210709 Birthday Bougie and Bennet

 210709

 

Shabbat Shalom! Hope you are well and the heatwave of the last weeks is passing.

 

Yesterday was one of the three most important dates of my life, July 8^th, 1972, My son Gideon Saul was born. Gideon Saul has lived up to his name and his Torah Reading his whole life. Never one to follow the crowd he stands for justice not only in his work life but in any situation. Gideon has given me the most incredible family, his wife Stephanie, Sammy, Olivia and Zacky. Gideon, even saying his name makes me smile. Happy birthday my love.

 

Gideon's Bar Mitzvah Torah Reading of Matot and Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13) is of great relevance today. How many of us stay silent in the face of racism, cruelty, corruption? How many of us don't want to make waves when we see and hear anti-Semitism? How many of us find the Ostrich position more comfortable than fighting for what is right? Silence is assent. How often do we face acts of injustice or callousness with silence? A derogatory joke in our presence; an act of selfishness or cruelty; simply reading of political oppression, all of these instances summon us to choose a side. We can either verbalise our opposition immediately, or, through our silence, become allies of the act or words we abhor. There is no neutrality. Silence is assent.

 

Israel has a new President. Isaac (Bougie) Herzog gave a truly magnificent speech both in the Knesset and at his entry to the President's House, where he spent much of his childhood as the son of President Chaim Herzog. He carries himself with dignity and brings a very different ability to the position – he has spent most of his life speaking to and learning about the Diaspora and his connection and affiliation to those who live outside Israel is absolute.

 

A new dawn on Israel Diaspora relations in the Knesset. PM Bennet and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have already reached out to both the world's political leaders and Diaspora leaders ensuring a closer relationship. President Joseph Biden has spoken several times with PM Bennet and Yair Lapid has just returned from a meeting in Rome with US Secretary Blinken. Naftali Bennet met secretly with King Abdullah of Jordan last week, to heal the fractured relations with Jordan. Yair Lapid and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi met at the Allenby border crossing and Israel agreed to provide a further 50 million cubic metres of water to ease the Jordanian situation. In his historic visit to the UAE Lapid said "Israel wants peace with its neighbors – with all its neighbors," Lapid said in a speech at the inauguration of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. "We aren't going anywhere. The Middle East is our home. We're here to stay, and we call on all the countries in the region to recognize that and to come talk to us."

 

The much talked about "Citizen Law" nearly brought down the new government this week. Despite initiating the proposed law, Former PM and Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Netanyahu chose to fight it tooth and nail with the sole purpose of scuppering any chance of Israel keeping its current government. The proposed changes refer to the ability of non-Jewish Israelis to bring family members into Israel and for those family members to gain citizenship. It sounds simple but the implications are obvious and the fact that Bibi fought it …..I know you will be angry with me for saying what I think but the situation disgusts me.

 

It is not a case of racism! Looking at the facts, over 250,000 Arabs have received Israeli citizenship under family reunification but I am pushed to find any Jews that were accepted as citizens into the PA or any of our Moslem neighbours.

 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Chief of Staff Kochavi performed a ceremony this week dedicating a memorial to the brave soldiers of the Southern Lebanese Army who fell in the fighting alongside Israelis, including Gantz and Kochavi. Some 2,700 SLA fighters chose to live in Israel as Israelis. “The border was closed, but for you, the circle was never closed,” Kohavi said to the bereaved families in attendance.

 

In a fascinating move the United States has expressed a preference in who will take over from Mahmoud Abbas as leader of the PA. I totally approve! I met Dr. Salaam Fayad many years ago when the exceptional Dr. Malcolm Hoenlein invited me to go with him on a visit to Jenin. The man is impressive, his plans give hope for independence to the PA; he wants to imitate Israel's learning from the British bureaucracy during the Mandate, forming a police force, financial institutions, government departments, education which is why he was shunned and resigned his former position as Prime Minister to Abbas' Presidency. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salam_Fayyad

 

Daniel and Jill Meron are about to end their highly successful run as Israel's Ambassadors to the Czech Republic. Daniel is the official Ambassador but this is a real husband and wife team. As he left Daniel said that the Czech Republic is Israel's greatest friend and supporter in Europe. Well done to the Meron family and welcome home! https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/ambassador-to-czech-republic-hit-jackpot-in-eus-most-pro-israel-country-672550

 

One of Zvi's favourite projects hit the news this week. Read all about it! https://www.jpost.com/jerusalem-report/ronit-banit-brings-music-to-the-elderly-672660

 

This has been a busy week! Visitors, meetings, Zooms and gardening, although admittedly we haven't even attempted the last dozen boxes of as yet unknown belongings. Unpacking is exhausting!! On Monday my friend Sue popped in on her way home from visiting her Mum Tema, about whom I wrote last week. We had lovely visitors for lunch on Tuesday – loads of doctors which at our age can be rather useful! We sat outside on the veranda and I sported my lovely new tablecloth of bright flowers…just to brighten everyone's day. Yesterday was wonderful, we met up with Zvi's cousins Yossi and Rachel and together with mutual friends we went to our favourite restaurant "Na-Ya" in Beit Nekufa. Tonight we have Zvi's boys and families and a full set of parents from all sides! Zvi and Rachel have finally persuaded me that once the number of diners goes over 15 I need to do a buffet. Most of the salads are made, 3 quiches and a large side of salmon ready to be cooked, potatoes and cauliflower ready to roast, separately of course and as yet an unknown pasta dish for the children. Tomorrow we have old friends but new immigrant family and friends, Spanish speaking, coming for tea and I invited 3 Israelis so that I have with whom to talk!! Other than that……

 

So what music do you like? Koolulam is obvious but I can't put them every week! So let's start with a tribute to the United States, after all you celebrated your birthday this week too! "God Bless America" sung in Yiddisch by the cast of Fiddler on the Roof https://youtu.be/riHMRZsv3nc

 

I can't decide if I love this video or……What do you think?  Gad Elbaz "Drink LeChaim" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCh-yxlcEY8

 

We tend to worry and fret over the small things as if they are life changing yet if we would concentrate on the small things, the small gifts of life our lives could be so much better! Here two beautiful children sing of "Matanot Ktanot" Small Gifts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvvXB2f3lFw

 

One of the excellent small gifts of this weekend is that my adored nephew and niece, Steve and Claire, are joining Gideon, Stephanie and family on their holiday in Cornwall to celebrate Gideon's Birthday. Wish I was there. I just had a video call with Rachel and Talia so I could see Rachel make the Challot and chat to Talia……another small gift.

 

I wish you a beautiful weekend, a Shabbat filled with love and family.

 

With love from Jerusalem, even if I now see her beauty from a distance

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

210612 Perseverance pays

 

210603

3^rd June 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

 

Today I intend pouring my heart out about the state of politics here, actually, that's the wrong expression because I firmly believe that, if it actually comes to fruition, Israel will have the only truly democratic government in the world! Just think about it, discount the extremes and take 3 right wing parties, a left wing party, 2 centrist parties and a representative Arab party and put them all together into a melting pot of discussion able to come out agreeing to disagree for the better of the country. Indeed of all the outstanding politicians I believe that Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz stand out. Why? Because both are willing to take a step back in order to create a working government which covers the interests of the vast majority of this country, those who serve in the IDF, work hard and pay taxes who have had a bad deal over the last 12 years. Having expressed my pleasure at the prospective government I, together with the vast majority of Israelis, am tired of the system which allowed one Prime Minister to use every possible ploy to stay in power, bring us to 4 elections and refuse to step down despite very serious legal issues. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/FBRKZCEYJ

 

Sadly, a once brilliant man, Benjamin Netanyahu, has brought us to such deeply fractured society that it will take a long time to heal. I hope and pray that this government will come to fruition and we will all reap the benefits. Finally and at last a budget so that Ministries can operate and disburse funding.

 

Isaac "Boug'ie" Herzog is a seasoned politician, understands the Diaspora, is not confined to just Jewish interests and is a real gentleman. He was the leader of the Labour Party, his last position was as Chairman of the Jewish Agency and last night he became the 11^th President of Israel. A truly worthy candidate and a man who, I believe, will do the position great honour. The alternative candidate is a wonderful woman, a woman who draws at everyone's heartstrings having lost two sons to war, but not as President of Israel. I believe that Isaac Herzog is the right person to fill the very impressive boots of Reuven Rivlin and Shimon Peres; two very tough acts to follow but he will do it well. His father Major-General Chaim Herzog was an Israeli politician, general, lawyer and author who served as the sixth President of Israel between 1983 and 1993. This is the first time that a son has followed his father into the Presidency.

 

In Israel the role of President is titular, but has enormous power in terms of the international community and is often the face of Israel to the outside world. Well, Isaac Herzog is a gentleman. Don't be fooled by his baby face, he is ideal for the job! Actually, I'm going to tell you a secret, Zvi is the one who gave him his first ever speaking engagement when Herzog was just 24. Zvi was responsible for speakers for the Diaspora within Keren Hayesod and one day he was approached to give a very polite newly wed a chance at speaking "He's President Herzog's son". Zvi immediately arranged a speaking tour in the UK, since Herzog speak perfect English having been raised with an Irish/Israeli father, and so his career began. Unlike all the other people that Zvi set on their path to success, Boug'ie has never forgotten and proudly presents Zvi to all and sundry as "the man who got me started".

 

There is just one problem with Mansour Abbas' Ra'am Party joining the coalition, well actually there are more but the current problem is that he refuses to recognise the LGBTQ community, his objections far stronger than any of the religious Jewish parties. Who would have thought that with all our security problems that might be the one that breaks the proverbial camel's back!! Today was the Gay Parade in Jerusalem which brought the subject to the forefront.  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJDKO008900

 

So as we suspected the main purpose of the Hamas missile attacks was to get attention and more money! However, they have come up against a brick wall. Oh they will get the money but only if they are willing to allow Mahmoud Abbas to oversee the disbursement. Remember that one of the catalysts to the confrontation was when Mahmoud Abbas cancelled the elections in the West Bank because he realised that Hamas would win which in turn made Abbas, Abu Mazen, Haniyeh sworn enemy. In the meantime, in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Doha, Qatar, one of the leaders of Hamas spent over $1,000,000 for a week's stay including some $26,000 on massages – I was sent the receipt!! Please remember that they are about to get $300 million from the USA. The people get nothing!

 

Talking about foreign aid and Gaza; as you know most of the aid is monitored by UNWRA which is supposed to deal with education, welfare etc. The Director of UNWRA in Gaza was a gentleman by the name of Matthias Schmale, made a statement which angered his bosses and his wards  Schmale told Israel’s Channel 12 last week that the Israeli military strikes on the Gaza Strip appeared to be carried out with “sophistication” and “precision.” He has been relieved of his position and his deputy declared persona non grata. Hamas is furious!!

 

Impact-se has done it again. Yesterday, Bild, the most visited German news site and leading newspaper, released a piece showing how Palestinian textbooks promote antisemitism and fuel hatred of Israel under the headline “School books stir up hatred of Israel.” The article cites examples from Palestinian textbooks, sourced from IMPACT-se’s most recent report on the Palestinian curriculum. The report details lessons that delegitimize Israel, glorify suicide bombings, encourage violent jihad and justify the killing of Jews.

 

As I receive reports about the constant and often violent reports of beatings and stabbings of Jews throughout the Diaspora I am desperately worried about you. At least here in Israel we know who our enemies are and have the IDF to defend us; you don't. The attacks are becoming an everyday event, unprovoked and vicious. We have our wonderful young activists, out spoke and brave; some write about is https://boazmunro.medium.com/dear-american-progressives-your-jewish-friends-are-terrified-b24068fcf488  

 

These attacks, even if they are "just" verbal must be reported; whether the ADL in the USA or CST in the UK, don't let it go unreported to the police. Today's verbal abuse is tomorrow's physical abuse…… I know life is good but don't be complacent, please. Wake up and smell the stink of Kristallnacht.

 

If you can think back as far as pre-Covid-19, you will remember our insane social life, well, moving to a new apartment just 1 month ago hasn't made a difference! Zvi not only sings with the Jerusalem Academy of Music choir, he is on the Board. This week saw the meetings of the Academy, the ceremony for the presentation of prizes and the inevitable food. The best part was hearing the phenomenal talents of the youngsters chosen to play or sing for us. There was one cellist who brought tears to my eyes his playing was so exquisite and an oboist. This young man succeeded in bringing sweet sounds from one of the most difficult of woodwinds. The next evening there was a private concert at the Jerusalem Theatre in which the Academy Orchestra played a modern piece and then one of my absolute favourites "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Yesterday Sergio and Sara Verbitzky came for lunch and then I escaped and went to see my Rachel. The children were all home and it was great, hearing their constant chatter about what they learn and who they were with and which exams they were learning for. On my way home I managed to stop, just for you, and wonder at the panorama from Samuel's Tomb. The soft evening light turned all the buildings of the patchwork of neighborhoods turn a pinky gold, the soft undulating hills of the Golden City delineating the growth from the ancient Temple Mount to a thriving city of 900,000 inhabitants.

 

Today I went out for lunch, to a fabulous restaurant where just three weeks ago a missile landed!! Such a strange thing, it didn't bother me!! Tomorrow we are off to Dimona for Shabbat. No not to see the place that Shimon Peres created and everyone knows exists but doesn't talk about… we are going with the choir to an hotel which holds singing weekends. Should be fun.

 

Why are Caleb and Joshua so important in the history of this land? When Moses sent out the 12 spies to see what the land of Canaan was all about, 10, too lazy to really check things out for themselves, made up stories of giants and evil creatures whereas Caleb and Joshua came, searched, investigated and found a land of milk and honey. So it is today, those who have never been here have absolutely no idea what a treasure this country is, filled with "kol tuv" with goodness and beauty. Just imagine if Moses had listened to those too lazy to discover for themselves. That is part of this week's Bible reading and it seems so appropriate.

 

Back to the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, they made a flashmob at Ben Gurion Airport at a time when there were actually people there to welcome the young people of Taglit! Shalom Aleichem, Peace be with you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ_nbinWkvE

 

Keren Peles is an Israeli singer who, like so many, goes to various IDF bases to entertain the troops. Here, right on the border of Gaza, she found a young "Kravi" soldier who fought through to be there, a Commander, a girl. They sing together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGSBrPc9-os

 

Each morning, as we wake, we thank the Almighty for returning our soul to us; each morning we thank the Almighty for everything around us. Omer Adam singing Modeh Ani https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npRw36_Ftmc

 

I wish you all, wherever you may be whatever your persuasion, a good Shabbat, a day of rest.

 

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

210611 ABC Arson Bennet and Coalition

210611

11^th June 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom! Do you realise that it's already nearly half way through 2021? Where on earth has the time gone?

 

When my generation hears "Scorched Earth Policy" We think of Vietnam, Cambodia and a dreadful guerrilla war. Now when I think of scorched earth I think of the Hamas policy of burning swathes of farmland and parkland in the South by launching party balloons with incendiary devices attached and now, now they are burning swathes of forestation around Jerusalem. Tsur Hadassah twice, Kibbutz Maaleh ha Hamisha, all right near us. The stench of burning trees is still in the air, the smuts still falling on our veranda, which means that yet again the arsonists are at work. The media keeps talking about "settlements" but these fires are in a part of Israel that was ratified by the United Nations in 1947, a part of Israel, not the "occupied territories" nor the "disputed territories" and it makes me so angry. Israel is the only country in the world that increases the number of trees planted in any given year and those who want us gone, gone from Israel, gone from everywhere, destroy, they never build, they just destroy.

 

The new government is nearly in place and those who are used to power, power that has caused terrible rifts in the Israeli society, are lashing out with inane claims. Several Haredi leaders have demanded that Naftali Bennet remove his Kippa since he does not represent Judaism; frankly even though his politics are right of mine his Judaism is right on the mark! The extreme right and the Haredim no longer have governmental representation, they no longer rule the roost and they are very angry at the loss of control. This future government will indeed be led by a right winger but all decision will be taken in consultation with the entire cabinet, a cabinet which represents a wide ranging set of views, conceivably the most democratic government anywhere in the world since it is not a party based group, but rather a cross-section of Israeli society. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see the round table discussions taking place by the Bennet/Lapid/Gantz/Michaeli potential ministers. Instead of the familiar and disturbing angry, raised voices they talk and even laugh and smile together!  Naftali Bennet can keep his kippa, after all he is a Jew, a liberal minded observant Jew.

 

Talking of Kippa (skullcap) Holland chose "kippa day" when everyone was asked to wear a kippa, Jews, Moslems and Christians. Hate crimes, bullying, racism is on the rise and they wisely decided that if everyone wears a kippa then nobody is picked upon. Here in Israel we worry about you, really worry about the horrific situation which a too complacent society, wherever you are, believes that it will not get worse. It will unless some very strong measures are taken against the "woke" crowd, the mouthpieces of hatred, those who stupidly believe the Goebbels methods of Hamas/ISIS/Iran etc; they believe because they are either self-hating Jews or anti-Semites.

 

Brenda Katten is an amazing lady, a natural leader, unafraid to speak her mind, always with grace never with rancour. Please read her op-ed about the rise in anti-Semitism in today's Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/in-the-wake-of-gazas-rockets-global-antisemitism-skyrockets-opinion-670589

 

Following the exposure of the long awaited EU report on Palestinian textbooks earlier this week by German newspaper BILD, policymakers have called to make the report public. IMPACT-se obtained a copy of the report, which found that Palestinian textbooks contain antisemitism, incite children to hatred and violence and delegitimize the State of Israel. Initially commissioned in 2019, the final report has been delayed for two years and has still not been made public. The implications are clear, the refusal to publish should be construed as Anti-Israel and many senior people within the EU are demanding publication. To understand the implications please read https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/06/10/unpublished-eu-report-finds-pa-textbooks-incite-to-violence-jew-hatred/

 

Talking of those who ignore the diabolic human rights infringements of others, even bring them on to the Human Rights Council, look at these UN facts

Israel is 0.1% of the world's population and 73.9% of the condemnations of the UN General Assembly last year. None of these nations have been condemned. Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Pakistan, Turkey, Algeria, Hamas, Russia, China, Qatar Yup, that's your money which funds our constant need to prove our right to exist. Think about it.

 

The Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, presented to President Reuven Rivlin the 35th “Jerusalem Facts and Trends for 2020 – A Glimpse”; an exhaustive and highly detailed picture of the city in numbers and figures, depicting new and ongoing trends in the life of the capital and its residents, with a look at the course in the coming years. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/jerusalem-in-2021-by-the-numbers-667356

 

Anyone who thinks that one cannot do anything to influence the media should take note from the United Kingdom Lawyers for Israel who have succeeded in their demand that the BBC remove several biased videos from their website. A small start but an excellent one.

 

We had an amazing weekend in Dimona! I never thought those words would leave my mouth! On our way down South, all of us in private cars, we stopped at a Camel farm to meet the camels and listen to a fascinating lecture on the efficacy of camel's milk which can either be drunk or made into balms, creams and lotions. We learned that a female camel or Naka in Hebrew, which interestingly enough may be the root of the Hebrew word for breast-feeding, produces milk to order – that is if the baby isn't nearby the milk is returned to the mammary glands. Camel's milk is also the closest to human milk.

 

We then set off for the Hotel called "Tslileh ha Midbar" or Sounds of the Desert, a Moroccan designed hotel where every weekend they hold musical gatherings. After a rest, shower etc we went down to the lobby where we held a "Kabbalat Shabbat" with Kiddush (the blessing over wine" and sang beautiful Shabbat songs then into the dining hall for a delightful meal. Sated and satisfied we then sang the grace after meals and retired to the huge atrium where large Moroccan cushions were set out on the tiers, perfect for lounging! A musical director led the singing and we really had fun!

 

The next day we set off for the Yerucham Lake; Mamshit, a Nabatean Village only partially excavated but fascinating https://www.parks.org.il/en/reserve-park/mamshit-national-park/ ; the "Big Crater" a geological erosion crater, created by wind and water, rather than by volcanic activity….. and wound our weary way home.

 

Home is a different home, a beautiful home. I love this place. Whenever possible I go for my evening walk in our park with my friend Roni who moved here from Ra'anana about the same time as we moved in, in fact everybody moved here about the same time as we did give or take a month! I love the warmth of the neighbours; I love hearing the sounds of Yael's group of flautists; the sound of children on their way to school in the mornings; the little ones enjoying the two playgrounds and the occasional concert in the beautiful big building. Stanley, one of our new neighbours is a really experienced gardener and when I told him that I can manage a big garden or a small veranda but this incredible 120 sq metre expanse has me flummoxed he has offered to help. Next week I will buy the big, beautiful planters to transfer my trees and of course lots of brightly coloured flowers!

 

This week's Torah reading gives us a wonderful look into how our priests and leaders should be chosen…..well apart from the bit where the opposition is swallowed up in an abyss of fire. Korach decided that he wanted to be the new leader of the Children of Israel and gathered about 250 others to put forward his challenge of Moses decision to make Aaron a priest. They came forward to the altar offering incense as proof of their worthiness to become priests themselves, however, Korach and his buddies met their death and Aaron's Priestly rod grew into an almond tree. Fascinating.

 

After a weekend singing along with the choir my head is full of the old songs, what we used to call the "Sochnut" songs so I thought you'd enjoy a trip down memory lane.

 

Land of Milk and Honey is a traditional, if monotonic song about the beauty and cornucopia of good things that this land gives forth. When Moses sent forth the scouts to report on what was found in the Promised Land, 10 scouts, too lazy to check their facts said it was filled with dreadful giants and horrors while only two discovered the truth "Eretz Zavat Halav". Don't believe the media, they don't check their facts this is a land of Milk and Honey, just when we collect the honey we tend to get stung.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LWpTD1CVXE

 

Harry Belafonte sings Hinei Ma Tov – about the good of living together as a tribe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzUWap9rm0

 

Hardly the traditional version but, hey, it Yaakov Shwekey!! Ma Tovu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twlR38_dx38

 

Tonight David Efron is coming for supper. David is the Israeli Honorary Consul in Puerto Rico and a dear friend. He will be thrilled to find Leor, Shiri and the four girls will be here too!

 

I wish you a good weekend, that the only thing that burns in this beautiful land is the Shabbat Candles. I wish you health and the ability to enjoy every second of this amazing life.

 

With love from Jerusalem, as always in our hearts and our thoughts

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

210513 Riots and Rockets

 

210513

13^th May 2021

 

I don't know how to start this missive. Shabbat Shalom? Not sure it's appropriate this week. A Blessed Idel Fitr? Same problem. I can pray for both but my hopes are not high.

 

In fact I'm currently beyond angry, not at the rockets and missiles but rather about the disgusting, violent yobbos, young zealots, both Jewish and Moslem, who defy every principle of their religions and fire up hatred that denies dignity to those they oppress. Oppression isn't only imposed by governments although ineffective government or bad example can and does invoke a sense of entitlement which allows young people to believe they have the right to destroy the lives of others. By legitimizing the far, far right of Ben Gvir and Smotrich, Netanyahu fell short in his leadership; by not strengthening, nay, criticising the police and border guard, he fell short in his leadership; by ignoring the warning signs of internal unrest, he fell short in his leadership; by spending his precious time determinedly holding on to his seat rather than defending the country, he fell short in his leadership. A brilliant man with a glowing past, Bibi Netanyahu fell short in his leadership and the proof is in the riots of yesterday and the sirens the "Tzeva Adom" every few minutes night and day.

 

As if the tensions caused by clear and present danger with a torrent of rockets and missiles raining upon the farming communities and small towns of South of Israel, were not enough; the horror of the violence was more than we could bear. It began with young Arabs wreaking havoc but then the young, far right Jewish zealots (sorry it's the only word I can think of) mostly from Jerusalem, went on the rampage, torching cars, destroying property, in Lod and Jaffa (both mixed cities) and in Bat Yam, terrifying ordinary folk, beating, clubbing anyone they deemed "different", if there are two sides exacerbating the rift. The enemy within is not necessarily the Arab Moslem Israeli, it is the lack of mutual respect, built so carefully over 73 years, that is the victim of the last few days. I know every country has its riots, every country has its racists but here, here in a country filled with those who suffered racism in all the countries of their dispersion or their grandparent's birth, here we do not have the right to be racist. I would arrest the lot of them, put all of them in prison, both sets of criminals, to spend a month together and any infringement of the rules would involve a further month; I don't want any of their ilk in the IDF.

 

Now we have to re-group, re-educate, and teach our children to be tolerant. We cannot let a few dozen yobbos influence the lives of normal Israelis, whatever their persuasion.

 

As is my wont, I turned my angst into a positive act and managed to wade through another dozen or so boxes of our totally superfluous belongings!

 

Now for the explanation you've all been waiting for.

 

Hamas had an agreement with the Netanyahu Government, that they would not "overdo" the rockets in exchange for Israel allowing the distribution of Qatari generosity (!) on the condition that the money be distributed under the watchful eye of the Qataris at the rate of $100 per family. There was relative quiet for a while, then came the PA elections and as soon as it looked as if Hamas was about to win over Fatah, Mahmoud Abbas decided to cancel the elections. Before you censure his actions you should know that Mahmoud Abbas has been determinedly fighting terror and all actions are co-ordinated between the Palestinian police and the Israeli police. Back to politics. The cancellation of the elections demanded a show of might from Hamas and Islamic Jihad which, of course, meant violence and terror. Encouraging violence through the Imams and then the shooting of rockets and missiles over the obvious scapegoat – Israel – was a no brainer. All they had to do was incite a return of fire from the IDF and the world was back on the bandwagon of condemning the Jews for defending themselves! The IDF, through our Air Force's pinpointing the arms factories, intelligence and internet intelligence centres successfully killed several of the main players but our major problem is that we will not target homes and they ensure that their HQs are in residential areas, schools and hospitals.

 

So, if we don't target homes why did we see a building collapse, a tall residential building in Gaza? Neri Yarkoni is a retired fighter pilot and he explained. "We target arsenals, in this case we hit the arsenal but it was apparently underneath a residential building so the arms inside exploded bringing the building down" This is the Middle East where nothing is as it appears.

 

What about Bibi's agreement with Hamas I hear you ask. Well, as I said it's all about power, a show of might, chest beating, so Hamas decided to join the Gazan branch of Islamic Jihad and between them they shot over 1,300 rockets and missiles, more than 200 of which fell inside Gaza. The constant declaration of poverty and claims of being under siege (despite the Qatari money and the 120 truckloads of staple needs from Israel daily) begs the question "How on earth can Gaza afford billions of dollars of arms, rockets and missiles, lobbed willy nilly over the Jews"?  The answer is easy, most Western countries and for that matter most of the Islamic countries, send money to finance education and feed the people, money which never reaches the poverty stricken people of Gaza.

 

Gosh that was quite a rant, but you needed to know, you needed to hear because the news you get is so slanted that Israel, the few square metres of land, is the mighty oppressor of the poor Moslems. If you are sick and tired of CNN, BBC, Sky etc etc….just watch https://www.i24news.tv/en or Google search 124 news and you can choose your language of preference.

 

The best explanation so far https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/israel-is-under-attack/2021/05/12/

 

The situation has nothing to do with who is President or his intentions, but for all you doubters, President Biden reiterated that Israel has every right to defend herself, he understands.

 

The Free Gaza "demonstrations" are held by those who have no inkling of the facts. We left Gaza 20+ years ago, we are the only country bordering on Gaza which has not locked its gates and thrown away the key. Egypt and Jordan do not allow Gazans to enter nor do they attempt to feed them– Israel is their only source of staple foods, so why, why us? It's simple, The Jews "occupy" Moslem lands, a tiny country the size of Wales surrounded by enormously large Moslem countries is something these zealots cannot bear, but, still, in NYC a Jewish man was attacked by screaming women who tried to beat him with the Palestinian flag.

 

I have now depressed myself so I will tell you a little about where we live. It's a whole community, not just old people (I know how you think!) but people of all ages. I go for walks to make sure my fitness watch is happy. Parents and children now know my face and everyone calls out "Erev Tov" – Good evening – as I pass. The boys stop their soccer game to let me pass and I get to see the TV's in the ground floor apartments so I can walk and watch the news! Anyone who came to Israel around the early to late '60's travelled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on the Old Road, not as far back as the Burma Road of Mickey Stone fame (I'm sure you remember the movie Kirk Douglas in To Cast a Giant Shadow) but nonetheless before Road 1, so before 1967, we came in on a narrow road with tortuous hairpin bends, getting our first glimpse of Jerusalem in the distance; well that's where we live! Opposite our entrance is a wonderful walking area, totally unspoiled, and just over the ridge is the beautiful reservoir in Beit Zayit. I know, I can't reel off all the neighborhoods as I did from out old veranda, but I can still tell you about the various trees and birds, and of course the Presidents Avenue that I told you about last week.

 

I'll tell you something funny. Most of the President's trees are dried out or just plain dead, but Herzl's tree, a mere stump, instead of replacing it they put a plexiglass cover over it with the sign noting that he planted it. I have a feeling that very soon we'll see mushrooms growing where the tree didn't succeed!

 

While wading through box after carton after packing case we have found some real treasures. Children's books from Zvi's childhood, hundreds of LPs (for those who remember the 33rpms), photos that brought back happy memories and photos that made one stare and say "Who on earth is that"?

 

I am actually sitting in our Mamad (safe room) which is also our study, for a change with the window covered by the heavy metal protective cover. Who knows if the siren will go off for us as it has umpteen times for Zvi's boys and families, for all our friends in the Coastal plain and the adults and children of Otef Aza – the farmlands, kibbutzim and towns that border with Gaza – who have suffered the destructive power of Hamas and Islamic Jihad for 20 years. This week as if the rockets were not enough they have returned to sending incendiary devices carried on the breeze underneath children's party balloons which have destroyed thousands of acres of crops and wild animals.

 

I'm so happy that I went to Rachel earlier in the week when we took Yosef to Yonatan's 7^th birthday party in Tel Aviv, those two have a lovely relationship ,a little boy who looks up to his 16 year old cousin, both of them love a challenge, both want to be Ninjas! It was so much fun to watch the little boys trying to whack the living daylights out of the football piñata that Rachel made for Yonatan. It also gave me a chance to see the panorama over Jerusalem from Samuel's Tomb, such an amazing sight on our way back home. I may have moved to the other side of Jerusalem but my heart will always be there….just a few miles up the road.

 

So that's it for now, hopefully there will not be need for an update, we have lost too many this week, children and adults, may their souls rest in peace.

 

Two weeks ago I chose Shlomi Shabbat's song about Jerusalem and today it is the turn of Omer Adam. Jerusalem https://youtu.be/GzhiZLPrNHc

 

Psalm 137, written by King David thousands of years ago, is so relevant today as we are yet again threatened. Here Dudu Fisher sings "If I Forget Thee Oh Jerusalem" in the very language in which King David wrote it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GBVaUPTTSw

 

What we need more than anything else is for someone to act as a Bridge Over Troubled Waters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbc7PL8VZ8&list=RDMM&start_radio=1 with the beautiful singers and musicians of the Shalva Band, Tareq al Menhali, Arqham and the Jerusalem Symphony.

 

I wish you a peaceful weekend, a beautiful Shabbat and please put us in your prayers.

With love from right next to Jerusalem

Sheila

 

Every event that Zvi organised, every event that I went to ended with just one song and today I cannot break that rule HATIKVA          - The Hope, the National Anthem of Israel sung by the youngsters of the IDF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQCu9kl68Tg

 

 

 

 

210507 Politics, Meron and New Home

 

210507

7^th May 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom and Ramadan Kareem

 

Yes I'm back, well established in our new home and luckily we found the computer in the fourth box! Did you miss me? Of course I chose the busiest, most fateful week in Israeli history to go off line, but I will try to catch you up.

 

The split, the lack of tolerance, within Israeli society and generally worldwide, between Jews of various persuasions came to a head this week with the tragedy of Mount Meron. The reasons are numerous and complex but the resulting venom is horrific.

 

Mount Meron is arguably the resting place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and a pilgrimage site of ever growing proportions especially on the anniversary of his death. Traditionally a great Rabbi is chosen to light the bonfire or beacon on Mount Meron and thousands come to watch and celebrate. Last year Covid put paid to the gathering and this year it swelled to over a hundred thousand pilgrims, especially significant because Lag B'Omer also celebrates the end of the plague that killed 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva's followers. The Ministry of Health wanted to limit the gathering but Interior Minister Aryeh Deri overruled and the numbers swelled and swelled in a site that couldn't cope. As a result, 45 innocents, including children, died after one man fell on the steps and everyone else fell on top and panic reigned. 45 deaths, it doesn't bear thinking about. The first responders on site are utterly traumatised by the sights. Israelis of every variety rushed to give blood and the Arab town of Tamra opened its doors to the injured and families of victims, bringing in kosher food and extending love and sympathy.  

 

The ghastly side to this tragedy is that many secular people have used this tragedy became an excuse for a tiny but vociferous secular minority to pour vitriol upon the Haredi community. Where is their empathy? Why, even in such tragic circumstances, can't we stand together in humanity? Why? One of those killed was a brilliant Rabbi, Moshe Tsarfti z"l who spent his life encouraging young Haredim to serve in the IDF, including his own sons, yet as usual generalisation brought hatred. My heart goes out to the injured and the families of those who died. May their souls rest in peace and our politicians understand that power is a dangerous thing that must be used with great discretion.

 

Talking about power, discretion and the misuse of…………that's it, the removal vans must start packing the House in Balfour Street and taking all the Netanyahu belongings to their beautiful home in Caesaria. How sad that what could have been a glowing place in history has been sullied by narcissistic, even megalomanic determination to hang on to power at all costs. Selling one's soul to retain power is never a wise move. Now what? Netanyahu's period of time to form a government has ended and President Rivlin handed the mandate over to the next biggest party led by Yair Lapid. Fascinatingly, Lapid who is centre-left and Naftali Bennet, unquestionably right wing but not extreme, have joined forces and refused to accept the extremists of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, choosing to include the relatively centrist Israeli Arab Party of Mansour Abbas. Abbas isn't a Zionist but understands that it is in his community's interest to be part of the decision making. So far so good, only time will tell.

 

Ramadan, a time of fasting and prayer has become a time of unrest among young Arabs, both Israeli and Palestinian and sadly, young Jewish zealots. Since Hamas has basically stopped its incitement (temporarily) one can only assume that the violent riots have been instigated by Iranian sources. It's only my opinion and that of a few very wise pundits, but it seems to be the most logical source of the fervent, religious based riots around Hebron and Schem. Clearly, the years of hate education have prepared the ground and fired up the rebellion of these young people who then risk their lives by engaging violently with the IDF. The apparent cause of violence in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jerach, right next to French Hill, is that Jews decided to live in Jewish property in this Arab area and Jews in Kfar Tavor are demonstrating against the sale of homes to Arabs.  Has everyone gone mad? As to the young Jewish zealots, to me their actions are those of racist hooligans who deserve to be imprisoned as are their Arab counterparts; a terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist.

 

John Kerry, did he or didn't he inform the Iranians of Israeli security secrets? Having spent a week with the man I would be inclined to believe the rumours. However, for those died in the wool Republicans who laughed at my belief that Joe Biden is a good man, he has made it very clear that any agreements with the Iranians is a very long way away and will entail many changes in the original Obama agreements, including many conditions not in the original.

 

It finally happened, the EU has censured the PA and UNWRA for their educational material, threatening to withhold funding! How? All because 6 people, 5 genius researchers and a fantastic CEO sit in a little office in Tel Aviv and work night and day to make it happen! https://www.impact-se.org/reports/ IMPACT-se worked closely on the measures alongside parliamentarians for several months, from drafting the resolution to the plenary vote. The resolution was based on two IMPACT-se reports published in January and February 2021 that found UNRWA-created material contained antisemitism and incitement to violence and jihad. Facts and dogged perseverance won over malicious fiction.

 

It's very nearly Jerusalem Day. Jerusalem Day, the celebration of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem on that joyous, dramatic day in the 6 Day War. We all remember that incredible moment of "The Temple Mount is in our hands"; the photograph of the 3 soldiers beside the Kotel; the joy when the extra verse was added to Naomi Shemer's "Jerusalem of Gold" sung by Shuli Natan declaring that all the beautiful places we yearned to see were suddenly a reality; that we, all of us, Jews to the Kotel, Christians to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Delarosa, everybody to the Arab Shouk, we could all finally go to pray as we wished where we wished. So many things changed, the millennia-long prayer "Next Year in Jerusalem" was answered.

 

And so to our new home. We are so happy, so calm, really enjoying our surroundings and the kindness and warmth of our new neighbours. Obviously the veranda is a work in progress, rather bare and needing lots of colour but the view, while very different is wonderful – trees, trees and more trees!! Actually not just trees, but right next to us is the Avenue of the Presidents, not as grandiose as it sounds but really pretty and with deep history. The first tree to be planted in Motza, that is the first tree in the Avenue, was planted by Theodore Herzl when he was advised to spend time in Motza "for the best air in Israel". His tree was cut down by local Arabs for fear that it represented Jewish return, but a new one was quickly planted. Most of the trees were inappropriate to the site and didn't survive but it is still historic! Sadly Shimon Peres died just 2 days before he was due to plant his tree but it stands proudly nonetheless.

 

In the project (I have to stop calling it that since almost everyone has moved in) there are two playgrounds for little children and large areas for slightly older children and every evening as we take our walk along the paths and lanes between the buildings and parkland, past the gorgeous central building, designed to look like the White House, which was once a sanitarium and is now our cultural centre; the sound of children playing greets us as young families enjoy the evenings cool. Passing the apartments we learned that we aren't the only ones who haven't yet bought light fitments or set up the bookcases and we hear the news as we pass the various giant sized televisions. Neighbours ensured we had food for the first few days of unpacking, turning up with cakes and real food  and as we walk around everyone greets us with a "Erev Tov" Good evening – it's like living in a village!

 

We have tried to continue our voluntary work and Zvi has had a few meetings of his various organisations and we even managed to hold a choir party for Lag B'Omer  - but more of that later. I had my first proper meeting, together with Rachel and Ilan, concerning the outline plans for Dr. Dan's Room. All plans were on hold due to Covid. We plan to go to the phenomenal site to familiarize with the future studio. Remember that this is in the magical have called Shalva. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjcgIeMVwcA

 

Oh my goodness time has run away with me. Zvi is at the old apartment with Tomer working hard to clear everything……and Leor, Shiri and the girls are coming for supper. Zvi is going to his parliament and I will go to Rachel to kiss everyone so I have one or two things to do, including emptying my pledged 2 boxes a day!!

 

What music is most fitting for the week leading up to Jerusalem Day

 

Sarit Hadad sings of the need to put hate aside and together we will win through https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcr4EPfPTHg

 

For Shabbat Leha Dodi, a beautiful prayer said in the synagogue to welcome the Bride of Shabbat (with English translation) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWmcQpzUMHY

 

Last but by no means least, Zvi's choir, Hakol Yahassi, has been recording a gorgeous medley of Jerusalem songs and two weeks ago they met up with the Mayor, Moshe Lion, who has a gorgeous voice, and recorded a video…..enjoy enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFROAZv4fHM  

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom and please remember to listen to those you disagree with, listen and perhaps between you you can come to an agreement, if only to respect your differences – or as we Brits say "agree to differ". A young man came to finish off our kitchen yesterday, and as an observant Moslem during the month of Ramadan he is obviously both praying and fasting. He explained, with great enthusiasm, about how Allah is behind our every thought and action and it sounded exactly like young enthusiastic religious Jewish boys. Fascinating.

 

With much love to you all, irrespective of your leanings, beliefs or thoughts as long as they don't hurt anyone.

 

Love from just outside Jerusalem, still my favourite place in the world

Sheila