151203 Putin, San Bernadino, Penn, IsraAid, Turkey

151203

December 3^rd 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I promise that this weeks newsletter will be positive, it has to be positive because otherwise Harold will be disappointed. The last two weeks were filled with loss but life goes on and, in truth, many good things happened this week, even those that are not initially apparent.

Russias Mr Putin is very, very cross with Turkey's Erdogan on many levels. Shooting down his fighter plane was sufficient reason, but when he refused to apologise Erdogan invoked Putins wrath – not a comfortable position to be in. However, we are talking about silver linings today, aren't we? Well, here is that lining; Putin decided to cancel his country's purchase of Turkish agricultural produce and intends buying from…………… Israel instead!!!!

The COP21 conference on climate change was held in Le Bourget, near Paris. 121 world leaders participated, including both Israel and the PA - and despite Abbas of the PA's insistence that Israel caused the ecological disasters in the Palestinian Authority, Mr Netanyahu walked up to a surprised Mahmoud Abbas and shook his hand! Brilliant! Mr Netanyahu also outlined Israel's advanced work on ecological issues http://www.bicom.org.uk/news-article/27691/

Israeli Environment Minister Silvan Shalom and Jordanian Water and Irrigation Minister Hazim El Naser met this week and announced the issuance of a new $800 million water project which will increase water supply for both countries and increase inflow to the Dead Sea, whose water depletion is of major concern. http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Environment/Israel-Jordan-advance-800m-Red-Dead-canal-water-swapping-project-435984

British aeroplanes are already in the air after a decisive vote in Parliament yesterday to conquer, to eradicate ISIS, at least in Syria and Iraq. This video of Margaret Beckett's speech in Parliament fascinated me. http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/4e6d04ee-df49-4789-a54a-42f2c7be53b2?in=13:59:00&out=14:05:11

Strange bedfellows. In two World Wars American Presidents chose isolationist policies and Russia proved her determination to fight, and so it is now. The Russian President Putin, who refuses to put the words "politically correct" into his lexicon, especially when he sees chaos and danger in the world, stepped in in Syria. Obviously he finally has what he always wanted – a seaport on the Mediterranean. Putin is also holding very positive talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Herewith, a quote from Mr Putins communication:-

"Very many dramatic developments, including dramatic ones have been happening globally. But let me start with congratulations on the coming Chanukah holiday. It’s a very good and bright holiday that symbolizes the victory, the triumph of light over dark. I really hope that in international affairs we’ll have it this way as well. We are satisfied with the progress of bilateral relations. I wish to note that the mechanism promoted by you and proposed by you presupposes contacts between the militaries to prevent incidents due to the dramatic developments in the region, has been efficient; we have advances in other spheres as well."

You would think that with foul neighbours and constant security issues Israel would stagnate on innovative projects. Israel is the most innovative country and the greatest outreach to the poor countries, per capita and in real terms, in the world. If you don't believe me believe Warren Buffet and Bill Gates! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EQliG9Wsdo

The United Kingdom Parliament voted yesterday to act against ISIS in Syria and the aeroplanes are already in action. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/12/03/us-mideast-crisis-syria-britain-idUSKBN0TL00M20151203#p3WiF2oqEdDyvJCc.97

Abu Dis is an Arab neighbourhood of Jerusalem, south of the Temple Mount, in one of the many valleys of this beautiful city; after all, if you have hills you must have valleys too!  Anyway, I digress, Abu Dis was built over the last century or so on a site known as the Ofel. The Ofel was the area beneath the steps leading up to the Temple Mount, where those making Aliya, ascending, to pray would walk up the hundreds of steps. The only people coming down the steps were mourners so that those ascending would know to console them. The current residents of Abu Dis claim it was never Jewish or part of Judah (Judea) and is ancient Arab land, which is fine, we can all claim whatever we wish but it doesn't make it true. This week it was revealed that an 8^th century bulla, or seal impression, bearing the name of Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, King of Judah was uncovered by archaeologists in the Ofel. Hezekiah ruled the kingdom of Judah from around 715 and 686 BCE. During his reign the kingdom was invaded by the ascendant Assyrian Empire and the capital, Jerusalem, was besieged by the army of King Sennacherib. The Book of Kings II 18:5 says of Hezekiah that “after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among them that were before him.” http://www.timesofisrael.com/seal-bearing-name-of-judean-king-found-in-jerusalem/

Hezekiah or in Hebrew Hizkiayahu, created an ancient water tunnel which runs beneath the Old City including the Shiloah Pool. It is amazing, an incredible sight and this week Sean Penn went to see its wonders.

Sean Penn was in Israel to be the keynote speaker at an IsraAid event about the future of Haiti, held in Tel Aviv, funded by the Pratt Foundation's Peter Adler. Zvi and I were honoured to be invited by Shachar Zahavi and sat in the front row to hear the words of Ambassador Michael Oren who introduced Ambassador Danny Biran, Prof Nachman Ash (IDF Chief Medical Officer) and Dr Efraim Laor, the Head of IsraAids mission to Haiti, experts who race to the world's trouble spots, tornados, floods, tsunamis and war, to provide aid and succour.

After the multiple horrors that hit poverty stricken Haiti in 2010 Mr Penn decided to go and see what he could do to help. With minimum funds he succeeded in setting up a small aid station but when the second half of the cleared area was given to IsraAid he began to understand how to achieve real work. His team could barely manage to get drugs and water for the people and here was a team that had their kosher food flown in daily! He understood that IsraAid knew how to help on every level and it galvanised him into action. "The indirect impact of IsraAID is that everything that JP/HRO has accomplished would not have existed without the inspiration and support that they provided".  A shy, quietly spoken man he realized that the most important item on his list of needs was morphine for the injured, not an easy acquisition in the cautious west.  After watching the immense suffering of those in dire pain, he was ready to deal with the devil to obtain the essential drugs he found a willing partner in Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and the people of Haiti benefitted.

Penn had been under enormous pressure to cancel his trip but thanks to his confidence in the exceptional founder and director of IsraAid, Shachar Zahavi, http://www.israaid.co.il/ he chose to come, not only to come but he stayed extra days and toured Jerusalem, Massada, the Golan Heights, the Galilee and came away loving it all. In Jerusalem he went to the Western Wall, the Old City shouk, Yad Vashem, and sang with David Broza in a multi-cultural school. I suggest you visit the IsraAid Facebook page to see for yourselves. https://www.facebook.com/israaid/?fref=photo

Sadly I cannot speak only of beauty and delight – a diabolical thing happened in San Bernadino in California. A married couple, a former restaurant inspector for the local authority and a pharmacist, shot former workmates at a Christmas party, in a terrible attack in which Syed Tizwan Farouk and his wife Tafsheen Malik killed at least 14 people. Our hearts go out to the families of those murdered. http://graphics.latimes.com/san-bernardino-shooting/

I have a quiz for you! Let's see what you know about Israel and whether you do better than the Birthright participants http://www.jta.org/2015/11/27/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israel-quiz-post

I hope Harold enjoyed this weeks newsletter. His words reminded me how much we have to be grateful for and I am grateful to him for that. In a world where so many are harming so many, it is good to remember the good news. Positivity galvanises us toward Tikkun Olam.

And so to music

David Broza, exceptional Israeli singer and musician wrote a song from the heart -  Yihyeh tov – It will be alright. A song that reflects our fears and our hope for a better tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtI7h5A9eEQ

Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu v'al koolam – "Peace will come to us and to all peoples. Salaam, to us and to the entire world, Salaam Shalom" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGGZFJEKBKg

Finally, for Shabbat and for Harold and Stanley, Yismachu, "They Will Rejoice". Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgott and the incomparable violinist Yitzchak Perlman, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom this week  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyWkx6CfSI

Almost Chanuka, when despite dire conditions, threats and destruction, the Jews fought back.

I wish you Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. Jerusalem, a truly magnificent city, a deeply spiritual city The Talmud tells us "Ten measures of beauty descended to the world, nine were taken by Jerusalem."

With love

Sheila

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

150522 Jerusalem Day, Ethiopian Day, ICEJ, IsraAid, Palmyra, Syria

150522

22nd May, 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope you are all well and that the week was kind to you.

A friend sent me a quote. It took me a moment to really absorb it, and accept its truth. The quote is from the movie Exodus. Ari ben Canaan: "Jewish flesh is cheap, lady. It's cheaper than beef. It's cheaper even than herring." I have no doubt it is still relevant but these days it includes Christians. The media seems to care not a jot when the victims of horrific slaughter and oppression are Christians or Jews............ and I don't understand it.

Thousands are dying, literally thousands, in so many areas of the world it is terrifying; oppression is rife; racism is innate; war and poverty unbearable yet the media still seems to spend 90% of its time villifying Israel!!! Unfairly? Well, another quote this week was "0.1% of the worlds population yet 30% of doctors who rushed to give aid and sustenance to Nepal" Makes you think eh?

I have often thought about why they villify us, why politicians spend most of their time and energy finding "solutions" to our situation rather than their own. Well truthfully, none of them can solve their own, or any of the other situations in the world but they can tell us what to do and the media can report on every apparent infringement and their reporters are still allowed to report without either banning or decapitation. 

Jerusalem Day was a joyous occasion in Jerusalem. Flags, song, parades and......... stone throwing. Can you imagine if a specific group of French Moslems threw stones at the celebration of Bastille Day? or at the singing of the Welsh National Anthem at a Rugby match? Or at Thanksgiving, or Australia Day? That is the equivalent and do not be fooled.

Jerusalem coincided with the Memorial for Ethiopian Jews who perished on their perilous journey from dire oppression in Ethiopia. President Rivlin spoke at the Memorial "Just as it happens in the transition between Memorial Day and Independence Day, here too we find the interlocking symbolism of infinite sadness and joy mixed together. For thousands of years Ethiopian Jews lived with the concept of Jerusalem, Yerus-Alam, in their hearts, eager to immigrate to Israel, yearning to be in Zion from a distance. In the early '80s, and not for the first time, Ethiopian Jews marched for months under the scorching sun and the darkness of the night toward Jerusalem. They walked without much sleep, without food, hundreds of miles away. More than 4,000 died on the way. The immigration story of Ethiopian Jews to Israel is a story about faith and hope, about the determined Ethiopian Jewish leaders who were courageous and did not give up."

Our Jerusalem Day was special, very special. We went, with our friends Nancy and Harry Bloomfield and Sheila Zucker, to the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Among the Founders of the Embassy were the Van der Hoeven family, Malcolm Hedding who came for the ICEJ conference, and our Israeli friends Tim and Martha King. So many others, the Director Juergen Buehler, David Parsons, Beverley Dwyer, Mike Evans (both senior and Junior), Shaya Ben Yehuda, Rabbi David Rosen and too many friends to dare continue!!!! Their building exquisite, their purpose pure and their joy at the reunification of Jerusalem expresses their understanding, both Biblical and historical. The Embassy was created when a few amazing people understood that the world was abandoning Jerusalem - moving their Embassies to Tel Aviv - and decided to build and Embassy for those who recognise that Israel is a democracy and Jerusalem her Capital City. Proudly Christian, never proselytising, the ICEJ is a sign of hope in a sea of despair. http://int.icej.org/

I decided to check, how many situations whereby Embassies were not in Capital Cities. Maybe Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Korea, indeed any country however tyrannical,  but none, no a one, only Jerusalem. What does that tell us? Is it the enormous financial influence of Arab countries? It can't be a moral issue because, hey, Jerusalem is the capital of a highly moral and generous country; What can it be? It is total lack of understanding of the Middle East, diplomatic and political convenience, bowing down to immoral pressure,  mixed with that little quote from Ari Ben Canaan.

I found a fascinating link showing percentages of each religion, throughout the world, region by region, both today and predictions until 2050  http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projection-table/2010/percent/all/

ISIS is not on the retreat, far from it. The Syrian city of Palmyra, world heritage site, has been overtaken. ISIS immediately began doing what they know to do, destroying history. Indeed Assad has his escape plan in place. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32820857 The moment has passed by which we could have stopped them, their evil is rife, burning like wildfire through the Near and Middle East, and quietly growing throughout YOUR country in order to emerge when the moment is ripe. No, dear wonderful people, I am not exaggerating. I wish I were.  Weak world leadership, inept military action, unfinished wars, political correctness all play their part and have done since 9/11, London's 7/7 or any of hundreds of diabolical terror attacks around the world. Back to Palmyra and President Assad - as terrible a man, he is an angel compared to those who would take his place.

The growing evil is endorsed by the UN and by the apathy of the worlds leaders. For example - this is the latest offering of the UN 

GENEVA, May 20, 2015 - As Israeli hospitals continue their life-saving treatment for escalating numbers of wounded Syrians fleeing to the Golan from the Assad regime’s barbaric attacks, the U.N. reached new heights of absurdity today by accusing Israel of violating the health rights of Syrians in the Golan. By a vote of 104 to 4, with 6 abstentions and 65 absent, the Jewish state was singled out as the world’s top violator of health rights by the annual assembly of the U.N.’s World Health Organization. http://blog.unwatch.org/index.php/2015/05/21/un-israel-is-worst-violator-of-health-rights-in-the-world/

President Obama rejects the "rubber stamping"of policies on Israel. Why? "Because he cares so deeply"  What? He cares so deeply about the "settlements". http://www.jpost.com/landedpages/printarticle.aspx?id=403788 The settlements? I do not believe all the stories of the President being anti-Israel but this is ludicrous. The entire region (except for Israel) is seething bed of hatred and killing and a few Jews in settlements are what is bothering the administration?

Jill, Zvi and I were in Tel Aviv for Shabbat with Amiad and Noga. We played with the children in the park then walked to see Paul and Vivien Zimmet at the Hilton. Paul and Vivien were here for the  Tel Aviv University meetings. Deirdre and Keith Beville were there but we missed them which is OK since they came to stay on Tuesday!! Dr Eli Fischer founder of the excellent skin products aptly called Dr Fischer, was there too with his friend  Edna Heruti stood to have their portraits taken to send to Yitzik Lev - an essential member of their Friday Parliament!!!!

Jill left, Deidre and Keith Beville came to stay overnight (yes I did wash the sheets in between!). It was so much fun, talking to them in our home having lunch watching the view from our veranda and finally finding out who they are besides Jewish Agency and Keren Haysod meetings! It was great fun discovering what amazing people they are. Dinner in Zion ha Gadol and the next day they went to Mahane Yehuda and fell in love with its cacophony and bustling activity as we do.

Wow, I don't know where to start but this morning I had a meeting. I am still flying high! It was the first time I had ever met with Shachar Zahavi, the driving force behind IsraAid. We have been emailing since Haiti but never actually met. Shachar drove from the North with his lovely wife Rachel and we met at the Bloomfields Jerusalem home with a view to challenge ours.  Shachar told of how he and a few friends recognised the need for "on the ground help" in disaster stricken areas. It is irrelevant whether it is in Haiti, Ruanda, Phillipines, Iraq, Syria or New Jersey, IsraAid not only arrives, IsraAid stays. Experts in every field teach the locals to manage the post disaster situations so that they can not only get on their feet but rebuild in a logical and efficient manner - from physical buildings to psychological aid. I was so deeply impressed and watched as Nancy absorbed every word and Harry began questioning, doubting and ended the meeting recognising that this young man had the support of the USA and UK government which asked IsraAid to teach others to work the same way, UNICEF which works closely with IsraAid.......... their work is truly Tikkun Olam. I especially like what the Denver Federation did. They could not physically help with the floods but instead, to ensure that everyone knew who helped they put up huge posters .  WHO OTHER THAN ISRAEL HELPED DENVER As Shachar said "Wherever we go they love Israel" www.israaid.co.il

So that's that! Food is ready, we now have both Shabbat and Shevuot. I don't want to overload you so I am going to use the wonderful services of my dear friend Rabbi Jeremy Rosen http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/ Shevuot, festival of Torah, study and whiteness to emphasise the purity after being given the 10 Commandments. Shevuot, Pentecost, let's celebrate together, not only with cheesecake but in prayer that the Judeo-Christian traditions be upheld.

I didn't get the children today, I went straight from Harry and Nancy's to Givat Zeev just as they came home from school. Each child has a task before Shabbat and my incredible daughter Rachel had created a veritable feast. Coming home past the panorama from Samuels Tomb I was once again reminded of our ancient past here on this land. Despite so many exiles and enslavement we are here, we are back and have no intention of going anywhere.

This video isn't exactly a song but it a beautiful explanation of Shevuot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3AcZdMAMRQ

Lecha Dodi is the traditional Friday night synagogue song. I am not a fan of modern versions (sorry) but this is really beautiful. The Maccabeats Lecha Dodi to the tune of Leonard Cohens Halleluya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWmcQpzUMHY

Finally, the exquisite voice of Lt Col Shai Abrhamson, the Cantor of the IDF singing Avinu Malkeinu sh'b'Shamayim, Father our King who is in Heaven, take care of this land, this land of ours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FmG1I-f8UQ

I wish you a beautiful Shabbat, I pray that it is filled with love and joy and that you are strong and able to cope with whatever life throws at you.

With all our love from Jerusalem, Capital of the State of Israel, ancient capital of the Jewish people.Shabbat Shalom - Chag Shevuot Sameach

Sheila

Two gems to end with!!!!!

Hatikva in French - absolutely wonderful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX-AwG1tqBw

Found this incredible El Al Ad....... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zU7yg2d1uo

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

150501 Shabbat Shalom, Wendy Sherman, Nepal, IsraAid, Government, Hezb-Allah, Lindenfelds.

150501

1st May, 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Gosh it has been quite a while since I wrote and so much has happened, both here and in the big wide world.

I don't know if you realised but Wendy Sherman led the nuclear negotiations with North Korea, negotiations so successful that they now have nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles which threaten South Korea and the world. She also claimed that South Koreas claims for nationhood. Wendy Sherman is now responsible for the nuclear negotiations with Iran. Frankly, it scares me. http://carolineglick.com/life-under-the-us-umbrella/ 

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Nepal. When a massive earthquake hits it is not the firmly built rich houses that fall, usually, but rather the flimsy, poor homes that crumble, but this earthquake was so immense that it took the ancient along with the modern, the rich along with the poor.

Many countries sent money, aid, to help the Nepalese Government fight the hunger, thirst and destruction, but this chart shows how little Israel sent people. http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/28/asia/arwa-damon-rural-nepal-earthquake/index.html 

Due to our unfriendly neighborhood and our desire to help around the world, we have IDF field hospitals at the ready, which have proven themselves in their efficiency and speed numerous times. IDF tent cities are flown out and set up within hours of any disaster and already saved many lives and saw the joy of new births in the midst of disaster. http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/WATCH-IDF-field-hospital-opens-doors-in-earthquake-ravaged-Nepal-400535 

 

I am so proud of you! I am so proud of your response to my appeal for IsraAid. Thanks to your help Shachar Zahavi has been able to send teams of volunteers to even the most remote sites. Two other young people I know also swept into action, Gilad Yakir, from Jerusalem didn't panic, he acted. He went to a wealthy Buddhist monastery where they gave him a car loaded with medical equipment and he drove with some monks into the remotest areas and dealt with the worst of wounds and injuries, hoping against hope to avoid the inevitable infections that occur when no clean water can be found. He didn't rest, as soon as his equipment ended he drove back through the treacherous roads and took more. Another young friend is Ariela Guttin, who lives in Nepal and is working hard to raise money and do what she can to help in Nepal.

I have to mention Rabbi David Greenberg and his amazing Temple Shaarey Tefila, in Bedford, NY. The moment I sent out the appeal he motivated his community to send a generous gift to IsraAid. You never let me down David, you and your amazing team. I am not going to mention anyone because i don't want to miss a friend but you know who you are and who I love!!!!

Hezb-Allah decided to lob some missiles over Northern Israel, indeed right where we visited last week, perhaps they thought we were too busy with saving Nepal to notice!!! Since we met some of the Irish UN soldiers when up north I believe that they will do their best to stop them but just in case - we responded appropriately.

After an extension from President Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu is coming close to forming a government. Kulanu, the centre right and very socially aware party led by Moshe Kahlon who promised that he will bring social reform in cheaper housing and fair wages, is a definite. Also entering the government is the United Torah Party, representing the religious sector, although the price was putting the bill demanding equality in obligation to this country. Other negotiations are ongoing but they are very tough. I am personally very sad that the Labour Party (or Zionist Union by any other name) has not come to an agreement with Netanyahu, nor Yair Lapids Yesh Atid.  It is a shame that his natural partners have both chosen to stay outside, undoubtedly with the sole intention of bringing this government down from oppostition. My greatest complaint about the Israeli electoral system, and I have many, is that the official opposition parties do not prepare themselves by forming shadow governments and coming up with alternative policies, they simply work toward bringing down whoever is in power. I am still praying for compromise but then we all know my middle name is Pollyanna!!!!!

Yesterday, in response to a disgraceful incident and a prolonged grudge, Jerusalem saw a very angry demonstration take place in the centre of the city. Young Israelis of Ethiopian descent were demonstrating against their ill treatment by Israeli police, not shooting like in Baltimore, but police bullying. It came to a head when a video reached the television stations of two policemen physically harassing and shoving a young soldier of Ethiopian descent on his way home from duty. It really broke the camels back and a normally quiet and dignified sector became very angry and rightfully so. Mayor Nir Barkat chose to enter the fray, literally, he stood in the middle of the crowd then sat on the kerb and invited the leaders of the demonstration to come and talk. He patiently listened to anyone who chose to engage in dialogue ensuring that he would use his influence to change the current situation. His actions calmed the youngsters more than any other.   policeman, controlling the demonstration, who came under most verbal abuse was a young Ethiopian policeman. Interesting. http://www.timesofisrael.com/jlem-street-blocked-in-protest-over-police-brutality-against-ethiopian-born-israelis/

After Passover we spent a glorious 10 days with wonderful people. Our dearest friends Helene and Martin Lindenfeld decided that they wanted to show their friends Lee and Lusillo what a gorgeous country this is - and succeeded!!!

They began in Jerusalem, arriving on the eve of  Yom ha Shoah, they walked the Old City, visiting Jewish and Christian sites, went to Professor Gabby Barkay's sifting project where we heard the siren of Yom ha Shoah and sifted through buckets of soil and stones taken from the Temple Mount and recovered by Prof Barkay. They went down to Massada and the Dead Sea while I prepared Shabbat Dinner!

Friday night they came to our home for Shabbat Dinner together with their lovely guide Eva Yaron and her husband Eli, Zvi's beautiful Kiddush (sung in harmony with Martin and Eli) setting the scene.

  

Over the next week we saw Crusaders Fortresses, climbed up to the top of the Golan Heights where we overlooked Syria and Lebanon and had coffee in a restaurant called Coffee Annan (in Hebrew meaning Coffee in the Clouds). We slept in Mitspeh ha Yamim, a health spa cum farm in Rosh Pinah, we travelled the north of Israel and saw Nazareth, Metullah, Akko (Acre) which is truly magnificent, cavernous Crusader castles and citadels have been uncovered and opened to the public in a truly wonderful manner) Tsfat, home of Kabbalah where this wonderful song, the prayer Ana-Bekoach was written about 2000 years ago by the Holy Master Kabbalist Rabbi Nechunia ben Hakanah z”l. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irm-0IKPGic, Caesaria with its aquaduct and enormous amphitheatre where Zvi stood and sang an operatic aria to the thunderous applause of a visiting group of Dutch Christians!!!!! So many other places finally ending up in Tel Aviv where Martin, Zvi and I paid tribute to Felafel Gabbay, the wonderful felafel place on 300 Dizengoff Street with the big sign "Soldiers in Uniform Eat Free". Of course we were treated to special service because we are friend of Itchko (Yitzik Lev). Tel Aviv was more relaxed although one special treat was visiting the Independence Hall on Yom HaAtzma'ut - Independence Day, sitting in the very hall where David Ben Gurion declared the founding of the Jewish state by the name of Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy_LlKE9OMQ  From there we went to Old Jaffa and after walking through the streets we stood in the port and proudly watched the fly-past of generations of Israeli aircraft. Our hearts filled with pride.

Eva was amazing, the Lindenfelds truly magnificent friends and our new friends Lee and Lusillo were sheer joy. We were so proud to show them our country, to impart our understanding and to learn new things from Eva. It was a rediscovery of how truly miraculous Israel is.

We ate gourmet and street, we drank fine wines (all local) and freshly squeezed fruit juices on the street; we laughed, cried, learned and watched and it was good - very good.

On our last day, when Martin, Helene, Lee and Lusillo had already left, we sadly packed our bags and went down for breakfast in the hotel gardens. We sat beside a couple, who looked very friendly and began to chat with them. They are lovely, they are friendly and I am happy to say that they are coming for Friday night dinner tonight!!!!! Dale and Steve Hoffman are staying in the King David, enjoying touring and rediscovering Israel after a 20 some year break. Tonight they will see the View from Our Veranda - along with other delightful Israeli friends and Zvi's cousin Debby Gutverg who is on a course for a select group of Mexican Jewish teachers here in Israel. The course was initiated by Danny Liwerant who recognised the importance of the connection between the community and Israel. 

After a week of history, reminders, memories and fun. A quote from the New Testament on a Coptic Church sums up the current atmosphere  - They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

I am not that pessimistic though. Who could have imagined that we would come back after 2,000 years of dispersion to form a country that within 70 years has come from the Middle Ages to a 21st century powerhouse? This country is beautiful, productive, innovative, giving and hey........ it's my home!!!!

This week I was reminded of my roots and my future - having met very special friends from my Welsh past, Andrew, Jennifer, Madeleine, Sue, Averil and Jill and enjoyed the company of new friends. That is how we spend our lives here - meeting, greeting and learning from others. 

Wishing you a beautiful Shabbat, one in which you have time for yourself yet are surrounded by loved ones. I pray for those who are sick and remind them that I need them, they are important to me and to us.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, be well, be strong, know who you are and love what you are.

With all our love from Jerusalem, beautiful, spiritual, enjoyable city - with 9/10ths of the worlds beauty. Next week we celebrate Jerusalem Day, in celebration of the reunification of the city in 1967 after 19 years of Jordanian rule on the Holy sites. This song reminds us of Jerusalem's importance as Yossi Azulay sings King Davids words, written in this very city in this language 3,000 years ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irm-0IKPGic

Sheila

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

150227 ISIS Nineveh, Obama-Netanyahu, Rubio, BOG Gantz, IsraAid, Purim

150227

27th February 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear Friends. I hope this missive finds you well.

Just as I think we cannot be more deeply offended by the vile behaviour of ISIS by any other name, something else happens. The sheer inhumanity of their slaughter has gone beyond our worst nightmares exceeded by their determination to destroy history lest it contradicts their invented present was seen in Afghanistan and now in Mosul, ancient Nineveh, the destruction is recorded to prove their superiority. http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/4801.htm

I stay out of mudslinging and personal views of the American Administration. I care only that the administration makes decisions that are best for America. The highly personal row between an American President and the Israeli Prime Minister has become filled with unbecoming rhetoric. Deeply personal criticism by John Kerry, snidely suggesting that Mr Netanyahu doesn't know what he is talking about offends me deeply. Believe you me Mr Kerry, for us the enemy is not many thousands of miles away and our SecretService has been doing this for longer than yours. The nuclear devices may hit us on their way to Washington and New York - and head for Washington they will. It is not Mr Netanyahus speech that will affect the outcome of the Israeli elections,  most are ready for change anyway, but the derision with which the White House treats the PM may just cause the Israelis to vote for him!!! Senators Rubio and Ayotte say it best.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODjcm7U4lo0 http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/191893#.VO9l9PmUePn

An American jury reached an historic decision regarding the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority for terror attacks, specifically during the 2nd Intifada. The precedent was set by the Lockerbie decision  making Libya liable for compensation to the families of those killed and other Libyan initiated attacks. Targeting civilians was "standard operating procedure" for the Palestine Liberation Organization, Fatah and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, plaintiffs' attorney Kent Yalowitz told jurors when the trial began. Yasser Arafat, the PLO's longtime chairman and the PA's president, controlled all those entities. Arafat's handwritten consent appears on PA documents detailing payments to terrorists and their families that were later seized by Israel. Those records became key evidence showing the PA's knowledge and support for the bloody wave of terror attacks. One 2002 report sent to the PA's General Intelligence Service chief praised a West Bank squad for its "high quality successful attacks." http://www.investigativeproject.org/4784/jury-finds-palestinian-authority-liable-for#  The PA claims they don't have the money - so where did all that aid go?

The US Consulate in Jerusalem asked New York City Councillor David Greenfield to remove his Kippa when visiting Ramallah "for security reasons" and found nothing odd in their request. I am proud to say the Councillor Greenfield refused. http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/02/26/new-york-councilman-visiting-ramallah-refuses-to-remove-kippah-when-asked-by-us-consulate-security/

This week the Board of Governors Meetings of the Jewish Agency took place in Jerusalem. Zvi did not manage to go to all the meetings, busy taking care of me, but he managed to go to several. The speaker that impressed him most of all was  former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, for the first time wearing his "civvies" rather than his IDF uniform. Gantz outlined the major issues before the assembled leaders from around the world explaining that he leaves Israel with many problems but that his successor Gadi Eizenkott is more than capable of dealing with any danger that presents itself.

1. The Iranian situation. Gantz said he has nothing against Persians but their regime invokes deep concern

2. In countries to the North of Israel,  2 evil entities are fighting for control, religious control - the Shiites and the Sunnis. They are not armies but rather ideals which is a problem that NATO did not recognise for many years but now they do.

3. The aim of ISIS, clear in their name, is to make the entire ME ( and world) one Caliphate -  "The End of Sykes-Picot", from the 1916 secret agreement between France and Britain that split the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. They do not recognise any other entity.

4. Our internal problems can only be dealt with by encouraging social solidarity, not divisive policies.

5. Your role. Our role. Diaspora communities and the relationship with Israel must be nurtured. It is now of paramount importance from every aspect. Only by combatting ignorance with knowledge about this area in general and Israel in particular can we influence others. Learn and disseminate.

Finally, Lt General Gantz spoke of the lone soldiers. Boys and girls who volunteer to make Aliya and enlist in the IDF while their families are overseas. He asked us all to take care of them. http://www.fidf.org/page.aspx?pid=282

 

The Diaspora issue is addressed by Yair Lapid in this excellent letter to the Guardian Newspaper concerning the hundreds of artists who signed a petition condemning Israel. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/19/why-no-petition-to-protect-jewish-people?CMP=share_btn_link

IsraAid, founded and run on a shoestring by the amazing Shachar Zahavi, is the jewel in the crown of Israels outreach to those in need. While governments ponder, IsraAid acts. You already know about Haiti, Phillipines, New Jersey, and so many other places in turmoil but this latest IsraAid project deserves more funding and more publicity.  Relief for the Yazidis of Northern Iraq http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Aid/Pages/IsraAID-scales-up-winter-relief-operation-in-northern-Iraq-9-Feb-2015.aspx

Charlie Chaplin was not known for his politics, rather for his portrayal of the little man who proved to be our hero. Never more than in this video, the final speech from the movie The Great Dictator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcvjoWOwnn4

If you ever have doubts about Israeli behaviour in Operation Protective Edge - just watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKKM3GvjRa8

Almost Purim. What is Purim and what do we celebrate? That's not so difficult - Wicked Vizier, weak King with an eye for a pretty lady and an overpowering wife, decision to kill Jews, wisdom won through and yet again we eat at the end.  Why do we dress up? Once upon a time we dressed up as Queen Esther or Mordechai and the bad boys were Haman. Why do we get Tipsy? So we won't be able to differentiate between friend and foe thus not hate anyone. One needs to be either blind deaf or dumb - actually all three - not to recognise the similarities between today and those days of yore. I saw the similarities but Rabbi Jeremy Rosen recognised another similarity - between now and Munich.  http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/ -

 

Israel is awash with "Hamantaschen" Pastry triangles alternatively called Hamans Ears,  Hamans Hats, Hamans Pockets in fact almost anything that relates to Haman! These delicacies can be traditional, filled with either dried, spiced fruit or poppy seeds, or with just about any sweet or savoury delicacy the conditory can invent including Green Tea!!! http://www.timesofisrael.com/green-tea-hamantaschen-in-paula-shoyers-kitchen/

We haven't had a Hebrew lesson for ages, so now is the time for a spectacularly Israeli phenomenon. The MAKOLET. Makolet, convenience store, corner shop, neighbourhood grocery and general meeting place. In most countries the makolet has given way to large conglomerates and supermarkets but here they are a growing business, rather than closing down they are thriving!!! Our makolet owner is Oren and he knows everyone by name. If someone is missing a carton of milk or a pat of butter he will have one of his people pop it round in a jiffy, or one can make large orders - all free delivery and one can pay tomorrow or the next day. The young men who work with him, Itzik, Bar and Uzi, are equally fun and Orens fruit and vegetables are the very best in town. When you go to the makolet for HALAV (milk), BAYTZIM (eggs), SHOKO, a delicious chocolate milk shake which traditionally came in individual plastic bags that children successfully bite off the corner and drink; for YERAKOT (vegetables) or PAYROT (fruit) you will find everything from simple potatoes and onions to crispy asparagus and long white leeks straight from the ground. Peppers,PILPEL, juicy red, yellow, orange and green or tiny multicoloured sweet peppers not to be confused with the fiery PIPEL HARIF (hot peppers) or three types of courgette - in fact everything is so diverse including the shapes because we don't necessarily eat the evenly shaped ones - we sell them to you!!! I always choose the Siamese twin bananas, the bulbous cucumbers or the piggy back peaches just because that's how nature made them, not straight and tasteless but strange and scrumptious!! 

If you doubt for one minute that Israeli food is the freshest and best just read this! http://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-among-the-healthiest-eaters-study/

That's it! Time to make my final touches for Shabbat. Zvi has been absolutely phenomenal this week, taking care of me, cooking, tidying and entertaining visitors. He really proved his nurturing side! My neighbour Shoshana came bearing food and the other neighbour Michal baked a cake but other than that he took on his role with great good nature.

It may sound strange but last Friday, waking from the anaesthetic I looked up at both Zvi and my wonderful eldest son Daniel and felt great gratitude and love wash over me- Dan, you are such a special person, you and your beautiful family. This week our second eldest grandson Samuel was 10 years old. Sammy, you have taught us all the meaning of absolute love, absolute trust and fine dining!  I am the luckiest person in the world that all three of my children and both of Zvi's and their partners in life, exude love and are really good people. Lucky, lucky, lucky. 

Tomorrow Steve and Shuli Daren are coming to visit and various other friends- I am so much better but haven't managed to get out for a whole week! Unfortunately that meant that I haven't seen Rachel and her family this week since they have all been struck down with flu - real flu and not very nice at all. Wishing them better soon.

Shabbat Shalom everyone.  Hope you have a wonderful Shabbat filled with love, contemplation and peace.

This week I realised once more how fortunate I am as I lay in bed absorbing the view of Jerusalem from our window - The View from Our Veranda!

Love

Sheila

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. Elections, Ziad Abu Ein, CIA Torture,COGAT, IsraAid

141211

11th December 2014

Shabbat Shalom dear Friends

What a week! The news was not always good but my goodness it came in fast and furious.

The United States reported severe torture of security prisoners by the CIA and security forces, then managed to divert attention by blaming Israeli standards and reports!!! They then further diverted attention after the deeply regrettable death of a Palestinian Minister during a demonstration. 

A reporter from Sky news said on air that Israeli medics tried to help Ziad Abu Eid who clearly suffered a heart attack but were pushed away. This Sky News article shows two videos. In the first you see the commentator saying that Abu Ein was part of a demonstration against the "settlement of Shilo" and in the questioning of IDF Spokesperson Lt Col Peter Lerner it is claimed it was a peaceful tree planting to honour Human Rights!!!! http://news.sky.com/story/1389277/palestinian-minister-dies-after-row-with-soldier

The arms cache of Hezb-Allah was destroyed in an attack by "unknown" sources. I don't know who did it but thank Heaven they did. It is a bit like the bombing of the Syrian nuclear facility (or Iraqi) no-one claimed responsibility but thousands of deaths were averted.

A young Israeli Jew, Levi Rosenblat, was stabbed outside Chabad House in Brooklyn, for being a Jew 

Busaina Abu Ganem, an Israeli Arab woman from Ramleh was shot and killed while in a car with her children - by whom? her Ex-husband, husband and brother because she had talked to another man. Honour killings are a worldwide aberration. 

A Canadian Moslem newspaper published an article praising the killing in the Har Nof synagogue http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/dgreenfield/canadian-muslim-paper-celebrates-synagogue-massacre-of-rabbis/

From Shachar Zahavi - "We are honored as IsraAID to be a part of the international task force by offering pycho social assistance and trauma care, helping both affected communities and service providers cope with the Ebola outbreak in western Africa.  There is still allot more work to be done our teams on the ground are working hard and we hope you can join us by supporting our efforts to fight this horrible epidemic."  http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-ebola-fighters-choice/

My thanks to Jessica Glesby for sending this good news. After a long legal battle the Polish Constitutional Court found the ban on Kosher slaughter unconstitutional http://www.thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/190084,Polish-court-finds-ban-on-ritual-slaughter-unconstitutional 

While working on Facebook I saw a wonderful video placed by Standwithus. It tells the story of COGAT, the Israeli governmental organisation which gives both physical and medical aid to Palestinians. I am so proud of the humanitarian work we do all over the world and with our close neighbours. http://www.frequency.com/video/cogat-coordination-of-government/209801531?cid=5-241

I avoided discussing the upcoming elections for long enough. I am so sick of a system that creates instability by forcing coalitions of diverse and often incompatible beliefs - who said proportional representation was fair and right? Tsippi Livni is changing parties yet again........ joining with Isaac Herzog (well I can't call him Boojie if he he intends to be my leader!!!!), Yair Lapid is in talks with Kahlon and Naftali Bennet (see what I mean) and the polls still have Benjamin Netanyahu as the clear leader. I am just afraid of the newcomers because Prime Minster of Israel is not a place for basic training. It isn't that I am a huge fan of the current Prime Minister but at least he knows the ropes. I have yet to be convinced by one of the above, anyone, that they can lead us forward with greater decisiveness and more charisma to gain us more support in the world. 

As usual........... Now for something entirely different.

Zvi flew to Mexico for two happy family events. First was the Barmitzva of Alex, son of Sylvia and Avraham Feinsod. Alex amazed the entire community by not only performing his Maftir and Haftorah but conducting the entire morning service and the whole reading of the Torah. Incredible, this 13 year old certainly became a man that day in the synagogue! Bravo Alex, you are my champion!

The other occasion was the wedding of the grandson of Zvi's late, beautiful, cousin Frieda Kershenovitch z"l. Just a few short hours before she passed away, the groom, Yair, the groom, and his father Jorge sat beside Frieda and sang an exquisite mystical song  "Ana BeKoach". When the wedding day came Yair and his beautiful bride Liora included the song under the wedding canopy, the chuppah, bringing their late grandmothers spirit to the service through the ancient Kabbalistic chant.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EdL_TLbHsg   

  

Zvi also visited his Mexican cousins in San Diego and is now in Florida with Helene and Martin Lindenfeld. He spent time with our dear friend Michael Meir, whose beautiful wife Dr. Rivka died so tragically a short time ago. It was a very emotional meeting but very important to both men. Zvi visited his friend Jacobo Skolnik whose brother Moshe passed away this week, Zvi had known Moshe since 1968 through WUJS - the World Union of Jewish Students. May his soul rest in peace. 

Senor Zvi also spoke at several meetings in Mexico and in Cecilia Kleinmans home in Florida. Although retired from official positions he was, is and always will be an outstanding motivational speaker, his knowledge of Israeli and Jewish history unparalleled.

I am busy getting the apartment ready for my husbands return, if everything is in the same place when he gets back home he will be really worried!!! I love changing things around, it makes life more interesting!

I spent a lot of time with the grandchildren while Zvi was away and Shabbatot with my beautiful daughter and family. Last week was the birthday celebration for three generations, Amit, Ori, Shiri and Menashe in Nes Ziona and this week I collected the children from school two afternoons and we went to have fun. While I was waiting to pick the girls up I suddenly realised what was in front of me. I was in the neighborhood of Ramot and right across the trees was Ramallah!!!

Ramallah was once a Christian town, not very big but 100% Christian. Today it is growing, huge shopping centres and tall, modern apartment blocks spreading very quickly towards Jerusalem, a few hundred metres from the edge of Ramot. Now an exclusively Moslem town, Ramallah is the administrative capital of the PA. Not a word from the American or European administrations on the incessant PA building on the disputed territories, not a word about Ramallahs non-existent Christians, only about a few buildings in Jerusalem, which according to the misinformed leaders, scupper and chances of peace!!!

Our veranda benefitted from the downpour last week. The tiny lemon tree has over 25 yellow, succulent fruits ready for picking, the kumquats are bright orange against their dark green leaves and the hibiscus blossoms, bright yellow and peach hues, relieved that the searing sun has taken its winter rest. I love the ever changing view through the leaves and branches, the mist softening the panorama of white stone houses, rolling hills, some built up, some verdant; the bustle of the shopping mall and the proximity of the football stadium and basketball arena. Best of all the sun always shines on our veranda - as the pottery sun, that Zvi carried all the way from Mexico on one of his visits, smiles down from the wall.

Zvi will soon be home and life will return to its normal energetic confusion of friends, meetings, movies, theatre and dinners. Greeting him in at the beautiful main hall of Ben Gurion Airport with its waterfalls and coffee shops is always exciting. Each greeter with his/her own story and expectant faces wheeling their luggage trolleys carefully searching the faces outside for a familiar face. 

I am not a fan of Rap, I guess it is a matter of age! However, Ari Lesser wrote a brilliant Rap song about Hamas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smx1g3htAzY

And so to Shabbat. This week we read Vayeishev - the story of Jacob, Joseph, his brothers and Pharoah. Rather more complex than the traditional children's story! http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3202/jewish/Vayeishev-in-a-Nutshell.htm

In honour of the Joseph story and of my wonderful children, Daniel, Gideon and Rachel, who adored the "tape" of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and sang along with every word  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ZZn5aH67s&index=9&list=PLAF62D06AD00F6754  Listen to the words they are so relevant. I tried to find the original recording by Paul Jones and Tim Rice (does anyone have one) but ........ Donny Osmond does a good job.

So dear friends, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom. Chanuka is just around the corner and then the Yuletide, Noel- Christmas. It's good to have such beautiful expectations.

With love from Jerusalem, my home, our city, heart of our faith.

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

I just got an email from Paul Zimmet, proudly sending me the link of an article n The Australian about our wonderful mutual friend Pauline Gandel. I am delighted to show you what an amazing lady Pauline is.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/visual-arts/pauline-gandels-love-affair-with-lacquer-keeps-alive-tradition-of-japanese-beauty/story-fn9d3avm-1227153163715

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

Shabbat Shalom from Sheila in Jerusalem

141023

23rd October 2014

Shabbat Shalom dear Friends. Shabbat Shalom.

Chaya Zisel Braun, American and Israeli citizen, 3 months old, was murdered by a Hamas terrorist yesterday in Jerusalem. Our hearts go out to the Braun family as the entire nation of Israel mourns with you.  Her father, an American-Israeli from Los Angeles, CA, is also in our prayers as he is in critical condition from the attack: Shmuel Elimelech Ben Ester Matil. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4583138,00.html

The perpetrator has been honoured and lauded by the Silwan Fatah movement and indeed by Mahmoud Abbas himself. http://www.timesofisrael.com/fatah-honors-jerusalem-hit-and-run-terrorist/

Ismael Haniya's daughter was cared for in an Israeli hospital when her Gall Bladder became inflamed. When a senior IDF Officer was asked why we were willing to treat the daughter of the leader of Hamas he said "Because in Israel we do not differentiate between patients. When someone needs medical help we give it unconditionally" Wherever in the world we are needed we give our hearts and souls - IsraAid  http://israaid.co.il/ and MASHAV http://mfa.gov.il/mfa/mashav/Pages/default.aspx - an example to the world.

The Death of Klinghoffer is a really awful title for an ill-intentioned attempt at an opera about a heinous crime, the hijacking of a cruise ship and the diabolical murder of an ailing, elderly man in a wheelchair by throwing him, alive, off the ship all in the name of enlightenment and art. Are the Jewish donors to the Metropolitan Opera insane or simply trying too hard to "fit in"? Don't they understand that if they cancelled their donations they could have changed their world? http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/15837#.VEiU_vmSw0E 

The situation on American Campuses is dire, yet Americans are so busy pointing the finger at Europe that they have no concept of what their young people are doing in University. This is must be addressed by the leadership. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAyFlByb64M#t=19

The shooting at the Ottawa War Memorial in Canada is yet another aspect of what is happening. World leaders offer support but they do not react - they do not preempt http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/22/ottawa-shooting-parliament_n_6029076.html

Incredibly there is some good news from one of our neighboring countries! Lebanon, while Lebanon has lost its Christian identity it still upholds some of the principles apparently. An old synagogue is being refurbished in the capital Beirut. http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/142184/adam-rasmi/lebanons-jewish-revival

I told you about Philip Bloom, clown and volunteer here in Israel and I wrote an article about him in the Jerusalem Post. Philip desperately needs sponsors and paid gigs to sustain his volunteer work. My thanks to Steve Linde the editor for choosing to place this article in a very busy news week. http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/The-tears-of-a-clown-379032

The Shabbos Project is an exceptional idea, a very Jewish notion, a truly beautiful project. This Shabbes, Shabbat, Sabbath, Jews and non-Jews around the world will keep Shabbat. The project provides the how and what in clear and uncomplicated instructions and will start in Melbourne spreading throughout the world as the clock ticks. Shabbat will become a signal for unity and togetherness. Read all about it! http://www.theshabbosproject.org/about/

Pat Condell's video Bye Bye Sweden says what others do not dare to utter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVt-oeBx0kE&sns=em and Boo Hoo Palestine even more so https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvTgqBluojM  Pat Condell says what others only dare to think.

The young Israeli who ran a campaign which encouraged young Israelis to move to Berlin because of the cost of a chocolate dessert is moving back home. Apparently Berlin isn't as welcoming as he thought!!!

Well it was yet another insane week! Danny and Judith Liwerant are here from Mexico City, Danny for the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings and Judith to give her fascinating lectures on Jewish History at the Hebrew University. We managed to grab them for a lunch at home for a short respite from meetings and of course to wonder at the view from our veranda!

Yesterday I met my beautiful friend Andrea Kovens beautiful friend Renee Rubinoff from Toronto who is here with part of her family to take her amazing little grand-daughter Evie to the famous  Fuerstein Centre for courses. The Fuerstein Institute follows the teachings of their founder whose firmly believed that we can all reach our full potential including children with special needs. http://www.icelp.info/ 

It was such a delightful lunch that I almost forgot to leave in time to go with Zvi to Tel Aviv to babysit our littlest grandchildren!!!

This morning Zvi and I went to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel for the wedding of Amy Oppenheimer and her David. Amy is the daughter of our friends Elaine and Marc. It was such a joyous affair and the bride came out to be greeted by her girlfriends while sitting happily on a garden swing. The singing and dancing was so Israeli and as the girls danced around Amy, David was brought in by a highly enthusiastic group of his friends and checked his bride was indeed Rachel not Leah (Biblical references!!!) before the ceremony beneath the traditional canopy. The ceremony was traditional and delightful and the views over the Judean Hills and Bethlehem astonishing. 

Aba and Pamela Clayman were at the wedding. They are such are good kind people, religious Jews who find no contradiction between their religiosity and their deep commitment and love for Israel and Israeli soldiers. Their project to  show gratitude to the boys and girls who defend our nation for three full years of their lives is quite exceptional.  http://thankisraelisoldiers.org/?CategoryID=236&ArticleID=250&sng=1

Last night was pure fun! We were back on the road to Tel Aviv to meet with my old and dear friends Val and Martin Myers with Adrienne and David Jackson all of Reading in Berkshire. We all grew our children together! We met in the Maganda restaurant just near the Carmel Market in the old Yemenite area of Tel Aviv for some honest to goodness, delicious Israeli food and a great deal of memories and laughter. They loved the way that everyone is part of everyone elses conversation and Zvi and I were the stand up for the couple near us. All four are coming to Jerusalem on Monday and I will show them all our wonderful sights and sites from Mahane Yehuda to the Kotel, from the panorama of the Hass Promenade to the gentle quiet of the Botanical Gardens........... hopefully, if I don't exhaust them the day will culminate in a "moment"on our veranda. Zvi will be in Ashkelon at the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings but on occasion he allows me to use his information to treat our guests!!!

Shabbat is nearly with us and Jerusalem is already wearing her Shabbat robes,the warmth of the autumnal sun slowly disappearing into the crisp evening Jerusalem air. The cooking aromas are less evident as the breeze takes them away to our neighbours rather than up to our veranda. As I sit outside I can still identify who is cooking what though. From Shoshanas Hamin, to Daisy's Tunisian fusion salmon on grilled vegetables, we all use vegetables and loads of them in salads or grilled they are straight from the fields of our kibbutzim to our kitchens. 

Shabbat dinner is special and always bears a huge degree of tradition as if we bring our forebears into our kitchens and they sit beside us at our family Shabbat dinners. We can only hope to make them proud as their traditions remind us that Jews survive - as each and every one of our festivals remind us. We survived the Egyptians, Greek and Roman Empires, the Ottomans and the Spanish Inquisition and we even survived Hitler - we can survive this loathsome period too. All we need it to remember exactly who we are and be proud of our past, present and future. 

Adon Olam, that song/prayer that speaks of the past, present and future is a natural choice today and I dedicate it to my lovely friend Peter Cooper who was the first person I ever heard singing this version at my son Gideons bar mitzva 29 years ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RQibnqiZX0

Never forget our love for one another and Israels determination to save her people. This short clip is of the song Hinei Ma Tov Umaneim as the aeroplane from Entebbe landed in Israel. The words come from Psalm 33 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" written by King David right here in Jerusalem.  Let's not forget the words but use them as our cri de coeur  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECYQtONWOxk

With love from our beloved Jerusalem our past, present and future

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila 

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17