160826 Holland, Anne Frank, Jewish Museum, Turkey, Kurds, Italy Earthquake

160826

26^th August 2016.

Shabbat Shalom from  Jerusalem! Yes we are back! There was no chance of my writing last week since we were deep in the countryside of Landal Migglenberg, Holland…… a delightful place, deep in the country. We had a big cottage for all 11 of us and the children had a ball. We cooked our own food and travelled all around to the places of interest. Watching clogs and cheese being made; windmills; theme parks; boating and of course shopping!  One of the days our beautiful Dutch friends Herman and Gerda Schotanus came to visit. It was such a delight – we love them very much.

It was fun in Migglenberg, I highly recommend the site but it was even more fun to set off for Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam we were very honoured to visit two marvellous museums. At the Jewish Cultural Museum we met the director Prof. Emile Schrijver, with grateful thanks to Jaap Meijers. A learned man of the book Emile showed great enthusiasm for his subject, Jewish life, books and this marvellous museum – we highly recommend a visit. A wonderful place which is of interest to those who know of the extensive Dutch Jewish history and an excellent teaching tool for both children and adults who want to learn who is a Jew.

Continuing the rich Dutch Jewish history we went to the Anne Frank House. There we had the honour of being met by the director Garance Reus-Deelder. The Anne Frank House has over 4,000 visitors a day and is a truly moving experience. As we climbed the impossible Dutch staircase she took us aside into a small locked area right into Otto Franks Office and kitchen/laboratory. I felt the presence of the family intensely and the children listened intently to the story of a little girl just a few years older than they. Standing in the office one could hear the creaking of the footsteps above, in the now famous attic where Otto, Edith, Margot and Anne Frank, Hermann, Auguste and Peter Pels and the dentist Fritz Pfeffer. They had to keep very still all day and only move at night lest the workers below hear their movements. Only one survived, Otto Frank who discovered the diary when he returned to the attic after the war and incredibly Fritz Pfeffer – Annes nemesis – sent his son to the UK with the kindertransport thus saving his life. Many years later his son, who moved to California, changed his name to Pepper and raised a family, came to the Anne Frank House – all 26 of them – and stood at the spot their father had slept. 26 people proved the Nazis did not win.

We intended taking a train to our flight in Brussels Airport but then decided that 7 people, including 3 children, 7 suitcases and umpteen packages was just too hard the delightful driver who came to take us to the station was happy to drive us to Brussels Airport. His price was reasonable and his company excellent. He is a marvellous driver and big, comfortable Mercedes van – he is well worth calling if you are in Holland and need an airport pick-up or to travel around. His name is Jan Lindeman, he speaks Dutch, English, Spanish and some French. (taxiservicejp@gmail.com +31 6 52 732 110) Just tell him Zvi sent you!!!!

We loved Holland, but there is something special about getting on to that El Al plane, hearing Hebrew, Israeli smiles, special meals for children, delicious food (I love the El Al pasta bolognaise!!!) and then a perfect landing on Israeli soil.

This morning I took off to Rachels to get the biggest and best hugs from the children and a ton of food from Rach so that I wouldn't need to cook for Shabbat……. That's why I have time to write to you!!! That oh so familiar drive over Samuels Tomb was all the sweeter for missing it. The difference between the rugged hills and the flatness of Holland was staggering!!!!

While we were away Italy suffered a horrific tragedy as an earthquake hit a small village close to Perugia. Such sadness when people die through no fault of their own. Yes I know, it is happening every day in almost every country in the world – even those that purport to be peaceful.

Turkey used the excuse of ISIS to invade Syria. Excuse? Yes. The purpose of the invasion is to attack Kurds. The Kurds, or rather Kurdistan, was split into 4 sectors in the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, each sector given to a different country – Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Since that time the Kurds have been fighting to get their country back. Turkey doesn't want to lose territory and has been fighting the Kurds (as have the others) and since the Kurds have been helping the Syrians it presented a fine opportunity. What a thoroughly mixed up part of the world!

While in Amsterdam we met a young Kurdish waitress who had visited Israel with an Israeli/Kurdish friend. She loved the freedom of Israel and recognized the yearning to be returned to a land taken from them.

Our dearest friend Canon Andrew White reminded us that his weeks Parash is Eikev Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25

In the Parshah of Eikev (“Because”), Moses continues his closing address to the children of Israel, promising them that if they fulfill the commandments (mitzvot) of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land they are about to settle as in G‑d’s promise to their forefathers.

Moses rebuked them for their failings in their first generation as a people, recalling their worship of the Golden Calf, the rebellion of Korach, the sin of the spies, the angering of G‑d. “You have been rebellious against G‑d,” he says to them, “since the day I knew you.” But he also speaks of G‑d’s forgiveness of their sins, and the Second Tablets which G‑d inscribed and gave to them following their repentance.

Their forty years in the desert, says Moses to the people, during which G‑d sustained them with daily manna from heaven, was to teach them “that man does not live on bread alone, but by the utterance of G‑d’s mouth does man live.”

Moses describes the land they are about to enter as “flowing with milk and honey,” blessed with the “seven species” (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive and dates), and as the place that is the focus of G‑d’s providence of His world. He commands them to destroy the idols of the land’s former masters, and to beware lest they become haughty and begin to believe that their wealth was self-made.

A key passage in our Parshah is the second chapter of the Shema, which repeats the fundamental mitzvot enumerated in the Shema’s first chapter, and describes the rewards of fulfilling G‑d’s commandments and the adverse results of their neglect.

Today, more and more, we are building the golden calf of prosperity, of fine cars and big houses without listening to our spirit or our hearts. I am not suggesting we live in righteous poverty but rather to strive for success while remembering to be humble. If we think only of ourselves we will lose our identity and our homeland.

I finished reading our lovely friend Professor Michael Baums book The Third Tablet of the Holy Covenant and was thrilled to the very last word. I highly recommend his book which combines history, archeology, medicine and yet succeeds in being a thriller! https://www.amazon.com/Third-Tablet-Holy-Covenant/dp/1783061588

Music, ah sweet music

Modeh Ani is a prayer said each morning as we wake returning our soul to our bodies, our clothing and our food. Modeh Ani – I am grateful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lPK6V3Y6YQ

A truly Shabbat song – Matanot Ktanot – small gifts. This song is again sung by children – after all what is purer than the heart and song of a child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwanFyGQtLQ

Shabbat shalom dear friends. It was wonderful to be with Zvi, his boys and their families but as always, there is no place like home and no hugs like those of Yosef, Talia and Ayala!! Yosef didn't even want his presents – he insisted I was enough!!!

Tomorrow we meet Harvey and Judy Sternberg – friends of Barry and Cristine Slawsky……. What a marvellous life we lead.

With love from the happiest Safta in the world right here in Jerusalem……… for one week then I am off to get more hugs from my British children – NYC, London and Jerusalem and a vacation with Zvi's boys – can't get better!!!

Happy birthday to the glorious Ms Callie – my adorable grand-daughter in New York.

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. Turkey, Iran, Canada in the UN

130614

14^th June 2013

Shabbat Shalom! I hope this missive finds you well.

Isn't it strange how history is re-written? The songs and love-beads of the sixties belie the truth that there were violent demonstrations which brought about enormous changes. Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr were assassinated and university campuses were cauldrons of change. The demonstrations and rebellions of the past bear little resemblance to the horrific demonstrations of the so-called “Arab Spring” but Turkey is different. Turkey has gone from democracy and religious freedom to a suffocating dictatorship in the blink of an eye. The Turkish demonstrations during the day are those of freedom loving ordinary folk and at night they metamorphose into........ watch the bloody truth hear the words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=28nINJ2TPSY#!

Canada is proof positive that a great leader can bring about a force for freedom and justice. This video is short and shows how a country can be principled as Canadas representative stands up to condemn Richard Falk and his foul lambasting of Israel http://blog.unwatch.org/index.php/2013/06/12/canadian-parliament-standing-ovation-defending-un-watch-blasting-richard-falk/

Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, CPC):Mr. Speaker, Richard Falk is an embarrassment to the United Nations Human Rights Council. He has praised 9/11 conspiracy theorists repeatedly. He has suggested that the United States provoked terrorist attacks against it. He is now attacking Canadian-led UN Watch. We call on Richard Falk to be fired as a special rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council. He is a disgrace to that body and the United Nations.

The plight of the Christians in Gaza seems ot be of no concern for most of the leaders in the Christian world . They seem not to care as they cared not about the Christians of Sudan, Lebanon or most Islamic countries.  http://freebeacon.com/hamas-threatens-to-shutter-christian-schools-in-hamas-run-gaza/

Hamas is miffed with Iran because Hamas refuses to side with Assad so the Iranians moved their funding of Hamas – and in Lebanon Hez-Allah is on its way to a similar fate! Gosh this is a complex situation!! Until the Western Leadership understands that it is first a Sunni-Shia issue and then an anti-West issue they will never reach any solutions. It is so easy to point at Israel because this is the only country they all hate equally! Their success until now has been a clever subliminal racism against all Dhimmi and Infidels by choosing Israel as the focus of their vitriol – after all – as Tom Lehrer said “Everybody hates the Jews” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUwbZ9AlSPI

Things are no better in the Palestinian Authority. Khaled Abu Toameh wrote this “The Fatah thugs are regularly sent by the Palestinian Authority, which is funded by the West, to threaten and batter journalists, writers, university students and political opponents -- driving them into the open arms of Hamas and other extremist groups.

Until recently, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank used to arrest Palestinians who criticized its leaders, especially Mahmoud Abbas. But now the Palestinian Authority has resumed using thugs to break the bones of its critics.” http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3761/palestinian-authority-terror

And so to sweeter thoughts.................

I told you Waze was incredible. When in the States we used Waze because the American GPS got us lost and didn't tell us about speed traps, traffic jams or road works! Now Google has bought Waze and each and every one of the workers is a millionaire as the owners share their good fortune!! It is a free app (download) for your phone or tablet.! http://www.timesofisrael.com/you-have-reached-your-destination-why-waze-went-with-google/

Nicky's Family, possibly in a theatre near you. It is the story of Nicholas Winton, an incredible man who saw no obstacle as too high or too hard to save thousands of Jewish lives during WW2.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQkGs6cn6Dg

Cliff Richard is coming to Israel. It isn't his first visit however. He made this recording of Jerusalem of Gold some time ago. Needless to say Cliff doesn't need to have the relevance of Jerusalem explained to him.....he is a devout Christian!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSS_ftN1rzQ

This has been a full week of wonderful friends and family. We went to Tel Aviv to see Kitty and Peter Hammerman who are here from Australia. They are such wonderful people and we had an extra treat when Petter came to Jerusalem and we met in Mahane Yehuda – yes he was thrilled by the noise and aromas, the colours and the spices, the Felafel and the oh so Jerusalem flavours!!!

We saw Barry and Cristine Slawsky who are still on their extended honeymoon and loving every second – they are so in love!!! They are thrilled to be here during the Presidential Conference and loved their invitations. In the meantime they are off on the yacht for a short cruise.

Sandra and Moi had a day of Zvitours – going to the amazingly beautiful Supreme Court and back to the Israel Museum then meeting for lunch at …...... Mifgash ha Aish. They have now gone back to Mexico and we miss them. Of course the Presidential Conference and the Hebrew University have brought a whole slew of friends too. I love it. We met with Avraham and Mindeleh Jasqui last night although our attempts to see our beautiful Saul Same failed since the streets of central Jerusalem were humming loudly with the sound of Formula One and supercharged saloon cars racing around. It was so exciting for my beautiful grandchildren who couldn't believe that they saw a Maserati, a Lambourghini and a Ferrari all within moments!!! It was fun but completely froze the centre of town!

Last night I went to a Board Meeting of the incredible organisation that I am so proud to be part of. I am a very small part – the real work is done by Professors and post-grad students of the Hebrew University poring over and analysing the schoolbooks of the Islamic world and Islamic schools around the world ensuring that the standards of tolerance set by UNESCO are adhered to. We also check Israeli schoolbooks. The Board is a group of very special people, experts in the Arab world whether through legal, diplomatic or academic routes. I am so proud to be part of IMPACT-SE and each and every project. http://www.impact-se.org/

We went to a wedding two days ago. It was an incredibly Jerusalem wedding despite its location – near Nes Zion (which means Standard of Zion not miracle as they thought!). What is a Jerusalem wedding? Well, As the time neared for the Chuppah, suddenly all the young men began to dance around the groom ultimately bringing him to his bride who was seated on a flower bedecked chair to “bedecken hakalah” to check that the bride is really Rachel not Leah as Jacob was “deceived” in the Bible story. After the girls had danced round the bride. The highly enthusiastic boys/men took the groom to th Chuppah as the parents of the bride gently led their daughter to the fun chuppah with music and hippie style musician playing their way through the 7 blessings....... it was fabulous! What made it so much more exciting is that most of the young people involved in the wedding – including the bride and groom – are the future politicians and diplomats of Jerusalem and of Israel. They care, they are involved and they matter.

So we come to the end of another week. Tomorrow we have the family coming for lunch, also David and Libi Efron, Saul and Joshua Same and with a bit of luck maybe Barry and Cristine will come too. On Sunday Nancy and Harry Bloomfield and our friends the Gandels arrive... and Kim is flying all the way from Calgary!!! In the evening Zvi and his choir “Hakol Yachasi” will perform at the opening of the KKL/JNF Directors Conference and Zvi, who is the MC, will introduce them to Yaakov Shtrizhak, our wonderful new friend, new immigrant, brilliant singer. They will sing Israeli songs that made aliya and Yaakov has learned the Ladino song Adio Querida, which laments the expulsion of the Jews from their beloved Spain, of their dismay that Spain betrayed them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duLiIeO_7tI

Shabbat is coming and this wonderful city is getting back to readying herself for Shabbat – a slightly traumatised bride after the roaring success of Formula One!! It promises to be a beautiful evening, not too hot, just perfect.

Jerusalem will be bubbling this week with the Hebrew University meetings, JNF/KKL, and of course the phenomenal Presidential Conference – with Barbra Streisand, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair,Robert de Niro, and so very many other incredible people all of whom believe in this country and come to support her........... and to wish President Peres a Happy 90^th Birthday! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duLiIeO_7tI

Judaism reveres the woman so much so that part of the Friday night home service includes this beautiful poem called Woman of Worth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDNSG1Kub8U Shabbat Shalom dear people. Shabbat Shalom, may your prayers be answered and your dreams be sweet.

I say goodbye with my favourite of King Davids Psalms – the psalm of my childhood, the psalm written right here on the very streets of this incredible City – Jerusalem. You know the words and here the Cantor sings in the original language, the language of our forefathers. Hebrew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_rk85luVhk

With much love

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem- 6 Day War, Turkey,Bobby Kennedy, EUFA under 21,

130607

Friday, 7^th June 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

Do you remember where you were on this date in 1967? I was glued to the television set, awed by the successes of the Israeli Army as the mighty forces of 6 countries battled to push us into the sea. I lived in Cardiff, South Wales and our Young JNF group tried to work out how to raise money for Israel without asking for actual money – and came up with a plan. We chose to ask people to empty their “Blue Boxes” and each house that we went to not only gave us their boxes but added to it and then spoke to their non-Jewish neighbours who pushed money at us thrilled at our – Israel's – military genius. What a wonderful and different world it was.

The Jewish world rejoiced indeed the whole world rejoiced when after 19 years of Jordanian rule Jerusalem was taken in a fierce series of battles culminating in the words of General Motte Gur "Har haBayit beyadenu" The Temple Mount is in our hands. In the words of Chief of Staff Yitzchak Rabin
“I felt truly shaken and stood there murmuring a prayer for peace. Motta Gur’s paratroopers were struggling to reach the Wall and touch it. We stood among a tangle of rugged, battle-weary men who were unable to believe their eyes or restrain their emotions. Their eyes were moist with tears, their speech incoherent. The overwhelming desire was to cling to the Wall, to hold on to that great moment as long as possible.”

http://www.sixdaywar.org/content/photos.asp

The 1967 Israeli song contest had just taken place and a beautiful song, written by Nomi Shemer and sung by Shuli Natan, won the hearts and minds of the entire country. It sang of our yearning for Jerusalem – Yerushalyim Shel Zahav – Jerusalem of Gold. Here the late Ofra Haza sings of our longing including the final verse, written after the Six Day War, which talks of our return to the alleyways of the shouk and the road to Jericho and of course the Temple Mount – which is not in our hands but............ in our heartshttp://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmqs1r_jerusalem-of-gold-yerushalayim-shel-zahav-ofra-haza-with-english-lyrics-youtube_music#.Ua9tQ6LI1Lc

Israeli woman wrestler Ilana Kartysh met Enas Mostafa of Egypt met for the Golden Grand Prix wrestling championship match in Italy. From the outset, Mostafa refused to shake hands with her Israeli rival. During the fight, she broke two of the Israeli's fingers and bit her in the back – causing her to bleed. At the end of the match, unsurprisingly, she refused to shake hands with her again. Showing her true colours – blue and white through and through – Ilana won the Championship! http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4386942,00.html

Having spoken to friends in Turkey I understand that the demonstrations in Turkey have two sides. During the day the natural demonstrators are the middle class, enjoying a "Woodstock" like experience while expressing their dislike for the current administration - demanding the repeal of the edict banning kissing in the street etc. At night the more violent rebels hit the streets and that is what you see on the television news. Turks enjoyed enormous freedom, not just religious but civil freedom, and they will not give it up easily. Erdogan may just have met his match in his own people. His reign may well be over. He failed to bring Turkey into the EEC; he failed in his decision to align with Syria; he failed in his choice to malign Israel to curry favour with the Arab world and his policies are bringing Turkey to economic disaster. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/Understanding-Turkeys-protests-315443

The Israeli Foreign Ministry just issued the following announcement expressing sorrow that Austria is withdrawing its UNDORF presence on the Syrian/Israel border

Israel regrets Austria's withdrawal from UNDOF

(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel was notified today (6 June) by its Austrian counterpart about the decision of the Austrian government to withdraw their soldiers from UNDOF. While appreciating Austria's longtime contribution and commitment to peacekeeping in the Middle East, we nevertheless regret this decision and hope that it will not be conducive to further escalation in the region.

Israel expects the United Nations to uphold its commitment under Security Council Resolution 350 (1974), by virtue of which UNDOF was established.

Robert Kennedy was a 22 year old reporter when he came to the nascent state of Israel and for many years his words were lost. He describes a situation little recognised and it was what he learned then that made him a huge supporter of Israel and ultimately caused his violent demise as a Palestinian shot him and deprived the United States of a truly fine President. http://jcpa.org/article/robert-kennedys-1948-reports-from-palestine/

Yesterday the European Football (Soccer) Championships for U21 (under 21yrs old) opened at the new and beautiful Netanya Football Stadium. Over 150 countries and an estimated 200 million people will be watching the tournament as it takes place in Israel. I congratulate the European Football Association (UEFA) for not giving in to BDS-Pro Palestinian pressure which wanted to boycott Israel and have the championship in another country. The Israeli U21 team is composed of the best young Jews & Arabs playing soccer in Israel Soccer League. http://www.timesofisrael.com/europes-rising-soccer-stars-go-for-goal-in-israel/ Hopefully it will be televised internationally so that you can yell for our team!!

The IsraAid team come to the rescue again! They are leading in the clean up after the disastrous tornadoes that ripped apart wide areas in Oklahoma. Volunteers who arrived after the first tornado were trapped by the further tornadoes but it didn't dampen their determination or enthusiasm to help those in need and join the clean-up. Israel – the country that gives back. This video shows the extent of the disaster and the love these Israelis give and gethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOjvxre8tzE&feature=youtu.be .

Knaidel, kneidel, kneidle, knaydel - what is the right spelling and why is it important? Because that is the word that won Arvind the national spelling bee in the USA!!!!!!!

http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/

The Jerusalem Light Festival begins on the 13^th of June. Trails through the Old City taking you to incredible sights and sites...... laser shows, holograms, shows and everything imaginable to celebrate this beautiful city! http://en.lightinjerusalem.org.il/2012/

I dare you not to laugh when the extremely effective Minister of Education, Rabbi Shai Piron, got a fit of the giggles during his speech in the Knesset. We are so used to seeing fights and insults from around the world's parliaments that this is a delight!!!!http://www.timesofisrael.com/double-entendre-derails-knesset-speech/

Last week, when I spoke of my delight at having my family here with me in Jerusalem I didn't tell you the whole truth. My greatest delight was when, straight off the plane, I took Steve, Claire and Jake to meet their little cousins and watching Yosef, Talia and Ayala hugging and kissing them, thrilled to discover family that comes to Israel! They really enjoyed the most important sight in Jerusalem – The View from our Veranda!!!!

My family kept me company for the first part of Zvi's journey to Italy, which he loved although it was tough. I have no doubt that he was the star.. will have to check with Danby on that one! He came home with invitations to visit some of the group in the North – Arab women and a Bedouin couple – all of whom were taking the same University course and enjoyed my husbands humour and knowledge in equal parts!!!!

So my friends, this Shabbat we should all pray for that most elusive of states – peace. So much pain and torment around this tortured globe – yet the world seems to concentrate on us, as usual pointing at the easy target while leaving the big bullies with nothing but a wagged finger. Maybe we should pray for justice rather than peace because with even a smidgen of justice in this world peace would come of its own volition.

I suddenly thought, before June 1967 the View from our Veranda would have been a somewhat treacherous sight. Beit Safafa would have been split into two and families separated for 19 years and we would have been looking down at Jordanian troops who had no compunction in shooting at us. How odd – those Jordanian enemies are now our allies (unofficially) and the families of Beit Safafa are only separated by the brand spanking new road which will run through, with a walkway over the top so they can still visit each other with ease!!!!!

Shabbat Shalom and much love

Sheila

PS The Ilan and Assaf Ramon International Airport has begun construction!!! In the desert sands at Timna it should prove to be a wonderful alternative to the already overcrowded Ben Gurion International. http://www.israelandstuff.com/decade-later-construction-on-israels-2nd-intl-airport-takes-off

PPS Apparently Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Moscow was not in vain............. Putin has delayed the delivery of missiles to Syria. That's worth a bed or two!!! http://www.defencetalk.com/putin-holds-back-on-syria-missile-delivery-48044/#ixzz2VVm5lBTg

Shabbat Shalom letter from Jerusalem

100610
10th June 2010
If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Break the big lie – Helen Thomas eat your 90 year old, mean spirited, heart out. DNA has proven that we are the locals!!! Yup we came from this tortured and mistreated land and all the stories of being exiled by the Romans of being slaves in Italy, of the dispersion and the coming home…all true!!! http://www.newsweek.com/2010/06/03/the-dna-of-abraham-s-children.html



My quote of the week is from a speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations in May 1947 by Arab historian, Lebanese-born, Prof. Philip Khuri Hitti of the Institute of Arab American Affairs

"Sir, there is no such thing as Palestine in history, absolutely
not."



Another wonderful quote from the Scottish Friends of Israel site

"David Cameron has announced spending cuts for us all yet is apparently giving away £19 million to Gaza. Perhaps our elderly, disabled and all our children should all move to the Gaza to get a crumb of Cameron's empathy."

David Frankfurter lives in Jerusalem and upon the statement “Obama calls for new approach on Gaza blockade” I think most Israelis agree with him. New rules need to be formulated, which are simple, straightforward and easy to understand. Here’s a suggestion: Whatever Gilad Shalit has free access to is allowed into Gaza. Whatever he is denied will also be denied. That includes visiting Red Cross staff; and access to medical care in Israel. And guns. And bullets…. Let Hamas draw up the list.

Please listen to these revealing interviews with the crew of the Mavi Marmara on the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center website. Chief Officer Gokkiran Gokhan http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/Hebrew/heb_n/video/04.wmv and Captain of the Mavi Marmara Mehmut Tuval, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/Hebrew/heb_n/video/01.wmv



Humour works where opining and deriding Hamas doesn't. The shock factor and the humour win through every time! "Con the World" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOGG_osOoVg has gone viral with over 2 million hits and are now selling T shirts! http://www.nucampaign.org/collections/all/products/we-con-the-world One of the best PR campaigns I have seen for Israel is through clever satire! Hamas unplugged- http://www.nolaughingmatter.tv/ and finally Israeli graphic designer Dan Reisinger came up with a wonderful poster "The Erdogan Sandwich" http://www.danreisinger.com/db/content/SANDWICH_small.jpg
Two weeks ago we attended a dinner in honour of Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein, a man I have long admired for his leadership, rare humility and quiet diplomacy. Malcolm's speech brought me to tears in its brilliance and now that speech and more are in the Jerusalem Post. The esteem in which Malcolm is held allows him access to U.S. and world leaders. http://www.jpost.com/Features/InThespotlight/Article.aspx?ID=178041&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Hanin Zuabi is a Member of Israel's Knesset. She chose to be one of the passengers on the Mavi Marmara and is facing anger from her fellow MK's. I believe she should be stripped of her privileges if not her position for abusing the democracy which she decries. A dear friend, Margalit Talgan, Israeli, daughter of Holocaust survivors married to a 7th generation Israeli wrote to Ms Zuabi expressing her views http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/2010/06/margalit-talgans-letter-to-mk-hanin.html
David Efron comes to Israel frequently (especially for our Seder each Pesach) and is very involved with AIPAC and his friend Alan Dershowitz but now he has an even better reason, his youngest daughter Lauren has been studying in the Tel Aviv University for this semester and is now in the IDF for a month! I am so proud of Lauren, David and David's pride in Lauren! This week David came back to Jerusalem with an impressive group of Puerto Rican participants in the Jerusalem Conference of Hope http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/137964 . 200 dignitaries from Latin America joined the Conference, organized by Amisrael, including Puerto Rican Speaker for the Majority Roberto Arango, Senator Carmelo Rios Santiago, Chief of Staff to President of the PR Senate, Katherine Erazo. David is a busy lawyer but always finds time to work for Israel – and represent Puerto Rico in the over 50's basketball world championships! Zvi entertained and explained our case to the Puerto Rican delegation- he never stopped representing Israel proudly and his Spanish is outstanding along with his other 6 languages!!!
We went to Nabucco! The performance under the baton of Maestro Daniel Oren, beneath the desert skies with Massada as the backdrop was breathtaking. The lighting of the historic mountain, the setting, the libretto, the rise and fall of the music all came together to make a once in a lifetime experience. "By the Rivers of Babylon" held so much relevance in this place, when they sang of Jerusalem burning at the hands of invaders flames engulfed Massada - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJlDJO5lr0U and when they sang the Hebrew Slaves Chorus the entire audience was on its feet – at the fourth encore we were instructed to sing along!!!!
Zvi's cousin Ilana came to Israel with her delightful friend Tanya and told me that after my descriptions of Mahane Yehuda they had to go there! Since I had a date with my grandchildren in Givat Ze'ev, Zvi took them but it gave me a taste to go too – so yesterday I went with my wonderful friend Judith. There is something so Israeli about the market. Not just the cornucopia of herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, the welcome tasting of juicy watermelons, melons, cherries and halva of a thousand flavours amid cries of "Sweet, sweet you never tasted anything so sweet"… it is so much more. The flavours and aromas that fill the air with redolence match the variety of bustling people. I never tire of the myriad of ethnicities and religious affiliations. As I chose my fresh purple garlic a black clad Nun asked me which were the best herbs! The Arab costermonger responded before I had a chance to open my mouth and the Moroccan woman next to me disagreed with his choice and gave her one she felt was better! I love it! Of course, after shopping, Judith and I stopped for a coffee and delicious cold yoghurt soup with fruit.
To end I feel I must comment on the lauding of South Africa as the host of the World Cup. Poverty is rife; inter and intra-tribal strife is uncontrolled; crime is unbearable; corruption and murder are rampant – yet South Africa is held as an example of freedom to the world. What happened to our sense of proportion? Here in Israel I, indeed everyone, can go for a walk near my home or in the centre of Jerusalem day and night without fear and violence is minimal yet we are held as oppressors and violent. Pop stars are "dissuaded" from performing here yet it is our neighbours who oppress and kill gays, Jews, Christians and women! Thank G-d for Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart – maybe their advanced age allows them to understand what their younger counterparts do not. You do not give in to threats!!!!
I wish you Shabbat Shalom and a clear mind of your heritage, your history, your identity and your rich and beautiful traditions. We have undergone worse and we always survive……. We just have to stand up straight and be proud of who we are.
With all my love
Sheila

Shabbat Shalom from Sheila

091015

15th October 2009



Shabbat Shalom to friends all over the world – Jew, Christian and Moslem. Peace, Paz, Shalom, Salaam.



Last week I alluded to meetings held between PM Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas during which Abbas encouraged Israel to go into Gaza and wipe out Hamas – at whatever human cost. I was unable to find proof, other than my husbands own eyes. Finally I found an English translation of the Ma'ariv article. Something has caused Abbas to do an about-turn on the Goldstone report, but here is the article. http://www.counterfire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2107:fatah-urged-continuation-of-gaza-massacre&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=53

President Obama is upset that Fox News is unkind to him and stated in an interview that it is hard to hear bad reports all day long. George W. Bush withstood unprecedented criticism and ridicule for eight years. In 1949 President Harry S. Truman warned his staff not to concern themselves over criticism about their appointments: "I'll stand by you but if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen."

Some of you were surprised that I did not write to bemoan the decision to bestow the Nobel Peace Prize on President Obama. The prize is bestowed upon long-serving public figures who have given their lives to diplomacy and toiled endlessly to bring about peace, for “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people and pursuit of peace”, it is not a reward for being President of the United States! Ambassador Yoram Ettinger http://yoramettinger.newsnet.co.il explained that unlike the other Prizes this is at the behest of politicians not the Nobel committee! Thorbjorn Jagland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Ex-President James Carter pushed their last minute candidate upon a surprised committee and surprised recipient. http://yoramettinger.newsnet.co.il/Front/NewsNet/reports.asp?reportId=274007 Jimmy Carter wins again.

The United Kingdom became the first Western country with voting rights on the UN Human Rights Council to clearly state that it would not endorse the Goldstone Report or the draft resolution based on that report, which had been placed before the council's two-day special session that opened Thursday in Geneva. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255547727737&pagename=JPArticle%2FShowFull

Yet again Israel was the first country to send aid to disaster areas. The Philippines suffered another disaster from huge tidal waves which wiped out entire areas ncludng the capital Manila. Israel, under permanent threat from her neighbours and from the UN and Western "do-gooders" is always the first on the scene whatever the natural disaster. We are not insular; we are by nature an ebullient, generous country with experts trained by necessity who now reach out to help others. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255450643472&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Im Tirtzu http://imti.org.il/show_art.php?id=18 is a student organization which describes itself as moderate neo-Zionist and is doing excellent work on Campus to confound Israel's detractors. They also have a wonderful line in T-shirts!!!! http://www.cafepress.com/imti

Some people talk about their dreams while others fulfill them. Andrew Rogers, of Melbourne Australia, fulfills his dreams in a spectacular manner. He travels the world building enormous creations, some 2 kilometres across. http://www.andrewrogers.org/ Andrew's works can be seen in Turkey and he expressed concern over the strained relations between Turkey and Israel. Diplomatically Turkey is moving closer to the rogue Moslem states and turning away from the West and the principles of Attaturk. Prime Minister Erdogan's attempts to demonise Israel were not filtering through to the Turkish people so he used the media to reach out. He commissioned a television series to appeal to the ordinary people, a series which has shocked Israel to the very core portraying the IDF in horrific scenes of carnage and oppression. The only thing missing from the video is a hook-nosed, bearded Jew drooling over the blood of children. This report includes two videos from the series. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1255547725070



Israelis are shocked because those self-same IDF soldiers who are depicted as cold-blooded killers are those IDF whose rescue teams rushed to the aid of Turkish civilians following the devastating earthquake of 1999.

Tel Aviv comes to London! Leicester (pronounced Lester) Square and was transformed into Bohemian Tel Aviv Spitalfields Market became Mahane Yehuda as easyjet, a bargain airline company, announced their new route from London to Tel Aviv. http://www.easyjet.com/en/book/experience_tel_aviv.html Israeli Ambassador to the Court of St. James Ron Prosor was happy to join the events, probably in search of falafel and a good coffee!!!

I went to Mahane Yehuda yesterday! When my friend Judith called me up and suggested going to the shouk I moved so quickly I didn't even hang up the phone!!! Gosh I love that place and now is the season that I love it most of all. The fruit and vegetables are at their prime- fresh, seasonal and local every bite fulfilling the promise of the flavour that nature intended. Judith and I have specific vendors for specific items, the courgettes from one, the fresh green herbs from another and the firm peppers, red, yellow, purple, orange and two shades of green, from the third. Fish can only come from "David Dagim" who has fresh fish from Europe as well as from the Red Sea. David knows how to mince exactly the right combinations for the various cultures – on condition you bring him one to taste after cooking!! I admit avoiding those fishmongers where the still live carp are liable to jump out of their boxes onto your feet! Most amazing are the fruits, piled high teasing ones senses with unbeatable sun ripened succulence as if freshly plucked from the tree or vine. A profusion of dried fruits beckon – their sticky sweet/sour smell heralding their appearance long before they appear. My favourite is the sun-dried pineapple, nothing added the flavour explodes in your mouth. Cheeses galore, spices in abundance, olives in wine, oil, spicy and plain, Judaica, a cornucopia of Jewish life each costermonger bellowing out his wares as the finest! We rested in the very fashionable coffee shop and I had the best sandwich I can ever remember!!! Freshly baked croissant filled with finely sliced Brie and pear……delicious – of course washed down with an incomparable Café Hafuch!

So dear friends, Zvi has just taken his little grand-daughter to explore and enjoy the Bloomfield Science Museum and I am finishing off the Shabbat preparations. Most of the treasures bought in the shouk are now transformed into our Shabbes meals. The white tablecloth is on the table and I am getting ready to sit out on our veranda with a good cup of coffee and watch Jerusalem slow down, grow more peaceful as the beautiful bride of the Sabbath brings a quiet serenity to the Golden City.

I wish you Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem.

With love

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom from Sheila

090220

February 20th 2009

Shabbat Shalom, I hope you are well.



When Major-General Avi Mizrahi spoke to his soldiers at Gelilot military base he condemned Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's foot-stomping departure at the Davos Economic Forum and demand that Israel be cast out of the UN. Maj-Gen Mizrahi said that if Erdogan wants Israel banned from the UN then Turkey should be expelled for the mass murder of Armenians, Kurds etc. We cannot allow another country to dictate what an officer in the IDF is allowed to report to his own troops. Mizrahi should be commended not reprimanded. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3671618,00.html Ataturk is spinning in his mausoleum; the Islamic domination which led to extreme racism, which he worked so hard to eradicate, is creeping back apace.



Amnesty International has presented a report on the suffering in Gaza in which they disclose Hamas cruelty. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE21/001/2009/en/9f210586-f762-11dd-8fd7-f57af21896e1/mde210012009en.html



Sport is supposed to be the great leveler but this week Israeli tennis player Shahar Pe'er was denied a visa to the Dubai Open because she is Israeli! Can you imagine if Israel refused a visa to an Arab player? Congratulate the Tennis Channel for opposing the decision media@thetennischannel.com which arguably caused the change in policy (and important precedent) of allowing Andy Ram to play, and complain to sponsors Sony Ericsson global@SonyEricsson.com for allowing it to go ahead anyway.



Hatred is turning me into a Jew. http://www.thejc.com/articles/hatred-turning-me-a-jew is a marvelous article, the writings of Nick Cohen, a British journalist who is not Jewish but inherited his Jewish name from his paternal grandfather.



In response to highly controversial move taken by Lord Nazir Ahmed to ban Geert Wilders from the House of Lords and the House' obsession with Gaza, Baroness Deech gave a thoughtful, considered and proportionate response, http://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?gid=2009-02-06a.912.0



Emotionally it is obvious- bring Gilad Schalit home; but at what price? In the "Jibril Deal" of May 20, 1985, 1,150 terrorists were exchanged for three soldiers. Then Defence Minister Yitzhak Rabin (z"l) said that he could not bear the grief of the parents and accepted the exchange. The Jibril Deal taught the Arabs that Israel's weakness lay in her determination to save her boys- and many of those released went on to perform heinous acts of terror costing many Israeli lives. How can one make that decision? I, like Yitzchak Rabin, would find it impossible to look into the eyes of the Schalit family, but how does one look into the eyes of those families decimated by the terrorists we intend freeing?



The Government will be formed by Benjamin Netanyahu. I support Kadima, but will accept whatever government is formed, such is democracy. Kadima has thus far chosen to sit in opposition rather than in a broad government with Likud and Israel Beitenu although President Peres is making strong efforts to change that situation. I believe that taking part in the decision making of this country is the more responsible path. Mr Netanyahu is an able politician, not as right wing as his election rhetoric suggests, and yesterday we heard the much vilified Avigdor (Yvette) Lieberman speak at the Conference of Presidents (more later). While his policies are revolutionary they are issues which must be addressed; conversion, civil marriage for those who cannot be married in the Rabbinate and the "bête noir" of loyalty. Loyalty is not a racist issue; he refers to the ultra-orthodox who mock the State of Israel and kiss Ahmedinejad, Arab MK's who openly incite and support those who would see Israel destroyed, Arabs who are the enemy within (a minority) and finally the "Tsfonim" North Telavivim who do not serve in the IDF. Rights demand obligations. Incidentally if Mr Netanhayu is forced into a coalition with the religious parties those changes are out of the window. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3674886,00.html



This week Jerusalem hosted the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations led by the indomitable Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein, whose brilliance lies not only in organisation but in keeping very high profile, informed Americans interested and stimulated by bringing the most excellent of speakers. As we went into the conference hall Zvi was met by Carolyn Greene, Dr Hoenleins right hand woman, who requested that her kiss with Zvi be officially recorded in this weeks Shabbat Shalom!



My mind is reeling with the essential, positive and deeply disturbing information we absorbed over the last two days. World Islamic Jihad and how to combat it; Israel's defence against the onslaught on our society, and Malcolm's final comments at the conference where he reiterated the fact that Jewish Americans worry about Israel, anti-Semitism in Europe and Latin America not accepting that the USA is as bad if not worse than those countries. American Campuses have become a hotbed of anti-Semitism and unlike communities around the world US Jews have no communal defence or support, the communities are entities not a homogenous group. If attacked American Jews run to the local police but have no first line of defence within the community. I will go deeper into the issue in another letter, my thoughts are so fragmented, but I will analyse and report. In the meantime please read Denis McShane http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5740603.ece



I know you are waiting for the good news!!!! Well, it rained – unfortunately it tends to wait for the weekend but it rained. Yesterday, when we got home from the conference I opened my window blinds and as they rose on the fabulous view of Jerusalem which always refills my soul…… brown nothingness, the Sahara came to Jerusalem!! The view was shrouded in sandy, mucky dust hanging in the air but magically, during the night, the rain washed the dust away and I awoke to my view of Gilo, Talpiot, Beit Safafa, Baka, German Colony, Katamon and of course the glorious Shkediot (almond trees) in full bloom. It makes me laugh at the way the Tel Avivim race miles and miles to see one singe almond tree in blossom and send out photographs to all their friends. Hey guys, come to Jerusalem, they abound!!!



Finally, we may not have peace with Syria but over 20 truckloads of apples, approximately 8000 tons of fruit, are being exported from Israel to Syria over the next few weeks! The fruit is grown on the Golan and beats anything you guys have!! Our apples are not as big or red but they are fresh! Israeli apples (except the generic Golden Delicious) are eaten within days of picking – our fruit is seasonal – not cooled and kept and stored – fresh! When we go to the shouk the incredible rainbow of fruit and vegetables is all freshly delivered from the source and crunchy and crisp as nature intended.



After two days of lectures I think it is time to do some Shabbat cooking! Zvi will go off to his "parliament" at the petrol station Angel's bakery, where they will shout and yell and argue the toss as if they really had the answers to all the worlds' ills. Danny Liwerant will explain what is happening in Latin America as he did marvelously yesterday. I will happily stay home to prepare Middle Eastern salads and stuff some beautiful multicoloured peppers to give me pause to absorb and evaluate all the information accumulated over the last days so that I can report to you next week!



Have a wonderful Shabbat and don't be downcast, we have been through worse and we always bounce back in a better and wiser form.



With love from Jerusalem, the heart of our world.

Sheila



PS Yitz – I know it is long this week but you should have seen what I cut out!





For those who still have the patience – these oh so relevant words by Rudyard Kipling from his poem IF which were quoted at the Conference by Prof Daniel Freedman – Israel's Minister of Justice.



If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

And so on and so forth

Shabbat Shalom from Sheila

090220

February 20th 2009

Shabbat Shalom, I hope you are well.



When Major-General Avi Mizrahi spoke to his soldiers at Gelilot military base he condemned Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's foot-stomping departure at the Davos Economic Forum and demand that Israel be cast out of the UN. Maj-Gen Mizrahi said that if Erdogan wants Israel banned from the UN then Turkey should be expelled for the mass murder of Armenians, Kurds etc. We cannot allow another country to dictate what an officer in the IDF is allowed to report to his own troops. Mizrahi should be commended not reprimanded. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3671618,00.html Ataturk is spinning in his mausoleum; the Islamic domination which led to extreme racism, which he worked so hard to eradicate, is creeping back apace.



Amnesty International has presented a report on the suffering in Gaza in which they disclose Hamas cruelty. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE21/001/2009/en/9f210586-f762-11dd-8fd7-f57af21896e1/mde210012009en.html



Sport is supposed to be the great leveler but this week Israeli tennis player Shahar Pe'er was denied a visa to the Dubai Open because she is Israeli! Can you imagine if Israel refused a visa to an Arab player? Congratulate the Tennis Channel for opposing the decision media@thetennischannel.com which arguably caused the change in policy (and important precedent) of allowing Andy Ram to play, and complain to sponsors Sony Ericsson global@SonyEricsson.com for allowing it to go ahead anyway.



Hatred is turning me into a Jew. http://www.thejc.com/articles/hatred-turning-me-a-jew is a marvelous article, the writings of Nick Cohen, a British journalist who is not Jewish but inherited his Jewish name from his paternal grandfather.



In response to highly controversial move taken by Lord Nazir Ahmed to ban Geert Wilders from the House of Lords and the House' obsession with Gaza, Baroness Deech gave a thoughtful, considered and proportionate response, http://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?gid=2009-02-06a.912.0



Emotionally it is obvious- bring Gilad Schalit home; but at what price? In the "Jibril Deal" of May 20, 1985, 1,150 terrorists were exchanged for three soldiers. Then Defence Minister Yitzhak Rabin (z"l) said that he could not bear the grief of the parents and accepted the exchange. The Jibril Deal taught the Arabs that Israel's weakness lay in her determination to save her boys- and many of those released went on to perform heinous acts of terror costing many Israeli lives. How can one make that decision? I, like Yitzchak Rabin, would find it impossible to look into the eyes of the Schalit family, but how does one look into the eyes of those families decimated by the terrorists we intend freeing?



The Government will be formed by Benjamin Netanyahu. I support Kadima, but will accept whatever government is formed, such is democracy. Kadima has thus far chosen to sit in opposition rather than in a broad government with Likud and Israel Beitenu although President Peres is making strong efforts to change that situation. I believe that taking part in the decision making of this country is the more responsible path. Mr Netanyahu is an able politician, not as right wing as his election rhetoric suggests, and yesterday we heard the much vilified Avigdor (Yvette) Lieberman speak at the Conference of Presidents (more later). While his policies are revolutionary they are issues which must be addressed; conversion, civil marriage for those who cannot be married in the Rabbinate and the "bête noir" of loyalty. Loyalty is not a racist issue; he refers to the ultra-orthodox who mock the State of Israel and kiss Ahmedinejad, Arab MK's who openly incite and support those who would see Israel destroyed, Arabs who are the enemy within (a minority) and finally the "Tsfonim" North Telavivim who do not serve in the IDF. Rights demand obligations. Incidentally if Mr Netanhayu is forced into a coalition with the religious parties those changes are out of the window. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3674886,00.html



This week Jerusalem hosted the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations led by the indomitable Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein, whose brilliance lies not only in organisation but in keeping very high profile, informed Americans interested and stimulated by bringing the most excellent of speakers. As we went into the conference hall Zvi was met by Carolyn Greene, Dr Hoenleins right hand woman, who requested that her kiss with Zvi be officially recorded in this weeks Shabbat Shalom!



My mind is reeling with the essential, positive and deeply disturbing information we absorbed over the last two days. World Islamic Jihad and how to combat it; Israel's defence against the onslaught on our society, and Malcolm's final comments at the conference where he reiterated the fact that Jewish Americans worry about Israel, anti-Semitism in Europe and Latin America not accepting that the USA is as bad if not worse than those countries. American Campuses have become a hotbed of anti-Semitism and unlike communities around the world US Jews have no communal defence or support, the communities are entities not a homogenous group. If attacked American Jews run to the local police but have no first line of defence within the community. I will go deeper into the issue in another letter, my thoughts are so fragmented, but I will analyse and report. In the meantime please read Denis McShane http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5740603.ece



I know you are waiting for the good news!!!! Well, it rained – unfortunately it tends to wait for the weekend but it rained. Yesterday, when we got home from the conference I opened my window blinds and as they rose on the fabulous view of Jerusalem which always refills my soul…… brown nothingness, the Sahara came to Jerusalem!! The view was shrouded in sandy, mucky dust hanging in the air but magically, during the night, the rain washed the dust away and I awoke to my view of Gilo, Talpiot, Beit Safafa, Baka, German Colony, Katamon and of course the glorious Shkediot (almond trees) in full bloom. It makes me laugh at the way the Tel Avivim race miles and miles to see one singe almond tree in blossom and send out photographs to all their friends. Hey guys, come to Jerusalem, they abound!!!



Finally, we may not have peace with Syria but over 20 truckloads of apples, approximately 8000 tons of fruit, are being exported from Israel to Syria over the next few weeks! The fruit is grown on the Golan and beats anything you guys have!! Our apples are not as big or red but they are fresh! Israeli apples (except the generic Golden Delicious) are eaten within days of picking – our fruit is seasonal – not cooled and kept and stored – fresh! When we go to the shouk the incredible rainbow of fruit and vegetables is all freshly delivered from the source and crunchy and crisp as nature intended.



After two days of lectures I think it is time to do some Shabbat cooking! Zvi will go off to his "parliament" at the petrol station Angel's bakery, where they will shout and yell and argue the toss as if they really had the answers to all the worlds' ills. Danny Liwerant will explain what is happening in Latin America as he did marvelously yesterday. I will happily stay home to prepare Middle Eastern salads and stuff some beautiful multicoloured peppers to give me pause to absorb and evaluate all the information accumulated over the last days so that I can report to you next week!



Have a wonderful Shabbat and don't be downcast, we have been through worse and we always bounce back in a better and wiser form.



With love from Jerusalem, the heart of our world.

Sheila



PS Yitz – I know it is long this week but you should have seen what I cut out!





For those who still have the patience – these oh so relevant words by Rudyard Kipling from his poem IF which were quoted at the Conference by Prof Daniel Freedman – Israel's Minister of Justice.



If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

And so on and so forth