200705 Mark Twain was right

200703

3^rd July 2020

Shabbat shalom dear friends. I hope you passed the last 2 weeks without too much drama and are well and surviving yet another round of isolation or closure.

“Get your facts first,” said Mark Twain “and then you can distort them as you please.” 

Today's journalists rarely get their facts first, rather than distorting facts they distort everything. Today's journalists do not report, they opine, often with the sole intention of giving their readers, listeners or viewers a skewed vision of the truth to suit their own political views.  Few and far between are those who research their subject and inform.

This week in Israel the news has been full of annexation, Corona and the falling world economy coupled with the odd honour killing and rowdy youngsters fighting on the beach, probably very similar to your news broadcasts and one aspect that probably didn't reach your news.

This week Prime Minister Netanyahu was intent upon demeaning, disregarding and disparaging a war hero. General Benny Gantz has the strange title of "Alternate Prime Minister", of equal rank to the PM while serving Defence Minister in a government formed to deal with the Corona Pandemic. In his usual fashion Netanyahu pays no heed to anyone else and his announcement on annexation was made without consultation with his co-PM. In a Press Conference this week both PM's were to speak on both Corona and the annexation issue and as Benny Gantz sat waiting, his remarks prepared, Netanyahu simply walked past him, said what he wanted to say and left, ignoring Benny Gantz presence. Jerusalem Post Editor Yaakov Katz asks the most important question in Israel right now "Who's in Charge Here?" in an opinion which covers the annexation, broken communication in government and Corona https://www.jpost.com/opinion/between-netanyahu-and-gantz-whos-really-in-charge-comment-633700

The knee-jerk response of the Israeli press to any disagreement with Israeli policy from any leader around the world is that they are "Anti-Israel or Anti-Semitic". Most leaders have been disturbed by the timing of the unilateral declaration of annexation. Boris Johnson, a clear friend of Israel who charmed me by his brilliance and warmth when we met in Jerusalem, believes that the timing is unwise and expressed his concerns with clarity – I agree with every word he said.

Here's an abridged version of the current overbearing Netanyahu control.

Netanyahu wants annexation now without discussion under the deep influence of US Ambassador Friedman. He also wants total control of all policies and will not abide by the agreement with Blue and White. His actions are intended also to deflect from his imminent trial for corruption and abuse of power.

Gantz, as a former Chief of Staff, promotes careful consideration of implications to Security and the status of the Jewish State and believes annexation must be combined with negotiations with Palestinians and acceptance of the Arab world

Ashkenazi (Foreign Minister) also a former Chief of Staff, is trying to thwart the annexation plans as inappropriate timing

Edelstein – Minister of Health. Forthright, aware of economy but doesn't hold back in demanding the wearing of masks, social distancing, love your grandchildren from 2 metres but visit the elderly taking precautions, in general disagreeing with opening the country as Netanyahu demands.

PA President Abbas, taking advantage of Israel's current indecision coupled with USA threats to cut funding, announced that the Palestinians are willing to return to negotiation table, conditional to picking up where the former negotiations ended. In other words, 1967 borders and the return of all "refugees". Abbas doesn't want independent country. With independence come the demand for a viable economy; no further aid from the UN, US, UK, EU and all the other abbreviations; acceptance that their demand for right of return will not happen; abiding by the Geneva Convention rules and be held responsible for incitement to terror. Abbas is losing power, rumblings from all sides in the PA so perhaps this is not the time to come to an agreement with a man who is soon leaving power.

Enough already! I find all the machinations of power, and it is all about power, overpowering and depressing. We, the little people can do nothing about it until elections and even then it is debatable as to our influence. Let's talk about important subjects instead.

As you know I spent the latter part of last week in hospital, a fascinating social, racial and religious amalgamation on every level of responsibility. My surgery, for which I was wide awake, was carried out by the Head of Surgery at Shaare Zedek, Dr. Alberton, who made Aliya from the FSU at about the same time as I made Aliya; his assistant surgeon was an Israeli-born Jew, the anaesthetist came originally from Uzbekistan, the male Theatre nurse an Israeli Moslem Arab and the recovery room nurse in charge was born in Manchester! Upon arrival back onto my wonderful, spacious, airy room I was greeted and coddled by a fabulous nurse who came home from Ethiopia in 1984. Other countries talk about the melting pot but Israel really is one – especially in the medical field. We have our racists, we express all the usual human foibles, but essentially we are a wonderfully brightly coloured rainbow of humanity. Most importantly, all of the above was on our socialised medicine system and everyone, from the road sweeper to the professor, gets the same treatment.

Before going into hospital I had a meeting in Shalva and I am amazed, touched, emotional and excited to tell you that we reached our goal of $125,000 to build "Dr. Dan's Room" a Music Therapy classroom equipped with every kind of musical instrument appropriate to even the most physically and mentally challenged children and young adults. Every time I go to Shalva I am uplifted. There is a sense of hope and acceptance that is rare and makes each of us a better person. I walk inside and know that this is what my Daniel, my beautiful son, would have approved of because Shalva represents all of his basic principles in life of loving, giving, understanding, accepting, healing and helping these youngsters reach their potential. I cannot bring Daniel back but, together with all of Dan's family, especially his children Joshua and Callie, and his closest friends, I can give this world a beautiful reminder of his humble determination to bring kindness to our world. To understand why I chose Shalva, please watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjcgIeMVwcA

Dame Helen Mirren introduced a fantastic Israel Philharmonic Orchestra internet concert which we all enjoyed this week. It was truly amazing! Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib3O-9Sp6ss

Black Lives Matter is an organisation which has lost its way, lost its morality. As a child and young woman my heroes were the incomparable Dr Martin Luther King and a fine scholar and gentleman called Paul Robeson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Robeson.  Paul Robeson was black, poor yet won an academic scholarship to Rutgers University in 1915, aged 17, an exceptional achievement and then attained a law degree from Columbia University. Robeson was a polyglot with at least 15 languages and a law degree. He was a victim of McCarthyism and found safe haven in the UK where both his singing and legal careers flourished. One little known aspect of Paul Robeson was his love of the Jewish people and Israel. This deeply religious Christian loved the Yiddish language and his repertoire went far beyond Old Man River, Otello or Porgy and Bess – here he sings two wonderful Yiddish songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ3lRWyVX9A and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGgFqq1yVe0

English, Arabic, Spanish and Hebrew – Omer Adam and Eden Ben Zaken have a multilingual, fun new music clip. I love it!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d60H5D9GefE

I changed the order around a bit this week just because I felt like it! My week has been limited, obviously, but Zvi and Rachel have been amazing. Zvi now makes a good British cuppa fit for a queen, in fact fit for The Queen!!! Rachel made us cheese borekas that are so easy and delicious that I couldn't believe it. Roll out puff pastry fairly thinly and cut into squares of appropriate size. For the filling mix, (you can do all of this low fat) cottage cheese, either feta or Bulgarian cheese and sour cream until a nice firm consistency. Fill the squares, top with spinach, use beaten egg to seal into triangles then eggwash. Pop onto a cookie tray into a medium oven until puffy and golden brown and enjoy!!!

I have spent most of my relaxing, recovery hours sitting on our veranda, just enjoying the burst of colour of my winter planting in the foreground framing the breathtaking view of Jerusalem spread before me. I named my newsletter "The View From My Veranda" because in the year 2,000 the beautiful view was clouded by explosions, the air shook from the reverberations and the site of the latest Palestinian terror attack was pinpointed by palls of black smoke. Thank Heaven times have changed and thanks to the border fence and the brilliance of the IDF, 95% of attacks have been thwarted. Today the view from my veranda is one of beauty, of a city which has temporarily slowed down, but is tentatively opening up again like a flower which is scared of the sun. We have no choice but to abide by the demands of a terrifying pandemic and are learning to read between the lines of our leader's words, judging for ourselves the need to be very careful.

Almost Shabbat. This week's Torah reading is a lesson in forbearance. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the people of Israel arrived in the arid wilderness of Zin and they were thirsty and somewhat rebellious. G‑d tells Moses to speak to a boulder and command it to give water. Moses was angry at the attitude of the Israelites and struck the stone in frustration. Water poured out but God told Moses that because of his outburst neither he nor Aaron will enter the Promised Land. Violence may get you what you want now but denies you the ultimate goal.

On that note…….

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, a safe and healthy week filled with loved ones at a safe distance.

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

I just received this from my nephew Jeffrey and I couldn't believe the level of stupidity. Young people in Alabama are holding Corona party competitions and the first one to be ill gets a prize https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/02/us/alabama-coronavirus-parties-trnd/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1iqjh-xl1a2MyCYxDYwRBd2_8iaBomG6NgbZznUaHSJbHBhhDDYNIt7Rk

200620 Good news Bad news

200618

18^th June 2020

Hello dear friends, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, I wish you shalom – peace.

I don't know about you but I am sick of gloom, doom, viruses and politics. So, after I've tackled the question on everyone's lips – it's good news only – well actually a "Do you want the good news or the bad news?" situation!

A very bright and intuitive friend told me that "American Jews are very disturbed by the annexation issue" so are Jews in virtually every country. No-one has actually explained why the PM decided to announce a change in the status quo when his "Co-Prime Minister" is so against it.

I understand your confusion – the annexation announcement was bad timing and diplomatically unwise, but then the world doesn't exactly give a standing ovation when Israel announces a change of any nature. On the other hand it is hypocritical to condemn Israel for acting in the same manner as virtually all the countries that are her harshest critics. Are we, as a people, too easily embarrassed by anything that might rock the boat? Are we, as a people, overly concerned that our boat will be rocked out of our Western complacency? Why does the announcement, so many thousands of miles away, create such antipathy? Only you can answer that one.

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/clarifying-legal-misconceptions-about-israeli-annexation-opinion-631832

Perhaps this week's Torah reading Shlach –to send, explains the sentiment. Moses sent out 12 scouts, one from each tribe of the Children of Israel, to check out the Land of Israel before they went in. Each (except for Joshua) came back with a story of giants and ogres and ……. Basically they were scared to go and find out for themselves so they made up stories. In truth it was a land of milk and honey not of ogres and famine but based on the false stories the Children of Israel begged to go back into slavery in the land of Egypt. I rest my case.

I was very sad to hear that a dear friend, Ishmael Khaldi, aka Ish, the first Israeli Bedouin to become an Israeli Diplomat, was accosted and thrown to the ground at the entrance to the Central Bus Station by security guards as he made his way home from meetings in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What's good about that? After lodging a complaint with the police Ish put this sign on Facebook. "I am a proud Israeli along with many other non-Jewish Israelis who live in one of the most culturally diversified societies and the only democracy in the Middle East. By any yardstick you choose, Israel's minorities fare far better than any other country in the Middle East." He has been inundated with messages of love from Israelis and everyone he met on his diplomatic postings over the years.

Another "good news/bad news" item is the passing of legislation by Norway, leading the way to halting funding to Palestinian school curriculum which is extreme in its incitement to violence and hatred. Here Marcus Sheff, CEO of Impact-se explains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr8vFMqvkMw

The horrific riots of last week, not just in the States but all over the UK and Europe, seem to have calmed down. The reason was valid the reaction was gratuitous violence and the expression of inverse racism. However, the repercussions are not all bad. A determination to change and change perceptions are coming to the fore perhaps all schools should follow the lead of this amazing teacher to help young children understand how easy it is to become a racist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGvoXeXCoUY

Dame Vera Lynn epitomised the British spirit of World War 2 when London children spent much of their time in the Underground or Tube tunnels used as bomb shelters as London was bombed incessantly by the Germans and whole communities sang the songs of Vera Lynn. The men were fighting in Europe and she kept up the spirits of soldiers and their families alike. Dame Vera continued her good works for all of her 103 years and yesterday she passed away peacefully. Songs like "We'll Meet Again" "Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover" and so many more are her legacy. May her soul rest in peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sXjjll5uI

OK it's now official! Chicken soup is the perfect remedy for almost everything including Covid-19!! Many hospitals are even putting recipes on line! Apparently it replaces the elctrolytes lost in illness helping the body to recover. A 93-year old Jewish great-grandmother, Betty Bobbe from Hendon in London, has beaten COVID-19 with a combination of chicken soup and “brilliant” medical care. She is now home after being discharged from hospital.

Not only chicken soup but good news for gherkins! Israeli scientists from Ben Gurion University working with Chinese scientists have discovered that probiotics produced in the pickling process can slow the buildup of dental plaque. https://www.timesofisrael.com/united-by-passion-for-pickles-israeli-chinese-team-claims-dental-discovery/

President Truman had a close friend throughout his adult life, his name was Eddie Jacobson. They were business partners, army mates and so much more. Their friendship was to have historic consequences for the State of Israel.  Here Eddie's daughter tells the fascinating story.  https://aipac.hubs.vidyard.com/watch/0jZmnE_0O5QEtDoW8b9dOw

On Sunday Rachel, Yosef, Talia and Ayala came with me to Shalva (www.shalva.org) They really weren't prepared for the sheer beauty of the building and the wonderful atmosphere of joy. Our guide was Gaby Hirsch and as we walked through the building and saw the activities the children they understood why this was the perfect place to honour their Uncle Daniel's memory. You have more than done me proud with your donations to "Dr. Dan's Room" the Music Therapy Room in Daniel's name. Those of you who have enjoyed my weekly offerings over the years have rewarded me with outpourings of love which have warmed my broken heart. If anyone has donated through the Shalva USA office without mentioning that the donation goes to "Remembering Daniel" please let me know. Daniel's father, Philip and his wife Barbara have really joined the effort wholeheartedly. I hope it is as healing for him as it has been for me.  https://give.shalva.org/daniel

Yesterday, together with three girlfriends, I escaped isolation and we met up in a deserted Keren Kayemet park! Sitting two metres apart at a picnic table in the shade of an olive grove we each unpacked our contributions to lunch (well we are Jewish so to meet without food would have been unthinkable)! Smoked salmon or "eggie" sandwiches, coleslaw salad, a red cabbage salad, organic chopped salad, a gluten free sweet potato quiche, and a huge box of local, freshly picked Israeli cherries all served on recyclable, disposable plates. We were so excited that this wasn't another WhatsApp conversation, as wonderful as they were, we were actually, physically together!  Keren Kayemet parks are all over Israel, many with cycling or walking trails through antiquities and wonderful peaceful forests and clearings.

Virtual Israel tours with JNF. The whole family can enjoy a week of JNF virtual Israel tours with a licensed Tour Guide. See biblical and modern Israel, famous and off-the-beaten-path sites, JNF projects, hidden gems, The Old City of Jerusalem, Ayalon Institute, Rosh Ha'Nikra, Akko, Sderot, Be'er Sheva, Timna Park and more.https://www.jnf.org/travel-pages/jnf-virtual-tours-to-israel

Despite the cries of gloom and doom, an Arab-Israeli alliance is taking shape. Ed Husain, writing in the UK Spectator magazine, claims that new maps of the Muslim mind are being drawn and old hatreds are on the run. He cites recent events in Oman, Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to suggest that this may yet be the decade of peace. This article is pre-pandemic but still relevant

https://www.spectator.co.uk/2019/12/islams-reformation-an-arab-israeli-alliance-is-taking-shape-in-the-middle-east/

Last night we took part in a wonderful Zoom party to celebrate our friend Marvin Meital's 80^th birthday. His children managed to gather friends from around the world who have known Marvin since he was a child in the USA. Congratulations marvin, Mazal Tov dear friend – Lyana, Talia, Yochai and Matan really did you proud.

And so to Friday! Zvi will meet with his parliament friends, again keeping to distancing and masks but the sense of social interaction is returning. I haven't decided yet if I will just have a quiet evening in or go to Rachel! You won't hear from me next week since I am, yet again, going in for surgery – anyone would think that I support Shaare Zedek surgical team all on my own! I'll be fine and by this time next week will be feeling better. I am lucky, although I tend to have surgery every 6 months I am actually very healthy!

Micha Gamerman creates wonderful animated clips of Jewish melodies and prayers. I love this one of Shabbat Songs https://youtu.be/BzAtvrZSWnQ

"Lean On Me" sung by 8^th graders in the USA who missed being together during lockdown  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__GEk2j6J8I

And so to Dame Vera Lynn. I don't know if anyone outside the UK can possibly understand the positive influence of one woman on the emotional wellbeing and fortitude of the British people at a time of cataclysmic danger. Her voice gave hope to citizens and servicemen alike  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0Dwf93z7w8

With love from Jerusalem on a wonderfully balmy day giving the city respite from the heat. The plants all give thanks for the cooler weather and tomorrow we will be reminded that it is still not officially summer with the promise of rain!

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, see you in two weeks

Sheila

200612 Riots, Daniel

12th June 2020

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. How are you? Have you read any good books lately? Seen any good movies or series on the telly? Zoom meetings and Zoom grandchildren? It's a funny old world we live in when people who have kept to the isolation/quarantine/lockdown religiously are so angry that they take part in mass, violent, demonstrations. While understanding the frustration at constant harassment I believe in changing the world through the law, I believe in Dr King. Even when there are no pandemics I am not for lawless stampedes.

To me, the declaration "black lives matter" is superfluous.....of course they matter! I believe that every life matters, black, brown, white, Jew, Sikh, Moslem, Christian all of which come in a multitude of colours. That is a given, I have never cared what the outside packaging looks like, only what's in one heart, but in too many instances it matters that one's skin is not pale pink. We should use this time of restless frustration to change attitudes, to exhibit tolerance.

What happened last week during the arrest of a criminal was inhuman. The officer involved should have been taken into custody and charged with murder and the other three officers charged with aiding and abetting a murder. It was a ghastly crime which took place before cameras and was shown around the world. The ensuing riots did not help the cause.

The defacing and smashing of statues occur because the vast majority of people think with today's moral codes. Most movies, plays, statues reflect the times in which in which they were written or the history they tell. "Gone With the Wind" is romanticised history, but it happened. What is the point of removing it from the HBO playlist? What, I wonder, would happen if we, as Jews, banned Shakespeare or Dickens?  Destroying the evidence of the past ensures that such events will be repeated.

Before anyone becomes an officer of the law, and takes an oath equal to the Hippocratic oath, each one's racial proclivities must be thoroughly investigated. It is a worldwide problem, admittedly prevalent in the USA, but must be addressed at its core in order to return honour to the essential task of defending the law.

The fuss over the PM's announcement of annexation made me think – on many levels. As I have said before, the timing of the announcement is terrible! The current status quo works, why rock the boat? Why leave us open to remonstration by our allies and joy to our enemies. David Horovitz analyses https://www.timesofisrael.com/annexation-now-what-is-netanyahu-up-to/ I began to think about other countries, those who are currently decrying "Israeli Occupation" have annexed land all over the globe!! The UK can still boast the largest number of overseas territories. Its dependent and unincorporated territories include places such as the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Bermuda. France still has a sizeable number of overseas territories including Guadeloupe and Réunion, 16 in all. Guam and Puerto Rico are among the best known U.S. overseas territories and it has a grand total of 14. Hypocrisy is the name of the game.

The Norwegian Parliament has taken the decision to withhold education funding to PA based principally on the Impact-se report. Of course the PA blamed Zionist intervention – well it was! In this i24 television news report our outstanding CEO Marcus Sheff explains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTxMnyuRh2I  In another instance of Impact-se initiating revolutionary change, 93% of the 110,000 Arab school students in east Jerusalem study the Palestinian Authority curriculum which promotes continuous war, drawing on a culture of martyrdom and rejection of negotiations. IMPACT-se partnered with the Municipality of Jerusalem to ensure that the textbooks taught in the recognised East Jerusalem schools meet international standards. This is the first time since Israel unified Jerusalem in 1967, that Arab schoolchildren in the city have been exposed to values of peace, tolerance and good neighborliness.  

According to Maimonides the concepts of Kiddush HaShem (honouring God's name) and Hillul HaShem (dishonouring God's name) are the most essential principles of Judaism, above and beyond mundane practices. To "be a good Jew" is to be a good and honorable person, to teach by example, to honour the name of the Almighty. As I read Rabbi Jeremy Rosen's offering this week I thought of the number of times I have cringed in shame as the name of a criminal appears in the news and that name reflects his Jewish heritage. Maimonides was a physician, philosopher and lived at a time when Jews were being forced to abandon their identity for fear of reprisals. In today's terms he got it. I quote from the explanation - "The first section of Mishneh Torah is called The Foundations of Torah, Yesodei HaTorah. After discussing God and the soul, Maimonides goes on to deal with the rest of the Halachic legal system. And you will never guess what the first of these laws is. Not ritual, keeping the Sabbath, what you eat or how you pray or go to synagogue. No, it is the obligation to sanctify God’s name. To glorify God by behaving in a way that encourages others to behave likewise – ethically, sanctifying God’s name." http://jeremyrosen.com/2020/06/jeffrey-epstein-and-maimonides.html

Last weekend was "interesting". The first part was a delight, Zvi went to Nes Ziona to "babysit" Leor and Shiri's four girls, Amit, Gili, Ori and little Yuval, I didn't go with him since they are back at school and I am off for yet another surgery in 2 weeks. He set off mid-morning, forsaking his parliament, to collect Yuval from her kindergarten. Parents and family wait outside during the Covid period and Yuval was duly handed over to Zvi who began to walk down the path to the road. One rather stupid father let go of his (empty) baby buggy which rolled into the path and Zvi went flying. Thank Heaven he was wearing his Perspex visor which has a sponge strip on the forehead because he landed on his face. The visor took most of the impact and Zvi came away with a few grazes, the baby was fine – shocked but fine. Of course he continued with his duties, not telling me or Leor of the fall.

Last Friday night I went to Rachel and family for Shabbat Dinner, a truly wonderful evening. Igal, Rachel's husband has a beautiful voice and sings the Shabbat songs in the Mizrachi style, while the children join in. Just gorgeous and the food – oh the food! My daughter should get at least 3 Michelin stars!! The next morning I pottered about the house and sat on the veranda, reading quietly before visiting our friends Sam and Frida. Chemotherapy doesn't stop Frida cooking – but now it has become a combined effort with Sam. We ate a delicious home cooked meal of meat filled pastries and salads for hors d'ouevres, then incredible meat stuffed aubergines for main course. I drool to think of them! We had a lovely time laughing and talking about everything and anything, chemo doesn't take away one's need to be told jokes! I then came home to rest and await Zvi's babysitting stories.

As Zvi walked in the door after Shabbat I knew something wasn't right, perhaps the large graze and bruise on his chin were a clue! He could finally relax and realise how lucky he had been. Saved by a Corona visor! Of course, he needs to replace the one with battle scars, scratches and dents!

On Sunday Zvi and I went to meet with Gaby Hirsch, Avi Samuels and the legendary Kalman Samuels who founded Shalva together with his wife Malki, as a haven of joy for children with special needs and their families. Please understand, arriving at Shalva is to smile. Not only the entrance and its brightly coloured Gerstein statues or the gigantic butterfly mobile in the lobby; the secret is on the stairway with the motto "You don't have to see the whole staircase just take the first step". We sat together to talk of the final details for the "Dr. Dan's Room" project, the Music Therapy Room in the name of my beautiful son Daniel. I have rarely met such good people in my life. We discovered that Kalman (aka Kerry) Samuels grew up in Vancouver and knew many of our dearest friends! Jewish geography wins through again! "Dr. Dan's Room" is in good hands and we are on our way, thanks to the incredible generosity of good people. Dear, lovely readers, friends, please go to the "Remembering Daniel" page https://give.shalva.org/daniel and give according to your ability. The children of Shalva will be ever grateful.

Tonight, Leor and Shiri and the girls are coming for Shabbat Dinner on the veranda, I just hope it will be warm enough. For Israelis from the Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Nes Ziona area Jerusalem gets cold in the evenings – for Zvi and I it just gets bearable, beautiful, balmy! Supper will be as per the request of 2 year old Yuval (salmon) and 11 year old Gili (veggie lasagne) with lots of salads to satisfy the rest of us. I cheated by buying individual "fries in a box" so that we can ensure no cross contamination – the edamame will also be presented in individual portions. We will end the meal with dessert made by 11 year old Gili and then feast on water melon and cherries. Israeli water melon tastes different to any other! Almost seedless with a rich flavour, eaten really cold from the fridge and cherries grown in the north of Israel and the Golan. To me fruit tastes much better when it is not only fresh but that incredible first taste of seasonal fruit, that blessing thanking the Almighty for reaching this time – I gorge my merry way through cherries of every colour, from deep, rich burgundy through crimson red to the pale butter yellow with a pink blush (my favourites) with the taste that only freshly picked fruit has.

When I have finished writing this missive I will take my coffee out onto the veranda, together with this morning's Jerusalem Post and sit enjoying the gentle morning sun overlooking a still sleepy Jerusalem. Of course that includes admiring my own work on the "garden". Despite the recent heatwave everything is blooming very nicely! As the day progresses Jerusalem wakes, gets busy, becomes a multi-cultural kitchen then slowly sinks back into the gentle calm of approaching Shabbat.

"Love Letter to Jerusalem" is a song all about this city written and sung by a delightful Canadian couple. When Roy Salomon and Bobby Ackerman and Steve Linde all sent me this video I knew it had to be special https://youtu.be/YTOwM1-rV_4

The Shalva singing group grew out of that organisations Music Therapy! Here they sing "One Day" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN5n4eSNGIA

You don't have to be religious to know Adon Olam (Lord of the World). It's everyone's favourite! There are many different renditions and music variations and here they are all together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvOtcWEFWo8

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I wish you a peaceful and healthy Shabbat.

With much love from Jerusalem

Sheila

200605 Closure, Court and Chaos

200605

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

What a disturbing world we live in. Closure, lockdown, isolation, whatever one calls it, ultimately it has dire effects on one's sanity. We were warned by many specialists that ultimately emotions would overflow into violence. The reason can be outrage at the cruelty of one human to another but the isolation results in terrifying violence. The rise in domestic violence is disturbing but inevitable but to suddenly see a human being with a policeman's knee  sucking the life blood from him tipped the balance from social disgust to mob rule.

To protest, to demonstrate our horror at an inhuman killing by one who should have protected us is honorable and principled, but to riot and ransack denies the rights of all others and should not be countenanced. As I have said many times, my hero is/was and always will be Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who would have shrunk back in horror at what is happening. Interestingly enough, not only have they found that outside provocateurs incited the mobs but that at least one third of the actual demonstrators were white. Responsibility to heal falls on each and every one of us.

This article from Chabad says it all

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4769775/jewish/George-Floyd-and-the-Healing-of-America.htm

Israel received praise from just about every Western country for our handling of the Covid-19 crisis, the closing of the skies and the repatriation of both Israelis to home and foreign nationals to their own countries and so much more. Of course, no politician missed a chance of making hay out of the situation and the government ignored just about every piece of advice from their medical advisors, but that's the same almost everywhere. We received praise until the inevitable return to school. The numbers are rising exponentially among teachers and students alike, despite distancing and Alcogel. It is inevitable. As one friend, an advisor to the British Government, "We will all get it, it's a matter of time" All that I can pray for is that  by the time "we all get it" there will be a response whatever form it takes.

Annexation, appropriation, expropriation, land grabbing in fact just about every derogatory term has been used in response to the Prime Minister's speech(es) about annexing land. Everyone knows that the Jordan Valley is a status quo situation in which the local Jordanian citizens wish to become Israeli citizens, also large towns and cities on the West Bank,  so why bring it up now? The only answer I can think of is that chest beating, Tarzan like attitudes win elections and popularity among the right and detract from the trial of the PM. Of course, it does absolutely nothing for Israel's image. I am all for stating our position proudly and firmly but why incite public opinion when we are the butt of so many barbs anyway!

Talking of the PM's trial…….. Susan Hattis Rolef writes

Listening to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliver his scandalous speech just before the opening of his trial on Sunday last week, inside the Jerusalem District Court building – surrounded by obedient Likud Ministers, all wearing protective masks that presented them as faceless – I got the feeling that our prime minister somehow views himself in the role of Joseph K, in Franz Kafka’s memorable novel The Trial. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/the-kafkaesque-trial-of-benjamin-netanyahu-opinion-629865

Few know that the government in Israel borrowed (appropriated) billions of shekels from the Bituach Leumi – Israeli Social Security using a loophole in an agreement signed between the two in the 1980's. In Israel, Social Security covers pensions, disability, maternity leave and a myriad of other benefits. This last few months have stretched the resources of Bituach Leumi to the very limit and financial pundits announced that Bituach Leumi pensions may cease within 20 years. https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-defrauding-the-public-of-national-insurance-funds-official-says/

Now that you are thoroughly depressed, it's time to talk about the good things!

Did you know that as a result of reports from Impact-se the Norwegian Parliament instructions calling the PA curriculum "devastating to the peace process", cited IMPACT-se “credible” report. The Government made the decision to withhold funding for PA education until they change their curriculum. It simply proves that acting in a measured, legal and erudite manner can change the world – bit by bit.

Last night, along with 99 other participants I tuned in to a Zoom lecture by Dr. Cai Parry Jones about the Welsh Jewish community. Although Dr. Parry Jones is not Jewish he became fascinated by the Welsh/Jewish life and the contribution of the Jewish community in Wales to the country as a whole. The lecture was excellent but I must admit that I was thrilled to see so many old friends and family on the screen! The initiators gave us half an hour at the very beginning to say hello to each other and the wonderful Welsh accents from around the world took my back to my childhood! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jews-Wales-History-Cai-Parry-Jones/dp/1786830841

These last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me. Since my son Daniel's sudden death I have been searching for a way to honour him, something that all of us, Daniel's family and amazing friends, above all his wife and children, can be proud of.  It has taken time, tears and many memories, (and helpful editing by Rachel) to decide how best to salute Daniel's exceptional life and work. Daniel exuded love to his patients, especially patients with special needs. The obvious choice was one of my favourite places in Jerusalem, the Shalva Center. The Shalva Center is a place of refuge, learning and love for people with disabilities and their families. A place of joy, laughter and bright colours which fulfils the needs of every member of the family.

Please, if you feel able, go into the link, click on "donate" and together we will build a Music Therapy Classroom in Daniel's name. "Dr. Dan's Room", where, with the help of a specialist therapist, the children will learn to express themselves through the joy of music. 

https://give.shalva.org/daniel

Gosh, that was hard to write.

This week's Torah reading, Naso, tells us that the Children of Israel finally listen to Moses and as a reward get their Holy Altar. Each one of the 12 Tribes brings a gift of thanksgiving. The assignment of the positions of the Levites (teachers) who will carry the Holy Ark and Cohanim (priests) who will bless the people, is also decided through the word of God. A fascinating hierarchy which is honoured until today, but in our prayer service rather than in society.

This Shabbat will be different to most since Zvi has gone off to Nes Ziona to "babysit" 3 of Leor and Shiri's four girls. Amit, Gili and Ori are convinced that they will babysit Saba rather than the other way around and hardworking Leor and Shiri get a relaxed Shabbat away from home! Since I am "susceptible" I am at home, well not really at home because I will be with Rachel, Igal and the children for Friday night dinner and then tomorrow going to see my friend Frida. Zvi just left armed with 2 types of soups, extra masks, Alcogel, Dettol wipes and strict instructions on distancing because all three girls are back at school. Amit (13) will be cooking, an art she has really taken to, Gili will make dessert and Ori will set the Shabbat table. All three girls will light the candles and Saba will, of course, make Kiddush. My Friday night meal will take more time as Rachel's family does the entire Shabbat service – which I love! One thing for sure – I won't have to worry about cooking, Rachel will have a heaving table as she does every week. I'm so proud of my daughter, she has survived (barely) lockdown with 3 teenagers who are getting more and more antsy being home, squashed in a small apartment!

Zvi and I are trying to stick to our regimen of walking. I cannot possibly keep up with him, since he has 7 league boots, but I'm finding walking buddies so that I can complete my 2 km a day exercise. It's fun discovering new places, not just in our neighborhood but all around Jerusalem. Rediscovering how beautiful this city is in the hidden lanes and walkways, Jerusalem takes my breath away by her sheer physical beauty, it's no wonder that so many have painted her and written poems to extol her virtues through the ages. Today I will get to see her from two aspects – the view from our veranda and the view from Samuel's Tomb. From Samuel's Tomb one sees the undulating hills covered in white buildings which glisten in the sun, the ever increasing number of tall buildings standing like flowers in the soil joining the August Victoria, the Scottish Church, St John's Church, the YMCA, the Calatrava Bridge with less grace but equal beauty – framed with the pine trees that line the roadside.

And so to music.

This is special on every level! Two real "menschen" – good men,  Yitzchak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgott performing Yismachu – Rejoice! We all need it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyWkx6CfSI

The late Arik Einstein could always make me cry with his words and smile at the beaquty of his music. Ouf Gozal – Fly my Fledgling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1e2VPsRFw

Finally "Shevet Achim ve Achiot" Tribe of Brothers and Sisters with a whole tribe of Israeli singers. "Our ancestors are the roots and we are the flowers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLx6qOdA4OE

With love from Jerusalem

Sheila

200519 Many Ministers and Impact-se

200519

19^th May 2020

Well here goes the Mid-week update!

Usually one says "Do you want the good news or the bad news"? Well, today I'm going to say "Do you want the 'I have no idea what is going on' news, or the incredible news!!

The I have no idea what is going on news concerns the fact that we have a government but have no idea how long it will last, whether the master manipulator will actually hand over the Premiership to his co-Premier in 18 months and whether he will even be finished with his trial and be in or out of jail at the time!!

As if that isn't confusing enough we have some 35 Ministries including one Minister for Water! I'm just relieved that they didn't split the offices into hot and cold water sharing a secretary for tepid! I am joking, but in fact I am furious! The country is in financial chaos, as virtually everywhere is, monies promised to small businesses has not arrived, people have lost their jobs left right and centre, they claim they have no money to save our National Airline, El Al, unless they fire some 2,000 employees and yet we have 35 offices, with 35 office staff and the very nice salaries paid to each Minister! The new government will cost a total of NIS 238.5million, or an annual increase of NIS 79million.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-israel-netanyahu-gantz-biggest-government-ever-takes-oath-complete-ministers-list-1.8852044

Today's research claims that 70% of Israel's Covid-19 cases emanated from the USA, people returning from either vacation or visiting for Pesach. https://www.jpost.com/health-science/70-percent-of-coronavirus-in-israel-came-from-the-united-states-new-study-628448

Now for the really good news. In fact now for the incredible news!

Impact-se tends to work behind the scenes. We don't hit the headlines but rather we can be seen in the text of articles about tolerance in education. We prefer it that way because it allows for the slow and careful process of reaching and teaching the important issues in places of influence without creating diplomatic tsunamis.

Yesterday, in a meeting chaired by the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh, the Palestinian Cabinet approved a plan to make changes to the PA curriculum for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.

The announcement (available in Arabic here) follows last Thursday’s passage of three separate resolutions through the European Parliament that condemn the Palestinian failure to remove hate speech and violence in textbooks. The resolutions were driven by IMPACT-se. 

The legislation has implications for EU budget allocation to Palestinian education aid. It also urges the European Commission to prevent abuse of EU aid to teach hate and incitement.

In March 2020, the UK government announced it is “deeply concerned about allegations of incitement in Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks” in a speech and written response to a parliamentary question on the issue by Middle East Minister James Cleverly MP.
 
In December 2019, the Norwegian Parliament instructed its government to withhold funding to the Palestinian Authority if incitement is not removed from textbooks. The Parliament described the new PA curriculum as “devastating to the peace process”.
 
In December 2019, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the bipartisan Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act (H.R. 2343) by unanimous consent and is moving through U.S. Congress.
 
In August 2019, the United Nations issued an unprecedented report (p. 5-6) calling on the Palestinian Authority to remove all Anti-Semitic material, hate speech, and incitement to violence from their school curriculum that perpetuate prejudices and hatred.

IMPACT-se has been integral to the initiation and adoption of these measures keeping the Palestinian curriculum a hot-button issue in Parliaments across Europe and in the United states.

Selected examples and main findings on the Palestinian Authority curriculum can be found here.

It is rare to find a small organisation with such a huge impact on the lives of young people around the world. Hatred, the teaching of hatred may start at home but the only way to stop the cycle is to introduce new ideas of equality and respect through school, through teachers and through what a child reads.

I'm so proud that the introduction of tolerance in education emanates from Israel.

I promise to tell you all about our week on Friday. Friday, Jerusalem Day….the Hebrew date for the moment we were able to reach our holy sites for the first time in 19 year, the years that Jordan had control.

Today, oh boy today is at least 40 degrees Celsius with winds blowing a gale in Jerusalem but the earth standing still in Raanana!!  I know we have a "sharav" every year for a day or so but this seems to be endless. The funny thing is they are predicting cool weather and rain for Shabbat!

Have a wonderful week and we will talk on Friday

Love from Jerusalem where the government is talk talk talk and Impact is walk walk walk!!