"When G-d will return the captivity of Zion, we will be like dreamers. Then our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with glad song." Psalm 126
Either Trump and Netanyahu are genius, playing 4D chess; or the entire “Peace Plan” is collapsing; or perhaps…I dare say… G-d is in control this whole time.
The 20 Point Plan has yet to get fully past Step 1. Hamas still is withholding the corpses of three abducted people, two Israelis and a Thailandi day-worker. Three times they have tried to pass off either bodies of Gazans or animal remains as Israeli/human – as if Israel does not perform DNA matching and extensive forensics. Also, Hamas is not only refusing to disarm, but says they are ready to fight again – but more on that later.
The UN Security Council fully backed the Peace Plan in international law last week. There were 13 votes in favor of the text (eventually leading to a Palestinian State, wherever that may be designated) with Russia and China in abstentia. It was immediately rejected by Hamas saying “it fails to meet Palestinian’s rights and demands and seeks to impose on the Gaza Strip an international guardianship mechanism intended to achieve the goals of the occupation.”
There was supposed to be an international security force implemented with the task of keeping the peace between the Israeli occupied part of the Strip between the designated Yellow Line and the Hamas controlled area. They were also to help disarm the terrorists. However, only three countries have stepped up to the plate to tackle the responsibility. Those three countries are: Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.
This is completely unacceptable to Israel. What happened to England, France, Canada, Germany, Italy? Qatar has been a known safe haven for the Hamas and Islamic Jihad upper eschelon and their families who are still living like royalty inside luxury hotels, villas and apartments. The money for terror is largely disseminated by Qatar who seems to have vey deep pockets. It is Qatari funding which is responsible for taking over many Western universities, institutions and think tanks. There goal is to Islamicize the world.
Then there is Turkey. President Erdogan wants nothing more than to reestablish the Islamic caliphate with Turkey as the head. They have a little habit of sending the military into troubled areas as a “peacekeeping, stabilizing force,” setting up extensive military bases and then staying and incorporating the land of their occupation into Turkish sovereign territory. Take Cypress for example. In 1974, they came in to stop an imminent civil war. Today there are over 35,000 Turkish troops in Cypress with the flag of Turkey on the municipal buildings and tallest mountain and a breakaway republic only recognized by Turkey.
In West Africa: after the 2016 coup attempt against President Erdogan, Turkey opened dozens of madrassim, Islamic schools across Western Africa including Senegal, Niger, Benin, Ghana, and Gambia. These schools have promoted a pro-Turkish jihadi ideology. Many have been turned into surveillance centers against the (now majority Muslim) local authorities and population centers. The schools, much like the UN schools in Gaza, are bastions of Islamic radicalization.
Somalia has the honor of hosting Turkey’s largest military base complex outside of its own borders. It has established an extensive naval intelligence unit listening across the Indian Ocean. In Turkeys “Restoring Ottoman Heritage” in the Sudan, they built docks and ports for a large naval force. In Libya, Ankara sent ‘engineering equipment’ with rockets, rocket launchers, RPGs and advance surveillance and weaponized drones to the thugs in that country. It was already destabilized after the Obama/Hilary Clinton debacle. Turkey insists it is just ‘technical gear and engineering equipment.’
Also under the Obama administration, the Muslim Brotherhood bloomed into full power and fruition in Egypt. If you remember, it was an ‘Arab Spring.’ It was a time of great hope for peace and stability in the Middle East. So why is this all so important?
An international “peace force” entering Gaza would be given aid and tools and would be tasked with setting up advance surveillance and cyber infrastructure. It is a well-coordinated strategy. Qatari funding. Turkish building up of fences, cameras, military bases, Egypt which saw under its watchful eye the smuggling of weapons across the border between Egypt and Gaza (Rafah, Philadelphi Corridor and the underground tunnels wide enough for vehicles to pass) provide a recipe for disaster for Israel. Their main goal…. To build up an Islamic entity and eventually wipe out Israel.
Back to Hamas. In several instances last week, terrorists have defiantly (stupidly) crossed over the Yellow Line. In one instance the soldier had an RPG slung across his back. He was immediately eliminated no questions asked. It was a blatant violation as was the operative who crossed over the line and shot at IDF troops. He, too, was instantly eliminated. This past weekend, in two separate incidents, Hamas operatives were seen emerging from a tunnel shaft. 15 were killed as they began to fire on Israeli soldiers. 11 were taken as prisoners of war.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Syria, our neighbor to the northeast. Earlier last week, the new President of Syria visited the White House. I would like to remind you that less than a year ago, his name was Muhammad al Jawlani and he was on the 10 most wanted list ($10 million reward!) for heading alQaeda and involvement with ISIS. He is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands. Today he is in a suit and goes by Pres. Ahmed AlSharaa.
Syrian-Israeli and U.S. negotiations have come to a seeming dead end as AlSharaa demands that Israel concede all of the Golan Heights, our most strategic property. Israel has insisted upon a full peace agreement, not a limited security arrangement. We do know that President Netanyahu, and several members of his Cabinet toured the region aerially last week. Israel has also been active in training 24 Syrian Druze to be firemen, giving them special equipment as well as two fire trucks as well as instruction. Israel has also come to the aid of the persecuted Druze and Christian communities in the southern part of the country.
Now for Lebanon, directly to our North. Hizbulla has been flagrantly violating their ‘Peace Deal’ by majorly ramping up their military fortifications just north of the Litani River in the southern part of the country. Their current Christian run government has been turning a blind eye as reinforcements troops arrive from Iran. Houses and municipal buildings have been once again overtaken by the designated terror network. They have been assembling weapons and smuggling in armaments (rockets, missiles, grenades, guns, drones, rocket launchers, RPGs) as fast as the Israeli jets can seem to find them and blow them up.
Israel has been hitting with surgical precision (I actually hear a whole group of jets thundering over my house now on their way North) more “soft targets” until last week. Two towns were cleared of the population and the known Hizbulla command centers were flattened. Yesterday marked the first time in over five months that Israel’s Air Force struck Beirut. Using excellent intelligence, an apartment complex in the center of the city was targeted. Haitham Ali Tabatbay, the number two in command has been eliminated. He was the military chief of Hizbulla.
The United States had been pursuing him for the past nine years. He had a $5million reward for any information leading to his whereabouts (hey. Does that mean Israel pockets the money?? Just asking for a friend….) Tabatabyebye commanded the elite Radwan Forces and was a chief planner in the upcoming but now cancelled (I hope) 7 October Part Two: Galilee Edition.
So that wraps up my smugness and today’s edition of the heat continues in Israel. Stay tuned for further updates, and hopefully some fun posts as well. Oh, I forgot to mention that Iran has been threatening to send over 2000 armed missiles at once and Hizbulla is vowing a huge retaliation. And to think, I just finished rehanging all my pictures and putting out all my china….
John and I came back from cool British weather, true sweater weather with leaves turning yellow and crimson and bright orange… to the unabated desert heat. We are having a drought here in Israel and the temperatures are still up. There are no autumnal colors, just the Southern California brown and black of heat scorched fields. Hopefully, there is an end in sight and we will have a change in weather by next week.
On the other hand, things are heating up rather rapidly. A different kind of heat. Who ever said “Peace has come to the Middle East” is full of hot air. Up to our north, in Lebanon, Hizbulla has been building up their military apparatus. Despite what President Aoun says, they have been getting new IRGC recruits from Iran and Syria.
UNIFIL observation forces in Southern Lebanon were supposed to ensure that the Trump-brokered ceasefire was standing. So far all they have one is to have shot down an Israeli surveillance drone. UNIFIL have allowed Hizbulla forces to reenter Southern Lebanon, and have overseen their fortifications.
The Israeli Air Force has been selectively striking at Hizbulla’s current leadership. Last week the municipal buildings in Taybeh and Taur Daaba were taken out after intelligence revealed they were
being used as military infrastructure. The people of the towns were given 18 minutes warning to evacuate before the strikes occurred. The IAF is currently carrying out large scale attacks on supply chains and munitions factories and storage facilities there. It is estimated that over 1500 long range missiles and parts have been snuck into Southern Lebanon through Syria in the past couple months alone.
In the meantime, Syrian President Sharaa, former alQaeda terrorist on the ten most wanted list, is in the United States. He no longer wears his turban and camouflage suit, but has trimmed his beard and wears a suit. Besides meeting with Trump and White House Cabinet members, he’s been filmed enjoying a game of pick-up basketball with Centcom members. I guess this leopard has succeeded in hiding his spots. He has sworn to the U.S. officials that the new, reformed Syria is carrying out operations against the ISIS militants who have been ethnically cleansing Southern Syria of Druze and Christians.
Down Gaza way, Hamas is still playing games. Weapons have been found to be smuggled intro the Rafah area on the Egyptian border via drone. So the IDF sealed off the area and declared it an active military zone. Any drones coming in from Egypt will now be shot down. We are hearing from the released hostages that Hamas is using every available young person to go underground and manually dig out the tunnels that have been stopped up. 24 hours a day, these kids (most are boys ages 8-13) are being used as slave labor 24 hours a day.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad forces (PIJ) are playing games as always. They say they are having problems locating the remains of the six bodies that they have been holding. This past week, several more were returned including two Americans, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen and a Tasmanian Agricultural student who was kidnapped into Gaza and murdered by the civilians there on 7 October.
Hadar Goldin
Last night the body of Captain Hadar Goldin was to be returned. The Red Crescent came to pick up the coffin and return it to the waiting Israeli forces. But let’s backtrack… Hadar Goldin was one of the first soldiers killed (during a ceasefire) in Gaza in 2014. We were still in California and the news came about Hadar and then Max Steinberg, a Lone Soldier from the San Fernando Valley, CA (I knew his parents). Max’s body was retrieved. Hadar’s taken into captivity to be used as leverage against Israel.
Hadar was engaged to be married to a lovely young girl. When he was abducted, his photo was the first to hang on my fridge. His body has been held hostage for almost 13 years now. The Goldin family have traveled the world over to try to put pressure on the international governments and to raise awareness about the plight of their son. And the remains in the coffin yesterday were supposed to be him. But they were not. More games. Now Hamas says it will hand over his body this afternoon. Another card thrown into the pile- the stakes remain the same.
On the brighter side, and speaking of games, last week the Marine Corps Marathon was held in Washington, D.C. (my brother-in-law competes). Let me share with you this story of a young American Israeli hero you might have never heard of.
Mendel Vile’s family left Chicago when he was 7 to move to Israel. They were committed Zionists, believing in the land of Israel rightfully belonging to the indigenous peoples, the Jews. Mendel grew up and became a combat engineer for the IDF. In December, 2023, deep into the Gaza Strip, a Hamas anti-tank missile struck the vehicle he was in. He was only 19 at the time. Several soldiers were killed in the attack. Mendel’s broken, burned body was pulled from the wreckage, shrapnel embedded throughout his body. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he spent 3 months of seemingly endless pain.
“This is it. Is my time over?” he thought in those early days. The medical staff told him to focus on his survival. Friends and family visited him to lift his spirits in a never-ending parade. Daily the nurses told him to be patient, take things slowly. He endured 7 surgeries. Mendel kept repeating one mantra, “One day I will run a marathon.” Of course, in his condition, no one believed him. But he knew HaShem would give him the strength and healing to push forward with his rehabilitation.
Mendel believed beyond all hope. The surgeries were followed by months of grueling physical therapy and rehabilitation just for him to be able to stand on his own. But he was a true warrior. With faith in G-d and his own ability to recover. This week, he finished his race – the Marine Corps Marathon. It was the second he’s run in the past three months. Wrapped in the blue and white of the Israeli flag, he crossed over to personal victory,
Mendel Vile did not run alone. He carried with him on the back of his Jersey, his best friend, Oriya Yaakov, a photo of the buddy that was killed alongside him on that day. As he was running, a young man (wearing a kipa/yarmulka) also trying to finish the race, spotted Mendel. He joined the IDF soldier, who gave him strength to continue. Vile said,”We tried to push each other along. Come on, man, you’re my brother. You’re part of the tribe. Together we are strong. Together we can win. I’ve never been prouder to be an American. An Israeli. a Jew.”
But that’s not the only story. Oh no! Barack Elizor was also a critically wounded IDF soldier back in January,2024. Multiple surgeries and almost two years of intense rehabilitation and physical therapy, Barack just completed the New York Marathon, helping to raise funds for Shalva, an organization for children with special needs.
Not all stories are pleasant. I just finished reading the book Hostage, by Eli Sharabi. A riveting and highly recommended true account of what it was like in the tunnels of Gaza being held a prisoner. Some of the released captives are finding a difficult transition to freedom. Where some have vowed to move on with their lives, stronger in faith and spirit and resolve, others are irreparably (almost) scarred.
This past Thursday night an interview with hostage Ron Braslavski was aired on the Israeli news. It was more than difficult to watch as Ron shared his nightmare. He was held in solitary confinement for two years, starved, whipped, burned and brutally beaten on a daily basis. Through tears and shaking, we heard how PIJ differed from Hamas. More brutal. More degrading. Ron was sexually abused in order to debase him and wipe out his humanity. He was shackled not only hand and foot but tied, naked, by his penis, to the bars of his cage. It was the video of Ron, released in July, that changed the course of the war. For then the world saw the brutality that was taking place inside Gaza.
We pray for him and for all the hostages, their loved ones, and the country to be miraculously healed spirit, soul, emotions, mind and body. May they know only love and support. May they find purpose, focus and happier days ahead.
“Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace! Peace!’ but there is no peace.” – Patric Henry before the Virginia Assembly, 1775
We’ve all heard talk of a peace deal in the Middle East. Of and end to the war. Of a cessation of violence. A meticulously crafted, 20-step plan was voted upon by the countries involved and set into place a few weeks ago by the Trump Administration. On the surface it looked interesting at best.
Hamas was supposed to release all hostages, 20 living and 28 corpses they had been holding through the past two years (the body of Hadar Goldin has been kept since it was taken in 2014). Israel let free 2000 convicted felons and terrorists including 250 masterminds of mass suicide bombings, and terrorists with lots of blood on their hands (literally) from the killing of multiple Israelis. They were released back into Gaza, into Judaea and Samaria (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem.
The deadline for the swap came and went, with Bahamas sending back our live hostages, thank you G-d for their safe return and 7 corpses. Only 6 were Israeli…one was a Gazan who had been sent over “by mistake.” Two full days later, 3 more were released. Hamas said it was having trouble locating the bodies. They were probably buried under rubble from IDF airstrikes. Egypt was called in with heavy diggers and the Red Crescent was set to assist. Then two more bodies were turned over. Days and deadlines came and went. 72 hours or else, threatened Trump. Then 48 hours or else. Israeli intelligence believes that Hamas knows the whereabouts of 10 of the remaining 13 bodies.
Finally last week, at the last hour of the ultimatum, Hamas reported they had found a body. It was actually a completely staged recovery, all caught on drone footage. Multiple reservists with eyewitness accounts, were the first to report it was happening. The Red Crescent was there to assist and the casket would be transferred to Israeli forces. When forensics in Israel received “the body,” it was only parts of remains… from a dismembered Ofir Tsarfati who had been previously rescued (by the IDF) and had been buried – in December, 2023! The DNA matched up. Can you imagine a sicker joke? The grieving families had to relive the trauma as they dug their loved one up and hold another burial service.
In Gaza violation of this “peace deal,” Hamas has continued to fire off rockets into Israeli territory. None have made it outside the border communities surrounding Gaza, and most have been launched toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, where the humanitarian aid comes through.
As IDF soldiers have been trying to clear out the tunnel system and any booby trapped buildings from within their designated Yellow Line, terrorists dressed as civilians have jumped out of tunnels or from buildings shooting and seriously wounding soldiers. Two days ago a reservist, a father of three young children, was killed.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, and Vice President JD Vance both visited Israel this past week, claiming the Peace still held and the Ceasefire and plan were still relatively intact. A series of intense airstrikes by the IDF, supported by the Trump Admin were carried out across Gaza and the ceasefire went back into effect.
In what world does a ceasefire mean fighting continues? The last two weeks have seen ongoing violations from Gaza with surprise attacks and the withholding of bodies. Two more were returned late last night , so that now only 13 remain held. The area of the Gaza Strip is supposed to be policed by some grand consortium of international military. It seems that there are US, UK and French troops within Israel near the Gaza Envelope who are coordinating the ground ops. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are on the ground enforcing the peace. That’s a bit like leaving the crocodiles in charge of the zoo, as those three countries want nothing more than the Jews gone, and Israel/Palestine to be an Islamic territory. Together they form a Muslim Brotherhood Enclave.
Hamas, which is supposed to completely disarm, is not being incentivized to do so. They, instead, have vowed never to give up their weapons, but to keep fighting ‘the occupation forces.’ The question of Israel taking land in Gaza (even in response to plan violations and for attacking Israeli troops) – move the yellow line- is completely off the table, despite the fact that the IDF currently remains in control of 53% of the Strip.
The reason Hamas, Qatar and Turkey made this deal was not to look for peace, but because Hamas was on the verge of destruction. The IDF had eliminated all of their top leadership. Israel was in control of 80% of Gaza. They were striking Gaza City hard, the last 20%, where the remaining Hamas leadership was hiding. So a deal was reached. In Arabic, Islamist terms, this is a hudna: itis a temporary pausein order to regroup and rearm. From the 2000 released terrorists comes their new leadership.
In further news, it was revealed earlier this week that the World Health Organization were the ones who actually fabricated the “Israel-caused famine” in Gaza. Top WHO officials met in Geneva in December, 2023 to discuss how to label Gaza as being in the midst of a famine, according to Dr. Michael Thieren. He stated that their main objective was to put intense global and political pressure of Israel, not based on facts or data. The roles had already been set, said Thieren. From 7 October, Israel was the aggressor and the Palestinians were the poor, innocent victims of a murderous regime. There was a 70 page document written to fit the narrative.
The fighting between Israel and Hizbulla to the North in Lebanon continues unabated. President Joseph Aoun, of the Christian party, assures the world that the Lebanese military is in control and that Hizbulla’s will never be fallowed to retrench. Yet that is all talk. The leadership crippled in the IDF beeper and walkie talkie incidents have been replaced by IRGC commanders from Iran. Shipments of arms and missile parts are regularly being transported to the Bekaa Valley…and blown up in targeted IAF strikes.
We have firsthand reports from the front of the Hizbulla attempts to dig tunnels, place missile launchers and arms caches along the border. Israel sits tight guarding along the southern edge of the Litani Border. Two of our very good friends, both reservists (husbands and fathers of four little kids each) are up there now. One is a paramedic in a tank. The other a border patrol officer. They both have left their jobs and families to serve ten days on and seven days off. It’s really hard for them, but they cannot allow the jihadists to regroup and threaten all the Northern Israeli inhabitants.
Another man we know, an older gentleman, now almost 50 years old, a father and recent grandpa, strands guard in the reserves patrolling the communities of Judaea against enemy infiltration into the towns and kibbutzim there. He and his fellow reservists uncovered an entire weapons smuggling front from Jordan last week. They called in the IDF to clean up the matter. Avi also stands guard, patrolling the roads in the Judaean hills against any rock throwers or snipers who wish to ambush passes by.
Lastly, in the past few days, 3 of the released terrorists in the peace deal have been rearrested. Get your head around this one. For those of you who speak of Israeli oppression of Christians in Bethlehem. It’s not the Israelis. The holy city for Christians and once-popular pilgrimage site has been absolutely overrun with radical jihadist Islamists, pushing out 90% of the Christians. Yesterday a 16 year old released in a hostage deal returned to Bethlehem and to his days of terror. He was caught making incendiary devices in a make-shift factory there. He was planning to carry out an attack at Rachel’s Tomb within the coming days.
Another terrorist was rearrested as he tried an attack at a crowded bus stop near Jerusalem. He was taken down just prior to committing the stabbing. So that’s a bit of the rundown on where things stand here in Israel.
We have already entered into daylight savings time, so Shabbat comes an hour earlier today. I’m still in the process of laundry, setting the table and trying to prepare the meal, so in must sign off for now. Next week I shall have some uplifting posts for you. Shabbat shalom and a peaceful weekend to all.
This is a longer, but hopefully, vey enjoyable post that you can do at your leisure. Over the past two years I’ve been adding to my playlist of songs that were written and became popular since 7 October, 2025. There are many different genres and I have included as many translations as possible.
For us, 7 October, which should have been the most joyous religious and family holiday turned into a surreal nightmare. We were all shocked to the core, frightened at the possibilities of what would come next as our men and women were called up to defend our country. Would there be more attacks from other borders? We kept hearing of the atrocities and the body count kept climbing. 253 people had been brutally taken hostage into Gaza, the oldest was 86 years old and the youngest only 7 months. We were like zombies those first few weeks, but those that stayed behind sprang into action, gathering supplies, cooking meals and doing everything we knew how to help the troops.
The Jewish people throughout history have been a musical people. Our prayers all have chants and melodies that reflect the places we’ve wandered. We sang at the crossing of the Red Sea (Miriam, who led us in praise and worship was over 90 years old at the time!!!). Young David calmed the frayed nerves of King Saul with the music of the harp. The Levites sang at the Temple. And David the King, composed and sang many of the Tehillim, the Psalms.
Music has sustained us through all of our troubles. Through our joys as well. The melodies carry us through tears and laughter, through death and life. We sing at funerals. We sing at weddings. And we sing and dance before battle.
The songs that have come out of the massacre and subsequent war are songs of hope and longing for better days. Many are patriotic, rallying the troops and lifting the country. Some are therapeutic. They comfort those who mourn and those with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. There are songs of anger and defiance and always songs that call upon G-d. For help, for strength, for protection.
The entire country, just weeks before the war started, split into fighting factions calling for a civil war, was now completely united. One soul, one spirit, one body. We were all brothers, all family. And the song “Acheinu” came to the forefront. Everyone was singing it.
As for our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble or captivity, whether they abide on the sea or on dry land: May the All-present have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to relief,from darkness to light, and from subjugation to redemption, now, speedily and at a near time. Now let us say, Amen.
Hanan Ben Ari’s song from 2020, ShevoriLev….”My Heart is Broken” became a national hymn. We heard it on the radio, on loudspeakers in the malls, and on social media.
Who knows every pain? Who repairs every broken heart? Creates light and darkness? Makes peace and war? Who sits in judgement? Covers in mercy? Pardons and forgives? Sees no knows all? And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end…. Who was, is no will be. Who takes and gives. Renewed life. Opens arms. Grows wings. And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end-
My favorite Israeli artist, Idan Raichel, composed the most gorgeous (they are all gorgeous) and poignant (they are all heart-wrenching) song and melody that became a sudden hit. All of Israel’s artists seemed to be expressing the heart and soul of the nation in their compositions. This one is Tachzor, “Return” sung by Roni Dalumi. It was released just 3 weeks after the attacks.
Return. Return today. I wish you would just come (show up) without any advance notice. Return.
A simple song. A haunting melody. The anguish and longing of a people.
There were songs that were prayers for our military. The prayer John and I pray daily over those defending our country wherever they may be…from distress, sickness, friendly fire, booby traps, kidnapping attempt. Please G-d, keep them safe. Go before them and lead them to victory.
The first video is the traditional version is usually by the IDF choir and cantor. This clip s by the Maccabeats, a male a capella group. I chose this version because it includes the English translation.
The next (video clip) version which starts off with footage of the Six Day War, then the traditional prayer as interpreted by Subliminal went viral. The first is a prayer. The second a rally cry of war and defiance for the strength of G-d to be with the troops in victory and in battle.
The men were being called up. All divisions. It was, at first thought, that less than 50% of reservists would answer the call. Instead it was over 100%. People of all ages were volunteering and those that had moved to other countries were flying back home to join. Lone soldiers, kids who leave their homes and families in other countries flew to Israel to enlist. It was incredible.
Here are three of the most popular tunes. There are many more. The first extols the virtues and strength of the Golani Brigade, true infantrymen and women. True fighters. The first lines of defense. “Golani Shell,” “My Golani Unit” is sung by Raviv Coner
Israeli national treasure, composer and singer, Yehuda Gaon is still going strong at age 85. I listened to his songs as a teenager. He’s amazing. I’ve seen him perform live several times. This time he filmed himself with the young men and women of the different branches of the IDF. They sing an old song of his: “LoT’nats’chu Oti” – “You Will Not Defeat Me” It is a song of unity, patriotism and strength. And now it has new verses and a new look. It was recorded a mere month after 7 October.
We have a saying here in Israel, that during wartime, the kindergarten teacher has a secret identity -she’s really a paramedic. And the lawyer at his desk is a rooftop sniper. My dentist, well, he drives a tank. And the construction worker – he saps (undetonates) bombs. The university student now carries a gun again and my aunt is a radio control tower engineer. Together they are superheroes. The song is done by Hatikvah 6, a very popular group.
(If you have ever watched Fauda, you will see in this video, the Israeli actor, singer and pop superstar, Idan Amedeo. He served in Gaza on the front lines, was injured severely at the beginning of the war, recovered and went back to his unit. Then he was crirtoically injured when an IED exploded. Burned almost beyond recognition, they didn’t know if he’d make it. He had shrapnel throughout his body. After months of rehab, determination,faith and hard work, the entire state of Israel celebrated when he left the hospital, walking on his own).
Another by Hatikvah 6 is a rally cry for the IDF….a family of fighters. Again, this one is a roll call for all the different units of the army. “Proudly protecting the Land and its people without fear…and a little crazy, a little fun. Whether with a cannon or a stretcher on my shoulder. We are here for one another. Don’t mess with us. We are the IDF family.” Each unit has its own cheer and this song celebrates that. It is the “Hymn to the Army”
My absolute favorite raw, angry, “Go get ‘em” anthem is “Harbu Darbu.” It was a number one radio hit for a couple months. The Hebrew stand kind of translates into “Swords and Strikes.” Basically
A “don’t mess with us. This time you chose the wrong fight. We are coming after you. And we are never backing down” anthem. It’s really angry, but so were we. In this rap-style song by the duo, Nes and Stilla, every army unit is called up roll call style.
Who are you rats crawling out of the effing tunnels and you people shouting at us ‘Free Palestine? who do you think you are, you children of Amalek? We brought the whole army out to meet you: all in uniforms, men, women, young and old. This time there will be no stopping us….. roll call”
We were angry, but we were also hurting and missing our loved ones. Several songs came out in the memory of a particular person who was killed. And there was survivors’ guilt. This song affirms that it is ok not to be ok. It is ok to be alone. It is ok to want to be with people. It is ok to cry, but it is ok to laugh with friends. It is ok to not want to get up in the morning. It is fine to talks a walk in the forest. It is ok to move on, and it is ok not to. It is ok to not be ok….” The song was done by survivors of the Nova Music Festival and the attacks on the kibbutzim.
We wear a wounded people, and yet this upbeat sounding song tells of the waitinumg. Waiting for the soldiers to come home on leave…please G-d. For the hostages to walk through the door. Come home!! Every Thursday and Friday I had to hold back tears watching video clips of soldiers returning home after weeks of battle…to the arms of their little children. The screams of the wives and the tears of the parents.
The following by Ishay Ribo became a number one hit. A song of faith. And of return…of a different kind. A return to G-d. And the country answered with a resounding call to faith that has lasted even until today.
For two years, Israel’s entries into the Eurovision international song competition carried the nation and showed our hearts. They were ridiculed and rejected, scoring very low with the judges, but winning the votes of the people. This year, the competition hosts vowed to cancel if Israel was a participant, but after weeks of protests, we were allowed back into the show.
The first song, October Rain, was disqualified. It caused quite a stir as the lyrics were “too political”. They ere not. So the writers got together and worked out new lyrics and the song, still full of emotion, still waiting for the captives to return, with us on the other side in the middle of a hurricane…. Hence, “Hurricane”.
The next song, actually an homage to the Bibas family (the mom, Sheri, the dad and two babies…red headed Ariel and Kfir….stole our hearts. They loved to watch Batman cartoons together. Notice the costume worn by singer, Yuval Rafael….This is a song of hope, strength and optimism. “A New Day Will Rise.”
Note: There is a backstory behind the singer, Yuval Raphael. She attended the Nova Festival with friends. When they realized they were under a severe attack, many of the young people ran to the bomb shelters across the highway. Shelters that were meant for 20 people were packed with 60. Terrorists were shooting and throwing grenades into the concrete bunkers. Many were killed that way. Yuval was in the back of a shelter texting her dad the entire time. He told her to play dead. Her friends were killed next to her and on top of her and she lay wounded and bleeding until being rescued 16 hours later. Yuval would go on to star in and win the Israeli version of The Voice. She was chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision 2025.
I believe it was around the holiday of Purim last year (Queen Esther and Mordechai against Haman and the evil decree to genocide the Jews) that a young soldier in the IDF (he’d only been in service a couple weeks) shot Yahya Sinwar, military commander of Hamas. The evil Hamas was eliminated. And of course, within 24 hours, there was a song-
Here are some many more songs. A simple young fellow wrote a simple song about G-do’s love for each and every one of us. The chorus goes- We are loved unconditionally by Him and only good and blessings are bestowed upon us. It will only. Get better and better. This song is played absolutely everywhere all the time. At weddings and funeral, pro Israel rallies and in the army. It is our theme. ״Tamid Ohev Oti” “He Always Loves Me (and blesses me)” Get ready to dance!
I know I am leaving out so many. I especially love seeing the Ruach ha Kodesh, the spirit of HaShem, rush mightily upon our soldiers. They sing of G-des protection and blessing. “No fear for He is with us. The people of Israel live. In the spirit of David against the enemies, the Philistines, we also have the victory. The Holy One, Blessed be He is King. there is no other. We pray for all our children. We protect our country. We pray for G-do’s blessings. We are not afraid. Who is meshuggeh/crazy (the rally. Cry of the Golani Brigade) We are crazy and We are not afraid. G-d is king now, then and forever and we give Him thanks and praise…..”
These next two features will be my last postings for the next couple months…unless something happens, which I pray it does not. John and I are going to England to be with our son as he graduates (I’ve never been to London!!). Then the three of us will head up to the beautiful English countryside to spend time with our daughter, son-in-law and their two little ones. We shall make day trips, a weekend in the Netherlands and an excursion to the Peak District in England. It should be fun. I can’t wait. Castles. Manor homes. Antique stores, charity shops, local farms. potteries and museums, tiny villages and giggling children whose tiny little hands fit into yours. And British accents. And afternoon tea. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful and welcomed respite from the troubles of the world.
For me and for my fellow Jews, it’s beginning to feel like history is in repeat mode. It’s 1935/36 Weimar (Germany) all over again. We have all heard the slogan, “Never again.” Never again to the antisemitism. To the exclusion from restaurants, hotels, shops. Never again will our jobs be restricted. Will our properties be defaced. Will our children and our own bodies be beaten up. Will we be hunted down. But it is happening all over again. Friends from California, New York and New Jersey and Boston are writing me that they no longer feel safe. My neighbor’s family has just made Aliyah to Israel from South Africa. Even in Praetoria they were beginning to feel the unsettling. The storm clouds are gathering. And history seems to be repeating itself with very few people standing up for the Jews.
Antisemitism is reaching a point of no return. Hundreds of thousands of haters are marching through the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Malmo, Bruges, Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester, Leicester, Dublin, Montreal, Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis and Detroit…disguising themselves as human rights activists who just care about the plight of the poor Palestinians in Gaza. It seems to be becoming a daily occurrence.
In the grandest of all ironies, the media is pushing the line that the Jews have become the modern day Nazis. They feed the world lines about how Israel intentionally starves little children and drops 2000 pound bombs on the oldest church in existence. The IDF shoots civilians lined up for aid indiscriminately, as for sport. They burn down churches. The Jews target Christians.
They are all pedophiles. Like Epstein and Weinstein. As the Rothschilds, they control the world’s banks and they run Hollywood. It was the Jews that were responsible for 9/11….and they control your life. The Jews are behind the random canceling of certain news pundits, musicians and artists.
Netanyahu is Hitler. He is a Fascistic dictator who is prolonging the war. He does not seek compromise or negotiation. He just wants to hold onto power. He dictates to Washington. He will lead us into World War III. The Jews are bent on taking over the world in a grand cabal. Just look at their flag. The Jewish star is actually a satanic hexagram and it was invented in 1886.
Israel is merely a political state founded in 1948 by the British with no actual legitimacy. It has no right to exist. Israel is a colonial and apartheid state. The Jews claim Biblical basis for settling in ‘Isreal’, but actually the Church holds the claim since Christianity replaced Judaism when the Jews rejected and killed the Messiah. They lost their claim to land or people. They are the perfidious synagogue of satan.
Maybe this week I shall post some of the notes I have received personally.
These are all 100% claims I’ve been keeping track of. I seriously have them in files. Written files and video files. The articles and voices come from high up government and church officials. Prime Ministers. Ambassadors. Patriarchs and priests. World renowned pastors and evangelists. Pundits and news commentators. Rock stars and celebrities. Authors. Mayors. And then comments from the masses. I have thousands of them. Literally. It’s a documentation of history.
I spend a lot of my time paying close attention to politics and what is being said. I’m a watcher. Things are reaching a critical point. Jews are being openly assaulted with impunity in the streets. New York, London, Los Angeles, and throughout Europe. What we are seeing now is Germany, 1937. From Palestinians supporters. The pro-Gaza people. Not just Muslims and Islamist fanatics but progressively woke Europeans and Americans. Regular folk. University professors. School teachers. Even the LGBT2spirit+ crowd.
Last week, in Paris, an olive tree planted to commemorate the life of Ilan Halimi, was cut down. It was planted 14 years ago to remind the world of the Jewish man, kidnapped and tortured for 24 days in Paris. He was found naked, handcuffed to a railroad track and died on the way to the hospital. His body gave out. Now his tree is no longer.
Also, just this past week, the Jewish Community Center, Temple, and walls just off the Woodland Hills/Reseda, California (my old neighborhood!!!!) were spray-painted with swastikas, anti Israel and anti Jewish graffiti. Parents are afraid to walk their children to school. It’s in the Wilbur area, for those of you who are familiar…also, in Seattle, a synagogue was vandalized with swastikas and the word ‘gas’ in red spray paint.
Earlier this month, 50 Jewish children coming home from two weeks at summer camp were kicked off a Veuling Airlines plane for quietly singing. Their 22 year old counselor was handcuffed, thrown to the ground, kicked and arrested.
In Chatel, France, vacationing Jewish families awoke to find their cars graffitied with the words “Free Palestine” and other slurs painted across their vehicles. When the person who rented the 4 families their vacation homes found out that a Jewish group was “congregating” in one of the homes (there were 9 adults and 13 children having a Shabbat service), she evicted them all from the properties immediately, refusing a refund.
Just this week, a woman in Leeds, England was accused of striking a Jewish man with a metal pole and throwing hot coffee in his face. “This is because you killed babies in Gaza,” she was heard screaming.
My son was going to take his girlfriend to Athens in two weeks to propose to her. They have, thankfully, cancelled that trip. You see, in just the past weeks Israeli families have been forced out of their hotels for being Israeli. Young Jewish men wearing kippas (yarmulkes) have been severely beaten. Greece is no longer a safe vacation spot for Israelis or Jews. In several countries, soldiers who served in the IDF are being doxxed and ejected. A couple of former soldiers on vacation have been arrested for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Greece, Brazil and Malaysia.
So long as the Free Palestine movement refuses to denounce their violent tactics, and so long as government officials and peoples of the world stay silent, Jews will continue to be open targets of violence and hatred. Hamas, Hizbulla, ISIS and others are truly terrorist organizations. Praising these groups incites more violence against Jewish people.
Anti Zionist/antisemitic/proPalestine vandalism in France
This past Saturday, a Jewish man and his friend sat in a local pub in Manchester, England. discussing politics. The man was not visibly a Jewish, but was overheard defending Israel. Another man came up and spat on him. He then proceeded to punch the Jewish man in the face, leaving him with a black eye and two broken teeth. Also in Manchester, two men drove around “shooting” visibly Jewish families with a water gun. This is not just playful sport. It is targeting people because of their religion. The videos went viral online. Authorities interviewed the two and called it a “harmless joke.”
Six days ago, a London hospital was plastered with posters reading “Zionism is Poison.” They were only removed after one patient’s complaint. This was at University Hospital, and spokespeople say they acted quickly to dismantle the inflammatory protests in order to ensure the safety and feelings of well being for all patients. UK Lawyers for Israel are demanding a full investigation. UCLH Chief Executive, David Probert issued a swift apology, reaffirming the hospital’s dedication to inclusivity for all. Security personnel were instructed to remain vigilant in order to provide a safe atmosphere.
In Vienna, Austria, an Uber driver attacked a Jewish family last week. The occupants were the two parents and their children, ages 10 and 13, and their 76 year old grandparents. They were en route to a birthday party. When the driver heard their Israeli accents and found out they were, in fact, visiting from Israel, he began shouting “murderers” and “child killers!” He refused on the spot “to transport child killers,” forced the family out and physically beat the father. Uber temporarily suspended the driver and the family is filing criminal charges. “ If decisive action is not taken against this, by politicians and the rule of law, as well as by civil society, by individual activists on the streets or in social media, in editorial offices and by cultural workers, by teachers and others in our society, then there will soon be no place left for Jews in Europe,” Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community of Vienna wrote on Facebook.
On 8 August (this video has gone viral), Montreal multiple onlookers stood idle and filmed the incident as a Jewish man was severely beaten in broad daylight in front of his children. He was pushed into a fountain and his kippa kicked beyond reach. Antisemitism in Canada is out of control. For some, the anti Israel, anti Zionist rhetoric has spilled over into anti Jewish vitriol. In Canada, even the very conservative, Catholic author and podcaster, Mark Mallet, has fallen into this. I will address this particular case later in the week.
Three firebombs were thrown at a synagogue in Obninsk, Russia, just over a year after it was targeted in another arson attack. That was 12 August. Last month, a Melbourne, Australia synagogue was firebombed with 22 .families inside. Thank goodness the fire was contained at the door. It could easily have become deadly. Only over a mile away, that same evening, an Israeli restaurant was attacked as protestors stormed in, overturning tables and shouting “Death, death, to the IDF.”
Saturday, a 65 year old man wearing a kippa was brutally beaten by three men in Paris. He was on his was to synagogue at 10am when a car stopped in front of him. Two passengers got out pretending to ask for directions and began brutally beating him with kicks and punches and metal rods. His Star of David necklace was torn off his neck and he was doubled up on the sidewalk. The attackers are still at large.
Two months ago in Alexandria Egypt, a Canadian/Israeli dual citizen was gunned down as he was touring the land. Egyptian authorities claim it was a robbery gone wrong, but a militant group claimed responsibility. They claimed they “killed the Jewish man in retaliation for Gaza” and posted images of the shooting as proof (way too graphic to display here).
Yesterday, German activists were doused with red paint as they held up posters of Israeli hostages in a Frankfurt park. Sasha Stawski, a 55 year old real estate agent, and president of the antisemitism league was hosting a public demonstration to raise awareness of the 50 captives still being held by Hamas. 20-30 people, some wearing Friedrich Merz masks over their faces, pushed the germ up aside violently. Anti Jew and anti Israel chants erupted and four women doused the activists with cans of red paint. Frankfurt police were called in to disassemble the crowds. They said they would be increasing their presence in the area. No arrests were made. The Jewish community in Frankfurt and throughout Germany has been seeing an uptick in anti Jewish violence since 7 October.
Last Saturday in Cologne, Germany the wheel chair basketball championship was underway. The team from Great Britain all turned their wheelchairs around in protest of the Israeli team. One of the Israeli players stated, “It felt like they were humiliating us and bringing unrelated issues onto the sport court.” Antisemitic slurs are being hurled at football games across Europe. German Düsseldorf football league unsigned Jewish athlete Shon Weissman after fan backlash over his hiring. That was August 9 of this year.
These are merely a few of the hundreds of reports I’ve been keeping track of. All are downloaded or perinted out and filed away for safekeeping and documentation.
Qatar is funding the educational systems and universities (yes, along with China) in the U.S., across Europe, Canada, and the Middle East. Mufti Hamid Patel, head of the Office for Standards is the Chief Education Minister in Great Britain.
In New York, a new police patrol system has gone into effect complete with official squad cars and uniformed officers. It is the Salaam Aleikum Patrol of Muslim police. Mamdani, an anti Israel, anti Jewish, Communist Islamist is in the lead for New York mayor. Most of the mayors and regional council officials in England, France, Belgium and Sweden are Islamists. In the Belgian city of Antwerp, 26 Jewish homes were marked with red paint, red handprints and triangles. Just last week, a Muslim woman went out in the hot weather with her shoulders uncovered. A group of ‘Muslim brothers’ passing by, surrounded and brutally beat her. Many parts of London and Paris are now “no-go zones.” Enter at your own risk. Sharia laws strictly enforced. And it is coming to cities like Dearborn, Michigan.
So few people throughout the world are taking this seriously. Jews are being targeted globally. it is being proclaimed by protestors, political figures, pastors and pundits that Jews are genocidal thriving colonizing pedos with no claim to a homeland or history, who are hell bent on controlling the world. Then people cannot seem to figure out why in the world Jewish property is being defaced and Jews are being beaten and disembarked and refused service on the streets of Europe and America? The crimes are being ignored and normalized and the Jewish people are downright scared.
In my next posting on Wednesday or Thursday, I will be discussing modern day blood libels. These are actual complete fabrications, made-up stories against Jews in order to promote violence and eventual extermination of that ‘pernicious race.’ It is an article that traces the history from the early 400’s to modern times. It has resurfaced today through modern outlets and is a warning sign of things to come-
Tomorrow we are traveling down to the Gaza Envelope for a story I’ve been commissioned to write on the 3rd anniversary of 7 October. I will be also visiting one of the kibbutzim that was attacked as well as shelters and the Nova Festival site. We will conclude the trip by spending time at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv. I have four interviews set up and will do one special remembrance blog post on this. I will interview a member of the regional council, an IDF soldier in the reserves who has served five tours in Gaza, a resident of Nahal Oz Kibbutz, and a paramedic.
Mazal tov to us! After welcoming a happy, healthy grandchild #7 in late March (we were there in the States), another daughter just had her second last week. That brings the grand total to 8… so far.
Katie’s newest little oneBoth babies born easily and joyfully at home
Up here in the North of Israel things are relatively quiet. The IDF has had to go into southern Lebanon repeatedly to destroy Hizbulla and their weapons caches as they try to rebuild and re-arm. They have broken their side of the ceasefire over and over again despite the established government vowing they would not be allowed to establish a foothold. Yet they keep trying. What else is new? And the army stays entrenched there instead of backing down and allowing another 7 October from the North.
We are still waiting for news of a hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza. Unfortunately Hamas will only allow 10 live and 15 dead captives to be returned. This is out of 50 hostages still being held there. They refuse to disarm. They refuse to relinquish control of the Strip. And they are asking for over 1000 terrorists (convicted) to be released from Israeli prisons. Most people here are hoping the IDF will clear the area of terrorists and somehow retrieve the hostages before hostilities end.
The Houthis in Yemen sank two tankers in the Red Sea last week. One was flying a Liberian flag. The other was from the Balkans. At least 19 crew members were killed from both boats. And these Houthi rebels keep firing on the shipping lanes and sending ICBMs toward Israel. Every day. It never stops. Most fall short or are intercepted before they can reach Israel.
I plan on covering all that’s been going on in Judaea and Samaria (West Bank), but since that is a whole subject in and of itself, I’ll save that for next week. Earlier today, another deadly terror attack happened. This time at the Gush Etzion junction. Two Palestinian terrorists – OK, they were security guards for the PA – opened fire murdering a border control IDF officer, Shalev Zvuluny, z”l. They were quickly neutralized by armed civilians. We’ve just learned those Palestinian Authority Police were trained in Qatar. Does this surprise? These ‘security officers’ of the PA are fully backed by international support as peacekeepers. And there is talk about letting them have control of Gaza after Hamas is removed from power. I don’t think so….
In other news, it’s heavy into the wedding season here. It’s crazy amazing that so many young couples are tying the knot and quickly starting new families. Some would think it counter-intuitive being there is a war going on.
Sapir Cohen was held in Hamas captivity for 55 days.shasha Trouvanov was hostage in Gaza for almost 500 days. They were both taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October, 2023. Yesterday they announced their engagement. From days of darkness to a future filled with light and love, their story is one of strength, hope and love…and the refusal to let evil win. Wish wish them a lifetime of joy and many, many children.
Einat Danino, a 47 year old Orthodox Jewish mother whose son Ori was taken hostage by Hamas and then murdered in captivity, just completed her IDF basic training. She chose to enlist in a special unit for Orthodox women. “It is the most meaningful way to honor my son’s service,” she stated.
A really weird story: Liri Albag, one of the IDF soldier girls who was abducted, spending almost a year and a half in the tunnels of Gaza, went to the US a month ago to meet with the President and other figures was stopped at JFK Airport in NY on her way home. Ironically her name was still on the hostage list due to a computer glitch. She was on some sort of no fly list and held for hours undergoing questioning. The Israeli Consulate stepped in to straighten the matter out… anyway, Liri re-enlisted in the IDF this week to finish up her service. Nothing can keep her down!
Former hostage, Romi Gonen was finally discharged fully from the hospital after 6 months. She was shot in the hand and kidnapped from the Nova festival, then operated on by a veterinarian while in a Gaza hospital. Freed last January, she has undergone two major surgeries at Sheba. She will need one more, scheduled for the upcoming months.
And for the heartbreaking: Avraham Azulay,25, married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth only two months ago. A carpenter and engineer, he built their home by his own hands. Right afterwards he was deployed into a reserve unit in Gaza. He fell heroically fighting the terrorists who ambushed him and tried to take him hostage, Avraham fought them off, however was sadly killed in the battle. Ruth is also mourning a sibling who fell last year.
In addition, 7 more of our soldiers were killed in action in Gaza this week with scores wounded. May their memories be for a blessing and their sacrifice not be in vain.
In the last couple weeks I’ve had several friends share memes and video clips with me that they’ve downloaded from social media. All of them are about top secret classified Mossad developments in military technology: one clip shows a robot army ready to fight any world army; another secret micro bees, flies, roaches and mosquitos equipped with micro cameras. They are able to infiltrate anywhere and can explode on command. How about the dog that brings his master a bone, drops it at his feet, leaves and the bone explodes? There are some other really crazy ones out there. Thing is they are ALL AI generated. Most started circulating around the time of the Hizbulla beepers. Most originally had Hebrew subtitles (now in English and Spanish) and were spoofs. Completely fake. Great deep fakes, but completely untrue untrue nonetheless. So please be careful what you watch and what you believe.
Just think: if Israel could keep the entire beeper and walkie talkie operation under wraps for a decade and if Mossad and the IDF can keep their Iran plans a secret, do you think these top secret videos be leaked to the internet on TikTok or Instagram? Please – as we say in Israel: Don’t be a freier (gullible Gus).
This is the absolute hardest post for me to write. I’ve sat on this subject for over a year and a half now. I hate to make waves. I shun confrontation. I just want to live peacefully, yet I can stay silent no longer. I must face head on the misinformation and downright lies that are pouring from certain media pundits, news outlets and social media influencers, many with huge followings and at least some credibility. It is nothing short of antisemitism veiled under the cover of antizionism and it has become very dangerous.
I know I will upset many people who read this blog. I am pretty sure I will lose some of my subscribers. It is the risk I’m prepared to take. Many of my family and friends in the U.S. are Jewish. I also have very close relatives and very close friends who are Catholic. We enjoy dialogue and intimate friendship. For years in Los Angeles I served on the board of Jewish and Catholic Women United in Dialogue. We had rabbis and priests as our advisory council to help guide us in our communication and understanding of one another’s faiths, cultures and tradition. There was no proselytizing from either side. Deep friendships were formed.
Ever since the 7 October, 2023, and the breach of the Israeli border from Gaza with the rape, torture, murder and kidnapping of innocent men, women and children (not just Jewish people, but Muslims, Christians and foreign workers and exchange students), a deep rift has opened up between many Catholics and Jews. It is a chasm that I hope can be bridged and repaired.
Several Catholic news outlets, media groups which were fair and unbiased, delivering not only church news, but covering international stories, have become completely unbalanced and even unhinged in their coverage of Israel. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War there has been no mention whatsoever of the fight against good and evil. There has not been any statement that acts of terrorism are wrong. There has been absolutely no condemnation of Hamas, Hizbulla or any other group that not only seek to kill Jewish and Israelis, but hold their own countrymen (the truly innocent Christians) hostage. The stories and editorials have consistently been vehemently anti Zionist regime (a.k.a. Israel, the Jews).
One of the main culprits is LifeSite News. From the very beginning of the war, this once reputable media establishment has become very vocal in its anti Israel reporting. At first, the stories were concerned about the plight of innocent civilians, namely the small Catholic community of the Shejaya neighborhood in Gaza City. They were absolutely correct and upright in their concern over innocent civilians and fellow Catholics trapped in a war zone. However, soon enough, complete fabrications of stories were daily occurrences.
Leading stories include – an IDF tank mortar purposely striking the church; the Christians huddled inside for safety were starving and without electricity and their one small generator would soon have no fuel. Israel intentionally would not allow any humanitarian aid to go through and the parishioners were on the brink of starvation. The IDF assassinated in cold blood a woman parishioner and her mother as they left the church. (Only a partial story: The people were told to remain inside because there would be live fire. The woman was found to be a spotter for Hamas. It was heartbreaking and unfortunate that she was shot. Her daughter had run out to help her and was also shot.) The Holy Family school was completely bombed out by the IDF. (This also was a partial truth. The IDF did bomb, go after and eliminate four high ranking Hamas commanders as they hid inside the school attached to the church. Terrorists used it as a base to fire from, and they refused to come out. There actually was an admission by the Patriarch, and the question begs as to why armed terrorists were allowed to seek a hiding place inside the premises?)
Many of the stories proved highly exaggerated at best. In most cases they were completely fabricated. There were feature stories, op eds and news items every day that vilified the Zionist regime. Life Site News relied on the Gaza Ministry of Health, a propaganda arm of Hamas, the Red Crescent and Al Jazeera for sources. Also often quoted are far far left leaning sources like Politico, Haaretz, the Guardian and Axios. Haaretz is a far left leaning Marxist media outlet in Israel that is always against the current government and leans very pro-Palestinian. At times, “Jewish” sources, such as the fanatical and cultish splinter group, Neutrei Karta are used to bolster their stories. Neutrei Karta claim to be ultra Orthodox Jews who are anti Israel. They align themselves with the Palestinian cause and are often seen in their Hasidic garb while wearing keffiyehs and holding Palestinian flags at New York pro-Palestine rallies. They are not reliable witnesses for the majority of Jews. In fact, they are repudiated by most.
As you can see from just some of these headlines collected over the course of two years, LifeSite News is very inflammatory. Israel and the Jews are seen as controlling the world and they are responsible for the start of World War III with every military action they undertake. In Gaza, the IDF is labeled genocidal and evil. And on more than one occasion Israel has been accused directly of going after the Catholic parishioners of Shejaya. This is libelous and slanderous, and is completely false.
The Catholic Mass from the Holy Family parish is often filmed. Many services are live streamed and are posted to YouTube. The late pope, Francis, would call to speak to the children each night, which was a lovely gesture. But if you look at the service, the church is clean and intact, always with lots of fresh flowers (they have fresh floral arrangements in the middle of the war!). There is a range of young and old, all seemingly well fed and in nice clothes. There is electricity and music. How can one claim starvation, genocide, the killing of innocent civilians, and a bombed church? I am very thankful they all seem to be doing so well. It is actually a testament to the fact that they are not targeted for destruction.
Last week, the leading article picked up in The Loop, (another Catholic daily news outlet and subsidiary of CatholicVote, based in the United States led with the following headline:
“It was a massacre,” one Palestinian man quoted by AP News said, describing how Israeli forces opened fire “even as we were fleeing. Many people were either martyred or wounded.”
Another witness said drones hovered overhead before gunfire broke out, creating a “chaotic and bloody” scene. As he fled, he saw at least three motionless bodies on the ground and many others wounded.
According to AP News, the Awda hospital in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, which received the victims, confirmed 25 deaths and said 146 others were wounded. It said 62 were in critical condition and transferred to other hospitals.
I immediately researched this claim, and have found the story to be completely fabricated. Originating from the Gaza Health Ministry at a time when Gaza was out of the media spotlight during the Iran War, perhaps this story was floated to bring attention back to the Strip. Listen to Col. Richard Kemp, former commander of the UK Armed Forces. He has been an independent observer of the Israel-Gaza War. Just Saturday he came out with this statement:
I am both disappointed and alarmed that the Loop has become another outlet for Islamic propaganda. Antizionism is veiled antisemitism and news stories should be verified before they are published. This dangerous rhetoric leads to violence. It has happened countless times throughout history and needs to be stopped. America does not have boots on the ground in Israel and the United States will not be sending its children to Israel to die. World War III is not an imminent threat because the limited joint efforts by Israel and the U.S. in Iran stopped the Shiite regime from having nuclear arms.
There has also been much damage done by celebrity pundits. Once a fairly reliable conservative news commentator, Candace Owens, who got her start from Dennis Prager before she moved on to The Daily Wire, now spews forth anti Jewish and antiIsrael vitriol. From “the Jews involved in a global cabal to take over the world;” to genocide and war crimes in Gaza perpetuated by Israel, she has discredited herself countless times with false news and overt exaggerations. Sometimes teamed with podcaster, Nick Fuentes, the pair foment a radically unbalanced Jew hatred. They present themselves as devout traditional Catholics who believe the Catholic Church has replaced any covenant or blessing made by G-d upon the Children of Israel. I am very afraid that this kind of talk will one day, ignite a fanatic or mentally unbalanced person to acts of violence. This is just one video clip of Ms. Owens spouting hateful libels against Jews. She is even worse in her rants against Israel and Netanyahu in particular. I selected this one video out of many because it is short and to the point.
Perhaps the worst of all I have saved for last. He is a prolific author and Catholic apologist. Founder of the very based and reputable New Saint Thomas Institute for online Catholic education, Dr. Taylor Marshall in just the past year has become one of the most vitriolic antisemitic people on social media. Dr. Marshall enjoys an extremely wide following, and has several paid sponsorships for his programs, which can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Rumble and YouTube.
The United States is already becoming increasingly divided in a dangerous way. Actual facts can be twisted in such a way to make conspiracy theories appealing. Dr. Marshall’s latest videos have included a dissection of the recent debate between Tucker Carlson and Sen. Ted Cruz. The debate itself is incredibly cringe and uncomfortable to watch. Two former friends have now become now hostile. No love. No peace. No understanding. Just gotcha moments, all of which are anti Israel. And Dr. Marshall lavishes in it. You can watch it on YouTube. His discussion is from his own Catholic perspective. It is against both Protestant Christianity as well as Judaism as he explains the Catholic Church has taken the place of the ‘perfidious branches that were cut off to be thrown into the fire.”
I have listened to several of his programs. A Catholic friend in California sends them to me and asks my opinion. “Is this what Jews believe?” It has been years since I have heard the terms ‘perfidious Jews’ and ‘synagogue of satan.’ His videos include the likes of “Why Christian Zionism is a Dangerous Heresy,” “How a FOREIGN Country CAPTURED American CHRISTIANS,” and “1948 Israel.”
The latest video from Dr Marshall, out just yesterday, begins: “What if I were to tell you, this man, with the Hebrew tattoo around his neck was planning to kill 14 Christian pastors and. Catholic priests?” What a lead in!! In fact, the mentally unstable murderer, Adam Sheaf, is not at all Jewish. No observant Jew would even write the holy name of G-d, in English, Hebrew or any other language, much less as a tattoo on their body. The killer was a lunatic, but Marshall stirs up fears in his mostly Catholic audience, telling them to “stay vigilant in this time of escalating evil“ and to “guard themselves against members of the synagogue of satan who have ill motives against us.”
In 1965, the Catholic Church produced a document, Nostra Aetate, which was a profound statement on the relationship between the Church and the Jewish people. It acknowledges the passages of Scripture that “the gifts and callings of G-d are without repentance,” in other words, they stand the test of time. When G-d makes a covenant with a people, it is eternal. It is irrevocable, not replaceable. Therefore, by definition, the covenants made (Adamic, Noahide, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) to the Children of Israel are binding and eternal.
In a short history of the reparation of the breach between the Church and the Jews, Pope John XXIII, in 1963 wrote a (nondogmatic) letter to the Catholic Church that set the stage for reconciliation.
We are conscious today that many many centuries of blindness have cloaked our eyes so that we can no longer either see the beauty of Thy Chosen People nor recognize in their faces the features of our privileged brethren. We realize that the mark of Cain stands upon our foreheads. Across the centuries our brother Abel has lain in the blood which we drew or shed the tears we caused by forgetting Thy Love. Forgive us for the curse we falsely attached to their name as Jews. Forgive us for crucifying Thee a second time in their flesh. For we knew not what we did
In ‘65 Nostra Aetate came out as an offshoot of Vatican II. It led to great interreligious dialogue and understanding between the two faiths. When Pope John Paul II became the successor to the Chair of Peter, he called the Jewish people “our elder brothers in faith.” He visited the Great Synagogue in Rome and also Jerusalem (the Western Wall) among other places as a sign of friendship and admiration. His successor, Pope Benedict XIV also worked to repair the breach between brothers.
Entire university departments were set up to foster Jewish-Catholic Studies and Dialogue. Professors of Yeshiva co-taught with Catholic priests (One of my daughters received her Bachelors in this area). Great Jewish theologians and Catholic apologists studied together and co-authored books. It was a great era of reparation. In a spiritual sense, Jacob and Esau were coming together in mutual respect and understanding.
When there are great advancements, there come greater divisions to tear down what was being built. I will not go into the history of the State of Israel, but from its return on the timeline, there have been those that have been opposed to its establishment and its continuance. From the first wave of Jewish immigrants to their ancient Biblical homeland (as covenanted by G-d), there has been stiff opposition, most notably by radical Islamists. And unfortunately today, by some Catholics. I know this does not include most Catholics, but I do feel I must point this out because the voices are seeming to grow louder in their intensity and frequency.
Time and time again, the tiny nation of Israel faced existential threats from invading countries. They developed a sound and strong army to defend themselves against the Arab nations. A democracy was set up, allowing not only the Jews, but Christians, Muslims, Druze, Baha’i, and Circassians full citizenship with all the rights that accompany it. And still, there were naysayers that arose. People that for whatever reason, twisted facts. People and institutions that stood in opposition to the idea of the Jewish State-
There is a nefarious spirit out there that seeks to divide and destroy. Whether through the written word or the twisting of the truth. This spirit will not seek out facts. It will not make a distinction between good and evil, right and wrong. It seeks to divide allies. To come between friends. Division creates weakness in a society.
Let us strive to come together. Let us, and I’m speaking to all members of the Judaeo-Christian faiths, seek to find our commonalities, because we truly are on the same side. There is strength in unity. Let us seek to resolve our differences, seek out the common truths we all hold dear. Let us strive for the higher ground together and stand united against that spirit of destructiveness.
Hasbara. הסברה. (Has- bah-Rah) Definition: defensive explanation; Publicity as in apologetics or setting the record straight; an Israeli/Hebrew word not directly translated easily to English….what I will be doing in this blogpost
Over the past four days we have been receiving emails and phone calls and other text messages and videos from people outside Israel (mostly Americans). Most are well wishers, whom we appreciate very much. Old friends, family, neighbors who are concerned about our well being. I assure you that despite the difficult circumstances we are undergoing here in Israel now, we are strong, resilient and quite well.
I am shocked by some of the conspiracy theories, A-I generated videos and stories, fake news and scare stories being pushed. I know people mean well and are yearning for the truth…aren’t we all? Most of these stories are incredibly overblown and in fact, very anti Israel. I hope to give my best explanations here based on lived experience in the Middle East and scouring of news sources as well as verifiable accounts of what has happened. In essence, Hasbara.
Why is the United States letting Israel drag us into a war and why are we giving them so much money?
Let me answer the second question first. Israel and the U.S. have been allies for over 75 years now. Yes. The American government gives Israel billions of dollars, but it is all under contract. Israel must spend that money in the United States, using defense and aviation companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin (F-35s); McDonnell Douglas/Boeing (F-15) and General Dynamics (F-16). We buy parts, jets and some ammunition from the U.S.. In return, Israel supplies the United States with intelligence information, technology (Iron Dome, Trophy Active Protection anti-tank systems, high tech computer navigation systems, various defensive drones, cybersecurity innovations and telecommunications technology). Israel contributed to the Arrow Missile Defense System. This, in turn, creates thousands of jobs for Americans, thus bolstering the American economy. These are just some of the contributions that Israel makes to American security.
The two countries regularly train together, strengthening both countries militarily. Israel also lets the U.S. store its weapons here as a MidEast stockpile in event of regional emergency. Most were depleted/taken back under the Biden Administration. That said, we are allies and share the same enemies and threats, albeit Israel more existentially. Israel is not “dragging the U.S. into a war. So far, Israeli pilots have done most of the work in clearing the airspace over Iran to bomb precise military and now IRGC and government targets (air bases, weapons storage facilities, weapons factories, missile launch sites, nuclear facilities, and in Tehran- the IRGC headquarters, Finance Ministry, Intelligence Ministry, Iranian Broadcasting Systems, etc). This has been done single-handedly by the IDF in cooperation with Mossad operatives who were able to embed themselves inside Iran.
The United States has helped shoot down drones, when over 100 heavily explosive laden suicide drones were launched from Iran last Thursday night/Friday morning. Jordan also helped. The U.S. is not involved in active combat. The Trump Administration has sent aircraft carriers to the area as a show of force and to prevent the Straits of Hormuz from becoming blocked. That is a defensive measure to protect one of the world’s most heavily traveled trade routes. Thus far, that is the extent of their involvement.
This is a preemptive war. It is surgically conducted. It is targeted. It is precise. It is not a call to war or the start of World War lll. It is not a land invasion to conquer more territory (colonialism). It is a neutralization of a terrorist regime. It is between Israel and Iran.
Whether the U.S. will use the stealth bomber, the MOAB or other heavy bombs to destroy the Fordo Nuclear Weapons Facility located deep underground in heavy fortified concrete is to be seen. This is one of the last things to be done if there is not a complete surrender first. Hopefully this war can end without U.S. involvement. What will be, remains to be seen.
2. Does Israel really want to start a war with Iran? Isn’t that reckless, especially since they were in the middle of peace talks and signing a non-nuclear agreement?
Iran has been threatening Israel (and the West/America) with nuclear annhiliation. They are radical Shi’ite Islamists operating under a (madman, opinion mine) Ayatollah and mullahs who believe in the imminent coming of the 12th Immam or Mahdi, their version of a Messiah. They believe that the only way to issue in the Mahdi is through global chaos and bloodshed. Also through the complete elimination of the Zionist State, aka Israel/the Jewish people. For them, to die as a shaheed or martyr is the greatest honor, a ticket straight to Allah with the gift of 72 perpetual virgins. When they say they will attack, they need to be taken seriously. First Israel, the little satan, then the United States, the great satan.
Despite the JCPOA, Iran has been secretly enriching weapons grade uranium. They were at the point of equipping nuclear warheads (estimates range between 9-15) on ICBMs. They had reached breakout level. And verifiable documents have been released proving they were intent on getting those weapons to Yemen, Qatar and two other rogue nations. Two weeks ago, I believe, the Atomic Energy Commission verified all this, with Iran admitting and even saying they had constructed a ‘secret weapons facility.’
Iran has been the main sponsor of terror groups and nations, forming, supplying and fomenting groups such as Hizbulla, Hamas, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations. They are partially behind the flooding of Europe, the United States and greater Western World with “refugees,” namely single males between the ages of 15-40.
They have never been genuine in their “peace talks” or non-proliferation or enrichment promises, not with the world or with Israel. They are not to be trusted. Seriously. Time and again, with Hamas (under Iranian and Qatari control), pauses in fighting have taken place in Gaza allowing the terrorist regimes to regroup and restock. The same scenes have been played out repeatedly through the years. If they are truly serious about negotiating, why doesn’t Iran first order Hamas to release the remaining 52 hostages? That would be a start.
3. How can you live in a country that is a genocidal regime that targets civilian populations? I always thought you (personally) werepeaceniks.
We don’t love war. Absolutely. We decry when any innocent civilians is killed. Who wants to live in a place where one constantly is running to protected areas or is continually under the threat of annhilation? We crave peace. But more on that later.
The IDF is the only army that I know of that issues evacuation orders or actually takes the time to strategize the movement of innocent civilians to safe spaces and out of active war zones, i.e. Gaza, Tehran. (Until this latest war) Israel is the only country I know of that drops leaflets and then knock bombs (bombs that tap/shake the roof of a building without exploding) as a warning to clear that particular building before an attack, i.e. Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah. What other country delivers water, power and humanitarian aid (despite what you hear on social media) to its enemy in wartime? What other country pauses in the middle of military operations to administer polio vaccines to children? What other country sets up triage tents and evacuates sick children and wounded civilians back to its own country for hospitalization and treatment while delivering humanitarian assistance, i.e. Operation Good Neighbor in Syria, 2018-2020?
The definition of genocide is to eliminate a certain population due to ethnic cleansing, religion, race, health/medical undesirability (eugenics) or to completely annihilate a certain people. That said, if Israel has been involved in “genocide of the Palestinian people,” then how has the population, say, of Gaza grown from 297,638 in 1997 to 2.2 million in 2025? That does not sound like a genocide to me.
On the other hand, Gaza had a Jewish population going back over 3,000 years. Most Jews living in Gaza fled during the 1929 Palestinian massacre and riots. In 1945 there were 80 Jews left. The Gaza Strip had 146,207 Jewish people living there fairly peacefully with their Muslim neighbors until 1995, when every single Jew was forcibly expelled (by their own Israeli government) according to the Oslo Accords Treaty. Today there are no Jews left in Gaza. They were not killed, but they were kicked out.
Need I mention the Holocaust? Or the Farhud? These are examples of ethnic cleansing and genocide. What about the Armenians in Turkey? Or the Rwanda genocide against the Tutsis in 1994? Why does no one mention or stand up against a real genocide, the massacre of thousands of Nigerian Christians by radical Islamists (Boko Haram, jihadi militant groups, Fulani)? According to the report “Martyred Christians in Nigeria” over 52,250 Christian men, women, children, infants have been brutally murdered since 2010. Over 18,000 churches have been set on fire. This, my friends, meets the definition of a genocide.
4. Why don’t you leave before it’s too late?/ I read that Israel is preventing its own people from leaving the country.
John and I did not take the decision to move to Israel lightly by any means. We had been planning for years to move out of the failing stater of California. Selling house and moving far away from all family and friends was not a passing whim or middle aged crisis. Our children were grown and leaving home and there were many, many factors involved in our decision. Not the least of which was the fact that we believe with all our heart in the Zionist ideals: that the ancient Biblical and ancestral homeland of the Jewish people always was and always will be Israel. This is provable by history and archaeology despite the fact that the Jews have been in diaspora for 2000 years. It is also the birthplace of Christianity. I have been deeply committed to and involved with inter-religious dialogue for decades.
As for our leaving: this is now our home. We are still American citizens, but this is where we have chosen to stay, again for very many reasons. At this point, the international airport is closed to everyone. Airspace over Israel is understandably restricted due to threat of attack. As for the post on Twitter that was sent to me:
I had never heard of this woman, so I did some research. Ms. Fenigson is a chief marketing officer of several global companies, now turned activist and podcaster of “You’re the Voice.” She rose to stardom during the pandemic as an independent journalist and labels herself “a dissident.” Ms. Fenigson is very left leaning and is often very outspoken against both the current Israeli government and the Trump administration. She has become a well known international speaker and “freedom activist” ( all quotes hers).
That said, yes Israel has forbid all flights to everyone. And yes, Kaitlin Jenner, who was here to tour the Gaza Envelope communities did get out last Friday morning. However, for safety precautions, Israel has removed a large percentage of its planes to other countries, that I will not mention here. Discussions are currently being held on how to get stranded Israelis and Lone Soldiers back home. Possible options are flights to Mediterranean countries followed by chartered cruise liners home. All Israelis are seriously advised against traveling through Egypt or Jordan (Jenner was escorted to Amman as an American citizen and then flew back to the States from Jordan) for their own protection.
After Israelis are brought back, the first priority will be given to tourists and those with dual citizenship. Privately chartered airlines are being considered for this once the airspace is deemed safe enough.All people are being kept as safe as is absolutely possible. Tourists are being put up at Israel’s expense. We want no casualties. This only makes sense.
The state control of phones: every single Israeli phone line has been receiving those banshee like, horrific sounding, extremely loud signals as soon as an Iranian missile launch is detected. We get these alerts at all times of the day and night, and. Most definitely, it can be jarring/nerve unraveling. However, it is not to panic us, but to alert us that we have less than six minutes to take cover. At the minute before impact there is another signal and country-wide red alerts and sirens go off 15 seconds before impact in the surrounding area. This is to ensure that all people have a chance to get to a protected space or to stop their vehicles, exit and take shelter in a more protected area. I thank G-d and the State of Israel for coming up with this systems. It saves lives.
From the magnanimity of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the KKL, concrete bunkers or shelters have been placed everywhere through the land. We, here value life, not death. This also pops up on all phones.
As far as I know, they are sent in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Amharic, French and Spanish. Many times, we have to use Google translate-
The last question I’ll address at this time (I’ve already gone too long) is from a girlfriend in the States who wanted to know –
5. I was listening to a podcast where this was discussed and I wanted to know what you believe. Netanyahu and Mossad are only interested in endless perpetuation of war and controlling regime changes.
We live in a really tough neighborhood. Israel is completely surrounded by the Arab world. Some of the countries are more friendly than others, but many want us dead (From the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea is all Israel). The Arabs comprise 99.6% of the MidEast. Israel has 0.4%
I truly believe the Iran situation is completely different than U.S. or Israeli involvement in Iraq (where Israel was told to stand down and did), Syria, Libya or Afghanistan.
Iran, pre WWll used to be Persia. The Islamic grand mufti with Adolph Hitler to discuss the Final Solution. The name of Persia was then changed to Iran from Aryan and the Farhud was soon enacted throughout the Middle East. (Long history. Look up for yourself). In 1979 the Persian monarchy was completely dissolved (under Pres. Carter’s admin). Shah Rena Pahlavi and his family escaped and went into hiding. They were replaced by the Radical Jihadist Ayatollas, mullahs and Shiite clerics. Again. Do your own study of history.
Persia/Iran was a highly educated, highly Westernized, free country. Women had full rights. The Jewish and Christian communities flourished. As the Islamist radicals came to power, many Persians also fled to Paris, New York, Miami and Los Angeles among other places. Those more liberals who stayed behind were imprisoned and tortured and killed. Read the true historical accounts in Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafsi. Please!!
Women were forced to completely cover themselves in burkas. Universities were taken over, extreme censorship ensued. All. Things Western were deemed Satanic. (movies, books, music outlawed). The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was formed under strict Sharia and the military began to build its might, eventually exporting its jihadi terror to other Islamic countries. This is a sliver, nutshell synopsis. I’m probably skipping a lot.
Today, the Crown Prince of the Persian Pahlavi dynasty remains in exile. The Persians support him and many Iranians today long for freedom. Women are daringly removing their burkas and have literally been dying for the cause of freedom. In the past week, millions of Iranians are coming out in support and thanks of what they see as Israel liberating them from an oppressive regime.
Do I personally support a regime change with the restoration of freedom? Most certainly? Do I like war? Absolutely not. Do I endorse the IDF taking the chutzpah and initiative to cut the head of the Medusa that strangles and terrorizes? Of course. Do I want American boots on the ground? No.
Nothing is always black and white. We find ourselves in a complex situation. What we do next is a Sword of Damocles. (Look that up if you need to) Yet what we do next, what Netanyahu, what Trump decides is precarious.
Israel is completely united at this time. We are all on the same page. The United States needs to be firm, steadfast and united. The world is watching. Iran or what is left of it is watching. The enemy thrives on division. They see it as a sign of weakness. Please stop the infighting. Discussion tables are important. Infighting is not. Hatred of our fellow man is not.
Stay away from conspiracy theories. Stay away from fake news and scare tactics. Stay away from fear monger if and slandering. From A-I and deep fakes. It’s getting very hard to tell the difference these days. Listen to that still, small voice inside you.
All I can say to this is this is the time to pray. Fast and pray. Pray for world leaders to make wise decisions. Pray for all plans to go well. Pray for the protection of all innocent citizens, wherever they may be. Pray for peace. But whatever happens, I take comfort in what my husband continually repeats to me. It gives me great comfort. “Everything that happens is in G-d’s hands. He alone has the ability to turn evil to good, to shape the future. Things have to happen the way they happen. Our job is to trust, believe, pray and put ourselves in His hands. Then all will be well.”
If you find this post informative or inspiring in any way, please please share it.
We’ve known something was up. It was right there before our faces. The Iranian threats. The Yemeni threats. The Qatari threats. The countdown for the peace talks/ nuclear talks with U.S. and Iran. The recalling of Ambassadors, military families, and others out of the Middle East. The US State Dept. messages to American citizens to stay in certain areas only traveling to the airport. There has been so much drama since last Tuesday. And then on Wednesday our government collapsed.
There has been a long-standing debate in Israel as to whether to force the Haredim, the Ultra Orthodox to serve in some capacity in the IDF. The men sit in the Yeshivas all day studying Torah at the expense of the taxpayer. Most live off of the generosity of the government dole. And many Israelis think it’s just not fair. Unfortunately, or fortunately, they make up several seats of the parties that have kept the coalition or government together. And Tuesday they called it quits. Dissolve the entire government. Force new elections. Bibi, you just lost control over your own government. And the EU and other countries are sanctioning our right wing politicians, Ben Gvir and Smotrich. Things are falling apart. (Well orchestrated smoke screen???)
Trump and Elon had a huge falling out/romantic and dramatic breakup of their bromance last week, which caused the diversion of much public attention from the Big Beautiful Bill and foreign affairs….until the riots started. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta. My how our heads were spinning this way and that just to keep up.
The Iran negotiations deal was stalling. Trump reported that the Iran talks were proving to be tough, which is interesting, seeing as Israel has already said they will completely dismantle their whole system if a stalemate is reached. It seemed as if the Trump/Bibi friendship, too, was on the rocks. Bibi was snubbed completely during the US/Trump whirlwind tour of the Middle East 10 days ago. Trump had repeatedly told Bibi to stand down. The last nuclear talk would be in Oman on Sunday. Wait. Don’t act. Just stand down, Netanyahu. (Was this part of the brilliant smokescreen created to lull the Iranians into at least a temporary complacency???)
Israeli fighter jets have been strafing the skies all day since Monday. That’s not altogether unusual, it’s just that it’s been really, really quiet here the past few months. Like zilch. Nada. Nothing in the skies. Still, we continued to make plans. On Tuesday we went cherry picking in the Golan with some friends. It was an idyllic day, and I’ve never seen so many cherries on trees before. All the thousands of rows had branches laden to the ground. Schoolchildren on field trips ran through the rows scarfing up the red and yellow jewels. We couldn’t ask for a better day. We were right up against the Syrian border, literally. And all was as peaceful as can be.
John with his RainiersPerfect, peaceful dayRainier cherries $6/lb. All you can eat. We ate more than we brought homeLaden with cherries!The fields go right up to the edge of the Israeli borderYou can see the black border fence. 1 km beyond is SyriaLife’s a bowl of cherries
We continued to make plans for the weekend and into next week. We would go with friends to an art museum in Haifa at the top of Mt. Carmel on Monday to see the museum and the views. Spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Haifa port, looking North into Lebanon. A lovely café afterwards. On Tuesday, I made plans for a girlfriend from India to come over. I have 2 kg of organic fresh-picked apricots. It’s chutney season.
My Torah partner, Shari, and I met again last night to discuss the week’s Torah portion: Numbers 8-12. We discussed some current events as well and how the Scripture always seems relevant to our situation today. The Children of Israel are assembled and ready to venture forth into the Promised Land. The tribe of Judah/Yehudah always leads. Judah basically means “praise G-d” so praise goes before everything else. Something to remember.
Ch10:9 “And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that tries to destroy you, then you shall blow an alarm with the shofar; and you shall be remembered before the Lord your G-d, and you shall be saved from your enemies.”
Numbers 10:35 “Arise, o Lord, and let your enemies be scattered: and let them that hate you flee before you.”
It’s interesting that before any battle or any major operation (or before going into Gaza) the IDF soldiers pray. And Numbers10:35 is a main verse besides asking for His protection and His victory. I think it’s pretty cool that the modern army follows Torah so closely.
Two days ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu went to pray at the Western Wall with the President of Argentina, Javier Milei. Bibi placed a note in the wall that read “He shall rise like a lion and lift himself up like a king of beasts.” The military operation (all are named ) is called ‘Rising Lion’.
My other girlfriend from the States called to check up on us. To see if we were staying or leaving. If we’d been making plans or were ready. The news when she had awakened in California was less than hopeful. She was praying for Israel as were many members of her congregation.
I have a confession to make. John and I were pretty late to the game, but we’ve become absolutely addicted to the TV series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” We’ve been binge watching for the past two weeks. Yes. There’s a lot of foul language, but so many parts of it remind me of my childhood – my favorite uncle’s garment factory on the lower East Side. The food. The music of the Barry Sisters. The resort hotels of the Borscht Belt, where my parents worked their way through university while on summer break. The names (Weissman is my last name). The clothes. The arguing. It’s my story, too, in a way. So last night we decided to get in the last three episodes of season 3 before bed. It was 1:40 when we finished, and I decided to take a sleeping pill so I could get in one last good night’s sleep before any fireworks started.
At exactly 3am, we were spooked out of bed by the loud (loud doesn’t even begin to come close, was the siren in our bedroom window?) siren. It was a bit different from the ‘incoming’ siren, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I grabbed my phone and charger. John and the dog were marching down to the mammad. I decided to go out on the balcony to see what was up. Eerily quiet except for the blaring siren. Completely fogged in. Like milk. I could see nothing. Eeeewwwwww. Kinda creepy. No point staying out there, I began to head towards the stairs when both our phones let out this bansheeeeee waaaaiiiiilllll like we’ve never heard before. Pierce your eardrums wail. What the hell???
It was not the usual red alert. It was weird. The messages that were coming were all in Hebrew. No use now to sit and decipher. It’s off to the saferoom. Something big is up. About 20 minutes later, after hearing nothing, John went up to the bedroom. He had no desire for just hanging out waiting. He needed his sleep.
I went into the kitchen, scouring the internet for why this was happening. What was up. Something really big. We were soon to find out all schools and all unnecessary activities would be closed. No large gatherings. Stay close to a shelter. Extreme high alert elevation emergency no fooling around time. All things canceled. Stay home. The instructions started pouring in from Home Front Command. Then, our mayor came on and gave a talk about staying calm, everything was under control. Be prepared, and read all the alerts being given. Wow. We had just launched a surprise attack against Iran.
Israel launched the craziest pre-planned-to-a-tee attack on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. 61 days ago, Trump announced that Iran had 60 days to make a deal. After that, all bets would be off. Bibi and Trump had been playing this game that they were not at all on the same page and the US would not be a part of any strike. This night was Day 61 and BAM! Just had confirmation that 4 of the leading IRGC generals have been eliminated. Several nuclear facilities have been hit including the Nanatz Nuclear Facility. Wiped out. Mossad agents on the ground in Iran doing other targeted eliminations. Ballistic and nuclear capabilities are being taken down.
Israeli official report: Alongside extensive strikes by the Israeli Air Force, the Mossad led a series of counterterrorism operations deep inside Iran. These operations were designed to damage Iran’s strategic missile array and air defense capabilities. Major explosions rocked Tehran overnight. Israel is now preparing for a large-scale missile and drone retaliation from Iran.
Early this morning, the phone alert system went off again. About 8am. Stay close to shelters. All days activities canceled. Only necessary and emergency activity (Shopping for Shabbat?) Iran had launched over 100 drones towards Israel according to IDF spokesman, Gen. Effie Defrin (did I tell you how much I miss Daniel Hagai, our last IDF spokesman. Daniel. Come back!) IDF forces are actively engaged in intercepting the aerial threat…. I’m up watering the garden and picking tonight’s veg.
Oh….and this is super amazing. So there are people praying at the Western Wall, the Kotel 24/7. People are ALWAYS there at all hours of the night, in all weather, sending up their petitions. Interceding for Israel. Last night was no exception. After the sirens rang out throughout the country and it was announce the war had begun. several men began to blow their shofar. (Numbers 10:9 and recite the prayers. I have it on my army news feed. Its spine-tingling king in its Biblical veracity.
Now for the facts from today’s news:
The attack on Iran was preceded by a deception operation that included media and political components, both domestically and internationally, with the participation of various parties. Israel managed to surprise Iran with mind-blowing maneuvers.
Only a few secret partners jealously guarded the plan. As part of the deception plan, the Prime Minister’s spokesman distributed various announcements and briefings in the days leading up to the operation, among other things, in an attempt to influence the internal discourse in Israel and Iran.
Likewise, the Prime Minister’s office did not deny completely unfounded quotes supposedly from Netanyahu’s and Trump’s conversations (referring to the N12 report that Trump expressed opposition to the attack) on purpose, to project a public debate between Israel and the United States.
The goal was to make the Israelinpujblic and the Iranian leadership think that there would be no attack, and if there was, then not in the immediate future. This is out of fear that any information could ruin the surprise effect and the plan.
Now we are finding out the Tabriz airport has been taken out. The entire Iranian general staff and top nuclear scientists are reportedly eliminated in IDF strikes. air defense systems were wiped out. Radar installations and surface-to-are missiles have been destroyed. Israel has done this alone. Completely unaided, however, the some people in the US administration were in the loop. They had absolute coordination and understanding/cooperation of the US. The attack was a massive surprise. Israel couldn’t allow the world going on denying that Iran was not planning something.
Even yesterday he UN Security Council ruled that over the past 20 years they knew that the terror sponsor of the world was enriching uranium to make and use a nuclear weapon on Israel and the States. The Board of Governors of the Atomic Energy Agency censured Iran for the first time in two decades Thursday after it refused to work with inspectors. Iran immediately announce it would establish a third enrichment site and swap out its older centrifuges for more sophisticated ones. Israel had to take the action they did on a remarkable surprise attack, taking out scientists, government, military leaders, weapons sites, weapons launch sites. The next few days a lot more will happen. We will be getting a lot more news about what is occurring.
This is just the beginning. There is more to be done. Hopefully, this will be the time for the beautiful Iranian people to step up and take back their country. We have the expectation that Iran or any of its proxies will retaliate in the next few days. Which is why it is so important that Israel took the action it did.
“ I was briefed on the attacks in advance, no surprises, but the US is not militarily involved and hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table. We are waiting to see what the Iranian response will be, we will defend Israel if absolutely necessary.” – President Trump.
It is now just past 1 pm here. I’m behind on my Shabbat cleaning and cooking. Iran’s supreme leader, Khameni has just replaced the top military commanders. Russia, the EU, the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and other nations are calling out Israel in violation of international law. Israel shot down over 200 UAVs this morning. Netanyahu and Trump are playing 4D chess. “ After a successful salvo of opening strikes, we will achieve many more, with G-d’s help.” No civilians have been targeted. Only terrorists and their leaders.
Israel, under complete cover, spent years preparing for last night. This included….. get this one! Building a drone base inside Iran and smuggled precision weapons into the country. According to the official, Mossad agents set up a drone base on Iranian soil near Tehran. The drones were activated overnight,striking surface-to-surface missile launchers aimed at Israel. In addition, vehicles carrying weapons systems were smuggled into Iran. These systems took out Iran’s air defenses and gave Israeli planes air supremacy and freedom of action over Iran. The third effort was Mossad commandos deploying precision missiles near anti-aircraft sites in Iran.
Israel has issued a severe warning to all Jews and to all its citizens abroad all around the world to be extremely vigilant.
i24 NEWS has stated that the strikes on Iran ‘achieved something on a scale that cannot yet be described.’ The head of the IRGC’s Air Force Amir Alihajizadeh was eliminated along with the top chain of command as they convened in an emergency meeting in an underground command center. 24 of the most important people in the Iranian army were eliminated last night in what will become known as one of the most daring and unbelievable missions I. The history of war. Do I hear movies forthcoming????
Attacks from Iran are expected. During Shabbat.In the heat of the night. We pray that G-d will rise and our enemies be scattered.
I’ll be back soon- in the meantime, please pray for all of us as well as your own safety. Could be an interesting weekend.
We’re now in the US for a month as my daughter was due with her second baby almost two weeks ago. Great news, finally late last night she had a peaceful, joyful home birth with a midwife. There were no complications. She had a baby girl, 6 pounds 12 ounces (3.07 kg) and the happy family are resting comfortably. John and I are in a hotel taking care of her 3 year old big brother. Later, a zoo trip is in order.
But first, I’ve been carefully watching all the news from the Israeli side – absolutely none of which has been reported on any news stations or paper here. So last night’s declaration of war on Gaza came as a surprise to many. Over the three weeks, the US has been involved (with Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Hamas) in intense hostage negotiation and continuation of the cease-fire talks.
Hamas refused every single offer put on the table. Israel, in good faith, continued offering an emptying of prisons of many remaining convicted terrorists including all who have been captured during the war over the past 17 months. They tried to negotiate a ceasefire through the end of April. And a rebuilding of Gaza. The US envoy with Steve Witcoff attempted to secure the release of eleven hostages: one American who is still alive; three that were known to need intensive hospitalization and eight bodies including those of 4 Americans. Then they asked for the return of 5 – one alive, 4 dead. All requests were denied. 59 hostages are still in captivity. Those alive are suffering greatly as per the reports from the recently released hostages.
Hamas has violated every single ceasefire from October, 2023 onward. They have launched missiles during a pause of fighting. They have delayed in releasing names of hostages to be set free. Hamas returned the body of an unknown woman in the coffin which was supposed to hold Shari Bibas (it was soon rectified). They delayed the release of hostages in order to stage elaborate propaganda sets. They have sent little children as young as 4 years old, to the border and to IDF outposts to ‘spy out’ the troops and territory (just last week). They have continued to dig tunnels and pour cement to reinforce the tunnels even as there was a pause in fighting. And weapons caches have been found smuggled in through both Egypt and through humanitarian aid shipments.
On the 20th February, Hamas-associated operatives operating from Judaea/Samaria (West Bank) infiltrated into Israel planting bomb on busses in 5 Israeli cities. There have been dozens of stabbing and shooting attacks throughout Israel during the ceasefire. The White House reports that Hamas leaders will not agree to any reasonable offer to end the war.
Last night Israel proceeded with “Operation Strength and Sword,” a preemptive campaign designed to prevent another surprise incursion by Hamas operatives into Israeli territory. Troop movements were detected and intelligence picked up as to their intent to execute another 7 October attack. The military operation, a return to war, was designedto force Hamas back to the negotiating table. It is a limited measure.
The decision to resume airstrikes on Gaza was approved unanimously by all the ministers of Israel’s security agencies as well as both present IDF Chief of Staff and past head, Former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Israel began targeted strikes (NOT indiscriminate bombing) last night from the sea and air. The IDF identified over 100 terror targets aimed at many top and mid-level commanders. At least 12 senior officials have been eliminated including:
Major General Mahmoud Abu Wafta, Undersecretary of Gaza’s Interior Ministry. He was responsible for the rebuilding of destroyed Hamas infrastructure.
Brigadier general Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of central operations
Abu Obeida Al-Jamasi, senior member of Hamas political and propaganda/journalism bureau
Abu Omar Al-khatta, Secretary General of Gaza’s Ministry of Justice
Abu Hamza, Spokesman for Islamic Jihad
Hassan Al-Naam Abu Ali, Senior member of PIJ
Some of their homes that were bombed in the surprise attack also housed their wives and children, who were also killed.
A statement from the Hostage Families Forum was just released:
The greatest fear of the families, the hostages and the citizens of Israel [not all by any means, my addition] has come true. The Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages. We are shocked, outraged and terrified at the deliberate collapse of the process to return our loved ones from Hamas captivity. Resuming the war will put the remaining 59 [ many are corpses being held] at greater risk.
In other news, in Syria, the Al-Julani regime now in power have killed over 8,000 Christians, Alawites and Kurds in systematic emptying of villages and executions. This has happened in Latakia, Hamas, Homs, Jablah and outlying towns. Over 150 Druze elders from the mountain villages bordering Israel on the slope of Mt. Hermon, were allowed entry into Israel to visit the holy shrines of their saints. These included the tombs of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law; the prophet Sabalan/Zebulon, and 2 others. It was the first time the Druze communities have been reunited since 1948. They were hosted for an overnight stay and meeting with the heads of the Israeli Druze communities.
Druze sheiks from Syria visit Israel
IDF air strikes targeting remaining chemical weapons storage facilities near Damascus and other weapons depots resumed in Syria over the past two days. Israel does not want these to fall into the hands of terrorist insurgents. Also, several targeted strikes by the IAF were made on Hizbulla tunnels and strongholds in Lebanon. Hizbulla, also, has been continually violating the terms of their ceasefire. Israel is now on the offensive in preventing further attacks on the citizens of Israel, hoping that all those displaced from the northern border towns and villages will soon be able to return.
The Trump administration has been bombing key missile sites and ports in Yemen to put down the Houthi regime. They have been putting a stranglehold on shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Adan/Arabian Sea. As I was writing this article, at exactly 10am California time/ 7pm Israel time, the Houthis launched missiles from Yemen headed towards both Dimona, the nuclear reactor site, and Ben Gurion airport. The airport closed all operations temporarily. Iron Dome was able to intercept both warheads.
In the meantime, we have begun to get news from the MidEast on television here. The Gaza Red Cresent (health ministry) is reporting over 1700 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. It is interesting to note, that the people who cannot keep count and location of 59 remaining hostages are able to give a death toll in less than 12 hours. Israel has estimated that just over 300 people total have been killed, but this is just a proximate count. As far as I know, there has not been any report of troop movement into Gaza.
As for us, John has been a crack trooper in fending off concerted attacks on the cookies and mini fridge. He’s changed 2 diapers, and wrestled the pjs off a wiggling toddler to put on his outfit of the day. Toddler wrangling while I write this post has him in awe of how I managed 4 little ones under the age of 7. The toy cars have been lined up and are ready to roll across the floor. And if I can get myself in gear, we will go to the zoo soon. I’ll try to send a photo of the baby soon…. And if any other news develops, I shall try to report.
Israel Dreams 