It’s Friday and I should be busy cooking and preparing for Shabbat, but I thought I just might leave you all with a few feel good stories from Israel.

Amidst so much bad news, it seems like an awful lot has been accomplished for the good the past couple weeks, so we’ll focus on that to slide into the weekend. In the States, the swamp is being rapidly drained as the plug is being pulled from the foul tub and the scum is being exposed as the water goes down. That’s a good thing. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu was quite productive – the US and Israel have pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council and the WHO. The International Criminal Court is being sanctioned. And “deals” are being announced that could have interesting effects and bring peace to war torn nations.

We are beginning to see the return of the hostages…the American, Keith Siegel came home last weekend, as well as two other men, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas. (Hopefully we will have good news soon as to the fate of his wife, Shiri, and two young children)) And the five surveillance soldiers from the Nahal Oz base were returned from Hamas hands. It was a tearful and joyous weekend as we watched the girls hugging their family and friends.

Agam Berger, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev all returned from their being held in Gaza after 15 months. The came back as lionesses, showing courage and faith and radiating joy. Videos have surfaced of them hugging, dancing to music, holding signs that thank G-d, the IDF and all those who supported them during their captivity. The Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv completely shut down one day last week to allow the girls a shopping spree. They have received pampering spa days and concert performances by the Israeli Philharmonic. They are being kept out of the public eye, for the most part, to respect their privacy and help them heal. All were released from the hospital yesterday to celebrate Shabbat with their families.

A hearty MAZAL TOV to released hostage Daniella Gilboa and her boyfriend, Roi Dadon! Roi, the devoted boyfriend of the captured IDF lookout, exemplified unwavering love and faith throughout her 477 day captivity. The couple, who have been together since the 7th grade, redefined the term ‘long-distance relationship’ during the harrowing ordeal. In December, 2023, Roi dedicated the writing of a Torah scroll in Daniella’s honor. During the emotional ceremony, while dancing with the Torah, he looked to the sky and shouted, “Daniella, marry me!” That evening he proposed to her symbolically by asking her parents for her hand in marriage. Last weekend, Daniella was finally freed and Roi had the chance to fulfill his promise. Roi’s Hope never faltered, even after witnessing a heartbreaking video of Daniella being carried off by Hamas after being shot in the leg. (courtesy Jewish Breaking News).

The number one song here for the past two months have been a song which in Hebrew means, “I am blessed by G-d. I know he wants only the best for me. He loves me and everything will be better and better.” It’s amazing. You hear it played everywhere. People are shouting it and singing it from every restaurant, market, mall and car radio. Soldiers are dancing to it. It has pumped our nation like nothing else. Lyrics include lines, “G-d hears my prayers. He wants for me well-being, health and healing, livelihood, friendship, a good way, joy, safety. He is always with me and He loves me always.” I love the video in that it captures the people of Israel perfectly. The young spending time with the elderly; the diversity of ethnicities; the collective joy and spirituality; the love for life.

https://youtu.be/rgSvk335zis?si=ogmmUMcIm-gJxijz

Also, everywhere I go I see this poster. It hangs from balconies and overpasses. A constant reminder that G-d alone is King. There is no other. With a spirit like that, you can’t lose.

My doctor has instructed me to be as active as possible….I’ve gained far too much weight since the lockdowns and it’s mandatory for me to shed the kilos immediately. Besides being on medication now, and the most super-strict diet ever, I’m getting out of the house and walking 2-3 miles a day. Oy!!!! I’m so grateful that around every (Jewish) city and village, walking/nature trails have been put in. Sometimes we drive to nearby moshavim and yishuvim (hamlets and villages), but there are some spectacular views from our hikes.

Earlier this week, we kicked through the other end of the wadi below our house. It took us through olive groves and lots of cows. One charged at me. Our usually protective little dachshund ran the other way. John picked up rocks to throw at her. Because I can’t run, I just stood my ground and spoke softly – she just stood and stared at me. So I slowly walked away, but she followed us, bellowing loudly. OK. I was a bit frightened, but eventually, she turned back. Another fun day….

So all in all, things are looking up. I pray we all have a safe, quiet and blessed weekend. Shabbat shalom.