1) This is an informative assessment of where the prospects of a deal for Gilad Shalit’s freedom currently stand. Interestingly, the writer concludes that such a deal would be a blow to Fatah. Worryingly, I think if this is true then it will make the Israeli government less keen to make such a deal.
2) Israel’s law of return is often criticised, but as CifWatch’s Adam Levick shows it is far from a unique state of affairs.
3) I’ve written before about my admiration of Hasidic Judaism, the stories of the Baal Shem Tov and the inspiring chat I had with Breslovs in Jerusalem. I adore the stories of Rabbi Nachman, so I was interested to read of how 50,000 of his devotees made a pilgrimage to his resting place.
4) “I deplore the act of burning the Koran,” says Tony Blair. So do all decent people, and you can read the rest of his statement on the issue here. I was pleased to see him make this statement, which will hopefully dampen the increasing ardour felt for him by some of the less savoury who hide among us.
5) Finally, Ron Feinberg gives 34 reasons why Israel touches his soul on JPost. Read it, wipe the tears from your eyes and book a trip to Israel. They need more visitors, and you know you’ll love it.
Please let me know what you think of this sort of post. I am thinking of making it a weekly affair.
I like it, Chas
And thanks to the Cifwatch article I now know that I am eligible for citizenship in another country!
Wow! May I ask which? Spanish?
I am a British citizen but also qualify for citizenship of Latvia and Australia.
“also qualify for citizenship of Latvia”
Aha! I think we are on the trail of the Hasidim!
Moshiach now!
Yes it is indeed Spanish. I wasn’t aware I could automatically claim citizenship but it seems I can. Mad as it sounds, I think I will stay in Scotland (despite the weather!).
Latvia sounds rather interesting
Very interesting reading – thanks for that. Discovered your blog recently in the Jpost and have been checking in ever since. Love it! Pity we are both married – I share your passion for Israel, reality tv and dogs. You don’t happen to like Elvis too?
On a serious note, I think what you do is amazing and extremely important. I have sent many people to your blog. Thank you
Thanks Gail and welcome! Here is a photo of my dog!
Absolutely gorgeous! Email me if you ever need a dog carer. I absolutely love cavaliers and look after dogs that want lots of loving when their owners are away. On the Israel front, I am very concerned by the hatred towards Israel. One of my daughters is in Israel to do her military service. We are very proud of her. By the way, I also think some sort of law of return applies to Armenia and Germany.
And just in case you needed any more incentive to go to Israel – BA currently have amazing fares for later this year… as cheap as £263 return incl taxes.
Escape the British grey winter and go be inspired by the most amazing country on earth!
ps: yes, germany do have a right of return. I know of ethnic Germans of several generations having been in Romania, who were all granted citizenship after the iron curtain fell.
I really enjoyed Ron Feinberg’s piece and he’s right about the Adiv – a really good find in T.A.
Just don’t wait for the lift if you’re in a hurry!