Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

130726

26^th July 2013

Shabbat Shalom lovely people! This has been a week of good news in the birth of a future King of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth - and of disconcerting news as Europe decided to blacklist the military arm of Hezb-Allah but not the “political” arm which in fact is Nasrallah and all those who call the shots for the less fortunate to go out and either kill us or kill themselves. Britain and Germany worked hard to reach even this weak and immoral conclusion! At the same time they decided to boycott – yes boycott – any goods or products made in the “disputed territories” or any programmes which emanate from there. Their idiocy will simply create dreadful unemployment for Arabs and Jews who live there. For the Palestinians of the West bank, Israeli initiatives and factories are their only way to bring in an ensured salary. In response Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon has told them that as of now Israel will not participate or assist in any European projects – which of course will fall apart!!http://www.ynetnews.com/articlesnc/0,7340,L-4409959,00.html

It's all the fault of the leaders, we all live together without any problems. A wonderful event just outside the walls of the Old City where Jews and Arabs sit together eating juicy red watermelon with salty cheese – a tradition for both peoples – and watching performances. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4410022,00.html

Roger Waters used to be a hero of freedom in his days as a singer with Pink Floyd. His words have turned into an anti-Israel diatribe of late and his hatred unbecoming of one who claims to promote peace. His latest diabolical act was to float a pig with a Magen David at his last concert. Shame on you! http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/07/24/massive-pig-balloon-at-roger-waters-concert-features-star-of-david-video/

The United States is the leader of the free world, the strongest democracy on the face of the earth, the cradle of human rights and freedom. But these bombastic titles are worthless when the US acts cruelly, hypocritically and displays double standards. The President expects Israel to release hundreds of killers, men with blood on their hands yet simultaneously the US has rejected Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s plea that Jonathan Pollard finally come home. http://www.jpost.com/International/What-about-Pollard-Mr-President-320776

If we are already talking about double standards – Israel is told she cannot keep any troops in land that is not part of Israel itself yet look at the number of USA troops who are thousands of kilometres from American soil. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_deployments

Britain also has troops all over the world but both countries feel it necessary to publicly berate Israel.

Last night Zvi and I saw a rerun of the outstanding West Wing (Season 5 – 21&22) which was so real, so relevant to every thing that happened prior to Israel leaving Gaza and the events surrounding terror attacks and the decisions an American President has to make. Must watch http://www.tvmuse.eu/tv-shows/The-West-Wing_711/season_5/episode_22/

As I told you last week we went to see our friend Allen Gerskup receive the Yakir Maccabi honour. What I didn't realise is that other, equally amazing people, also received that honour! Adolfo Finkielsztein, David Fleisher, Allen Gerskup, Tom Goldman, Miguel Litchi, Harry Procel, Mervyn Tankelowitz, Jack Terpins, Motti, Tichauer, Victor Vaisman and the incredible Toni Wortman. The ceremony was very moving as each video told the story of how each of these people impacted the lives of hundreds and thousands of young people bringing them into the Maccabi Movement. Toni then stood to give the address on behalf of the recipients. People come in all shapes and sizes, some are larger than life and some are tiny in stature but gigantic in personality and their footsteps on this earth. Toni Wortman comes into the latter category. Toni's words rang so true, as she reached out and took my heart in her hands speaking about her initial involvement in the Maccabiah, how it drew her in and made her a Zionist - how Israel became central to her life and gave it new purpose through the Maccabi Family. Toni, who in her high heels still needed to adjust the microphone is one of the biggest people I know - she is a giant among a group of larger than life people who were given this high award for their work in Maccabi. Yeah Toni - you go girl!!!

The next day saw us on a bus with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat who guided us around the incredible new projects in Jerusalem. We began in the almost finished CinemaCity which will house a theatre as well as many cinemas, a plaza, a huge fountain and many entertainment facilities then to the renewed Teddy Stadium which now had 12,000 new seats and hosted the opening of the Maccabiah and will host the closing ceremony too. From there we drove to the new basketball arena which will also have an ice rink and soon an Olympic swimming pool. And so to “The Tahana” the great new go-to site in Jerusalem with craft market and restaurants – which will soon have a rollerskate park and a wonderful pedestrian boardwalk all the way to the Jerusalem Theatre!!!!

City Councillor Naomi Tsur has been encouraging Green Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Naomi has achieved much in this sphere but one of my favourite projects are the Green Globes near the Jaffa Gate. Brav Naomi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC40Rge8FEs

To round our week off we went to Zion ha Gadol last night with old friends John and Adrian Kraus from Melbourne in Australia. It was jam packed in the noisy busy Talpiot neighbourhood and the food was as amazing as always! The conversation was as if I had known them all my life!!!

The grandchildren are back from a short vacation in the North of Israel where the two older ones learned to swim! It was so wonderful seeing them again – I missed them so much! Life for many Israelis is one of families spread all over the world. It is fine for those with money but most of us rely on Skype and telephones to be with our loved ones and a large number of prayers that they will come and visit!!! Anyway...................... as I said I went to see the grandchildren and took (with their Mummy) some delicious breads and Challot (plaited Shabbat bread) from Bermans Bakery. Even though we got there before 09:00 it was already full of eager and hungry purchasers. Challot are not just the usual tasteless plaited breads or round breads but come in many shapes sizes and flavours! There are plain, semi-sweet and sweet plaited challot, with either poppy seeds or sesame; There are mini challot of every variety too – white and brown and wholewheat and then the best of all, big round multi-flavoured and seeded round challot made up of lots of little rounds! A plethora of rogelech and Danish pastries, Borekas and filo packets with my favourite potato, mushroom or salty cheese inside, baguettes and breads and the aroma – oh the aroma. Never ever go to Bermans hungry!

After seeing their proud videos of their swimming feats I set off for home, back past the highest point at Samuel's Tomb and the incredible view over Jerusalem. It seemed strange to me, as I neared the neighbourhood of Ramot, that I could clearly see Ramallah and the unabated building frenzy that brings it closer to Jerusalem every day............... without any censure from the EU and no American Presidents telling them that they are endangering the peace process by building housing for people who don't even live in the area!!!!! Double standards takes on a whole new meaning in the Middle East!!!! Really – if I hear another ignorant person say “Why don't you just give it (the land) back and then you'll have peace” I will spit!!!! It isn't an issue of giving back – it was Jordan and long before that indeed before modern recorded times it was Jewish and anyway if we really thought it would be a case of peaceful co-existence then we wouldn't have need the security fence or the guards or check-points or any of the self-defensive systems we put in place after a rash of suicide bombings in the first decade of this century.

I'm sorry – this was already meant to be the happy and “Shabbasdik” part of the letter!!! OK back to form.

So, the table is set, white cloth and best crockery and cutlery all ready for the family. The Bermans Challot are ready under their special cover, Zvi's fathers wine goblet next to them. The candles are ready for lighting in the candelabra that held the Shabbes candles I used to light with my mother and the prayers tonight s we sit with the family around the traditional table are those that our ancestors read and sang for centuries before we were born – with the same plea “Next Year in Jerusalem”. You see- prayer works!!!!

For your musical delectation this week I was not sure whether to make you cry with David d'Or's rendition of Amazing Grace for President Obama in the Israeli President's Househttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trsYJowcEMQ or just to show you this amazing country through videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoizSL-TEJQ or this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB6AgwmJw5o and then as if you won't be proud enough we havehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siqU0iCdSSA

Zvi is at his parliament putting the world to rights and then he will come home to the scents and aromas of our dispersion as he walks in the front door, looks out over the view and climbs the stairs to our apartment. He loves walking in knowing that Shabbat is here..............

So dear friends I wish you Shabbat Shalom and much love from Jerusalem – the centre of our world and heart of the Jewish people

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem - Egypt, Syria, Haredim, Maccabiah, David Romanowsky

130711

11^th July 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this missive finds you well. We have a many news stories today, but I promise you many of them are positive although the media would have us believe it is all bad!

As always I will start with the bad news, for which I will give you a small synopsis and a link so that I can leave you with a smile.

Egypt is imploding, amid a terrifying level of anarchy, rape and racism. The Egyptian Courts have demanded the arrest of Moslem Brotherhood leaders for incitement to hatredhttp://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Egypt-orders-arrest-of-Muslim-Brotherhood-leader-319460 Christians are in fear of their lives but even in this diabolical situation there is a glimmer of hope as we listen to this 12 year old a truly incredible wonderful child

http://isradocu.blogspot.co.il/2013/07/12-year-old-egyptian-boy-analyzes.html

“Unknown forces” blew up the Hezb-Allah HQ in Lebanon and destroyed the Syrian arsenals of ground to air missiles recently acquired from Russia. As it stands right now one cannot be sure who is worse, the tyrannical Assad or the carnivorous rebels http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=10573

UNHRC defies logic in their choice of those who set the example of democracy

GENEVA, July 9 -- As a United Nations meeting is right now hearing live campaign pitches (webcast link) from the UK, France and other democracies vying for seats on the world body's Human Rights Council, the Geneva-based non-governmental human rights group UN Watch revealed its"List of Shame"- naming some of the world's worst abusers who are also running in the Nov. 2013 election, and expected to win seats:Algeria, Chad, China, Cuba, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Though unconfirmed, reportedly Iranand Syria may also be running. Click here for full report (PDF).http://www.unwatch.org/cms.asp?id=4288594&campaign_id=63111

After years of legal battles Britain finally succeeded in deporting "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe" Abu Qatada to Jordan to stand trial. Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "absolutely delighted" it was over."It's an issue that ... has made my blood boil - that this man who has no right to be in our country, who's a threat to our country, that it took so long and was so difficult to deport him," Cameron told reporters. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/07/us-britan-jordan-qatada-idUSBRE96604B20130707

As the question of conscription for those who until now have successfully avoided the IDF and all service to Israel hits every headline the repercussions are harsh. This week a mob of Haredi youths attacked a young Haredi soldier coming to visit his family while on leave in Mea Shearim.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/haredi-soldier-attacked-by-mob-in-mea-shearim/

Israeli Christian Arabs have had enough. Rather than belonging to the other Arab parties that are becoming more and more anti-Christian, anti-Israel, even treacherous, they are forming their own political party which encourages enlistment in the IDF. Good luck to them in the only country in the entire area that welcomes Christians with open arms. http://www.timesofisrael.com/new-christian-arab-party-calls-for-idf-enlistment/

Cliff Richard and Alicia Keyes came to perform in Israel despite enormous pressure from the BDS bullies. They had a wonderful time, delirious audiences, great performances and both visited Jerusalem. Alicia Keyes sang with Israeli superstar Idan Raichel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a58eYZNgUMs and Sir Cliff met with the PM and went to Nazareth for a tennis matchhttp://www.jpost.com/National-News/Sir-Cliff-Richards-tennis-trip-to-Nazareth-319465 

Nah again BDS. Gaza farmers come to Israel to take part in a conference to teach them how to improve their crops of watermelon http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/169707

This week we went to visit friend Sharon and Ernst Voss and sat out on their veranda........ which was delightful and then on the next night we went to Zion ha Gadol with Jacobo and Raquel Skolnik – as always a delightful experience, not only because of the food but also because of their determination to learn the truth of the situation here and the history which led up to our current truth. While there I spoke to Uzi, from Abu Ghosh and he told me that the entire village had decided to move on from last weeks idiotic attack by Tag machir yobbos on cars in the village. “We don't want our children to hold grudges” he said.

Wednesday night found us at the Great Synagogue in the centre of Jerusalem, right next to the beautiful Jewish Agency building to hear our dear friend Talia Carner talk about the lengthy research she did before writing her book “Jerusalem Maiden”. Talia spoke so emotively of her discoveries and I discovered that Yoel Moshe Solomon, bought a plot of land outside the walls and courageously built the first private neighborhood in modern Jerusalem, known as Nakhalat Shiv'a ("the homestead of the seven").  was her ancestor. Talia spoke of her dismay at discovering that women of that time had no possibility of pursuing the arts and her central character breaks free of the constraints of Ultra-Orthodox women when her family sends her to Paris to study art. “Jerusalem Maiden is a fascinating story and Talia spoke beautifully I strongly recommend this book JERUSALEM MAIDENhttp://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-Maiden-Novel-Talia-Carner/dp/0062004379/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_6

Tisha b'Av is upon us in just a few days. The destruction of not one but both Holy Temples and so much more. Professor Gerald Steinberg wrote this excellent piece about the true meaning of the ninth day of the month of Av. http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial-opinion/opinion/beyond-tikkun-olam-agenda-tisha-bav

Jerusalem looks even more spectacular than usual today. The air is clear and while the weather is still summery it is not as searingly hot as last week. Friends who came from Tel Aviv for Talias talk were amazed at how glorious the balmy Jerusalem evenings are as opposed to the humid, sticky Tel Aviv summers.

The city is preparing itself for the Maccabiah which begins next week. 9,000 athletes from all over the world. http://www.maccabiah.com/ Just check out the delegations!!! The opening and closing ceremonies will be in Jerusalem at the newly refurbished Teddy stadium right beneath our veranda!

To understand the enormity of this wonderful event watch this video about the 9000 athletes who identify with Israel and their Jewish roots http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkI3f01JDiM

The history of the games is one of heroism, as Jews were barred from entering so many sports activities the games began in 1932 in Israel with participants vying for a place even back then!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfGFHKTEaNk Incredibly Zvi's participation in Maccabi World Union did not begin 30 years ago but it all began in Poland when his beautiful father Kalman Rybak went to the heats in Poland. Those stories, the deep Jewish ties and continuity of the games is why it is conceivably the most important Jewish event in the world.

In just a few hours I will go to Ben Gurion Airport to collect Allen and Maida Gerskup who are coming to see us for Shabbat prior to the main events. I will drive through the new Begin highway passing Samuels Tomb and that incredible view of the entire panorama of Jerusalem, Beit Horon, Modiin and Reut, Zeglembie Martyrs Memorial, Naot Kedumim where they grow all the Biblical plants and finally through the entrance to the airport. I love going there because it always brings surprises whether coming or going! We should get back to Jerusalem just in time for them to sit out on our veranda and watch Jerusalem slowly change from a thriving noisy city to a Jewish city preparing for Shabbat. They will absorb the aromas of Shabbat food of a hundred cultures of Jews who fled oppression in Arab countries, Africa and Europe, of emptying streets and the gentle change of colour as Jerusalem truly turns gold.

I love this city so much, its variety and continuity. Today though it holds a deep sadness as a beautiful soul left our midst yesterday. David, son of Rosa and Bernardo Romanowsky, a true scholar and fine Jew, passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning. David never gave up his fight, never stopped giving and learning and smiling, but there were greater plans for him. David leaves behind four wonderful small children, adoring and devoted parents and siblings........... and a lot of people who feel proud to have waked beside him even for a short time. May his soul rest in peace and his family find consolation among the mourners of Zion. “Baruch dayan emet,”

I wish you a good Shabbes – Shabbat Shalom – a Gutte Shabbes – a beautiful day of contemplation and reflection.

With much love from Jerusalem, beautiful city

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. Pope Francis, New Government and more

130315

Friday, 15th March, 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

President Shimon Peres, in a meeting with the leaders of the Catholic Church in Poland at his Jerusalem residence, welcomed the new Pope. President Peres said, "The newly elected Pope represents devotion, the love of God, the love of peace, a holy modesty and a new continent which is now awakening. We need, more than ever, a spiritual leadership and not just a political one. Where political leaders may divide, spiritual leaders may unite. Unite around a vision, unite around values, unite around a faith that we can make the world a better place to live. May the Lord Bless the new Pope."

Pope Francis has shown his generous heart when, as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, he was among the first to express his dismay at the bombing of the AMIA, extending his condolences and standing with the Jewish community.

We were all shocked to hear of the deaths of two experienced, reserve helicopter pilots on a routine training flight. Father of 3 Lt. Col. Noam Ron  of Oranit and new father Maj. Erez Flekserof Herzliya died in the early hours of Tuesday morning when their Bell AH-1 Cobra combat helicopter crashed minutes from landing. My their souls rest in peace and their families know no more sorrow.   http://www.idf.il/1283-18503-en/Dover.aspx

Prof. Alan Dershowitz doesn't mince his words in defense of Israel and his search for justice. In his article for the Gatestone Institute entitles "Of Course Hamas Killed the Baby" he says "The recent disclosure that Omar Misharawi, the baby son of BBC reporter Jihad Misharawi, was actually killed by an errant Hamas rocket rather than by an Israeli missile, should have absolutely no moral implications. Of course the baby was killed by Hamas. He would have been killed by Hamas even if the missile that ended his life had been fired by Israel. Hamas is totally and wholly responsible for this death, as it is responsible for every civilian death in Gaza and in Israel. It is Hamas that always begins the battle by firing rockets at Israeli civilians." http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3623/hamas-killed-baby

A British Peer, jailed for causing a deadly road accident while texting behind the wheel, blamed his prison sentence on a Jewish conspiracy. Lord Nazir Ahmed, a Moslem Peer who was appointed by PM Tony Blair in 1998, said in the London Times, that his prison sentence was a result of pressure applied on the court by Jews “who own newspapers and television channels,” http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=306382&rz=n_14March13 Lord Nazir went on to suggest that the judge was appointed because he helped a Jewish friend of Blair. Lord Ahmed, were you chosen for elevation to the House of Lords for your Jewish connections too?

The scaredy cats of the UN are pulling their forces out from the Syrian/Israel border on the Golan. The moment the situation heated up, especially after 21 Filipino observers were kidnapped. The purpose of the United Nations peace keeping force is to keep the peace even if it means that they take casualties. Time to dissolve the UN and reform into a fair and just organisation. The situation in Syuria is not a simple one - indeed it is a terrifying one. The West must choose between the massacres of Assad, the genocide of Allowites of the Islamic Jihad and the genuine, but very tiny number, of those who want a better Syria.

Teach children hate and they imbue the thirst to kill the children of the "other". That is what happened yesterday as Adva Bitton drove her three little girls along a public road near Ariel. Youths threw a huge stone, the truck before her swerved and Advas car skidded underneath the truck. They were all injured but little Adele, just three years old is currently fighting for her life. Please pray for Adele bat Adva. The hatred that caused this horrible attack is the reason I serve on the board of IMPACT-SE. The incredible experts of IMPACT-SE analyse, research and report on the presence or absence of tolerance in the school curricula of the Middle East (including all sectors in Israel)  according to the criteria of UNESCO. Respect for the "other" and the lack of it, is the basis of a kinder future for this world. www.impact-se.org . Help us ensure that such incidents will disappear from our world.

Israel has a government! The new cabinet will be sworn in early next week. The route has been tortuous and the usual blackmail tactics have been used in a very different manner. This time the voice of the people, those who pay their taxes from hard earned wages and willingly go to do their army service and reserve duty and send their children to do the same, their voice was heard. I was unsure of Yair Lapid as a political parvenu, but he has more than proven his ability through his alliance with Naftali Bennet. It was Bennet who kept the sparring partners in the ring and came out with the required result. David Horovitz says it all in his article "Netanyahu and his partner/rivals"  http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-and-his-partner-rivals/

Heroes and heroines come in all shapes and sizes. When Israeli Moran Samuel won gold for rowing at the disabled rowing regatta in Rome the organisers played the wrong National Anthem. Undeterred Moran simply asked for a microphone and sang Hatikva, a capela. Moran - you are my heroine - a fine example to the world for your brilliant act. Instead of getting angry when they were unprepared for your Israeli win you proudly sang Hatikva. Ah, sweet revenge indeed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=W9ppv7v1b-Q&list=UUhmDKA6NHOvg7lNawOxgqpg&index=1&feature=plcp 

This July the 19^th Maccabiah Games http://www.maccabiah.com/ take place. I LOVE their logo“HIGHER FASTER STRONGER - Sound Jewish minds in Healthy Jewish bodies”. The final organisation took place at Kfar Maccabiah as the MWU family met up to prepare for the incredible events surrounding this years Maccabiah with the two major extravaganzas in Jerusalem and events to include the 6,000 competitors take place the length and breadth of Israel. It is going to be phenomenal – get tickets now, encourage your children to compete and come!!!!

The President is coming!! He is bringing some 600 people in his entourage, including press, White House staff and his own TV crew who will accompany him to all events. The King David Hotel “has no rooms” and the centre of Jerusalem is basically one big “no-go area”. Hopefully the only faux pas already happened when the flag hangers of the Jerusalem Municipality carefully hung the American Flag on every flagpole ( that means every lamp standard in Jerusalem) alongside the Israeli flag. It was only through the eagle-eyed vigilance of one wonderful gentleman in the Diaspora Ministry that they realised every single one of the thousands of flags was hung upside down – indicating distress!!!! Hopefully that will be the only faux-pas and the President will see what he has to see, speak to whom he needs to speak, shake the appropriate hands, listen to the right people and go home with a clearer understanding (without the input of the State Dept) of who proudly hangs the American Flag beside our own and who burns it. The threats are rampant, the demonstrations abound but we are ding our best to make this a memorable visit in the best sense.

Luckily I am a great believer in early preparation. Most of my Passover cleaning is done. Why fortunate? Because I am now four days into shingles!!! I never knew how painful it is. My doctor was wonderful when I called her and said that I think that is what I have and she took me in immediately, agreed with my diagnosis and put me on a 5x a day pill for a week which will hopefully cure me before Seder night. We have 30 diners so it had better work!!! I remember when our dear friend Norman Sarkin had shingles and tried to describe the pain.............Norman dear, now I know! Yesterday was like giving birth in my back without an epidural!!!!

The weather is insane – no I am not exaggerating!! So far this week we had 12 degrees and sunny; sandstorm; today is 34 degrees and next week is another sandstorm then a 20 degree drop in the temperature throughout the country and possible rain! I know that Europe is under snow – and New Jersey again, but this is crazy. Aaah well, I guess spring has sprung!

My veranda doesn't know that the cool weather is coming back. The Orange tree is smothered in fragrant white blossom and the first tiny, bright crimson buds are appearing on the pomegranate tree. The mint, oregano, thyme, lemon grass, melissa and chives are already providing me with culinary surprises and the flame orange freesias are sending their exquisite aroma over everything. The Kanyon (shopping mall from the word liknot- to buy) is filled to the very brim with people buying their Passover goods before the insanity of next week and of course – new clothes and gifts for the children. Everything in Israel is for the children. We don't hide them or insist they stay quiet in the corner or go to their rooms – they are part of everything!!!!

We are having a very quiet Shabbat tonight – I am resting as much as possible to save my strength for next week.

Gosh I love Pesach (Passover) – and I love the sense of everything new and different. My only problem is that too many women forget that this is the celebration of our release from slavery!!!!!

Shabbat Shalom to you all. I wish the new Pope health and wisdom to lead his people and heal the world and our new Government to remember why they got their and to fulfill their manifesto to ALL Israelis – to build rather than destroy.

Love from Jerusalem – heart of our world.

Sheila

News just came in that one of the runners in todays Tel Aviv half-Marathon (the full marathon was cancelled because of the extreme heat) has sadly died. Three others are intubated and barely being kept alive.

Mid-week Elections update

090211



11th February 2009.

The day after the night before!



The final votes are in although some are not yet counted and Kadimah is the largest party, closely followed by Likud, but the decision as to who will lead the government is still in the air. Israel's election laws are somewhat confusing since there are so many small parties and varied parties which could potentially form coalitions. It is a long process, taking anything up to 30 days to enter into negotiations with the previously opposing parties to gather the 61+ seats needed to gain a majority coalition. President Peres has called for the relevant parties to try to form a government within a shorter period of 10 days since this is a crucial time in Israeli politics. Based upon their ability to form a substantial and stable coalition he will announce the next Prime Minister of Israel.



Lieberman's Israel Beiteinu did not achieve the huge landslide they expected, although their 14-15 seats will probably swing the direction of any coalition. His immoderate words brought out the normally low Arab vote and the Arab parties have increased their number with at least 8 seats. I say immoderate although, if one really examines the ethic of loyalty to ones country maybe the words are not as extreme as they appear, they do, however, open the door to excessive action and reaction closer to nationalism than loyalty. I am a moderate but when Arab Members of Knesset overtly support Israel's enemies in time of war, enemies who proclaim Israel's demise, I believe it is treasonous. Members of Knesset swear to protect and support the State of Israel against her enemies and should be disciplined when they abuse democracy by not adhering to their own oaths.



The Kadimah results surprised me because I thought that the wonderful heavy rain throughout the country may serve the more extreme parties, the less committed, voters staying home in the warm, but it didn't affect the results as severely as I predicted. The Left is the general loser in yesterdays political equation - Meretz is almost wiped out with 3 seats and Labour with only 13 seats is the 4th party in size.



Zvi and I chose a short break in the rain to walk through the park on our street to our polling station. We took Yosef and Talia, our little grandchildren, with us so that they could experience the excitement of choosing the right "petek" – voting slip. Once inside the school, each voter is directed to his/her polling room, one person at a time, a panel of invigilators sits in each room, one of whom checks the voters ID card and voting card, hands him an empty envelope and directs him to the booth. Unlike most countries, stepping inside the booth one is faced by a vast number (I think about 30) slips, all with one, two or three letters in Hebrew, so that not only must one choose a party, one must remember which letters apply to ones preferred party! Having chosen the petek, it is sealed inside the envelope and taken back to the panel, in front of whom one posts it into the sealed box. Yosef and Talia did the honours – and then chose a treat from the local corner shop as a prize!



Time will tell who will ultimately be the Prime Minister – although Tsippi Livni has already offered Likud a strong two party coalition with her as Prime Minister. One political pundit has suggested a rotational Kadimah/Likud Prime Ministerial system until much needed electoral reforms are in place.



Australia suffered a catastrophic bush fire which took the lives of over a hundred people. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6833919 The fire, in Victoria State, was a heinous case of arson. Vast areas were wiped out and families destroyed, burnt in their homes unable to escape the inferno. Australia and her governments have been true and stalwart supporters of democracy and stood by Israel in her hours of need. I think it would be appropriate and right if we were to write to the Victoria State Premier John Brumby premier@dpc.vic.gov.au offering him and the people of Victoria our condolences.



Last night we went to see the movie "Defiance", the true story of the Bielski family, four brothers whose parents were killed in Nowogrodek, Byelorus, and hid in the surrounding forests, to become the leaders of the hundreds and hundreds of people who joined them. Through their defiance and wiles they and many of their followers survived until the end of the war. The film is harrowing, brilliant, essential and I left the movie house knowing that we, as a people are survivors. We will never use deprivation and destitution or death as an excuse to wallow; we are a defiant people and will always, but always survive and thrive. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1034303/synopsis



As a perfect example of positivity and togetherness the World Maccabi Union held the preparatory international meetings for the 18th Maccabiah which will be held in July. The sheer joy and good intentions of those who come from near and far to Kfar Maccabiah to lay down the plans for the "Chai" games makes me very proud. Through Zvi's voluntary work with Maccabi I get to see the background preparations and incredible planning which are behind the second largest international and most joyous of sports events in the world. http://www.maccabiah.com/maintxt.asp?cid=195&parents=&psn=195&maincatid=195

The Maccabiah is a way for young Jewish athletes (and some not so young) from all over the world, to come to Israel, meet, compete and socialize at the Kfar in a celebration of Israel, sport and the joy of togetherness.



While Zvi attended meetings at Kfar Maccabiah, I drove to see my amazing friend Jenny. Jennifer and I have been friends since the age of 7 when our Mother's introduced us (Jenny met her husband Brian at my 17th Birthday party) and although we meet rarely we always care about each other. There is a rare joy in meeting someone after a 3 or 4 year break and simply "carrying on the conversation. Incidentally, Jenny is still as beautiful as she was at age 7!!



Congratulations to the Liebler Family on the 50th wedding anniversary of Isi and Naomi here in their beloved Jerusalem. Naomi is World President of Emunah and Isi is known for his writings and determination to make the Jewish world a better place. Mazal Tov to you both "ad me'ah ve esrim beyachad"



An early Shabbat Shalom, hoping for a continuation of the rain and a cessation of political ambition for the betterment of the people - we need a smidgen of political stability! I know, I am back in Pollyanna-land!!!



Love from a wet and windy Jerusalem

Sheila