Shabbat, Shevuot and Hope

 

7^th of June 2024

 

Shabbat Shalom! A belated Jerusalem Day, the miracle of the 6 Day War and an early Shevuot  and a belated Whitsun

 

 

“If I forget thee oh Jerusalem”

57 years ago, we beat 5 Arab nations who attacked this tiny nation simultaneously. We did it in 6 days and to quote Ephraim Kishon in his book “So Sorry We Won”. We have been apologising to the world for our incredible win over 5 well trained, huge armies, ever since! Syria, Egypt and Jordan with the support of other Arab countries

It was a different world in which armies fought armies not gangs of savage, blood-thirsty Iranian proxies; a world without internet, Tiktok, cellphone cameras, instant news, fake news and a world that read beyond headlines. We had a very different government whose decision making was based on an understanding that we had no choice but to win because they understood our history and our need to survive above all. It was a world, a country, where we understood the importance of Jerusalem to Jews, and Christians, around the world and the rejoicing when we reached our holy sites echoed around the globe.

The psalm, the song and the explanation https://youtu.be/gTvoe2fkU2w?si=BbdFUcXEmViiT6_e

 

For those who wish to polish their history of Jerusalem https://youtu.be/qunVQoSNMsY?si=mrauFBB3OzvAKZek

 

The Israeli Supreme Court began hearings concerning the proposed Haredi Conscription Law. Until now the Haredi community has an automatic exemption from military service, a law introduced by David Ben Gurion “his Torah is his occupation,” and Menachem Begin’s government lifted the cap on the number of exemptions. Interestingly both Prime Ministers were secular. The debate as to whether the law should be changed to include all Haredi men of appropriate age is both heated and fascinating, showing the intelligence of the judge’s questions, their adherence to the legal issues and their determination to reach a fair decision. The public debate is often biased, always angry, but understandably so. When every single day we receive the bitter news of yet another and another beautiful young life, sons, fathers, husbands, lovers who fall in battle, while others stay home, build families and firmly believe that prayer is the only way to save us, it is hard not to feel anger. There are many soldiers, men and women, who pray while fighting for our country, they do not see any ethical confusion in serving and being observant.

 

We were all horrified, but hardly surprised, to learn of the deaths of Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper and Nadav Popplewell z”l. Somehow the realisation that the cruelty of Hamas extended to these elderly peaceniks, who had extended the hand of friendship to those who captured them, tortured them and then killed them. If I may, yet again express my distress at the stupidity of our so-called honesty, The IDF spokesman’s office announced that an investigation would take place to make sure they were not killed by IDF fire!  Of course, the media picked that one up immediately! Wait! Why announce it?

 

Canadians, did you know that Canada is one of the biggest donors to UNWRA and one word from your government would have great effect? Canada remains UNRWA’s ninth-largest donor, having doubled its funding compared to 2022. Ottawa swiftly unfroze funding held back following revelations over UNRWA’s complicity in the horrors of 7 October. Viewed by UNRWA as a friend, any pressure from Canada would be significant. Marcus Sheff, the CEO of Impact-se, was there last week, speaking before senior officials at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of International Development, and key figures at Global Affairs Canada including the Executive Director for Middle East Relations. As you know, Impact-se is the sole researcher of educational material in the PA and Gaza and its effect on October 7^th. While it was clear they have been wildly misinformed by UNRWA to sidestep justified concerns, they were open to working with Impact-se to more effectively hold UNRWA accountable.

 

The military operation that changed the world, changed the direction of the Second World War, Operation Overlord, or the D-Day Landing took place on the 6th of June 1944. The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy. The landings marked the start of a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable. For history buffs, this is an excellent read https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-d-day

 

Many ludicrous decisions have taken place over the past few weeks, decisions concerning relationships with Israel. Among them the Spanish government’s decision to recognise the country of Palestine. Why ludicrous? Because when they informed their diplomats that they would have to serve and form an Embassy and Consulate in the PA they all refused saying it was just too dangerous, they wanted to remain in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv!!

 

Just by the way, I have no problem with the formation of a Palestinian State, but under the conditions of the agreement created by Ehud Olmert plus a couple of my own. The primary condition being that all terror activity end, that gun control be introduced, that hate-education cease. To end corruption is beyond our control however!!

 

The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance has paid a price in this war. 80 students have been called up to the IDF. This week the Academy made the decision that they will all receive a scholarship for the year that they return to their studies. I am so proud of Zvi who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Academy.

 

We are all confused by the reaction of the world to October 7^th and the savagery, the massacre. Perhaps this moral will help.

The Lie said to the Truth, "Let's bathe together, the well water is very pleasant. The Truth, still suspicious, tested the water and found out it really was pleasant. So they both took off their clothes and bathed. But suddenly, the Lie leapt out of the water and fled, wearing the clothes of the Truth.

The Truth, furious, climbed out of the well to get her clothes back. But the World, upon seeing the naked Truth, looked away, with anger and contempt. Poor Truth returned to the well and disappeared forever, hiding her shame. Since then, the Lie runs around the world, dressed as the Truth, and society is very happy..... because the world has no desire to know the naked Truth.

 

In Judaism there are three religious pilgrimages, also known as foot festivals for those who walked for days and weeks to Jerusalem, on these festivals, three pilgrimages to the Holy Temple to pray and to give up a sacrifice.  Passover, Succot and Shevuot. Shevuot is probably the most confusing to the uninitiated!  Traditionally we eat dairy and the popular explanation is that the Children of Israel were confused by the dietary laws handed down from Mount Sinai (especially the humane demand that a calf not be cooked in its mother’s milk)  but there is so much more! Shevuot ends the 49 days of counting the Omer and……. Wait a minute, why should I confuse you with possible misinformation when my wonderful and deeply learned friend Rabbi Jeremy Rosen has already done it for me? I love his explanations, unlike most he takes a highly intellectual and yet modern and emotional look at all our traditions and Torah readings. https://jeremyrosen.com/2024/06/the-evolution-of-shavuot.html

 

I don’t understand why people are surprised when I tell them that many, many friends are visiting Israel right now. Firstly, it is important, after all, we all go to visit friends and family who suffer tragedies, even if we know that their loved one was murdered it isn’t a reason to stay away. Secondly, they are loyal, love Israel and each phone call to say “We are here” gives us a boost that is hard to describe. Julio Jarak is a frequent visitor, and this time he brought joy with him, his three adult children! We met in the Botanical Gardens, the Caffit restaurant of course, after Zvi had taken them around Jerusalem – the Herzl Museum, the IDF Memorial and the magnificent New National Library – and the conversation was exceptional. They were very aware, very informed and their father was rightly proud of each and every one of them.

 

Keith and Deidre Beville are regular visitors and wanted to see everything new and then on Wednesday we went to Shalva where Yuval gave us the full tour of the pools, all three, the sports centre, the respite centre and finally, to Dr. Dan’s Room, the Studio for the Performing Arts in my late son Daniel’s name. The Bevilles are receptive listeners and were thrilled at the multiple uses of the Studio.

 

Zvi had a double “naches” this week! On Tuesday his gorgeous grandson tried out for the Maccabi Tel Aviv junior basketball team (he’s only 10) and his Grand-daughter Amit graduated from High School. Not only is she an excellent student she achieved her dream of being accepted as a physical training instructor in the IDF! I had a naches too! My grand-daughter Talia is now 18! Unfortunately, she couldn’t celebrate since she is right in the middle of her Baccalaureate exams and is determined to get high marks! However, the family filled her bedroom with balloons and treats!

 

Tonight, the Raviv clan arrive for supper, for Shabbat Dinner, which will take place outside on our veranda which is looking unbelievable! I just hope it won’t be too hot for them although since they come from both Tel Aviv and Nes Ziona it should be relatively balmy! We will be 12 for a very relaxed dinner which, of course, begins with Zvi’s melodious rendition of the blessing over the wine (kiddush) and little Yuval proudly saying the blessing over the Challah. After preparing the food I know I can relax as they all take over the clearing up – Leor leaves his CEO of a big company persona behind and becomes a washer-upper!!!

 

I am off to Givat Zeev to see Rachel and the children after writing to you. First I have to take all the meat and fish out of the freezer ready for the marinades and preparation and then I’m off! Zvi, of course will go to his parliament – no prizes for guessing where they meet!

 

A big Mazal Tov to our close and special friends Pauline and John Gandel who welcomed a new great-grandchild this week. Mazal Tov to grandparents Linda and Ian, to Nikky and husband and to all the family. Zvi and I adore the ever growing Gandel clan, our connection is unbreakable despite being on two sides of the globe!

 

OK time for music to calm our fevered brows

 

I’m sure you all know the history of the song Jerusalem of Gold written by Nomi Shemer. The lyrics speak of the yearning for the holy site, the Old City occupied by Jordan for 19 years. The song was first heard in the Jerusalem Song Contest and within a short time the final verse was written – we had returned to those holy sites and the road to Jericho! https://youtu.be/3fLO1KpMKak?si=I9cL4l0iciEwkFzL

 

I often refer to Zvi’s Kiddush, Zvi’s blessing over the wine on Shabbat Eve and I thought you would like to hear this rendition by my very favourite Chazan – Cantor. Natanel Hershik.  With translation.  https://youtu.be/z5Fh0dco5pM?si=AoALDVcs6rghGuFt

 

There are those who claim that this is not written for the IDF and those who say that Mark Knopfler wrote it specifically with the IDF in mind. It is actually irrelevant, it is a beautiful song and this video makes me cry every time I see it. Today I want to dedicate it to our brave soldiers, our miluimnikim who volunteer, month after long month to fight for this country. Miluimnikim, regular soldiers, it’s irrelevant, they are all heroes. If I may, I want to give special love to a family member who despite being the father of four beautiful children, has returned time and again to fight in Gaza despite being well over age. Thank you. https://youtu.be/C-g9zVf_qwE?si=n0LIuRKN8OVq15YG

 

Shabbat Shalom!  With much love from Jerusalem, the golden city that received nine tenths of the world’s beauty.

Sheila

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Am Yisrael Chai

 

31^st May, 2024

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends.

 

The world is full of surprises, of “firsts” and the USA is no exception.

 

For the first time in American history a President of the United States has been convicted in a criminal trial. The jury determined that he falsified documents and acted in violation of the law when he paid hush money to Stormy Daniels using funds of the 2016 election campaign. This renders Trump unable to vote in this Presidential Campaign, according to the draconian Florida electoral laws, but can still run for President. An anomaly indeed. According to Professor Alan Dershowitz the conviction will not stand, however one wonders if it is appropriate for a convicted man to run for President.  

 

Hamas is willing to consider hostage deal in an extensive prisoner exchange. Obviously, we must bring the hostages home, whether alive or not, but we must not forget that the last major prisoner exchange, also made by Benjamin Netanyahu, led to the release of Sinwar and over 1,000 other convicted terrorists, unquestionably leading to October 7^th. Sinwar repaid Israel doctors who saved his life, removing a life threatening, fast growing brain tumour while he was imprisoned. Our society, our intensely humane society, just wants our loved ones home, but at what price.

 

U.S. Central Command said in a statement that U.S. and British forces had hit 13 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in response to the piracy and attacks of the Houthis on ships. The British defence ministry said the joint operation targeted three locations in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which it said housed drones and surface-to-air weapons.

 

Coming back to Israel and the Rafah (Rafiach). The IDF is not interested in Rafiach, but rather the so-called Philadelphi Corridor. Wikipedia explains is more concisely and clearly than I. “Following Israel's unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005, the Philadelphi Accord with Egypt was concluded, which authorized Egypt to deploy 750 border guards along the route to patrol the border on Egypt's side. The Palestinian side of the border was controlled by the Palestinian Authority, until the 2007 takeover by Hamas.^[2] The joint authority for the Rafah Border Crossing was transferred to the Palestinian Authority and Egypt for restricted passage by Palestinian ID card holders, and by others by exception.

One purpose of the Philadelphi Route was to prevent the movement of illegal materials (including weapons and ammunition) and people between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.” Rather than serving the people it became the centre for the illegal passage of arms for Hamas through tunnels underneath the Corridor. The discovery of those tunnels which operated under the tacit approval of the Egyptian government, would have caused great embarrassment to all involved. However, we just took over the Philadelphi Corridor and found that all of the above to have been overturned.

 

The Western media was full of vitriol against Israel for the dreadful fire that erupted after a pinpoint killing of senior Hamas operatives in Gaza. The IDF has released an intercepted call between two senior Gazans who state that the explosion and fire resulted from flying shrapnel from the airstrike, which was 180 meters from the actual refugee camp, which in turn caused the detonation of an entire arsenal of explosives hidden inside the refugee camp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-wUJWwu-oQ

 

War kills. War is ugly. To blame Israel for what is called “collateral damage” is disgraceful and those who cast blame should take a look in the mirror. The USA is most certainly not the only country to cast blame but take a look at these figures. The U.S. post-9/11 wars have forcibly displaced at least 38 million people in and from Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya and Syria. At least 940,000 people have been killed by direct war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. The above fire, if caused by Israel, cannot be compared with the intentional use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. The current double standard is deeply influencing the “Headline Generation” of students who have no idea of history and are being led like sheep to the slaughter by the brilliantly evil Iranian regime.

 

The Jerusalem Gay Pride parade took place yesterday much smaller than usual with 10,000 participants. As with most things in Israel, this is very different to most Gay Parades. It is a very inclusive parade; a socially aware parade and its purpose is manifold. You have to understand that those marching, whatever their sexual preferences, including transgender and transsexual participants, they served in the IDF. Their social awareness goes far beyond their own very real concerns. They marched for the hostages; they marched to change the government; they marched to create a better society; they marched, it wasn’t a fun day to dress up, their purpose goes well beyond gay rights.  

 

Before I forget, since so many of you told me that are coming to Israel, it is very important that you know that from August 1^st there are new rules before landing in Israel. Similar to the ESTA form for the USA we now have a pre-arrival form! https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page

 

I tend to lean toward my tenuous Welsh heritage despite the fact that may parents were both Polish, but the comparisons are worth mentioning. Wales and Israel are approximately the same size, literally a few square kilometres difference. Both are feisty little countries very proud of their heritage and Wales was once a deeply religious country which basically observed Shabbat on Sunday – no travelling, no working, writing, spending money etc, which is why they accepted the Jews who emigrated from Eastern Europe whose traditions echoed theirs. Indeed, the Welsh National Anthem rings true for Israel too! So, what happened? Why do Hamas supporters enter a supermarket and dig holes in all the Israeli avocados? Why do the spray paint kosher products? How can the generation that donated in the street for Israel during the 6 Day War turn so abruptly? I don’t have the answers except for the usual one that I outlined above – young people are unthinking sheep led by an evil shepherd, unaware of their own history.  

 

One of the saddest results of this, indeed, any war, is the vast number of seriously injured young people, our soldiers of the IDF. Many amputees and back injuries that require months, even years, of rehabilitation. The incredibly good news is that the Gandel Rehabilitation Centre in Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus opened its doors early and is serving young soldiers with the very latest equipment and physiotherapy. It is good people like the Gandels (who I am proud to call close friends) that are saving these youngsters from the wheelchair.

 

Talking of young people, wheelchairs and disabilities, Rachel and I had the honour of taking the Selig Family to Shalva this week. Justin was/ is and always will be my song Daniel’s best friend. They met as two nerds who loved playing with make believe Lightsabers in break times in Carmel College, when they were both 10 years old and remained inseparable even when they travelled the world. Today Justin is married to the fabulous Daniella with four terrific children, regular visitors to Israel. For Justin visiting Dr Dan’s Room was difficult, and walking into the studio, passing the dedication even harder, but he came, he loved the room and the entire family was blown away by the enormity of Shalva and the sheer joy in every corner.

 

Talking of Shalva, my grandson Yosef decided to volunteer, just one day a week, teaching Shalva youngsters to swim. One day a week turned into becoming part of the Shalva family and he goes there as often as his schedule allows, helping others, making friends with all the other young volunteers. In fact, when Yoav Engel, who runs sports in Shalva returned from a trip to Miami everyone was talking about this new recruit! Yoav is worried that the other departments will poach his new protégé! I am so proud of Yosef and his innate kindness and determination to do something important with his life.

 

Lag b’Omer, the 33^rd day of the counting of the Omer, the predecessor of Lent, passed without any major incidents, despite the attempts by some Haredi groups to go up to Mount Meron despite the police closing the site. Of course, it was a low key celebration but celebrate we did, with bonfires and parties. Lag b’Omer celebrates the end of the plague which killed many of Rabbi Akiva’s students and many also celebrate Bar Kochba’s ill-fated rebellion. As with everything in this region, it’s complicated! https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/lag-baomer/

 

So many weird things are happening but Zvi just told me of one that stretched even my imagination. Someone in Andorra published a poster saying “From Andorra to the sea Catalunya must be free”, put that together with the new cartoon book being read to children in a Johannesburg Mall , entitled “From the River to the Sea” an explanation of Palestine. On the other hand, drones flew over the Brandenburg Gate carrying photographs of the hostages. If you have tiktok (X) https://twitter.com/TheBelaaz/status/1796209398294962353

 

Since we last spoke, I had a wonderful time with Susan Wagner who introduced me to her sister Linda who is equally delightful! They were staying in the King David, you can’t beat the King David for sheer class, and I was so thrilled that they found time in their ridiculous schedule to meet me. Susan is a very active member of our Impact-se Board and has become a dear friend.

 

On Shabbat we had friends over for lunch, a lunch that deserves a paragraph of its own! Among our guests, wonderful friends, were Professor Shimon Sheetrit who is an expert on international law and Arabic law and Professor Eugene Kandel, master economist, former advisor to the government and lovely man. The rest of us were not just bystanders, we all waged in, asking, arguing, fascinated by their ability to put things into perspective. Eugene has written an article in Haaretz on how to save Israel’s economy including the changes that must be made. Unfortunately it is a readers only article so I can’t share it with you. Lunch was really fun despite the subjects discussed. Each and every one of the guests loved our view and my “garden” veranda which was in full bloom.

 

The very next day we had honoured guests, Lloyd and Sherri Levin. Lloyd was Zvi’s mentor when Zvi was given the task of creating Keren Hayesod Young Leadership in the model of the UJA Young Leadership. That evening Lloyd and Sherri came with us to Tel Aviv where they entertained their Israeli friends in a Tripoli restaurant, many of their guests were former emissaries to Milwaukee.

 

The rest of the week was filled with Zvi’s rehearsals, my courses, a visit to the theatre and meeting a new friend, originally from Johannesburg, a lady who will definitely become a good friend.  Today we will go up to the cemetery and say the prayers for Zvi’s parent, Kalman and Alla. Incredibly it is 20 years since the very special Kalman passed away.

 

So much more to write about but I think that you will start to complain so let’s go straight to music! Next week I’ll give you a full report of the happenings of Impact-se and the fact that we have changed the schoolbooks of Saudi Arabia.

 

Idan Amedi is a famous Israeli singer/songwriter, he could have refused to go to Miluim, but on October 8^th he rushed to put on his uniform to join his plugah to fight for his beloved country. Idan was very seriously injured but quietly fought his way back. https://youtu.be/qQepsm0Rc0U?si=KePkDO-2WMowNU11

 

The next song is a complete departure from my usual music, I’m not usually into Rap, but listen carefully, it’s clever! “From the River to the Sea” https://youtu.be/hfTeUdEgop8?si=qoQdtcjgOPA0_YXe

 

Am Yisrael Chai – The people of Israel Live – Eyal Golan sings our prayer. We will survive, we will thrive, we always do! https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=qW4JjElEXEa0D-kf

 

It is irrelevant which direction you pray as long as you pray for peace, for unity, for a togetherness that the majority of this confused world’s population dreams of. It is irrelevant if you are Sikh, Buddhist, Hindi, Makoya, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish - whether Haredi, Orthodox, Conservative, Masorti, Reform or Reconstructionist or traditional agnostic, all we want is to create a better world for our children and grandchildren. Don’t give up hope, keep fighting for what you know is right and teach your children everything they need to know about who they are and the world will ultimately right itself.

 

I wish you Shabbat Shalom, wherever you may be. With much love from Jerusalem, beautiful, spiritual Jerusalem. Come and visit, Israel loves you!

 

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heroines and heroes one and all

 

Friday 24^th of May 2024

16^th Iyar

 

Shabbat Shalom. Hardly a Shabbat of sweetness and calm for those of us who saw the short and terrifying video of the capture of the young Israeli women and the savagery of Hamas toward them.

 

I forced myself to watch, but behind my horror at what I saw and the obvious intent of the Hamas terrorists, two thoughts rose in my mind. One was of the bravery of those young women who tried to connect with their captors, even with blood streaming down their faces and the other, the desperation of their parents who chose to release the video. For those who did not see it, four young women, hands tied behind them, in their pyjamas, one lying unconscious in front of them, still verbally fighting for their lives. These are not just ordinary citizens, these are the young women, the IDF scouts, who for months reported unusual activity on the Gaza border but nobody was listening.  

 

Naama Levy, soldier and peace activist, her face bloody after a clear beating, told them “I have friends in Gaza” but it did not help. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-802280 The worst part is that the spoken intention of the Hamas terrorists, their captors, was to rape them and when we finally get to them, if they are alive, they will almost certainly be pregnant. They were captured while serving this country and we have to leave no stone unturned, no tunnel open until they come home.

 

This is the video of their capture. Even though the parents took out the worst moments, it is horrific. https://youtu.be/PZRlrWHHRoU?si=XRUBxPu2KWGzWmL8

 

Captured Hamas terrorists are spilling the beans without any need for torture! In their interrogation concerning their part in the October 7^th massacre, two captured Hamas terrorists, a father and son, told of how they raped women before killing them. Indeed, in the notes found in the pockets of all captured and dead terrorists, one of the directives was to rape and kill.

 

It is almost ludicrous, no, it is ludicrous to go from the savagery of Hamas to the case brought by the oppressive regime of South Africa to the ICC. I didn’t understand the difference between the ICC and the ICJ so I looked it up. The ICJ can investigate and come to judgement against a country whereas the ICC judges individuals according to the Rome Statute. If the decision taken by the judges is that the individuals named have committed crimes according to said Statute then it goes to the United Nations and we all know what that means. As you know, I am no devotee of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, but to class him alongside Sinwar and Haniya in this South African case is a perversion of the law, a clear act of legal, unashamed bias in a forum intended to bring justice. This is a prize for Sinwar and Haniya but a diabolical slander of Israel and the entire Jewish people. Lord Grabiner KC, Baroness Deech KC, Lord Wolfson of Tredegar KC, Lord Pannick KC and Lord Banner KC wrote an exceptional letter in the London Times echoing PM Sunak’s dismay at the suggestion of moral equivalence.

 

This BBC explanation of the ICJ interim decision is excellent. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g9g63jl17o

 

I believe that there should be a Palestinian State. I suppose that my number one reason is that they would them be responsible under the Geneva Convention, but quite frankly, if they have a State then the millions of inherited refugees would no longer be refugees, they would legally have a homeland and so UNWRA would no longer have a role and  - oh so many reasons! Those who oppose the 2 state solution have come to that decision looking only at the many negatives, and the fact that Israel may need to accept unwelcome aspects of any deal, as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert recognised when he offered Abbas 97% of the Palestinian demands, they will not accept anything less than the annihilation of Israel. They would lose vast funding, have to be transparent in their finances, learn to be self-sufficient and so many other aspects to independence that they find abhorrent!

 

As to the timing of the declarations of Spain, Ireland and Norway, I feel that it is timing, their timing suggests a reward for October 7^th.

 

I’m sure that you have questioned the reaction of so many allies to our fighting in Rafiach – Rafah. Well, think about it. Most of the tunnels from Gaza into Egypt run through Rafah. It is the route to bring arms and explosives to Hamas, but Egypt is an ally of the West and nobody wants to embarrass them!!

 

Not everything is dark and many people are bravely fighting back, pushing back against the slander of the pro-Hamas ignorance.

 

Michael Ziff is a quiet man, but he isn’t willing to stand by as an alumnus and former Board Member of Leeds University, to allow their negligence in the face of pro-Hamas demonstrations. It can be classed as negligence or the refusal to take a stand; on the other hand, it can be seen as tacit approval of the “River to the Sea” demonstrations at the University. He honoured me with a copy of his letter and his response to the unsatisfactory reply of the University.

 

I met Michael, along with many wonderful people at the Maccabi World Union meetings. Just a mention for the Mexican contingent who refused to be frightened away by the ongoing war. In fact the Mexican contingent was possibly bigger than the USA! If I begin to name the fabulous friends I will be in trouble! Zvi has been involved in Maccabi World Union for about 70 years, indeed his father, the wonderful Kalman Raviv, was a contestant as far back as 1935 in Bialystok and was one of the organisers of the first Maccabi Games held in the newly formed State of Israel in 1948. The opening event was exceptional. Idan Reichel not only sang, but also introduced and spoke with some of the phenomenal heroes of October 7^th, each more wonderful than the next, who spoke of their experiences and received an award of heroism. The evening, rather than yet another cocktail party, had deep meaning for the participants, their emotions ready for the next day’s visit to the Southern Border towns.

 

Iranian President Raisi died in a helicopter crash in bad weather conditions. However, the Arab press, and indeed an Israel/French journalist, took Israeli humour too seriously and when someone wrote that the helicopter pilot was an Israeli called Eli Kopter, and they took it seriously!! It has been the cause of great hilarity that the media is so gullible!

 

We had a visitor from Mexico this week. Silvia Jaet loves Israel, has known Zvi for many, many years and wanted to be here, not just to hear the news. She loved it! In just 3 days Zvi showed her just about everything, he really is the best. On the first day of Silvia’s visit Zvi took her to the IDF Memorial and Mount Herzl, the Herzl Museum and the Israel Museum, then I met them in Shalva, at the amazing restaurant and a visit to Dr Dan’s Room which was in full activity, the youngsters having a ball at what they said is their favourite activity! It made me so proud, I know that my Daniel z”l would have loved it.

 

The next day I joined them for an amazing visit to the new National Library, a masterpiece of architecture with every book relating to Israel ever published and books about all religions with specific large sections on Christianity, Islam and Judaism. https://www.nli.org.il/en  From one Architectural marvel to another, Israel’s Supreme Court. It is unlike any other, not only in its physical beauty, but in its accessibility to the wide public. The US Supreme Court sees about 80 cases a year,  the Israeli Supreme Court sees more than 20,000 cases a year! https://supreme.court.gov.il/sites/en/VirtualTour/Pages/00_vtour.aspx

 

From the Supreme Court we drove into the city straight to my favourite place in Israel, Mahane Yehuda Market – the Shouk. We were thrilled to see how packed it was, even though it wasn’t Friday! The usual cries of the costermongers touting their wares, the aromas that awaken even the most bored of taste buds, the fruit straight from the kibbutzim and farms and the vegetables of the highest quality – all local produce. Everything is seasonal so we never get bored by any imported fruit, it always changes. Knaffe cooked right in front of you on revolving gas cookers and individual pans; halva of every conceivable flavour including diabetic friendly flavours; all this along side trendy bars and great restaurants. Our first stop, as always, was to the Zidkiyahu brothers, Yaron and Boaz, whose family was among the earliest vendors in this famous market. I always thought that MahaneYehuda meant the Jewish Market or Camp but Zvi explained that in fact it got its name from the fact that the local growers used to come to an open field owned by, you got it, Yehuda, which became the farmers market and grew into the social and physical centre of Jerusalem. Loved it. I went home and Zvi and Silvia went on to the Kotel (Western Wall), an essential spiritual pilgrimage for anyone visiting Jerusalem.

 

Today I have a special treat, I will meet my dear friend Susan Wagner, fellow afficionado, Board Member and passionate proponent of the exceptional work of Impact-se https://www.impact-se.org . We will meet in the King David Hotel where Susan will leave the group so that we can have a quiet catch up time together. I love Susan, her honesty, kindness, quiet enthusiasm and determined work for Israel.

 

Tomorrow, Bill Izo brings our friend and mentor Roy Soloman, from Montreal, to sit on our veranda, until now he has always been too involved in Maccabi affairs but this time, with Bill’s help, he will come to us and to the Kotel. Roy is an exceptional man, a loving lover of Israel and a true friend to Zvi and later on to me too. Later in the day we have friends coming for lunch, taking advantage of the fact that the heatwave will ease so we can sit outside.

 

My choice of music this week makes me happy

 

Yehoram Gaon, the ultimate Jerusalemite, has been singing for many, many years, part of every Jewish event! Here he sings with our wonderful IDF, “Lo Tenatzchim Oti” They won’t beat us that fast! Surely the most appropriate song for the times. https://youtu.be/t7mcRkXyTjA?si=vV_ctG1o0hU0FKoj

 

Eden Golan sang Hurricane in the Eurovision Competition. After her return home she sang the original lyrics with the original title October Rain in Hostage Square. After a short speech in Hebrew for the assembled families of the hostages, she speaks in English. A truly wonderful young Israeli warrior of song. https://youtu.be/O40H5yM799U?si=tKKGY54NsLc8ERmH

 

Natanel Hershik has the voice of an angel. Here he sings the prayer for the safety of the IDF soldiers, together with the Maccabeats, the words of Benny Gantz and the sights and sounds of all Israelis, especially our children, our soldiers, our heroes of the IDF. I admit that my tears fell from start to finish. https://youtu.be/uL-yEVU18Cc?si=4cEJDpulzUDEMQrI

 

 

I know that most of you think that we all sit in our safe rooms and tremble with fear but it isn’t our way, we are survivors, we fight back, we stand tall and despite the scandalous libel of the outside world, the hatred,  want you to understand that we are here, our arms always open when other doors close.

 

Shabbat Shalom. When you light candles tonight, being Jewish is not an essential factor in lighting candles to light the world, say an extra prayer, please. Pray for logic to enter the thoughts of both leaders and students, our future leaders. In a world gone mad where right is wrong and wrong is applauded we have to pray and become pro-active, to fearlessly preempt.

 

With much love from Jerusalem

Sheila