Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

August 21, 2025

Posted under

aliyah, archaeology, Biblical sites, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, spirituality, Uncategorized, War stories

Comments

2 Comments

We Witness Miracles War Stories. Day 695. 21 August, 2025.

A friend recently reminded me of the goodness of the L-rd. Living here in Israel, John and I are a believing and praying people. We have seen so many prayers answered from large to small almost on a daily basis (We are still waiting for some to be answered. For some of you Special Ones who read this blog, know that your prayers are being lifted up by us on a daily basis.)

It’s really hard for us to be in a state of unbelief or disbelief as we encounter archaeological sites that absolutely prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that the words in the Scriptures are at the very least historically accurate. We have visited the oldest city gate in the world that has been uncovered. It’s from pre-Canaanite times and is the place where Abraham met with the kings to discuss the ransom of his nephew, Lot, who was taken captive. You can read the exciting story in Genesis 13. It’s in Dan, on the Lebanese Border. We׳ve visited so many places that attest to the veracity of the Bible, so…..

The ancient city has been closed off. Its sandstone walls were so delicate they began to crumble after excavation.

Anyway, one of our daily prayers is for the protection of all the IDF soldiers, wherever they are stationed. We pray this in the morning and at dinner. But we have added: protect them from every booby trap and every kidnapping attempt. We have received multiple answers to prayer on this one…

In yesterday’s news –

Yesterday in Khan Younis, Gaza, more than 20 Hamas terror operatives emerged from a tunnel in an ambush attempt on an IDF encampment. They approached firing machine guns and RPGs. Some terrorists actually breached the encampment, engaging in close combat with the Kfir Brigade troops. The IDF radioed for backup and airstrikes killed 15 operatives while 8 escaped back into the tunnel. A kidnapping attempt of 4 soldiers was narrowly averted. The IDF is actively pursuing the remaining operatives. An extensive investigation is underway to draw all necessary conclusions. Hamas has continuously tried to kidnap soldiers throughout the conflict. So far, all their attempts have proved unsuccessful. 3 Israeli soldiers were wounded and medivac’ed to local hospitals in Israel. – Hamal News

In other news, we all keep hearing about “settler violence.” It’s big news. “Settler violence” is the grossly over exaggerated stories of the Jewish families living in Judaea and Samaria (West Bank). Many are farmers and shepherds. The farmers have extensive vineyards and orchards. They grow dates, pomegranates, grapes, olives, and herbs and spices among other things. Many are artisans, making food, wine, ales, cosmetic products, candles, crafts and spice blends. Many are shepherds, grazing their herds of sheep and goats…and cows…across the fields to graze.

I’ve spoken with residents in Tekoa, Itamar, and Efrat. I have read police reports and incidents reports from the Binyamin and Yesha Regional Counsels. There are thousands of incidents of Arab gangs who pull up the plantings of the Israelis, who lie in wait for them in ambush. There are videos of gangs ambushing settlers, throwing large rocks at them and the livestock. There are videos of these marauding gangs setting fire to the grazing pastures of the Israelis. Yet all you hear about is settler violence.

These gangs are not ignorant. They stage attacks and wait for the shepherds to defend themselves, filming everything so that it looks like the settlers are the instigators, not the defenders. And it makes international news.

Today marks the one year yarzeit (memorial of a death) of the murder of Yonatan Deutch, a Maglan Unit soldier who was on his way to Ofra (community in Samaria) to see his fiancée, Emunah. At Mehola Junction on Route 90, just south of the West Bank border line, his car was ambushed and shot at by West Bank terrorists. His car veered off the road and he was shot multiple times.

In the exact spot where his life was cut short, his family and friends chose to respond not with despair, but with hope and strength. They opened a pop-up coffee shop, ‘Cafe Jonni.’ Here travelers can stop for refreshment and remembrance. It is a sign of Israeli resilience. It is a statement to the Arabs and to all the world that “Am Yisrael chai,” the People of Israel live.

Jonni and Emunah, above, Cafe Jonni below

As of this morning, the Magen David Adom paramedics were called to the scene of another Arab attack on Israeli shepherds (settlers). One was injured very lightly by a bullet that strafed his head. The other shepherd was shot and is in fair condition in a regional hospital. They were driving in a semi protected ATV, called a Ranger, which overturned while herding their cattle. The pair were ambushed. This is the story from i24 News:

Because i was informed that my blogposts are just way too long, i shall end it here on a positive note.

In other news, just in time for the new school season and the fall holidays, a Nefesh b’Nefesh sponsored plane load of 225 new olim (immigrants) landed at Ben Gurion Airport yesterday morning. These families from the United States have decided to make the exciting journey to live in Israel. The youngest is 9 months old and the oldest is 82. There were also several Lone Soldiers, coming by themselves to enlist in the army. May their absorption and Aliyah experience be easy, joyful and smooth as they transition to their new lives as full Israeli citizens.

They were met at the airport with bands, balloons and crowds of well wishers

Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

August 20, 2025

Posted under

aliyah, Beaches, Israel, culture, Daytrips Israel, israel, israel lifestyle, israel. nature. spring. galilee., Uncategorized

Comments

3 Comments

We Do Have a Life…

So yes. To answer several of your many questions: I am seeking counsel. I am seeking a trustworthy confidential, nonbiased clergy in the U.S. to speak with about touches of PTSD and to discuss information I have uncovered (to publish or keep hidden? That is the dilemma).

And yes. John and I do have lives. Besides researching and writing (news and features articles as well as articles on religion for other media outlets), we do have other things we do. I love to garden and grow my own heirloom, organic vegetables. We both try to spend at least an hour a day keeping up with the yard and garden.

Also, I study both Tanya and Scripture with the wife of the chief rebbe of Tsfat every Monday and Thursday morning. It gives me perspective on life, and I love to study. I lead a Torah study on Thursday nights through Partners in Torah. It deepens my faith and I love to share all the interesting and relevant tidbits from the Hebrew. My partner is amazing and she challenges me to do better in my life as well. John and I have another group on Tuesday evenings and once a month we facilitate a couples group (international group). This next meeting we will be discussing combatting antisemitism. So that takes care of some of our spiritual life.

Every Monday-Thursday I try to spend 60-90 minutes in the pool to keep mobile and flexible. Every community in Israel has its own community swimming pool. Most have Olympic sized swimming pools. Because we live in a larger city, the municipality has built the “Country Club” (Jews allowed) with tennis courts, workout/fitness rooms, sauna, steam room, indoor Olympic pool, huge outdoor pool, jacuzzis, spa/massage rooms and classroom for Pilates, Yoga, Feldencrais, Karate, Spinning, and other classes. Classes are offered throughout the day and evening. Membership is a nominal fee. All classes included. Lockers and spa treatments are extra.

We just ended the worst heat wave of the year (I hope), so our activities were quite limited all last week-

But when the weather is good, we like to go for hikes in nature. Another great thing about living in Israel is the appreciation and love for nature. The JNF has planted so many forests, which are always within a few minutes drive. There are hiking trails everywhere. Mountains, gentle hills, forests, lake trails, beach trails and trails that follow wadis (canyons), streams and rivers. We have our favorite places, and love to find new trails close by where we can walk the dog. We especially love the trails leading to spectacular views! And those are abundant!!

Our latest project has been another fun one. Back in the States, I had an antiques shop for over 25 years. I sold mostly China, crystal, silver, jewelry and smalls, but also had furniture and art. It was a fun and productive outlet. I would occasionally find or buy old furniture, refinish and then resell it. Just a couple weeks ago, John found a mid century modern china cabinet on the side of the street. People throw away some amazing things here. He rescued it and shlepped it home. Nice piece, but it had a huge and ugly bright orange base that had to go. We decided to paint the entire piece white and replace the door knobs. I’ve ordered some gorgeous blue and white toile wallpaper to go on the back wall. Can’t wait for it to arrive!

Removed the horrid base and will put in new “feet”

So those are just a few of the things we do. There’s lots more. There are always new things to see and new places to discover here. Especially in the archaeological community. We try to keep abreast of the new digs with exciting findings in our area. The locations are usually within an hour drive. We have nearby wineries and local farms where we can get honey and produce. Artisanal dairies are a popular place to visit here for different cheeses, yogurts and other dairy products.

Plus cooking. Unlike in America, where there is plenty of pre-prepared food (everything from elaborate salad mixes to side dishes and entrees), in Israel – at least up here in the periphery- it’s much harder to find. There are a couple places that offer pre-cooked meals to pick up on Friday morning for the Shabbat. That’s about it. So I do all my cooking from scratch, which takes longer, but is fresher and healthier.

I’m always learning new ethnic recipes from the many cultures that are here. The Israeli palate is entirely different that the Western palate, the spices are very different. It took me awhile to get used to cinnamon andcloves to be used with meat; turmeric in everything; pickled everything; sumac and zata’ar. But I’ve learned to incorporate flavors of the Middle East into much of my cooking. I’m really hoping to get some Ethiopian recipes in the near future, as I’ve just made friends with some lovely Ethiopian women.

Another benefit of living here is that it has proven to be the perfect launch for trips to Europe. For us, flying to Europe from Los Angeles was cost prohibitive. In Israel there are flights and cruises across the Mediterranean. Since moving here, we have traveled to Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, England and Scotland. We try to get to the U.S. once a year to visit family. In September we are going to England, Amsterdam and maybe a stopover in Italy before we return. Our son in London graduates and we have that adorable new grandbaby to visit with our daughter’s family in the Midlands. We will be gone for almost two months.

So for the curious, and for those who have urged me to “get a life,” we have one here. Whether getting together with friends or volunteering to pick vegetables and fruits or just driving to discover new places, it’s all been part of this wonderful adventure.

Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

January 7, 2025

Posted under

aliyah, Hizbulla war, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Uncategorized, War stories

Comments

7 Comments

A New Year The War Continues. 7 January, 2025

The holiday season is over. Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations throughout the western world have concluded. For us here in the North of Israel, it has been relatively quiet and peaceful, albeit rainy and cold. For the people in the center of the country it was another story altogether. It was their turn. Every. Single. Night. Between 11:15pm and 6:00am the Houthis in Yemen would launch an intercontinental ballistic missile at Israel. Red Alert sirens blared over large swaths of the country forcing men, women and children; Jew, Christian and Muslim; elderly and babies in their mothers’ arms into bomb shelters, safe rooms and stairwells. Fortunately most were intercepted by Iron Dome or David’s Sling.

Last month an elementary school in a highly populated central Israel city was demolished. Thankfully, it was during the night and no children were present. A kindergarten and its adjoining playground were also hit last month. Huge chunks of shrapnel fell in Jaffa, Beit Shemesh and on freeways, because what goes up must come down, s. even if it’s in pieces. There have been civilian injuries and casualties. Thank goodness, most injuries were minor and involved accidents running to protected areas.

In the Tel Aviv suburb (actually a large city) of Herzliya, an 83 year old woman was stabbed by a Palestinian terrorist who had crossed into Israel from the West Bank. The woman, a Holocaust survivor with her spider walker, was waiting outside her retirement home to be picked up for her appointment at the clinic. The terrorist was quickly neutralized by armed civilians. Yesterday, three people were killed on a major road in the West Bank (Samaria) that connected two Jewish populated cities. The bus they were on was gunned down by a Palestinian terrorist. Mostly, people here are trying to live as normally as possible.

As the New Year takes shape, there are two conversations that keep recurring. Will any of the hostages that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have kept for over a year be released? So far, Hamas has been playing psychological games with Israel and the media, saying they can’t locate all the hostages, refusing to release a list of names of those still alive, and offering to release dead bodies for live terrorists including those serving life sentences for masterminding heinous terror attacks.

Last week a video was released showing proof of life of Liri Albag, a young woman IDF soldier who was taken captive from her military base on the Gaza border on 7 October. Video had surfaced this past summer showing Liri among a group of other girls, all badly beaten and being selected for captivity as sex slaves for Hamas. It shook the nation to its core, and this latest video was supposed to put pressure on the Opposition party to unseat Netanyahu. We pray for her release, but remain resolute that our government is doing everything with8 their power to ensure safe release or rescue of all being held in Gaza.

The other topic of conversation up here in the North is, “What do you think will happen after the ceasefire ends?” The ceasefire between the Hizbulla forces in Lebanon and Israel is due to end on 24 January. It’s on everybody’s mind. In the meantime, the IDF has been rooting out terror tunnels, finding and capturing or destroying major amounts of stockpiled missiles, rocket launchers, guns, mortars, ammo. The IDF has filmed parking lots filled with military equipment from Iran, Russia…..and the US via Afghanistan that they have confiscated from enemy territory.

Have they found all the weapons meant for our destruction? Have the terrorists been routed? Will the UN Forces in Lebanon insure that any Hizbulla operatives will stay over the demarcation line across the Litani River (unlike last time)? Will it be safe enough for families and businesses to move back to the border communities? Over 43,000 are still displaced. Will the missiles start up again forcing us to take cover at all hours of the day and night? Only time will tell.

To our East, the Assad regime collapsed to Rebel Forces last month. Things are very uncertain in that direction now. Israel has been diligently conducting air strikes on all the weapons storage facilities in Syria for the last several weeks. They have discovered and destroyed chemical weapons labs as well as a huge underground facility for manufacturing missiles. Railways and highways used to transport weapons from Iran to Lebanon have been blown up. Israel does NOT want these armaments to fall into the wrong hands, so they are, in fact, making the world a safer place for everyone.

The new leader of Syria (they have not officially formed a government yet) is Ahmad al Sharah. But who is he? Does anyone know anything about him? He claims he wants peace. He says the Rebels harbor no ill will or may intent towards Israel or the Jewish people. They just want to live in peace. But who is this person, really? Can he be trusted? Doing some research, al Sharah joined al-Qaeda in Iraq and fought as an insurgent there from 20003-2006. In 2006, he was captured by 5e US Marines and imprisoned there as an enemy combatant until 2011. He w@s labeled as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” by the U.S. in 2013 and put on a no fly list. Under the Trump administration, al Sharah had a $10 million bounty put on his head. He was a vocal opponent of Israel’s control of the Golan Heights and advocated for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement where Israel would relinquish any and all territory won during the Yom Kippur War.

Since the al Nusra Rebel Forces have taken power, the Christian community of Maaloula, one of the oldest extant Christian communities in the world, has come under direct threat. Their Christmas celebrations were stopped, and armed rebels roamed the streets and looted holy sites including the Mar Thecla Monastery, a Melkite Greek religious and historical treasure. Statues of the Virgin Mary were shattered at Mar Sarkis Monastery and calls by the nuns for help from the Syrian army and the Orthodox Church have gone unanswered.

Also under threat are the several Syrian villages on the Northeast ridge/slope of Mt Heron. The southern ridge of Hermon was controlled by Israel until the Syrian army abandoned their posts on that northeast part, allowing the IDF to move in. Mt. Hermon (mentioned numerous times in the Bible) is the tallest point in Israel/Syria and thus, a military strong point from both a defensive and an intelligence gathering position. It forms borders with Lebanon, Syria and Israel and is the home to several Christian (Aramean and Melkite) and Druze villages. These villages of Christians and Druze have been pleading with Israel to be annexed into Israel. We have yet to see how that turns out. The Druze have pledged their allegiance to Israel and will make a strong, United fighting force against mal intended Rebels.

There is much to report from Gaza as well, but I shall save that for later.

This blog, Israel Dreams, started ten years ago to chronicle our lives as adventurers in a new country. Moving from the rather affluent suburbs of Los Angeles to the (then) rather sparsely populated periphery of Israel was an exciting endeavor fraught with joys, challenges and continual mishaps. We learned to laugh at our many mistakes, chalking it up as part of the journey. There were new places to discover; new people to meet; often a clash of cultures as we struggled to understand our new neighbors, both literally (it was a struggle for me to learn conversational Hebrew…. my husband pretty much gave up the battle….and my son grew so proficient that Israelis thought he was a native) and figuratively.

Israel Dreams has taken me on an exploration of archaeology, history, the Bible, the vast Roman Empire, Crusader and Ottoman periods, and modern times. I’ve shared about religions and customs that were new to me – the Druze, Baha’i, Circassians and Bedouins and even the various sects of Judaism, each with their own unique lifestyle. We’ve tried new foods, and my sharing of recipes has become quite popular. We’ve gone to art and music festivals together. Museums. National parks. Forests and beaches.

Together we have walked through my son’s military service and his university studies. Many of you, dear readers, have been with me through my cancer journey and my husband’s more intense cancer efforts journey. Our Hebrew vocabulary expanded with each new corner as I struggled to keep my head afloat understanding life as a soldier’s mom and as I navigated my way through the Israeli health care system.

And then, the worst hit. 7 October, 2023 changed all of Israelis’ lives forever. The Hamas massacre and the subsequent war in Gaza was followed by a more half-hearted attempted by Hizbulla in Lebanon to join the war. Our divided country was united. Together we will prevail became our national slogan. The war effort was in short order fully under way. My blog turned from fun feature articles and interviews with interesting people into full blown war coverage. It was non stop daily reporting, realizing much of the truth of the situation here on the ground was at very best, underreported, if not fully misrepresented by the larger press.

So, now I turn to you, my loyal readers and subscribers, some of you who have become dear friends. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ? I could go on giving daily updates on military and political maneuvering? I could resume travels throughout the country to the best of our ability. The latest and more exciting archaeological uncoverings; interesting features on the people and their different cultures in this very diverse land; articles on religions and religious (Judaism, Christianity, Muslim, etc); daily life in a foreign land; nature and sites of exquisite natural beauty; food and recipes? The ins and outs of making Aliyah (becoming an Israeli citizen)? The increase in development and change in demographics in the past decade? The vast technological advances in this ‘Start Up Nation’? The choice is yours as the new year brings me to a crossroads.

Please drop me a quick line as to your preferences. I’d love to hear from you, either in the comments section or personally, for those who have my private contact info.

I appreciate each and every one of you. My audience is worldwide and diverse. You are loyal, supportive and thought provoking in your questions. I look forward to taking you with me through the next decade as I’ve transformed from a “new immigrant” to just “that American lady living in Israel😉.

Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

April 25, 2024

Posted under

aliyah, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Passover/Pesach, War stories

Comments

7 Comments

Passover 2024: Why This Night Was Different From Other Nights

Our Passover Seder has taken many different forms over the past decades. It has swelled and shrunk in number of guests. Some years it has been entirely Jewish, other years, we have had a mixture of Evangelical, Catholic, Mormon and Secular Atheists. A few years (after we made Aliyah to Israel), we had tables full of Lone Soldiers who had no other family here to celebrate with. We have had Teaching Seders, Broadway Seders, Beatles Seders, Children’s Seders and Family Seders. A couple years past, we had our lonely but meaningful COVID Seder, where we were convinced the plagues had begun descending – and now the ‘Thus Far, the Ultimate Seder.’

The Passover Seder is the yearly meal where Jews throughout the world, in a set order of liturgy (Seder means order), remember the first Passover. We remember how G-d, through Moses and Aaron, led the Israelites out of slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt to freedom. We recall the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, the gifts of protection, water in the desert, manna in the wilderness, and the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. There are symbolic foods. And prayers. And songs. Despite years where we were super creative, the liturgy is set and the story remains the same. We experience it as best we can as if we had personally been delivered through the waters from slavery to liberation. As a people. As a nation. As a religion.

During the Seder, the youngest present recites the Four Questions: Why is this night different from all other nights? Our family celebrations have shrunk in size. We used to have four daughters around the table. They now have their own families in different parts of the world. This year my son was present for the last time. Next year he will be getting his Masters Degree in the UK. He had just returned home from his current job at university and from another tour of reserve duty on a Northern front of Israel. So that, in and of itself, added an additional layer of poignancy. Our son recited the Four Questions, possibly for the last time for us.

This year, our Pesach Seder was remarkably different. We sat at the table, trying to celebrate our collective freedom. Yet there was an empty place setting among us. It was representative of the 130+ hostages still being held by Hamas in captivity in some cell or tunnel. We don’t know their fate: how many are still alive or what condition they are in? We’ve had “news” that some of the girls are now visibly pregnant; that others being held have died or were killed; that some who were kidnapped are just lost. The empty place setting represents all those Israelis who were brutally massacred by the terrorists on 7 October – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze. It made no difference. Age made no difference. Nationality made no difference. Over 1250 people now not among us. The empty place setting also represented the IDF soldiers who have given their lives fighting terror these past six months. Over 600 men and women. The empty place setting also represented those who are serving in active duty who could not be home with their families, because they are protecting this nation from further attack.

There is one part of the Passover liturgy, actually a beautiful song, Vehi sh’amda…” for it was not just one enemy who attempted to annihilate us, but in every generation there are those who have risen up to destroy us.” As we sang this (listen to the song by Yonatan Razel), pro-Hamas demonstrators had taken over the campuses of Columbia University, NYU, Yale, Berkeley, Harvard and others. Jewish students are in fear of their personal safety and are being told to go to their homes and return to classes via Zoom. Israeli American professor of Business at Columbia, Shai Davidai (my hero and modern day Maccabee) had just been fired from his position at the university. A visibly Jewish man in London was arrested for being openly Jewish while crossing the street. He would be too provocative in the mostly Islamist crowd, therefore instigating violence.

Sunday, right before Passover began, US Secretary of State announced that for the first time ever, the United States would be sanctioning an entire IDF unit. There is an Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) brigade that have been fighting terror cells in Judaea Samaria (the West Bank) since the outbreak of the war. They have been uncovering tunnels, smuggled weapons and explosives – RPG parts, grenades, machine guns – and stockpiles of cash. They have found drugs and weapons manufacturing factories hidden under mosques and near schools inside the West Bank. The IDF soldiers have arrested hundreds of terrorists and stopped scores of attempted acts of violence against Israelis at bus stops, driving on the roads, and infiltrating the Israeli towns and villages. They have demolished the homes of terrorists. And now they are being denied any joint military assistance or training. They are being labeled as terrorists and could face arrest should they enter the U.S.

Last Friday a 14 year-old shepherd boy, an Orthodox Jewish ‘settler’ in Samaria went missing. Groups from the village where he lived, along with search and rescue, set out to find him. They were accosted by rock- throwing and bullet-firing Palestinians from a neighboring village. The boy’s tortured and lifeless, mutilated and desecrated body was found just before Passover. And the US is sanctioning IDF in Samaria.

Just before the start of the Seder this year, another blood libel against the Jews (IDF) started and went viral. It was helped along by the likes of US Congresspeople, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Supposedly, in Khan Yunis, a mass grave of over 2000 (then scaled back to just over 200) innocent Gazans was found. It was more than implied that this was the work of the IDF. In fact, there was a video of Gazan men in February, digging a large trench to bury “martyrs” from inside Nasser Hospital. It was for 38 injured Gazans who had succumbed to their wounds as a result of the war.

The world is crying genocide over the Palestinians. I posted to my social media on Friday a video of thousands of men and children in Gaza on the beach enjoying the beautiful weather and the waters of the Mediterranean on the Gaza beaches. The world is once again calling for a divestment from buying any goods made in Israel, and that all Israeli imports need to be labeled as such. The world is calling for violence against Jewish houses of worship and Jewish businesses in Europe, in Australia, in South Africa, Canada and the United States. The world is calling for Jews to “go home.” And on the other side of the coin, the world is calling for a free Palestine, an Israel free of any Jewish (or Christian) presence.

In the morning, as I was preparing the special foods for our Pesach Seder, to celebrate our freedom and our return to our ancient and ancestral homeland as a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, I received this lovely reminder in the form of a text from the Homefront Command:

A stark reminder of the times in which we live. Yet just last week, we witnessed the protection of the L-rd. Whether it was in the form of an advance warning so we could prepare; or the coordination of international military; or effectiveness of our multi-layered missile defense systems, the end result was nothing short of miraculous. Last Sunday, Iran fired over 300 intercontinental ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and over 180 suicide drones laden with explosives at Israel. Not one reached its target. Only one little Bedouin girl was injured by a piece of falling shrapnel because the desert-dwelling Bedouin have no access to bomb shelters. We pray she makes a complete and speedy recovery. But it was a miracle nonetheless of G-d’s power to save. The number one google search in Israel after Iran announced its attack was “Tehillim,” Psalms. And ‘prayers and Psalms against missiles.’ This data proved that Israel is united in prayer and in faith in G-d.

I invite you, whether Jew, Christian or Other; whether living in the Land of Israel or abroad; whether an Israeli citizen or not, to pray for us. Pray for G-d’s protection and favor. Pray that you be given the Gift of Courage to stand up and speak the Truth against real persecution. Pray for eyes to see which side is truly disruptive and violent. When you hear calls for violence, report it. Write and petition your elected officials. Vote. Speak out in your homes, your neighborhoods and communities. Be firm, but always act peacefully and in love. And if you are Jewish, don’t delay in making the move to Israel while you still can.

As we say at the end of the Seder, “May we all celebrate next year in Jerusalem!” May those words be taken to heart. I know from experience, moving to a new place, a new life, a new job and culture with a new language is difficult. But it will be the most rewarding experience you can make. We eagerly await your return home and welcome you with open arms.

Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

February 9, 2024

Posted under

aliyah, food, israel, Recipes, Uncategorized

Comments

1 Comment

Months of Joy (Shabbat recipe) 9 February, 2024

The world is completely upside now. And according to the Hebrew (Jewish) calendar, it’s leap year. Which means there is an extra month tacked on to the end. So this is Adar 1. After Adar 1 comes Adar 2. It’s kinda like Groundhog Day (movie). Adar is the month of joy. The month where we celebrate the festival of Purim. The month before Passover…. So we get two months of joy and two months to clean out all the leaven/carb/gluten crap from our homes. Yay!

Adar is also the month of victory over enemies. The month Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from total annihilation by the hands of the evil Haman. Haman was the vizier to the king of Persia. Persia today is Iran. Haman. Hamas. We need a brave and beautiful queen-

Blinken. Evil vizier to the king of the States. Just left Israel and boy was he mad. He said we are dehumanizing the Gazans. He really wanted to end the war so that his king could stay king for another four years. It was pretty important. He said the king would cut off our arms (supply) if we didn’t agree to ceasefire. And let the Gazans back into their land. He said the king would stop the flow of money which we would have to spend buying their arms. No matter. Our soldiers found $48 MILLION in US hundred dollar bills in safes and in bags inside tunnels and homes. Most were in envelopes and boxes. From Persia/Iran. Happy Purim!!!

The world is crazy. And so was I when I tried to give numbers for real estate prices here. It was a huge mistake and I jumped the gun. I didn’t do my proper research. As in most places, much of the pricing is LOCATION, LOCATION, Location. In Central Israel (Tel Aviv-Jerusalem) prices to own or rent are over the moon sky high. The closer you get to a periphery or border, the cheaper the prices. We’re joking that they’ll be paying people to live on borders after this war is all over. Count me in for the Golan (just kidding).

Another reason we live in the North: we pay less per month in rent for a 4 bedroom villa than our daughter who has a one bedroom efficiency in Los Angeles. May she move here soon. We have room for the “kids” and it’s great for visitors. But wait!!! COVID. war. There ARE no visitors. But I digress.

Yesterday I gave a shocking figure of $900,000 to buy a 4 bedroom home. That was a brand new, built for the owner, top of the line, stand alone, single family with some property in a residential village with mountaintop views.

Do you want a single family? Duplex cottage? Apartment? Brand new? Older? To buy or to rent? The typical AVERAGE cost to rent a 2-3 bedroom apartment (2 bedroom with safe room that doubles as office/3rd bedroom) in the suburbs of Haifa run from about $600/month to $1100/month. This includes the property tax. It’s a very wide range depending upon age of building and location. But it is very affordable to rent and To buy – from $225,000 – $275,000. Thereabouts. This is in the cities north of Haifa.

So much for real estate. We’ll be looking at other places in the weeks to come and I’ll have actual prices. It’s coming on Shabbat. Early Friday afternoon. This week I’m doing an impressive Asian salmon…. But last week. All I can say is, “ Oh my goodness.״

I’m harvesting the last of my garden. Yellow beets and chioggia beets. And the very last of my tomatoes and broccoli raab. And I’m getting weekly organic produce deliveries that by far too anything I’ve grown or gotten in California. The prices here are very good and we love local and sustainable.

It’s citrus season. We’re getting the largest juiciest oranges and clementines I’ve ever seen. And blood oranges!!!! (Drinks!!!) And cara cara oranges. And the olives… there must be 100 or more different varieties. So-

OMG Delicious Orange Chicken!

Serves 4.

I used what I had on hand. And the results!!!! Wowza!!! That pop of flavors!!! So easy to do. And good enough for company. Gorgeous to look at. Smells amazing. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 TBSP olive oil
1 red onion
1 large navel or Valencia orange
1 blood or cara Cara orange
1/4 cup green olives with juice
1/4 cup Kalimantan olives, keep juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh Rosemary stalks

Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Sprinkle some salt & pepper and the garlic powder into the flour in large dish or pan. Dredge chicken breasts in flour mixture. Heat oil in skillet until shimmery. Place chicken breasts in pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Reserve to wire rack to drain. In large baking dish squeeze juice of 1/2 large Valencia orange. Slice other half in rounds. Slice blood and or Cara Cara orange. Slice onion in thick pieces. Lay larger orange slices and half the onions on bottom of dish. Scatter half of the olives on the orange slices. Place chicken on top. On top of that lay pink/red orange slices. Scatter onions and olives around and on top of chicken. Place several rosemary sprigs around and on chicken. Cover with foil. Bake at 350*/170* for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!! And may we be blessed with a peaceful weekend and only good news. May the remaining hostages be found alive and returned this weekend-

Posted by

twdunbar2015

Posted on

February 8, 2024

Posted under

aliyah, israel, israel lifestyle, israel. nature. spring. galilee., Uncategorized

Comments

1 Comment

Time for the Great Aliyah 8 February, 2024

It’s getting pretty dicey out there in Diasporaland for Jewish people. Marches in the streets of large cities in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. They extend for miles and while they promote ‘Palestinians’ they also call for death to Jews.

The university campuses are hotbeds of antisemitism. Students have been locking themselves in libraries, bathrooms, Jewish student unions and dormitories to escape the violence and death threats. No one will defend them or tell the pro-Palestinian groups to cool it.

In European cities and some American cities (New York, ), synagogues and businesses have been vandalized. Spray painted swastikas on headstones and synagogue doors and broken windows and Molotov cocktails thrown through the windows of Jewish shipowners are reminiscent of pre-Nazi Germany.

So what’s taking you so long? Israel is waiting for you with open arms. Literally. Isn’t it time for you to start thinking about making Aliyah? Despite all you are hearing, there are many wonderful communities. And I’m hoping to take you through several different types.

Let’s start in Northern Israel. I’ve learned that each community has its own vibe. You want more religious(Moreshet)? Or more secular? How about an artsy community? Craving a big city(Haifa)? Or a medium sized town (Karmi’el)? An agricultural area? We have it all and more. There’s even a community of families centered around a Waldorf lifestyle and education (Yodfat).

Today, let’s check out the small neighborhood community of Rakefet in the Lower Galilee. Originally founded in 1981 and named after the cyclamen flower that grows abundantly after the winter rains, it sits on a mountaintop with both Mountain View’s, city views and views of the Mediterranean. It is a residential village of just over 1500 people.

Beautiful pristine landscape with views of the Mediterranean beyond the hill

Rakefet is among the few communities that offer both older single family homes and a newer block of more modern styled structures. This little village is reminiscent of the typical American suburb.

With all of the nature, this family moshav is encircled by hiking trails and bicycle trails. From easy walkabouts through the woods to more challenging hikes to the sea, there is an abundance of free exercise here. The moshav has its own kindergarten, schools, medical clinic and synagogue. They have built a brand new community center with Olympic size swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis and padel (pickleball) courts, soccer fields and social facilities. This serves five other smaller mountaintop villages in the vicinity. As is typical for every community, there is a makolet, a one stop convenience market for basic needs.

The closest mid-size city is Karmi’el, a 10 minute drive away. Haifa, the largest city in the North is just 26 miles or 41 km to city center. For employment, Rafael Defense is located the next mountain over with Elbitt Systems and Keter Industries in Karmi’el. Medical professionals are greatly welcomed in the North. There is an abundance of service jobs available as well as room for ample growth in many areas.

Hebrew language is a definite plus, but a monthly living stipend is given by the government (sal klita or absorption basket) while you go to Ulpan- immersive Hebrew classes 5 days a week for 6 months.

Karmi’el has the Ort Braude University of Engineering and a new Air Force Training Center (virtual reality, classes, simulators, mechanics, control tower ops) is being built at present. Haifa is home to the Technion, one of the world leading technology universities, and to Haifa University. Several local ‘community’ colleges and trade schools are scattered throughout the Galilee as well as the up and coming Galilee Culinary Institute.

It is best to have a car in Rakefet, but there is also a local bus with regular stops servicing the surrounding communities. There is a main transportation hub in Karmi’el with bus and train stations.

Lots are available for building and occasionally an older house comes up on the market. Many people like to buy an older house and renovate, and these are quickly gobbled up. Several English speaking real-estate agents are available (Tal Shtekler highly recommended!).

All in all, these small communities are ideal places to raise a family. Quiet, wholesome living with lots of culture, historical/archaeological sites, shopping and restaurants nearby.

Contact non.org.il. Nefesh b’nefesh is an organization that helps North Americans with all their needs from the first questions to after you get settled. Free of charge.

And my apologies because the most important information- pricing I’ve omitted. I do not have that info at this time. I know there are places for rent from small apartments to large villas and everything in between. Six months ago I spoke with a Bedouin woman who was selling off large parcels (mountaintop overlooking the Sea of Galilee) adjacent to an established residential development for $70,000 USD. She sold 6 of them almost immediately. They were all graded and marked off with basic infrastructure ready for pads to be poured. The land measured 1/6 acre, which is a large lot for Israel.

Large 4-5 bedroom villas in Karmi’el have been going for just under $900,000 USD. Figures for Rakefet and similar villages should be comparable. There are special subsidies available for new immigrants and first time homeowners in Israel. Nefesh b’nefesh has all the up-to-date information on buying and renting real estate.