160325 Brussels terror, Purim in Jerusalem

160324

24^th March 2016

It seems banal to say Happy Purim and Shabbat Shalom when we, the entire world is seeing Purim without Mordechai and this Shabbat has no Shalom, excepting that which we bring to our holy day from within.

The connection between Purim, Haman, Homeini, domination, Turkey, Israel and Belgium is infinite but so complex that I will try to unravel it just a little.

The tragedy, the horrific terror attacks which hit Brussels this week should have been foreseen. Turkey warned the Belgians about the perpetrators who fled Turkey, but they checked them a month ago and let them go free. Why? Because we in the West don't believe anyone could be that cruel and utterly ungrateful.

We have the pictures of people running through the smoke burned into our brains, of terrified screams and, for me, the man running, hanging on to his luggage cart for dear life – literally.

May the souls of those killed be blessed and their families regain their equilibrium. May the injured heal quickly and receive help to wipe the unimaginable pictures from their minds.

Purim, which today is a day of celebration, was a time of horrific oppression; a naïve King who had a feminist wife and a taste for pretty ladies; his cruel advisor and Vizier Haman; a wise man and his beautiful niece who were todays equivalent of the Mossad; a plan and finally the determination to succeed. If you recall, Haman hated Jews and was so jealous of Mordechai he demanded that the quisling in the palace been paraded around Shushan on a white horse, sitting backwards, for all to see and pelt with garbage; King Ahazhverus listened carefully to his demands and agreed to them, but after hearing the truth from his beloved Queen Esther, who told her King that she was a Jewess and Haman was the quisling, the King set Haman on the horse in Mordechais stead. The moral is clear – stand up to evil, but do it cleverly. If you have a weak leader who is convinced that even those intent on killing you have good intentions, use wile to ensure he learns the truth.  

Since it is Purim I thought you would enjoy this very cute video of "What do Non-Jews think of Purim" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYIJyWEORuI

Kay Wilson is an Ex-Pat Brit, Jewish Israeli who just a few years ago was almost hacked to death by Palestinian terrorists while she saw her friend dying. Kay spoke before the Human Rights Council of the UN in Geneva https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhgR84OdL88

In Israel there are no prizes for killing Palestinians, even if they have just stabbed another soldier in an attempt to kill him. A soldier has just been arrested by the IDF after shooting a terrorist when he was already on the ground. We do not kill.

The great news is that all but 40 Yemenite Jews arrived on Israeli soil this week in a covert operation of the Jewish Agency. With them they brought an 800 year old Sefer Torah. Those who remain in that war torn country feel safe in a compound with Westerners, but sadly the chaos is closing in on them.

So AIPAC has been and gone. At least two of the candidates expressed determination to bring the American Embassy to Jerusalem but I have strong doubts. If every President since the day in 1995 when Zvi and I sat in the Chamber and heard the unanimous vote to move the Embassy to Jerusalem, all Presidents of both parties have vetoed the act. Indeed, the Jerusalem Consulate has changed all its staff to Palestinians not Israelis – a decision which begs an answer.

This is conceivably the most theatrical of all American primaries. The players are so easily identifiable and so diverse it is incredible. It is almost like a soap opera – or as if I was watching Scandal!!!

This week's newsletter from Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains my feelings perfectly. It may be the Cardiff connection, the Carmel connection or the fact we have known each other since I was 4, but he captures my thoughts. This week he talks of "Why I Don't Criticise Israel More" http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/

Purim explained http://www.aish.com/h/pur/mm/Purim_Animated.html

Zvi and I went to see Rachels children for a Purim Seudah (Purim Feast) yesterday. I wore a multicoloured wig, fake glasses and a red nose. I thought it would make the woman in the car beside us at the lights smile, but she stayed stoney faced. Then her Chihuahua saw me and went berserk!!!! The kids were excited at crazy Safta and delighted to show us the vast amount of sweeties they got as mishloach manot then went absolutely crazy with excitement as Leor arrived with his three girls – gosh they all love each other. My amazing daughter had a multitude of neighbours calling in to eat – she reckons between 25 to 30 of them. A real balabusta!!!! She even made green bread rolls!!!

Last night Zvi, Rachel, Leor and I took six grandchildren, in age order, Yosef, Talia, Amit, Ayala, Gili and Ori, to the colossal Cinema City here in Jerusalem to ice skate! Leor was an absolute champion and took al six children most of who had never been on ice in their lives, onto the rink. Yosef immediately took to the ice and sped off, Talia almost followed him and fell and got up a hundred times (that's my girl!) and the others clung to the sides except when Leor came to take them for a little run! The Cinema City was heaving!!! Crazy costumes abounded, music blared and it was only when one saw a Haredi man dancing with a girl in skinny mini skirt you realized it was a costume!! Religious men came in skirts and fancy hats and Superman was the favourite costume for tots!!! Afterwards we all went for Pizza and then home to sleep. Leor and the girls are staying over and today we hope to go to the Gazelle Valley with Rachel's children, so that they can run around while the weather is good.

I am still taking life a bit easy, although feeling much, much better. I was thrilled that our dear friend Gloria Goldstein came to Jerusalem on Monday and we managed to meet for lunch. I love Gloria who is thankfully spending more and more time in Israel rather than her Sydney home. We always have so much to talk about.  

Tonight Amiad, Noga and the two little ones, Leor and the girls are with us for Shabbat Dinner so we have a mixture of sophisticated Eggplant Parmesan, fresh salmon and roasted vegetables and "Clean Pasta" for the children – of course preceded by the latest favourite soup which is Pea – good old fashioned, infinitely easy, pea soup. The girls don't know that Safta bought them some treats, don't tell their Mum, little bottles of Yotvata Choco, chocolate drops with sprinkles and……….. well, if I tell you then I really will be in trouble!!!!

Today is Good Friday, which precedes Easter Sunday. In Jerusalem it has an even deeper meaning than anywhere else in the world which is why Canon Andrew White and Dumisani Washington are here, both celebrating the festival and praying for a kinder, saner world. Dear friends, only by honouring each others beliefs and traditions, joining hands in love, can we possibly hope to fight the evil that would change our lives and the future of our children and grandchildren. May your prayers take wings. http://www.itraveljerusalem.com/events/easter-in-jerusalem/

I wish you all a good Shabbes, Shabbat Shalom, a Holy Easter. This will be a week of songs because on Thursday HaKol Yachassi, Zvi's choir, are holding a huge concert in honour of the late great President of Israel, Yitzchak Navon, right here in Jerusalem. On Sunday I will meet with Stephen Ryde, star letter writer and proponent of Israel, of course in the Botanical Gardens.

I couldn't resist this Purim version of Pharrell Williams song, Happy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-2skUqszCU

Finally, when one comes down to it, Purim is a festival that the children get to enjoy, more than any other. They become their heroes. My favourite costume was a little boy in a wheelchair whose parent built a whole Gotham City around him with legs flying behind. He was so pleased! If you want to see the photo just go to my FB page. Back to children – this is the top Purim song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSYEiHkMDUA

I send love and strength to all my friends who are having a tough time, especially Sue and Doron. Can't wait to dance with you next Purim.

I wish you a safe week, a happy week, a kind and gentle week and most of all Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, centre of our dreams.

Sheila

160318 Meir Dagan zl, Russian withdrawal Syria, Purim

160818

18^th March, 2016

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom from beautiful Jerusalem.

Meir Dagan passed away this week. May his soul rest in peace for he has definitely earned his place in heaven.
As a young man he was given a photograph of his grandfather, Zvi. The photograph was of his grandfather being beaten and derided by the Nazis just before they killed him. Dagans parents managed to survive and escaped Russia while he was a small child and the family came to Israel. The young Meir swore to his grandfathers picture that such horrors would never happen again.

As Head of the Mossad, Dagan lead with a hard hand and great love for his soldiers. He blew up both the Iranian and Syrian nuclear facilities, presenting photographs of the destroyed Iranian facilities on the desk of the American Security Chiefs, saving Israel and the world from horrors of gigantic proportions. He also ensured that several of the most nefarious among the terrorist leaders of ISIS, ISIL, Al Qaeeda etc, met their doom.  His love and deep respect for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was legendary, and their work together was seamless, Olmert backing Dagan's decisions, recognizing his superior knowledge.  Sadly his relationship with our current PM was not quite as smooth.

While watching Israel Channel 10, I learned an enormous amount about the leader and the man from an outstanding report by Alon Ben-David, who brought us the man and the deeds.
Meir Dagan, hero, leader, determined soldier who protected his people from another Holocaust and made his late Grandfather Zvi proud. To his family he was a loving, husband, father and grandfather  - ברוך דיין אמת

Russia pulled out of Syria. Well actually, Russia pulled her fighting troops out of Syria. They went in to support the evil Assad, which may seem a strange thing to do, but in fact the evil Assad is a mere pussy cat next to those who took advantage of a civil revolt against a dictator and brought with them a regime far, far more dangerous and certainly more evil than Assad could even dream of.  Actually, I haven't heard the inane expression "The Arab Spring" for some time now – I wonder why!

Talking of Russia, Israel's President Rivlin visited Russia this week. It appears to have been  successful visit, both leaders prepared to listen. In the meantime a former President, Moshe Katzav, brought his case up for review with the possibility of early release. It is now in the hands of the Attorney General since Katsav has never shown any regret for his actions or admitted he did anything wrong. It is a tough decision.

I am the first to acknowledge my own ignorance on certain parts of Israels history. While at a wonderful reception for the launch of our dear friend Dr. Motti Friedman's new book about Herzl, I not only learned a great deal about Herzl himself but also about Operation Agatha "Black Sabbath", when the British army took action against the Lehi. Worth reading – this report doesn't take sides. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Agatha

Anyway, Motti's book delves deep into the man and the motivation of Herzl. Apparently his charisma was vast, enabling him to reach many leaders who knew nothing of him or his dream. Herzl's greatest achievement was not really the re-creation of the State of Israel, but rather of his determination to create a common purpose behind which to unite the Jewish Diaspora . His World Jewish Council, from Basle onward did just that. Sadly today we are going in the opposite direction, not understanding that dream, how essential it is that we pull together rather than forming factions, fighting factions over who is superior. The book is in Hebrew but the moment it is published in English I will let you know. http://www.booksefer.org/index.php?dir=site&page=catalog&op=item&cs=56247&langpage=heb&category=26672

I loved this video telling us exactly how to Boycott Israel properly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Rkjp0rU-o

It is so difficult to understand statistics and the sheer numbers of people in this world. Watch this and you will get it! If the world were just 100 people, a brilliant explanation of our world in just a few minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxXmTGBMYhw

You already know how I admire the Maccabi World Union people. Their motivation, like Herzls, is to unite the Jewish world, but under the umbrella of sport. We are approaching the next Maccabiah already! On April 20, Maccabi USA will kick-off their fundraising efforts for the 2017 World Maccabiah Games with their 20^thMaccabiah Launch Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City. Funds raised from this event will be used to ensure that qualified Jewish athletes from the USA and around the world are able to participate at the 20^th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, Summer 2017, where 1,200 American Jewish athletes will join 8,000 athletes from 75+ countries to compete for Jewish pride, for country, and to unite as one Team in support of Israel. You can be a part of Team USA by supporting the 20^th Maccabiah Launch Gala! www.501auctions.com/maccabigaladinner

As I was driving over Samuels Hill, next to Samuels Tomb, I slowed the car down to take in the panorama and see how many towers and steeples I could count!!! It started with the Calatrava Bridge, working through to Augusta Victoria and the radar tower of the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. In my very limited glimpse there were about 10 prominent ones and in Jerusalem's crazy building spree many more are coming up but not of the historic variety, rather to provide dwellings for Jerusalemites. Had I glanced to the left rather than the right I would have seen Ramalla, with an equal number of high rises, but all new, al built recently, all during the time that Israel is told to stop building in disputed territory. Annoying? Yes.

The EU has built more than 1,000 buildings on that self same disputed territory that they tell Israel not to build on!!!!! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3480561/Outrage-EU-claims-diplomatic-immunity-using-aid-money-meddle-Middle-East-building-disputed-West-Bank-land.html

Purim is approaching and the fancy dress costumes are out in full bloom!!! Still a very few Queen Esthers but little Israeli girls are just like little girls everywhere and Nici, Elsa, Batgirl and so on are the favourites with boys still going for cowboys and Superman! Supermarkets are filled with the makings of Mishloach Manot – food parcels for others – for friends and family. Mini packaging of all sorts of goodies, joined by home made Hamentaschen are the usual contents – happy children delivering and receiving. Here Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains Purim; Serious or Fun http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/

I am inordinately proud of the IDF. Israelis defy Maslo's pyramid of needs, not only by being happy but despite imminent danger we still reach out to those less fortunate. Watch this and feel yourself swell with pride – I did. https://player.vimeo.com/video/154464174 By the way, Angelina Jolie came to visit IsraAid aid camps in Greece this week. Tikkun Olam indeed.

Our veranda is ablaze!! I have never seen anything quite like it. My petunias have opened in one carnival of colour, absolutely smothering the entire wall. It makes me smile! I love seeing the results of planting a tiny little seedling and reaping the reward of gentle nurturing. It's a bit like Israel Advocacy – one plants seeds of truth, ensure they are watered by compassion and watch the fruits of our labour.  Yes, I still believe in the power of one.

So Shabbat is close – Zvi's birthday cake is made and iced and the food is ready. Actually I didn't have to work because we are going to the inlaws for Friday night and to celebrate – they still don't want me to work!!! Rachel made the Challot and I know they are incredible because she saved a little one for me to have for lunch!!!

When you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport you will see this amazing display. The 50 Most important Israeli discoveries http://ex.most.gov.il/en/

This week I give you the Chief Cantor of the IDF singing the Prayer for the safety and peace of Israel. So moving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5--mNIZhU He talks of his pride at singing with the IPO giving such honour to the song and its meaning.

Yaakov Shwekey sings this emotive song of a child in the Holocaust. I cannot quite decide why this is so appropriate today – perhaps because I see what is happening around the world and fear a recurrence of evil. It starts with a beautiful Yiddish cong that my Mummy used to sing to me as a child. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGyI88ZkS8

With love to all of you from Jerusalem, this incredible city of love that incurs such hatred.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

160311 Biden, Primaries, 3 attacks one day, Cramim

160311

11^th March, 2016

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

I am happy to report that I am almost over my surgery which was for a hernia repair repair. No that isn't a typo, I meant a repair of a repair!! Why don't the surgeons tell you that about 50% of laparoscopic hernia repairs need redoing? Anyway, things are much better this week and I have no problem sitting to talk to you! In fact I want to tell you about Shaare Zedek Hospital. It is not only an exceptional hospital whereby the staff from top to bottom are like one big family, but the full range, gamut indeed rainbow of Israeli society work there and are treated there. It is a place of medical and social excellence.

On Tuesday, Vice President Biden arrived. He went straight from the airport to meet with his old friend Shimon Peres at the Peres Centre for Peace, so that once in Jerusalem he would stay there. Sadly he was welcomed by another spurt of foul terror attacks; one in Jerusalem, two border policemen severely injured; one in Petah Tikva, a Haredi man was attacked but fought back; finally one in Jaffa. Jaffa? Jaffa where Jews, Christians and Moslems live together in harmony? Sadly one person was killed, believed to be an American tourist, 8 others injured including a pregnant woman. The terrorist, from Kalkiliya, ran along the Tel Aviv promenade, stabbing at the open windows of the inevitable traffic jams. Those at the site of the attacks hit the terrorist with iron bars and a busker hit him with his guitar – indeed anything they could lay their hands on, but his insane stabbing spree didn't stop until he was taken down by the police. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-stabbing-victim-taylor-force-was-u-s-army-vet-n534516?cid=sm_fb

VP Biden didn't hold back. Here he doesn't need to be PC and decried the terrorist acts and declared, or reiterated, his absolute loyalty to Israel.

That brings me very neatly to the American elections. May I insult every party equally? I don't understand primaries and even less the politics of insult. We suffer it here but I thought the USA candidates would be cleverer. Voters don't want to hear about the faults of other candidates – they want to hear what plans each and every one has to put forward; a true manifesto on which to base ones choice. Thus far the insults have been flying, the leading candidates …………… gosh I don't want to insult my lovely American readers but I feel that they insult your intelligence with every word that leaves their mouths – even my favourite Marco Rubio! John Oliver is irreverent as only the Brits can be – and please excuse me if it offends you but - https://youtu.be/DnpO_RTSNmQ

Mr Netanyahu stood up in front of the Knesset and expressed gratitude to those Arab states that have outlawed Hezbollah/Hamas. He continued by expressing horror and disdain on those Arab Members of Knesset who – wait for it – were against the Arab States decision. "Just wait until rockets fall on your house or your village. They don't differentiate between blood and blood. Will you still support them?"

The Iranians are really generous. They decided to dedicate one of their trial missiles with my name and the names of my children and grandchildren! What a magnanimous gesture to take the time to write the words on the side of the missile! http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-fires-2-missiles-marked-with-israel-must-be-wiped-out/

Who are the indigenous people of the land of Israel? Would you like to hear about it from a man who really understands the meaning? Ryan Bellarose is a Native Canadian, an indigenous rights activist who supports Israel because he is a moral and ethical human being. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6k1gugifwA

To back up, yet again, the words of the Bible, Our history, in the steps of the Bible, uncovered. Walk slowly in the steps of our ancestors newly uncovered. From the Shiloach Pool to the Temple Mount https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t72muhs-eMU

I wanted to tell you all about International Women's Day in Israel but we don't have Mother's Day, we have Family Day. Israeli women are so independent we don't need a special day! This is even more apparent in the IDF https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brIrlvbF50o

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen's letter this week is entitled "We Will Survive". In his letter he talks about the rifts and disagreements within our own  http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/

Last Shabbat Zvi and I went to the new Gazelle Valley Park. It is so beautiful, tens of acres of wild land, ponds and lakes, all reachable through a series of paths and signs. Of course the signs are in 3 languages, Hebrew, English and Arabic, as were the visitors enjoying this new green lung. As yet there are only 12 gazelles (4 pregnant) but hopefully there will be more and soon there will be ducks and geese on the large pond. It was delightful and the gentle paths were perfect for my first outing!

Friends came and went, not giving me the chance to be bored. Dana arrived with hot, fresh bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon which was a special treat! I missed one of Zvi's concerts with HaKol Yachassi, but I must give him a big compliment and thanks. While not a natural Florence Nightingale he really did his best!

Wednesday and Thursday we took a short drive past Abu Ghosh and up to Kiriat Anavim, to the luxurious and beautiful new hotel spa – Cramim https://www.isrotel.com/cramim . Our treat was a gift for Zvis birthday from all his friends in the choir, actually for hs last birthday and we thought this was a perfect time to relax. I wasn't allowed to do any treatments but it was Zvi's gift after all and he had a ball. Best of all, even above the gorgeous surroundings, exquisite decor and wonderful rooms, was the food. Absolutely scrummy, proving that one can provide food for large numbers and still ensure its high quality and sophisticated delicacies.  Zvi's younger son Leors schoolfriend, Tomer Kasir, was incredible. He takes responsibility for the food and wine of the dining area very seriously, smilingly ensuring the staff beneath him do their jobs efficiently and politely.

Dustin Hoffman, who never denied his heritage, looked into his ancestry and recent past in a TV programme, and was overcome to discover his Holocaust connection. His emotional utterance  "I'm a Jew, I'm a Jew" was very moving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jguJPEyJ6Pg

"I will know Safta is OK when she comes to collect me from school" So said Yosef, who always worries about me. So today, of course I went to collect him from school!! In fact I collected him, then Talia and Ayala and took them home. I was thrilled to see how happy they were! As we neared Rachel's home the aroma of freshly baked challot caused all of us to quicken our steps – she is a champion!!! Today she made some special little tiny challot for Zvi's grandchildren, with whom we will spend our Shabbat Dinner. I can just imagine their excitement at opening the little packages I will prepare for them!

I felt so free to be driving again!!! On my way back home I popped into see the fishmonger, Abu Yosef, who was so distressed by the attack right outside the shop three weeks ago. Abu Yosef always thought that no-one from his village could ever do such a thing, and was absolutely devastated. Sadly he, and other friends, couldn't get in to work because their village was closed off by the police until they were sure it was not due to incitement. Every time, but every time, it is not only the Israelis who suffer but the normal ordinary folk who just want to get on with life. Indeed in this weeks three attacks, two Arabs and one Christian were victims.

I opened my windows to let in the wonderful spring air, drove with the wind in my hair and drank in the panorama from Samuels Tomb afresh. Gosh I love that view.

Now the shops are closing, the trains giving a last tired toot before retiring to the sheds, families sit on their verandas, enjoying time together before Shabbat, indeed the entire country is slowing down, changing mood, irrelevant if one is religious or secular – the country changes.

What music do you want this week? Traditional? Modern? Israeli? Liturgical? Let me see what I can find.

I never tire of Dire Straits rendition of Brother in Arms, written by lead singer Mark Knopfler in honour of the IDF. Dire Straits just announced they are coming to Israel again in the Autumn so hope you don't mind my playing it again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTXiBGLloV4

Finally, a reminder of Shabbat, Shabbos, Shabbes, Sabbath and what it really means. It is in English so you won't have to work so hard!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzumwtp7kfc

With much love from Jerusalem, from our veranda and its display of brightly coloured petunias. Even the birds are chirruping their delight that Shabbat is almost here.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

Shabbat Shalom

160304 Post Op

160304

4^th March 2016

Shabbat Shalom everyone.

Just a quickie note to say that I am not writing today – will do on Sunday or Monday. I underwent surgery, nothing serious but rather uncomfortable, so prefer to wait and write later.

Zvi has been excellent, my daughter Rachel has cooked up a storm and brought it all around for our Shabbat and friends have been kind.

To keep your attention until then here are two items

One a quiz http://bdsguide.com/the-bds-quiz/  from the BDS (Bigoted Destructive and Sociopathic)

The other a beautiful song with a story that reached out to me. At the 2014 Oscars, they celebrated the 75th anniversary of the release of the “Wizard of Oz” by having Pink sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, with highlights from the film in the background. But what few people realized, while listening to that incredible performer singing that unforgettable song, is that the music is deeply embedded in the Jewish experience. http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/pink-the-oscars-and-the-rebirth-of-israel/  Here is Pink singing https://vimeo.com/88056908

I finally made it big as Bob Parks and Laura put my newsletter on his website. http://www.black-and-right.com/2016/02/18/ground-israel-sheila/

That's it can't sit any more.

Miss you and love you all

Sheila – at least this means I had time to really appreciate our veranda and the fact that the petunias are about to burst into a riot of colour.

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

160226 David Cameron, Jewish Agency Meetings, Norman and Lola

160226

26^th February, 2016

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I hope this missive finds you well and happy.

Politics are strange, indeed on occasion unfathomable. British Prime Minister David Cameron, a proclaimed and proven friend of Israel, suddenly came out with a distressing statement in Parliament, a double whammy yesterday when he said that after touring his beloved Jerusalem, he was horrified to find that East Jerusalem was surrounded - then added OCCUPIED East Jerusalem.

Et tu David?
Surrounded? By whom? 
The Old City is surrounded by a wall that the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt. Inside live Jews, Christians and Moslems. 
Jerusalem has expanded into the new city - just expanded not surrounded.
Next the use of the word occupied. Again WRONG! The land around Jerusalem is not occupied, it is disputed, legally disputed, it was Jordan and is now disputed.
Now for SURROUNDED. What exactly is he trying to say - that the Arabs are surrounded by Jews? Is he serious? Israel, the very tiny land of Israel, is utterly surrounded by countries that want her gone!!!! 
Get your facts right Mr Cameron. With all due respect what you are suggesting is as ridiculous as a Canute statement that Britain is surrounded by the sea!!!!!

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded thus

“My friend David Cameron, who is undoubtedly a friend of Israel, seems to have forgotten some basic facts about Jerusalem. Only Israeli sovereignty prevents the Islamic State and Hamas from igniting the holy sites, as they do throughout the Middle East. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city’s Arab residents promises roads, clinics, places of employment and all other means they would not benefit from their brethren throughout the Middle East. Only Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem preserves the rule of law for everyone, something that did not exist in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Libya, and large parts of the Arab world, including the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza Strip. Only Israeli sovereignty ensures all this and it is important for friends in Europe to remember this simple fact.”

It is worth remembering that Jerusalem was divided for only 19 of her 3,000+ years existence and it was Jordan, not a Palestinian State that held East Jerusalem – indeed Jordan occupied East Jerusalem. During that time Christian and Jewish sites were destroyed and Jews could not reach their Holy sites. That should also be remembered. Perspective.

To show the inverse morality of our world leaders, Venezuela and Syria have been elected to a United Nations Committee on the "Subjugation of Peoples"!!!! Israel, free, open, democratic and caring, is reviled and admonished every day of the week yet these oppressive societies are invited in. Ludicrous.

If you wondered what any 13, 14 or 25 year old, with all their future in front of them, could possibly gain from stabbing a few Jews, you don't know about the Iranians! No, not only encouraging the violent rhetoric of the Imams, they pay up to $7,000 a month to the families of those who kill Jews! A new home will replace the one that we pull down as a punishment –so it goes. Until the PA develops a viable economy instead of hugely fat bank accounts for its leaders we have no hope. The inverse truth is that if only Western countries would stop giving the PA aid, their people could benefit and if they stepped out of the arena entirely – we could achieve peace. I find it hard to understand why educated Israeli Arabs go off to fight for ISIS but I guess that is another story.

The Canadian Parliament is the latest to vote on outlawing BDS.  Sadly it has taken too long for them and for other governments to wake up because the vile and fictitious message has taken hold, but better late than never. I love it when our politicians do a good job though. Overnight a series of posters condemning Israel appeared all over the London tube stations. MK Yair Lapid was in contact almost before the MP's woke up and by the end of the day all were taken down, much less time than it took in Chicago!

This week I went along to some of the meetings of the Jewish Agency Congress in Tel Aviv. I love to see the people who are there to be seen and those who go to change the status quo which isn't really working. Of course my Zvi always tries to rock the boat, to innovate and rejuvenate a tired organization. I see the enthusiasm in WIZO's women, especially Helena Glazer, I saw it in the Hadassah leaders like Marlene Post, but the feeling of stagnation worries me. The Jewish Agency needs strong leadership to take her into the century that is already 16 years old. I was deeply impressed by our new Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblitt. A surprisingly humble man, he spoke of togetherness and one of his first acts was to demonstrate that by approving the law to allow mixed prayer at the Western Wall. We sat at the table with one of his former soldiers in the IDF who said he was the best officer he ever met. After he spoke, strident feminist Anat Hoffman of Women of the Wall, not one to give compliments, let alone to an Orthodox male Jew, spoke of his openness and generosity of spirit. Augers well for his term of office. The very next day he approved a law whereby publicly funded cultural events and theatres that deride or endanger the State of Israel or refuse to perform for political reasons, would lose their public funding. As long as that law is enforced carefully I approve too. Nobody is saying they cannot perform whatever they choose, just that the State will not pay for it.

If you had a wish, any wish, what would it be? If you lived in Jerusalem, would your wish be different? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtSVwTtKQGc 

We are only 0.3% of the world's population – let's love each other, accept and celebrate our differences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbsA3qeqGBg

As you know, I am crazy about Shouk Mahane Yehuda. I love the sounds and smells, the noisy yelling of the costermongers, the incredible mountains of spices, red paprika, yellow turmeric, rice with every conceivable seed and nut to make delicious dishes, tiny roses for tisanes, long long sticks of cinnamon, and I haven't even begun on the freshly picked vegetables and fruit! At this time of year there are huge mounds of fresh strawberries, sold loose by the kilo! Anyway, I digress! This amazing project by Israeli graffiti artists, "When the Shouk Closes" describes how they paint the metal shutters after the stallholders go home. Take a look for yourselves! http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/the-shuk-gallery/

Last Shabbat Lola and Norman Cohen invited us for tea. Canon Andrew White who loves Norman and Lola as much as I do, was most thrilled about  the delicious shortbread. The biggest bag of Yorkshire Tea I have ever seen in my life ensured a good cuppa, scones, shortbreads and delightful tea-time delicacies, to which I added Welshcakes – of course! The conversation was excellent and I am inclined to think that Lola doesn't tell the truth of her age – she looks wonderful!

Incredibly, two nights ago we celebrated the 18^th birthday of Tomer Silver. Tomers parents, Ira and Valeri, became our family when they made Aliya from Moscow just one year after me. We have watched Tomer from his brit, through his first confident Ma Nishtana and are so proud of him. A fine addition to the Israeli family. Tomtom – we love you.

We are about to receive guests. Zvi ran off at 07:00 to the gym to ensure a good appetite for breakfast. Our guests are American, military and I can't tell you more but they are really lovely people I intend introducing them to Shakshuka for breakfast, a wonderful tomato-y, spicey sauce with eggs broken into it and gently cooked so the albumen is firm and the yolk runny and scrummy!!!

I can't wait to show them the view from our veranda, it always surprises first timers, and this time I want to emphasise that here in Jewish Jerusalem, Arabs, be they Christian or Moslem, live side by side with Jews, without any animosity. The residents of the neighborhood of Beit Tsafafa, right in front of us, has exactly the same rights and services as Pat, right next door, and Gilo above. Indeed Gilo has many Arab residents too. Remember that when the CNN reporter says he is in the settlement of Gilo!!!

Music. Music music . Aaah if only we could all sing together wouldn't the world be a better place? The Peace Choir with David D'Or and Dudu Fisher sing for the Pope and Shimon Peres in the gardens of the Presidents House, in Hebrew, English and Arabic, expressing  our hopes and dreams for peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_MYKUPRosM

Breakfast is over, the Shakshuka eaten and Zvi has taken our American guests to visit the Holy places in Jerusalem. They so enjoyed the view from our veranda – amazed to see the vitality and vivacity of this city form our vantage point.  They were even more excited by our "Rogues Gallery" of photos in our office and the stories we tell. After touring and taking their lives into their hands by going to Zvi's Parliament, we will take them, both devout Christians, to Shabbat Dinner with Zvi's boys – their first time!

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

May God Bless you and keep you safe from harm.

Sheila

For your perusal if you wish

Mark Twain wrote ”...If statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of stardust lost in the blaze of the Milky way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also away out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all the ages; and had done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it.

The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed; and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?” 

- Mark Twain (“Concerning The Jews,” Harper’s Magazine, 1899)

-- 

If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's archives  http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

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160219 Ehud Olmert, Conf of Pres,

160218

18^th February 2016

Shabbat shalom dear Friends. I hope this missive finds you well.

Have you ever felt that you fitted a month into 7 days? Well this week I was convinced that time had run away with me. No sooner did I wake up than the whirlwind of life passed through and it was night-time again!!!

Three meetings of the Press Club, a kind invitation from Malcolm Hoenlein to join the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organisations and hoping to see friends too. My husband has been infinitely patient as food is hurriedly thrown in his direction on my way out the door! I haven't seen my grandchildren this week and………… it has been absolutely fascinating!!!

The plight of our friend, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has knocked the wind out of our sails. The vultures in the media and the government have swooped ominously, their determined attack on the flesh of their prey sickening; their short term memory claiming he was not a good Mayor/Minister/Prime Minister. As we look north to the chaos in Syria, just imagine the threat had Ehud Olmert not blown up the Syria reactors, despite strong opposition from the USA; as we look to the South, imagine had he (together with Ariel Sharon) not taken the Jews out of Gaza as Hamas rose to bloody power? Does anyone really think Hamas would have been defeated had we not left? Look to Turkey, USA, Europe, UK whose leaders he wooed and won. One writer even suggested that Ehud Olmert wrested power from a comatose Ariel Sharon when those of us near him know that Ariel Sharon had taken him from his Mayoral position and groomed him to take over the leadership in the middle of Sharon's term. Finally, perhaps he came close to the line into a grey area, but compared to others who got away with mild sentences he did nothing to harm Israel's public image. Please don't write back with cruel claims – I cannot cry any more. If you check out Facebook you will see that those of us who worked close to him have only kind, nay loving, words for the man who led us.

The UK has outlawed "town hall boycotting" of Israel. In a statement, UK Minister Hancock added that such boycotts “undermine good community relations, poisoning and polarising debate.” Hancock addressed the new guidelines while updating Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday in Jerusalem, commenting “We believe that discrimination is unacceptable and has to be opposed.” http://www.bicom.org.uk/news-article/28583/

Conceivably the worst instance of boycott and tragedy took place in South Africa, which is suffering one of the worst droughts in history. Vast areas are laid fallow and arid and a Conference on Water was to take place to prevent further tragedy. When they found that an Israeli expert was taking part, with the technology that has been adopted in California, BDS demanded the Conference cancelled. http://www.jpost.com/International/BDS-movement-claims-victory-in-canceling-S-Africa-water-confab-445130  Bravo BDS, the dead and starving will be on your heads in the ensuing famine.

Yesterday there was another stabbing attack. It was in Shaar Binyamin, outside the green line, which may seem irrelevant but apparently important to the news media. Sky News actually said an Israeli, Tuvia Yanai Weissman z"l, was killed in a stabbing frenzy by two Palestinian youths. I want you to understand something. "Settlements", so demonised in the press, are in fact a fine example of living together in every way. Jews and Arabs live side by side, work side by side and in the case of Rami Levy Supermarkets, shop side by side -  and hold more interaction than people who live in the big towns and are able to spend a life without any contact with "the other" – other than in the news. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4768062,00.html

I am a very lucky person. I am invited by Dr Malcolm Hoenlein to join many of the events for the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations of America. Even that incredibly long title doesn't do justice to the work Malcolm does on every level.

The range of speakers and activities is incredible. From Yossi Vardi who wowed us with a genius 15 year old who is in his 3^rd year of University while in 10^th grade; a young Haredi man who became fascinated by creation and is now saving to go to University; Dr Shiri Tenenboim, an oncologist, who is caring for the refugees and work seekers who have no medical coverage in Israel; Yigal Barket, VP of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange who survived a gangster, wife-beating father to become an innovator, entrepreneur who still teaches children in schools that the do not have to become what the world tells them they are.

Of course there were many learned speakers on the expected subjects of BDS, Security, Iran, Syria etc, all fascinating, but I was thrilled to hear Yair Lapid speak. It is so refreshing to listen to a politician who admits his mistakes and learns from his experience. Luke Baker is not an easy interviewer, asking the tough questions but Lapid certainly impressed me anew.

Another highlight was a visit to the Friends of Zion Museum.

I have to admit that our friend Pastor Mike Evans, creator of the museum, has been asking me on a regular basis if I have visited the Museum and I just didn't have time. Thanks to Malcolm Hoenlein I can now say yes. We were greeted by Mikes charming son Michael who then led us into a wonderland of Biblical and Modern History telling the story of those Christians who stood up to be counted among those who did not forsake their Jewish heritage and responsibility, especially honouring the Righteous Gentiles of the Holocaust. An exceptional experience. Kol ha Kavod to the two Michaels. http://www.fozmuseum.com/

Inna Rogatchi is a film-maker. We met in Rome where under the auspices of their Foreign Ministry and Vittorio Pavoncello her film based on an interview with Simon Wiesenthal was presented to the community. It is an important teaching tool for us all    http://www.rogatchifilms.org/review/lessons-survival-primary-source-tranquility-justice/

I think it is time to turn to lighter subjects and I chose a truly Israeli pan on life. Kippot; Hats; Shoes; Skirts; Coats and of course hairstyles, without even going into trousers!!!

Kippot or yarmulkes or skullcaps or – as my son Gideon says Yid-Lids.

White silk is clearly secular for bar mitzvas and weddings, small knitted kippot are traditional unless worn over the left ear in which case the wearer is proclaiming he is Bnei Akiva! Black knitted suggests a bit more religious and large black knitted is even more so unless you wear a large white knitted, bobbled kippa with Na Na Nachman on it,  then you are Breslauer! Black velvet is already going up to a much higher level especially if it peeps out the back of a large black hat!

Womens head wear is also dependent upon religiosity.  Shmattes, tichels, cloches or headscarves; tied, placed or wound into incredibly intricate mounds; alternatively a cloth shower cap does the job if you are very religious; Wigs – todays wigs are so different from the old simple knot at the back of ones head. Today they are perfectly coiffed and indistinguishable from natural hair; finally the cute hat perty perched on the back of ones head.

Even ladies shoes show your religious standing. If you see a long skirt with white socks and running shoes – you know that is a religious lady, unless she wears thick lisle stockings and black shoes then she is seriously religious!

I haven't even gone into the pony-tailed priests, their tall, short or wide black hats, nuns wimples and the long black robes……… the leggings and silk coats of the various Haredi Sects and………… of course the rest of us who love looking at the incredible theological fashion show passing by. If you check out the garments worn by the priests and the Kohen ha Gadol in Temple times you will see that they had even more elaborate attire! http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/high-priest/

I am about to go to visit the grandchildren in Givat Zeev. After being hugged within an inch of my life we will talk about the weeks studies and who is friends and who is not. They will show me their latest artistic efforts and then I come back home, passing the panorama of Jerusalem, to sit on our veranda, take in the vista and dream dreams of tolerance and true peace. Oh how I love the view from our veranda. This time of year is spectacular, the almond blossom (shkediot) like puff balls on the hills opposite. The train will give its las ttoot before Shabbat in the sidings, the buses will go into their Shabbat car park and everyone will go home for a precious day of rest.

I want to check if you read what I say! Take this quiz on Israel and let me know your result! http://www.playbuzz.com/jewishtelegraphicagency10/birthright-questions-quiz

So now is the time for music, time to reflect, time to prepare. We live in confusing times so maybe I should give you a song that although not Israeli, takes its inspiration from the Bible, from Ecclesiastes Turn Turn Turn http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/high-priest/

I just found this song, never heard before and although in English it captures the essence of Shabbat, Shabbes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm0tkU6p2Qk

With love to you and yours. Wishing you a truly beautiful Shabbat, with time to reflect on the joys that are all around us, if we only take time to count them.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world

Sheila