Women Making a Difference

Home , Al HaMishmar, Avishai Margalit, Avi Cohen, Barkai, Bayit VeGan, Carmit

MARCH 5, 2021 Z

Spotlight Women making a difference

CONTENTS March 5, 2021

Cover Sections

8 Women with hard drive 6 Letters • By TAMAR BEERI 34 Trending 12 The Arab-Israeli & Palestinian 36 Food women making an impact 38 Observations • By KHALED ABU TOAMEH 41 Arab Press 12 14 Female face to the London embassy 42 Books • By LAHAV HARKOV 45 Readers’ Photos 20 Superpower of compassion: 46 Judaism Organ transplants • By HAGAY HACOHEN 48 Games 50 Arrivals 28 The burning bus: Edge of the precipice • By VIVIAN BERCOVICI

32 Mekorot mayim: Bringing water to Jerusalem • By ZEV STUB

COVER PHOTO: Baysberg Team 20 Photos (from top): Amoun Sleem; Dvora Szerer

PHOTO OF THE WEEK | MARC ISRAEL SELLEM SAY WHAT? SAY WHAT? BY LIAT COLLINS Mahlif/a kidomet (m/f) מחליף/מחליפה קידומת Meaning: Celebrating a round birthday/ anniversary Literally: Changing the dialing code/ telephone area code Example: Tomorrow is my 60th birthday. Mahlifa kidomet!

Z Editor: Erica Schachne Graphic Designer: Moran Snir Email: [email protected] Books: [email protected] www.jpost.com >> Magazine

LETTERS

HAPPY HIPPIE they hid in the crypt of the York Thank you for the “groovy Minster cathedral and later hid quiz” to check if I’m a bona-fide in a wooden tower in York Cas- hippie (February 26)! tle called Clifford’s Tower. Firstly, it was a nice diversion There the non-Jews promised in the Magazine published for them safe passage if they sur- the Shabbat of “Purim Meshu- rendered but, when some came lash” to have a nostalgic article out, the mob immediately that had nothing to do with the murdered them. Those who past year and the coronavirus. stayed in the tower took their Secondly, as someone who own lives and the tower was experienced the hippie era burnt down when the mob set from my teenage years until light to it. This, of course, was I completed university 51 the infamous York Massacre years ago, I was pleased to see a hundred years prior to the that despite my now slightly total expulsion of all Jews from “senior” memory I scored very England in 1290. well on the groovy quiz. The hypnotized subject had Last but not least, I have never visited York and later in my own hippie tale to tell. the program it was explained My children, who are all born how all the facts fitted and raised in Israel and have including the names of streets had the advantage of learning except that the cathedral did English as a mother-tongue in not have a crypt. However, addition to their native Hebrew about two years later the pro- – thanks to their parents – gram was broadcast again with grew up hearing The Beatles’ an addendum explaining that, songs on records at home in since the first broadcast, the addition to hearing these songs York Minster had been renovat- on the radio. My eldest child’s ed, some floor slabs removed, first name is a Hebrew word and the crypt found. meaning “happy,” which was Incidentally, the old Jewish chosen because his parents cemetery was found in the ear- were so very happy to have a ly 1980s when a car park being child born in Israel – after a built for a new supermarket re- pause of 2,000 years in our fam- vealed probable Jewish graves. ily’s presence in Israel. After my Rabbis from London confirmed kids learned The Beatles’ songs, the graves were Jewish. As a re- they liked to claim we actually sult, the prohibition on visit- gave our child this name ing York (cherem) was removed because we were former hippies and there was a ceremony of and that when I was pregnant, reinternment of the bones, with I’d massage my abdomen and Jewish and non-Jewish digni- sing “And when I touch you, I taries present, on July 9, 1984. feel ‘Happy’ inside!” (An unfortunate date as it co- LEAH YERUSHALMI incided with the Hebrew date Jerusalem 9 Tammuz of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem leading TIME AFTER TIME to the destruction of Jerusalem David Brinn’s excellent cov- by Nebuchadnezzar and the ex- er story “It’s My (After) Life” ile of the Jews living there 2,407 (February 26) reminded me of a years earlier.) On the very same television documentary (to the day as the ceremony, the cathe- best of my recollection by the dral was struck by lightning ig- BBC and introduced by Magnus niting a fire that burnt down the Magnusson) that I saw in part rumored to have been built England in the 1970s, in which from taxes levied on the Jews. a hypnotist took patients back The coincidence of the fire in time before their birth to in the cathedral, the ceremony previous incarnations. Of the of reinternment of the bones, many subjects, my interest was and the removal of the cherem perked by a woman who was all on the anniversary of the taken back to the year 1190 in breach of the walls of Jerusalem the town of York where she was on 9 Tammuz is very interest- a Jewess. She described how ing. Was Hashem trying to tell she, together with other Jews, us something? were pursued by a mob trying MALCOLM MANDEL to kill them. She described how Ra’anana

Write to: [email protected] Only a selection of letters can be published. Priority goes to those that are brief and topical. Letters may be edited, and must bear the name and address of the writer.

6 MARCH 5, 2021 On InternatIOnal WOmen’s Day, Barkai celebrates our rabbaniot, who together with their husbands, build strong Jewish communities, throughout Israel.

In 90 communities they are role models of female strength, intelligence and warmth: Guiding and supporting women and girls Teaching Torah and Yiddishkeit Recognizing distress and providing assistance Joining a network of communal leaders to strengthen Israel Answering intimate and difficult questions Constantly developing their professional skills to better serve the community

With special thanks to our Rabbi David Fine and Rabbi Shlomo Sobol, Deans and Founders Director amit Baron, without whom Barkai would not be the flourishing To learn more about Barkai or to become a Barkai couple organization it is today! please go to www.israelrabbis.org COVER

IDITH VARON discusses the Women’s Professional Development Network program. (Photos: Applied Materials)

Women with hard drive

Ahead of International Women’s University for her master’s. From there, she began to flourish in the fields of Day on March 8, we meet the engineering and computing, which led her to the role she holds today. powerful individuals taking a byte “I am responsible for Amdocs Information Technolo- of the hi-tech sector gies, including information systems, infrastructure and cybersecurity domains,” Kilstein told the Magazine. “I have • TAMAR BEERI a global organization with approximately 1,000 employees, mostly developers and engineers, spread out across here are many career paths that carry with them the globe, and that includes men and women alike, with the age-old stigma of being a “man’s job.” The plenty of women in managerial roles.” corporate role, the man in a suit, is a trademark Indeed, approximately 30% of Amdocs employees are of the business world, and the bespectacled women – not the 50% mark of a true reflection of socie- young fellow hunched over a bulky black laptop tal distribution, but a nevertheless impressive amount in isT equally tied to the image of the hi-tech industry. That, contrast to other companies in such a market. In Amdocs however, has not been the image of programmers and in- Israel, the number is even nearer to the middle ground, novators in quite a while – that world is changing. with 44% of employees in the country being women. Kil- Today, women are some of the leaders of the technologi- stein explained that she never felt any sort of gender-based cal sector and are more clearly distributed throughout each barrier standing in her way. field within it. “In my personal path, I hardly faced any kind of gender block, especially not in Amdocs,” she affirmed. “I believe ALEGRA KILSTEIN, chief information officer (CIO) at that one must believe in oneself and that as a woman, you Amdocs, began her path into the hi-tech industry long can accomplish whatever you want. Our only limitations before she reached the frontlines of the famed soft- are the ones we set up in our own minds.” ware company and multinational corporation. As a child, she always tended to go for learning natural and RIKI ASHOURI-COHEN, a network engineer at the HARNESSING formal sciences over the humanities and other such sub- telecommunications company Ericsson, also did not FEMALE brain jects. She had studied in the Technion – Israel Institute feel that gender bias got in her way. She entered the power. (Pixabay) of Technology for her bachelor’s degree and Tel Aviv world of hi-tech at a very young age, studying in a high

8 MARCH 5, 2021 THE WPDN enables women in the same field to connect and open up about struggles they face in the workplace.

school (which has since stopped operation) run by telecommunications company Bezeq. “I was one among four girls altogether in my home- room, and one among 12 altogether in our grade,” she recounted. “We were always the minority, but that didn’t make me feel different. No one in my career has looked at me and another person differently just because I’m a woman and he’s a man.” Throughout her childhood, she had been completely and utterly enamored with the creative maneuvers of project management necessary to make it in the hi-tech world. “I truly loved the subject,” she shared. Part of what made the technological world a comfortable home in which to settle her career was the natural feeling of being an “equal among equals.” “There are people that have stigmas about women necessary. gender bias. and there are those that don’t see it that way,” she “I always loved technology. When I was at the end “Sometimes I felt that people look at me with dis- said. “It depends on your surroundings. Today, there of high school, I always said I’d be either a computer belief, but it always quickly changes. I had a customer are many more women in the sector. The surround- technician or a social worker. But I love the solu- who during our first meeting expressed a very intense ings have changed.” tion-finding, the fact that an issue comes to my table lack of faith in me. Soon after, when he understood and I have to engineer it. It’s so fun. It was born within how I work, he told me that if I can’t reach him, I SHIFRA SPECTOR, enterprise applications manager at me.” should do what I think is right. That’s the level of NESS Outsourcing Group, said that there too she does She admitted that entering the field of hi-tech was faith he ended up putting in me.” not feel victim to such sexist prejudices. not easy as an ultra-Orthodox woman. The only place she truly sees the gender gap is in the A haredi mother of five, Spector has been with NESS “When I studied years ago, the options for studies struggle between work life and home life. since 1999 and today, manages a team of eight. But for haredi people were very limited. It was mostly “It’s always home, work, kids,” she sighed. she began her work with the company as a mere em- teaching and caretaking. I couldn’t find myself within However, Spector found that the field of techno- ployee at the support center. it; I had a really boring year of learning. When my logical advancement was actually a comfortable ha- “I developed professionally very much there, but mom saw me appearing so pitiful, she signed me up ven for mothers. Being a mom of five, she needed to eventually it was enough for me,” she said. “I was for a programming course and I learned 18 hours a be able to care for her children and be ready in case moved to internal information systems by NESS. I week, which was a lot. My love began with the bore- anything happened, and with the kind of work she began as a supervisor and moved into management.” dom of teaching, ironically enough.” does at NESS, that is always an option. She gushed about her love for the field of hi-tech, Despite her struggle to break into the world of “I have so much flexibility to work from home, even and the creativity needed to carry out the projects hi-tech, Spector never felt that she was victim to before the pandemic, so I’m always available by email

www.jpost.com 9 COVER

(Left) AMDOCS CIO Alegra Kilstein. (Photos: Courtesy those mentioned)

RIKI ASHOURI-COHEN, network engineer at Ericsson.

and stuff. My kids were never impacted by my work, known as the Women’s Professional Development essential for economies and communities to thrive. even when my workload wasn’t light. I work hard and Network (WPDN), which aims at creating a plat- Collectively, each one of Amdocs’ employees can help intensely, but we work with such flexibility, and that form for women in the same professional field to us on our journey to close the gender gap.” is so special.” connect, speak and open up about struggles they Kilstein could nevertheless not imagine a position face in the workplace. in which gender bias was a relevant issue, since the YET NOT all sexism in the hi-tech field has been erad- “We talk about anything in which we can support world of hi-tech does not have jobs that one could re- icated. At the Technion, one of the most prestigious one another,” she explained. “We deliberate how to alistically claim a man can do while a woman cannot. schools for computer engineering and computer sci- close these gender gaps, the gaps that are the lack ences and where Kilstein studied, less than one-third of women who can speak to one another, confess CARMIT KLEINMAN, manager of the innovation of those currently working toward an undergraduate things to. If you know a woman who is a manager, center of Motorola Solutions in Israel, said she be- degree in those fields are women. you can consult with her, but these are so hard to lieves part of the industry’s gender gap issue is that At Applied Materials – a manufacturing company find. These conversations would not happen on women tend to be taken as people who can perform for chips for electronics – Idith Varon, who manages a their own.” the little tasks, but are not truly up to task for the team of system engineers, says she is the only woman Having a platform to share with other women professional hi-tech projects. They are viewed as kol- in the entire group of program engineers with which allows them to question their experiences based on boinikiot, she said, referring to people who perform she collaborates. Furthermore, back when she studied that of others and bring up issues in the differences. small, menial tasks. for her bachelor’s in computer engineering at Hebrew “If we see a particular issue that we wish to raise, we “I can say that in my 20 years of a career, I’ve University and master’s in electrical engineering at take it from the forum straight to human resources or worked my share of technological jobs,” Kleinman Tel Aviv University, she was one of very few women to management. The group is women but there are said. “I’ve always felt that women, because of their in her class. men too, who find it important to advance women tendency to do administrative work, they tend to go She said the role she holds at the company feels like and bring about gender equality. This works in a way for more menial jobs. If there is a volunteer action it was meant for her. that it is grown from the ground up; the workers cre- needed, women tend to go for it much more than “I really enjoy this job and feel like I am utiliz- ate the group.” men. They take jobs that are not necessarily profes- ing all of my capabilities, both from my technical sional. They have, on the one hand, a much broader background and my background in physics,” she INDEED, ONE of the main issues in trying to bring contribution. On the other hand, they can easily fall explained, referencing her previous work as a laser about gender equality in the field is making the career to the position of kolboinikit.” physicist. “Now everything is perfectly combined.” path appealing to younger female audiences. Today, According to her, women in the field fall into the Her love for the world of hi-tech was indeed born learning computer sciences for men seems cool; the role of glue. at home. thought of a Matrix-style computer hack is appealing. “They bring everything together, but they are not “My father is a building engineer and my mother But among young women, the field seems masculine the center of the action. The men could get the best studied physics and chemistry and later moved onto or inherently nerdy. slice of meat of work, so to speak. They don’t have computers. I was always inclined toward sciences and In Amdocs, too, where the aforementioned CIO time to organize events. They do the work. Women math. Even in high school, my electives were physics Alegra Kilstein works, there is nevertheless the need who do not root themselves in technological work do and robotics.” to put an emphasis on the move to advance women not get the same treatment.” She admitted, however, that she was nevertheless in the field. Kleinman, a mother of three, deals with tech- always a bit of an odd one out, being a female in the “We set forth goals as a company relating to gen- nologies relating to public security using artificial field of technology. der equality,” Kilstein noted. “We have plenty of pro- intelligence. “There are very few women in engineering and grams with an even number of men and women or in “My career of over 20 years of software development physics. It is a place in which I always felt comfortable which women play a significant role.” began when I was a computer engineering student,” because that’s how I was raised. Even in high school, Professionals at Amdocs value diversity, equality she recounted. “I come from a family of four girls, there were very few women in physics and robotics. It and inclusion, making it a part of the daily work life, and we didn’t have a computer for each of us. I didn’t didn’t bother me.” she stressed. come from a home with a computer with games. I was But Varon did not just let the disparities remain “I really believe that equality is not a women’s issue, always interested in natural and formal sciences.” under the radar. She joined a forum of women it’s a business issue,” she said. “Gender equality is She explained the funny experience of deliberating

10 MARCH 5, 2021 (Left) SHIFRA SPECTOR, enterprise applications manager, NESS Outsourcing Group. (Studio Gumat Chen)

CARMIT KLEINMAN, head of innovation center, Motorola Solutions.

(Below) VARON: CLOSING the gaps. (Ortal Yesodi)

whether to pursue computer engineering in university. “I worked briefly in a disk store,” she explained. “They also sold learning programs for computers. It was a hub of learning computer programming lan- guages and the like. We didn’t have Google, so we needed books. I was shocked that people would call from everywhere and order these books. I thought that I must do it.” Kleinman remembers the fateful day when she spoke to the university and changed her list of preferences in her application so that the first on the list, rather than psychology, was computer engineering. “I was so excited by my first lesson in college,” she remembered. “The logic, the algorithm, I had so much fun.” Despite her experience, Kleinman recognized that others did not feel the same; young women did not feel such an appeal. So she launched the MotoTech Project. “It was meant to encourage middle-school girls to look at and learn about the hi-tech world,” she said. “They are taken to see Motorola and various jobs in hi-tech, which can be finance or human resources but also the technological side. It allows them to see the effect one can have on the technological world; on apps, innovations, etc. When they think about computer sciences, they don’t want to sit in front of the computer all day. But it’s so much more than that.” She explained that young girls are brought to Mo- torola facilities, where they meet women volunteers from the company who show them around and introduce them to the world of hi-tech. The program has been extremely successful and received the global CEO award of Motorola, an internal award system for and gain true insight into such professions, without initiatives within the company. the fear of a judgmental gaze. “Not many young women see how much creativity The young women additionally meet various “role there is in this field,” she asserted. “A lot of drive. Not models” who share the great challenges of working in a ‘Not many young women see many understand this because it isn’t sexy.” male-dominated profession. They discuss the tension Applied Materials, too, has an entire program dedi- between motherhood and professional career goals, how much creativity there is cated to inspiring young women to look into hi-tech as and the vicissitudes of being a woman in hi-tech. in this field, a lot of drive’ a realistic potential career goal for the future. In “Crack Hi-tech may be filled with men, but bit by bit, the Glass Ceiling,” young women are brought to Ap- women are evening up the playing field and showing plied Materials facilities in order to introduce them to that the sector would crash without them – and that the field without fear of any negative stigma attached the world of technology and innovation is all the to it. They meet with women engineers and physicists better with women at the forefront. 

www.jpost.com 11 COVER

NIVINE SANDOUKA. NADIA HARHASH. (Khaled Abu Toameh) AMOUN SLEEM. (Photos: Courtesy subjects mentioned) Talented and passionate

The Arab-Israeli and Palestinian believe will stay with us for a long time. My only hope is to see our Arab society in a better situation.” women making an impact NIVINE SANDOUKA, a resident of east Jerusalem, describes herself as a professional aspiring to achieve social justice, peace • KHALED ABU TOAMEH and gender equity. An expert in the field of program development, manage- ulia Zaher is an Arab-Israeli businesswoman, philan- ment, peace-building and gender issues, she currently works thropist and former schoolteacher. She is owner and with the German Association for Development Cooperation CEO of Al-Arz Tahini, a tahini manufacturing company – AGEH. She also runs a grassroots-based initiative called Judi – in Nazareth. An advocate for diversity and women in From Me to You that aims to connect women and volunteers in the workplace, her company employs a large number of several civil society organizations. JArab women, in addition to Jewish, Muslim and Christian To pursue her passion, she is the executive director of a newly residents. established NGO called Our Rights – Hoqoqona in Jerusalem, She continues to work toward empowering women in all focusing on the civic and political rights of Palestinians in the fields and motivating them to join the labor force, Zaher notes city, especially women. from the outset. “I work with a German organization in the field of ‘I cannot sit and “I have long been encouraging Arab women to join the labor peace-building,” Sandouka said. “Generally, I also pursue my force,” she said. “I want to see more women from the Arab sec- passion to create positive change and thus I voluntarily run an blame destiny or tor at work so that they can improve their social and economic organization to achieve Palestinians’ civic rights.” conditions. I have also been very supportive of people with dis- Sandouka believes the situation of Palestinian women is politicians for my abilities in order to incorporate them into Arab society.” “worse than ever.” miserable life’ Zaher wishes she could say that Arab society is better off “Unfortunately, our society lacks morals and values,” today. she lamented. “It has become a society run by division and “Unfortunately, our society has not changed and we still judgment. It is a society that is passive in the sense it is unable need a lot of support in all fields.” to embark on a process of real change.” In her view, Arab women are not different than the rest of the Sandouka hates the idea of being labeled a victim. women in the world. “Unfortunately, Palestinian women face many challenges: “Arab women are very talented and capable. They can be suc- political Islam, patriarchy and occupation. They have to fight to cessful in all fields, but they still need the support of society to overcome these three obstacles. For me, life is a big challenge.” achieve their goals.” The coronavirus has affected life for her and most women. According to Zaher, the coronavirus outbreak has had both “Today I work mostly from home. In addition, I have to cope a positive and negative impact on her and on Arab women as with my new role as my son’s teacher and school, while doing a whole. my work. This year, however, I decided to take control of things; “In the beginning there was fear and uncertainty, especially no more Zoom calls in the evening and more meditation. I have because this was a global, and not local, pandemic,” she noted. also decided to spend more time with my son. It is still chal- “We have taken precautionary measures and banned non-work- lenging, but we have to make the best of it. ers from entering our factory. For me, it wasn’t easy to be away “I hope life goes back to normal as soon as possible. I want to from friends and family.” go back to seeing my close friends and family and travel.” On a positive note, Zaher said, the coronavirus taught her how to take advantage of time. NADIA HARHASH, a Palestinian journalist and author from east “We have a lot of time to handle our matters,” she explained. Jerusalem, is known for her criticism of Palestinian Authority “We learned how to manage things through Zoom, which I leaders and corruption. As a result, the mother of four has re-

12 MARCH 5, 2021 JULIA ZAHER. SAMEERA RADA EMRAN.

ceived numerous threats. Last year, an unidentified ar- last decade. When we look around us, we see a whole achieved equality in our society. Today, I can say that sonist set her car on fire in front of her home in the Beit different set of rules that are imposed on us. It’s as if women have more responsibilities and fewer rights. Hanina neighborhood. we’ve been hijacked by ideological norms that became Although our women work outside their homes and “Palestinian women continue to face many challeng- the law; tribal norms have become part of the law. One contribute to the development of our society, we are es,” Harhash said. “Our entire life is one big challenge. can only imagine where women are situated in such a still sidelined by men.” However, I am here to live up to my expectations. I set of rules, where patriarchy is the only given rule.” The coronavirus, Emran noted, has forced many cannot do that without fulfilling my own aspirations. The past year, Harhash said, will be remembered as Arab women to come face-to-face with the hardships We are born to be free, to make life better. In my case, it the year when everyone wondered about the pandem- of daily life. is not taken for granted. ic’s impact on their lives. “As a bank employee, I have seen the difficulties “Life is a daily struggle for women like me. After all, I “The outbreak of the coronavirus has forced us to many people have been facing over the past year. It’s am a mother, and it is not just about me; it is about this come face-to-face with our weakness and helplessness very painful.” generation that is growing and deserves a better life, to as arrogant human beings. On the other hand, the pan- Emran said she was hoping to continue working live better.” demic also gave us the opportunity to reconnect with toward upgrading and strengthening the status of Harhash is determined to pursue her role as a writer nature and realize how simple life is. For me, this was women in Arab society in general and her village in with the hope of improving living conditions for an amazing experience. Staying at home helped me de- particular. women and all Palestinians. velop my own capabilities. I experienced creativity as “I’m hoping that one day I will be able to form a “My role is to write, and I’m doing it with all my I never dared before. I was able to reconnect with my women’s list that will have influence in our village might,” she affirmed. “It is not an option. I cannot own breath and my hands. council.” sit aside and blame destiny or politicians for my mis- “My soul was out there celebrating a breath of life erable life. I cannot wait for a savior that will take us with nature. I could hear birds sing as the noise in the AMOUN SLEEM, founder and director of The Society to safety and freedom. I see injustice, suppression and streets stopped.” of Gypsies in Jerusalem (Domari), is a prominent fe- corruption, and I resist them and face them through male activist who has been representing her small my writing. If I don’t write about these issues, I will be SAMEERA RADA EMRAN, a social and political activist community for the past two decades. complicit in them. from the village of Ein Qinya on the Golan Heights, is “I believe that in order to build a strong and “It is often risky, but somehow the more fearless you a bank clerk who in 2018 announced her candidacy for independent society, I must provide our women with become, the more powerful you are seen.” mayor. She is known in her community as a staunch the tools and skills to function independently so they Harhash is not afraid of threats and intimidation. advocate for women’s rights. will be able to transmit these mindsets and ethics to “Fear is our worst enemy and I try not to allow it “I want to see women play a major and effective their children,” Sleem asserted. “In this context, we to find its way into me,” she added. “I am a mother role in our society. I want the voice of women to be provide a business course for women so they can learn who wants a good future for her children. This does heard loudly. That’s why I decided back then to run how to start their own businesses. We also aim to in- not happen by providing proper shelter, education for mayor. I was the first woman to run for office in our crease opportunities for women in the labor force. Our and a sophisticated lifestyle. Rather, this happens in community.” women are always eager to participate in new learning a society that respects its people through equality and Her decision to run in the municipal elections was opportunities.” justice. And as a human being, woman, mother and met by many challenges. Sleem isn’t satisfied with the status of Arab society Palestinian, I don’t accept less than this.” “It wasn’t easy for me. I had to put up with many nowadays. As far as Harhash is concerned, the status of challenges and boycotts. But I was determined to pave “I really hope our society will change. We want more Palestinian women is no less grave than the status of the way for women to seek a better future. I wanted to freedom of expression. We want to see an end to vio- Palestinian men. set an example for all women and encourage them to lence in our society. Our women continue to face many “You cannot have a healthy society without having enter public life.” challenges in a male-dominated society.” strong, capable women,” she said. “Strength needs Emran believes that the conditions of Arab society in Sleem noted that many members of her community, freedom. Freedom, unfortunately, is not a term that general and women in particular have worsened over including women, have lost their jobs after the is simply practiced in Palestinian society. We live in a the past few years. coronavirus outbreak. vicious cycle of oppression from all directions. Conse- “Arab society is still lacking real leadership,” she “We are doing our utmost to help our people. My quently, the struggle of women has become one of sur- complained. “We need a leadership that will help us group has been providing aid to many families and vival, and not liberation. achieve equality and other rights. In my opinion, our children. Our goal is to achieve economic, legal, social “Ideologies covered with fundamentalist and women continue to suffer from injustice. I believe that equality and justice for our community. religious slogans have infiltrated our society in the it’s wrong to say that our women have advanced and “We want to give a voice to the voiceless.” 

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Female face to the world

The trio of women heading up Having a female ambassador also changes the face Israel presents to the world, Hotovely explained. Israel’s pivotal embassy in London, “It sends a message. I think a society is measured by the status of its women, by who reaches the top roles. led by Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely “Israel and the UK have a special thing in common. We both had female prime ministers in a time when very few • LAHAV HARKOV other countries did. We should be proud of Golda [Meir], the second woman in the world to reach the top of the pyramid, he Israeli Embassy in London is one of Israel’s big- and [Margaret] Thatcher is an icon in British politics. Love her gest and most important, in terms of trade, security or hate her, she shaped the British economy,” Hotovely said. and other partnerships. It’s also led by three women Bar-Li emphasized, “We are professionals, we’re not just do- these days: Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Deputy ing our job as women.” Ambassador Sharon Bar-Li and Minister Counsellor But she said having a female-dominated embassy has advan- forT Political Affairs Dana Erlich. tages. In honor of International Women’s Day, the Magazine “We leave our egos on the side and feel very free to talk and decided to check in with the team of smart, strong women seek advice from one another. We work with our doors open… representing Israel in the United Kingdom. I feel comfortable being vulnerable with my female colleagues, Hotovely spoke of the differences between her being an without looking weak. We strengthen one another.” ambassador and a politician, having been an MK in Likud for Erlich posited that diplomacy is a career in which charac- (FROM LEFT) Minister Counsellor eight years, as well as settlements minister and deputy foreign teristics that stereotypically belong to women are helpful, for Political Affairs Dana Erlich, minister, among other positions. such as emotional intelligence, an ability to communicate, to Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and “We seek each other’s advice a lot and have a feeling of team- multitask and to pay attention to details. Deputy Ambassador Sharon Bar-Li work on everything,” she said. “People talk about feeling lone- “When I started in the Foreign Service 11 years ago, I was at the Israeli Embassy in London ly at the top. I was alone because of lockdowns, but I felt we used to being the only woman in the room. Now when there (located, incidentally, right across are working together… We had an experience of bonding and are more women than men in the room, I don’t always think the road from where Prince William of sisterhood that I think made us productive. We had a lot about it. It’s become obvious. We have a greater presence,” Er- and his family live). of trust; we share with one another and have respect for the lich said. (Photos: Foreign Ministry) process, not just the result.” As for the challenges of being a woman in a senior diplomatic

14 MARCH 5, 2021 IRON WOMEN: Golda Meir with the UK’s Margaret Thatcher, Tel Aviv, 1976. (Levan Ramishvili/Flickr)

‘I feel comfortable being vulnerable with my female colleagues, without looking weak’ – Sharon Bar-Li

role, Hotovely pointed to the strict lockdowns in the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m a mother to three small girls and I arrived here to a reality in which there is no school for a long time. It’s also an age issue, if you’re a 60-year-old ambassador, then that’s beyond you… It’s not just women; it’s young women,” Hotovely, 42, said. While Hotovely was used to working long hours as a politician, moving her whole family to another country added another facet to handle. She was grateful to her colleagues who have experience in that area for reaching out and giving her advice.

DIPLOMACY IN the age of coronavirus has been challenging. Hotovely did not get the traditional audience with Queen Eliz- abeth to present her credentials and all of her meetings have course about Israel beyond the conflict,” Hotovely said. EMBASSY STAFF arrive in been virtual, not face-to-face. The UK is often a battleground for Israeli public diplomacy, Israel earlier this month to get “Diplomacy is built on interpersonal relationships, and it and most Israeli ambassadors in London are met with a hostile vaccinated. doesn’t work as well on a screen. We’re all suffering from it,” academia and very critical civil society. she said. But Israel’s COVID-19 response, as well as the Abraham Still, Hotovely emphasized the “great opportunities” that Accords – in which the Jewish state established diplomatic re- can be found in the pandemic. lations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and For example, the ambassador quipped that the embassy’s Sudan – created a more positive conversation around Israel, spokesman got more positive press for Israel than any of his the ambassador said. predecessors. Brexit has also contributed to strengthening Israel-UK ties, “The headlines about Israel are about us leading the world and the embassy has been working on building a better trade in vaccines. People are looking up to us and we are a model for deal between the countries that will take the many areas of in- the world in getting out of this crisis. It created a positive dis- terchange into consideration, such as cyber technology.

www.jpost.com 15 COVER - Communicated -

STRENGTHENING TIES: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara at the London Stock Acting with compassion Market in late 2017. (Kobi Gideon/GPO)

"StopCancer" community group photo

• BY LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI Tal’s battle with cancer took Yakobson and her the Tal Center, Shira Kuperman, is continuing her family across four different hospitals and even to mission to help young adults with cancer. ohar Yakobson, whose name is synonymous Switzerland for treatment, though most of their To that end, they recently established a digital with the entertainment industry in Israel, time was spent at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, community with over 25,000 participants called has represented the country’s leading actors one of the world’s leading facilities. “HalaSartan,” translated to “Stop Cancer,” which Z and actresses for over 30 years. “We were in one of the best hospitals in the world, provides support to young adults with cancer. The Always on-the-go, she sat down with The with all the best technology and western medicine, platform was established with the support of MSD Jerusalem Post for an interview just two days before and yet, doctors don’t really know what the patients Israel, known internationally as Merck, one of the And as the leader in Europe in vaccinating, as well boarding a plane to Los Angeles to accompany one go through – the chemo, the anxiety, especially for a largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. as in scientific research, the UK is very interested in of her leading actresses, Shira Haas, to the Golden young girl at the prime of her life,” she said. Additionally, Yakobson has set out to establish working with Israel on pandemic response. Globes award ceremony. At the time of her death, Tal was on the verge dedicated departments in hospitals with large “Scientific cooperation really flourished recent- “I think in Israel there is a lot of talent. We of completing a degree in Chinese and natural oncological units for young adults. ly,” Hotovely said. “There is cooperation between are a cultural powerhouse with many creative medicine and so, given her experiences and to Over a year ago the first such department was our health ministries. Israeli professionals in rele- and talented people,” she said. “Israeli women continue her daughter’s legacy, Yakobson together established in Rambam Hospital, with a dedicated vant areas… were guests of honor at roundtables in especially have a strength – they are leaders, and with her husband, founded the Tal Center - the first nurse and coordinator, a cancer survivor, that Parliament. Israel at its best encountered the high they know from a young age how to be many of its kind Center for Integrative Medicine at Sheba provide support for young cancer patients. quality of British scientific research.” Bar-Li said it was “nice to see how, at a difficult time things, including bold and daring and unique with Hospital. Another such department is scheduled to open in like this, the countries worked together to help each a sense of individualism you don’t see elsewhere.” “We made a choice to continue with life, to learn the coming months in Sheba Hospital. other, whether in the time when we needed ventila- Yet, despite her unbridled professional success, from what we went through so that we can help “There needs to be a change, and I think the world tors, or later, when we exchanged best practices.” A HAT with a message some 10 years ago Yakobson was struck by personal others,” she said. is headed in this direction,” she said. Erlich said her contacts in various UK government outside the gates of tragedy, as her daughter Tal, only aged 25 years old Since its establishment in 2013, Tal Center has Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has ministries appreciated that Israeli diplomats were Downing Street, London. was diagnosed with a rare cancer and passed away gone on to become one of the leading centers in created unforeseen challenges to Yakobson’s vision. “here, for better or for worse” during the pandemic. Brexit has had a positive 10 months later. the world, headed by the medical establishment “This has not been an easy year, with coronavirus, it “A lot of us haven’t seen our families in a long time effect on the Israel-UK “We had a very difficult journey, there are not alongside non-conventional medicine that provides is hard to raise money and there are sleepless nights, and some of us got sick, but we’re all in this together,” relationship. a lot of words to express the grief, the pain, the holistic support for cancer patients. but I believe in miracles and good surprises,” she she said. (Hannah McKay/Reuters) fright,” she said. “There is an infinite fracture, the “Since we opened, we have given legitimacy and said. Israeli ambassadors also keep in contact with the pain of losing a girl who was so special, so smart influenced other hospitals in Israel, and today there Indeed, Yakobson’s extraordinary strength and local Jewish community, and Hotovely said she was re- said. “There is good cooperation with the government when she can’t have face-to-face meetings, Hotovely and who accomplished in her 26 years what most are no hospitals in the country that do not have a dedication in both her professional and social work ceived by UK Jewish groups with “great warmth – even in fighting antisemitism.” said she’s glad she took a break from politics to become people don’t accomplish in 80 years of life.” natural medicine department,” she said. “There is have seen her achieve an unprecedented vision. if it was on Zoom.” In recent years, BDS and anti-Israel groups have been ambassador. This tragic shock has an understanding in hospitals today that this is the “I say this to my actors: that the sexiest “It’s very important to us as an embassy,” Hotovely on the decline in the UK, and the focus has shifted “I feel like I’m doing very important reserve duty. changed the course and way diseases need to be treated.” characteristic is to be good-hearted – to help said. “This is a significant Jewish community, one of away from Israel, Hotovely said. I’m serving my country,” Hotovely said. “This was a focus of Yakobson’s life. While this innovative complementary approach others, to prevent suffering, not to be indifferent the biggest in the world, with a great connection to Zi- Bar-Li said, “BDS failed,” and pointed to the trade very drastic change even after four years at the Foreign “Thank G-d I have been to patient care has become the norm, Yakobson is to what is happening around you,” she said. “I try onism.” agreement between the UK and Israel. Ministry, which I really loved… I think the big advan- lucky to represent many still fighting for change. to manage my professional life and social work Asked about how she responded and plans to re- “If you look at the trajectory, year after year trade has tage is that it has given me perspective. Our politics are talented people over “One of the things that really shook us, is that through this motto and live authentically with a spond to the antisemitism that British Jewry has faced increased. There is no better proof than that of BDS’s so internal, and now I’m seeing the world.” many years, but the most there is no solution or response for young people lot of compassion and understanding that so long in recent years, Hotovely commended the government failure. They became irrelevant. They’re not relevant The UK, Hotovely explained, is “an important bridge important thing in life with cancer. There is a framework for children and as you are here you must live your life and act and of the UK. to the post-Brexit psyche, which is looking for more between Europe and the US and is very central in our “Fighting antisemitism is not just a Jewish and Israeli economic opportunities. Israel here is seen as a place relations. The triangle of US, UK and Israel on security now is the ability to help a framework for adults - but what about someone do towards the benefit of others.” and make a difference in who is at the height of their life, studying, in love, topic. It’s a disease that infects any society in which it for cooperation, because of hi-tech and academic ex- and intelligence is of strategic importance and like no For more information or to donate visit: exists. Societies must fight the diseases of racism and xe- cellence and innovation… BDS is an anachronism,” other.” the field of cancer,” she with dreams and suddenly thrust into a hospital (Hebrew) תרומות/stop-cancer.co.il nophobia. The UK government was the first in Europe Bar-Li said. “Serving here is so important. The depth and per- said. with no framework for people of that age,” she said. to adopt [the International Holocaust Remembrance spective I’m getting – I wouldn’t give up on it, even As such, Yakobson along with her partner at or click here for English site. www.jgive.com Alliance working definition of antisemitism], and it DESPITE ALL the challenges, moving her family during with the difficulties of coronavirus and moving my Zohar Yakobson is doing good work advancing it in universities,” she a pandemic and trying to do her new job as a diplomat family.” 

16 MARCH 5, 2021 - Communicated - Acting with compassion

"StopCancer" community group photo

Dr. Michal Maimon – Director of the Pediatric The Doctors of Soroka Emergency Department and Director of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Team, Saban Pediatric Medical Center

”As a physician, my vision is to provide face in the Negev,” •By AlAn RosenBAum Dr. Keren Rouvinov, Acting Head of Oncology professional and humane care to all of my patients says Dr. Maimon, “is Department, Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and while being attentive to every family’s unique providing quality care n observance of International Women’s characteristics,” says Dr. Michal Maimon, a for children – even for Day, we present brief profiles of five top Doctor Larry Norton Institute pediatrician and head of the pediatric emergency those who may be living physicians at Soroka Medical Center, department and the Suspected Child Abuse in conditions different part of Clalit Health Services, who “My vision as a physician,” says Dr. Keren Rouvinov, acting head of the & Neglect Team at Soroka Medical Center in than what is usually Idiscuss their vision, their work at Soroka, Beersheva. Dr. Maimon, a graduate of the medical found in the Western Oncology Department at Soroka Medical Center, “is to provide the very medical treatment during corona, and their best care for my patients and to be there for them. I want to continue my school at Ben Gurion University, has spent her world. For example, a thoughts about International Women’s Day. progress in my research and my profession.” entire medical career at Soroka, apart from a child with diabetes may Dr. Rouvinov, a medical oncologist specializing in urogenital tract fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in live in an area without malignancies, has been associated with Soroka for 18 years and Toronto. electricity and needs notes that the hospital combines groundbreaking treatment with Dr. Maimon has introduced several innovations insulin that must be refrigerated“.Dr. Maimon Prof. Reli Hershkovitz– personal care. “We are being equipped with the newest technologies to the pediatric emergency department, including recalls that when the pandemic arrived in Israel, for radiotherapy to provide innovative treatment.” She adds that sedation, bedside use of ultrasound, and treatment there was a great deal of concern among staff, Director of Obstetrics Dr. Tehila Kaisman-Elbaz, Soroka places great emphasis on research and notes that “Research of pediatric trauma by a team of pediatricians. She but she says, “Thanks to the mutual support and and Gynecology, Senior Neurosurgeon is an important part of oncology. The oncology department’s has received training in treating child abuse and partnership we overcame the difficulties, and Saban Birth & research unit is advanced and provides opportunities and sexual assault and established a hospital service today we are standing tall against the challenges for examining children who have been victims of of corona.” Dr. Tehila Kaisman-Elbaz, a senior possibilities for innovative research and treatment.”Dr. Maternity Center Rouvinov says that the oncology department at Soroka continued sexual assault. Previously, children in southern International Women Day, says Dr. Maimon, neurosurgeon at Soroka Medical Center, Israel requiring this treatment needed to be is an opportunity to highlight women’s intends to specialize in neurosurgical its full range of treatments for oncology patients during the corona “My goal is to provide the best pandemic. International Women’s Day is a significant day for Dr. transferred to hospitals in the country’s center. achievements and show girls and young women and most innovative medical care oncology and is dedicated to providing Soroka Medical Center is a tertiary medical that they don’t have to choose between their individualized treatment for all of her Rouvinov. “Every year, on International Women’s Day, I look at for women while maintaining myself and those around me and see that women can and are able to center that provides advanced medical services careers or self-fulfillment and between being an their dignity and the dignity of our patients. “I want to promote treatment for Negev residents. “One of the challenges we involved and loving mother – they can have both. that is tailored for each patient so that advance, reach influential positions, and become leaders.” staff,” says Prof. Reli Hershkovitz, I can differentiate each brain tumor by director of the Obstetrics and its specific characteristics and adjust the Gynecology Division at Soroka treatment for the individual patient.” She Medical Center. Hershkovitz has speaks highly of the close relationship spent her entire medical career between Soroka Medical Center and the In some ways and although there have been at Soroka since 1993, with the faculty of health sciences at nearby Ben- numerous difficulties,” she adds, “corona Prof. Yael Refaely Allal expects a huge investment in health exception of a one-year fellowship at University College Hospital Gurion University and suggests that this made us more effective. Meetings on Zoom, for Director of Thoracic Surgery, technology in the coming years in London. relationship will lead to advancements example, were more efficient and allowed us to that will improve the knowledge Soroka has the largest number of births of any hospital in Israel, in treating neuro-oncological diseases. focus more on advancing patient treatment.”Dr. Soroka Medical Center and understanding of diseases and Prof. Hershkovitz says that the hospital had to make special “One of the things that is special here,” Kaisman-Elbaz says that Soroka Medical Center’s along with improving treatment arrangements to deal with the corona pandemic over the past year. she says, “is the excellent relationship flexibility regarding her work as a neurosurgeon, Chairperson of The Israeli Society of and the ability to tailor the best “We made special birthing rooms for women infected with corona. between clinicians and researchers in hubs research, and family was ideal. “It was an Thoracic Surgery treatment to each patient. “We have We also prepared an operating room for women giving birth who and forums. The connection between important consideration in terms of choosing Vice Dean & Director of School of more control over the data, and we had corona.” In addition, says Prof. Hershkovitz, the hospital clinic and research and technology will a place to work. Women can practice medicine, Medicine strive to improve communication encouraged women with health issues to come to the hospital for lead to the advancement of treatment for conduct research, and can combine the two with Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical between the various care providers treatment if they were not feeling well, rather than staying away due illnesses.”This summer, Dr. Kaisman-Elbaz raising a family. “She lists Prof. Rivka Carmi, the School, Ben Gurion University in the Negev who treat each patient in order to fear of becoming infected with corona. will be beginning a two-year fellowship at former Ben-Gurion Prof. Yael Refaely, head of thoracic surgery to improve the quality of care.” As part of her responsibilities as the head of OB- the renowned Cleveland Clinic, where she University president, at Soroka Medical Center, has witnessed a While technological advances GYN at Soroka, Prof. Hershkovitz encourages her will study new techniques in the treatment as a distinguished role revolution in her specialty during her 27- in revolutionary medicine, Prof. University is important, in light staff to utilize new technologies, equipment, and of brain tumors. “They have many model. “Prof. Carmi year medical career. “Thoracic surgery has Refaely notes that it is equally of the significant collaborations techniques. She specializes in gynecological ultrasound innovative techniques, including focused has supported me received a great deal of momentum through important to maintain compassion between the hospital and the and has introduced numerous technologies, radiation for brain tumors. In addition, through my medical technology,” she says, “and has transitioned and kindness in the care of the university. including 3-D ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, and an essential part of my work is research, career, for which I am from major, open-chest surgery to video- patient. Prof. Refaely says that hysterosalpingography, a radiologic procedure that and I will study the genetics of brain very grateful. Soroka assisted thorascopic surgery and robotic At Soroka Medical Center, says International Women’s Day is investigates the shape of the uterine cavity and the tumors, their classification, and advanced Medical Center, surgery” Prof. Refaely, a special connection especially significant for women shape and patency of the fallopian tubes. molecular methods.” Dr. Kaisman-Elbaz and specifically my Prof. Refaely, who has been at Soroka for has been maintained between in medicine: “More and more For Prof. Hershkovitz, International Women’s is looking forward to returning to Israel department heads, ten years, says that a great deal of innovation patients and the medical staff. women are entering medicine and Day is an opportunity to promote the when her fellowship ends to apply the new Dr. Avi Cohen and is occurring in the world of medicine in “The medical staff in the South integrating into areas that were outstanding abilities and talents of women and technologies to her work at Soroka. Dr. Israel Melamed, many different areas. She says that online is part of a community to which male dominant in the past, such to help use their abilities to help resolve cultural She says that her department was less gave me a great and digital medicine, which have become it feels a huge commitment as surgery, health management, imbalances in the treatment of women. She directly affected than others by the corona deal of support and popular during the pandemic, will continue and responsibility,” she says. and others. The profession is speaks with pride about her department. pandemic but has been treating corona enabled me to do all to make an impact in the coming years. The hospital’s strong triangle undergoing great change as a “The Obstetrics and Gynecology Division patients from time to time and is committed of these things with While she notes that nothing can replace of community, medicine, and result. Our challenge is to find a at Soroka is the largest tertiary division of its to providing the best neurosurgical a great deal of the face-to-face encounter between a doctor patients is special and unique in new balance and use the benefits kind in the world. Our department is staffed treatment for their diseases. “Our work consideration and and a patient, many medical issues can be the south. Prof. Refaely notes that that the change brings with it in a with excellent, top-quality doctors, nurses, routine has changed since the pandemic. flexibility.” alleviated through online treatment. She Soroka’s proximity to Ben-Gurion productive and creative way.” midwives, and medical support staff.” - Communicated - - Communicated -

Dr. Michal Maimon – Director of the Pediatric The Doctors of Soroka Emergency Department and Director of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Team, Saban Pediatric Medical Center

Spurred on by the untimely t’s in our blood,” says Sigal Bar-On, co- chairperson of Fischer Pharmaceuticals death of her sister, Szerer Ltd. “We grew up with it.” Bar-On, who has made it her mission to together with her sister Dr. Nurit Harel “Iheads the Israeli pharmaceutical giant founded encourage organ transplants by their parents, Dr. Eli Fischer and his late wife Devorah, worked in the family business during in Israel summer vacations and was determined to make • HAGAY HACOHEN it an integral part of her life. Bar-On, recalling her childhood experiences, smiles and says, “It was hen Dvora Szerer lost her sister, the best business school I ever had.” The company Zehava Feldman, to breast cancer in that started in 1965 in a tiny 100 square meter 2001, she also lost her singing voice. office in B’nei Brak is today a multinational firm “I have always enjoyed Israeli that is a household name in Israel, renowned for folk music and dancing,” she told its wide range of products in treatment toiletries, Wthe Magazine, “and before Zehava passed away I used advanced anti-aging cosmetics, specialized to dance and sing. After her death people would ‘SHOWING EMPATHY towards the other means dietary supplements, and innovative medical loving them as they are, without judgment and approach me and say, ‘We noticed that you are not as preparations. Bar-On enjoys her work immensely. criticism.’ (Tim Mossholder/Unsplash) you once were.’ I was devastated. She was only 36 years “Visiting our manufacturing plant in the Galil old.” is the most fun. It is a pleasure walking between Szerer founded Nehishut (“Determination” in all of the production lines, smelling and feeling Hebrew) in 2005 and has since been its CEO, working that sense what I am doing now is true tikkun [healing, everything!” with the National Transplant and Organ Dona- correction].” “My sister and I are chairpersons and partners,” tion Center (NTC), Amos Gazit Ltd and the Health says Bar-On. “We believe in teamwork. There Ministry’s Emergency Medicine Association (Malrad) SHE POINTS to her late father, Ze’ev, as a source of her are three heads under us – Danny Bar-On, my Sigal Bar-On and among others. Even before moving to the public health powerful commitment to the healing power of love. husband, is the CEO of the Body Shop chain sector, she was a highly respected manager and public “To this day when I am dining at a restaurant and sister Dr. Nurit Harel of stores; Yossi Harel, my sister’s husband, who shown in Dubai, New York, and Tel Aviv during relations expert working as vice-head of marketing for a beggar asks me for a handout, I call the waiter and is CEO of international marketing; and Moshe 2021. Fischer Pharmaceuticals also established the University of Derby Israeli extension. say, ‘Sit this man down and let him order anything he “In my professional life I sometimes walked into a wishes from the menu and I will cover it,’” she says. Zilberstein, CEO of Dr. Fischer Israel, who has the Devorah Fischer Gallery in Tel Aviv, named conference room where only men were present,” she “At times the beggar will eat and shed a tear because been with the company for many years.” Bar-On after Dr. Eli Fischer’s late wife and company said. “A woman, I think, should never feel as if she he is used to being unseen by the world.” says that as a family-run business, it is essential to co-founder, which presents exhibits to benefit is somehow less than a man. Even if I am the only This is why a close friend once told her she is a “one separate family matters from business discussions. various charitable organizations throughout woman in the room I feel as if I am in the majority. woman’s superpower of compassion.” “We are together frequently as a family on the year. Speaking of the company’s efforts to “I do not accept no as an answer,” she explained, “I cannot ignore human pain,” she stressed. “I speak holidays and Shabbat, and we separate business improve society, Sigal adds, “We don’t want to “I do not start a meeting by asking the other side to with the families during their greatest sorrow and I from family.” She adds that the unique harmony just write a check. We want to do something explain to me the reasons they object to this or that weep with them over the phone. Many of them stay in that exists between members of the family was significant. Giving is receiving. When you do DVORA SZERER, founder and CEO of Nehishut: idea. Instead, I offer them climbing hooks so we can touch with me through the years, and so do the organ instilled in them by her parents. “It begins and something for someone, you get something Climbing together toward a solution. Heading Fischer all climb together toward a solution that is good for recipients. Some of them have given birth to children ends with education and personal examples,” she (Courtesy Dvora Szerer) Pharmaceuticals Ltd. back.” everyone.” since they got the organ donation. Can you imagine says. “The older we get, the more we understand. Bar-On says that International Women’s Day Once a family agrees to donate the organs of a loved what that feels like? My parents established Dr. Fischer in 1965 as a is the ideal time to bring up important social one through the NTC, Szerer will reach out to them. “Twice a year, on Rosh Hashanah and Passover, I call tain an organ donor card. couple.” Despite the challenges presented by COVID, issues that are not discussed on a daily basis. If they grant their consent, she then shares their story my friends and we arrange for thousands of food de- “Online, the process is fast and easy,” she explained. Bar-On notes that this past year with the says Bar-On, Fischer Pharmaceuticals learned to She is leading an economic and social forum with the world to encourage others to do the same. liveries for families who decided to share the organs of “People can do it in a minute and finish the whole pandemic and its accompanying issues has been accentuate the positive. “The situation pushed of industrialists and business leaders tasked Her radio and television appearances have made their loved ones with people in need and are now go- process in a flash.” challenging from several perspectives. Fischer us and gave us a boost in product development. with increasing awareness to prevent domestic her well known among healthcare workers and the ing through material hardships,” she said. A resident of Holon, Szerer initiated the creation of Pharmaceuticals manufactures Alco-Gel, the We put out new products that were in the violence in families. Bar-On looks upon her general public. During her years of work with NTC, she has been a special story garden that uses the sculptures of Meir popular hand sanitizer, which became even more pipeline.” In addition, she adds that the company company as a large community of hundreds of One widower who made such a decision stayed in able to sign up Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli, President Trosman to educate children about organ transplants. widely used due to the pandemic. There was a learned more about the possibilities of combining employees and suppliers and says, “We have touch with Szerer for years, as have dozens of others. Reuven Rivlin and hundreds of other public figures as “This is the only garden in the world devoted to great demand for the product in early March, working from home and the office. not only business responsibilities, but societal Szerer recently learned that the widower was having part of an ongoing effort to make people more aware organ donations,” she pointed out. and the company had to quickly purchase vast Fischer Pharmaceuticals is well-known not responsibilities as well.” difficulties obtaining a drug he needed for a difficult of the great value of donating their organs as their last The park is based on the 2009 book by Ephraim amounts of the necessary raw materials, and bring only for its comprehensive line of products but medical condition. act. Sidon, A Tale from the Heart. “Fischer Pharmaceuticals provides equal for its extensive activities in the community at “I did not accept this situation,” she recounted, While some people might think there are religious As Szerer sees it, “Love and showing empathy toward them in by express air, instead of transporting opportunities for women, and there are actually large. Bar-On says that helping others is a family “and I turned the earth upside down until he got what restrictions against donating organs, Szerer is adamant the other means to love them as they are, without them by ship. Workers on company production more women at the company than men, he needed. Saying no is easy. What I do is, I come up that most rabbis today accept brain-death as final, judgment, and without criticizing them. lines were separated into capsules, and office tradition. “It was understood that when we got including executive positions,” says Sigal Bar- with solutions. Very often the people on the other end even if the heart is still beating. Families facing such “When I take my grandchildren to play, I notice that workers began to spend more time working from up in the morning, we were not only getting On. “It is based on talent and merit.” She points also want to say yes and are happy to encounter my a decision can contact “any rabbi they wish to speak they can spot when another child is sitting by himself home. The company’s Body Shop stores, which ready to work but getting ready for social action as out that the company’s most valuable asset is its metaphorical hooks. When they do, I tell them we all with” through the NTC, she explained, before making and understand that he would love to play,” she said. are located in shopping malls, had to shut down. well,” she says. The company supports numerous workforce. “They are professional, connected, won due to their goodwill.” a final decision. “The fact that my grandchildren can walk up to this “Most important,” says Bar-On, we listened to our charitable organizations and established the ‘Art and committed. They are very important to Before Szerer was approached by the NTC she used “My new goal is to make the organ donation card a unknown child and ask, ‘Would you like to play to- employees, and we stayed in touch with them. for Peace’ initiative, in which artists from Israel, us. We have Moslems, Christians, and Jews – to “black out” when entering a hospital, she joked, default process when people obtain their ID,” she said. gether?’ makes me feel I was able to show my children Their health was most important, and we had to Egypt, and Jordan have participated and shown secular and religious– all working together for and needed to meditate to be able to set foot inside. “I would like the issue of organ donations to be present and grandchildren the importance of these values.” arrange ways for them to combine working from their work. An exhibition of Israeli and Emirati the common good. We are a microcosm of Israeli “Today I can see a heart transplant and see the beau- in our public discourse as part of our social solidarity.” She concluded, “We need to educate the children home and the office.” artists will be online soon and is scheduled to be society.” ty of it,” she shared, “but I still can’t see how organs She supports the digital outreach program that now of this nation not to live in a world based on the are removed. That is too much for me even today. In enables anyone in the country to sign up online to ob- ego alone.” 

20 MARCH 5, 2021 - Communicated - A Family Affair

• By AlAn RosenBAum

t’s in our blood,” says Sigal Bar-On, co- chairperson of Fischer Pharmaceuticals Ltd. “We grew up with it.” Bar-On, who together with her sister Dr. Nurit Harel “Iheads the Israeli pharmaceutical giant founded by their parents, Dr. Eli Fischer and his late wife Devorah, worked in the family business during summer vacations and was determined to make it an integral part of her life. Bar-On, recalling her childhood experiences, smiles and says, “It was the best business school I ever had.” The company that started in 1965 in a tiny 100 square meter office in B’nei Brak is today a multinational firm that is a household name in Israel, renowned for its wide range of products in treatment toiletries, advanced anti-aging cosmetics, specialized dietary supplements, and innovative medical preparations. Bar-On enjoys her work immensely. “Visiting our manufacturing plant in the Galil is the most fun. It is a pleasure walking between all of the production lines, smelling and feeling everything!” “My sister and I are chairpersons and partners,” says Bar-On. “We believe in teamwork. There are three heads under us – Danny Bar-On, my Sigal Bar-On and husband, is the CEO of the Body Shop chain sister Dr. Nurit Harel of stores; Yossi Harel, my sister’s husband, who shown in Dubai, New York, and Tel Aviv during is CEO of international marketing; and Moshe 2021. Fischer Pharmaceuticals also established Zilberstein, CEO of Dr. Fischer Israel, who has the Devorah Fischer Gallery in Tel Aviv, named been with the company for many years.” Bar-On after Dr. Eli Fischer’s late wife and company says that as a family-run business, it is essential to co-founder, which presents exhibits to benefit separate family matters from business discussions. various charitable organizations throughout “We are together frequently as a family on the year. Speaking of the company’s efforts to holidays and Shabbat, and we separate business improve society, Sigal adds, “We don’t want to from family.” She adds that the unique harmony just write a check. We want to do something that exists between members of the family was significant. Giving is receiving. When you do instilled in them by her parents. “It begins and Heading Fischer something for someone, you get something ends with education and personal examples,” she Pharmaceuticals Ltd. back.” says. “The older we get, the more we understand. Bar-On says that International Women’s Day My parents established Dr. Fischer in 1965 as a is the ideal time to bring up important social couple.” Despite the challenges presented by COVID, issues that are not discussed on a daily basis. Bar-On notes that this past year with the says Bar-On, Fischer Pharmaceuticals learned to She is leading an economic and social forum pandemic and its accompanying issues has been accentuate the positive. “The situation pushed of industrialists and business leaders tasked challenging from several perspectives. Fischer us and gave us a boost in product development. with increasing awareness to prevent domestic Pharmaceuticals manufactures Alco-Gel, the We put out new products that were in the violence in families. Bar-On looks upon her popular hand sanitizer, which became even more pipeline.” In addition, she adds that the company company as a large community of hundreds of widely used due to the pandemic. There was a learned more about the possibilities of combining employees and suppliers and says, “We have great demand for the product in early March, working from home and the office. not only business responsibilities, but societal and the company had to quickly purchase vast Fischer Pharmaceuticals is well-known not responsibilities as well.” amounts of the necessary raw materials, and bring only for its comprehensive line of products but “Fischer Pharmaceuticals provides equal them in by express air, instead of transporting for its extensive activities in the community at opportunities for women, and there are actually them by ship. Workers on company production large. Bar-On says that helping others is a family more women at the company than men, lines were separated into capsules, and office tradition. “It was understood that when we got including executive positions,” says Sigal Bar- workers began to spend more time working from up in the morning, we were not only getting On. “It is based on talent and merit.” She points home. The company’s Body Shop stores, which ready to work but getting ready for social action as out that the company’s most valuable asset is its are located in shopping malls, had to shut down. well,” she says. The company supports numerous workforce. “They are professional, connected, “Most important,” says Bar-On, we listened to our charitable organizations and established the ‘Art and committed. They are very important to employees, and we stayed in touch with them. for Peace’ initiative, in which artists from Israel, us. We have Moslems, Christians, and Jews – Their health was most important, and we had to Egypt, and Jordan have participated and shown secular and religious– all working together for arrange ways for them to combine working from their work. An exhibition of Israeli and Emirati the common good. We are a microcosm of Israeli home and the office.” artists will be online soon and is scheduled to be society.” AYELET FRISH: Professional journey. (Photos: Sivan Farag)

‘Today’s leaders recognize the advantage of women’s management’

• CARMIT SAPIR WEITZ Her work ranges from events such as media manage- corner of her eye. Translated by ALAN ROSENBAUM ment of the Giro d’Italia bicycle race in Israel; the “She took me aside and said to me, ‘I have my eye friendly soccer match between Argentina and Uru- on you. I’ll call you.’” She runs a successful strategic consulting firm and advis- guay starring Lionel Messi; and Madonna’s partic- In 2004, around the time of her maternity leave es leaders and countries around the world. With all she’s ipation in the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv after the birth of her third son, shortly after Frish had achieved, she realizes her chosen profession has a price. – initiatives of philanthropist and businessman Syl- opened a strategy and branding office, the phone “I learned to dream big, not to be afraid of doors slam- van Adams. She also was instrumental in the launch rang. Duvdevani was on the line, and offered her ming shut, to think creatively, to create international of “Margalit Startup City,” the global cyber-center the position of head of the strategy department for platforms. I learned to believe in myself and overcome developed by entrepreneur Erel Margalit in New the deputy prime minister’s office and the minister the challenges even if they are very complex,” says York; branding and strategy of Zappa, the culture of Development and the Galilee – Shimon Peres, of Ayelet Frish. and music group; and much more. course. Frish hesitated. The independent firm she Responding to the reality that it is unusual for a had opened had signed agreements with clients. f one had asked her to choose a picture that woman to be a leader in this profession, Frish says, “Efrat said to me, ‘You don’t say no to Shimon would predict her future, it is likely that Ayelet “This job exacts a heavy price. It involves many hours Peres.’” Frish would have chosen the one in which of work, and to reach a high level, you have to go Frish recalls that conversation. “I replied, ‘You’re she is shown as an eight-year-old girl from through a professional journey that does not follow right. I’m closing the office and canceling the con- KibbutzI Lehavot Haviva, browsing through a pile of the normal development route – and you also have tracts. I have just one condition: I need to leave at newspapers. A closeup of the picture will show that to know to fail. It is very demanding work, and until four to nurse Itai.’” it is Al Hamishmar, the newspaper of the kibbutz the family unit changes and men realize that there movement. A further zoom-in reveals that she is should be equality at home and Dad is also allowed IT WAS the beginning of a fascinating and challeng- looking through stories about security issues or to come home at four, it will remain that way. Fortu- ing path that lasted 13 years, in which she hosted those dealing with foreign relations. nately, in my case, my mother Ruthie moved in with media events at the White House, the Elysée Palace Some 40 years later, Frish has a full family life – us, and we received a lot of help.” and the Bundestag; a joint prayer for peace and rec- married to Adi, director of business development at onciliation between religions in the Vatican, led by RedHill, a biotech company, and mother of Daniel “TODAY’S GREAT leaders understand the benefit of Pope Francis; presidential conferences and the open- (21), a soldier in an elite unit, Maayan (19), an intern women in management,” said Frish, quoting the late ing of Peres’s Facebook account in Silicon Valley in a mechina (pre-military academy), Itai (16) and president Peres. “He said to me, ‘During my entire with Mark Zuckerberg. Shortly before Peres’s death, Roni (10). She is also successful professionally as an life, I was surrounded by generals. In recent years, she was involved in the process of turning the Peres expert in branding leaders and countries, and is a I am surrounded by women managers. Women are Center into the national innovation center of the leading strategic consultant with an impressive list far better managers than men because they can do State of Israel. of achievements. many things at the same time. They put their egos “I took it upon myself as my life’s mission to She has served as the spokeswoman for the kibbutz aside and know how to work as a team. They are so address the branding and strategy for Shimon Peres. movement; the spokeswoman for Knesset Speaker intelligent that I enjoy every moment.’” Although he had already been prime minister and Avraham Burg; and the communications and brand- His bet on female power paid off; Israel’s ninth held other key positions, he was over 80, and it was ing consultant for the late Shimon Peres, the ninth president reached record levels of popularity. commonly thought that this was his last job. The president of the State of Israel. She currently owns Frish met Peres during a political conference in challenge was to take his character, with which I had Frish Strategic Consulting Ltd., where she advises Spain. Peres was then foreign minister. His bureau fallen in love, and give it additional color. heads of state, senior politicians and businesspeople. head, Efrat Duvdevani, caught sight of her out of the “I realized that a large part of his work was

22 MARCH 5, 2021 unknown to the general public, such as the con- WITH US struction of the nuclear reactor during the “auster- president Barack ity period” in Israel when there was no money for Obama. eggs and butter. Somehow, by hook or by crook, he managed to raise huge sums and built the reactor in Dimona, which provided one of the greatest security and strategic assets of the State of Israel. “In the Entebbe operation, he supported a military operation against the views of all the other government ministers, and refused to sur- render to terrorism and exchange prisoners. He was also behind the development of Israeli Aircraft Industries. “I realized that this was an unusual leader – not only whom the public did not know, but who himself was not prepared to speak of his accomplish- ments. He used to say: ‘These are sensitive issues.’ I started working on my most important mission. I was preoccupied with the question of how to instill his tremendous contribution to the State of Israel in the hearts of the people and in particular in the hearts of all those who had turned their backs on him. He was a tremendous leader. All he cared about was strengthening the State of Israel and the young generation and how to create a better tomorrow for the country.” WITH PRESIDENT After his death, Frish watched the crowds pass by Shimon Peres the coffin. and Russian “I saw the kippah wearers alongside Israeli Arabs, President alongside eight-year-old children, parents from Vladimir Putin. Judea and Samaria holding babies, people from Baqa al Gharbiya, from Bedouin settlements, Bnei Brak and the entire world. The police announced that due to the huge turnout, they were extending the hours. It was then I closed a circle. But I must be modest: he had an amazing team that worked around the clock, and most importantly, it wasn’t me. It wasn’t even us. It was Shimon Peres. When you work with someone who is a man of action and vision, the sky is the limit. The title of the book he published two weeks before his death is No Room for Small Dreams. The title says it all. “ The late Peres was Frish’s greatest and most significant teacher. “During these years, I learned alongside him to dream big, not to be afraid of doors slamming shut, to think creatively, to create international platforms, to maintain the uniqueness of each day, and to know how to tell a story. I learned to believe in myself and overcome the challenges, even if they are very complex. I know how to stop for a moment and remember that people over 50 still consume their work, evoke feelings of sympathy and love and create consult with those I trust. I have an excellent team of media from the major news outlets. There is no need situations that bring him closer to the people. One confidants. Consulting with others is power.” to fight change. It’s the mathematics of alchemists. of the dramatic tools of a good high-level strategic Let’s go back to the beginning, to the definition of Few people know how to brand countries or leaders adviser is the ability to build deep trust with the “strategy and branding,” as Frish perceives them. and to get the results they want.” leader, one that is almost inseparable from day- “The idea is to take a complex situation, a country to-day work. It also means intervening effectively with problems or a leader who wants to reach Is it possible to brand anyone as a leader? and wisely in the daily agenda, content and deci- people’s hearts, and know how to tell his story “The most dangerous thing for strategic advisers is sion-making. The most significant tool is to be part through a short, clear message that touches the soul. that they fall in love with their power. The answer of the smallest decision-making team, and that’s The next thing is to use leverage through the various lies somewhere in the middle. You can only get to where the biggest impact is.” media,” she explains. a certain point. If you don’t have a real leader who loves his people and country and works around the What is your dream? Is this also true today with the changing commu- clock out of genuine passion, it’s ‘fake branding.’ In “I like to reach my goals. I love tough challenges nication map? the end, the truth will come out.” and I believe in being able to give of myself for great “The media map has changed, but the con- things. After Peres passed away, I was sure the next sumption of exciting and personal stories does not What about applying branding for leaders such chapter of my life would be very boring, but the change. Even if the personal story appears on Tik- as Prime Minister Netanyahu? exact opposite happened. I realized that I had re- Tok, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube and not in the “When I analyze Benjamin Netanyahu profes- ceived a great deal of professional experience and New York Times, you can create effectiveness and mo- sionally, there is no doubt that the State of Israel tools from him. I understood that I have an objective tivation for action. It’s all in telling the story proper- is important to him and that he has exceptional – to continue to contribute with the experience that ly, building the right branding and knowing how to achievements in the political-security field, but I I have accumulated to projects, leaders and countries use advertising budgets differently than before. Do think a good professional could greatly promote and help them realize a great vision. not cling to the old and traditional media. However, his branding and his popularity among the public, What is the dream? Now that a window has each vote is equal at the ballot box, and you need to reduce opposition, and with the proper amount of opened to the Arab world: to advise their leaders.”

www.jpost.com 23 - Communicated - MakingMaking MagicMagic with Make-A-Wish Israel

transformative effect not only on recipients but on donors as well. “As a human being, it gives me an unbelievable perspective on what’s really important in life, because every day, we see that life can be taken from us, as it was from my brother at such a young age at 29, but these children are faced with this so much earlier on. They say that dopamine – a hormone and neurotransmitter which helps promote positive feelings – comes in many forms. One of the ways in which you create dopamine in your brain is by giving, and I see my staff walking around the office, smiling. It’s just bliss. These kids – their Denise Bar-Aharon, together with husband Avi childhood has been stolen from them, and if Make-A-Wish can come chemotherapy,’ and you say to them, that Lionel in and let them feel like children again, it makes Messi is waiting for you, or Mickey Mouse is me as a person, as a woman, as a nurturer, and Eitan Fink waiting for you, there’s a transformation in their as a mother figure feel incredibly grateful and mental, emotional and physical condition.” incredibly blessed. And I think it’s also a lovely Bar-Aharon says that they offer the children example to my children and my grandchildren.” four different categories of wishes – ‘I want to The impact of Make-A-Wish, adds Bar-Aharon, • By AlAn RosenBAum be. I want to have, I want to meet, and I want also extends to the parents of the children and to go. Some children want to play the part of a their communities. “A boy wanted to be Spider- octors give the medicine, and superhero for a day, or be a princess, or a singer Man, and the entire community came out and Make-A-Wish gives the magic.” or a king; others want a gaming computer or cheered him on. They all came out, and people For twenty-five years, Denise Bar- a smartphone. Some want to meet a famous really respond to giving, especially children.” Aharon, together with husband athlete, entertainer, or politician, and some She adds that many of the organization’s “Avi, has been providing magical wishes for D want to go to a particular destination. activities were canceled or cut back this year due seriously ill young Israelis, ages 3-18. Bar-Aharon Eitan Fink, a teen who had been ill with cancer, to the COVID pandemic. “All of our fundraising and her husband founded the Israeli affiliate of wanted to be a White House correspondent efforts were canceled, and we need donations Make-A-Wish in memory of Denise’s brother in 2019. Make-A-Wish Israel made the today more than ever before.” Soon, she says, David Spero, who died at age 29 from esophageal arrangements and flew him to Washington. the organization will be beginning an on-line cancer. Denise wanted to commemorate her “Israeli news anchor Yonit Levy prepared him Passover campaign for individual contributions. brother’s life, and recalling her volunteer work for the meeting,” says Bar-Aharon. He went Denise Bar-Aharon says that on International for Make-A-Wish when she lived in the United to Washington and interviewed President Women’s Day, she thinks of the immense States, contacted the organization’s worldwide Trump for fifteen or twenty minutes. It was just strength of women and the support and strength headquarters in the United States, and established magnificent.” Smiling, Denise reports that there that she receives daily, both from her mother, the Israeli affiliate. is more to the story. “When we went to Yonit, who lives in the United States, and her daughter Bar-Aharon proudly reports that since its Eitan said to me - ‘My dream one day, if I stay in Israel. “I have incredible women in my life inception, Make-A-Wish Israel has granted 4,300 well, is to be a correspondent here in at Neve that are both family and life-long friends. The wishes to children. “Our mission is to grant an Ilan and work at the news.’ Eitan is an avid news strength and love I receive from the woman in incredible, life-changing transformational wish lover. Today, Eitan’s dream came true, and he, in my life fill me and charge me to continue to do to a child that has a critical illness.” Bar-Aharon fact, works in the news department at the Neve the work I do every day. International Women’s points out that granting the wishes of seriously Ilan studios.” Day it’s a great day and well-deserved because ill children can truly be life-changing and cites a Sadly, some Make-A-Wish children have not women are extraordinary individuals.” research study conducted by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar survived their illnesses. But Bar-Aharon says that and Professor Anat Shoshani of the Maytiv frequently, by sheer determination, children Center for the Research and Application of managed to survive until their wish came true For more information about how you can Positive Psychology at IDC Herzliya showed that and have lived for many months or even years donate and help Make-A-Wish Israel, doing so can prolong and actually save lives. “It afterward. “It prolongs life. I’ve seen it over and visit the Make-A-Wish website at just changes their whole being. When a child is over again,” she says. makeawish.org.il or call 09 7602848. in the hospital, and he says, ‘That’s it – no more Denise says that Make-A-Wish has a - Communicated - MakingMaking MagicMagic with Make-A-Wish Israel transformative effect not only on recipients but on donors as well. “As a human being, it gives me an unbelievable perspective on what’s really important in life, because every day, we see that life can be taken from us, as it was from my brother at such a young age at 29, but these children are faced with this so much earlier on. They say that dopamine – a hormone and neurotransmitter which helps promote positive feelings – comes in many forms. One of the ways in which you create dopamine in your brain is by giving, and I see my staff walking around the office, smiling. It’s just bliss. These kids – their Denise Bar-Aharon, together with husband Avi childhood has been stolen from them, and if Make-A-Wish can come chemotherapy,’ and you say to them, that Lionel in and let them feel like children again, it makes Messi is waiting for you, or Mickey Mouse is me as a person, as a woman, as a nurturer, and Eitan Fink waiting for you, there’s a transformation in their as a mother figure feel incredibly grateful and mental, emotional and physical condition.” incredibly blessed. And I think it’s also a lovely Bar-Aharon says that they offer the children example to my children and my grandchildren.” four different categories of wishes – ‘I want to The impact of Make-A-Wish, adds Bar-Aharon, • By AlAn RosenBAum be. I want to have, I want to meet, and I want also extends to the parents of the children and to go. Some children want to play the part of a their communities. “A boy wanted to be Spider- octors give the medicine, and superhero for a day, or be a princess, or a singer Man, and the entire community came out and Make-A-Wish gives the magic.” or a king; others want a gaming computer or cheered him on. They all came out, and people For twenty-five years, Denise Bar- a smartphone. Some want to meet a famous really respond to giving, especially children.” Aharon, together with husband athlete, entertainer, or politician, and some She adds that many of the organization’s “Avi, has been providing magical wishes for D want to go to a particular destination. activities were canceled or cut back this year due seriously ill young Israelis, ages 3-18. Bar-Aharon Eitan Fink, a teen who had been ill with cancer, to the COVID pandemic. “All of our fundraising and her husband founded the Israeli affiliate of wanted to be a White House correspondent efforts were canceled, and we need donations Make-A-Wish in memory of Denise’s brother in 2019. Make-A-Wish Israel made the today more than ever before.” Soon, she says, David Spero, who died at age 29 from esophageal arrangements and flew him to Washington. the organization will be beginning an on-line cancer. Denise wanted to commemorate her “Israeli news anchor Yonit Levy prepared him Passover campaign for individual contributions. brother’s life, and recalling her volunteer work for the meeting,” says Bar-Aharon. He went Denise Bar-Aharon says that on International for Make-A-Wish when she lived in the United to Washington and interviewed President Women’s Day, she thinks of the immense States, contacted the organization’s worldwide Trump for fifteen or twenty minutes. It was just strength of women and the support and strength headquarters in the United States, and established magnificent.” Smiling, Denise reports that there that she receives daily, both from her mother, the Israeli affiliate. is more to the story. “When we went to Yonit, who lives in the United States, and her daughter Bar-Aharon proudly reports that since its Eitan said to me - ‘My dream one day, if I stay in Israel. “I have incredible women in my life inception, Make-A-Wish Israel has granted 4,300 well, is to be a correspondent here in at Neve that are both family and life-long friends. The wishes to children. “Our mission is to grant an Ilan and work at the news.’ Eitan is an avid news strength and love I receive from the woman in incredible, life-changing transformational wish lover. Today, Eitan’s dream came true, and he, in my life fill me and charge me to continue to do to a child that has a critical illness.” Bar-Aharon fact, works in the news department at the Neve the work I do every day. International Women’s points out that granting the wishes of seriously Ilan studios.” Day it’s a great day and well-deserved because ill children can truly be life-changing and cites a Sadly, some Make-A-Wish children have not women are extraordinary individuals.” research study conducted by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar survived their illnesses. But Bar-Aharon says that and Professor Anat Shoshani of the Maytiv frequently, by sheer determination, children Center for the Research and Application of managed to survive until their wish came true For more information about how you can Positive Psychology at IDC Herzliya showed that and have lived for many months or even years donate and help Make-A-Wish Israel, doing so can prolong and actually save lives. “It afterward. “It prolongs life. I’ve seen it over and visit the Make-A-Wish website at just changes their whole being. When a child is over again,” she says. makeawish.org.il or call 09 7602848. in the hospital, and he says, ‘That’s it – no more Denise says that Make-A-Wish has a up to 30% Off and 17% VAT Is On Us and A GIfT * Worth NIS 2,000

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SIMMERING ANGER: The torched bus burns in The burning bus: Bnei Brak in late January. (Israel Police Spokesman) Edge of the precipice

• VIVIAN BERCOVICI other measures, across all segments of society. For many haredim – particularly the numerous hassidic sects This is the second in an in-depth series of articles examining key as- as well as those submitting to the authority of the Lithuanian pects of haredi society and its role in and influence on the country today. rabbinate – shutting down schools was a red line. Perhaps most notorious throughout this past year have been the numerous he burning bus. edicts issued by Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a 93-year-old revered ‘What you see Torched and aflame on a main street in Bnei Brak, in his Lithuanian-based community as a Torah sage, committed are ten thousand a haredi enclave abutting Tel Aviv, the bus was seen completely to religious observance and learning. around the world in late January. His 30-year-old grandson, Yaakov – or Yanky – has become a mourners... what I It has become an iconic image, seen by some to re- household name in Israel during the last year, presented as the flectT the lawlessness and autonomy among haredim in Israel rabbi’s key aide and interpreter. Speaking recently to a reporter see are the twenty that has become somewhat regular in the COVID era. Not about the rabbi’s controversial pronouncements during the even the firefighters would rush to douse the blaze without a COVID year, Yanky stated plainly: “Nobody here is crazy,” or thirty thousand police escort. adding that the “most important thing in the world is the study grieving, like me’ Unfortunately, the bus was an extreme, but not isolated inci- of Torah. Without that there is no point to anything.” dent. Mass civil disobedience in haredi neighborhoods and a re- This interpretation, to be charitable, is extreme and certainly fusal to follow corona-related laws had been ongoing since the not aligned with the position of many other rabbis in Israel outset of the crisis. It was, however, a shocking new apex. who counseled their followers to abide by all state directives; a In the last year, there have been more than a few riots in hard- more sober approach that would seem to adhere to the ultimate core ultra-Orthodox enclaves – among them Beit Shemesh, Jewish religious value: the preservation of life. Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. Violent reactions were sparked by In the course of the last few months, I have made an ef- state-imposed lockdown rules requiring school closures, among fort to connect with haredi individuals and families to

28 MARCH 5, 2021 ‘IT WASN’T us – it was secular kids who don’t even live in Bnei Brak’: Vandalism by youths in the city plays out in this video from January 25 on the Kikar Hashabbat HAREDIM CLASH with website. (Screenshot) police in protest of the closure of a Talmud Torah operating in A year ago, corona happened. Fear was rampant as all violation of lockdown, Israelis were confined to their homes, except for very in Beit Shemesh on brief and limited purposes. Little was known about January 12. the virus or how it was transmitted, but it was clear it (Yaakov Lederman/Flash90) had lethal potential as the death toll mounted. Israel’s health minister at the time, Yaakov Litzman, a haredi adherent of the Ger Hassidic sect, disappeared from public view. In the most crucial weeks at the onset of the crisis, the ministry’s director-general, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, became a nightly fixture on TV news: the voice and face of the government in the corona crisis. Litzman seemed to have lost the plot, forgetting to even pay lip service to the fact that he was the top government official in the Health Ministry managing POLICE ARE deployed the most critical issue in the country. He owed a duty during a haredi protest to all Israelis, not just his ultra-Orthodox constitu- against the lockdown, in ents. Yet there he was, speaking with an interviewer Bnei Brak on January 24. on haredi radio in March. In response to the host’s (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90) concerns as to how difficult it would be to celebrate Passover under quarantine restrictions, Litzman as- better understand this tension, from their perspec- reaction should their unvarnished views be published. sured him all would be fine. tives, in their communities. And so, in February, I Batya later sent me some news clippings and a “The Messiah is coming,” he declared, without a met with a woman who will be identified here as homemade video taken from a balcony overlooking trace of irony. “Messiah will come and we will have a Batya, at her well-appointed, spacious apartment the site where a group of young men overturned a gar- wonderful Passover.” in Beitar Illit. A well-educated, articulate and spir- bage dumpster and then set it on fire in the middle of Throughout the first lockdown, more than a few ited mother of quite a few, she shared the hardships a main street. One can hear the family on the balco- haredi rabbis urged their followers to defy government of raising kids – particularly teens – who have been ny say that these young men are not from Bnei Brak. orders and keep schools and many synagogues open. at loose ends for a year. Her family adheres scrupu- “They’re secular.” Among them, of course, was Rav Kanievsky. He was lously to the public health guidelines and her rabbi said to have confirmed repeatedly to Yanky that con- counsels strict compliance. THE VIOLENCE that night escalated, leading eventual- tinuing Torah learning was imperative, no matter the Our conversation meandered, at one point touch- ly to the bus torching. consequences. ing on “the bus.” She nearly exploded with anger. “It We do not know for a fact that the young men were And, so, schools remained open in defiance of state wasn’t us,” she insisted. “It was secular kids who don’t interlopers and not locals. But we can all see as well the directives. As leader of the Lithuanian haredim – about even live in Bnei Brak. They did all of this to make us scores of haredi men standing around and watching, one-third of the ultra-Orthodox population in Israel – look bad.” not interfering. Not even resisting verbally. And one Kanievsky cannot be dismissed as some sort of fringe As with every single haredi person with whom I met can’t help but think that it’s because this is not their figure. In fact, his authority is so established that even recently, Batya did not want either her name or photo- first rodeo. Sadly, Israelis have become accustomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to graph to be published. To a person, they insisted that to scenes of violent haredi protests, including full-on him on several occasions to implore him to rethink his their community celebrates pluralism of thought and, abuse and assaults on law enforcement officers. It has corona-related comments. The Prime Minister. to a lesser degree, lifestyle, but they clearly feared the become, alarmingly, routine. Kanievsky’s conduct incensed the majority of

www.jpost.com 29 RELIGION & STATE

A SIGN proclaims the closing of a Bayit Vegan synagogue. Yet when the writer peeked in the window, what appeared to be a makeshift haredi school was in session. (Vivian Bercovici)

haredi boys is covered by the state, in spite of the fact them taken by corona. Our talk segues into death and, that they study no core state curriculum after age 13. inevitably, funerals. No math. No science. No English. This learning defi- Just a few days before our planned outing there were cit, of course, prepares them well for life as full-time two funerals – one in Bnei Brak and the second in Torah scholars but far less so to enter the economy and Jerusalem – for revered rabbis, taken by COVID. Aerial become gainfully employed to support their large fam- photos of these events showed swarms of black-garbed ilies financially. haredim jamming the streets in the funeral proces- “Ahhh,” he responds. “There is no greater value sions, causing outrage among the broader population. to the state than a man who devotes his life to Torah “What you see when you look at those photographs,” learning.” admonished Shimon, “are ten thousand mourners.” Israelis. Furthermore, during the first wave in the ear- Shimon stops to chat with a young man corralling “What I see,” he continued, “are the twenty or thir- ly spring there was significant resistance in the haredi his three school-age sons, asking the boys if they are ty thousand grieving, like me, who went against every community to the state requirements to wear masks in school. Sweet and shy, they shake their heads. Their fiber of their being to stay away.” In other words, the in public and maintain social distancing protocols. Ex- father confirms this, saying they have been in and out essence of the haredi being, his DNA, is communal liv- cuses and justifications were legion: the government of school, with no routine, for the last year. ing, cradle to grave. To disconnect from that is to stop failed to communicate the seriousness of the situation Across the street is a synagogue, shuttered. Or so a beating heart. to the haredi public; the communication with the it seems at first glance. The side entrance is bustling, The modern state of Israel has been based upon a haredi public was not appropriately worded; haredim with people coming and going. I approach the main compromise – however wobbly at times – between the were being targeted for harassment by the authorities front windows of the building, which are blocked by ultra-Orthodox and others. It is an imperfect entente, and media; it was impossible for them to adhere to the curtains. Peering through a slit I see a room full of resented by all. Non-haredi Israelis chafe at the reality government directives because they had such large young boys, seated at desks, books open and being that they serve in the IDF and do national service families often living in cramped apartments. led in their studies by a male teacher standing at the while their haredi compatriots overwhelmingly do Corona amplified everything and everything was el- front of the room. He senses my presence in a flash and not. And they resent the tendency of the majority of evated to crisis levels. Civil disobedience was not just instructs the boys to pull the curtains more tightly, haredi men to study full time rather than work. The a disturbance but became a “super-spreader event” blocking any view. economic and social implications of this are clear. where mass numbers congregated, accelerating conta- Around the corner is the neighborhood bulletin Many ultra-Orthodox see their devotion to Torah gion and leading to extreme health consequences. board: a hub for keeping current on local issues in study as the most noble vocation for a Jewish man, The haredi community has been ravaged by corona. most haredi communities. It is plastered with notices and credit the prosperity and safety of Israel to the They make up 12% of the general population but ac- of funerals for the recently deceased, almost all of power of their prayer. So when the government count for more than 40% of the diagnosed cases. The death toll – particularly among the elderly – has been brutal. One out of 73 haredim over age 65 has died in this pandemic, an unspeakable toll.

WALKING THROUGH Jerusalem’s heavily haredi neighborhood of Bayit Vegan in early February, I was accompanied by “Shimon,” a middle-aged man who grew up in the area and remembered it fondly. Now and then he paused to exchange pleasantries with an old acquaintance – stopping to remember his care- free times in the old schoolyard where he ran around, now a jumble of portables to accommodate the bur- geoning population. This crowding, he sees as yet another very tangible sign of the way in which haredim are treated as second-class citizens. Children are crammed into makeshift classrooms, while fancy new schools are built for the non-haredi population. What he is less receptive to discussing is the fact that the cost of education for

PASHKEVALIM with notices of funerals for the recently deceased are plastered around Jerusalem’s Bayit Vegan neighborhood. (Vivian Bercovici)

30 MARCH 5, 2021 RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY in his Bnei Brak home in December; grandson and chief aide Yanky is at left. (David Cohen/Flash90)

(Below) ‘LITZMAN IS a murderer’ reads graffiti in Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim neighborhood, referring to the former health minister. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

ordered the closure of all synagogues and schools at the outset of the corona era, well, for many in the haredi community, that was a declaration of war of sorts.

PROF. YEDIDIA Z. STERN, president of the Jewish People Policy Institute and a member of the Faculty of Law at Bar-Ilan University, sees this as a watershed moment, when one of the greatest Torah sages of our era openly advocates civic rebellion. Discussing this issue in November, Stern explained Kanievsky’s continued opposition to school closures as being in response to the devastating effect of corona measures on the haredi way of life. Controlled around the clock, there is little room for individuality of expression or habit. Once a wheel falls off the track, it threatens to derail the train. The consequence of non-conformity, depending on the degree, can be extreme, with banishment being the most harsh but not uncommon. One haredi man in his late 30s, who I have known for many years, laments being trapped in a life he can neither live nor leave, because he cannot bear to consider the consequences of abandoning tradition, for his family and children. His fear is his trap. Fear is also, interestingly, a central motivator for rabbis managing their communities, determined to keep them united, no matter the threat. Israeli philosopher Micah Goodman casts the “fear factor” in historical experience. Speaking recently about his newest work, The Wondering Jew: Israel and the Search for Jewish Identity, Goodman explains post-Enlightenment modernity in Europe as having posed such an extreme threat to organized Judaism that it caused a collective “panic attack” among some ultra-Orthodox rabbis and communities. Their reaction to the potential disruptive consequences of intellectual enlightenment caused them to double down, retrench and further isolate. They feared the possible corruption of external influences and the impact they might have on loosening community discipline. This tendency to isolate was further exacerbated after the Holocaust, when the surviving remnants of haredi communities, stripped of oral and familial continuity, took comfort and refuge in extremely le- galistic, ascetic approaches to religion. They defaulted to what Goodman refers to as a freezing and closing of religious practice in order to preserve its essence. Rabbis feared. The latter are heavily influenced by their Ashkenazi Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy When this closed European practice collided with cousins but remain a distinct force with quite different Institute and a former MK, says that a “Jewish and the more flexible, less judgmental Mizrachi and communal values, serving in the IDF, doing national liberal democratic” state is “not what the haredim Sephardic Jews in the early years of the state, the service and living a less ascetic life, managing to agreed to in 1948.” Their vision, he cautions, was Ashkenazi leadership worked hard, for decades, to balance their spiritual beliefs with the pragmatic and remains a state in which Jewish law prevails over force-fit their paradigm on all Jews. To a large degree, demands of daily life. By all accounts the Sephardic civilian law: rabbis over judges. they succeeded in doing so. and Mizrachi communities have abided by state law As for the bus: Who torched it is less important than Ironically, their poster child in many ways is Shas throughout this difficult period. the fact that it was. In the end, we’re all on that bus, leader Aryeh Deri, the upstart Sephardic politician But the vast majority of haredim, according to a together. born in Morocco and educated in the strict Lithua- recent survey conducted by the Israel Democracy If corona brought home one thing, let it be that we nian yeshiva system in Israel. To gain acceptance into Institute, have extremely high levels of trust in resolve to find a way to get back on that bus and drive one of these yeshivot was to access prestige, power, re- rabbinic leadership and quite abysmal faith in the it in the same direction, veering from time to time, but spect – qualities the Ashkenazim treated as their birth- institutions and leaders of the state; so much so that eyes always on the road.  right. As the dominant religious authorities in the ear- they believe that leading rabbis must be involved in ly decades of the state, the Ashkenazi rabbis strained setting health policy, particularly relating to the coro- The writer was the Canadian ambassador to Israel from to force their elitist paradigm on the Mizrachi and navirus. A shocking 90% believe the corona era has 2014 to 2016. A former lawyer, she consults for international Sephardic newcomers. “greatly damaged” their relations with other Israelis. clients on a range of issues and resides in Tel Aviv.

www.jpost.com 31 NATURAL RESOURCES Mekorot mayim Huge infrastructure project brings water from the mountain to Jerusalem

• ZEV STUB THE TUNNEL, extending from Moshav Eshtaol his is real Zionism,” says Mekorot CEO to the Ein Kerem Eli Cohen, as we walk through part of neighborhood, will supply the capital with a massive 13.5 km. tunnel on the out- water for years to come. skirts of Jerusalem. (Photos: Marc Israel Sellem) “I grew up learning that Israel had to ‘Tration water very carefully,” Cohen says. “There were instructions about the importance of reusing bath water for cleaning and watering plants. Now, we are in a position of being able to help provide water for others.” The tunnel we are walking through, which extends from Moshav Eshtaol to Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem neighborhood, is the highlight of the national water company’s new pipeline that will supply the capital with water for the coming decades. When it is complete, it will be one of the longest tunnels in the world for transporting water with pressure, and represents one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects ever. It’s an engineering marvel fit for a country that has used technology to rise from water scarcity in its early days to abundance today. “During the time of King David, Jerusalem’s only water source was the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley,” Cohen said. “When my mother lived in Jerusalem in 1948, every day she would go out to draw water at the well outside of her house.” At the time of Israel’s independence in 1948, the first water line to Jerusalem ran along the Burma Road from Kibbutz Hulda, with pipes that measured 19 inches in diameter. When that system was upgraded in the 1950s, the pipes grew to 24 inches, and a later upgrade in the 1970s used 36-inch pipes. The pipeline currently in use, completed in 1994, has a 46-inch diameter. The fifth water system, as the project is known, will more than double the throughput with gigantic 102-inch pipes that can pump 65,000 cubic meters per hour. as low as 300 meters underground. Mekorot brought are already Israel Electric’s biggest client, spending The population of Jerusalem, Israel’s largest city, is in teams from Germany and Austria with a powerful about NIS 800 million a year for our systems around nearing one million people, and projections show that and massive tunnel boring machine (TBMs) that is the country.” the city and its outlying areas will keep growing in the 240 meters long and uses a 170-ton mining head. The Each pump station has about six pump units that future. That means that the city’s water consumption machine would “bite” into the earth with powerful consume 7–8 kilowatts (kW) each, and power substa- will rise from 340,000 cubic meters per day now to jaws, and send the stone out of the tunnel by way of tions near each pump station will supply close to 65 more than 1.65 million cubic meters by 2065. a conveyor belt, while another arm lays a steel ceiling kW each, Elisha says. “The problem is that the current water line isn’t over the fresh hole for support. This process required As the pipes are laid through the tunnel, one side enough for Jerusalem’s growing population,” Cohen workers on shift 24 hours a day, and progressed by of the pipe is filled with concrete to remove the gap says. “This new system is designed thinking 60 years about a meter per hour, with a tunnel diameter of between it and the tunnel’s walls. The other side has ahead.” about 4 meters. The occasional complication, like an access tunnel that allows people and equipment to the unexpected discovery of a massive stalactite cave reach any part of the line. THE NIS 2.5 billion project, which is scheduled to underground that had to be sealed off, led to temporary Each portion of the pipeline has sensors that can come to completion later in 2021, has been 15 years delays, but the tunnel was delivered on time. (Work identify leaks or other problems, connected to a central in the making, says Micky Elisha, project manager for on Shabbat was done by non-Jewish workers, Cohen command center where the system is constantly mon- the pipeline. The government tender for the Jerusalem notes.) itored. “If we need to fix a pipe, we can shut off the water project was first issued in 2006, and approvals Unlike most water tunnels that pump water down- pumping and send people inside the pipe to fix it,” for the west side of the pipeline, a 22-km. stretch from hill, these pipes must pump the water from sea level Elisha says. Kibbutz Hulda to Moshav Eshtaol, were given three to 860 meters above sea level. “Most water tunnels in The pipeline reaches until Ein Kerem, the final station years later. Five years after that, in 2014, the western the world are downhill, and rely on gravity instead of of the pipeline, where reservoirs and a pumping station section was completed, and permissions were signed complicated pumps,” Elisha says. “We had to build the are being built that will receive and store the water. for the more complicated eastern portion of the line. tunnel to be able to support a tremendous amount of From there, responsibility for delivering the water is Work on the 13.5-km. tunnel from Eshtaol to Ein pressure.” handed over to Hagihon, the local water company Kerem began in 2016 and was completed in March It also means that it will require an incredible responsible for supplying water, sewage and drainage 2020. Since then, workers have been laying the massive amount of electricity. The new pipelines will use more services for the greater Jerusalem area. A separate pipe- pipes inside the tunnel, with plans to finish later in the than NIS 100 million of electricity each year to pump line will take some of the water north toward Ramallah year, Elisha explained. An access tunnel runs along the the water uphill, and while there is a focus on energy and the Palestinian towns near there, Elisha notes. “At length of the pipeline, with a small train track that can efficiency to cut this down as much as possible, that that point, it’s in their hands to finish the job.” transport people and materials. still amounts to more than 10% of Mekorot’s annual The tunnel, which was named Yael after Elisha’s budget, says Elisha. “Making the system even 1% more AS NOTED earlier, Jerusalem’s water supply comes daughter, was dug through mountains and reaches efficient translates to significant savings,” he says. “We from desalination plants along Israel’s Mediterranean

32 MARCH 5, 2021 ADJUSTING A water pipe in Jerusalem’s city center. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

MEKOROT CEO Eli Cohen: Thinking 60 years ahead. coast, not the Sea of Galilee. While the Kinneret, as it from the Kinneret, it has been expanded and rerouted 75% of Israel’s wastewater is recycled for agricultural is known in Hebrew, was Israel’s main water source for to move water from the desalination plants. use, Cohen says. most of the country’s history, technology has changed About 85% of Israel’s water currently comes from With Israel a world leader for water technology all the rules of Israel’s water economics for the better. desalination, with the remaining portion pumped and innovation, water resource consulting for other “Israel’s water now comes almost exclusively from de- from the Kinneret and underground reservoirs. “We nations has become a significant part of Mekorot’s salination,” Cohen says. “We currently have five desali- actually don’t need the Kinneret’s water at all, but after operations. Since 2007, it has provided outsourced nation plants in operation, and another two are near- the heavy rains of the past two years, we started taking consulting, technology, engineering, operation, ing completion. Another three will be ready within the out a little bit,” Cohen says. “Once the new desalina- maintenance and management projects in Argentina, next seven years or so, for a total of 10 plants.” tion plants are ready, we’ll go up to 100%, and just Mexico, the USA, Romania, Cyprus, Guinea, Malta, The Soreq plant near Rishon Lezion is Israel’s largest keep the pump in the Sea of Galilee as an emergency Azerbaijan, India, and other countries. The normal- desalination plant, providing about 150 million cubic backup.” ization agreements with Arab Gulf countries provide meters of water a year for Israel. The Hadera plant This comes after nine consecutive years of drought an opportunity for further cooperation, with various produces 127 million m3 per year, Ashkelon provides prior to the desalination era, when Israelis obsessively collaborations with the United Arab Emirates and 118 million m3, Ashdod delivers 100 million m3, and tracked how far the Sea of Galilee was under its “red Bahrain being discussed, Cohen says. the Palmachim plant offers 90 million m3. The new line”, and how much more water could be pumped “The main water problem in the world is man- Soreq B and Western Galilee plants will provide an ad- before permanent ecological damage was caused to agement – not technology,” Dr. Diego Berger, ditional 300 million cubic meters in the near future, the body of water. international special projects coordinator at Mekorot, according to government information. Jordan’s King Hussein once said that the region’s told the Magazine in January. The Jewish state “is bless- Water is transported throughout the country by next wars will be fought over water, Cohen notes. But ed by its lack of water resources” because it forces us to the National Water Carrier, Israel’s network of pipes, now, a country that once perpetually feared drought manage our water carefully and innovate, he said. canals, tunnels, reservoirs and pumping stations that has as much water as it needs. It is that attitude that has allowed Israel, a small was completed in 1964 and runs from the Kinneret in More than 55 years have passed since Israelis country on the edge of the desert with scant amounts the North to the northern Negev Desert in the South. developed drip irrigation to optimize agricultural of water, to become the global water superpower it is While this system was designed to transport water water usage while increasing crop yields. Now, some today. 

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www.jpost.com 33 TRENDING Signs of relief

• NERIA BARR

ost-Purim and not yet Passover, while life slowly starts to make its way back to a kind of normalcy, it is time to look for better solutions for our best friend, choose the one-and-only pink for you, find exciting solutions to cut down time spent in the kitchen and remember to enjoy PInternational Women’s Day this coming Monday.

Women’s Day EcoLove launched a special box for International Women’s Day (March 8), with a host of organic products that include cleansing gel with cucumber, aloe vera and chamomile, soap and hand cream made with organic berries and grapes and even an organic toothbrush and intimate protection. The package was designed especially for Women’s Day – and is sold at only NIS 116/119 instead of NIS 146. If you order Mon- (Photos: Companies mentioned) day the delivery is free. To order go to bit.ly/wom- ens_day_ecolove Pretty in pink Gentle pinks are always a good choice when it comes to lip color for day-to-day running around, and Ga-De has just added new pink-nude shades of lipsticks and pencils that actually look beautiful on every skin-tone. The shades, which we let two women try, were very complimentary and fun. All the shades in the Everlasting Lip Color are long- wear (up to eight hours) and provide a deep color with a gloss finish. NIS 69.90 for the lipstick and NIS 39.90 for a matching lip pencil. Available in pharmacies and beauty stores, and online.

(Tal Terry) No more spots Local beauty firm Alona Sherchter has just introduced a new anti-pigmentation cream. Hair fortifier Based on innovative combinations of herbs, The new line from Kerastas is something I have been waiting for. The Dead Sea minerals and high percentage of new Genesis Dry Weakened Hair Care line is designed for normal-to-dry active ingredients, they have just launched a weakened hair that is prone to falling due to breakage from brushing. new and improved formula of their famous It seems losing one’s hair is not a problem only for older people – but a lightening cream, which balances the mel- concern that is very high on the millennials’ list. The products in the anin in the skin and reduces pigmentation line provide cleansing, treatment and protection, designed to provide and aging. The company’s recommendation moisture and leave dry hair more smooth and conditioned. The result is to use it together with peeling. NIS 250. www. is healthier hair through boosted nourishment and protection and alonashechter.com (Uri Geron) less hair loss due to breakage from brushing. The line includes Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo (NIS 129), conditioner (NIS 155), Inten- sive mask (NIS 299), and Open a salon at home Defense Thermic lotion, Yulia Gal took over Tel Aviv with her ever-expanding chain of manicure-pedicure which helps protect hair salons. A new immigrant to Israel, she built her brand herself, turning her salons into from heat (NIS 129). Two fashionable beauty centers. Now she is launching her own line of proven cosmetics, of- other products in the line fering products she believes in and uses – such as antiseptic soap, medical hand and foot are 1) the star product, a creams, anti-fungal drops and more – for home and professional use. All the products strengthening serum (NIS are available online from her salons and at Guilty beauty shop. 129) and 2) ampules for strengthening the scalp (NIS 179). Available only in Kerastas-licensed hair salons. For more information go to www.kerastas.co.il

34 MARCH 5, 2021 Purple soft Full wrap Following the successful launch of their Elvive purple shampoo for gray hair Made by Israeli firm Lord Sandwich, the new gluten-free tortilla, made from and blondes, L’oreal now launched a purple conditioner, excellent if you dye sprouted orange lentils, is not only healthier but actually tastier than most tor- your hair blonde. The hair is softer and easier to style and the blonde more tillas. Made with whole protein, they are supple, flexible and easy to use, they radiant than ever. NIS 21.90 retain the filling, dry or moist, with no spills, and provide, according to the company, a good source of protein, containing all necessary amino acids. Keep them frozen until use. My vegan gluten-free guest loved them. Another use for them could be as a base for a gluten-free pizza. NIS 19.90 for four large tortillas. Available in AMPM stores, Teva Castel and Nitzat Haduvdevan, Bereshit and more.

(Oren Shiloh)

Bring on the heat Masterchef has just launched new ready- made curry sauces that are actually good, although a little too spicy for me. Always on the look for shortcuts, when it comes to the daily chore of preparing dinner, I decided these sauces will be perfect for a quick tofu and vegetables curry that I made in virtually 15 minutes. We tried the green curry – a sauce very popular in Thailand that anybody who misses the white beaches is longing for. I used half a jar and then added more coco- Wake up call nut cream to dilute the heat. It Lierac Paris is a premium French cosmetic brand that I admit I never tried was perfect. The sauces already before. The brand, which landed recently in Israel, has a few innovative have coconut cream in them but products that are really different. Their anti-aging series, for instance not we found it was a good way to only feels different but actually seems to work. After using their new line of reduce the spiciness. Excellent! anti-aging serum and hydration cream for two weeks, I actually could see a NIS 14.90 kosher. difference. The products are the result of research at the Lierac laboratories in Paris and they help reduce signs of fatigue, boost the skin and give it a fresher look. Based on mesothrapy, the ingredients include five different vitamins, six minerals and three hyaluronic acids. And it works. I have also been using their Cica-Filler serum ampoules (Assaf Levy) every morning. It took me time to find how to extract the serum but the fact the it comes in ampoules – each with Good protein for sweet dogs markings so you know how much to Let’s start at the end – our dog loved the new food from Zemach Israpet. Kennel Hy- use in every application – is fun. NIS per Sensitive is a super-premium food for dogs that may be sensitive to protein from 235 for the serum and NIS 219 for the live origin. The new protein-rich food is based on hypo-allergenic protein that is easy reviving cream. to digest. There are many different kinds for different sized and aged dogs; we tried a few and all the dogs simply loved it. So not only this is a great food for our besties, it is made in Israel and is friendly to the environment. NIS 100 for a three-kilo bag, NIS 200 for seven kilos. Ken- nel Select and Kennel Sensitive are available in pet shops. For more information go to www.zipet.co.il

For runners Whether you participate in marathons or not – the new Be Kind protein snacks are simply good, also promising to provide 12 grams of protein to keep your muscles working properly. There are two flavors: one with peanuts and peanut butter, while the other is based on peanuts and almonds with caramel toppings. Keep with you in case you feel like running (or snacking) in the middle of the day. (Snir Guetta)

www.jpost.com 35 FOOD PASCALE’S KITCHEN www.pascalpr.co.il

FOOD KIDS LOVE TiPascale To make the meatballs a little more flavorful, add herbs such • PASCALE PEREZ-RUBIN quick to prepare for this salad, except for they can be fried on the outside and as mint or basil, or chopped Photos, styling & food preparation: the frying of the eggplant slices. If you then added to a delicious sauce. In celery, Swiss chard or carrots. PASCALE PEREZ-RUBIN prefer, you can also cover the eggplant short, there is no limit to the variations Kids will end up eating their and DROR KATZ slices with oil and broil them in the you can come up with when you’re pre- oven. Just be aware that this gives the paring meatballs. And when you’re pre- vegetables without even As parents, one of the salad a different flavor than using friend paring something especially for kids, realizing it. most important tasks we’re eggplant pieces. you can make sure to use ingredients responsible for is providing The second recipe is for the main and flavors that even the pickiest eaters our children with nutritious dish: meatballs, which are a favorite will love. meals that are also tasty and among most kids. What is a better way The classic meatball recipe I’ve interesting. Below, you will of demonstrating your love for your included below is highly flavored by the knead the dough well, let it rise, shape find three recipes that can be used to- family than serving them nourishing spice cumin, which perfectly comple- it however you want and then put the gether in the same meal, or prepared on meatballs that are cooked in a tasty to- ments beef. You can use the same mix- tray in the oven until the bread turns their own with other dishes. mato sauce? ture to make hamburgers that are grilled brown and gorgeous. And if you’d like The first recipe I chose is for an egg- Whenever I get ready to cook on a barbecue. to embellish the loaves of bread a little, plant and chickpea salad, which is an something with fresh ground beef, I The third recipe is for homemade you can combine a few different kinds unusual combination of commonly hesitate between making hamburgers or bread, which is always a treat to eat. of flour and add all sorts of seeds and used ingredients. If you’re short on meatballs with lots of herbs and other There’s just nothing else like eating herbs to the dough. This is a great op- time, you can use a can of chickpeas fun additions mixed in and cooked in fresh bread that is still hot from the portunity to let your creativity flow and (just make sure to rinse them well). For tomato sauce. Other times, I use ground oven, and the whole house fills with the play around with the ingredients until this recipe, you fry the eggplant and chicken or ground fish to make tasty aroma of freshly baked bread. you come up with a recipe that really add tomatoes and pickled cucumbers, dishes. This recipe is extremely easy. It is lets you express yourself. The next step which are not commonly used togeth- Alternatively, you can cook meat, based on the basic ingredients of flour, is to brush on eggwash and sprinkle er in salads. Everything is very easy and chicken or fish patties in the oven. Or water and yeast. All you need to do is with any or all of your favorite seeds,

36 MARCH 5, 2021 including sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax or poppy.

MEATBALLS WITH CUMIN

Makes 25 to 30 balls.

15 stalks of parsley 20 cloves of garlic, peeled 500 g. ground beef (or chicken or fish) 2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1 packet baking powder 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Sauce: 6 soft medium tomatoes 4 Tbsp. oil 10 cloves of garlic, crushed 3 stalks of celery, chopped 1½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. sugar 1 tsp. cumin ¼ tsp. cinnamon 1 Tbsp. tomato paste 2-2½ cups water 400 g. frozen green broad beans

Chop the parsley or garlic. Mix to- TiPascale gether with the rest of the ingredients. If you prefer a lower-calorie Make balls that are 3-4 cm. and store in dish, brush the eggplant the fridge until the sauce is ready. slices with olive oil and To prepare the sauce, cut the tomatoes roast them in the oven. into small pieces. Heat oil in a large, flat pan and add the celery, garlic, tomatoes, salt, sugar and pepper. Sauté for five minutes. Add the cumin and cinnamon. Dilute the tomato paste with water and then add to pot. Bring to a boil. hour. Pat them dry. Arrange the meatballs in the pot. Cov- Heat oil in a heavy pan and fry the er and cook over medium flame for 30 eggplant pieces on both sides until they minutes. Add the frozen broad beans, turn brown. Remove and place on paper mix and continue cooking over a me- towels. Cut up the cucumbers and to- dium-low flame for another 1 ¾ hours. matoes into small pieces. Cut the olives Add another ½ cup of water if needed. into rings and add them to the cucum- Serve meatballs over a bed of white bers and tomatoes. Add the scallion, rice, mashed potatoes or spaghetti. parsley, garlic, eggplant and chickpeas. Mix well. Season with salt, pepper and Level of difficulty: Medium lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Time: 90 minutes Status: Meat Level of difficulty: Medium Time: 75 minutes hook, mix the flour with the yeast. Add kle with spices if you desire, cover and EGGPLANT SALAD Status: Pareve the salt, sugar and oil. let the dough rise another 20 minutes. WITH CHICKPEAS Knead the dough and gradually add Bake for 25 minutes in an oven that HOMEMADE BREAD the water until the dough falls away has been preheated to 180° or until a Makes six servings. from the side of the bowl. You may toothpick comes out clean and dry. Makes 3-4 thin loaves. not need to use all the water since 1 kg (3-4) eggplants absorption rates depend on what kind Level of difficulty: Easy 1 level tsp. salt 500 g. (3½ cups) white flour (or a mix- of flour you are using, so add the water Time: 2¼ hours Oil for frying ture of different flours), sifted slowly and stop when the dough has Status: Pareve 3 pickled cucumbers 25 g. fresh yeast reached desired consistency. Add op- 3 large tomatoes 1 tsp. salt tional ingredients if desired. Knead Translated by Hannah Hochner. 100 g. pitted green olives 1 Tbsp. sugar dough again. 100 g. pitted black olives 3 Tbsp. oil Cover the dough and let the bowl sit 3 scallions, chopped in a warm place for 90 minutes or until Want to watch step-by-step 1 bunch of parsley, chopped Egg wash: it doubles in volume. instructions on how to pre- 4 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 egg Split the dough into three to four sec- pare my recipes and see pictures 1 cup cooked chickpeas 1 Tbsp. water tions. Knead the dough and then roll of the dishes before this column is Salt and pepper, to taste Optional ingredients: each section out into a 3 cm.-diame- published each week? Juice from ½ lemon Kosher salt, zaatar, black pepper, ground ter log. Place them on tray that’s cov- Join Pascale for a spectacular sneak chili pepper, sesame or nigella seeds ered with baking paper with space in preview in her private kitchen on Peel the eggplants and cut them into and chopped rosemary between each one. Instagram @pascal_perez_rubin or at 1 cm-thick pieces or 2cm³ cubes. Sprin- Beat the egg with the water and then pascalpr.co.il. kle them with salt and let them sit for an Using a mixer fitted with a dough brush on top of the dough logs. Sprin-

www.jpost.com 37 OBSERVATIONS

What do COVID-19 and red lipstick have in common?

IN AN INTERVIEW with National Geographic, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg described how when she entered the work- RUNNING UPHILL force in 1991, there were just as many women as men going MAAYAN HOFFMAN into entry-level jobs. “I looked to the side of me, and it was equal,” she told the Magazine. “But I looked above me, and it was almost entirely t shouldn’t take a pandemic to hammer home the ne- men.... We have not made progress in getting a greater share cessity of female leadership. of the top jobs, in any industry, in the past decade.” Anyone who questions whether women can be great The coronavirus crisis has shown that this situation has to leaders should just look at the handling of the corona- change, by underscoring the obvious: that women can do virus crisis in women-led countries. everything men can do – but to do it, they not only do not IFrom New Zealand and Iceland to Taiwan, Germany, Fin- need to be men, they must be women. land and Denmark – the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted I am raising four daughters and to counter the messages I what women already know: We have what it takes to manage fear they will be fed, I repeat the same mantras my mother anything from a poopy diaper to what will likely be remem- told me: “Anything men can do, women can do better,” “if bered as our generation’s greatest s**tstorm. you want something done, give it to a woman” and “you can I have added a In reading about why New Zealand Prime Minister Jacin- want a man, but never need one.” da Ardern’s coronavirus response was so successful, many And I have added one of my own: “Women are beautiful – mantra of my articles cited her communication skills, which aligned with on the inside and out.” own: ‘Women are Jacqueline and Milton Mayfield’s research into effective Beauty is an emotion. It’s how you treat your family and leadership communication. friends. It’s how you see the work you do – a passion versus a beautiful’ – inside The Mayfields say there are three key things leaders must chore, an art and a science. do to motivate their followers to do their best: “direction-giv- And beauty is also red nail polish and a big smile. and out ing,” “meaning-making” and “empathy.” On tough days, I wear bright colors to make the world more “Ardern’s response to COVID-19 uses all three approaches,” fun. On days I need to make decisions, I put on a blazer. And wrote Suze Wilson, a senior lecturer at Massey University in when I am feeling small, I buy a new pair of heels. an article published “The Conversation” website. This is also something that only a woman can do. “In directing New Zealanders to ‘stay home to save lives,’ When women tap into their unique gifts, our companies she simultaneously offers meaning and purpose to what we and our countries are more successful. are being asked to do,” Wilson wrote. “In freely acknowledg- Businesses with the most females had on average 42% ing the challenges we face in staying home – from disrupted greater return on sales, 53% better return on equity and 66% family and work lives, to people unable to attend loved ones’ greater return on invested capital, according to a report by funerals – she shows empathy about what is being asked of us.” Catalyst that was quoted in Forbes. Contrast that to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Various other studies show that female CEOs are more effec- fear-mongering tactics in which he scared Israelis with scenes tive at developing innovative mentoring programs, building from the Middle Ages, warning that if people did not listen, bridges, inspiring leadership and motivating employees. SHERYL SANDBERG: Looking above. some 20,000 citizens would die; that Israel would run out of That’s because, as a writer for Harvard Business Review (World Economic Forum/Flickr) ventilators and that our doctors would be forced – like pointed out, “Men are generally more self-focused than their Italian counterparts – to choose women, they are more likely to lead in a narcissistic and who would live and who would die. selfish way.” At first the tactic worked, Women tend to put their people ahead of however, it quickly became clear themselves, to better coach their underlings and view to the public that Netanyahu was the success of their mentees as their own, according not a partner in the public’s battle to the Review. against the virus but rather was “Throughout history, we have told women that using the pandemic to make a they are too kind and caring to be leaders, but the “power grab unprecedented in notion that someone who is not kind and caring Israeli history,” as journalist can lead effectively is at odds with reality,” the Noga Tarnopolsky wrote on The Review noted. Daily Beast website. People crave validation, appreciation, empathy; Ardern fostered solidarity and gifts we learn to give as mothers. a sense of mission. Netanyahu International Women’s Day is meant to celebrate further divided the country and women and their achievements. It’s good to ap- left many people hopeless. plaud ourselves. We’ve come really far. Culture often first dictates to But real success will be the day we no longer girls a set of gender-biased rules: need International Women’s Day, because “Nice girls don’t get angry,” women are honored every day.  “good girls do the right thing and sit quietly,” “nice The writer is senior coronavirus analyst and girls do what they are told.” head of Strategy for the Jerusalem Post Group. Simultaneously, they are giving the contradictory message that “women can rise to the top,” they just need to behave like the men BEAUTY IS also red nail polish who are already up there. and a big smile. (PxHere)

38 MARCH 5, 2021 Is it time to say goodbye?

TIME FOR a divorce from the Holy Land? LIFE, LIFE, LIFE (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) PAMELA PELED

ne of the “Happiness Pillars” – if you believe in creatively enhancing happiness – is to never grouch and groan. No one wants to hear. That’s why I don’t usually share my loneliest moments or Ocoping strategies for stormy evenings. However, the time has come to vent. Whenever I feel particularly cheated that my lovely husband is no longer around, I focus fiercely on grati- tude. At least I was never abused, I tell myself. At least I never felt the brutality of betrayal; at least I never once considered divorce. That has to be worth something. I’m not familiar with the ache that surely accompanies the sound of a marriage breaking down; the drip drip of details that suddenly coagulate into a startling thought: Is this what I want for the rest of my life? Now, shockingly, the lure of divorce seems increasingly lovely; the freedom from madness and chaos and pain. Nor am I alone. The chatter over cof- fee is increasingly of friends working on foreign pass- airport is hermetically sealed. ports for their children, or encouraging them to go Except for the exceptions. Many are unhappily discussing on extended relocations abroad. Gung-ho Zionists Anecdotal evidence is flooding in. The few divorce – breaking up with the and born-in-Israel realists seem to be reluctantly re- passengers who are allowed onto El Al “evacuation examining their motives for living in the Jewish state. flights” report that the majority of their fellow flyers land we have loved for our Many of the sane secular are unhappily discussing wear the black coats of the very pious. They, according divorce – breaking up with the land we have loved to eyewitnesses, often refuse to wear masks, despite en- whole life our whole lives. treaties of the crew. Their demands have not mellowed Before you reach for your phone to dash off an with the emergency; some still refuse to sit next to vote from the nearest Israeli Embassy? Haredim are angry email, damning me to all manner of perfidious women, vociferously voicing their moral superiority. pouring in every day as part of our Eternal Leader’s punishment for my chutzpah, please understand that bloc – the more the merrier for him. my Zionist credentials are probably as sound as yours. I CRACKS IN THIS godly holiness that are frantical- Israel was formed to be a safe haven for the Jews; that’s left a land of plenty at 17, brimming with a desire to be ly covered over are beginning to emerge. The sealed the raison d’etre of the country: a shelter for us when part of the greatest miracle of the millennium: the re- border from Sinai was mysteriously opened to let trouble hits, a place that will always take us in. Now birth of Israel. My brothers, husband and children all Arye Deri’s family slip into Israel on the sly. (Deri is Israelis are banned from coming home (unless they served in the army with honor, risking their lives over Israel’s interior minister who has served jail time for can pull protekzia). Every other country in the world is and over again. We have paid our dues and worked corruption, and now, surrealistically, faces yet another taking in its citizens; only the Jewish state is deciding hard. We’ve been proud to be part of the Zionist enter- similar trial.) which Jews can enter. What’s happening to us? prise. Through wars and terror, high taxes and tortur- Deri’s devout family is not alone in their privi- There is one man responsible for this chaos, and ous traffic, our commitment never wavered. lege. Ori Mishgev, a reporter from Haaretz, went to he’ll apparently do anything to stay in power and Until now. Ben-Gurion Airport early on Thursday morning, stop his trial. In the process he is gutting democracy, We have not changed much – my family, friends and February 18, to meet El Al flight 014 from New York. and pushing anyone who dares oppose him off the I – in the 50-odd years we have lived and worked in our (Haaretz, February 21, 2021). The plane landed at 5:20, playing field. small homeland; the country has. There was more un- in time for travelers to say the morning Shema. Mish- We know what happens to people imprisoned in covered hair in Jerusalem when I was a student there; gev, who was not allowed inside Terminal Three for miserable marriages; are doomed for the rest of our there were fewer restaurants displaying large kashrut COVID-related reasons, stood outside and counted lives to depressed days and sleepless nights punctuat- certificates. As the religious, and especially the ul- the recently embarked passengers. Of the 169 people ed with panic attacks? Is this what living in a crum- tra-religious, have been fruitful and multiplied exceed- who left the terminal with luggage, 114 were haredim bling democracy is about to do to us? ingly, the demography of cities has shifted inexorably. (ultra-Orthodox), the vast majority young Yeshiva No! We sane citizens are sure as hell not giving up on All citizens are not equal anymore, and some are much students. They didn’t look like “humanitarian cases,” our ancestral home without a squeak. It feels as if this more unequal than others. he claimed, or “medical emergencies” who merited is our last chance for salvation. Anyone with a modi- I will give you an example. speedy airlifting to Israel. cum of decency can surely see that we can’t be ruled by I have a friend who’s a successful businessman. He’s The unholy mess just gets worse. The story stinks black-coated cultists and “Kahane Hai” crazies for one an Israeli citizen who’s lived here on and off since so badly one wishes it was all fake news. There are ru- day more, without going crazy ourselves. 1976. He has a home in Tel Aviv, pays bituah leumi and mors that pious politicians, from the parties of God, Think carefully before you give Benjamin health insurance, and salaries. Each morning he wakes are helping their constituents enter the country, while Netanyahu another shot at abusing us all. We have up in London at 5:45 a.m. to do deals in Israel. He do- secular Michaels have to wade through oceans of pa- to get down to the business of bringing back sanity. nates to Israeli charities and runs support groups. perwork that seem endless. (How many days in 2003 For the sake of our children we have no choice. Please Michael also has a home in London, but he wants to did you spend in Israel?) Black coats, it seems, can get vote with caution this time around. Let’s all live in a come home from home. you on a flight. It is well known that prior to elections, country that celebrates civil, human rights. Not just The airport has been closed since January 26, Haredi voters flock to Israel in droves. Here we go again. of the boys in black.  when Israel became the only country in the world Scenarios that once seemed utterly far-fetched have to bar its own citizens from entering. Israeli doctors become utterly plausible. Perhaps our crime minister The writer lectures at IDC and Beit Berl. are stuck in New York, Israeli mothers are frantical- is barring the secular from coming home for fear that [email protected] ly begging to be let in from Frankfurt, and Israeli they will vote him out of office. Otherwise, why isn’t Join her for a weekly lecture on “Enjoying Literature” – tourists in Dubai are running out of money. Yet the he giving citizens banned from returning the right to see Facebook: Pamela Peled

www.jpost.com 39 OBSERVATIONS

Esther, traffic and the Golden Globes

SOLDIERS OF the Bardales Battalion prepare for urban warfare training near TOUCH OF CHEN Nitzanim. Formed in HADASSAH CHEN 2014, Bardales is an ou really are amazing, you woman of the IDF infantry combat world juggling house, kids, career, hus- battalion comprised of 50% female soldiers. band and the rest of the universe and still (Hadas Parush/Flash90) managing to look beautiful and fresh. You really think you are so powerful when Ywith one decision of yours or one change of mood, the whole household atmosphere can change like magic. If you are happy, everyone is happy, if you are nervous, the day will just collapse for all. You are the pillar of their world for those around you who you love and cherish; your decisions are what makes life tick by. Woman, you are incredible, when you finally go to bed at night last after you have locked all doors, cleaned the kitchen, prepared all lunches for the next day, laid out clothes for kids, flushed all toilets and shut all lights in the house, finally you get to switch on your light, the small light in your brain and start with herself to Achashverosh. From that moment on when slightly more feared than men! Women fighters in the your million thoughts, dreams, worries and prayers her king stretches the scepter to her and lets her in, army, in the police, in the air force. Women in show until you fall into a deep sleep exhausted from your Esther will live only for the Jewish nation, for all else business and in journalism. own self. she has lost. Many of the most powerful pens here in Israel are We really are a piece of art, created in the image of She morphs into the perfect queen, throwing parties held by women. God. with the enemy, serving wine and entertaining while This reminds me of the final struggle of Esther. With This reminds me of Purim, which we just finished, her only aim is to destroy Haman and save her broth- Haman’s death, the horrible decree was still pending where the protagonist of this day is a woman: Esther. ers and sisters. It will take time for all to see the full on the Jewish nation and even after her begging her That is when I realize how small we all are compared picture of the incredible life of Esther, her plan slowly husband the king to cancel it, he explains to her with to this giant in our history. carried out and put together piece by piece like a puz- all the love he has for her he cannot do it, but he can Hadassah was her real name, but she had to keep it zle, her only protection from failing, her incredible order another decree to be issued that the Jews can hidden to protect her life, for she lived in the golden faith in Hashem. defend themselves. cage she was taken to, the palace of Achashverosh. Just when we thought all was lost and the evil forces In those days, when the Jews faced war, that same day Maybe because I was named in her honor, every had won, it all turns around in our favor. Haman gets would be turned into a day of fasting and prayer, where time Purim comes around I am fascinated by her hung with his 10 sons, and Mordechai becomes a all the Jews would fast except for the soldiers who had story. This year, though, Esther came to life for me, minister of the king. Do you understand the pain of to fight, for they needed to be strong and ready. as if I had seen her as if I had touched her with my this woman living side by side with the man she loved In this case of Purim, Haman’s decree was against hands, caressed her tears. and being forced to stay with the king? Jews of all ages from babies to old men. No one was to We grew up thinking we all wanted to be Esthers cho- be left alive. This was a departure from a normal sce- sen for our beauty over all the other women, crowned I DRIFT from this thought as the news on the TV shows nario of war. Everyone here was at risk – every single by the king and living in a palace for the rest of our the Golden Globes ceremony in Hollywood. I see all Jew was to be killed on the 13th of Adar. This made lives. I chuckle as I see myself in a queen costume as a these beautiful women taking the stage with their stun- it impossible for anyone to fast, for everyone had to child, as I make my way through traffic running to my ning couture gowns, blowing kisses, thanking God and be strong and focused for a possible attack on them. work meeting after I prepared the pasta sauce for sup- declaring power to the women. Women had to protect their children. Men had to proper and ironed my husband’s shirt. With Esther in my mind right now they look like tect the women and soldiers had to protect the cities. I am so unbelievable, look at me multitask. Hadassah, clowns to me. One only person was not at risk to be killed, for she who do you think you are? Women in Hollywood have to show some skin before lived in the palace and was loved by the king: Esther. No Suddenly I am back in Shushan, where we were just they get taken seriously, only to finally prove they have one would dare come to the palace and try to murder a few days ago, and Esther, far from being the Cinder- talent, and to those who manage to get to the peak of her, that’s why she was the only one who could fast. ella we all had dreamt of, was busy saving the whole their career and receive an award, we see them standing The fast we do before Purim is called Fast of Esther nation. A woman whose destiny had been written. She all glammed up on a sparkly stage – and suddenly they because only she had to fast, locked in her golden pal- was to sacrifice her life, her identity to be able to live turn into gurus and feel the need to start educating the ace, praying for her adored brothers and sisters all over free like a Jew, and her love for Mordechai, in order to world about politics and women’s rights. the empire. save all of us. No. Not from you. And when the day was over and the Jews celebrat- Us, yes also us – sitting now in traffic in Jerusalem. I thank God every day for having given me so many ed victory with relief, Esther stood by the windows Esther lived with a man she never loved – a powerful, amazing women figures to idolize and learn from in my smiling with tears, for her life would continue next to dangerous, vulgar man. She played her part with brains own history. If I just open a Chumash, a megillah or Achashverosh. and beauty as only a woman can. She trapped Haman the book of Prophets, it’s bursting with women leaders, Don’t come and talk to me about women’s rights, at a party she threw at her palace despite being seen by fighters and queens. world. I am so proud to be a woman in my country, as the Jews as a traitor by that time. I look at the world around me getting more and more a Jew, with awe-inspiring figures in my heritage who How could she, the talk of the town, how could confused as to the role of the man and of the woman, teach me and inspire me more every day how each of Esther sit and feast with our enemy while we tremble those lines getting ever more blurred each day. us women can change the world –not only diapers or in fear knowing our end is near? Esther had offered I hear speeches of feminists declaring war on all – hair color.  herself to her king under the direction of Mordechai, men, God, universe – and pushing for equality. The who told her to go to the king even if she hadn’t been moment you scream for equality means you feel below The writer is from Italy, lives in Jerusalem and heads called by him. something, someone. HadassahChen Productions. A director and performer, She could risk death. The more I live in Israel the more I see how women she also heads the Keren Navah Ruth Foundation in mem- Esther was not scared of dying, the only thing that here are integrated into all sectors of society, from pol- ory of her daughter, to assist families with sick children. made her sad was losing Mordechai forever by giving itics to hi-tech, banking, science – I might say even [email protected]

40 MARCH 5, 2021 ARAB MEDIA VOICES FROM THE ARAB PRESS A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world COMPILED BY THE MEDIA LINE

ARAB DEMOCRACY: IRAQ AS AN EXAMPLE Al-Jazirah, Saudi Arabia, February 25 No Arab country emerged successful from an attempt to implement democracy. Even Tunisia, which sparked the revolutions of the Arab Spring and gave hope to millions of people across the world that democracy was coming to the Arab world, is still im- mersed in political turmoil. But Tunisia isn’t the only Arab country where the democratic experience failed. Let us look at Iraq. Many people – including myself, admittedly – believed that the 2003 US invasion of Iraq would bring about democracy to the war-torn country. But the country that was once ruled by Saddam Hussein turned into a failed state dominated by Iranian mercenaries. Over the course of a few short years, Iraq’s elites fled the country and sought exile in the West. The country that had once been home to scientists, authors, mu- sicians and researchers was deserted overnight. Soon enough, it was taken over by rampant militias. The infrastructure collapsed. Schools and universities were forced to shut down. And living conditions throughout the country dramatically deteriorated. The rates of poverty, destitution, and hunger among the Iraqi population have almost exceeded 50%. There is no A MURAL of Pope Francis adorns a church wall ahead of his upcoming visit to Iraq, in Baghdad on February 22. memory of a functioning state apparatus, no jobs, no (Teba Sadiq/File Photo/Reuters) public services. America, after its ill-fated invasion, claimed to have forward with the dam’s construction. Instead of halt- strategy to double the available number of vaccina- established a democratic system. It boasted the Iraqi ing construction until all sides reach an agreement, tions is to postpone the second dose for those who constitution, the court, the parties, and the free and the Ethiopians have accelerated their work. received the first one, and to vaccinate the largest fair elections. But the truth is that all of these things Second, regional and international institutions – number possible with a single dose, instead. are just fraud. The Iraqi constitution – devised by including the African Union and American officials This trend is supported by the results of some recent Americans, not Iraqis – de facto divides Iraqis based – have failed to effectively mediate talks between the studies, such as those conducted by a group of re- on their sectarian and ethnic affiliations, giving the three sides. Not a single third-party institution or body searchers in the largest hospitals in Israel, in which Kurds the premierships, the Shiites the presidency, has been trusted by all sides to guarantee and protect 7,000 hospital employees and workers participated. and the Sunnis the parliament. In the vacuum created the rights of all parties involved. The study showed that infection rates among those in Iraqi with the departure of US forces, Iran succeeded Third, former US President Donald Trump, who was vaccinated decreased by 47% two weeks after receiving in deploying Shiite militias that took over Baghdad. a staunch advocate of Egypt’s water rights, departed the first dose and by 85% four weeks after receiving the The democratic system is a system that contradicts the White House in January, paving the way for the first dose. sectarian and religious societies, and no democracy Ethiopian side to harden its positions. Over the past Likewise, a group of Canadian researchers found that that the world has known can be fundamentally few weeks, the situation continued to worsen. Grant- a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine achieves protection based on sectarian or ethnic affiliations. The very ed, talks are still unfolding, and it is certainly possible by more than 90%. In early January, the British health constitution that sought to instill democracy in Iraqi that a solution will eventually be reached. However, as authorities decided to extend the period between the is the source of the country’s political decay. The hope I already mentioned, negotiations have been taking first and second dose of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines of seeing democracy flourish in Iraq has been quickly far too long. from 21 days to 12 weeks, or 84 days, which sparked replaced with a failed state experiencing deteriorating In the meantime, Egypt has been experimenting deep controversy and harsh criticism at the time. The conditions. Democracies can never rest on religious, with various trust-building steps and mechanisms, aim of the doctors and scientists was to provide cov- tribal, or ethnic loyalties. To be sure of what I say, with offers to provide Sudan with foreign aid and as- erage to the largest possible number of people in the compare Iraq in the era of Saddam Hussein to Iraq sistance in the fields of electricity, agriculture and quickest manner possible, in light of the shortage of following its so-called democratic reforms. development. This is part of a greater Egyptian strat- available vaccines. – Muhammad Al-Sheikh egy of opening up toward Africa. Cairo tried to help, However, it is still unclear how long the reduc- both directly and indirectly, but Addis Ababa seems to tion in infection rates lasts. This prompted the vac- SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS FOR THE ISSUE be unmoved. – Abd Al-Latif Al-Manawi cine manufacturers, as well as the US Food and Drug OF THE RENAISSANCE DAM Administration to call for caution in implementing OUR VACCINATION DISTRIBUTION “untested” strategies such as the administration of a Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, February 24 STRATEGIES single dose. This difference in opinions will be resolved The Renaissance Dam negotiations between Egypt, by more studies on the best strategies for distributing Ethiopia and Sudan have been taking too long for Al-Etihad, UAE, February 26 vaccines, and the strength of the relationship between several reasons. In light of the steady growth in the spread of the acceleration of the spread of the virus and the in- First, because of the Ethiopian intransigence on the COVID-19 mutations, it has become necessary to vac- crease in the emergence of mutated variants of it. After issue: Addis Ababa continues to insist on taking unilat- cinate the largest number of individuals as soon as all, vaccinations available at the present time may not eral steps that harm the interests of the other parties, possible. be of benefit in achieving protection from these new which have long complained about the former’s stub- However, due to the limited availability of vacci- virulent strands. – Akmal Abd Al-Hakim bornness and strange procrastination. Despite the nations, an increasing number of experts around the ongoing talks, Ethiopia has been charting the way world have begun promoting the idea that the best Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb.

www.jpost.com 41 BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

Did women ‘win’ the sexual revolution? A sex-positive feminist tried to ‘have sex like a man.’ It came at a cost

VICTORIA ROSE, 17, of Long Island enjoys a ride across the crowd at Woodstock 1994; Rose lost her clothes while crowd-surfing. The author asks women whether the way women’s sexual freedom is currently framed is what they want. (Reuters)

you want to be,” said Sarah Hepola, who served as Clark-Flory’s editor at Salon and wrote the sobriety memoir Blackout. “I think women carry around this shame, like they should be above that. But Tracy owns that contradiction. She says: ‘I know I want to be wanted.’ But that doesn’t take away from the fact that she has this intellectual life.” If there’s a stereotypical idea of a sex writer – a flamboyant Car- rie Bradshaw type who kisses and tells and relishes the attention – Clark-Flory does not fit it. At Salon, she would often show up in “cardigans buttoned all the way to the top,” said Hepola, de- scribing her as a reserved listener who “had something in her fighting to get out.” As Want Me reveals, Clark-Flory was privately using her 20s as a period to test her inhibitions. In search of some elusive state of female empowerment, she said she set out to “have sex like a man would have sex.” She wanted to be so sexually free – so “game for anything” – that nothing could be done against her will. It was, she said, a sort of self-perpetuating myth she created to reassure herself that she was in control. “That warrior-like attitude necessarily comes with a lot of ar- • AMY KAUFMAN mor,” she said. “That armor comes with a lack of feeling and a sense of self-protection. And that’s not a critique of my younger hen she was 15, Tracy Clark-Flory discovered self. I think that was a reasonable, adaptive response to the her father’s pornography collection. She reality of the dating-and-sex landscape as I encountered it in my was using his computer and came across a 20s. I think those were the compromises I made to be able to website called Perfect10.com. She saw no part have sex freely in the world in which we live.” of her awkward teenage self reflected in the The sex she had prior to her marriage was all consensual. But womenW onscreen, a collection of blonds with inflated breasts, did she enjoy it, or did she just want to enjoy it? Recalling a fleet- heavy-handed blush and Barbie doll proportions. ing affair with a man she met at a New York City photo shoot She was horrified – not by the graphic acts depicted on the during this time, she writes: “Sometimes over the years, I would monitor but by the idea that this was what her father found at- think: Man, wish I could do that again. But, looking back, I’ll tractive. Her dad was a Berkeley hippie who’d always preached, never shake the feeling that I was barely even there to experience “High heels are crippling. Makeup is unnecessary. Plastic sur- it for the first time, like it was a ghost of a girl who did it all for me.” gery is unfortunate. Shaving your legs is silly. A woman’s most Peggy Orenstein, the New York Times-bestselling author who attractive feature is her brain.” explores modern sexuality in her own writing, began to pick up WANT ME The impact on her was massive and kick-started Clark-Flory’s on these themes in Clark-Flory’s work. She said Clark-Flory cap- inquiry into sexuality, a journey that would lead to jobs as a sex tured that sexiness “had accelerated and been codified in a new A SEX WRITER’S JOURNEY writer for Salon and Jezebel. Over the past 15 years, she has delved Internet era when so much is visual… On top of that, the whole INTO THE HEART OF DESIRE into some of the most exploratory areas of sexuality. But this idea that as a woman, what proved your desirability and your By Tracy Clark-Flory week the 37-year-old turns the lens fully on herself in a debut sexuality was being able to ‘take it’ – whatever ‘it’ was.” Penguin Books memoir, Want Me: A Sex Writer’s Journey into the Heart of Desire. One discovery Clark-Flory came to while writing Want Me was 320 pages; $16 The book is a candid, often unflinching portrayal of a young that she was grieving the idea that the sexual revolution had woman coming to terms with the connection between her desir- been fought and won. She’d always wanted to believe in the “girl ability and her self-worth. In the process, she reckons with her power message” she received as a girl — that if she played her identity as a sexually liberated feminist. cards right, everything she wanted would come to her. “I could pretty successfully cater to men’s desires and get that “But that isn’t true,” she said. “We’re in this space of neoliberal, affirmation, but in the end, that affirmation never really felt like individualistic, commercial feminism that really emphasizes power,” Clark-Flory said via video call from the home she shares women seeing themselves, and I think that takes us away from the with her spouse and three-year-old son, a 10-minute drive from collective solution. And I want to acknowledge that unfairness.” where she grew up in the Bay Area. “I really believed that a wom- While Clark-Flory feels lucky to have found a loving partner an’s pleasure and desire were important, but it also felt like the – she’s been married since 2013 – there’s also a part of her that satisfaction that I could get from sex was from being desired. I distrusts, even resents, that sense of relief. In other words: Why had a hard time even identifying what it was that I wanted.” is the romantic landscape for women now so dire that ending up Clark-Flory’s journalism – call it post-third-wave feminism – in a reciprocal, loving relationship feels like dodging a bullet? has pushed back against writers like Susie Bright and Ariel Levy, Clark-Flory makes no secret in her book about how much of who posited that women were presenting themselves as sex her self-image was shaped through men: “I was never alone. objects in order to advance in a male-dominated culture. It’s not There was always a fantasy of some boy watching and warning that Clark-Flory disagreed with the assessment but, as an elder me, making me better. Making me whole.” millennial who came of age as Oprah Winfrey was extolling the In that sense, Want Me is her rallying cry for the generations of virtues of pole dancing, she was more empathetic to the struggle. women coming up behind her.  “She grew up in a time when there was a bacchanal in your eyeballs all the time, so of course that becomes a part of who (Los Angeles Times/TNS)

42 MARCH 5, 2021 A real-life thriller Amos Gilboa produces an authentic and fascinating account of a dramatic chapter in Israel’s military history

• URI BAR-JOSEPH

magine the following scene: It is 0400 hours. A Palestinian freighter sails under the cover of darkness in the Red Sea. Two Morena-class boats – rigid-hull inflatable combat craft – stick to the freighter as a dozen men clothed in black quietly climb onto its deck. Seconds later, two Black Hawk helicop- Iters hover overhead. Using fast ropes – thick ropes on which rap- id descents can be made – a team descends onto the ship’s deck. Within six minutes, the two teams take control of the freighter and its crew. This scene, familiar from countless Hollywood films, was not written by a scriptwriter. No director shouted “Cut” when the action was over. Code-named “Noah’s Ark,” the maneuvers were part of a real operation carried out by Israeli Navy commando teams on January 3, 2002. The purpose of the mission was to capture the Karine A, a Palestinian Authority freighter carrying 55 tons of arms and explosives – a cargo that would fuel the fires of the Second Intifada that had already consumed so many Israeli and Palestinian lives. Taking over the ship was merely the first step in a complex operation that began five months earlier, after Israeli intelligence agencies picked up signs indicating the purchase of a freighter by Palestinian-Hezbollah operatives. An intricate series of events followed in which highly sophisticated means of collection combined with traditional qualities necessary in the intelligence game: curiosity, discernment and intuition. The author of A Raid on the Red Sea, Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Amos Gilboa, served as the head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Research Department from 1982-1984, and continued studying the history of Israeli intelligence after retirement. He died shortly before the book came out in English. Gilboa knew how to tell a story, with editing and translation into English by The Jerusalem Post’s legal AN IDF-PROVIDED photograph shows assault rifles, ammunition clips and mortar equipment and defense correspondent Yonah Jeremy Bob. Moreover, Gil- laid out on the deck of the ’Karine A’ in the Red Sea on January 4, 2002. (Reuters) boa’s intimate acquaintance with the way intelligence special ops were conducted in Israel enabled him to produce an authentic and fascinating account of a dramatic chapter in Israel’s military the success of the operation. But at the last moment, it became history. clear that the ropes were not up to standards. The officer in charge Part of the story takes place in the offices of Naval Intelligence, of the helicopter force discovered there were ropes in storage near A RAID ON THE RED SEA where young analysts, some of whom had graduated from high Tel Aviv, but the warehouseman refused to give them without a THE ISRAELI CAPTURE OF THE school only two years earlier, monitor activity around the boat, proper authorization. KARINA A track its identity and locate it in Port of Dubai. This departure Since the operation was conducted under heavy secrecy, the By Amos Gilboa, point presented the Israelis with an operational problem. Locat- officer could not ask for external help. Instead, he called the ware- edited and translated ing the Karine A in the Red Sea was relatively easy, although the houseman and told him that in 10 minutes a helicopter would fly by Yonah Jeremy Bob navy had better operational capabilities in the Mediterranean. over the storage facility and turn on its lights. Ten minutes later, Potomac Books, 2021 One solution was to get the Americans to capture the ship in the a helicopter hovered overhead and shined its lights, convincing 277 pages Red Sea as part of their war on terrorism. The Americans, however, the stunned warehouseman to cooperate. He then brought the while agreeing to assist with intelligence, refused to involve their ropes to a nearby heliport, where they were collected by the same forces in the takeover of the ship. helicopter that delivered them to the naval commando base. The Assembling the intelligence needed for the operation was an ex- show could go on. ceedingly demanding task. As is usually the case, the intelligence Ultimately, and despite the many difficulties and obstacles, the information regarding the location of the freighter – whether it operation was a complete success. The Karine A crew were taken had already left the Port of Dubai and what its destination would completely by surprise, and the takeover was concluded without be – was partial and contradictory. Nevertheless, the operation a single shot being fired. The arms shipment found on the boat was green-lighted by military and political decision-makers, and carried marks of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Operation Noah’s Ark commenced. operational success was translated by prime minister Ariel Sharon The operation was the first of its kind. Never before had com- into a diplomatic one, turning Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, mando teams captured a moving ship by simultaneously scaling who cooperated in the venture with Iran, into a pariah in the its deck from the sea and landing on it from the air. In typical eyes of the Bush administration, leading to a change in US policy Israeli fashion, the maneuvers were carried out under a heavy (though not necessarily improving the chance for peace). veil of secrecy, under incredible time pressure, with insufficient Fiction and nonfiction literature on special operations have information and, crucially, using a lot of improvisation. (That become highly popular in recent years. For anyone interested in can only take place in a milieu in which officers from different the subject, this well-written, authoritative and fascinating ac- branches know and trust each other, and are licensed to follow count of a daring raid in the Red Sea is a must.  their own intuitions and initiatives). Here’s one typical episode. Fast ropes were a critical element for The writer is a professor (emeritus) at the University of Haifa.

www.jpost.com 43 BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS The pleasures, pains of an oleh Living through the 1970s and 1980s in Israel, then returning to the US

PRIME MINISTER Golda Meir accompanied by Defense Minister Moshe Dayan on the Golan Heights in 1973 after the Yom Kippur War. The author’s account is set against Israel’s own story of triumphs and disasters connected to the war. (Reuters)

mouth. When the haredi rabbis insisted that, as a condition of her conversion, he must undertake to put on tefillin (phylac- teries) every day, he agreed to do so, but with no intention of keeping his promise. “Ironically,” he writes, “the lie that I told has now morphed into the truth, as I now go to synagogue every day and put on tefillin at appropriate times.” He did military service in the Israel Defense Forces and was a reservist for the rest of his time in Israel. His account of bringing up a growing family in difficult circumstances (a third daughter was born in Israel), is set against Israel’s own story of triumphs and disasters ‒ the Yom Kippur War, the visit to Israel of Egypt’s president Anwar Sadat, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, the Lebanon War, the First Intifada, and then Israel’s transformation into “the start-up nation” second only to the USA’s Silicon Valley in global hi-tech innovation. And yet, in the final analysis, this is a • NEVILLE TELLER had outgrown the communist ideal, of story of yordim ‒ a family who came to Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda market Israel only to leave. Their change of status nyone with a grounding in before it had a roof, of the uncontrollable from respected olim was something that Hebrew will recognize, and inflation that reached 445% in 1984, of a Leibel noted and regrets. They had gone smile, at the title of Aaron currency that changed from lira to shekels to live in the Jewish state, in effect ty- Leibel’s new book – Figs and and then to New Israeli Shekels. Anyone ing their fate to that of their people, but Alligators. who lived through those times will cher- circumstances finally forced them to AHe is clearly referring to one of the basic ish Leibel’s recollections; anyone who did return to the States. He lists the many mistakes that anyone learning Hebrew not will be grateful to learn about those things about life in his 16 years in Israel endures during the early days. One classic years from his first-hand experience. that he loved. is to confuse pants (or for English Anglos Aaron Leibel’s story would have been “But,” he writes, “I hated the poverty, “trousers”) with spectacles (michnasayim completely different had he not met and the inability to buy our children what FIGS AND ALLIGATORS and mishcafayim). In Leibel’s case he strug- fallen in love with his wife, Bonnie. Now they wanted and needed.” By Aaron Leibel gled to remember the difference between an Orthodox convert, she was born into a It was the effort to develop profession- Chickadee Prince Books te’enim (figs) andtaninim (alligators). churchgoing Protestant family. Following ally that let to their financial debacle. 136 pages; $12.99 Figs and Alligators is Leibel’s account their marriage in 1963, Bonnie became Bonnie enrolled on a course in systems of the 16 years that he, his wife Bonnie increasingly interested in Israel. It was analysis, but they had bitten off more and their three daughters spent in Israel the Six-Day War in 1967 that moved her financially than they could chew. Their before sheer poverty drove them back to to take a yearlong course of study leading overdraft soared, the family budget the States in 1988. Leibel, who became a to her conversion to Reform Judaism. As simply did not balance. A decision had widely-published journalist during his Leibel drew close to receiving his higher to be made. Bonnie returned alone to the time in Israel, writes this personal history degree in 1972, it was Bonnie who sud- States to find a job that would support the as if chatting informally to a friend. In denly suggested that they emigrate to family. They thought a few weeks would simple terms he tells his story of living Israel. Leibel’s first reaction was total re- see a more sustainable income stream. In and struggling in the Israel of the 1970s jection, but he slowly came round to the the end it took six months. Finally Leibel and 1980s ‒ a story that will evoke many idea and in the fall of that year Leibel, and the girls followed and the family was a smile or sigh of remembrance in anyone Bonnie and their two daughters started reunited. who went through the same experience. on their great adventure. They have made a happy life for Here are the pleasures and pains of And what an adventure it proved to themselves in America. All three of being an oleh (immigrant) in a reception be. Struggling to earn a living, both Aar- their girls married, and the Libels have ulpan (live-in Hebrew language unit), of on and Bonnie found work, but it was so seven grandchildren. Both Bonnie and ancient and bumpy Egged and Dan bus- poorly paid that they constantly needed Aaron are enjoying a happy and active es filled with screaming kids, of hopeful additional income. Following the Yom retirement. post-dated checks promising payments Kippur war in 1973, Bonnie converted “Having said all that,” writes Leibel, “I way into the murky future, of the strains Orthodox ‒ an unpleasant experience still missed the feeling I had as a Jew in the and stresses of kibbutz life in a world that that left Leibel with a bitter taste in his Jewish state.” 

44 MARCH 5, 2021 READERS’ PHOTOS

JUST ABOUT the closest an Israeli can get at the end of a day to bid SKATEBOARD ACCESSORY: Luxury cars have ornate iconic hood ornaments. Local skateboarders (at farewell to the sun is off the coast of Netanya. (Bernard Olsburgh) Habima Square in Tel Aviv) have to make do with head ornaments. (Deborah Strauss) The week in photos HERE’S SOMEONE who knows how it feels to really be head over • From readers heels. It looks fun to Send photos of what you saw or did this week to [email protected] do; you might try it, too. Just don’t do it with your name and where the picture was taken – plus your Instagram handle right after meals! (Gan if you want to be tagged. Feel free to add additional related info about the photo Sacher in Jerusalem) and/or suggest a caption. (Shimshon Leshinsky)

(Left) A GIRL from the South we’ll call Jo, was sad ‘cause she hadn’t seen snow. A bus she got on went to the Golan – and now she is cold – but aglow! (Kinnereth Meyer)

YOU TAKE a really cute kid, and she’ll outshine flowers (in this case, at Givat Haturmosim near Beit Shemesh) any day. (Tova Weinberg)

www.jpost.com 45 JUDAISM

PARASHAT KI TISA

RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ Sin, compassion and leadership he main story in this week’s Torah portion, Ki brought you up from the land of Egypt!” me know Your ways, so that I may know You - so that Tisa, is one of the most embarrassing ones at It is not difficult to imagine the depths of Moses’s I may find favor in Your eyes” (Exodus 33, 13); and the the beginning of the Jewish nation’s history: disappointment, frustration and torment. During that second: “Show me, now, Your glory!” (ibid ibid, 18). the sin of the golden calf. It happened when past year, Moses had courageously faced Pharaoh, the Maimonides explains that Moses wanted to know the Moses went up to Mount Sinai and stayed for Egyptian king, and demanded that he free the Hebrew ways in which God leads the world, and in addition, 40T days in order to receive the Divine directives written nation of slaves and allow them to leave Egypt. With the he wanted to grasp godliness itself. God refused the in the Torah. The nation waited for him at the foot of help of manifest miracles and the 10 plagues that God second request: A human being, even the greatest the mountain, but days went by and Moses did not brought down on Egypt, Moses succeeded in his mis- human like Moses, is incapable of grasping the essence return. There were people – according to tradition, they sion and liberated the nation. He led them through the of God. It is beyond human capability. But God an- were the “erev rav,” non-Jews who attached themselves sea, arriving at Mount Sinai, where they experienced swered the first request in the affirmative: to the Jewish nation in the Exodus from Egypt, who had a public Divine revelation, the only one in history, in “I will let all My goodness pass before you…” not let go of the idolatrous Egyptian culture and wanted which they heard the Ten Commandments. And now, (ibid ibid, 19) to create a substitute: a god in the form of a calf. it seemed, the nation had gone back to its ways, to What did God teach Moses about His ways of leading These people turned to one of the respected people Egyptian idol worship, to dancing around a golden calf. the world? He taught him about the virtues of compas- in the nation, Chur – the son of Miriam the prophetess, Moses began a series of actions. First, he broke the sion that represent Divine leadership. Here, Maimonides who refused to cooperate with them and paid for this Tablets of the Covenant that he had brought down adds significant insight: Why did Moses ask to know the with his life. Immediately afterward, these same people from Mount Sinai, understanding that a nation that ways of God? Because Moses understood that a human turned to Aaron, Moses’s brother, and demanded of worships a golden calf could conceivably also make leader must adopt these ways when dealing with the him, “Come on! Make us gods!” Aaron, apprehensive of the tablets into a sort of idol. After that, he burned nation. The incredible disappointment brought upon more bloodshed, preferred to cooperate with them. He the calf and punished those who had initiated the sin. Moses by the nation’s creation of the calf led him to tried to postpone the creation of the calf under different Then Moses turned to God to plea that He not punish search for the Divine paths a leader should take. pretexts, but the pressure from the nation was ultimate- the nation for their sin. During the prayer, a fascinat- These paths are the 13 attributes of compassion. Just ly decisive. With surprising generosity, they donated ing dialogue took place between Moses and God; one as God is capable of forgiving the sins of humans, so hu- the gold jewelery they had brought from Egypt, and which its significance has been analyzed by commen- mans are called upon to forgive the sins of others. A wor- melted it to create the golden calf. tators and philosophers for generations. We will take thy leader is one who is guided by compassion. Moses The calf was made, and Moses descended from a peek at the writings of the giant of Jewish thought, learned this after the sin of the golden calf. It is a lesson Mount Sinai and was faced with the shocking sight of Maimonides, who dedicated a long chapter to this in we should also learn and internalize. ■ the nation dancing around the golden calf, ecstatical- his monumental book “A Guide to the Perplexed.” ly calling out, “These are your gods, O Israel, who have Moses asked two requests of God. The first: “…let The writer is rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.

DAVID WOLPE Why break the tablets? oming down from Sinai and thought: If the Israelites worship this one doesn’t yell at people repeatedly to They wanted something they could with the carved tablets from calf, which they created with their own stop doing something that they never do. touch or see, to prove the reality of God, we can understand hands, what will they do when they see Idolatry was rife in Israel, and combating what they could not see. But Judaism Moses’s anguish at the the tablets carved by God? Surely, they it was a long, difficult project. refashioned ritual objects from good golden calf. Still, it is hard to will turn these tablets, which are so much To take an object as in some sense Di- luck charms or conduits to God into Cunderstand why Moses broke the tablets. more precious than the calf, into an idol! vine is to limit the reality of God, to make reminders and symbols of our history One explanation is that it was pure If I don’t destroy the tablets, they will God small. Anything limited that evokes and connection to God. We took the rage. Once he saw the Israelites dancing commit the ultimate desecration. absolute devotion is idolatry. For the physical and stripped it of its ultimate about an idol, Moses could no longer By smashing the tablets, Moses was only absolute is God. An idol suggests power in the minds of human beings, for contain himself. making a declaration to all of Israel: Even that somehow things can be measured in ultimacy belongs only to God. But this seems inadequate. Why the handiwork of God, which you might human terms, that our capacities are suf- The golden calf was a turning point in should his reaction to the perfidy of the think of as inviolable, is nonetheless ficient to comprehend the transcendent. history not only for the sin but for Moses’s people be to destroy the work of God, the just another thing. It is not a God – it is Idolatry is not only about making God reaction. Moses smashed the tablets forev- most valuable single item in the history a physical artifact. I am destroying it to small, but also about making human be- er and always not to punish but to elevate. of the world? Was he that incapable of return you to the greater truth, which is ings too big. The fragments remind us of the fate of all self-control? Better to have marched that you were not delivered from Egypt Perhaps the people did not conceive physical things, but the message reminds back up the mountain to deposit the tab- by a thing, but by an intangible, unfath- of the idol itself as a god (for after all, as us of the eternity of the Creator of all. lets somewhere safe. omable God, no more embodied in the Ramban argues, the golden calf was more (For those who wish to study the Arnold Ehrlich, author of Mikra Kip- tablets than in the calf. a substitute for Moses than God – it was meaning of idolatry more deeply, Ken- shuto, has a provocative and interesting Idolatry is a persistent temptation to when Moses disappeared that the people neth Seeskin wrote a wonderful short answer. He notes that the Rabbis relate human beings. Modern observers are built it). But, as Solomon Schechter book, No Other Gods, and Moshe Halbertal that God said to Moses: “Yishar kohacha often surprised when they see or read wrote, establishing an intermediary with Avishai Margalit a more comprehen- that you broke them!” (Shabbat 87a). that digging up an ancient Israelite site, between God and human beings is tanta- sive philosophical guide, Idolatry.) ■ God apparently approved of Moses’s there are idols, especially fertility idols, mount to setting up another God, which action. This signals that more than anin abundance. But we should not be sur- is always a cause of sin. The writer is the Max Webb Senior Rabbi ger was at stake. prised; the prophets are always yelling at The Israelites were not ready for the of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles. Twitter: Ehrlich believes that Moses saw the calf the Israelites about worshiping idols, and direct, unmediated relationship to God. @rabbiwolpe.

46 MARCH 5, 2021 JUDAISM 3.0 GOL KALEV The failure of the Aharon-Hur administration Ceremonial transitions of power and authority of an elite might be two lessons learned from the events of the Golden Calf

s he ascended to Mount Sinai, ministers such as Tony Blair recounted their Moses temporarily relinquished shock upon taking office as to just how little power to Aharon and Hur. We do power they had relative to the civil service. not know exactly what transpired This arguably created a continuous policy during those 40 days, but we do that Herzl attributed to the monarchs, and knowA the result: the building of a Golden Calf, hence could “balance” erratic choices by the the near obliteration of the Israeli nation, and electorate. the subsequent execution of 3,000 of the per- petrators. IN EUROPE, it is arguably the European To investigate the failure of the Aharon- Commission which has limited direct ac- Hur administration, one must go back to the countability to Europeans. For example the revolutionary reforms enacted by Moses at Je- commission’s policies toward Israel are by far thro’s advice just a few weeks prior. Up until more critical than that of its member countries then, people came to Moses “to inquire of God.” and its citizens. This too is an opportunity to Moses explained this system of government to balance “uneducated” views by the European Jethro: “when they have a matter, it cometh electorate. After all, not everybody can be unto me; and I judge between a man and his a foreign policy expert. For example, while neighbor, and I make them know the statutes individual Europeans might think that the of God, and His laws.’” PRAYING DURING the priestly blessing at the Kotel, Sukkot 2018. European interest is prosperity for Palestinians, The Moses to God administrative system (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90) the European Commission has been aggres- worked since the people “believed in the sively sabotaging Palestinian employment and LORD, and in His servant Moses.” But then sudden- was not. There was no ceremony anointing the tribe mentorship in Jewish-owned businesses, such as in ly, intermediaries were appointed. Those judges did of Judah. This could perhaps explain the people’s lack SodaStream. not profess to have a direct line to God, but rather of acceptance of Hur and rejection of Caleb, president In Israel, there was a clear elite in the early days: the ability to apply what Moses taught them. It was of Judah and only tribal leader who joined Moses and the Ben-Gurion-led left-wing Ashkenazi who built a sudden shift from prophecy to judgment. At least Joshua’s call to proceed to the promised land. the country and its institutions. Since 1977, when the those “secular” judges operated under the auspices This rejection continued in King David’s dynasty, Labor party was voted out, Israel seems to have gradu- of Moses and could elevate big matters to him, but whose rule over the united kingdom lasted for only ally gravitated toward a model of multiple-elites such then Moses appointed two autonomous leaders, who two generations and was then met with the call: “We as the Druze in the police, Arabs in pharmaceutical ruled based on a one-line mandate: “And to the el- have no portion in David, neither have we inheri- and medical fields, ultra-Orthodox in motorcycle ders he said, wait for us here until we return to you, tance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O medics that saves thousands of lives every month, and here Aharon and Hur are with you; whoever has Israel.” the national-religious in service, volunteering and a case, let him go to them.” So the people accept when it is clear Moses delegat- ideology, and seculars in the judicial system and ac- This is the government structure under which the ed, such as in the case of the Cohens and the Levites, ademia. Perhaps applying the lessons of the Aharon- events of the Golden Calf occurred. but not when it is unclear such as in the case of Judah. Hur administration, such a model of multiple elites Moses seemed to apply the lessons of this structure’s Hence, when the Temple was destroyed and a new might be a necessary interim step before a model of failure. From thereon, transition of powers were done elite emerged – the Pharisees sages (Chazal) – they too no-elites. through a grandiose ceremony, as opposed to a one- established that their source of power is from Moses Yet perhaps there is also another lesson from the line mandate. When Moses transitioned his priestly – the Oral Torah! Indeed, Rabbinical Judaism, which failure of the Aharon-Hur administration that is rele- power to his brother Aharon, it was done through a they seeded, remained the organizing principle of vant today. Moses checked the co-head’s power, and multi-week ceremony, when decades later, Aharon Judaism through 2,000 years of exile. their mandate was not conveyed directly to the people, transitioned power to his son Elazar it was done in Yet, while preserving Judaism, this system failed to but rather to the elders. They were a weak executive by a celebrated ritual on Hor HaHar, and when Moses lead the Jews back home. Theodor Herzl set forth to design. As there has been an unprecedented global himself transferred his power to Joshua, it was done do just that with the cooperation of the rabbis. Herzl, shift of power over the last century from absolute re- through a detailed ceremony that made clear that like Moses, understood the need for ceremonies and gimes to checked executive, one should apply the les- Joshua is the new leader and that God is with him. for an elite: “I am a staunch supporter of monarchal sons and beware of inadvertently creating breeding Moses also seems to apply another lesson from institutions,” he wrote and then explained: “These grounds for golden calves. the Aharon-Hur failure: the introduction of an elite. allow a continuous policy, and represent the interests Herzl understood that. Indeed, he identified weak- Those two items – ceremonial transition and the of a historically famous family born and educated to nesses of the French democracy system and architect- authority of a Moses-appointed elite have proven ex- rule, whose desires are bound up with the preservation ed a more perfect version of European liberalism in the traordinarily successful. of the state.”’ Jewish state. We do not have Moses today to appoint The transition to the Levites lasted for over 1,000 In Christian Europe, there was broad acceptance till elites, but we do have the writings of Herzl – perhaps years until the Temple was destroyed, and the tran- the 20th century that God appointed the monarchs, it is time to begin studying them, as a tool to create a sition of priestly powers lasts till today. Nobody hence the monarch’s desires are bound-up with the more perfect society in Israel and around the world. ■ questions the elite status of the Cohens, such as being preservation of the state. the first to have the honor of Aliyah when the Torah Once Europe stopped believing in the Divine, it also The writer is the author of the upcoming book Judaism is read in synagogues. stopped believing in Divine-right-monarchies, and 3.0. For details: Judaism-Zionism.com; for his geopolitical While the ceremonial transition of powers to an elite over the last century, new elites have filled the void. articles: EuropeAndJerusalem.com. For his commentaries were successful, the unceremonial transition of powers In Great Britain it has been the civil servants. Prime on the weekly Torah portion: ParashaAndHerzl.com

www.jpost.com 47 Prize Crossword 29,485 puzzles.telegraph.co.uk

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(6) 13 First woman to enter the8 Shop uncovered concise 187 game (5) 14 Jealously losing cockney Prize Crosswordmemo 29,485 transforming puzzles.telegraph.co.uk food 9GAME S 7 Prostrate after27 mishap10 4and Speak about number being French bank (5) 19 Corrupt female I left in riverlikely (6) to get hurt (8-5) female striving for superiority (5) technology19 (4,9) 20 flowery (6) 16 Got in trouble around rocky 11 912 Coldness following stiffness5 Review (9) problem at university 15 Chemical discovered in Across 11 Plant once more on1 2 3 4 5 20Prize Susan turnedCrossword back withDown 29,485 puzzles.telegraph.co.uk height back in cave (6) 21 22 23 10 Counting as an appraisal(3,2) Leicestershire (5) television (5) heavyweight13 14 to find 15station (6) 1 He17 gotThe a smallest different amount purpose give for a 6 7 2 Stopthat andcould state be deadtemperature first28 (9)6 From(5) objectors remarkably, 22 Troublesome Naomi 12 Loser might24 receive this as25FRIDAY CROSSWORD 2621Across Fellow in agreement (5) 1 2 3 4 5 Down lodgehigh-pitched (9) cry (6) 16 173 Move13 In thisout caseof sight there on arethe nohis sympathy is actually embraces learner, one in the consolation 8(5) 8 Shop18 Start uncovered to watch concise playing this 241 HeBeat got peculiar a different brother purposeradio! capitals for (6) (5) 6 discouraging (4,9) 7 2 Stop and state temperature (5) Prize Crossword 29,485 puzzles.telegraph.co.uk Across Down18 Three prizes of a £25 electronic book token will be awarded to the senders fuel industry (6) memogame transforming (5) food 13 First 9woman to enter the without hesitation10 (5) 4 Speak14 Jealously about losing number cockney being7 Prostrate after mishap and 27 lodge (9) of the first three correct solutions opened from all those received.3 PrizesMove outwill of23 sight Part on ofthe Mercedes, Cortina or French bank (5) 1 He got a different purpose for 2 Stop and state temperature (5)floweryfemale (6) striving8 for superiority (5) technology19 Corrupt (4,9) female I left in river (6) 19 268 FatherShop uncovered with name concise20 for be sent electronicallylikely to the to emailget hurt address (8-5) you enter in the couponradio! below. (6) Across 1 162 Got in11 trouble3 around4 rockylodge5 (9) 12Down3 Move out of sight on the radio!5 Review15 (6) Chemical problem discovered at university in another car (6) 11 Plant20 Susan once turned more onback with 8 Shop uncovered concise memo 4 Speak about number being flow- 9 9 Coldness following stiffness (9) 10 4 Speak about number being seductive21memo22 transforming woman23 (5) food(3,2) 25 Reportedly purchase most height back in cave (6) transforming13 food14 technology15 ery (6) LeicestershireWe apologise (5) that we10 areCounting currently as unable an appraisal to accept postal entries for our 1 He got a different purposetelevisionheavyweight for (5) to find6 station (6) 7 2 Stoptechnology and state (4,9) temperature (5) flowery (6) 17 The smallest amount28 give(4,9) a 5 27Review Conceited, problem at I bringuniversity in6 a From 22set Troublesomeof objectors 11 prize puzzles; remarkably, Naomi we willthat reinstate could these be dead as soon 12first as possible.(9) of the food easily (2,3) lodge (9) 12 21Loser Fellow might in agreement receive this (5) as 24 253 Move out of sight on the 26 5 Review problem at university 8 high-pitched16 cry (6) 11 Plant once more on television17 books(3,2)11 Plant (4-9) once more on hisembraces sympathy learner, is actually one in 13the In this case there are no 26 Something wrong about consolation24 Beat peculiar (5) brother (5) radio!6 From (6) objectors remarkably, his (3,2) 8 Shop uncovered concise Three prizes of a £25 electronic book token will be awardedtelevision to the (5) senders discouragingfuel industry (4,9) (6) 13 14 15 18 Start to watch playing this12 Loser might receive this as 28sympathy Rock ishaving actually even discouraging weight (9) Entry: Scan or photographcapitals your (5) filled-in solution and coupon and send by Italian protest (3-2) memo transforming food13 withoutFirst woman9 hesitation to enter (5) the of the first three correct18 solutions opened 10from all4 those Speak received. about numberPrizes will being 6 From objectors remarkably, consolation (5)13 First woman (4,9)12 Loser might receive this7 Prostrate 23as Part of email,after Mercedes, alongmishap with Cortina and your14 postalJealously or address, losing to: [email protected] with game (5) be sent electronically to the email address you enterflowery in the coupon(6) below. 16 17 his sympathy is actually technology (4,9) French26 Father bank with(5) name for to enter the French27 bank (5) 7 Prostrate after mishap and likelylikelyanother to get carDT hurt 29,485(6) (8-5) in the subject field. 11 19 Corrupt19 female I left in river 12(6) 20 5 ReviewSolutionconsolation problem No 29,484 (5) at university female striving for superiority (5) 11 Plant once more on 16 seductiveGot in trouble woman around (5) rocky 16 Got in trouble around rocky to get hurt (8-5) 9 Coldness following stiffness (9) discouraging (4,9) We apologise that we are currently unable to accept postal13 First entries woman for to our enter the25 ReportedlyClosing purchase date: 9am Friday.most1518 Chemical Solution and discovered winners’ names in published Mon, Oct 12. 20 Susan13 turned14 back with15 height21 back22 in cave (6)23 (3,2)9 ColdnessF A N F followingA R E stiffnessD N (9) B V 7 Prostrate after mishap and television (5) height27 Conceited, back in cave I bring (6) in a set of prize puzzles; we will reinstate these as soon as possible. 10of Counting the food as easily an appraisal (2,3) Leicestershire (5) heavyweight to find station17 The(6) smallest amount give a 6 10From CountingFrenchN objectorsO bank as anE (5) appraisal remarkably,R E C thatO U R S E likely to get hurt (8-5) 12 Loser might receive this17 books Theas smallest (4-9) amount give a high-pitched cry (6) 28 could be dead first (9) that26 could Something19 beName dead wrong. . first. . . . about(9) . .22 . . 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Solutionbe sent and electronically winners’ names likelyto the published toemail get address Mon,hurt Oct(8-5) you 12. enter in the coupon below. F A N F A R E D N 26B FatherV with name for 20 Susan turned back with 15 AChemicalhigh-pitchedC T S discoveredI cryS (6) in MLeices-femaleN strivingE for superiorityanother (5) car (6) 13 In this case there are no 16 Got in trouble around19 rocky Corrupt female I left in river (6) 9 Coldness following stiffness (9) Yesterday’s Quick Solution N O E R E C O seductiveU R S E Namewoman . . (5) ...... heavyweight ...... to . find. . . station. . . . (6). . . . .tershire .18 .E .Start . (5).T .toA . watchB L E playingS A 15L this TChemical O discovered in 25 Reportedly purchase most capitals (5) height back in cave (6) 20 ESusanN G RturnedA V E backE withU E 21S 22 23 21 Fellow inWe agreement apologise (5) that we10 are22 Counting Troublesomecurrently unable as Naomi an appraisalto embraces accept postal entries for our Conceited, I bring in a set of C F L C T LeicestershireA B U T Across: (5) 1 Tack, 3 Titian, (Tactician) 9 Down: 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, 414 Jealously losing cockney heavyweightO E toE findP RstationE G 27N (6)A N T 24 Beat peculiarprize brotherpuzzles; without we will reinstatelearner,game these one(5) in as the soon fuel industryas possible. of the food easily (2,3) 17 The smallest amount give a Email address28 ...... that . .L .could O. .U . N. be.G . EdeadS U firstI T (9)L T Relieve,27 10 Await, 11 Bib, 12 Petit four, Inarticulate, 5 Idaho, 6 Natural, 7 F U L M24A R R H books25K (4-9)I hesitation26 (5) (6)23 Part of Mercedes, Cortina22 Troublesomeor Naomi 26 Something wrong about female striving for superiority (5) high-pitched cry (6) 21 Fellow in agreement (5) For more information about how we use your data, please visit telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.13 In19 this Corrupt case female there I leftare in no river (6) 13 Sketch, 14 Scrawl, 16 Rehearsal, 19 Bespectacled, 8 Next, 13 Sarcasm, 15 N O S H O E S T R I N G 26 Father with name for seduc- anotherO T carR (6) T E embracesV I N C E learner, one in the 28 Rock having even weight (9) Entry: Scan or photograph your20 Susan filled-in turned solution back with and coupon andDab, send 21 Anvil, by 22 Optimal,Italian 23 protest Melody, (3-2) Abdomen, 17 Hovel, 18 Show,15 Chemical20 discovered in 18 Start to watch playing24 this ABeatC T peculiarS I brotherS M N E tive womanemail, (5) along with yourcapitals postal25B ReportedlyO address,U (5)T I purchase Qto:U [email protected] mostR of theS A with ThreeYesterday’s prizes of Quick a £25 Solutionelectronic book token will be awarded to the senders fuel industry24 (6) Knee. Belie. Leicestershire (5) game (5) withoutE hesitationT A B L E (5)S A L T O of the first three correct27 Conceited, solutionsDT I29,485 bringopened in in afrom setthe of subject all those14 foodJealouslyfield.B received.heavyweight easilyR (2,3) Slosing Prizes toN find cockneywillS stationI A M (6)E S E 27 Solution NoAcross: 29,484 1 Tack, 3 Titian, (Tactician) 9 Down: 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, 4 23 Part of Mercedes,28 Cortina or 22 Troublesome Naomi C F L C T A B U Tbe sent electronically tobooks the email(4-9)Closing address date: you 9am enter Friday.female in26 theSolutionE SomethingY coupon strivingE G andL wrong below. Awinners’ forS superioritySabout namesN ItalianA published (5)T Help Mon, with Oct today’s 12. Quick Crossword clues Single clues 0905 757 0122. Solution 0905 757 0123. 19 Corrupt female I left in 26river LFather O(6)U N withG E nameS U IforT L T Relieve, 10 Await, 11 Bib, 12 Petit four, Inarticulate, 5 Idaho,21 Fellow 6 Natural, in agreement 7 (5)another car (6) F A N F A R E D N 28B RockV having even weight (9) protestR S (3-2)Y T A G O N I S E Calls cost £1/min, plus network access charge. Services open Mon-Sat. Spoke, 43 Whitfield St, Londonembraces W1T 4HD learner, one in the seductiveO T womanR (5)T E V I N C E 13 Sketch, 14 Scrawl, 16 Rehearsal, 19 Bespectacled,15 Chemical 824 Next, Beat 13peculiar discovered Sarcasm, brother 15 in 20 Susan turned back with N O E R E C O U R S E Name ...... 25. . .Reportedly . . . .Three . . . prizes purchase of a £25 electronicmost book token will be awarded to the senders B O U T I Q U E R S A WeDab, apologise 21 Anvil, that 22 we Optimal, are currently 23 Melody, unable Abdomen,to accept Leicestershirepostal 17 Hovel, entries 18 Show, for (5) our 20 fuel industry (6) heavyweight to find station27 Conceited, (6) I bring in a setE ofN G R A V E E U E S without hesitation (5) of the food easily (2,3) B R S N S I28A M E S Eprize24 puzzles;Knee. we will reinstate these as soonBelie. as possible. of the first three correct solutions opened from all those received. Prizes will 23 Part of Mercedes, Cortina or books (4-9) O E E P R E G N A N T Email address . . . . . 22. . Troublesome...... Naomi ...... be. . sent . . electronically to theAcross email address you enter in the couponDown below. 21 Fellow in agreement (5) E Y E G L A S S N AF U TL M AHelpR withR today’s QuickH CrosswordK I clues Single clues 0905 757 0122Quick.26 Solution Father 0905 withCrossword 757 name 0123 for. 26 Something wrong about QUICKFor CROSSWORDmore information about embraceshow we use your learner, data, please one visit in telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy. the WORDBUILDER another car (6) 24 Beat peculiar brother28 RRockS havingY evenT A weightG O N (9)NI S EOEntry:CallsS costScanH £1/min,O orE photographS plusT networkR I Naccess yourG charge. filled-in Services solution open Mon-Sat. and Spoke, coupon 43 Whitfield and1 send St, London2 by W1T3 4HDItalian4 protest5 (3-2)6 Three prizes of a £25 electronic book token will be awarded to the senders seductive woman (5) 1 Avoid (4) 25 Reportedly purchase most A C T Semail,I alongS withM your postalN E address, to: [email protected] industry (6) with We apologise that we are currently unable to accept postal entries2 Humble for our (7) without hesitation (5) of the first three correct solutions opened from all those received.Yesterday’s Prizes Quick will Solution Conceited, I bring in a set of E TDTA 29,485B L E inS theA subjectL T Ofield. 23 Part27 7 of Mercedes, Cortina or prize puzzles; we will reinstate4 Break these apartas soon (6) as possible. of the food easily (2,3) Solution No be29,484 sent electronically to the email address you enterAcross in the coupon below. Down 26 Father with name for Quick CrosswordC F ClosingL date:C 9amT Friday.A B USolutionT Across: and winners’ 1 Tack, 3names Titian,another published (Tactician)books car Mon,(4-9) 9 (6) OctDown: 12. 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, 4 3 Winter sport 26(6) Something wrong about F A N F A R E D N B V 8 Status (8) seductive woman (5) 1 2 3 L O4 U N G5E S U 6I T L T Relieve, 10 Await, 11 Bib, 128 Petit four, Inarticulate, 5 Idaho,Entry: 6 9Natural, Scan or photograph7 your filled-in solution and coupon and send by N O E R E C O U R S E 1 Avoid 13(4) Sketch, 14 Scrawl, 1625 Rehearsal, Reportedly28 Rock 19 having purchaseBespectacled, even weight most (9) 8 Next, 13 Sarcasm, 15 Italian protest (3-2) We apologise that weO areT currentlyNameR . unable. T. . . E .to .V accept. .I .N . C.postal .E . . . entries . . . . .for . .our . . . . . 2. .Humble ...... (7) email, along with your postal9 address,Obligation to: [email protected] (4) 4 Honeyed with (6) 27 Conceited, I bring in aE setN ofG 7 R AprizeV E puzzles;E Uwe willEB reinstateO SU T I theseQ U Eas soonR asS possible.4 BreakA Dab, apart 21 (6)Anvil, 22 Optimal,of the 23 Melody,food easily Abdomen, (2,3) 17 Hovel, 18 Show, 20 3 Winter sport (6) DT 29,485 in the subject field.10 Doing word (4) books (4-9) O E E P R E G N AB N TR EmailS addressN S . I. .A .M . .E8 . StatusS. .E . .24 . (8) .Knee...... 26. . Something. Solution. . . . . No 29,484 wrongBelie. about 5 Jog (5) 8 9 F U L M A R R H KE Y EI G L A S S N A T Closing date: 9am Friday. Solution and winners’ names published Mon, Oct 12. 28 Rock having even weight (9) Entry: Scan or photograph yourFor more filled-in information solution about andhow9 Obligation wecoupon useHelp your and withdata, (4)send today’s please by visitQuick telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy. Crossword4Italian Honeyed10 Fclues protestA N SingleF (6)A Rclues(3-2)E 0905D 757N 0122B 11. SolutionV 12 0905 757 0123. 11 Macaque (6) N O S H O E S T R RI N GS Y T A G O N I S E 6 Behave meekly (3,6,3) email, along with your postal address, to: [email protected] cost £1/min, plus with network access charge.N ServicesO E openR Mon-Sat.E C O Spoke,U R S43 EWhitfield St, London W1T 4HD A C T S I S M N E 10 Doing word (4) Jog (5) Name ...... 13. . .Extra . . . . run. . . in. . cricket...... DT 29,485 in the subject field.Yesterday’s Quick Solution 5 E N G R A V13E 14E U 15E S Solution No 29,484 10E T A B L E S A L T O11 12 11 Macaque (6) (3,3) 7 Russian city (2,10) C F ClosingL C date:T 9amA Friday.B U T SolutionAcross: and 1 Tack, winners’ 3 Titian, names (Tactician) published 9 Mon, Down: Oct 12. 1 Throb, 2 Calibre,O E 4 E P R E G N A N T F A N F A R E D N B V Quick Crossword Across6 Behave16 meekly (3,6,3) Down17Email18 address ...... L O U N G E S13U 14I T L15 T Relieve, 10 Await, 11 Bib,13 12 Extra Petit four,run in cricketInarticulate, 5 Idaho,F U 6 LNatural,M A R 7 R H K I 16 Message (5) N O E R E C O U R S E 1 2 3 4 5 6 For more information about how we use your data, please visit telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.12 Principal (4) O T RName T. . . E. .V . .I .N . C. .E . .13 . .Sketch, . . . . .14 . Scrawl,. . . . . 16 .(3,3) .Rehearsal, ...... 19. . Bespectacled,1 7Avoid Russian8 Next, (4)N 13 cityO Sarcasm, S(2,10)H O 15E S T R I N G E N G R A V E E U E S 19 20 2 Humble21 (7) 17 Sun-dried brick (5) B O16 U T I Q U E R S A 17Dab,18 21 Anvil, 22 Optimal, 23 Melody, Abdomen, 17 Hovel,A C18T Show,S I 20 S M N E O E E P R E G N A N T 7 16 Message (5) 412 Break Principal apart (4)(6) Yesterday’s Quick Solution 14 Test (4) B R SEmailN addressS I .A .M . .E . S. .E . .24 . .Knee...... Belie. E T A B L E S A L 3T WinterO sport (6) 19 Wear down (6) F U L M A R R H K I 19 20 21 8 Status22 (8) 23 24 E Y E G LForA moreS S informationN Aabout8 Thow we use your data, please visit telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.17 Sun-dried9 brick (5) C F L C T A B U T Across: 1 Tack, 3 Titian, (Tactician) 9 Down: 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, 4 N O S H O E S T R I N G Help with today’s Quick Crossword clues Single clues 0905 757 012214. TestSolution (4) 0905 757 0123. Chest disorder (6) 15 Obstruct (3) R S Y T A G O N I S E 19 Wear down (6) 9 Obligation (4) 4 HoneyedRelieve, (6) 10 Await, 11 Bib, 12 22Petit four, Inarticulate, 5 Idaho, 6 Natural, 7 A C T S I S M 22N E 23 Calls 24cost £1/min, plus network access charge. Services open Mon-Sat. Spoke, 43 WhitfieldL O U St,N LondonG E S W1TU I4HDT L T Yesterday’s Quick Solution 15 Obstruct (3) 13 Sketch, 14 Scrawl, 16 Rehearsal, 19 Bespectacled, 8 Next, 13 Sarcasm, 15 E T A B L E S A L T O 22 Chest disorder (6) 10 DoingO wordT R (4) T E V I N C E 24 Egyptian port (4) 18 Sees dip (anag.) (7) 5 Jog (5)Dab, 21 Anvil, 22 Optimal, 23 Melody, Abdomen, 17 Hovel, 18 Show, 20 C F L C T A B U T Across: 1 Tack, 3 Titian,10 (Tactician) 9 Down: 1 Throb,2411 Egyptian12 2 Calibre, port 4 (4) 1118 Macaque Sees25B O dipU (6)T (anag.)I Q U E (7)R26 S A 25 Pound (sl.) (4) Quick Relieve,Crossword 10 Await, 11 Bib, 12 Petit four, Inarticulate,Across 5 Idaho, 6 Natural, 7 DownB R S N S I A 6M BehaveE S E 24 meekly Knee. (3,6,3) Belie. 20 Hound dog (6) L O U N G E S U I T L 25 T 26 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 13 Extra run in cricket O T R T E V I N C E1 132 Sketch, 143 Scrawl,4 16 Rehearsal,5 13 19 146 Bespectacled,15 8 Next, 13 Sarcasm, 15 20 HoundE Y E GdogL A (6)S S N A T Help with today’s Quick Crossword26 clues Particular Single clues 0905 (8) 757 0122. Solution 0905 757 0123. 1 Avoid (4) 2 Humble (7) 7 Russian city (2,10) B O U T I Q U E R S A Dab, 21 Anvil, 22 Optimal, 23 Melody, Abdomen,26 17 Hovel,Particular 18 Show, (8) 20 (3,3) R S Y T A G O N I S E Calls cost £1/min, plus network access27 charge. Horrified Services open Mon-Sat. (6) Spoke, 43 Whitfield21 St, Grovelling London W1T 4HD (6) 7 16 4 Break17 apart18 (6) 21 Grovelling (6) B R S N S I A M E S E 24 Knee. Belie. 27 Horrified (6) 316 Winter Message27 sport (5) (6) 12 Principal28 (4) 27 28 8 Status (8) 28 Quaint (4) 23 Hardy (anag.) (5) E Y E G L A S S N 8A T Help with today’s Quick Crossword clues9 Single19 clues20 0905 757 28210122 Quaint. Solution (4)0905 757 0123. 1723 Sun-dried Hardy (anag.) brick (5) R S Y T A G O N I S E Calls cost £1/min, plus network access charge. Services open Mon-Sat.9 Spoke,Obligation 43 Whitfield (4) St, London W1T 4HD4 HoneyedQuick (6) Crossword14 Test (4) Across Down 19 Wear down (6) 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 For the latest puzzles news, tricks and tips, exclusive prize puzzles10 and Doing our clue-writing word (4) contest, sign5 Jogup For(5) the latest puzzles news, tricks15 Obstructand tips, exclusive (3) prize puzzles1 Avoid and (4) our clue-writing contest, sign up 22 Chestfor our disorderweekly puzzles (6) newsletter at telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletter 2 Humble (7) 10for our weekly puzzles newsletter11Across at telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletter12 11 DownMacaque (6) Quick Crossword 624 Behave Egyptian meekly7 port (3,6,3)(4) 18 Sees dip (anag.) (7) 4 Break apart (6) 13 Extra run in cricket 3 Winter sport (6) 1 2 3 4 513 14 6 15 251 Avoid (4) 26 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 8 Status (8) 2 Humble (7) 7 Russian8 city (2,10) 20 Hound9 dog (6) (3,3) 9 Obligation (4) 4 Honeyed (6) 7 16 4 Break17 18 apart (6) 26 Particular (8) 163 Message Winter sport (5) (6) 21 Grovelling (6) 8 Status (8) 1227 Principal Horrified (4) (6) 10 Doing word (4) 5 Jog (5) 8 9 19 20 2721 17 28Sun-dried brick (5) 9 Obligation (4) 4 Honeyed (6) 1428 Test Quaint 10(4) (4) 23 11Hardy12 (anag.) (5) 11 Macaque (6) 19 Wear down (6) 6 Behave meekly (3,6,3) 22 23 10 Doing24 word (4) Jog (5) 13 Extra run in cricket 225 Chest disorder (6) 15 Obstruct (3) 13 14 15 10 11 12 For11 theMacaque latest puzzles (6) news, tricks and tips, exclusive prize puzzles and our clue-writing contest, sign up 7 Russian city (2,10) 48 MARCH 5, 2021 (3,3) for our weekly puzzles newsletter24 at6 telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletterEgyptian Behave meekly port (4) (3,6,3) Sees16 dip (anag.) (7) 17 18 13 Extra run in cricket 18 16 Message (5) 13 14 1525 26 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 12 Principal (4) (3,3) 7 Russian city (2,10) 20 Hound dog (6) 19 20 21 17 Sun-dried brick (5) 16 17 18 26 Particular (8) 14 Test (4) 16 Message (5) 12 Principal (4) 19 Wear down (6) 27 Horrified (6) 21 Grovelling22 (6) 23 24 19 20 27 21 2817 Sun-dried brick (5) Chest disorder (6) 15 Obstruct (3) 2814 Quaint Test (4) (4) 23 Hardy (anag.) (5) 22 22 23 24 19 Wear down (6) 24 Egyptian port (4) 18 Sees dip (anag.) (7) 15 Obstruct (3) 22 Chest disorder (6) 25 26 For the latest puzzles news, tricks and tips, exclusive prize puzzles and our clue-writing contest, sign up 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 20 Hound dog (6) for our weekly puzzles newsletter at 24telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletter Egyptian port (4) 18 Sees dip (anag.) (7) 26 Particular (8) 25 26 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 20 Hound dog (6) 27 Horrified (6) 21 Grovelling (6) 26 Particular (8) 27 28 28 Quaint (4) 23 Hardy (anag.) (5) 27 Horrified (6) 21 Grovelling (6) 27 28 28 Quaint (4) 23 Hardy (anag.) (5) For the latest puzzles news, tricks and tips, exclusive prize puzzles and our clue-writing contest, sign up for our weekly puzzles newsletter at telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletter For the latest puzzles news, tricks and tips, exclusive prize puzzles and our clue-writing contest, sign up for our weekly puzzles newsletter at telegraph.co.uk/puzzlesnewsletter SUDOKU CHESS By Leonard Barden VERY EASY EASY

Prize Crossword 29,485 puzzles.telegraph.co.uk

Across 1 2 3 4 5 Down 1 He got a different purpose for 6 7 2 Stop and state temperature (5) lodge (9) 3 Move out of sight on the 8 Schneider v Federau, Berlin 1979. 8 Shop uncovered concise radio! (6) Material is level, but both sides memo transforming food 9 10 4 Speak about number being have vague threats with queen and technology (4,9) flowery (6) 11 knight. It was Schneider’s12 white 5 Review problem at university 11 Plant once more on move, and he like his opponent (3,2) television (5) 13 14 15 MEDIUM HARD was an ordinary amateur. His first 6 From objectors remarkably, 12 Loser might receive this as 16 thought was 1 Qd217 to guard against his sympathy is actually consolation (5) checks and protect his b4 pawn, but discouraging (4,9) 18 13 First woman to enter the then he thought: can Black really 7 Prostrate after mishap and French bank (5) 19 mate me? He began20 to calculate: if likely to get hurt (8-5) 16 Got in trouble around rocky it was Black’s move and he went 1 9 Coldness following stiffness (9) height back in cave (6) 21 ...Qb2+22 2 Kg123 Qc1+ 3 Kf2 (not 3 Kh2? 10 Counting as an appraisal 17 The smallest amount give a 24 25 Qh1 mate) Qf1+ 4 Ke326 Qe2+ 5 Kd4 that could be dead first (9) high-pitched cry (6) Qc4+ 6 Ke3 Qe2+ and it’s probably a 13 In this case there are no 18 Start to watch playing this draw. But of course after 1 ... Qb2+ 2 capitals (5) game (5) Kg1 Black can simply take Qxb4. So 14 Jealously losing cockney 27 female striving for superiority (5) 19 Corrupt female I left in river (6) can I do anything first, since it’s my 15 Chemical discovered in 20 Susan turned back with move? I have an idea. I play 1 Qxe7 Leicestershire (5) heavyweight to find station (6) when if Qb2+ 2 Ke3 Qxb4 3 Ne6+ 28 22 Troublesome Naomi 21 Fellow in agreement (5) and I win his queen. So Schneider embraces learner, one in the 24 Beat peculiar brother Three prizes of a £25 electronicplayed book token1 Qxe7. will Canbe awarded you spot to the what senders fuel industry (6) without hesitation (5) of the first three correct solutionshappened opened next? from all those received. Prizes will 23 Part of Mercedes, Cortina or be sent electronically to the email address you enter in the coupon below. 26 Father with name for another car (6) seductive woman (5) We apologise that we are currently unable to accept postal entries for our 25 Reportedly purchase most 27 Conceited, I bring in a set of prize puzzles; we will reinstate these as soon as possible. of the food easily (2,3) books (4-9) 26 Something wrong about CHESS THURSDAY’S28 Rock having even weight (9) Entry: Scan or5×5 photograph your filled-in solution and coupon and send by Italian protest (3-2) CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS email, along with your postal address, to: [email protected] with ANSWERS DT 29,485 in the subject field. Solution No 29,484 Across: Closing date: 9am Friday. Solution and winners’ names published Mon, Oct 12. F A N F A R E D N B V 1 Tack, 3 Titian, N O E R E C O U R S E PRS5x5 SIE (Tactician) Name ...... 9 Relieve, 10 Await, E N G R A V E E U E S InsertWR the missing letters 11 Bib, 12 Petit four, O E E P R E G N A N T 13 Sketch, 14 Scrawl, Email addressTLN ...... F U L M A R R H K I to complete ten words - OO 16 Rehearsal, For more information about how we use your data, please visit telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy. 19 Dab, 21 Anvil, N O S H O E S T R I N G five ILacross the grid and 22 Optimal, A C T S I S M N E fiveSYE down. 23 Melody, 24 Knee. Yesterday’s Quick Solution AOD E T A B L E S A L T O 4486 Across: 1 Tack, 3 Titian, (Tactician) 9 Down: 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, 4 Down: C F L C T A B U T PARTS 1 Throb, 2 Calibre, L O U N G E S U I T L T Relieve, 10 Await, 11 Bib, 12 Petit four, Inarticulate, 5 Idaho, 6 Natural, 7 AWAR E 4 Inarticulate, 5 Idaho, O T R T E V I N C E 13 Sketch, 14 Scrawl,PREVIOUS 16 Rehearsal, 19 Bespectacled,IS 8 Next, 13 Sarcasm, 15 6 Natural, TALON B O U T I Q U E R S A Dab, 21 Anvil, 22 Optimal,SOLUTION 23 Melody, Abdomen, 17 Hovel, 18 Show, 20 7 Bespectacled, 8 Next, H I LLS (other combinations 13 Sarcasm, 15 B R S N S I A M E S E 24 Knee. Belie. may be possible) Abdomen, 17 Hovel, E Y E G L A S S N A T Help withSTYLE today’s Quick Crossword clues Single TYDclues 0905 757 0122. Solution 0905 757 0123. 18 Show, 20 Belie. R S Y T A G O N I S E © THE PUZZLE COMPANY Reference: Concise Oxford 10th Edition Solution CN0084: 1 Qxe7? Qf1+ 2 Ke3 Calls cost £1/min, plus network access charge. Services open Mon-Sat. Spoke, 43 Whitfield St, London W1T 4HD Nf5+! 3 exf5 Qe1+ 4 Kf3 Qxe7 and Black wins. Quick Crossword Across Down www.jpost.com 49 1 2 3 4 5 6 SP I RE 1 Avoid (4) 2 Humble (7) 7 4 Break apart (6) Winter sport (6) 8 Status (8) MORON3 8 9 9 Obligation (4)ALOUD4 Honeyed (6) 10 Doing word (4) 5 Jog (5) 10 11 12 11 Macaque (6) RINSE6 Behave meekly (3,6,3) 13 14 15 13 Extra run in cricket (3,3) 7 Russian city (2,10) 16 17 18 TOYED 16 Message (5) 12 Principal (4) 19 20 21 17 Sun-dried brick (5) 14 Test (4) 22 23 24 19 Wear down (6) 22 Chest disorder (6) 15 Obstruct (3) 24 Egyptian port (4) 18 Sees dip (anag.) (7) 25 26 25 Pound (sl.) (4) 20 Hound dog (6) 26 Particular (8) 27 Horrified (6) 21 Grovelling (6) 27 28 28 Quaint (4) 23 Hardy (anag.) (5)

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The right chemistry

(Ariel University media office)

(Erin Erb Photography) MINDY LEVINE, 37 FROM SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS, TO GIVAT SHMUEL, 2019

friends. My third-grader enrolled in a puts on a show with a demonstration, circus course which interested him. The followed by a hands-on activity for the youngest was managing in first grade.” group – all based on a theme, such as Though Mindy reports that “the dinosaur science. The youngsters can first semester of teaching in Hebrew “hatch” dinosaurs from ice eggs using • SUSAN DE LA FUENTE here in August 2019 with her children, was hard, as I had to master the requi- colored salt water, for example, discover where she was faced with the task of site technical vocabulary,” she quickly dinosaur “bones” or participate in con- rof. Mindy Levine, born to “trying to parent them in a different adjusted to her new job instructing 75 trolled explosions. “My sixth-grader a lawyer mother and physi- country.” “But I dared to do it,” she says premedical students at Ariel University. likes to assist,” she adds. cian father, grew up in West with bravado. She was able to teach in person at the As in most families, COVID-19 pres- Hempstead, Long Island. Mindy describes the initial trauma of start of the academic year. Of course, by ents its challenges. “My kids are around She married during her doc- their arrival at “a pretty terrible rental the dawning of the second semester she all the time, and seem to need something Ptoral studies in chemistry at Columbia apartment – a third floor walk-up – with had to learn to convey the curriculum all the time. My oldest child doesn’t go University, NY. During her postdoctoral 15 suitcases,” in the blazing heat of via Zoom, though some labs remained to sleep early either, so he’s generally studies at MIT, the couple lived in Brook- summer. frontal. “Corona’s made things a little talking to me until 11 p.m. or asking for line, Mass. Afterward, when they moved “I carried the cases upstairs and the more tiring,” she admits. something (usually food). I have been to the small town of Sharon, Mindy be- boys helped,” she says, “but I hadn’t re- Mindy directs a lab at Ariel University, fortunate in being able to work from came a tenured faculty member at the alized that the apartment had no fridge, focusing on analytical chemistry, or home, but it’s hard to be focused without University of Rhode Island. no stove and only one air conditioner.” chemical sensors. Chemical detection getting interrupted,” she says. By that time her hard work and tenac- Although Mindy had rented some sensing is needed to trace spoilage in “My ex-husband comes to visit the ity had resulted in a very impressive CV. furniture, she had to busy herself mass food or beverage production facil- children, and my parents visit when Despite a few Israeli vacations, Min- finding some second-hand appliances ities and may also alert to potential haz- they can. They are not Israeli citizens, dy had never lived here, though she on Facebook. She remembers ruefully ards in smaller workplaces. Homemade so it is not always so easy, but they were maintains that she “wanted to live how they sat on the floor that first Fri- alcoholic drinks are an example of the here last February and again for the in Israel my whole life.” However, in day night eating their frugal supper of latter. holidays. When they are here, they help 2018, accompanied by her husband and chicken nuggets, potato burekas and “I chose research because I had a lot with the kids.” three children, she spent a five-month frozen peas. an almost pathological fear of being “In 10 years, I hope to still be living in sabbatical at Bar-Ilan University. She Mindy was delighted when their home bored,” she explains. “I had considered Givat Shmuel, preferably in this same taught two graduate classes in English, in Sharon was sold, as this enabled her medicine, but really wanted to be doing apartment,” she says regarding the while her computer engineer husband to buy an apartment in Givat Shmuel something new every day. I thought future. “We are renovating one room worked remotely for Intel US. The and improve their quality of life. She about industry too, but to be honest, I at a time here, to really turn it into a children were happy in Givat Shmuel, did that with record speed. They could wanted the regular interactions with wonderful place. My older two children and her two older boys managed well in now jettison the rental with its moldy students and the mentoring opportuni- have a swing in their bedroom. It’s awe- school. interior. Accordingly, they moved the ties that I get from academia.” some. I’m having my youngest child’s Upon her return to the US, Mindy week of Purim, right before the first, In addition, she hopes to revive the room done with a full Lego wall. I can’t was determined to return to Israel the most serious COVID-19 lockdown. In Party Elements, a small business she wait till we get to my room!” following year to make aliyah. This other respects too, life was looking up. had in America doing science birthday “I love my apartment and love my heartfelt decision proved controversial, “I had friends from the sabbatical, the parties, whether in English or Hebrew. job,” Mindy declares, always resolute however, occurring concurrently with Givat Shmuel community is fabulous, Mindy loves to incorporate “the about looking on the bright side, and the end of her 12-year marriage. and my sixth-grader had an easy adjust- element of fun” in her parties, geared consistently inspired by her chosen True to her resolution, she arrived ment in the same school with the same mainly for ages six through nine. She field of chemistry. ■

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