Miluiminikim

 

12^th December 2023

 

6^th night of Chanukah and the 9^th day of Advent.  

 

I have so much to tell you as I haven’t written for a few days, I decided I needed a break Sorry and grateful thanks to those of you who worried about me!

 

I am starting with something wonderful with the prayer that I will have other hopeful stories for you today. At a time when too many people are scared and hiding their Jewish identity, dear friends, the Isaacs family in London, celebrated Chanukah in Tami’s bakery right on a main road in Hampstead, by lighting their Chanukiot (Chanukah candlesticks) for the whole world to see through the shopfront. I’m so proud of them and of the Karma bakery. Incredibly some of the Chanukiot were actually challot (bread) in the shape of the traditional 9 armed lamp.

 

Another fascinating story for Chanukah is that each night Zvi and I light the Chanukiah which was made out of spent bullet casings for his father, Kalman, by one of his soldiers after the War of Independence in 1948. Each candle holds a blessing that finally, our war of independence, of recognition, will finally end.

 

Miluimnikim! OK it’s quite a difficult word mil-oo-im-nik-im, meaning reservists in the IDF. Men and women who have served their allotted time in the IDF but then volunteer to serve in times of need. As I think I told you 120% of possible miluimnikim immediately volunteered after 7/10 amounting to some 350,000 reservists. Thanks to the efforts of the amazing “Achim le neshek” or Brothers in Arms, and many other incredible organisations, they are well equipped and some people, some exceptional people even fly to Israel and bring suitcases full of warm coats for the soldiers who have not been home in over a month. One such person is Carmel Sarano, who happens to be a family member, and she is a non-stop proponent for Israel. So proud of her and she gave me permission to tell you about it, as humble as she is. Her Instagram account is https://www.instagram.com/blossom_adorable/ and she posts very important material every day.

 

Back to the miliumnikim. The vast majority are family men and women with small children, businesses, offices, which they leave behind to save our country and by the way, to save you too! The enemy is not just here, not just over our borders (and some within). The enemy is winning the battle for our youngsters, for the next generation of leaders and it does not bode well for the future of the West unless someone wakes up. It is all very nice to claim that the sight of half naked Hamas operatives handing over their weapons does not make good propaganda, but nobody complained when the captured Israeli soldiers were stripped naked in captivity. The AlJazeera claim that the clip of the rather plump man handing over weapons was staged was disproven by (surprisingly) the BBC fact checkers who said it was genuine. Actually, the claims that  Gazans are starving was disproved by the size of the captive Hamasniks….or it proves that if you are a member of Hamas you get food if not you starve.

 

Sorry I got sidetracked again, the miluimnikim are brave, seasoned soldiers and sadly giving their lives to save Israel. So many young widows and orphans it is ghastly. Each morning and evening on the news, we are given the names and photographs of the fallen, thousands go to the funerals of our heroes and at each funeral friends and family members give a “hesped” or eulogy. It is heartbreaking as they speak through their tears. The bravery of those left behind amaze me.

 

The ethos of the IDF is that it is led into battle by its officers and this week we saw a former Chief of Staff and Member of the war cabinet suffer the loss of his son and his nephew within days of each other. Gadi Eizenkot and is wife Hannah lost their son Gal fighting in Gaza and within two days came the news that his nephew Maor had also fallen in battle. As he spoke of his son, Gadi Eizenkot, the man, allowed the tears to fall freely.

 

The hostages who have returned home are talking. Stephen Spielberg is recording their testimonies which tell of the horrors of their captivity, the conditions, the lack of food, of being held in dank, dark places and of beatings, rapes and worse, the constant determination to scare the living daylights out of the children.  This article in the Wall Street Journal is honest, terrifying and describes the insanity of October 7^th. I believe you should read it and then ask yourselves why all the women’s organisations, literally ALL the women’s organisations have said nothing, done nothing, as if heard nothing, like the three wise monkeys https://wallstreetjournal-ny.newsmemory.com/?publink=07c3acd6f_134ae4d

 

To understand Israeli society, just look at the actions of the families of those who have returned and their continued and loyal support of the families of those who are still in captivity, for whose health and wellbeing we are deeply concerned. In fact, Hostage Square beside the Tel Aviv Museum, is packed every day with volunteers and visitors who want to show their loyalty to the families; the hospital beds of the injured are surrounded by well wishers and people who bring home made delicacies for the families; young men, amputees, are determined to get well enough to go back and join their comrades in arms; this is a different society from anything you have ever known. Of course, it’s easy to say, “stop the war, stop fighting, give Hamas what they want and then they’ll return the hostages. We did that with Gilad Shalit and the result was October 7^th.

 

During the Congressional hearings Senator Hawley questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas about the possibility of deporting pro-Hamas students on student visas and the incredible revelation that one of his immigration officers posted River to the Sea and death to Israelis on her web pages but is still employed by Homeland Security. The responses of Mayorkas are of the same standard as the University Presidents https://youtu.be/qD4PjPnxeas?si=UfySGHeBf4Ne4cXS On the subject of University Presidents, apart from the resignation of one, at least one University has had the courage to do something.

 

 Changing tack once again, are you aware of the fighting in the North of Israel, that missiles are launched on Israeli towns and that entire communities are now evacuees? The Timeline is fascinating, so different to Gaza. Remember that Beirut was once known as the Pearl of the Middle East, with thriving tourism and economy. What happened? 1. Black September after Arafat’s attempted coup against King  Hussein of Jordan 2. Hussein killed some 10k Palestinians (remember Jordan is also Palestine) 3. Syria refused to take them and pushed them into Lebanon 4. Lebanese war, basically Christian against Moslem, Christians fought with Israel, South Lebanese Army who then wrought revenge on the Palestinians in Sabra and Shatilla, then fled to Israel where they live until today 5. America and Israel left; Iran came in 6. Hezb-Allah, Iran’s proxy, basically took over, Christians lost control and Lebanon fell into utter disarray. Why this pincer attack? Very simple. Add two and two and it brings us right back to Iran and her proxies Hezb-Allah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Houthi, and their purpose is to dispose of the little Satan and move on to the big Satan, which is the Goldener Medinah taking in Europe on the way.

 

Beauty and bravery in the face of Hamas inhumanity. Young survivors of October 7^th put on a fashion show, here we see brave survivors of the ruthless October 7^th massacre to model dresses inspired by the brutal atrocities. Each model who took to the catwalk was either a survivor who witnessed the massacre, or had lost a loved one. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12851169/Beauty-bravery-face-Hamas-terror-Survivors-October-7-massacre-extraordinary-fashion-outfits-including-wedding-dress-bullet-hole-worn-model-fiance-died-trying-save-lives.html

 

Since I know that the current situation confuses me I can’t imagine how confused children are! If you wonder how to explain to your children, this video by Eytan Chitayat does the job beautifully without scaring them. https://youtu.be/NKVpq3OGn9Q?si=wGIq5_h4S3ILCW69

 

OK, history lesson over! I just went out to get some more wool to knit hats for soldiers. Actually, I am cheating, my granddaughters loved my knitting so much that I made them one hat each in a lovely light grey and then Yosef wanted one too, so he’s next, then I’ll go back to knitting for soldiers to keep their heads warm under their helmets. Obviously it’s cold up on the Golan but it’s also getting cold at night in Gaza, anyway, anything we can do to make their lives a bit easier. I just came back from buying some more wool at the Hobby shop just five minutes from home and I saw at least five young fathers, in full uniform, collecting their children from school and kindergarten. Those young fathers are, of course, miluimnikim, reservists, young fathers, husbands, professionals and artisans, who have come home from the front for a few hours and going back to who knows what. It is very much part of our lives and yet, and yet, Zvi and I have been with friends almost every night this week. Chanukah parties, performances, dinner parties, all accompanied by the lighting of the Chanukah lights. Two nights ago we were at our friends Sima and Uri with the choir and each of us held a candle and the person next to us gave us a blessing. The candle lighting included an additional prayer to bring home the hostages and our boys and girls of the IDF. Yes, our very being is absorbed in this battle for our survival.

 

In an hour or so I’m going to my mind and movement class and then tomorrow I will go to meet a friend for coffee and in the evening we are going to dinner at the Dagans. The determination to have a normal life in a surreal situation is paramount. Zvi goes to his rehearsals with both choirs, we try to get to the Habad sandwich making once a week and hopefully Zvi will manage to go to the South to pick fruit and vegetables on the kibbutzim. Me, I write to you and try to help our wonderful CEO at Impact-se.

 

As you know I am a great big softie and this song brought me to tears, and I’ve listened to it many times! Shulem Lemel and Andrea Boccelli. When they do a duet it is heavenly. Fall on Me https://youtu.be/bZDyaIKoSHU?si=X-l2tz1ghtdPIexJ

 

Jonny Turgel sang Acheinu, Our Brothers (and Sisters) to the background of the huge pro-Israel rally in London. I chose this because it shows that we do not back down. https://youtu.be/66FU0U9ukag?si=6qnGKpYIJic-d406

 

I believe that’s it for today. Don’t be upset if I don’t write every day, I promise to keep you informed.

 

When you light your Chanukah candles or open the window of the Advent Calendar, I want you to add a prayer, please. Pray for the release of the 137 hostages still held in inhuman conditions, children, men women, elderly, pray for their return home so that we can hold and support them through their ordeal. Pray for the soldiers, every one of them, pray that they return home to their families. Pray that there will be no more orphans.

 

In the words of Isaiah. “Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that we may walk the paths of the Almighty. And we shall beat our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation—neither shall they learn war any more.” NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE – That is what my work and the work of Impact-se is all about.

 

Sending love

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Crucible

7^th December 2023

 

Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach.

 

Tonight, we light the first candle of Chanukah, the commemoration of the victory over the evil of those who desecrated the Temple. We fought back, thanks to the bravery of a family who lived near Jerusalem and decided that they did not have to sit back and take it, they fought back and we are here to prove it. The symbol of one container of oil in the lamp that lasted for eight days is just that a highly symbolic story but one that lights our lives. The revolt against the Hellenists, the Greeks, who denied us all our traditions and laws. They didn’t beat us they just banned circumcision, Shabbat, prayer, kosher meat… in other words they stopped us being Jewish! Judah Maccabi was born in a place now called Maccabim-Reut, a beautiful town still populated by Jews because one man and his entire family fought for the right to be Jews.

 

Had anyone told me that the outcome of the horrific attacks of October 7th would be a resurgence of anti-Semitism such as the world has not seen since 1936, I might not have believed you or I would have said that I wrote about it years ago and was shouted down. However, here we are; elite universities in the USA are not only allowing but encouraging anti-Semitic attacks both verbal and physical. The melting pot has become a crucible of hate.

 

I have an ongoing discussion with a friend as to the difference between free speech and freedom of speech; freedom of speech allows one to speak out but within the limitations of both good behaviour and the law, free speech is a free for all without any consideration of consequences. Here is one small example of a Congressional debate on the current wave of hatred toward Jewish students on the Elite campuses of MIT, Harvard and Penn. There were many more instances during this session but I chose this one which shows the inanity of the woke responses of those representing high academia https://youtu.be/pRRDr1Q4KfE?si=IK6FErcmdcSkblvG

 

I am furious that I am worrying about the safety of my family and friends in the USA, indeed in most Western countries, instead of our soldiers in the IDF who are defending Western society at this very moment and the returning hostages whose stories give us sleepless nights. I don’t know if you are aware of the atrocities of Hamas, under strict instructions from Sinwar but let it be said that identification of the bodies of women and girls killed on that day could not be carried out by family members because their faces were disfigured by torture. I won’t go into further detail but please read this article written with tears https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-776654

 

Lucy Aharish is an Israeli journalist and broadcaster, probably the most representative Israeli possible. She grew up in Dimona, was the only Moslem in school, dressed as Queen Esther on Purim and wore blue and white on Yom HaAtzmaut. She is a proud Moslem who married a Jew and is a wonderful proponent for the Jewish state. As a journalist she interviewed a Hamas leader and accused him even then of atrocities. Her monologue, recorded in her home, is well worth five minutes of your time. https://youtu.be/j2L-L1G6c04?si=N6v_1XoBszPcGQ-Z

 

Something rather wonderful happened to one little Irish/Israeli 9 year old for whose release we all prayed for. Emily Hand, whose father’s plea when he discovered that she was captured and not dead as first reported and who incidentally still speaks in a whisper singe her abduction, has always loved Beyonce. When Beyonce heard Emily’s story, she immediately invited her to a concert “anywhere in the world that she chooses”. There are still good people out there in the big wide world.

 

I won’t apologise for having given you so many links, something that I usually avoid, but please, each and every one is essential so open them, listen and learn. I did.

 

Last Friday I went down into the village to a friend’s house. Tami had invited the wonderful women from my mind and movement group for brunch, each of us contributing something to the feast. Each and every one of us commented on how important being together has become since October the 7^th and this group of women of varied ages is exceptional. I haven’t decided if it’s the movement class or the type of person who goes to the movement class that made us all such good listeners.

 

On Friday evening we went to our friends Tsiona and Yorai for Friday night Shabbat Dinner. Yorai made a lovely kiddush and we sat and talked about the situation, the world and the importance, yet again, of friendship over a delicious meal. On Shabbat we went to Amiad and Noga’s for lunch, always a treat and we came home in time for me to light a memorial candle for my son Daniel z”l who brought so much light into the world just by entering a room. On Sunday morning, on a rainy day in London, a group of very close friends met for the morning service in honour of the anniversary of Daniel’s passing. Gideon and Stephanie, as is their wont, laid on a feast for after the prayers and my children’s father, Philip, did the prayers. I can never get used to the fact that Gideon has to say the Kaddish prayer, although Rachel and I said the prayer alongside him here in Israel. Many thanks to Daniella and Barbara I was able to take part through the wonders of modern technology.

 

On Monday Zvi and I were back to sandwich making in Habad with Nancy Bloomfield who found it as enjoyable as we do, especially on the tuna production line! Sadly, at the end of the morning the local Habad Rabbi called us together to say special prayers for another fallen soldier from the neighborhood. From Habad Nancy and I headed to Shalva where we met with the wonderful Gaby who showed Nancy around. It’s so hard to describe Shalva to those who have only ever known institutions for special needs children. Shalva is a joyful, bright, sunny, happy place and Nancy was just blown away by the work and play of Shalva. In sharp contrast to the sadness of the fallen soldier Shalva was full of joy at the return from Gaza of Ofir Engel the son of the Director of Sport at Shalva Yoav Engel. The young people of Shalva rushed to tell us of the good news. One aspect of the returning hostages, young and old alike, is their concern for those still in captivity. Last Shabbat, on our visit to the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, we were struck by the deep love shown to the families of the hostages both by others and for each other, equally for those still waiting anxiously for news and those whose loved ones are already home.

 

Tonight, Zvi and the Jerusalem Symphony Choir are performing in the Khan Theatre. The Khan was built on the ruins of an ancient inn from the Crusader period. It served caravan travellers who arrived in Jerusalem after nightfall when the gates of the Old City were locked. In later years, the building housed a beer-cellar and a carpentry workshop. Today it is a thriving theatre with its own troupe. First Zvi will light the first candle of the Chanukiah in the beautiful courtyard. A Chanukiah is quite different to the Menorah. The Menorah, the symbol of Israel, has 7 arms whereas the Chanukiah has 9; 8 to represent the 8 days that the oil lasted and one for the Shamash, or servant light. After the candle lighting and the inevitable sufganiyot, or doughnuts, we will all go inside to the theatre for the performance. Tonight’s performance is both for and in aid of the evacuees from the north and south of Israel and members of the Khan. I’m very excited and as you can imagine so is Zvi!

 

I thank heaven every day that our lives are so full, our days so busy and our determination to give back unshakeable.  Despite our concerns, our distress, our deep worries for our boys and girls fighting a terrible enemy, we find time to sing and even to dance, both of which soothe our soul and ease our pain .

 

You all remember Bohemian Rhapsody, well now we have Chanukian Rhapsody!!! The story of Chanuka! https://youtu.be/9P30ckBf1wk?si=KJB6Lntj7YzMb_2s

 

Hanerot Hallalu, these lights, is the traditional song before lighting the first candle and thereafter for eight days. It too tells an important story of how the 8 candles represent the bravery and heroism of those in each generation that ensure our survival. https://youtu.be/w7F4ynFgydQ?si=zdnNfD2-n1MwF2Pm

 

A repeat, I know, but so important. Koolulam and Bring Them Home NOW! Koolulam brings us all together in song, irrespective of creed, colour or place.  We must be strong and let our voices ring out. https://youtu.be/6y2laYXcBdU?si=Qb0zCS_meW082gyH

 

I wish you light, be it through our Shabbat Candles or our Chanukah candles, a light that may just bring light to an ever darkening world. I wish you the strength to stand up to bullies, the belief that good always wins over evil and the love to bring us together as one.

 

Shabbat Shalom and much love from Jerusalem and our home.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

  

Day 55

 

1^st December 2023

 

Shabbat Shalom to you and to all your family.

 

The extended ceasefire is over. It was due to end at 07:00 this morning but before that hour rockets were fired at Israel and the decision was taken for troops to re-enter Gaza. The hope of soldiers being home for Shabbat was shattered along with the hope for further hostage releases. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated on Friday morning that "Hamas violated the agreement and additionally fired toward Israeli territory. The IDF has renewed combat with the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip." 

 

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida was approached by a “woke” woman asking if he will call for a cease fire in Gaza. “No I won’t because Hamas has to be wiped out” watch this please. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0SG9t8tcGy/?igshid=NGEwZGU0MjU5Mw%3D%3D

 

Yesterday morning, Thursday, we woke to a telephone call from Rachel. In Israel if someone calls at 07:40 you can be sure it isn’t good news. I turned on the television news only to find that in addition to the stories told by released hostages and the pain of the families of those still in Gaza, there had been a terrorist attack. I checked back with Rachel as to where she was and thank heaven she was nowhere near the site of the attack.

 

Two Jerusalem Arabs had driven their car beside the “trampiada”, the main bus stop and hitchhiking spot as one leaves the main road of Jerusalem, jumped out of their car with an M16 assault rifle and pistol and shot anyone they could see at the bus stop. 3 people died instantly and several were injured. succumbed to his wounds later. According to the security forces, both men had become members of Hamas. They lived in Tsur Bacher, an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, and were Israeli citizens. Hamas is a cancer, and I use that word with great caution, not a cancer that can be cut out and treated but one that has metastacised throughout the Palestinian society and slowly, slowly throughout the world. It is ISIS. It is Al Qaeeda. It is a danger to all.

 

A tragic story has accompanied the attack. Yuval Castleman, a young lawyer from Mevasseret, was driving into Jerusalem when he saw what was happening. Without a second thought he jumped out of his car and ran across the road, went down on one knee and shot the terrorists. As he stood up two soldiers mistook him for a third terrorist and shot him. He shouted don’t shoot, don’t shoot in Hebrew but they continued and he succumbed to his wounds. Tragically today would have been his birthday.

 

The United States and Israel are talking of removing Hamas from Gaza, but where would one send them? I have repeated over and over again the simple fact that when the children of any society are taught to hate they will grow up to kill. We must change the paradigm as Impact-se has already done in so many of the countries in the MENA region. So far, the PA had objected to any change to the extent that we are number one on their hate list, literally! Many European countries are already withholding their aid to UNWRA and Palestinian education until they allow us to change their curriculum.

 

As I’m sure you understand, we watch the releases of hostages in rapt attention, looking for their expressions for the forced smiles, the pretence of kindness by their captors and the relief on the faces of the Red Cross workers as they are handed over. My last missive gave an account of the pain and distress of returning children and yesterday, the first two of what should have been many hostages gave a clear sense of what they had suffered. Two young women, both so full of life when kidnapped, returned scared, terribly thin and pale, unable to force an expression, not even of relief. One can only imagine what Mia Schemm and Amit Soussana suffered. Among the further 6 hostages released were Aisha and Bilal Zaidna, two of the three Bedouin siblings taken on October 7^th. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk8hqyis6

 

Prof. Henry Kissinger, the legendary Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under both Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, he of the gravelly voice and strong German accent, passed away at the age of 100 on November 29^th. Born in Furth in Germany he reached the heights of American intellectual society, became an international figure on the issue of Middle Eastern Affairs and was outspoken on Israel. A most controversial diplomat he was both hawk and dove who was involved in the bombing of Cambodia yet part of the end of the Vietnam War.

 

Everything that is sacred to Western society, especially anything related to Christianity, tradition, Christmas the celebration of the birth of a baby who was to create a faith with high moral standards proving that Jews lived here 2,000 years ago, everything is subject to disorder. Why the preamble? Everything sacred is being destroyed and contaminated by the hatred elicited by the belief that Israel is the enemy and Hamas is the underdog. Last evening the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center was disrupted by “Free Palestine” louts. https://youtu.be/_qhDOdU817s?si=Oe1TayXHRwqdwWQ_

 

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen has lived in many parts of the world, but for the last 30 years has lived in New York City where he thought it would be safe to live as a Jew. He was aware of the anti-Semitic undercurrent in the UK where it was not overt but present, but never expected to find it in NYC. When he saw and heard the anti-Israel signs and the overt anti-Semitism it hurt, as it has for so many Jews in that wonderful City. Please read his writings on the subject. https://jeremyrosen.com/2023/11/elegy-for-new-york.html

 

Jeremy Rosen was my childhood friend, along with younger brother Mickey z”l. As life went on, he became the beloved headmaster of my elder son Daniel in Carmel College and four years ago he became our family’s support when Daniel died in a tragic accident in Central Park. I cannot believe that four years have passed, four years without my morning call as Daniel walked across Central Park to his work as a paediatrician and teacher in Mount Sinai Hospital and Uptown Pediatrics. Daniel was a very special person, brilliant, gentle, funny, kind and everyone who met him fell under the magic of his special personality. He engendered loyalty in his friends, a loyalty which he fully returned and it is those amazing friends who keep his memory alive through their continued love. His patients and their parents still talk about him, write about him, express their love for him and in some small way it helps. As a family we mourn but never dwell, he would have been very cross if we had. On Saturday evening I will light a memorial candle to my son and on Sunday, I will go to Shalva, to visit the studio for the performing arts, the music therapy room that we created in Daniel’s name in that truly magnificent centre.  https://give.shalva.org/daniel

 

This morning I was invited to friends in the village, a lovely girly morning of new friends from our “Thought and Movement” class, comforting each other at the constant salvo of psychological traumas from the evil brilliance of Hamas. Friendship has become more and more important as a support system. It was amazing. Great food, spinach shakshuka and gorgeous fresh salads, in a marvellous house, beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards and reservoir of Beit Zayit. The steps to get there were a challenge but so very well worth it as we sat in the sun talking about what was important to each one of us, our families.  This evening we are invited to more friends for Shabbat dinner. The need for friendly contact has become essential to our wellbeing, to our ability to cope with a world that has gone mad.

 

With the renewed fighting, yet again instigated by Hamas, we fear for the lives of the remaining hostages but sadly, have been presented with no alternative. The attempt at a pincer warfare with Hezb-Allah in the north and Hamas in the South does not bode well for a quiet Shabbat but we will win, fear not. The cost is high but we have no choice.

 

HaGivatron from Kibbutz Geva, probably the most famous of all Israeli choirs, with a song about the Negev, that it is not the same Negev, but that the sun will shine once again. Watch it through, it is amazing. https://youtu.be/JfTMfW6GGU0?si=uAIiA01WKoqGj7vq

 

Many have recorded Bring Them Home, each beautiful. This particular rendition is by Shmuel Lemmer and his audience, each carrying the photograph of a hostage, is made up of Holocaust Survivors.

https://youtu.be/1IiqIDCYZRs?si=Rlac2Vmtu7G1M1P3

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, a weekend of quiet and thoughtfulness. Be proud of who you are, of how you pray, of what you are part of, because only then can we be sure of winning this battle for our way of life. With love and appreciation of each and every one of you.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Children

 

29^th November 2023

 

Shalom dear friends. Shalom

 

I hope you don’t think that I had abandoned you for the last few days, but the strange mixture of elation at the return of hostages, sadness for the families of those still in captivity and horror at the stories that are slowly coming out, stories of beating of children, of forcing children to watch the horror of October 7^th on video, of them being kept in cages, being moved from pillar to post under threat of more beatings if they made a sound. Little Emily Hand is still talking in whispers, even with her father, for fear of punishment. Hamas even kidnapped the bodies of three dead soldiers knowing full well that we will do all we can to return them for burial. All of the hostages were found to be undernourished with terrible rashes probably caused by the fact that they were not allowed to wash or change clothes for the two months of captivity. One of the Israeli children was held in dire conditions in the attic of an UNWRA teacher, the father of 10 children! Another by a doctor who continued to tend children in hospital but kept the Israeli child locked up without food.

 

The huge theatricals of the Hamas handover, with multiple new ambulances on standby, was definitely out of Pallywood, much more than meet the eye. For instance, when one elderly lady was being helped down from the Hamas vehicle to be handed over to the Red Cross, the ear of one very clever Australian friend, Stanley Roth, caught the words “Keep waving” to which she complied. Hamas supporters have been storming the vehicles, banging in the sides causing even greater trauma to the hostages inside.

 

Not only Jews were kidnapped. One Bedouin family lost one member and four others were kidnapped while yet another used his minibus to save the lives of dozens of Israeli youngsters. Yosef Zaidna has been sent photographs of his children stripped to the waist with guns pointed at them. Despite the requests of the Israeli government he has no idea where his children are.

 

Why? Why the hatred? I know that generations of Gazans have been inculcated with hate education, as I explained and we at Impact-se have proven it time and again, but there is so much more. What gives an entire people the right to torture, to kill, rape, decapitate? While searching for an answer I came upon this quote from Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens, which fascinated me by its accuracy.

 

On the Jews

"If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one quarter of one percent of the human race.  It suggests a nebulous puff of star dust 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 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 very out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers.  He has made a marvelous fight in this world in all ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it.  The Egyptians, the Babylonians and the Persians rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greeks and Romans followed and made a vast noise, and they were gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, and have vanished.

The Jew saw them all, survived 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 but aggressive mind.  All things are mortal but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains.  What is the secret of his immortality? "

 

Indeed, what is our secret and what induces such hatred, especially among the young. In Mark Twain’s own home land the universities have become crucibles of hate, of racism which have reached such a point that the Deans of MIT and Harvard have been called before a Congressional Committee and Berkley and NYU have been sued.

 

Highly detailed plans for the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, architect of October 7^th and so much more, were presented to Netanyahu by three subsequent heads of the Israeli Secret Services and each time he stopped them. I cannot say more, but the inadequacies and errors compound. https://m.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-775527 Even Sinwar’s own son says he must be eliminated and the sooner the better.

 

Enough doom and gloom I am in a terrible mood since Hamas announced that those two incredibly beautiful little red headed babies, the Bibas family, who captured our hearts as they were captured in their Mother’s arms to an unknown fate in Gaza. Apparently taken from captivity by a Gazan doctor and taken to his home where Hamas claims they were killed. The IDF spokesman refuses to accept any such news “In the IDF we do not accept rumours. Every detail is checked and double checked’ My heart sank as Hamas yet again played its psychological games.

 

Today we went to the Habad Centre again to make sandwiches for the children in Ashkelon, Ashdod and many other towns affected by the war. Israeli children start school early and the younger children aged 6 to 12 stop for “Aruchat Eser” the 10 o’clock snack. The sandwich making is very organised. The first stage is when the bread rolls are cut ready to accept the filling – the exact number according to the requests of the recipients, and each filling of tuna and pickles, hummus with cucumber and tomato, chocolate spread and so on. I was on the tuna table and if I say it myself, I’m pretty efficient. We all wear black plastic  hygienic gloves and approximately one fistful of tuna is right for each roll. The two French ladies next to me were more interested in talking than sandwich filling but I really got into the swing of things (after all I was never very good at French) so when I used up my allotted amount of tuna I went into the kitchen and made up another huge batch. I loved the variety of volunteers, from schoolgirls to pensioners, men and women. Zvi chose to be a shlepper this time, ensuring the supplies for the production lines and taking the prepared sandwiches to the ladies on the rolls of plastic film to wrap them. A small contribution indeed but an important one.

 

Zvi’s choir has been back singing for the refugees from the north and the south, refugees in their own country. The choir of the Jerusalem Symphony recorded a magnificent rendition of “Bring Him Home” which I hope to send you at the weekend, as soon as it is up on YouTube. We have been ordering fresh vegetables and fruit grown in the south and brought to our area, without going through the retail suppliers. The money going straight to the growers. Admittedly, I’m not sure what to do with the 15 kilos of oranges Zvi brought home but they last forever! Lots of exercise juicing them!

 

This evening some new friends came for “tea”. Rachel and Shauli Yosipon are both very involved in the community and Shauli began a beautiful mosaic project turning it into a community project, each week adding more and this week end the final pieces will be placed on the mosaic. Shauli also told us that he used to work in the sphere of raising milk cows and the fact the Israel, through Kibbutz Afikim, is the number one producer of special equipment and the feeding of said cows, all over the world! He took up mosaic after his retirement.

 

It fascinates me how many ways one can find to be involved. There is a hat-knitting group, knitting warm hats for soldiers, another making knitted teddy bears for the refugee children. Every supermarket has a list of items that soldiers need, from wet-ones, shampoo and toothpaste to specific snacks so that we can all buy one or two items which will be put in a box ready for the truck to take it to them. This is a country of volunteers. We may have an ineffectual government (dystopia or kakistocracy) but my goodness what an incredible people! Amiad, Zvi’s elder son, and his group, have just delivered the latest, state of the art helmets for soldiers, ensuring that they are safe.

 

Enough, I hope I have left you with a lighter heart than when I began. You have certainly helped me!

 

Am Yisrael Chai – Sung by Eyal Golan. Specially written and produced for this trying time. https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=MEJl4kEsimILRDoM

 

“The good days will come because even on the darkest night there is a small star to light your way”. An entire generation of young Israelis is singing this song. It has no translation but you can feel the hope. Out of Depression was written and sung by Yagel Oshri https://youtu.be/9XIZ_T_vg_E?si=VC53G4TOna1HQAEy  

I send you love, I wish you love, I wish you hope and good health and above all “Bsorot Tovot” Good news.

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 days

50 days

24^th November, 2023

 

Shabbat Shalom. Let’s hope and pray that this Shabbat at least 13 hostages, the little children and tiny babies, will be sent home to Israel.

 

The psychological games continue as Hamas reneged on yesterday’s release and changed it to 16:00 today, just before Shabbat. What is the hold up this time? As my friend Anne Behar said “They can find 10,000 dead within minutes but can’t find 25% of the children abducted on the 7^th of October.” Hamas refuses to allow the Red Cross to visit the remaining hostages after the release of the first group.

The IDF has informed the very few that their loved ones are coming home, but to be prepared for their psychological and physical state. Every single day, several times a day, soldiers, specially trained soldiers of the IDF, call the families of the hostages to check on their wellbeing. I cannot imagine the deep sadness of those whose loved ones are not coming home – yet. The families have, in their deep sadness, formed a cohesive support group and each one is happy for the few, but I cannot, as I said, imagine their emotional state having to wait, yet again; not knowing under what conditions they are being held.

 

Ismael Haniya is a billionaire. He is the “Prime Minister” of Gaza yet lives in opulent luxury Qatar where he is reported to have watched the horror of October the 7^th  on Al Jazeera, “prostrating himself in joy” at the scenes. Haniya was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1989 but released in a prisoner exchange in 1992 since when he has been one of the masterminds of Hamas. I can never forget the release of Haniya and over a thousand other terror prisoners as they headed north in buses; they were released in exchange for the bodies of three Israeli soldiers Benny Avraham, Adi Avitan and Omar Souad who were abducted from Har Dov, on the Lebanese border in 2000 and held by Hezb-Allah. We met all three parents, felt their agony, heard their prayers that their children may still be alive and if not at least to have a body to bury and sit shiva over. Benny Avraham’s parents used to come to our home to rest between Knesset visits. Chaim would fall asleep in the big armchair. He said the it was the only time he was able to rest. All three boys were dead, but their parents didn’t know that and Chaim literally died of a broken heart. To understand the irony of Israel’s high moral standards; in 2002 Ismail Haniya received lifesaving brain surgery in Israel’s Assaf HaRofeh Medical Centre!  

 

Yahya (pronounced Yichyeh) Sinwar, one of the other founders of Hamas and the mastermind behind the 7^th of October massacre, was also released from Israeli jail. He served 22 years of 4 consecutive life sentences before being released in exchange for Gilad Shalit. The rest is history. I can remember a sense of doom as the world rejoiced the return of Gilad Shalit and the then and now Prime Minister Netanyahu greeting him in triumph. It was a great day for the Shalit family but at what price? Many of the terror prisoners will go to the Ofer Prison prior to their release, possibly straight into the West Bank. The Ofer high security prison brings forth many thoughts for me. My friend Jill, during one of her volunteer stints, help clear the files and so on of the former IDF controlled prison before it was turned into a high security, high walled prison under private (not really) supervision. It is also only a few kilometres from where Rachel lives and right next to the border control to Ramallah. The proximity to Ramallah is hardly surprising since Ramallah stretches many kilometres along the border, beside the Jerusalem Modi’in road.

 

Many of you have asked me about the work of Impact-se the organisation which I am proud to act as Chair of the Board. I tend to describe it in simple terms, because it is complex and very refined work and research by a small but exceptional team, culminating in reports on tolerance in education, predominantly in the MENA region, which are then taken to governments around the world who take major decisions based upon said reports. Clearly, the events of the 7^th of October required a rethinking of funding to the PA by governments of the European Union, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Britain, Australia, the USA, basically all influential governments who fund the education systems of the Palestinian Authority and UNWRA. To understand the complexity here is the most recent report on the hate education of the PA which most of the above are now defunding based on our reports. It is highly detailed and therefore not short, but very important. https://www.impact-se.org/wp-content/uploads/Education-for-Terrorism-in-Palestinian-Schools.pdf

 

This has been another tense week, but a week in which both Zvi and I were very busy. Zvi and his choir, Hakol Yachassi, go to the various Jerusalem hotels to sing to refugees from both the South and the North. Zvi also goes to rehearsals of his other choir, the Jerusalem Symphony Choir, where he meets with friends while preparing for their next concert. We both went back to make sandwiches, as I told you I changed from cheese to tuna and Zvi from bagging to schlepping! I went to Movement, Art Studio, and of all unusual things, met with other women in the village library and we all made felt birds! Really! I know it all sounds flippant, but it is all about interdependent support, we need each other, even if we don’t mention the sons, daughters and grandchildren who may well be on the front line in Gaza, we are together, irrespective of what we do. If it is something that helps the country, the hostages, the IDF or the refugees, all the better but it is essential to our sanity that we are together. One of my favourite projects, which I did not take part in, was the knitting of hats for soldiers. This little village sent hundreds of warm beanies for soldiers on the Golan where it is already very cold. Of course, my most important activity is writing to you, telling you about the situation from my perspective, from Israel’s perspective heads the list. By the way, you often ask if you can forward my newsletters; of course you can! I prefer them being forwarded as a whole rather than out-takes but even that is better than nothing! Don’t forget, the website is http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/  

 

A really funny outcome of this war is apparent in the IDF, all of the men, at least most of them, have moustaches, lip-rugs! It’s partly because beards and helmets don’t go together but it has become a real fashion statement, an emblem of their service against Hamas. From Viva Zapata to handle-bar they take selfies to prove their devotion to the hairy upper lip! I can only hope that they will shave them off when the hostages are all home, safe and – no I cannot even pray for safe and sound, but at least home in the loving arms of their family, those who still have families.

 

I want to tell you about one problem that I have, quite apart from all of the above; my keyboard is slowly fading! Both the Hebrew and the English letters are disappearing and it’s a very new keyboard! It may sound as if I am making excuses for my typos, but honestly, if I hadn’t learned to touch-type many years ago (gosh is it really 60 years ago?) I would be in real trouble. I must call the supplier but never seem to have time!

 

Zvi has gone to a neighbour to see the final stages of a big mosaic, a mosaic made by many people in Motza, as another “therapy” group. It will take pride of place at the entrance to the village. Hopefully he will come home with lots of photographs that I can put on Facebook. After the neighbour he will head of to Jerusalem, to the Botanical Gardens restaurant “Caffit” where his parliament has a separate room where they meet each Friday lunchtime. The parliament is made up of Professors, politicians, journalists, civil servants and a couple of businessmen. It used to be co-ed but the women decided that we had better things to do on a Friday and many women have their own Friday parliament.

 

Tonight, Zvi’s boys and their families will be with us for Friday night supper. The table is once again extended (it goes from small corner table to a one that can set up to 20 diners), and I set it yesterday so that I can write to you, finish the cooking and still get to see Rachel and family before Shabbat. We will be 14 for Shabbat dinner, not too many, and the pea soup, the children’s winter favourite, is made, I made a few salads last night and luckily my stash of food in the freezer will be raided for the main course; bolognaise for the children and Rachel’s delicious beef for the adults. Roasted sweet potato, cucumber salad, cabbage and pomegranate salad, a big green salad, oven chips for the children (they can’t do without them) a tomato salsa salad and anything else that comes to mind. Dessert is taken care of, Gili and Ella want to make cakes and I bought profiteroles and yesterday I made a wonderful chocolate sauce with some almond milk so that it would not be milky! Very exciting!

 

Since music is so important to our wellbeing, I want to go back to giving you more than one song. This song by Shlomo Artzi is not new as one sees from the video of a young and still handsome man, but his words, his music and his strength have not waned in their power. https://youtu.be/nrhOtJS3psQ?si=VxR_QMOgG9v4-gaB

 

Ayn li Eretz Acheret – I have no other country. The original beautiful song https://youtu.be/pyFK0m-OGNo?si=tPk7nyvhsdGB1voD  and the real, emotional rendition made after the 7^th of October. It may be difficult to watch but so is the truth. https://youtu.be/kHkdzTIR1Gk?si=6tMUl-J-wSXklwhg

 

As I sit talking to you, I pray, with all my being, that Hamas will not renege yet again and the 13 hostages will be freed. I pray that the tiny people will forget the horrors and go on to lice good lives and that those still in captivity will come home. Amen

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom.

Sheila