Home » Discussion » ZolaBlog: Israel

Just when I thought everyone staying at my B&B was from Europe and it was just me and Clint and Theresa, from the States, I met a couple from California. I saw them in the breakfast buffet line and the husband had on a “Dixie Chicken, College Station, Texas” t-shirt. I nearly dropped my fork in mid-air. College Station is the home of Texas A&M. So, I jumped up and asked them where they were from and why did he have on a Dixie Chicken t-shirt. Turns out he was a graduate of A&M and his son was attending a college in Jerusalem. My son, Will, is also a graduate of A&M, so we talked about “Aggieland” a bit. How small a world that I meet people from California, who had gone to school in Texas!

We had a lovely weekend in the Galilee and ended up staying at the Scots Hotel. Just a wonderful hotel with great food. Our rooms overlooked the Sea of Galilee. I got to see the sun come up on Saturday and Sunday morning. The sun comes up over the Golan Heights.

I did my usual tour of Aniam and the artist’s village on Saturday. Will took some photographs of the country side and then we visited the ancient village of Katzrin.

The highlight of the of the Katzrin excavations was and remains the ancient synagogue. Contrary to the simple dwellings, the synagogue towered to a fair height and was constructed of large, carefully worked stone.

The lintel with its pomegranate and amphora decorations is resting on on the vertical stone sides of the doorway at the entry, evoking for the visitor an elegance of times past. Two rows of pillars with decorative capitals divided the space of the structure into three area and supported the hall’s ceiling. The audience attending the synagogue was seated on stone benches facing the center of the hall. The Holy Ark which held the Torah scrolls, was made of wood and stood upon a stone platform adjacent to the southern wall that faced Jerusalem.

The archaeologists believe that the synagogue had been standing for as long as 1500 years. The synagogue’s layout looks very much like the ones at Caprernaum and Korazin.

Sunday night saw much needed rain in Jerusalem. The weather this morning is cooler, but clear. I really wish I knew how to read the forecasts. The high in Jerusalem will be 17 and the low will be 10?

I just read Cindy’s Jerusalem Journal. What a gifted writer. Her web site is: CDaniel997@aol.com to subscribe. Worth signing up for.

I headed off for the City of David to look around. The city is south of the Temple Mount (actually across the street) and is only twelve acres but is said to be the location of king David’s palace. The Ark of the Covenant was housed here and King David made this his capital. Dr. Eilat Mazar has been excavating here since 2005. She believes she has found the remnants of King David’s palace. Her “dig” is very impressive and I saw people working on the site.

I see in the Jerusalem Post that Israel is going to help China on Olympic security for the 2008 in Beijing. “In addition to boasting world-class security standards, Israel has a special interest in ensuring there is no repeat of the Palestinian terrorist attack during the 1972 Munich Olympics, in which 11 Israelis were killed.”

Technion: Human divers can learn new techniques from thrifty sea elephants
Haifa aeronautical engineers have deciphered the mechanism which allows 300-kilogram sea elephants to dive 500 meters into the sea for four minutes at a time and cover a huge distance of 4 kilometers. The scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology believe that what they have learned will be of use to human divers in improving their abilities underwater.”

I have one more museum to visit before I leave Israel on Thursday.

I finished Wednesday afternoon at the Aroma Cafe in the new Mamilla Mall next to the Jaffa Gate. It is a small outdoor mall with about 20 stores and a couple of cafes. Aroma Cafe has one of the best views of Jerusalem I know. I can sit outside, have my hafuk (cappuccino) and see the old walls of the city, new apartment buildings going up and the trees and flowers in between. One of my favorite places.

The weather has gotten a little cooler. Probably in the mid to low 60’s during the day. It is cloudy and trying to rain, but still very nice to walk around.

I headed to the Knesset and the Supreme Court for the tours. I had been to the Knesset, for filming, but never on the tour. Very interesting. There are 120 members of the Knesset. Twelve is the Hebrew number for government.

The Supreme Court connects to the Knesset by way of a what is called the “Knesset Passageway,” which goes through the Wohl Rose garden. I remember Zola filming there, also. I sat on a park bench and looked at the roses in bloom for about half an hour. The symbolism between the two buildings is the connection and separation between the legislative and judicial branches of the government. They are next door to each other, but miles apart in thinking.

Couple of interesting articles in the Jerusalem Post:

Hundreds of Jerusalem Palestinians now Seeking Israeli citizenship. “The Interior Ministry has received hundreds of applications for citizenship from Arab citizens of east Jerusalem over the past few months, instead of the average of several dozen, said spokeswoman Sabine Hadad.”

Hamas plans $200M media city. “Hamas envisions a glittering facility with production and graphics studios, satellite technology, gardens, a children’s entertainment area and an array of cafes and restaurants, said the Felasteen daily, a Hamas paper.”

Israel sends aid to storm victims. “Israel is contributing $20,000 in emergency aid to Mexico and the Dominican Republic after both countries were hit hard by tropical storm Neol at the end of last month.”

Will and I head up to the Galilee tomorrow for the weekend. I am having coffee with my friend Sharon Sanders of Christian Friends of Israel tomorrow morning before we leave. This is another group in Israel that I support and endorse. We are meeting at the Ticho House.

Life in Israel is like a giant roller coaster ride
Emuna Braverman (aish.com)

I brought a friend to Israel for her first time. Observing the crowds rushing through the streets, she commented that Israelis are like New Yorkers on steroids. Whatever the expression or analogy, everyone always recognizes the same thing. Israel is a country of dramatic contrasts and heightened sensitivities. Everything is more intense in the Holy Land.

Many psychologists believe that teenagers love roller coasters because they are a safe way of flirting with — and ultimately cheating — death. Life in the land of Israel is a giant roller coaster ride — with death (by terror, war, or traffic) an all-too-real threat. Each moment is lived on high alert. There are screams of terror, and screams of delight.

Americans are more polite that Israelis. There’s less shoving, pushing to the front of the lines, honking. And less risk, less to put your life on the line for, less that matters. Once you accept the reality of one, the other inevitably follows.

Everyone’s philosophies are heightened as well. No one is as secular as a secular Israeli, no one as strict as the chareidim, no one as zealous as the “settlers”. It’s not a land for the quiet, the placid, the apathetic. It’s a land for those who care. It’s a land where everything counts. And ultimately it’s a land where God is more real. Many of the layers that obscure His presence in other countries are peeled back here. You almost feel as if you can reach out and touch Him. (And so we push ourselves up against the Wall hoping to somehow merge with the Creator, to access His being).

After the Six-Day war, a prominent Israeli general asserted, “God had nothing to do with this victory.” Given the miraculous nature of the battles, the statement seems ingenuous. But why say anything? Did Patton comment on the Almighty’s role in World War II? God is so present here, He can’t be avoided. He must be reckoned with. Even a denial requires His presence, the possibility of His engagement.

And so we push on. It’s not a country for the feeble-hearted. Even our ancestors in the desert knew that. They were ambivalent about living in this land, uneasy with the intensity, all too eager to believe the reports of the spies.

No one yells, jostles and elbows you out of the way like our people in the land of Israel. And no one cares, loves, and puts their lives on the line the way they do either.

Many years ago a friend of mind was volunteering on kibbutz and touring the country on her day off. She and her companion missed the last bus out of Jerusalem one evening. Short of funds and concerned about being late for work the next day, they tried a more circuitous route, taking a bus to Haifa and hoping to catch the connection to the north. They explained their predicament to the bus driver, urging him to drive quickly. He began to yell and berate them, “How could you be so irresponsible? What were you thinking?” They were shocked and humiliated by his constant and (very) public attack. Yet when they missed the connecting bus, this same driver brought them home to his family, gave them dinner and a place to stay and returned them to the bus station in the morning. Only in Israel…

It’s a land of highs and lows. On Shabbos, the main street in Jerusalem, Jaffa Road, is empty, a veritable ghost town. Two minutes after the end of Shabbos, the streets are so alive it is difficult to navigate through the crowds. It’s is a land of joys and tragedies. A land of Jews from across the globe, and across the religious spectrum. It’s a country of passions. It’s a country that inspires love and hate. It’s impossible to remain neutral. It’s impossible to remain unaware. It’s a place to bask in the Almighty’s presence, to feel His love and respond to His demands.

As I said it’s not for the weak of heart. Some of us can only come to visit. But if you choose it, it’s the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. Only in the Holy Land, only among the Almighty’s people, is such a vibrant and full life possible.

Today is a cooler and cloudier day in Jerusalem. Predictions are for rain late this afternoon and all tomorrow. Israel needs the rain. So, I am planning my days around the weather.

I went to Tower of David Museum this morning. I have not been there is awhile. Lots of steps and climbing—probably not for a large group, but an interesting site with different layers of history of Jerusalem from Canaanite to the end of the Ottoman period and the British Mandate. There is also a nineteenth century model of Jerusalem.

The Tower of David Museum and the Ramparts Walk are at the Jaffa gate. So, I walked some of the ramparts and enjoyed the view of Jerusalem from on high.

I am still seeing tourists around town. Not large groups, or as many groups as when we were here, but still the tourists keep coming home.

There has been a teacher’s strike (secondary school) in Israel since October 10th—still no agreement. I have seen the teachers around town with their protest signs. The students are at the malls, on the buses, and at the coffee shops.

Jack Kinsella has a terrific article about the “road map:”

Road Map to Annapolis

The “Road Map for Peace” was a plan mapped out by the so-called “Quartet” of international entities; the United States, the EU, the UN and Russia. The Principles of the Road Map to Peace were first outlined by President Bush in June, 2002, something over five years ago.

In his speech introducing the Road Map Plan to the American public, President Bush announced his plan for an ‘independent Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace’:

“The Roadmap represents a starting point toward achieving the vision of two states, a secure State of Israel and a viable, peaceful, democratic Palestine. It is the framework for progress towards lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” Bush said.

The “Road Map for Peace” assumed all the previous agreements and principles from Oslo up to the point where Arafat launched what Israelis call the “Oslo War” in 2000, and then superimposing a three-phase ‘performance-based’ plan over Oslo’s original ‘land for peace’ framework.

Phase I imposed conditions on both sides, but beginning with the Palestinians. The first required the Palestinian Authority to disband and disarm Palestinian terror groups and put an end to terror attacks against Israel. The second condition required the PA to hold democratic elections.

After the Palestinians met both these conditions, Israel was required to withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Implementation of Phase I was projected to be complete by May, 2003.

Phase II of the Road Map, set for completion by December, 2003, called for an international conference to help build a Palestinian economy, establish provisional borders for a new Palestinian State, and restore pre-intifada trade links to Israel.

Phase III was set for early 2005 and called for a second international conference leading to a permanent status agreement and end of conflict; agreement on final borders, and agreements on unresolved issues like Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, refugees, settlements, etc.

Under the terms of the Road Map for Peace, Israel should now be living side by side in peace with a new Palestinian State, not headed to Annapolis to negotiate another cease-fire.

What happened? Under any possible reading of the agreement, the foundational obligations upon which all subsequent steps were to depend was the implementation of Phase I by the Palestinians — end terror, disarm Hamas and hold elections, in that order. After those conditions were met, it then fell on Israel to withdraw from Gaza.

The Palestinians began at the end, holding free and fair democratic elections in which, instead of disarming Hamas, they elected them. Instead of ending the terror, they escalated the conflict. Despite the utter failure of the PA to implement any of the conditions of Phase I (apart from the free election of a terrorist government) Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza.

The Palestinians who pledged to end terror as Phase I of the peace plan used the newly-vacated Israeli settlements in Gaza as a staging area for increased rocket attacks into Israeli cities and towns along its border.

What was to be a ‘Road Map to Peace by 2003’ remains a pathway to war four years later.

Assessment:

The absolution of the Palestinians of any responsibility for not implementing Phase I of the Road Map isn’t particularly baffling. The Palestinian Authority never kept any of the terms of Oslo, either.

What is baffling is Israel’s willingness to concede even more at Annapolis even as the Palestinians continue to make war against them.

Israeli Defense Minister and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak warned the Knesset today that, “Israel is prepared to go very far at the Annapolis conference.” How far? Well, Barak told the Knesset — now, get this — “Israel is going to seek important agreements that would require the Palestinians to implement the first stage of the road map.”

Ok, let’s take another look at the aims of the Annapolis conference: “Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said while standing alongside U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that he believes that goal can be accomplished before the end of U.S. President George Bush’s term in January 2009,” said Washington Post yesterday.

“Abbas, echoing statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said the upcoming peace conference in Annapolis, Md., will be used as a springboard for negotiations surrounding the status of Jerusalem, the borders of the planned Palestinian state, the removal of Israeli settlements from the West Bank and the fate of Palestinian refugees who fled the area in 1948 when Israel was established.

“This is a historic time, a time of real opportunity,” Rice added, saying the upcoming conference “should be a launching pad for the negotiations that we have long sought.” [Those negotiations,] “I sincerely hope … could achieve their goal within the time remaining within the Bush administration.”

But wait! The establishment of a Palestinian state, negotiations over Jerusalem and Temple Mount, refugees, borders, etc., etc. are Phase Three. Did we miss something?

Not exactly. Let’s tally the scorecard up, first. The PA ignored its obligations under Phase I. Israel withdrew from Gaza anyway. Phase II called for international donor’s conferences to underwrite a Palestinian economy.

The conferences were held and billions in donations were poured into the Palestinian Treasury. What Arafat didn’t steal, Abbas managed to ‘misplace’.

The Palestinian effort at self government turned into a civil war between Hamas and the PA, creating a terrorist state within-a-state even before the state itself has been born. Scarcely a day goes by without news of a Palestinian attack against an Israeli target.

But Israel is, according to Ehud Barak, “prepared to go very far” at Annapolis by insisting that the Palestinians AGREE to implement Phase I as part of the final preparations for implementing Phase III.

It is almost as if Israel exists in some kind of alternative universe in which all normal standards of logic and fairness are reversed in some kind of Orwellian way.

As a reward for breaking every single term of every single agreement ever signed, the only ones more eager to force statehood on an unrepentant terrorist population than the Quartet are the Israelis.

It isn’t like Israel doesn’t know that whatever deal it makes won’t be honored. They know it, the Quartet knows it, and the Palestinians know it.

So what is the strategy here? If there is one, it is either diabolically clever or incomprehensibly moronic, but I’d have to cast my vote for incomprehensibly moronic.

One can almost see God rolling His eyes in exasperation. The prophesied restoration of Israel to its ancient homeland was the first in a series of miraculous interventions that pepper modern Israeli history.

By any military standards, Israel should have been squashed by the Arab Legions in 1948-49. At best, it should have lost territory to the Arabs during the 1956 Sinai campaigns.

The 1967 Six Days War should have ended in stalemate; the surprise attack during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 should have resulted in Israel’s defeat and annihilation.

Through all these wars, Israel called on their God, and their God answered and delivered them as He did in the days of the Prophets.

But when it comes to the Palestinian issue, Israel’s government has turned its back on God altogether, putting all its faith in the promises of the world community.

When Joshua entered into the Land of Canaan, he was instructed to drive out the Canaanites and tear down their altars. Instead, Judges 1:21,27-28 reveals:

“And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.”

“Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.”

There is an interesting parallel here. The ancient Israelites, like their modern counterparts, had experienced the miraculous intervention of God that brought them to the Promised Land. But once they got there, they used what God had given them as negotiating chips in a land for peace deal.

Judges 2:2-3 records God’s reaction as delivered by ‘an angel of the Lord’:

“And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed My voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.”

Fast-forward three and a half thousand years or so . . .

Next week, Israel will head to Annapolis where it will use much of the same territory; Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Temple Mount, — all of which were delivered to Israel during wars she should have lost, as bargaining chips in a land for peace deal.

The big stumbling block is the radical Islamic theology of Hamas, whose god will not countenance the existence of Israel under any circumstances.

“Thorns in your sides… Their gods shall be a snare unto you.”

“This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it” — Psalm 118:24

I try and start each day with this Bible verse in my heart. Each day is His and I want to serve Him in His way, not mine, everyday.

My daily life while I am in Israel is just about the same as when I am in the States. I do my daily Bible study, pray, have breakfast and then the rigors of the day. Today was no different, except that I am here in Jerusalem. I finished my breakfast and took a walk and just looked around the neighborhood. I said boker tov to Nahal at the senior citizen center. He was sweeping in front of the gift shop, getting ready to open. I got my paper. Really, nothing new under the sun in the news. The American flags are gone from in front of the King David Hotel, so the Secretary of State has fled.

I have waited long enough, so I head to Focaccia for lunch. The focaccia is as good as ever. I get the three spread, with olive, dried tomato and basil. I notice that there are no ashtrays on the tables downstairs. It seems the lawsuit was a success and the smoking area is smaller and upstairs. The best place to sit is downstairs, so I am happy.

I have now made my second pecan pie. This one has a “from scratch” pie crust. Still no pie crusts in the freezer section of the grocery store. I keep hoping.

If it were not for the news, life would appear to be normal in this tiny nation of 9,000 sq. miles. The Arab land holding is 600 times larger than Israel’s, but for some reason the Arab Muslims want Israel. I see people shopping, walking their dogs, talking, laughing… Life does go on. Also saw that Virgin Airlines is offering trips to outer space for Israelis. You gotta laugh at some things in life.

I got this email from Unity Coalition for Israel today: worth passing on to you.

URGENT INFORMATION REGARDING A NEW HOUSE RESOLUTION: H.Res.758

This resolution can impact the outcome of the upcoming Annapolis Summit by calling for Palestinian accountability.

Last week, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced H.Res.758 jointly with Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV). This resolution calls on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also chairman of his Fatah Party, to officially renounce ten articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel’s destruction and acts of terrorism against its people.

The Fatah Constitution opposes any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and it labels Zionism as racism. Other examples of the offensive language among the ten separate articles that explicitly seek to incite violence against the state of Israel include the following:

Article 17
(“armed public revolution is the inevitable method to liberating Palestine”)

Article 19
(“the struggle will not cease unless the Zionist state is demolished”)

Article 22
(“opposing any political solution offered as an alternative to demolishing the Zionist occupation of Palestine”)

Rep. Blunt released the following statement:

“There can be no reasonable expectation of a broad-based, long-term reconciliation between the Israelis and Palestinians while one side’s constituting document calls for the complete destruction of the other. I believe it’s absolutely critical that the insidious nature of the Palestinian constitution be brought to light — and that those with a genuine interest in working toward peace insist its most unconstructive provisions be abrogated from the text.

“It goes without saying that a basic condition of negotiating with someone is recognizing their right to exist — and once that’s granted, the right to live without fear of terrorism. But, at least according to the ruling party’s constitution, even these fundamental concessions continue to be rejected by the Palestinian leadership.

“The resolution I’ve offered with Rep. Shelley Berkley builds on the Arafat Accountability Act of 2002, which sought to bring action against former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat as long as he continued to sanction acts of terrorism against Israel. This resolution takes a different approach, but the message remains the same: As long as Mahmoud Abbas and the Fatah Party continue to promote the wholesale destruction of Israel, there can be no possibility for peace — whether in our time, or any other.”

It will be easy for you to contact your representative and ask him/her to support H.Res.758. To send the message, simply click the link below. You will be asked to enter your state and zip code. You will then be directed to your own Representative’s Website where you simply fill out a short form using your own message or you can copy and paste the sample message below.

Go to your Representative’s Website and send a message.

SAMPLE MESSAGE:

Dear Congressman,

I hope you will co-sponsor H. Res. 758 calling for accountability from the Palestinians. The PLO Charter (Constitution) calls for incitement to violence and the destruction of Israel and its people. By co-sponsoring this resolution, you will make a statement that will express the opinion of millions of Americans against submitting to wanton calls in the Palestinian Constitution for the eradication of the state of Israel. This demand particularly applies to the upcoming Annapolis Summit that will ask for millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to go to the Palestinians and promises them statehood, while at the same time they continue to profess their underlying “death wish” for the state of Israel.

Rep. Blunt said, “As long as Mahmoud Abbas and the Fatah Party continue to promote the wholesale destruction of Israel, there can be no possibility for peace — whether in our time, or any other.”

As long as the Palestinian Constitution remains in effect in its current form, it is preposterous to assume that the Palestinians have any intention for peaceful coexistence.

Respectfully,

(Insert your name) _______________________

As always, pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Still gorgeous weather. Sunny, light breeze and it is just wonderful to walk around and see the sites of Jerusalem.

Will and I had dinner last night at Ragu Italian Restaurant on Bet Lechem (Bethlehem) road. It is a kosher meat restaurant, which means it serves nothing that has to do with milk. Everything is made with meat and tomato sauce or other sauces—no cream sauces. I had stuffed portobello mushrooms. The food was very good and the service was better than the average Israeli restaurant. It is a nice find in the neighborhood.

Ended up in the Jewish Quarter again today. I wanted to talk to Moishe at Shorashim about the Brit mila that was held yesterday at the Rimonim Prison. The brit mila is the circumcision of the new born boy and the giving of his Hebrew name. His father is Yigal Amir, the Orthodox Jew that shot and killed Yitzhak Rabin twelve years ago. He is in prison for life, married while in prison, and now has a new born son who had his brit mila on the exact same day as the assassination twelve years ago. Quite a coincidence? The baby’s name is Inon Elya Shalom. I wanted to ask Moishe what this name meant. He said Inon is another name for messiah and of course shalom is peace. So, his name has something to do with messiah and peace.

I went by Bridges for Peace and visited with them a bit—really a good organization in Israel. I know several people who have volunteered with them and have come away from the experience changed for life.

I stopped by the grocery store and said hello to the butcher. It’s good to see him and get his advice on the beef.

Just when I think I have the Israelis figured out, I do not. I got on the bus (public transportation), riding along when the bus driver pulls over and lets an elderly woman off. There is no bus stop anywhere to be seen, but it is close to where she needs to be, so he lets her off. I have also seen buses drive by the bus stop and keep going. The Israelis are like the “sabra” fruit of the cactus plant—prickly on the outside, but sweet on the inside. They never cease to amaze me.

Most ridiculous headline in the Jerusalem Post today: Syria-Based Palestinian factions said to be mediating between Hamas and Fatah. This is a real headline. Unbelievable!

A wonderful front page article by Calev Ben-David titled: “The long and winding road map.”

Let’s back up to 2003 when the road map was formally unveiled by the Bush administration, because the inherent contradictions between that approach and the decision to call the Annapolis conference are becoming clearer by the day. Introduced during the height of the second intifada, and designed to get a peace process derailed by the collapse of the Oslo Accords back on track, the road map was supposed to introduce new elements of accountability on both sides. Deadline dates toward agreement on final-status issues, accomplished in summit meetings between the respective leaderships, would now be dependent on fulfillment of an initial phase that required the Palestinians to end violence (or at least give a 100 percent effort to preventing it) while Israel would freeze settlement construction, including evacuating illegal settlement construction

Bottom line: Annapolis timing and purpose is outside of the framework of the roadmap.

Charles Krauthammer has a funny article: “The alternating presidency.” All about a woman who becomes president of her country, but her husband had also been president. Interesting dynamics. He thinks it may be a lesson for us to learn.

Last, but not least: At 23%, Israel’s smoking rate is lowest ever. Just 23.3% of the adult population smoke, compared to 25.5% a year ago.

I spent a restful Shabbat (Saturday) with Will. Jane had emailed me that the group was safe and sound from Petra, so I could relax and not worry about them. They all left Sunday morning (1am) for the States.

We ended up having a late lunch at Ramat Rachel. I saw where Will had “dug” this summer. You can read all about it, as they say, in the Bridges for Peace, Dispatch from Jerusalem, September/October 2007 edition.

The third season of renewed excavations at Ramat Rachel—a Kibbutz (communal settlement) and popular conference center southeast of Jerusalem’s city center—has come close with several exceptional finds, including a piece of a proto-Ionic (or proto-Aeolic) capital from the Iron Age (seventh to sixth centuries BC). To date, only 12 such capitals have been found in Judea, with one from the City of David in Jerusalem and now 11 from Ramat Rachel. The proto-ionic capital was also used on seals in the Early Iron Age before writing in the Israelite kingdom and can be seen today on the back of the five shekel coin.

Very interesting site. Some think it is as old as King Hezekiah.

I Loved Gary Bauer’s column of November 1st:

Don’t Pressure Israel

It is difficult for Americans to understand the evil confronting Israel. Most of its Muslim “neighbors” refuse to recognize its existence, while others, like Iran, have vowed to “wipe Israel off the map.” Their animosity is fueled by a steady diet of anti-Semitism that nurtures a culture of death, which breeds homicide bombers. A recent example of this was on display last week when a Lebanese TV channel, affiliated with a senior Lebanese politician, aired a show dedicated to the false and discredited Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and accused the Jews of drug trafficking to take over the world. Of course, the truth is very different. Islamic terrorists are working hand-in-hand with Mexican drug lords, and opium production in the Middle East is a major source of funding for the Taliban and other Islamofascist groups. Unbelievably, the show even suggested that Jewish drug trafficking, “led to the Nazi extremism.” So in the Islamofascist mindset, the Holocaust — the deliberate, systematic murder of six million Jews — was an act of self-defense!

My friends, this is the hatred that the Israeli people face every day. America must stand with Israel, because as we know, the Islamofascists don’t just hate the Jews — they hate Christians, too, and even other Muslims who don’t follow their radical ideology. America is hosting an upcoming Middle East peace summit in Annapolis, Maryland, and many fear our government will pressure Israel to make more concessions to its sworn enemies. Here’s how you can make a difference: Christians United For Israel is asking Americans to call the White House right now at 202-456-1111. Urge the administration not to pressure Israel into making more “land for peace” deals that weaken Israel’s security. Thank you.

From the Jeusalem Post:

Hurting Hebrew 

UNESCO announced last week that it will honor Hebrew’s prime reviver, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, by adding his name to the organization’s list of venerables who have exerted the greatest influence on world culture. The decision comes in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Ben-Yehuda’s birth.

Israeli discovers Cancer’s molecular trigger

Although the exact cause of cancer remains a mystery, scientists have learned a great deal about it in the past few decades by looking at the molecular level. Prof. Uri Nir, vice dean of Bar-Ilan University’s life sciences faculty, has discovered a “smoking gun” — an enzyme that, in several tissue types, plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of cancer.

Front page of the Jerusalem Post is more of the same about the upcoming Annapolis conference and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Israel. She is here almost as much as I am. I am always hoping to meet her somewhere. I just need five minutes of her time.

I met some Believers from Tennessee at my B&B—Theresa and Clint just got in last night from the States and will stay a week. They were headed off to the Western Wall and the Temple Institute this morning after breakfast. It was great to visit with them. Most of the guests have been French and/or from other countries. I look forward to visiting with them again. They had even read the blog!

Another beautiful, sunny day. People are out and about walking, sitting on the park benches, taking in the outdoors. Because it has not been cold, the flowers are still blooming on most of the balconies. The geraniums are in full bloom with radiant colors of red, coral, and white.

Psalms 122:1-3 “I was glad when they said to me, The house of Adonai, let’s go! Our feet were already standing at your gates, Yerushalayim”, Yerushalayim, built as a city fostering friendship and unity.”

Shabbat Shalom!

Another beautiful sunny day in Jerusalem.

I had the great blessing of visiting with my friends at Blue and White art gallery. Udi and Israel are like family. Udi showed us around the old city and where he played as a child. His father bought the first piece of property in 1967 in the Cardo from a Jordanian who was more than happy to sell at a hefty profit. He bought the property; he did not steal it or occupy it. Most land in Israel has been bought—most often for four or five times what it was worth. Just worth remembering.

I have done little shopping while I have been in Israel, but I did buy a pair of Naot sandals. A new store opened at the Inbal Hotel and the Israeli-made shoes are a great buy here. I would pay double in the states for the same shoes. Just doing my part to bless Israel.

Each morning as I go out to buy the paper at the corner store, I pass the Frankforter Center for senior citizens. Next door to the center is a gift shop with all kinds of things that are hand made by the seniors. I try and stop in each visit and support them in some way. Yesterday, I saw some hand-crocheted dolls about six inches tall—just precious. Since my grandchildren are older, I called Becky to see if she wanted any of them—yes, indeed. I ended up getting about six for her grandchildren. This morning, as I was walking to get my paper, Nahal ran out the door to tell me that he had some more dolls. I told him I would be back for them after breakfast. Understand, this gift shop opens at seven AM—I love it. So, after breakfast and on my way to the grocery store, I stopped in and got two more. I may keep these. Nahal also had fresh baked Shabbat bread and sweets. Oh yes, I bought several.

The dreaded laundry day. They never ask me my name, they just say, Will’s ema (mother). I left my small amount of laundry after apologizing a hundred times for the small amount. It will be ready before two pm.

So, I steeled myself for the grocery store. Very little is written in English—it is in Hebrew. I do not expect it to be in English. This is Israel. I am the visitor and if I lived here, I would learn the language. I appreciate when it is in English, but it is a privilege, not a right.

I decided to go to the small neighborhood store. I just am not ready for the big store. The aisles are so close together and hardly one person can get down them with baskets or carts, much less two. But, mission accomplished. The chicken is cooking and the pecan pie is made. We have friends coming for Shabbat dinner.

The group is headed to Petra today. It is a day trip that begins about 5am, arriving at the Israel/Jordan border before 7am. They return around 5pm to the border and if they were like me, will be very grateful to be back home in Israel. Jeff, Tony and Jane will be leading the group. They stay in Eilat and I am sure they will enjoy the Red Sea and the surrounding areas.

Will was given some tickets to the Jerusalem Symphony at the last minute last night, so we ended up at a concert hearing some George Gershwin, Paul Hindemith, and Jean Sibelius music. We really enjoyed the Gershwin and Sibelius.

I noticed that my B&B has done some major renovations. The rooms have been painted, new bedspreads, new draperies, cafe update, even a security system and security guard. Overall, it is a lovely place to stay. The precious lady who cleans my room just beamed when she saw me. We exchanged limited Hebrew as she speaks Russian and I speak English.

The rhythm of my day has slowed down considerably from the tour. I am usually up and going by five am and do not get in bed until around ten pm. Now, I have slowed down and even slept in this morning. I have some books to read and some Bible studying to do, so my down time will be welcomed. I am also looking forward to seeing some new sites and some new restaurants.

There is so much comfort for me in the daily things I do, from getting my paper from the same guy on the corner to eating my breakfast at the B&B, and for sure, watching when I cross the street. I am still shaken up from yesterday and am really watching when I step out. In Israel, the pedestrian has the right of way and cars stop on a dime for them, but let’s have some common sense…

Today was another beautiful day with lots of sunshine and very mild weather.

Still no word when the Peace Summit is going to be held in Annapolis. Why is it that every lame duck President thinks his legacy should be through Israel and at her expense? Just a question.

I did see in the Jerusalem Post that a new section of the Calatrava Bridge mast at the entrance to Jerusalem has been winched into position. The work on the bridge is for the light rail system and is causing considerable traffic jams. After speaking to several friends who live here, the opinion is that because of all the building and road work, the traffic is worse. Jerusalem was not built for cars and buses.

I also read a wonderful article about Herb Zweibon, chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI), a New York-based organization promoting peace through strength rather than land for peace. His monthly publication called “Outpost” is a must read. Here is a quote from the Jerusalem Post:

…his organization… is anything but apologetic when it comes to its relentless support of “the state and the land of Israel.” This undying loyalty, as Zwelbon hastens to point out is “not a question of supporting the government; it’s a question of supporting the integrity of the land, because it is essential. And it makes little difference to us whether the government of the United States or the government of Israel believe that they can somehow compromise with the Muslim community. This just will not happen.”

The Shabbat is fast approaching and I see everyone hurrying to get the groceries and errands done. Tomorrow is Friday and it will be even busier. I look forward to Shabbat tomorrow night. We have invited several friends for dinner. Let’s see if I can remember how to cook.

Shalom from Jerusalem,

It is good to be home. I live in Texas, but my home is Israel. Part of the tour group left last night and part left this morning (very early) back to the States. The rest of the group is headed to Eilat and Petra while I am staying in Jerusalem. I am so sad when the group leaves.

I have made some new friends and the group has become my meshpacha (family)—really a good group of people from all ages: A newlywed couple all the way from Hawaii, as well as a couple celebrating fifty years of marriage; a joyous duo of ladies from Ohio (who I am keeping my eyes on); and Glynn, Eileen, and Brian from New York that I promised I would say “yo, shalom” to.

I found myself talking to several widows in the group. We really lifted each other’s spirits with our stories and prayers. The group really became one and it was a blessing to be part of it and see people helping each other and praying with and for each other. The weather was just about perfect. The high temperatures during the day are about 75 degrees with lots of sunshine and at night in the 60’s. Israel needs rain, but I am grateful it did not rain on the group.

I have not watched any television or read any newspapers, so I will catch up on the news tomorrow.

I checked into my Bed and Breakfast and was welcomed with big smiles. My room was ready and on the “quiet side.” There is a cafe on one side that gets pretty loud at night, so I always ask for a quiet room. How blessed I am to have people who care for me.

After the group left, my friends Becky, Pat and I decided to meet at Shorashim. So I unpacked and headed up the street to catch the bus. I must admit that I have gotten into a bad habit of crossing the street on the “do not walk” sign. I looked to the right, thinking it was a one way street, and as I started across the street, a car whooshed past me on the left. Two seconds earlier, and I would not be blogging now! A good lesson for me, in paying attention and obeying the laws.

Finally, I got on the bus, shaken up, but okay. As I got off the bus heading to the Jaffa Gate, I heard my name being called. I turned around and it was Moshe from Shorashim! Talk about a small world. He gave me a ride to his shop and we got to talk a bit about the Peace Conference in Annapolis and the Sabatical year for the crops. He and his brother, Dov, are just great guys. Becky and Pat arrived and we did a little shopping at Shorashim.

I left and walked to meet Will for lunch downtown (Ben Yehuda street). It is so good to walk and see all the people here. I find myself praying more and more for the people here, both Jews and Muslims. God is the real and only answer to peace. Jeruslem is such a mix of interesting people from all over the world and I love watching them. It seems like there are so many more people here and I think the traffic has gotten worse. Everyone is talking about the traffic and how long it takes to get anywhere on the bus or in the car.

There is a different pace to the city from being on the tour. So, I am adjusting to it and looking forward to what each new day may bring.

Greetings from Jerusalem. Look for the blog to restart on November 1st. The tour has gone very well. We had our farewell dinner tonight and parts of the group start leaving Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.