statehood are possible, but only when they’re built on accountability, disarmament and the dignity of every life. That’s the day we should all be working for.

 

Say what you will about President Trump, his support of Israel is unquestionable. The United Nations in its lack of wisdom, found a way around the refusal to give an entry visa to Mahmoud Abbas, they simply let him speak over a video link! He spoke at prime time to a full hall, whereas Prime Minister Netanyahu has been given an eight in the morning slot and a threatened walk-out. Something stinks not only in Denmark and we all know the story of Hamlet. In that play everyone loses and actors will not call it by name for fear of cursing the play. I feel that we are bystanders in the play while the world encourages the death of Hamlet.

 

My dismay at the actions of this government is no secret but there seems to be light at the end of a very long tunnel. After 1,000 days of a fractured, counterproductive opposition, there is talk of merging into one platform. Gadi Eizenkot, Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, Naftali Bennet and possibly Avigdor Liberman and Yair Golan. Non-partisan, neither extreme left nor extreme right, clearly pragmatic, just what we need. If it happens then they will have a majority in the Knesset.

 

Debra Messing, Mayan Bialik and Lev Schreiber are at the forefront of a petition signed by more than 1,200 Hollywood figures, against the boycott of Israeli films in Hollywood. Among our signees, stars and industry professionals Gene Simmons, Sharon Osbourne, Greg Berlanti, Jerry O’Connell, Howie Mandel, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Lisa Edelstein, Erin Foster, Anthony Edwards, Rebecca De Mornay, Sherry Lansing and Haim Saban. Unbelievable, incredible, Hollywood that was founded by Jews, that is still reliant on their Jewish film-makers and the inane, mindless actors like Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo campaign against Israel.

 

Without Iron Dome the last months, years, would have brought tragedy and destruction, but it is horrendously expensive. Now Israel has a new defence system against missiles, rockets and drones. The Israeli laser defense system "Or Eitan" was named in memory of Captain Eitan Oster, an officer in the Egoz unit who was killed in Lebanon. His father, who was a key developer of the system, was deeply involved in the project. "Or Eitan" means "Eitan's Light" or determined light in Hebrew. Innovative, inexpensive and accurate, a true tribute to a brave soldier and his father.

 

Since October last year about 22,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel from 98 countries.

About 9,500 from Russia, 3,100 from the United States, 2,800 from France, 800 from Ukraine and 750 from the United Kingdom. It is becoming very clear that despite Iran, many are realising that it is safer here in Israel than in many countries where anti-Semitism is rife.

 

On a more humorous note, this brilliant article, written by James Macpherson, appeared in Australia. Israel Recognises Australia as a Palestinian State. Melbourne will be renamed West Ramallah, only with better coffee and more crime! Israel has stunned the international community by formally recognising Australia as a Palestinian state. Australia itself will now be listed on official maps as “Occupied Aboriginal Territory (Palestinian Protectorate, Southern Division).” https://jamesmacpherson.substack.com/p/israel-recognises-australia-as-a

 

An unexpected friend. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto says the world must respect Israel’s right to live in security, and ends his speech saying, “Shalom.” Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, and does not have official relations with Israel. “We must also recognize, we must also respect, and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then we can have real peace,” When Impact-se did the research on Indonesian school books we found them relatively free of hate education.

 

The White House is backing a plan that would see Tony Blair head a temporary administration of the Gaza Strip – initially without the direct involvement of the Palestinian Authority (PA), according to media reports. Under the proposal, Blair would lead a body called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (Gita) that would have a mandate to be Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority” for as long as five years. Just as the British mandate built the Israeli Police force, Legal system, administration and medical services so a new International mandate, ironically led by a former British Prime Minister, hopes to do the same in Gaza. Finally, and at last, a “day after” plan

 

And so to the High holidays! Basically, I was unwell most of the time, ghastly cough like 50% of the world’s population!! However, we managed to have first night Rosh Hashanah with our family in Nes Ziona and for the first day, we were thrilled to have Ira, Tomer and Sheli together with Earl and Kathleen Cox. I admit that although my chicken soup was very tasty my baking was not the best but luckily Sheli baked a wonderful challah to save the day. The conversation was fascinating and flowed from Russia to Gaza, from Christian and Jewish aspects to simple politics; what I loved is that it was all polite, respectful and at times amusing, the way that it should be at a Rosh Hashana table.

 

This week’s parasha (Torah reading) gathers everyone, leaders, elders, children, even strangers  and says the covenant is not just for them but also “for those who are not here.” It’s a reminder that every generation stands again at Sinai and chooses who we want to be. In a time when our people feel threatened and divided, these verses whisper hope: even after loss we can return, even in exile we are not forgotten. Our choices, big and small, still shape the whole.

 

Almost Yom Kippur. Of course, it is a Fast Day but in fact it has nothing to do with fasting! We are supposed to be so deeply in prayer that we do not think of food. The prayers, the readings, the congregation are the essence of the day. Yet again we will add a prayer for the return of our hostages, those who are still alive and those who were slaughtered by Hamas. As a people we cannot lose this fight, far greater than any war, any desire to wipe out a vile and cruel regime. Please God, BRING THEM HOME, Their families live in a state of terror every day, their anguish increased as they see videos of their loved ones, or the shadows of what they once were, made by Hamas.

 

We read the story of Jonah on Yom Kippur. It not only bears witness of Jonah’s original fears of facing the cruel people of Nineveh (modern day Mosul) but also about God’s forgiveness of the people of Nineveh in His decision not to destroy them. So much to learn if we open our eyes.

 

As in life, remember that the moment the Day of Atonement ends, the first nails of the Succah (tabernacle or booth) hold the flimsy walls of the succah ready to celebrate the happy harvest festival. Always hope, always something to represent a better future

 

I wish you all of the blessings that I mentioned at the beginning of this missive and leave you with some music that expresses everything at this time of year.

 

On Kol Nidre, the eve of Yom Kippur, we begin the prayers with this plea, Avinu Malkenu. Shulem Lemmer https://youtu.be/27HaHpaFEC8?si=AZaSwF1Na9_dXxGu

 

Another beautiful prayer for Yom Kippur is Utanei Tokef, considered a prayer for soldiers on this day. https://youtu.be/cArGmG3BLcI?si=gqYr2UcSdtEcXWrb

 

We talk about the hostages but our soldiers, our children and grandchildren are the first and  last defence against a cruel enemy. May they all come home safely and those thousands who were injured heal and release their nightmares. The prayer for the IDF. https://youtu.be/yze5holvKgU?si=RvK9htiZ1hP2r3jX

 

Together, just as the diverse political stance of those who intend joining to change our democratic government so we, the different faiths of this world, irrelevant which way we pray or in what language, all faiths need to come together to bring change. Instead of hatred lets get out there and spread hope and love.

 

With love and hope, all the way from Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosh Hashana 5786

 

19^th of September 2025

26^th of the Hebrew month of Ellul 5785

713 days since October 7^th 2023

20 hostages barely alive in Hamas hell

 

Shabbat Shalom and very nearly the start of 5786.

 

With your permission I want to start by quoting my friend and mentor Rabbi Jeremy Rosen in his thoughts on Rosh Hashana.

“Rosh Hashanah symbolizes the evolution of the Jewish people and Israel, unlike any other holy days. The harvest festivals were all celebrated years before the Israelites appeared on earth. And they were adopted and adapted.  But what we now call Rosh Hashana is different. It was based on the Babylonian ‘King’s Day’ on the First of the Babylonian month of Tishrei. Indeed, all the months we now name in the Hebrew calendar were borrowed from Babylonia. But Rosh Hashana is unique in what it tells us about politics and Judaism’s contribution to the evolution of democracy. Torah represents the dawn of egalitarian thought.

It is in the books of the Torah regardless of when they were written 3,300 years ago on Sinai, or merely 2,500 in Babylon. Either way, it is well before Greece and Athens, that we find the world’s first blueprint for a social and religious order that seeks to lessen stratification and hierarchy, and to place an unprecedented emphasis on the well-being and status of the common person.” I strongly recommend Jeremy’s weekly lesson you can find it on https://www.jeremyrosen.org/

 

Selichot or penitential prayers are said in the period before Rosh Hashana. Each night thousands go to the Western Wall to recite the prayers. https://youtu.be/wK8RPuQrYiM?si=9xh-cA5nia2ILJpz

 

We say happy new year but in fact Rosh Hashanah is the first day of the 7^th month of the Hebrew Calendar. Just another enigma never to be solved!! 

 

Today I’m not going to write about Spain sliding back into its own form of Spanish Inquisition, or about New Zealand, Australia, Canada, parts of the UK and so much of Europe where antisemitism is rising again and making life for Jews and Christians uncomfortable. Too many inherited memories bring out long forgotten fears and most governments are incapable or unwilling to stop the flow of hate-speech.

 

Yet another four soldiers were killed yesterday in the fighting in Gaza. Omri, Eran, Eitan and Ron (z”l) will not be home for Shabbat and two guards, Yizhak and Oran (z”l) were killed at the Allenby crossing by a Jordanian driving a Gaza aid truck and so the sadness of war continues and the hostages return is not in sight.

 

Perhaps because of Rosh Hashana, but mostly because I want to tell you about someone who gave me hope. On Wednesday the Friends of the Jerusalem Symphony organised a trip down to Kibbutz Re’em, to the site of the Nova Festival and Zvi and I joined the tour as Friends. I often talk about “the power of one,” how each and every one of us can make a difference. There we met Amir Chodorov. Out of his distress, and his determination to honour the young people murdered after a night of dancing, he built the memorial at the Nova Festival Site. In a world full of noise and hate, what he did is a small but shining light, and a reminder that each of us can make a difference. Amir was our guide and he was joined by Jojo Rabia who lost two sons and his daughter in law on that fateful night and found solace in helping Amir create the site.

 

Amir Chodorov, an F16 pilot for 25 years in the IDF, is also an exceptional photographer, turning photographs into art. He had an idea of how to create an appropriate memorial for those for whom the music stopped at 06:29 on the 7^th of October, 2023. It began with posts with the photographs of each of the young people who were slaughtered but without a time of death, on the back of each photograph it simply said the names of their family members and who they were. Slowly but surely the site has grown, thousands of ceramic red calaniot – anemones or windflowers – fill the empty spaces and for each pole the families made a little garden of anemones. Somehow, through his exceptional determination to give the families, he gave us, all of us a place to mourn and simultaneously to remember the music. So many stories of incredible heroism as young people returned time and again to rescue others. https://www.amirchodorov.com/october-7th-2023/

 

As we headed home Zvi made a request that we stop at the cars. What cars? Pile after pile of burnt out cars riddled with gunfire and blow half apart, nigh on a kilometre of them and to the front, a dozen cars with the names and photos of the young people killed by the barbaric, rabid Hamas terrorists.

 

It is five years since the signing of the Abraham Accords and Impact-se’s CEO Marcus Sheff wrote – “The Abraham Accords must be preserved and expanded, and curricula reform must remain at the heart of regional policy. For Israel and the Jewish world, there is no greater guarantee of safety, prosperity, and coexistence than ensuring future generations across the region learn tolerance and not hate. The transformations already seen in the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt demonstrate that textbooks can be remodelled from tools of indoctrination into bridges of understanding and partnership. Meanwhile, textbooks in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan indicate that eliminating hate and teaching balanced narratives about Jews and Israel can pave the way for long-term future partnerships.” I am so proud to Chair the Impact-se Vaad

 

Interestingly enough, all of our agreements with our neighbours, Camp David, Oslo and the Abraham Accords, whether successful or less so, were signed in September.

 

Eylon Levy posted - British journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer @juliahb_1 visited Israel and left inspired. “We have much to learn from Israel and time is fast running out for us to learn those lessons.” Listen to her words, not only her admiration for Israel, she talks about Britain but it applies to where you live too  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOoRT3JiF0w/?igsh=cHp5N2g3Y2U5cDZv

 

I have to apologise for something I wrote two weeks ago. I did not under any circumstance condone the killing of Charlie Kirk, I roundly condemn the heinous act. What I meant was that I did not agree with many of his policies but is our world so wicked that we kill those with whom we disagree?

 

On Sunday Zvi and his choir gave an outstanding performance, sadly without my presence since I was already sickening for a rotten cough. Anyway, he was cheered on by Yosef and Talia (our grandchildren), Shai’ela and Ilana and our special guests Earl and Kathleen Cox. Earl and Kathleen are extra special people, devout Christians who love Israel above all else. Earl is a broadcaster and Kathleen is not only his amazing wife but she keeps everything going smoothly. They are regulars here in Jerusalem, Earl is a familiar face to all the Rabbis at the Western Wall where he prays frequently. They are rare and special people and we are proud to call them friend.

 

And so we near the High Holy Days, also known as Chagei Tishrei, the festivals of the month of Tishrei. We wish each other a Good Year, a Shana Tova and the most important blessing to wish others is to say “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life” which I admit that I find a little bit harsh since I fear that if I forget to say it I am condemning them to……… well you know what I mean. The most important aspect is to express regret for harm done to others. I know that I have mentioned this before, indeed anyone who was my student in the Hebrew classes in Reading heard it every year, but we beg the Almighty’s forgiveness for all sins (with the rider that we don’t repeat them) except for one. The one exception is if we publicly shame another person. In that case we must beg forgiveness from that person and if after thrice begging they refuse to accept our plea, the sin reverts to them. It is so incredibly wise.

 

What are my wishes or prayers for the coming year? Gosh I have to be careful what I say now because number one on my list is a new, level headed government, extremes don’t work for anyone; I want the world to understand that their politicians are not looking out for them, they are looking out for themselves and the votes of the biggest electoral grouping; I want every country to adopt the revised schoolbooks, the teaching of tolerance to the other, in fact I want us all to practice tolerance; I want journalists to report rather than opine and I do wish they would listen to each other instead of preparing their next point; I want to see as many friends as possible, really see them and be with them; I desperately want to see my grandchildren; I want a healthy world for them, for our grandchildren to grow up in.

 

If, at any time I have offended you by what I wrote, please forgive me, it wasn’t intentional. You are so important to me.

 

Since I always write about my mirpesset (Veranda of course) this song seems so appropriate. What do you think? https://youtu.be/5WsWouCsbaQ?si=lxZmSh2wWnBEjvn8

 

As you know I love Shlomo Artzi and this son, which he sings with his son, tells a story of our beautiful land, the history that keeps repeating itself https://youtu.be/qgqd2VB3TA8?si=Dj1D0ms666GSucNn

 

With all the troubles our world is going through, we sometimes forget to look up at the sky, to watch a sunrise or sunset and see a bird darting in and out of the flowers.  Louis Armstrong never forgot. https://youtu.be/VqhCQZaH4Vs?si=tKmEoFQMS6BX2bR_

 

I send you blessings from the most incredible city in the world. I wish you love and the ability to see beauty everywhere

 

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova

Sheila

 

 

 

24 years, 706 days

 

11^th of September, 2025

 

24 years since that fateful day in the USA; September 11, 2001 at 3:46 PM GMT+3, 2,977 people lost their lives. The attacks were very specific, the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, Shanksville . The response to those horrific attacks was all out war on Iraq and ultimately on Afghanistan; but this is Israel and any war we wage is questioned and met with angry condemnation. Some of those who were US allies in that cruel war are our harshest critics.

 

Since few people truly understand this week’s attack on the Hamas HQ in Doha, I feel compelled to explain. People ask why Israel sometimes strikes beyond its borders; to understand, you must first feel the air we breathe, walk a mile in our shoes. People ask why Israel sometimes strikes beyond its borders; to understand, you must first feel the air we breathe, walk a mile in our shoes.

 

Israel, a sliver of land no bigger than Wales, is surrounded not by distant rivals but by neighbours whose leaders seek our destruction, have never accepted our existence. That hatred is not an idea on a page; on the 7^th of October it became flesh and blood, as families were butchered in their homes and hundreds were dragged away. Even now, under Houthis missiles financed by the Iranian regime, we live with forces that would see us erased. The irony is that Qatar funnelled money into Gaza and gave Hamas leaders safe haven at Israel’s request, a sign of how complex and imperfect diplomacy in this region can be.

 

Our politics are raucous, our arguments fierce, yet whatever divides us we share the same small, threatened space and the same heartbreak for those still held in Gaza. Hamas has made life there a living hell, crushing its own people while holding our citizens hostage. The families of the hostages hold vigil in Hostage Square, loved one’s photos clutched in their hands, finding some solace in their togetherness, each day arriving with no news, only the same gnawing fear.

 

This is not some far-off peril across an ocean; it sits at our gate. Before judging, hold that truth in your heart and understand why survival sometimes forces a nation into choices no nation should ever have to make.

 

Perhaps now I can honestly wish you all Shabbat shalom.

 

Two days ago, that broken peace, that hatred so deep in the culture that surrounds us, burst forth in a diabolical and tragic terror attack in the Jerusalem suburb of Ramot. The Ramot intersection is conceivably the busiest in all Jerusalem, cars, buses and people waiting for buses to get to work or study. Two terrorists hitched a ride over the border from the PA with blood on their minds and the moment they arrived at their target, began shooting wildly at everyone in the vicinity, a Haredi soldier and another man successfully stopped the carnage but not before 6 people died and another 50 were injured. Such hatred, taught hatred, taught by UNWRA schools and the Imams who should be teaching love of the Quran.

 

Charlie Kirk wasn’t my cup of tea, his teachings far right, against blacks and Moslems and ironically pro-gun, often expressing a lack of tolerance, but he appealed to the young and now he is dead, killed for his views. Extremism of any nature frightens me and almost inevitably leads to violence. I don’t know the identity of the killer but he is part of the sickness of killing anything that is not your belief.

 

The word genocide is bandied about losing its impact through repetition and inaccuracy. Every time the word is used concerning Israel and Gaza it diminishes the Shoah, the Armenian genocide, the Rwandan genocide of the Tutsi and many more. It isn’t enough to show its fabricated disinformation as a political tool; it must be fought with all our might. This week the British Government declared that Israel is NOT committing genocide in Gaza, stating a hope that the European countries would follow suit.

 

Talking of the UK, or London to be exact, 70,000 people took to the streets in support of Israel. They walked peacefully through the streets of Central London flying not only Israeli flags but of the good old Union Jack. British Jews were always proud of being British and want to be again. https://x.com/antisemitism/status/1965346800795291854

 

Kibbutz Beeri is slowly recovering from the diabolical events of the 7^th of October, over 700 days ago. Haim Yellin from kibbutz Be'eri announced an excellent use for their barley crop! Whisky! As part of their incredible determination to rebuild the stricken kibbutz they chose to produce whisky called Single Be'eri from barley grown in Be’eri and malted in Germany.  

 

Shabana Mahmood, the UK's new Home Secretary, faces scrutiny over her past votes on Gaza and links to pro-Palestinian activism as tensions rise. Interestingly this comes at a time when New York is facing the possibility of a Pro-Palestinian Mayor. A new poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party candidate for New York City mayor, opening a large lead over his rivals. According to the poll, most city residents support his hard-line positions against Israel. My distress has nothing to do with their religion, but rather with the fact that their views will affect Jewish communities.

 

Nothing is new under the sun. This report on the over 900,000 Jews from Arab lands whose land and property was confiscated. The rise of Arab nationalism and growing opposition to Zionism unleashed a wave of discriminatory laws, violence, and state-backed repression. The situation worsened immediately before and after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, which led to 900,000 Jews being uprooted from their countries of birth. Most fled to Israel, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people for millennia.

Today, some 99% of the descendants of the historic Jewish communities in 10 Arab countries plus Iran do not exist https://justiceforjews.com/facts-figures/

 

El Al made a wonderful Rosh Hashana greeting to the Israeli Airlines passengers entitled "EL AL wishes you a happy holiday and a Shana Tovah, one in which we all return home safely". I cried about half-way through. https://youtu.be/XYRraeLgg0w?si=AAlbx9xU2AEArHNi

 

This was not an exciting week socially. Actually, poor Zvi has been really unwell with a dreadful cough. For anyone who knows him well losing his voice was a major disaster! He is really worried that his voice will not return before his choir’s concert on Sunday. I just want him to be well. Don’t worry, obviously we both took the Covid test more than once, but luckily it was negative.

 

I have been thinking about the repercussions of the disinformation machine, repercussions on Jewish communities around the world, repercussions on our moral compass.

 

About 15 years ago I met a young man in Jerusalem. His name was Kasim Hafeez. Kaz grew up in a strictly Moslem Pakistani family in the UK, learning that Jews were the devil and Israel their work. One day, Kaz read Alan Dershowitz book The Case for Israel and his world turned upside down. His journey has been long, with many turns and he now lives in the USA and is the Middle East Analyst at Christians United for Israel (CUFI),; Kaz is married to Shian. Today I read his Facebook post and realised that he and I still think the same way. I have taken the essence of a long post, he spoke of America, I took it as the world. We all need to absorb the words of this exceptional man. “We should all look in the mirror and ask who we are becoming. Every word that dehumanises someone who thinks differently, every attempt to silence views we dislike, chips away at our shared humanity. Our world is beautiful, fragile and full of contradictions. But if we truly want it to be better, it begins with us: resisting the lure of outrage, taking responsibility for our own words and actions instead of blaming distant leaders. Only then can we begin to recover the humanity we’ve lost.”

 

This week’s music was difficult to choose. I hope that you approve

 

Each morning as we wake we thank the Almighty for giving us back our souls, a blessing called Modeh Ani. It is a lesson in giving thanks and taking nothing for granted.  This rendition by Omer Adam is very special. Hope you like it too. https://youtu.be/npRw36_Ftmc?si=An4sCrj-cA0VsJDl

 

Hanan Ben Ari writes and sings songs that relate deeply to life here in Israel. Aluf ha Olam – World Champion is one of his finest. Listen to the Hebrew but read the subtitles in English. https://youtu.be/2jATxza1i_0?si=ZQCJ5Asm8RljmzTG

 

Ishay Ribo “Habayita” Returning Home. A beautiful song with a beautiful message for all of us https://youtu.be/Gfs4WgGrhhM?si=LRSfWghT21jSRq7u

 

I don’t know what the repercussions of the Doha operation will be. My heart goes out to the families of those hostages still alive and I pray that they will keep their last iota of hope to bring their loved ones, albeit broken shadows of their former selves, to bring them home. As October the 7^th creeps around again we must bring them home. Almost a new year, almost Rosh Hashana, we are in the time for Slichot, for begging forgiveness before the High Holy Days. Have we done enough? What else could we do to make this world a better kinder place. I don’t know except that each of us can make sure to smile at those around us, to have a kind word for everyone, to bring as much joy with our presence as is possible. Accept those who differ from us, even if it takes effort, it’s worth it. I pray that before yet another Simchat Torah, the Joy of the Torah, we can leave this war behind us and bring our loved ones home.

 

Here in Israel everyone wishes you Shabbat Shalom even though it is only Thursday. It is sometimes called the eve of the eve of Shabbat!! I had to get the previous paragraphs off my chest before wishing you a peaceful Shabbat.

 

I love that about Israel, strangers and friends alike greet you with “Shabbat Shalom” or just “Shalom” expressing warmly our desire for that oh so elusive peace.

 

With love from Jerusalem the most beautiful, spiritual city which is in desperate need of hope, of renewal and of love

 

Sheila

 

Oh boy! You have no idea what happened to us just now! I was making supper and we received a call from our friend and neighbour Hannah to remind us to come to the huge patio of the big house for a fabulous Greek evening with music, light food and arak! I think the entire village came out to sing, dance and just see each other. It was absolutely wonderful and the Jerusalem air was perfect, just a slight nip but gloriously clear. Great musicians and lots of friends. Some of the women (the brave ones) began to dance Sirtaki while everyone sang along. The atmosphere was amazing, exactly what we all needed. That’s what I love most about this incredible country, nothing gets us down even when we are depressed!!!

 

 

700 +900

 

5^th of September 2025

 

Shabbat Shalom dear lovely friends.

 

700 days of watching the despicable become acceptable

700 days of unimaginable agony for the parents of those who were and are in dire captivity

900 Israeli soldiers, of every race, men and women, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons, lost in a war we didn’t want

 

To be Jewish, to be Israeli, is to walk with history as both burden and blessing — exile and return, persecution and rebirth woven into our very being. No one escapes pain, fear or suffering; our story has carried all three. I found this beautiful quote which so perfectly expresses out situation “From pain we draw wisdom, from fear we find courage, from suffering we shape strength, the quiet alchemy of resilience”. We are a resilient people and out of that resilience we have built not only homes and hopes but also world-class hospitals, life-saving medical and scientific innovations, and sporting achievements that far outstrip our size. It is the same thread of endurance that turns ashes into seeds, loss into song and hardship into hope, binding us across generations and urging us to keep creating, defending and dreaming under every sky.

 

The current Chief of Staff of the IDF is Eyal Zamir. Eyal Zamir. He previously served as the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Deputy Chief of Staff  Commander of the Southern Command, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, commander of the 36th Division and commander of the 7th Armored Brigade. In other words, a well seasoned, experienced soldier and leader. Orit Strook is an extreme right Member of Knesset and last week announced that when Eyal Zamir, a seasoned soldier and General, announced his opposition to taking over Gaza, called him incompetent. Sadly, most of this government has, in the words of today’s young “lost the plot” and taken our policies so far right that we have to find a way back.

 

My intention was to veer away from the situation, both here and for the communities abroad, so that’s what I intend doing! Instead I want to tell you about our insane week starting with Sunday and the last finishing touches to the wonderful extension to the apartment. Don’t worry, we haven’t lost even one centimetre of the veranda, in fact we can see every flower, bush and tree through the huge glass doors and windows which protect us from extremes of heat and of course the winter gales and rain.

 

Here in Israel the unusual has long since become ordinary. When the Houthis sent another missile our way and the siren wailed, even the Arab workers who sometimes kneel to pray on our veranda hurried into the mamad with us. In that little room, the world pauses; strangers become companions and you can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

When the all-clear came I stepped back through the dust and workmen into my kitchen, because life goes on. I had a dinner to prepare — not just any dinner, but the first in our new extension and a chance to welcome Impact-se’s newest board member, Steve Bram, and his lovely Julie. Marcus and Inbal came too, along with our friends Shauli and Rochele, David and Tsiona. Around the table we introduced ourselves and slowly wove connections: entrepreneurs, judges, philanthropists, all finding common ground while Marcus answered a stream of questions about taking hate out of schoolbooks before flying off to Washington and Europe. The paint was still drying, the curtains arriving, the sliding doors being checked, yet our little house was full of voices and ideas.

 

Zvi, as ever, was off putting out organisational fires. Yesterday was no quieter: a “Mind and Movement” class for me, a mad dash for last-minute shopping, setting the table for sixteen for Shabbat and burning peppers, and creating a cornucopia of salads. Ira, Sheli and Tomer dropped by, then Hannah rang to insist we go to the opening of “The Big House”, once an exquisite building that was a convalescent home  now turned wellness centre. We walked the fifty metres, caught up with neighbours, and of course Ika and Ilana ended up back at ours to see the transformation

 

Zvi went to meet up with our friends David and Kathy Efron, from Miami, at the Efron Building which houses Hora Jerusalem Dance Troupes. You’d think that was the end of our day, but no, David and Kathy, together with Zvi, phoned to say they were starving and wanted to eat before heading back to Tel Aviv. I tried to get us into Naya, our favourite haunt, but every one of the 300 seats was full of happy diners and a long queue waited outside for cancellations. So we ducked next door instead and had a passable, if unremarkable, meal.

 

Tonight is Shabbat dinner and Amiad’s 49th birthday — sixteen of us around the table. We’ve managed to keep the new extension a complete secret, so I can’t wait to see their faces when they walk in!

Why am I telling you all this? Because it’s our quiet proof of resilience. Hearts can break for a million reasons, and into a million pieces, but life keeps going. We grieve, support and protest, marching to demand our hostages back, visiting families in Hostage Square, writing against the lies of foreign media and even our own leaders. And yet we still cook, meet friends, celebrate, set the table, and keep our spirits alive.

 

Back to reality. I have been doing my own research having heard the Sykes Picot Agreements bandied about a great deal lately. So, here goes, my thoughts. A century ago, the Ottoman Empire’s collapse produced a map full of new nations. France drew Syria and Lebanon, Britain carved out Iraq and Jordan, Ibn Saud built Saudi Arabia and Turkey rose from Anatolia. Yet of all the states born then, only Israel still has its very legitimacy questioned. Nobody doubts Jordan’s or Pakistan’s right to exist; the double standard aimed solely at Israel speaks less to history than to prejudice.

 

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman levied heavy criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, marking them as responsible for civilian front failures since the war broke out almost two years ago.

Establishing the mechanisms for such emergency situations is not solely a wartime responsibility, but should be upheld even when active use of it is not required, he wrote, adding that this had been tended to, notes the report, the price that civilians have paid in the interim would have been far lower.  For a fuller report https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-866162

 

 

Doctors at Ichilov Medical Center have performed a medical first in Israel, removing a rare skull base tumor through the eye socket without opening the skull. The minimally invasive brain surgery took place on July 21 and is being hailed as a breakthrough. The complex procedure brought together specialists in neurosurgery, oculoplastics, and ENT. Thanks to their teamwork, the young patient made a full recovery with minimal impact on vision or appearance, marking a milestone in Israeli medicine.

 

Children are back in school, excited to see their friends. The cutest of all is the greeting for “Kita Aleph”, first year little ones. At the entrance to the school there is a big balloon arch with Welcome Kita Aleph, and each child gets a brightly coloured label with their name on it. Those who need it get a little hug from the teachers (yes hugs for worried children is still an essential part of Israeli life) and off they go to a whole new way of life.

 

Millions, yes millions, of Brazilian Christians marched in the name of Christ blessing and praying for Israel. A heartwarming and hopeful event.

 

Greta Thurnberg’s “Aid for Gaza” flotilla turned back to port due to storm conditions. Storms in the Mediterranean at this time of year? Sounds a bit suspicious to me

 

After Impact-se CEO Marcus Sheff apprised US Ambassador Mike Huckabee of the incitement in the PA text books, the US State Department announced that it has introduced new sanctions on Palestinian officials, due to the ongoing incitement and glorification of violence replete in Palestinian Authority. The US State Department has published its 2024 Human Rights Report, a nationally and internationally recognized barometer of human rights in countries across the world. The 2024 update prominently cites IMPACT-se research. Our findings are referenced in chapters on Egypt and Saudi Arabia and discussed in relation to antisemitism in the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, Iran, Jordan, Yemen, and Syria. 

 

60 representatives of the Shalva Centre in Jerusalem flew all the way to Sydney, Australia to take part in the Sydney Marathon. They and their helpers were welcomed with open arms by the Sydney community; one of the greatest moments took place in the lobby of the hotel where an official welcome committee turned into a “love-in” and singsong.

 

Each week I learn so much from our Torah readings. The name of this week’s Parshah or Torah reading is "Ki Teitzei," which means "when you go out," is found in Deuteronomy 21:10. Seventy-four of the Torah’s 613 commandments (mitzvot) are in the Parshah of Ki Teitzei. These include the laws of inheritance rights of the firstborn, the wayward and rebellious son, burial and dignity of the dead, returning a lost object, not sending away the mother bird before taking her young, the duty to erect a safety fence around the roof of one’s home, and many laws of behaviour toward others. Interestingly, one of the laws reminds us that we must not forget Amalek. It seems out of place amongst all the social laws, but the purpose is that we remember the first attack on Jews after they left Egypt. In other words, it tells us not to be complacent.

 

Time to go back to the preparations! Most of the food is already prepared and Zvi has gone off to his Friday parliament in the Botanical Gardens. Anything from 10 to 20 men sitting around discussing the ailments of our sick world and how to solve all Israel’s problems. These are bright and able people, journalists, former Ministers, knowledgeable one and all. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if….. but it isn’t.

 

It isn’t easy to be Jewish or Christian right now. Perhaps part of it is the whole “melting pot” idea when we thought that if we melded our identities’ life would take on a different perspective. It didn’t because what we needed to learn is that our differences are what makes the world go round.  We must all stand up and be proud of who we are, of our history, our ancestors, our traditions and our beliefs, hiding our individuality for fear of offending or being offended doesn’t make sense. Say your prayers out loud, however you choose to do so. Perhaps tonight we could all light candles, whatever your chosen religion. Let’s bring light and warmth to our world by lighting two candles to welcome the bride of Shabbat.

 

Perhaps one of the most beloved of songs from West Side Story, a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Somewhere sung by the Israel Opera. https://youtu.be/7JVXMWqTKYA?si=EprJDkMH8AMnUFWj

 

Hanan Ben Ari sings of his home, of his Israel in Moledet, Homeland. https://youtu.be/9wYEWx1291g?si=BRnABIRwsf_38WnL

 

If I wanted to sum up what keeps us going, what we all feel deep in our souls it would be with “Am Yisrael Chai” – the people of Israel is alive. I love the words, the hope in this one. Singer Eyal Golan https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=_yVzuU_Q7Tr8-jCM

 

Sending you all our love. Don’t worry, our extension has a special window to ensure the view over the Jerusalem Hills to Jerusalem. Everyone who passes through our home gets to take a walk around the veranda to admire the plants and look at the view, and if the weather is inclement, they can look through the window before sitting down for a feast! Hopefully Rachel and Ayala will come soon for a visit and to see the finished extension and look out the special window before going outside for the open air version.

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, please pray for the hostages still hanging on to life and for their families for whom every day is a nightmare, the anguish of 700 days.

 

With love

Sheila