090213
13th February 2009.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Valentines Day!
This week I have no intention of trying to untangle the web of intrigue and power that is Israeli politics, so anyone who thought they may just hear some form of explanation – sorry! If you think that Tsippi (Kadima) won the elections you would be right but Bibi (Likud) thinks he did!!! Now since Bibi thinks he won he intends taking the Prime Ministerial seat away from Tsippi and forming a coalition with Yvette (Avigdor) (Israel Beitenu – Israel our home) however Yvette isn't sure he wants Bibi and Eli (Shas) won't sit in a coalition with Yvette because Yvette wants to make conversion easier and civil marriage available to those who need it.
As if that isn't complex enough Tsippi prefers not to sit in coalition with the religious parties who have tended to suggest that she should be at home cooking supper for her family!!!! Ehud (Avodah) has announced that despite the awful election results he is not going anywhere and stays as head of the Labour party and I bet that if he is offered the Defence Ministry he would go back on his harsh words about everyone else; Meretz takes a similar stance with their measly 3 seats, castigating the possible rightist government.
Are you still with me?
Bibi thought he had a shoo-in coalition but in fact – Tsippi is making him sweat and Yvette is not quite as flexible as he thought!!! In addition Yvette claims that everyone has tainted his reputation because now he is under investigation by the police. Simultaneously, the President, hereinafter known as Shimon, is pressuring all the parties to get a move on and not leave the citizens of Israel in limbo!!!
The citizens are crying out for a different system of selection of Knesset Members. Proportional representation doesn't work any more and we want constituency government, each MK responsible to his particular area and that areas needs. The percentage of votes to attain recognition for a party must be raised from 2% to 4 or even 5% and rid us of the ridiculous number of small parties which slew the final results when people think it funny to vote for them (110,000 votes were wasted on these parties which could have given the larger parties a clearer majority).
Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein is an exceptional man and a wonderful representative of American Jewry to the world and to the American President. Yesterday Malcolm led a group of American Jewish leaders, for an audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict in Rome to ask His Holiness to denounce Holocaust denial. The Pope, in an emotional speech before the leaders, denounced any form of denial of the Shoah, using the Hebrew word for Holocaust, within and without the church and described the Shoah as man's greatest crime against mankind.
I see more and more severe anti-Semitism (often in the guise of anti-Zionism) on university campuses – whether in the UK, Canada, the USA or Europe, don't be fooled into thinking it isn't in a university near you. There are some amazing people out there working the campuses and trying to combat the incitement but I believe it has gone beyond that. We need professional help from major PR firms to fill the internet with counter information; to undermine the direct incitement with positive exposure in the media; to ensure the showing of "The Wave" in all schools http://www.thewave.tk/ as a compulsory part of the curriculum to include discussion groups on the films relevancy today. I would also persuade a film-maker of consequence to create an up-to-date version of the movie Exodus with the original Pat Boone lyrics and Ernst Gold music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFUdKve0dkc The truth has become so distorted through the media and through exceptionally efficient Moslem revisionists that it will take a very professional effort to change perceptions.
So, rather than try to understand our politicians and politics, Jerusalem is slowing down in preparation for Shabbat. The silence reigns as entire families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, do their sponger, a strange technique of sloshing water everywhere – there aren't fitted carpets here – and then gathering the now dirty soapy suds in with a giant squeegee called a sponger- the marble and terrazzo floors given a final shine with a clean floor cloth. I have to admit that this is not my method of preference, I tend to do the wipe and shine rather than donning my welly boots and scrubbing!!!! The carpets have been beaten to death on each veranda and replaced under the shining tables which are then set with white cloths and fine silver and china…. The food is placed on the hot-plate and then, exhausted everyone takes a siesta in order to be ready to greet the bride of Shabbat.
I wish you a sweet, fresh house filled with laughter, family and the glorious aromas of Shabbat. Be well and remember, Shabbat in Jerusalem cannot be beaten, no matter how hard we try!!!!!
Shabbat Shalom from this confused voter.
Love
Sheila
Showing posts with label Israeli elections 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Israeli elections 2009. Show all posts
Friday, 13 February 2009
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Mid-week Elections update
090211
11th February 2009.
The day after the night before!
The final votes are in although some are not yet counted and Kadimah is the largest party, closely followed by Likud, but the decision as to who will lead the government is still in the air. Israel's election laws are somewhat confusing since there are so many small parties and varied parties which could potentially form coalitions. It is a long process, taking anything up to 30 days to enter into negotiations with the previously opposing parties to gather the 61+ seats needed to gain a majority coalition. President Peres has called for the relevant parties to try to form a government within a shorter period of 10 days since this is a crucial time in Israeli politics. Based upon their ability to form a substantial and stable coalition he will announce the next Prime Minister of Israel.
Lieberman's Israel Beiteinu did not achieve the huge landslide they expected, although their 14-15 seats will probably swing the direction of any coalition. His immoderate words brought out the normally low Arab vote and the Arab parties have increased their number with at least 8 seats. I say immoderate although, if one really examines the ethic of loyalty to ones country maybe the words are not as extreme as they appear, they do, however, open the door to excessive action and reaction closer to nationalism than loyalty. I am a moderate but when Arab Members of Knesset overtly support Israel's enemies in time of war, enemies who proclaim Israel's demise, I believe it is treasonous. Members of Knesset swear to protect and support the State of Israel against her enemies and should be disciplined when they abuse democracy by not adhering to their own oaths.
The Kadimah results surprised me because I thought that the wonderful heavy rain throughout the country may serve the more extreme parties, the less committed, voters staying home in the warm, but it didn't affect the results as severely as I predicted. The Left is the general loser in yesterdays political equation - Meretz is almost wiped out with 3 seats and Labour with only 13 seats is the 4th party in size.
Zvi and I chose a short break in the rain to walk through the park on our street to our polling station. We took Yosef and Talia, our little grandchildren, with us so that they could experience the excitement of choosing the right "petek" – voting slip. Once inside the school, each voter is directed to his/her polling room, one person at a time, a panel of invigilators sits in each room, one of whom checks the voters ID card and voting card, hands him an empty envelope and directs him to the booth. Unlike most countries, stepping inside the booth one is faced by a vast number (I think about 30) slips, all with one, two or three letters in Hebrew, so that not only must one choose a party, one must remember which letters apply to ones preferred party! Having chosen the petek, it is sealed inside the envelope and taken back to the panel, in front of whom one posts it into the sealed box. Yosef and Talia did the honours – and then chose a treat from the local corner shop as a prize!
Time will tell who will ultimately be the Prime Minister – although Tsippi Livni has already offered Likud a strong two party coalition with her as Prime Minister. One political pundit has suggested a rotational Kadimah/Likud Prime Ministerial system until much needed electoral reforms are in place.
Australia suffered a catastrophic bush fire which took the lives of over a hundred people. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6833919 The fire, in Victoria State, was a heinous case of arson. Vast areas were wiped out and families destroyed, burnt in their homes unable to escape the inferno. Australia and her governments have been true and stalwart supporters of democracy and stood by Israel in her hours of need. I think it would be appropriate and right if we were to write to the Victoria State Premier John Brumby premier@dpc.vic.gov.au offering him and the people of Victoria our condolences.
Last night we went to see the movie "Defiance", the true story of the Bielski family, four brothers whose parents were killed in Nowogrodek, Byelorus, and hid in the surrounding forests, to become the leaders of the hundreds and hundreds of people who joined them. Through their defiance and wiles they and many of their followers survived until the end of the war. The film is harrowing, brilliant, essential and I left the movie house knowing that we, as a people are survivors. We will never use deprivation and destitution or death as an excuse to wallow; we are a defiant people and will always, but always survive and thrive. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1034303/synopsis
As a perfect example of positivity and togetherness the World Maccabi Union held the preparatory international meetings for the 18th Maccabiah which will be held in July. The sheer joy and good intentions of those who come from near and far to Kfar Maccabiah to lay down the plans for the "Chai" games makes me very proud. Through Zvi's voluntary work with Maccabi I get to see the background preparations and incredible planning which are behind the second largest international and most joyous of sports events in the world. http://www.maccabiah.com/maintxt.asp?cid=195&parents=&psn=195&maincatid=195
The Maccabiah is a way for young Jewish athletes (and some not so young) from all over the world, to come to Israel, meet, compete and socialize at the Kfar in a celebration of Israel, sport and the joy of togetherness.
While Zvi attended meetings at Kfar Maccabiah, I drove to see my amazing friend Jenny. Jennifer and I have been friends since the age of 7 when our Mother's introduced us (Jenny met her husband Brian at my 17th Birthday party) and although we meet rarely we always care about each other. There is a rare joy in meeting someone after a 3 or 4 year break and simply "carrying on the conversation. Incidentally, Jenny is still as beautiful as she was at age 7!!
Congratulations to the Liebler Family on the 50th wedding anniversary of Isi and Naomi here in their beloved Jerusalem. Naomi is World President of Emunah and Isi is known for his writings and determination to make the Jewish world a better place. Mazal Tov to you both "ad me'ah ve esrim beyachad"
An early Shabbat Shalom, hoping for a continuation of the rain and a cessation of political ambition for the betterment of the people - we need a smidgen of political stability! I know, I am back in Pollyanna-land!!!
Love from a wet and windy Jerusalem
Sheila
11th February 2009.
The day after the night before!
The final votes are in although some are not yet counted and Kadimah is the largest party, closely followed by Likud, but the decision as to who will lead the government is still in the air. Israel's election laws are somewhat confusing since there are so many small parties and varied parties which could potentially form coalitions. It is a long process, taking anything up to 30 days to enter into negotiations with the previously opposing parties to gather the 61+ seats needed to gain a majority coalition. President Peres has called for the relevant parties to try to form a government within a shorter period of 10 days since this is a crucial time in Israeli politics. Based upon their ability to form a substantial and stable coalition he will announce the next Prime Minister of Israel.
Lieberman's Israel Beiteinu did not achieve the huge landslide they expected, although their 14-15 seats will probably swing the direction of any coalition. His immoderate words brought out the normally low Arab vote and the Arab parties have increased their number with at least 8 seats. I say immoderate although, if one really examines the ethic of loyalty to ones country maybe the words are not as extreme as they appear, they do, however, open the door to excessive action and reaction closer to nationalism than loyalty. I am a moderate but when Arab Members of Knesset overtly support Israel's enemies in time of war, enemies who proclaim Israel's demise, I believe it is treasonous. Members of Knesset swear to protect and support the State of Israel against her enemies and should be disciplined when they abuse democracy by not adhering to their own oaths.
The Kadimah results surprised me because I thought that the wonderful heavy rain throughout the country may serve the more extreme parties, the less committed, voters staying home in the warm, but it didn't affect the results as severely as I predicted. The Left is the general loser in yesterdays political equation - Meretz is almost wiped out with 3 seats and Labour with only 13 seats is the 4th party in size.
Zvi and I chose a short break in the rain to walk through the park on our street to our polling station. We took Yosef and Talia, our little grandchildren, with us so that they could experience the excitement of choosing the right "petek" – voting slip. Once inside the school, each voter is directed to his/her polling room, one person at a time, a panel of invigilators sits in each room, one of whom checks the voters ID card and voting card, hands him an empty envelope and directs him to the booth. Unlike most countries, stepping inside the booth one is faced by a vast number (I think about 30) slips, all with one, two or three letters in Hebrew, so that not only must one choose a party, one must remember which letters apply to ones preferred party! Having chosen the petek, it is sealed inside the envelope and taken back to the panel, in front of whom one posts it into the sealed box. Yosef and Talia did the honours – and then chose a treat from the local corner shop as a prize!
Time will tell who will ultimately be the Prime Minister – although Tsippi Livni has already offered Likud a strong two party coalition with her as Prime Minister. One political pundit has suggested a rotational Kadimah/Likud Prime Ministerial system until much needed electoral reforms are in place.
Australia suffered a catastrophic bush fire which took the lives of over a hundred people. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6833919 The fire, in Victoria State, was a heinous case of arson. Vast areas were wiped out and families destroyed, burnt in their homes unable to escape the inferno. Australia and her governments have been true and stalwart supporters of democracy and stood by Israel in her hours of need. I think it would be appropriate and right if we were to write to the Victoria State Premier John Brumby premier@dpc.vic.gov.au offering him and the people of Victoria our condolences.
Last night we went to see the movie "Defiance", the true story of the Bielski family, four brothers whose parents were killed in Nowogrodek, Byelorus, and hid in the surrounding forests, to become the leaders of the hundreds and hundreds of people who joined them. Through their defiance and wiles they and many of their followers survived until the end of the war. The film is harrowing, brilliant, essential and I left the movie house knowing that we, as a people are survivors. We will never use deprivation and destitution or death as an excuse to wallow; we are a defiant people and will always, but always survive and thrive. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1034303/synopsis
As a perfect example of positivity and togetherness the World Maccabi Union held the preparatory international meetings for the 18th Maccabiah which will be held in July. The sheer joy and good intentions of those who come from near and far to Kfar Maccabiah to lay down the plans for the "Chai" games makes me very proud. Through Zvi's voluntary work with Maccabi I get to see the background preparations and incredible planning which are behind the second largest international and most joyous of sports events in the world. http://www.maccabiah.com/maintxt.asp?cid=195&parents=&psn=195&maincatid=195
The Maccabiah is a way for young Jewish athletes (and some not so young) from all over the world, to come to Israel, meet, compete and socialize at the Kfar in a celebration of Israel, sport and the joy of togetherness.
While Zvi attended meetings at Kfar Maccabiah, I drove to see my amazing friend Jenny. Jennifer and I have been friends since the age of 7 when our Mother's introduced us (Jenny met her husband Brian at my 17th Birthday party) and although we meet rarely we always care about each other. There is a rare joy in meeting someone after a 3 or 4 year break and simply "carrying on the conversation. Incidentally, Jenny is still as beautiful as she was at age 7!!
Congratulations to the Liebler Family on the 50th wedding anniversary of Isi and Naomi here in their beloved Jerusalem. Naomi is World President of Emunah and Isi is known for his writings and determination to make the Jewish world a better place. Mazal Tov to you both "ad me'ah ve esrim beyachad"
An early Shabbat Shalom, hoping for a continuation of the rain and a cessation of political ambition for the betterment of the people - we need a smidgen of political stability! I know, I am back in Pollyanna-land!!!
Love from a wet and windy Jerusalem
Sheila
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