120225
25th February 2012
Shabbat Shalom dear friends!
It seems that the only country not afraid of Iran is Israel, a fact disconcerting to countries much, much bigger! We live in a tough neighbourhood and bullies are rife, if we were scared of them we would have packed our bags and run years ago. We made a decision, never again to be sheep to the slaughter. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama will meet over the Iran situation on March 5th and maybe the two countries which have the most to lose will listen to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait who understand that the current Iranian leadership is a danger to EVERYONE. What I fail to understand is how the world (through the IAEA) used Mohamed El Baradei, since exposed as Moslem Brotherhood, to be our watchman over the Iranian nuclear programme. The Iranian danger to the USA is known http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press_display.asp?id=2185
Syria and the killing has reached diabolical proportions. In an insane attempt to silence the media the troops targetted the press centre in Homs killing senior journalist Marie Colvin whose final report described seeing a little baby die. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104711/Marie-Colvin-dead-Chilling-warning-days-killed-Homs.html
Khaled abu Toameh, Moslem Arab, Jerusalemite and outstanding journalist, speaks on behalf of Israel at many US campuses, was speaking at the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations here in Jerusalem, told us he feels safer with Hamas and Fatah than on some US campuses! In a panel discussion moderated by David Horovitz, Khaled told us of the horrific bus accident just a short way from his home when children died. Despite Palestinian claims, he said that the first people on the scene were the IDF, followed by MDA and Zaka. The Palestinians just stood by!!! Khaled also told us about the foreign press. Once he informed them of a situation that put the IDF in a good light and only two journalists responded, so he made up a story claiming Israelis abused Pal children and he would take them to see and every one wanted to go and report.. Khaled told them he would call them the next day to take them to the place and never did!
The Conference of Presidents, led by the exceptional Dr Malcolm Hoenlein brings Jewish leaders to Israel to hear our spokepersons, meet our politicians and IDF and transmit the information to leaders in the USA. One discussion was headed by Steve Linde, the new Editor of the Jerusalem Post, as we left the discussion I met Marc Belzberg of One Family Organisation. Unlike the JA Victims of Terror Fund which closed leaving survivors of terror attacks high and dry, One Family has never abandoned them and the founders, Marc and Chantal, ensure the survivors are cared for. as their nightmares never end. http://www.onefamilyfund.org/article.asp?id=3307
One of the greatest bones of contention within Israel is the matter of obligations and rights. One third of Jerusalem's population pays income taxes; one third of Jerusalem's population serves in the IDF; one third of the population pays municipal taxes; but, everyone receives social benefits irrespective of his/her contribution. This situation caused a terrible social rift as both the Haredi community (ultra-orthodox) and the Arab community of Jerusalem are financially dependent upon those who go to the IDF and work and tend to feel little responsibility for the society they live in. I am not suggesting that all Haredi families are parasites nor all Arabs – I am more than aware that some work, pay their fiscal dues, although the level of illegal work (un-taxed) is high and serve their country. David Ben Gurion, at the founding of the State, naively decided that 300 Yeshiva students should be excused conscription, ensuring the Jewish character of the State and excluded Arabs from conscription that brother would never fight brother, although both Bedouin and Druze volunteer for the IDF as brave and true defenders of Israel. The Tal Law had to be changed to ensure that ALL citizens become useful members of Israeli society. Attorney Yehuda Ressler fought hard to bring about this change and this week the Supreme Court declared the Tal Law without legal basis and the government will introduce a new law to ensure that everyone pays his/her part in defending this country – if not in the IDF then in Sherut Leumi - Public Service. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=258782
In contrast Prof Gerald Steinberg writes of Israel's thriving society in the newly formed Times of Israel - http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israels-vibrant-democracy/
While in New York we had so much fun with our little grandson Joshua and his Mummy and Daddy. We went to see the Paper Bag Company performance with Nana Ellen, to the Natural History Museum and by train out to the Coney Island Aquarium where we all got blown away – literally! We had dinner with Lenny and Ruth Cole where we had a wonderful time with each other and with our waitress Jennifer Press; I met my lovely Arlene Wittels and Deborah Davidson at the Met; we ate Nattie Zonszeins haute cuisine and Zvi managed to spend lots of time with Yolli, Dr Joel Zonzsein, his endocrinologist and best buddie. We spent a glorious evening remembering a dreamy cruise with the Gandels with Josephine, Tom, Joyce and Fred and I met my childhood friend Rabbi Jeremy Rosen -we never have enough time to say all we want to tell each other! We went to the 9/11 Memorial which is breathtaking and finally on our last morning we met up with Rivka and Michael.
We tried to go each evening to the Shiva to spend time with the Lindenfeld/Sheinfeld family and honour Marta Sheinfeld z”l Mother of our friend Helene. One night Zvi took the evening service and on the final night the family's Rabbi from Chabad Coconut Grove, Yaacov Fellig gave a wonderful speech about Marta z”l; her character, her humility, her generosity and her legacy to her family. The Shiva is an essential ritual giving the family time to mourn, remember, talk and relate their feelings to friends.
The flight home was long, very long, but we arrived happily to the hustle and bustle of Israel's ultra-modern Ben Gurion airport, our luggage arriving at the baggage claim before we did, and raced to Tel Aviv to clean up, change clothes and go to the sumptuous wedding of Yair and Yuliah. It was fabulous. The next morning I saw my grandchildren and got all the hugs I had missed for 3 weeks while Zvi went to the parliament, I wrote a quick Shabbat Shalom to you and the children came for Friday night supper – in other words back to normal!!
Jerusalem, ah Jerusalem. Nothing changed in our absence except a change in neighbours and the sound of the power drill as they pull up the floors and make their mark on their new home! So good to be home, Shuk Ramle, walking in Mamilla with Rosa, even my visit to the supermarket was special, no small packs of plastic covered plastic fruit and veggies, the vegetables, morning picked, are piled high in mountains of shiny purple aubergines, small green cucumbers, wonderful juicy red tomatoes, large, moist, crispy bunches of parsley, coriander, mint and dill; potatoes, yams and huge onions which still have the life giving soil on them, bright orange pumpkin hacked into irregular shapes, seasonal, cheap, imperfect shapes and perfect taste. Multi-coloured hills of spices perfume the air - Israelis say “ta'am shel pa'am” the taste of yesteryear. Israelis don't buy a few, we buy huge bagsful!! Cooking is a national hobby and it's good to get back home to the aromas of 140 traditions!!!
Purim is creeping up on us and the shelves are filled with “Hamantaschen” Hamans Ears, filled with dates, or poppy seed, or raisins, or jams indeed almost every possible flavour. It is probably the most appropriate of festivals right now as one talks of the evil coming from Persia, from the town of Shushan as the Grand Vizier, Haman, spoke evil of the Jews, convincing the King that they wanted to take over his world. It took a woman, Esther, guided by her Uncle Mordechai, to convince the King that indeed the evil one was Haman and thus saved the Jews while Haman was led through town, backwards on his own white horse for all to see his idiocy. Ahmedinejad – take note. Every Purim families prepare “Mishttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhloach manot” - gift packages (of food of course!) to give to friends and neighbours – usually of sweet treats to ensure that those you know have a truly festive Purim to celebrate our success over the evil Persian. Zvi has a philosophy that every Jewish festival is “They tried to kill us, we won now let's eat”!!!
Good luck to Joseph Cedar and his film “Footnote” in the Oscar voting. “Footnote” is an outstanding movie, go and see it! http://mubi.com/notebook/posts/cannes-2011-joseph-cedars-footnote
So I have written enough, much more than usual! I would hate to bore you! However I have two Mazal Tovs in the family.
The first is my beautiful, adored grandson Samuel George (aka Samsam) who is 7 years old this week. Samsam who taught us all so much and is going to show the world that he can do ANYTHING.
The second is my big brother Ronnie who is exactly 10 times older than Samsam this week. Happy 70th birthday Ronnie - can't believe you are that old.............. gosh I will soon be catching you up!!!!
I wish you Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, heart of our hearts and our faith, most beautiful and multifaceted city in the world, city of white stone which glistens in the rain, glows in the sunrise and turns gold in the sunset and draws at my heartstrings each and every day.
Shabbat Shalom
With love
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Friday, 6 January 2012
Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem
120106
6th January 2012
Shabbat shalom everybody. Gosh I am really close to the wire with this weeks missive, but for good reason............we were out last night and I wanted to bathe my grandchildren to make them squeaky clean for Shabbat then give them chocolates to make them dirty again – a grandmothers right surely!
So much happened in the world this week but apart from a few headlines I really want to tell you about some great things I/we did.
The issue of Haredi power struggles has become a huge media fest and in some cases with good reason. For instance – a very tiny group of Haredim dressed their children with Yellow Stars as if they were being treated like Jews in the Holocaust. Now I disapprove of any media bashing but that is just not on. I believe that when one lives in a country, any country, rights come as a result of fulfilling obligations – first fulfill obligations to G-d's country. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4169332,00.html
Syria – oy Syria. Syrians are dying and the world is still threatening action. Don't threaten DO SOMETHING. Incredibly the West still wants Assad in power so do not dethrone or even debunk him. Go understand politics.
Iranian sabre rattling is becoming deafening and if the big guys in the world of power don't do something NOPW I have a feeling we, little tiny Israel, may be forced to act. Of course if we do go in there to save the world we will be told our reaction is disproportionate!!!!
Mitt Romney won Iowa. And I for one am pleased. I cannot believe that in supposedly tolerant and open America a man can be put down for his religious belief!!
Jonathan Sacerdoti wrote an outstanding article in the normally wildly anti Israel New Statesman – well worth reading http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/12/israel-gaza-operation-civilian
How Israel made the world better in 2011 http://actforisrael.org/blog/blog/2011/12/30/how-israel-made-the-world-a-better-place-in-2011/
7 reasons the IDF is a Tolerant Military http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/12/21/seven-reasons-why-the-idf-is-considered-a-tolerant-military/
Israel in figures – every statistic you could ever need to know!!http://www.cbs.gov.il/www/publications/isr_in_n11e.pdf
OK now to the good stuff!!!
On Monday I was at the Knesset, with the International Forum, to meet a delightful man. I knew very little about South Korea except that they have a terrifying enemy to the north, learn specific passages from the Talmud in school, believing that “Jewish Genius” comes from the study of the Talmud and about 25% of South Koreans are Christian. I didn't know that South Korea was formed in 1948, a peaceful democratic people in an area filled with despots, that they prosper despite their warlike neighbours. The Ambassador, who studied in Kings College, London, spoke warmly and beautifully of the relationship between our two countries since diplomatic relations were reinstated in 1993. He spoke of our similarities, in work ethic, initiative, innovation in industry and determination that our children be well educated. He also alluded in no uncertain terms, to the fact that we both live in a rough neighbourhood.
When I walked into the meeting room, right next to the Prime Ministers office, I was delighted to see an old friend, Tuvia Yisraeli, who served the Foreign Office in Geneva and is now our Ambassador to South Korea. Actually, I was not only delighted to see him I was even more delighted to hear of the magnificent job he is doing in Seoul. In a world which rarely compliments the work of others Tuvia received only compliments! It was clear from what everyone said that improving and strengthening Israel-South Korean relationships – both business and personal through tourism - can only be an advantage. South Koreans already come to Israel – now it is time the great Israeli adventurer fly off to investigate the beauty of South Korea on Korean airlines!
My other big event of the year was when my cousin Joannas daughter Tammy got married!! I love Joannas parents, Cyril and Irene, indeed all their family. When my children were growing up in Reading Berkshire, Cyril and Irene were very much part of our lives and now that they have two daughters living in Israel, it makes me feel part of the family. The wedding was held in a beautiful hall in Nes Ziona and the joy that exuded from everyone was tangible. Zvi and I sat with Cyril and Irene and their friends and watched the world go by, incidentally the pre-Chuppa (ceremony) food at Israeli weddings is the best. Small stands each with a different delicacy from burgers and chips through to roasted vegetables or chicken shishlik or........... everything in a tiny scale so it becomes finger food. Anyway I digress.
The Chuppa was beautiful, the bride and grooms smiles only marginally brighter than the parents grins, the groom breaking the glass, traditionally reminding us that not only is life fragile but also to remind us of the destruction of the Holy Temple. The dancing was wild, Israeli dancing with a wonderful band, all clearly Yeshiva students with long beards and side-curls but with a different past because the guitar players and the singing was wild and included Bob Dylan and Meatloaf!!! Suddenly, we were asked to sit down and a wonderful flashmob took place, danced by the friends (and Mum Joanna) for the Bride and Groom! Amazing!!!!
Family is everything. Family is togetherness. I was so thrilled to see this family together – my family – here in Israel. Despite poor health they came to be at this wonderful festive occasion. Made me jealous, I adore my family but get very sad that they haven't seen the view from my veranda.
Lat night we went to the opening of our friend Eli Matityahus exhibition of beautiful photography in Tel Aviv, opposite the newly refurbished Habima Theatre. Zvi remembered how he grew up back-stage of the theatre, the original Habima, because his Mothers cousins were among the founders. As a child, when Tel Aviv was just a lot of sand, his parent used to bring him to Habima where he watched the performances from behind the curtains.
So back to bathing the grandchildren in preparation for Shabbat. They live in Givat Zeev and I was lucky enough to come home past Samuel's Tomb and get that momentary, breathtaking view of Jerusalem in front of me. Last nights rains cleaned the white stonework of the buildings making that panoramic view even brighter. The towers and the hills forming a wonderful relief map.
And so home – to our newly beautiful veranda, bright red cyclamen in the corner and the lobelia just beginning to contrast their sapphire blue.
The shopping mall is emptying and one can hear a pin drop in Jerusalem as the city prepares for Shabbat. Almost here........... almost. The car park of the shopping mall is emptying, the aromas of international cooking rise up to greet from our neighbours and the world looks as if it could just learn to relax.
Here is your Shabbat treats – a wonderful Jerusalem video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5y3oI0iWGE&feature=share and here is Michel Cohen the incredible winner of an Israeli children's singing competition. Michel won the audience and the judges over with his rendition of Shir laShalom. http://www.mako.co.il/special-nrg/video/Video-5086aaa0a6a1431006.htm
Just read the words – This is Israel. http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-shirlashalom.htm
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem – Jerusalem – not next year – THIS YEAR IN JERUSALEM
Sheila
6th January 2012
Shabbat shalom everybody. Gosh I am really close to the wire with this weeks missive, but for good reason............we were out last night and I wanted to bathe my grandchildren to make them squeaky clean for Shabbat then give them chocolates to make them dirty again – a grandmothers right surely!
So much happened in the world this week but apart from a few headlines I really want to tell you about some great things I/we did.
The issue of Haredi power struggles has become a huge media fest and in some cases with good reason. For instance – a very tiny group of Haredim dressed their children with Yellow Stars as if they were being treated like Jews in the Holocaust. Now I disapprove of any media bashing but that is just not on. I believe that when one lives in a country, any country, rights come as a result of fulfilling obligations – first fulfill obligations to G-d's country. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4169332,00.html
Syria – oy Syria. Syrians are dying and the world is still threatening action. Don't threaten DO SOMETHING. Incredibly the West still wants Assad in power so do not dethrone or even debunk him. Go understand politics.
Iranian sabre rattling is becoming deafening and if the big guys in the world of power don't do something NOPW I have a feeling we, little tiny Israel, may be forced to act. Of course if we do go in there to save the world we will be told our reaction is disproportionate!!!!
Mitt Romney won Iowa. And I for one am pleased. I cannot believe that in supposedly tolerant and open America a man can be put down for his religious belief!!
Jonathan Sacerdoti wrote an outstanding article in the normally wildly anti Israel New Statesman – well worth reading http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/12/israel-gaza-operation-civilian
How Israel made the world better in 2011 http://actforisrael.org/blog/blog/2011/12/30/how-israel-made-the-world-a-better-place-in-2011/
7 reasons the IDF is a Tolerant Military http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/12/21/seven-reasons-why-the-idf-is-considered-a-tolerant-military/
Israel in figures – every statistic you could ever need to know!!http://www.cbs.gov.il/www/publications/isr_in_n11e.pdf
OK now to the good stuff!!!
On Monday I was at the Knesset, with the International Forum, to meet a delightful man. I knew very little about South Korea except that they have a terrifying enemy to the north, learn specific passages from the Talmud in school, believing that “Jewish Genius” comes from the study of the Talmud and about 25% of South Koreans are Christian. I didn't know that South Korea was formed in 1948, a peaceful democratic people in an area filled with despots, that they prosper despite their warlike neighbours. The Ambassador, who studied in Kings College, London, spoke warmly and beautifully of the relationship between our two countries since diplomatic relations were reinstated in 1993. He spoke of our similarities, in work ethic, initiative, innovation in industry and determination that our children be well educated. He also alluded in no uncertain terms, to the fact that we both live in a rough neighbourhood.
When I walked into the meeting room, right next to the Prime Ministers office, I was delighted to see an old friend, Tuvia Yisraeli, who served the Foreign Office in Geneva and is now our Ambassador to South Korea. Actually, I was not only delighted to see him I was even more delighted to hear of the magnificent job he is doing in Seoul. In a world which rarely compliments the work of others Tuvia received only compliments! It was clear from what everyone said that improving and strengthening Israel-South Korean relationships – both business and personal through tourism - can only be an advantage. South Koreans already come to Israel – now it is time the great Israeli adventurer fly off to investigate the beauty of South Korea on Korean airlines!
My other big event of the year was when my cousin Joannas daughter Tammy got married!! I love Joannas parents, Cyril and Irene, indeed all their family. When my children were growing up in Reading Berkshire, Cyril and Irene were very much part of our lives and now that they have two daughters living in Israel, it makes me feel part of the family. The wedding was held in a beautiful hall in Nes Ziona and the joy that exuded from everyone was tangible. Zvi and I sat with Cyril and Irene and their friends and watched the world go by, incidentally the pre-Chuppa (ceremony) food at Israeli weddings is the best. Small stands each with a different delicacy from burgers and chips through to roasted vegetables or chicken shishlik or........... everything in a tiny scale so it becomes finger food. Anyway I digress.
The Chuppa was beautiful, the bride and grooms smiles only marginally brighter than the parents grins, the groom breaking the glass, traditionally reminding us that not only is life fragile but also to remind us of the destruction of the Holy Temple. The dancing was wild, Israeli dancing with a wonderful band, all clearly Yeshiva students with long beards and side-curls but with a different past because the guitar players and the singing was wild and included Bob Dylan and Meatloaf!!! Suddenly, we were asked to sit down and a wonderful flashmob took place, danced by the friends (and Mum Joanna) for the Bride and Groom! Amazing!!!!
Family is everything. Family is togetherness. I was so thrilled to see this family together – my family – here in Israel. Despite poor health they came to be at this wonderful festive occasion. Made me jealous, I adore my family but get very sad that they haven't seen the view from my veranda.
Lat night we went to the opening of our friend Eli Matityahus exhibition of beautiful photography in Tel Aviv, opposite the newly refurbished Habima Theatre. Zvi remembered how he grew up back-stage of the theatre, the original Habima, because his Mothers cousins were among the founders. As a child, when Tel Aviv was just a lot of sand, his parent used to bring him to Habima where he watched the performances from behind the curtains.
So back to bathing the grandchildren in preparation for Shabbat. They live in Givat Zeev and I was lucky enough to come home past Samuel's Tomb and get that momentary, breathtaking view of Jerusalem in front of me. Last nights rains cleaned the white stonework of the buildings making that panoramic view even brighter. The towers and the hills forming a wonderful relief map.
And so home – to our newly beautiful veranda, bright red cyclamen in the corner and the lobelia just beginning to contrast their sapphire blue.
The shopping mall is emptying and one can hear a pin drop in Jerusalem as the city prepares for Shabbat. Almost here........... almost. The car park of the shopping mall is emptying, the aromas of international cooking rise up to greet from our neighbours and the world looks as if it could just learn to relax.
Here is your Shabbat treats – a wonderful Jerusalem video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5y3oI0iWGE&feature=share and here is Michel Cohen the incredible winner of an Israeli children's singing competition. Michel won the audience and the judges over with his rendition of Shir laShalom. http://www.mako.co.il/special-nrg/video/Video-5086aaa0a6a1431006.htm
Just read the words – This is Israel. http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-shirlashalom.htm
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem – Jerusalem – not next year – THIS YEAR IN JERUSALEM
Sheila
Friday, 24 July 2009
Shabbat Shalom from Sheila
090724
24th July 2009.
Shabbat Shalom.
We are home after an amazing holiday with the most gracious hosts and wonderful fellow travellers. To quote Lewis Carroll "The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax-- Of cabbages--and kings" We spoke of all the above with time for dining, history, cruising and jokes.
Did you know that the Islamic Jihad in Iraq is currently celebrating their major victory over the United States? They claim superior military power made the Allies turn tail and run out of Iraq...... seeing the Presidents good-will gesture as an enormous defeat. Ambassador Yoram Ettinger writes on the relationship between Israel and the USA http://yoramettinger.newsnet.co.il/Front/NewsNet/reports.asp?reportId=270980
The Dead Sea is one of the 28 finalists in the competition to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The lowest place on earth and its minerals will compete against the Amazon River, the Galapagos, Grand Canyon and others in a competition which will be decided in 2011 http://www.new7wonders.com/">voting
One of Israel's most important and least understood issues is "settlements". What constitutes a settlement? The dictionary suggests that it is "a small community, village, or group of houses in a thinly populated area"
Nothing illegal or immoral, simply a place to live. Misinformation accompanied by a great deal of disinformation implies illegality and engenders thoughts of wild-eyed Jews pulling down existing Palestinian villages to build their fine and lush towns. One cannot ignore the fact that there are a few such settlements, a few too many, but the Prime Minister is already dismantling them. Ordinary settlement towns were built where nothing stood before. We took a journalist from Peruvian Television - Ricardo Muller z"l, to Maaleh Adumim. After driving 10 minutes to the south of Jerusalem, through barren hills, we came upon a beautifully kept garden town. We drove through the town to the far side and looked over the barren wasteland beyond, Ricardo said "I didn't expect this beautiful town but even more I did not expect to see this stark wilderness- nothing - but absolute nothingness. I thought, from the reporting, that I would find a small town filled with zealots surrounded by exiled Arabs!" The land we were standing on was occupied by Jordan after the 1948 cease-fire and deeded to Israel in our peace agreement. If you recall, Jordan and Israel constitute the original "Two State Solution"
Jerusalem, Yerushalyim, Ariel, Hephsibah, Ir Shalem, Ir ha Kodesh, Neveh Zedek; a few of the 70 names of Jerusalem in the Bible, our capital city, the only place in the free world where anyone attempts to deny Jews the right to build a home. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat had this to say on the subject.
“Jerusalem is the capital of Israel – the heart and soul of the Jewish people. If Jews can buy and build homes anywhere they choose in New York, Paris or Moscow, surely too, a Jew can live and build anywhere they choose in the city of Jerusalem. No Mayor of any city in the U.S. would prevent construction of a home based on race or religion, and I surely as Mayor of Jerusalem will permit Jews to build in all areas of Jerusalem, in the same manner as Muslims and Christians can. We will stand strongly against any intervention to try and divide Jerusalem. I am proud that there has never been greater freedom of religion in the city of Jerusalem than under the flag of Israel – where everyone is free to practice their beliefs in public and visit their holy sites. The future of Jerusalem is quite clear - it must stay the undivided capital of the State of Israel. “
See Daniel Pipes opinion. http://www.danielpipes.org/7464/obama-israel-into-the-abyss
Tuesday was an exceptional day, the high spot of a wonderful holiday with dear friends. We visited the newly refurbished synagogue and museum in Rhodes. The Jewish community of Rhodes has a fascinating and long history – but the period of the Holocaust is the most unexpected. The Jewish community numbered about 4,000 in 1940 and the Germans conquered Rhodes in 1944. The Turkish leader and the Moslem religious leaders warned the community of what was about to happen and many escaped but 1,604 remained and were captured by the Germans and transported to the camps. However the Turkish Ambassador discovered that some 42 members of the community had Turkish citizenship and he fought tooth and nail against the invading Germans to prevent those Turkish Citizens from transportation. He succeeded and although their lives were made difficult they stayed and survived. The history of the community was told to us by Shmuel Modiano, one of the few islanders to have survived the Holocaust. Shmuel was to have had his bar mitzvah in Kahal Shalom in 1944, but instead “celebrated” it in Auschwitz. Today, at 79, Modiano leads tours of the synagogue and La Juderia “I am obligated to tell,” Modiano says sadly. “There is no one else." He turned his arm to show the tattooed numbers and told us how he was found by the Russians amongst a pile of bodies when they saw him lift his hand to indicate that one skeletal frame was barely, but still alive. Shmuel now lives in Rome where he finally celebrated his long delayed bar mitzvah in 2007, but he comes to Rhodes for 5 months every year to tell his story and the story of his survival in the camps. http://www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org/ As Shmuel finished his story, our tear-filled group spontaneously said Kaddish (prayer for the departed) in memory of those who perished and Shmuel who chose to speak out.
I love coming home! Straining to see the beaches and skyscrapers of Tel Aviv as the aeroplane glides the last miles over the Mediterranean Sea I know that every moment brings me closer to Jerusalem. The ground crew smile as they call out "Bruchim ha Ba'im" Welcome; Israeli flags, Israeli stamps and Israeli gleaming marble floors. As one leaves the air-conditioned modern terminal and steps into the searing heat of a July day the sounds and aromas feel like home and then there was Rachel – ready for her first hug. We called into Givat Zeev to see our little grandchildren who couldn't hide their curiosity as to what "matanot" (presents) we brought them, and then, on our homeward journey, we passed the Tomb of Samuel the Prophet and the breathtaking sight of Jerusalem spread before us as an undulating, sparkling white mosaic; refreshing our bearings according to its towers.
Zvi left me to the unpacking and he drove to the closing ceremony of the highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed 18th Maccabiah in Latrun. What a show! http://www.maccabiah.com/?c_lang=0&b2b=2
Tonight we will bring in Shabbat in the time honoured manner, welcoming the bride of Shabbat with the glow from the candles, the Kiddush and the blessing over the Challah, with Zvi's wonderful mother, 95 year old Ala. Ala had a fall when we were away, but shrugs off her multiple sutures saying "It was nothing" – they don't make them like that any more!
I wish you all Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, heart of our world, the glorious city which Zvi and I are lucky enough to call home.
Sheila
24th July 2009.
Shabbat Shalom.
We are home after an amazing holiday with the most gracious hosts and wonderful fellow travellers. To quote Lewis Carroll "The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax-- Of cabbages--and kings" We spoke of all the above with time for dining, history, cruising and jokes.
Did you know that the Islamic Jihad in Iraq is currently celebrating their major victory over the United States? They claim superior military power made the Allies turn tail and run out of Iraq...... seeing the Presidents good-will gesture as an enormous defeat. Ambassador Yoram Ettinger writes on the relationship between Israel and the USA http://yoramettinger.newsnet.co.il/Front/NewsNet/reports.asp?reportId=270980
The Dead Sea is one of the 28 finalists in the competition to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The lowest place on earth and its minerals will compete against the Amazon River, the Galapagos, Grand Canyon and others in a competition which will be decided in 2011 http://www.new7wonders.com/">voting
One of Israel's most important and least understood issues is "settlements". What constitutes a settlement? The dictionary suggests that it is "a small community, village, or group of houses in a thinly populated area"
Nothing illegal or immoral, simply a place to live. Misinformation accompanied by a great deal of disinformation implies illegality and engenders thoughts of wild-eyed Jews pulling down existing Palestinian villages to build their fine and lush towns. One cannot ignore the fact that there are a few such settlements, a few too many, but the Prime Minister is already dismantling them. Ordinary settlement towns were built where nothing stood before. We took a journalist from Peruvian Television - Ricardo Muller z"l, to Maaleh Adumim. After driving 10 minutes to the south of Jerusalem, through barren hills, we came upon a beautifully kept garden town. We drove through the town to the far side and looked over the barren wasteland beyond, Ricardo said "I didn't expect this beautiful town but even more I did not expect to see this stark wilderness- nothing - but absolute nothingness. I thought, from the reporting, that I would find a small town filled with zealots surrounded by exiled Arabs!" The land we were standing on was occupied by Jordan after the 1948 cease-fire and deeded to Israel in our peace agreement. If you recall, Jordan and Israel constitute the original "Two State Solution"
Jerusalem, Yerushalyim, Ariel, Hephsibah, Ir Shalem, Ir ha Kodesh, Neveh Zedek; a few of the 70 names of Jerusalem in the Bible, our capital city, the only place in the free world where anyone attempts to deny Jews the right to build a home. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat had this to say on the subject.
“Jerusalem is the capital of Israel – the heart and soul of the Jewish people. If Jews can buy and build homes anywhere they choose in New York, Paris or Moscow, surely too, a Jew can live and build anywhere they choose in the city of Jerusalem. No Mayor of any city in the U.S. would prevent construction of a home based on race or religion, and I surely as Mayor of Jerusalem will permit Jews to build in all areas of Jerusalem, in the same manner as Muslims and Christians can. We will stand strongly against any intervention to try and divide Jerusalem. I am proud that there has never been greater freedom of religion in the city of Jerusalem than under the flag of Israel – where everyone is free to practice their beliefs in public and visit their holy sites. The future of Jerusalem is quite clear - it must stay the undivided capital of the State of Israel. “
See Daniel Pipes opinion. http://www.danielpipes.org/7464/obama-israel-into-the-abyss
Tuesday was an exceptional day, the high spot of a wonderful holiday with dear friends. We visited the newly refurbished synagogue and museum in Rhodes. The Jewish community of Rhodes has a fascinating and long history – but the period of the Holocaust is the most unexpected. The Jewish community numbered about 4,000 in 1940 and the Germans conquered Rhodes in 1944. The Turkish leader and the Moslem religious leaders warned the community of what was about to happen and many escaped but 1,604 remained and were captured by the Germans and transported to the camps. However the Turkish Ambassador discovered that some 42 members of the community had Turkish citizenship and he fought tooth and nail against the invading Germans to prevent those Turkish Citizens from transportation. He succeeded and although their lives were made difficult they stayed and survived. The history of the community was told to us by Shmuel Modiano, one of the few islanders to have survived the Holocaust. Shmuel was to have had his bar mitzvah in Kahal Shalom in 1944, but instead “celebrated” it in Auschwitz. Today, at 79, Modiano leads tours of the synagogue and La Juderia “I am obligated to tell,” Modiano says sadly. “There is no one else." He turned his arm to show the tattooed numbers and told us how he was found by the Russians amongst a pile of bodies when they saw him lift his hand to indicate that one skeletal frame was barely, but still alive. Shmuel now lives in Rome where he finally celebrated his long delayed bar mitzvah in 2007, but he comes to Rhodes for 5 months every year to tell his story and the story of his survival in the camps. http://www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org/ As Shmuel finished his story, our tear-filled group spontaneously said Kaddish (prayer for the departed) in memory of those who perished and Shmuel who chose to speak out.
I love coming home! Straining to see the beaches and skyscrapers of Tel Aviv as the aeroplane glides the last miles over the Mediterranean Sea I know that every moment brings me closer to Jerusalem. The ground crew smile as they call out "Bruchim ha Ba'im" Welcome; Israeli flags, Israeli stamps and Israeli gleaming marble floors. As one leaves the air-conditioned modern terminal and steps into the searing heat of a July day the sounds and aromas feel like home and then there was Rachel – ready for her first hug. We called into Givat Zeev to see our little grandchildren who couldn't hide their curiosity as to what "matanot" (presents) we brought them, and then, on our homeward journey, we passed the Tomb of Samuel the Prophet and the breathtaking sight of Jerusalem spread before us as an undulating, sparkling white mosaic; refreshing our bearings according to its towers.
Zvi left me to the unpacking and he drove to the closing ceremony of the highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed 18th Maccabiah in Latrun. What a show! http://www.maccabiah.com/?c_lang=0&b2b=2
Tonight we will bring in Shabbat in the time honoured manner, welcoming the bride of Shabbat with the glow from the candles, the Kiddush and the blessing over the Challah, with Zvi's wonderful mother, 95 year old Ala. Ala had a fall when we were away, but shrugs off her multiple sutures saying "It was nothing" – they don't make them like that any more!
I wish you all Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, heart of our world, the glorious city which Zvi and I are lucky enough to call home.
Sheila
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