pages16 ✹✹FREE! modiinlifeISSUE 3 ■ MARCH 2017 Had a utility bill recently? Understand the figures and how much you owe? Of course you don’t! In a new series, Avraham Remeny gets to grips with bills and explains them from top to bottom. See page 7

easyJet calls Appy halt to Tel Aviv –Gatwick UK summer flights TURN TO PAGE 11 ExClUSIvE!eater City Food for Anglos will soon thought on be able to order Kashrut Talking point takeaways from with city councillor menus in English Jonny Cline: on phones/tablets PAGE 3 See Page 9 Steaming in! Titora Hill Railway fans lives! pull into Mall Colour SEE PAGE 8 special back page Want to write to us? Here’s our email address: [email protected] Spotlight on two events celebrating Tu B’Shvat in Modiin Someday there will be branches everywhere

■PLANTING a tree on Modiin’s Titora Hill to celebrate Tu B’Shvat are Ahuva and Yehuda Marmelstein, and alongside, markers show the spots where other trees have been planted. Regeneration of Titora Hill: Colour special back page Hadassah marks the occasion with a Seder A TU B’SHVAT

writes Marion Stone.

Seder was organised by the Israel Levonah Chapter of Hadassah in Modiin, It was led by Ronda Israel, who has written her own Haggadah for the festival which includes historic facts, appropriate songs and poems as well as personal dedications. Everyone present took turns at reading from the Haggadah, and blessings were said over the four glasses of wine that turned from white to red, and over the fruit and nuts which were laid out on plates, One of those who attended said: “I think that everyone left with a modiinlife 2 greater appreciation of nature, and how we should hold ourselves responsible for its upkeep.” Ordering a takeaway in English will soon be on Modiin menu! modiinlife EXCLUSIVE by Anthony Green HOW MANY

times have you looked at those tempting takeaway menus but have been unable to order because your Hebrew is either poor or non-existent? Well, there’s no need to go hungry any longer . . . AIn newfact, you’ll app comingonly need to to Modiin open your will meanmouth you’ll when be it able comes to order to eating takeouts what on youryou’ve phone ordered! or tablet in English and have them delivered to your door.

OrderApp has already launched successfully in Bet Shemesh. Now it’s soon to arrive in our city. Etana Hecht, of the OrderApp marketing team, explained: “The idea came about after one too many arguments over who was going to make that frustrating phone call to place a dinner takeout order. “In addition, there are often issues that arise when you place a takeout order – and rarely does the restaurant take proper responsibility for it.” As Etana pointed out: “The restaurants are often great at making ■Etana Hecht and colleague Alex Yudin at OrderApp food, but can’t seem to get down the process of correct order intake and swift delivery.” OrderApp aims to change all that by smoothing out the our Beta platforms as we Significant discounts are being offered entire process, making it as make necessary tweaks. to Beta members throughout the launch simple and positive for the user “Of course, customer period. Added Etana: “We often offer as possible. service and satisfaction flash sales at specific restaurants if the “Every part of the site has the are our top priority.” user orders that same day.” option to switch between Hebrew and Etana said that at the moment they In Bet Shemesh, OrderApp handles English,” said Etana. are only dealing with takeout/delivery delivery. “We’re ready to customise She said that OrderApp had been in a restaurants but an option for in- what we offer, based on the needs of Beta version – a pre-release of software restaurant ordering is on the horizon. various restaurants we add to the given to users to try under real Regarding prices, she said: “Not only platform each day.” conditions – in Bet Shemesh for about are our listed prices the same as OrderApp is powered by PUSH two months and the response has been whatever each restaurant charges, Startups, a startup incubator in Bet “overwhelminglyTo join the positive.” OrderApp Modiinmembers Beta of teamour Beta click team get on a muchto: http://tinyurl.com/jtb9snwShemesh. OrderApp itself is the She went on: “We’ve been offering lower final price than they would in the brainchid of the two CEOs and founders great discounts to those who are using restaurant itself.”modiinlife 3 of PUSH Startups. The kite runners of Modiin

THE CITY’S

mums, dads, children and grandparents turned out in their hundreds for the city’s 11th Kite Festival in February. Thanks to bright, sunny skies everyone enjoyed a great morning flying kites of many shapes and colours in Chativat Yiftach Park. But of course there was the odd ‘disaster’ with a few kites getting trapped in the branches of trees.

Photos by Anthony Green

They’re up a tree . . . but ‘Mickey Mouse’ is freed at last!

You can enjoy a short movie of the Modiin kite flying at: http://tinyurl.com/zesnmnn modiinlife 4 Taking stock ‘Store water at home for emergencies’ By Marion Stone MODIIN 12 litres per person should residents have been advised to always keep water in their homes in be enough to cases of emergency. Details were included in a two-sided last up to three days leaflet which went out with the latest water bills from Mei Modiin. Replace tap The leaflet states that there are many reasons that can cause a water stoppage water each for just a few hours – even a number of days – such as an earthquake, water cuts month to a damaged pipe or sudden pollution of the water supply. with a fresh supply ButMei Modiin it stresses says it thatis as prepared it is very as ■Leaflet with the advice came importantcan be to that supply all of water the city’s in residents times of with the latest water bills keepemergency, a stock of or water long in periods their homes without so thatwater. they will never be left without.

The water authority says that tap water ■ should be replaced every month with keep■ the following kit for hygienic use fresh water. According to the leaflet, the during■ emergencies: old water can be used for drinking or for The Civil Guard recommends that A pack of damp wipes. people keep at least 12 litres of water per household purposes. ■Anti-bacterial gel. person – enough for three days if used If residents are modiinlifestoring bought bottled ■Disposable tableware and paper towels, sparingly and controlled. water, this should be replaced according incaseMei Modi'in there canis no be water contacted for washing anytime up. on The leaflet says that tap water can be to the manufacturer’s instructions and 1 A 800bag for 300 collecting 420. Further rubbish. information kept – ‘you don’t have to keep bottled sell-by dates. onA sanitation their website bag for www.meimodiin.co.iluse in the toilet – can water.’ Regarding cost, has been told bewhich obtained is in Hebrew. on specialist website. The water should be kept in that one cube of tap water equals 1,000 clean bottles or containers that litres, which costs between NIS 7.62 and didn’tThese previously 1.5 house litre toxic orbottlesNIS 12.32 depending show on consumption. how much water one poisonousperson substances. should storeRegarding sanitation,for a it is recommendedsupply to lasting 3 days

Each of these bottles 1 can hold 1 ⁄2 litres. Mei Modiin says that 12 litres should be enough to last one person for three days’ emergency supply. That amounts to eight bottles of the size illustrated. Now multiply that eight for the number of people in your household. If you store tap water, this should be replaced every month.

modiinlife 5 Policing matters: Marion Stone reports with a trio of stories . . . Residents’ fears over rise in robberies THE INCREASE in break-ins and robberies at Modiin effort in operation. homes have been the subject of meetings that have taken Mayor Bibas said that the urban Police Patrol place in recent weeks between residents and the city’s was expected to become active by the end of February, Mayor, Haim Bibas. which would significantly expand policing capacity The Mayor heard a report from Modiin Police in the city. Commander Elad Klein and has also met with concerned Meanwhile, citizens are reminded to lock their doors residents and updated them on the latest precautions and windows and to keep their home protection devices being taken to lower the rate of incidents in the city. – alarms – in good working order, and to be aware of Extra police officers and an additional police car are their surroundings. now working in Modiin, providing more regular patrols. They are asked to report any suspicious persons and More road barriers are in place, and there are more vehicles to the police by calling 100, or the municipal detectives as well as a strengthened municipal security hotline on 106. May the Force

IS MoDIIN’Sbe with us?

new Urban Police Force selected and trained. about to become a reality? During the coming weeks, more According to local press reports there training will take place on subjects has been a long-standing promise of an ranging from the authority of the urban police force for Modiin- municipal inspector and traffic Maccabim-Reut. direction to shooting practice. For various reasons it has been It was hoped that when training is delayed three times, but was due to completed, the entire policing project become operational at the end of will become operational. February this year. A building has been allocated and the The urban police service is said necessary equipment is available. to include 28 people, 14 of whom The Urban Police Force is supposed are members of the Israel Police, and to attend to residents’ quality of life the remainder municipal inspectors, issues such as complaints over noise, all in uniform. A senior officer of the disturbances, violence, vandalism in Israel Police, based in Modiin, wll In an interview before last Rosh parks, neighbours’ conflicts. supervise. Hashanah, the city’s Mayor, Haim Bibas, The aim of this is to free up the main The Urban Police Force was supposed told the public that the force would police personnel based at the police to become operational two years ago, start operating by the end of November station so they can attend to more but failed to do so due to a government 2016. difficult and complex issues such as budget freeze when the last elections According to a Municipal spokesman, break-ins, robberies and serious Citywere taking place.cycling unitmost of the‘no-one personnel have been knowsviolence. about’ DID you

know that there has been a police cycling unit in There is a total of 20 volunteers in the unit, all of whom existence in Modiin for 20 years – since 1997? combine their riding as a hobby with the idea of The reason that residents might not be aware of the unit contributing to the community and the country’s security. is because it is small and only operates twice a week. ■ The unit operates in a number of policing capacities, On Tuesday nights they are in the city checking the parks and is one of the first and most experienced such units and building sites, shopping areas and the city’s youth. in Israel. On Shabbat mornings they ride into the Ben ShemenmodiinlifThee 6 unit welcomes good cyclists to join them in their Forest looking for signs of vandalism, damage, stolen bikes important and interesting work. If you’re interested, call or drug use. Itay Arnon on 052 234 8345. Understanding those bills Bills. They regularly arrive in our mail boxes. But do we understand what they say? And do we gladly pay them without knowing if they’re right or wrong? In a new series, Avraham Remeny (left) explains the columns and figures in our utility bills. This month: Electricity – are you in for a shocker?

Contract numbers Your name and address details appear here Can be paid via www.lec.co.il Billing period and meter readings can be updated Date of the bill

Faults, customer Bill summary: services etc Cost of Tel: 103 or Fax: consumption of 1800-200-103 X kw/h plus fixed charge plus VAT Your account will be charged on dd/m/yr by credit card Total amount ending XXX of this bill

Graph showing the amount of electricty used month by month over a 14 month period Not for payment as the above sum is charged to your bank Previous meter Current meter reading reading Consumption in Number of days kw/h (kilowatts in accounting per hour) period Date of your Cost of kw/h in current meter agorot reading and date of your Total amount in previous meter shekels reading Electricity tariff, Fixed charge per various charges period based on and measures monthly tariff stating your rights and obigations vis General information: a vis the electricity Bill for the amount corp can be found of ____ has been at www.lec.co.il or sent for collection the official to bank account/ electricity credit card as per authorities of Israel your choice on in www.pua.gov.il dd/m/yr modiinlife 7 TrainspottingRail fans pull into Mall for first meeting Photos: Anthony Green

TRAIN

and tram enthusiasts living in and around Modiin pulled into the Azrieli Mall for a meeting of the Trains and Trams Club of Israel. Organised by Dr Steve Sattler, a self-confessed tramologist from Jerusalem, 16 people met at Greggs where they talked trains and ate supper. After each was given a platform to introduce themselves, Steve spoke about the standard gauge of Egyptian carts across Sinai 4,000 years ago. Les Brown told the gathering the latest news about the Modiin to Jerusalem line. HaRakevet Sybil Ehrlich spoke about some unknown stations and Beth Shemesh, Jeremy Topaz about railway Les Brown magazine, together with ■ comments from its editor, Rabbi Walter Rothschild. Evelynne Cherny spoke about trains in her native Sydney, Australia, and Marion Stone about village trains in her native Yorkshire in the UK. From personal experience, Uri Ben Rehav gave background information about the Holocaust trains. Aharon Gazit told those present about the Israeli railroad in the 1950s and 60s. There was also a quiz and a memorabilia corner. The next meeting is timetabled for March at the ■Railway fan Dr Steve Sattler and (top) some of those at the meeting Herzl Museum, Jerusalem. After nearly two-and-a-half hours, the meeting ‘ran out of steam’ and those present headed for the modiinlife 8 sidings and home. JonnyOUR MAN ON THE MODIIN-MACCABIM-REUT Cline CITY COUNCIL Food for thought when it comes to the topic of Kashrut supervision AS DEVELOPMENTS

in national discussion could directly affect local Rabbinate certification in place. the status quo on the municipal level, I thought it appropriate to As the consumer, I currently have to decide whether or not I bring one such issue to your attention. feel comfortable with the level of supervision offered by the local A bill was discussed this month in the Knesset, and also in the authority, and if not would have to decide which of the Badatz or forum of the high courts, regarding kashrut supervision. mehadrin certifications I choose to follow. The bill was brought by Elazar Stern of the Yesh Atid party. Were the bill to have passed, a bakery in Modiin would be able Stern, himself a kippa-wearer (whatever that may symbolize), to decide to seek their kashrut certification, for example, from was formerly the general in charge of the manpower branch of the Nahariya Rabbinate. Do I trust their supervision? Let’s be the armed forces. honest, who am I to know?! During his time in that position he regularly was to be heard on Once the market were to have been opened, on what issues issues pertaining to military service and the ultra-orthodox would the competition between providers be based? Price? community, kashrut on bases, and other sensitive issues that Frequency of visitation? Stringency regarding the cleanliness of brought religion and State to the table. vegetables? The bill discussed, and ultimately vetoed by the Bayit If I currently feel, as I personally do, that the local Rabbinate HaYehudi, called for two basic structural changes: supervision in Israeli towns and cities is enough to go by, 1. That kashrut certification be separated from local religious then how would that be complicated were such an open councils, and market competition to be launched – 2. That mashgichim (supervisors) be prices may go down, but at what cost? employed by the kashrut authority and The other issue that I find far more not by the business seeking supervision. compelling is that of forgery. Currently, On the second point, I have to admit were a business not under supervision that I am in agreement. I do feel that the in Modiin to display a kashrut employment by the restaurant of the certificate from the Modiin Rabbinate, mashgiach is a point of confusion that is they would be found out very quickly. unnecessary, one that can lead to a Were any certification authority to be conflict of interest. able to certify any business in the There is a counter argument, of country, what mechanism could there course. In the case of workplace safety, possibly be for oversight of forgery? every workplace over a certain size Who would you call in order to verify if must appoint a safety officer, paid by the in doubt? company but answerable to the ministry Here is another case in which the of the economy. structure we have in Modiin – a Similar examples exist elsewhere in the system, but on the religious affairs department of the municipality rather than an issue of kashrut I would agree that employment by the kashrut ex-party religious affairs council – allows for more regulation, authority makes sense. management and trust than the structure in most places in On the issue of “opening up the market”, as MK Stern would Israel. like to see, I have significant reservations. I do not think there are many who would claim that the current The bill suggested removing the need for a local business system could not do with improvement – what system could not? to receive its kashrut supervision from the local authority, – but to go from there to deconstructing the system without allowing an open market of kashrut supervision and ensuring an alternative that would be a more perfect solution certification. would be irresponsible. Currently, a burger joint in Modiin would need to receive its I hope that the fact that the issue has been brought to the table kashrut certification from the Modiin Rabbinate. Were the for discussion will lead to some improvement, but just as owner Gotto seek an a mehadrin issue youcertification, want theyto raiseare free withto do so Jonny?Winston Contact Churchill said him about at democracy, [email protected] it may be a bad system, from any of the existing authorities, but only in addition to the but it is better than any of the others we have tried so far. modiinlife 9 Some good news for culture vultures THE FOUNDATION stone for what will be Modiin’s new There will be a lobby large enough to hold receptions cultural centre has been laid by Mayor Haim Bibas. and a restaurant with an external balcony. The multi-purpose building is being constructed The first floor will have seating for 400 with a stage along the main boulevard of the new city centre which where musicals and other cultural events and lectures lies to the north of the Azrieli Mall. will take place. The building will cover an area of 2,445 sq meters on This will be a ‘flexible’ hall, easily converted into a two floors, and will have an underground car park with setting to suit conferences and other events for up to a capacity for 400 cars. 800 standing people. All in one: City

MODIINleads the way

is one of the first cities in Israel The new building has two storeys, Meanwhile, employees of the cultural to have all of its social services each covering 720 sq meters. The first and events department will move into concentrated in one place. floor will house social services and special the offices that have been used by the This is in a new building just opened needs together with management special needs department in the Multi- in Emek HaElla by the city’s Mayor, offices, meeting rooms etc,. Disciplinary Centre – thus turning the Haim Bibas. Also present were several The second floor is intended for centre, together with the theatre and portfolio holders in the city. educational psychology services and library, into a campus of culture in its As well as being home to social will include rooms for reception, own right. services, the building will include consultation and treatment. Until now, Reception hours for social services special needs and educational these were housed in Reut. are 8 am to 4pm, Sunday to Thursday. psychological services. At the opening, Mayor Bibas told Reception hours and telephone The municipality expects that the employees that they deserved to have answering services for pensioners and move will improve services given to the best working conditions for their rehabilitation■ of the handicapped are Modiin’s residents. important work. from 10am to noon, Sundays to It is also a move towards emptying A lot of money is put into educational Thursdays. the caravan offices located close to the and welfare services, and this will For emergencies, call 106 for the main entrance to the city. continue. 24-hourPARKING hotline.

TheSPOT second in our series of motorist nightmares in Modiin RULES, they say, were made to be broken. And here are three cars that were spotted at Dimri Towers in Modiin by Tay Green that are certainly doing just that . . . Tell us again what the red and white markings mean? Oh, that’s right: no parking – even when there are bollards to deter drivers! ■If you spot some outrageous parking in our city, take a photo and send it to: [email protected] and tell us where it was taken.

modiinlife 10 Plane annoying! Anglos vent their frustration at easyJet decision to scrap Tel Aviv- Gatwick flights over the summer FaSTEN By Anthony Green

your seat belt if you’re a Modiin resident who regularly flies A Modiin resident told us: “If this is easyJet for business or pleasure true, it’s going to be really inconvenient money. If they were making money they between Tel Aviv and London Gatwick for us. We have family in Brighton and would not cancel.” the Gatwick flight was ideal for us. We’ll Airport in the UK. To that, someone replied: “Every The airline is stopping flights between now have to consider flying to flight I have been on – and there have Heathrow, which is much further from the two destinations from the end of been many in the past year – has been next month (April) but hopes to operate our final destination.” fully booked. There must be another To fly to Gatwick from Tel Aviv via them again in the winter. reason to it.” Expats living in Israel have been Turkey would mean a journeymodiinlife: time of Said another: “I think it’s due to more than 20 hours, as opposed to venting their anger and frustration at Gatwick’s flight handling pricing about five hours on the current easyJet the shock news on the ‘Brits Living in structure. It would mean an increased Tel Aviv-Gatwick flight. Israel’ Facebook page. seat price on planes that are not In a statement, easyJet told Here is a selection of what people are normally full to capacity.” “easyJet can confirm that it will cease saying:■WhaT Do you think of easyJet’s decision to halt flights between London Another commented: “The only flight operating flights between London GatwickWrote one: and “It’s Tel obviousaviv in thethat summer there is but to resume them later in the year? I can get is to Luton, which is far away Gatwick and Tel Aviv from 30th April not enough demandWill you and be theyaffected? are losing Write to:from [email protected] where I need to get to.” 2017. “Tel Aviv remains an attractive

pages16 ✹✹FREE! destination and easyJet still operates 8 routes to Tel Aviv across its network modiinlISSUEi f3 ■ MARCHe 2017 Had a utility bill recently? Understand the figures and how much you owe? Of course you don’t! In a including 11 times a week from London new series, Avraham Remeny gets to grips with bills and explains them from top to bottom. See page 7 Luton. “We plan to suspend flights over the easyJet calls summer and to operate this route again Appy halt to Tel Aviv –Gatwick UK summer flights in winter 2017.” TURN TO PAGE 11 ExClUSIvE!eater City Food for The statement went on: “easyJet Anglos will soon thought on be able to order Kashrut would like to apologise for any Talking point takeaways from with city councillor menus in English Jonny Cline: inconvenience this may cause.” on phones/tablets PAGE 3 See Page 9 Steaming in! Titora Meanwhile, about 3,000 people who Hill It’s all change at Railway fans lives! pull into Mall Colour are against the suspension of the flights SEE PAGE 8 special back page Ben-Gurion due Want to write to us? Here’s our email address: [email protected] have signed an online petition. to a big refurb RESIDENTS Please ‘wing’ this PDF of

modiinlife to anyone you of Modiin planning to go abroad in the next few weeks should be think might be interested aware of a change at Ben-Gurion Airport. Because of refurbishment work at modiinlife 11 Terminal 1 expected to last until May, passengers should go to Terminal 3 for check in. A marathon getting my TwriteHIS is the page YOU write! Let’so have yourn comments on issues of the day – or any of the articles featured in this edition license, too of modiinlife. Our email address is: [email protected] I hAd Please include your name, address and phone number. modiinlife,

basically the same experience An ace idea for obtaining an Israeli driving license as David Weizman ( January). It took me two driving teachers, city’s bridge seven driving lessons, eight office visits (to Holon, Ramle and Talpiot), players: Why over NIS 1,000 and SIX months to obtain my license. BonnieI was always B accompanied by my not start a club? Israeli son-in-law – and I’d been driving successfully in Los Angeles 6.45pm. Cost: NIS 25. Contact forThey’ve 48 years. So good slipped luck to you. up Maggie: 054 4715 949. David and Jennifer Salter Wednesday evening at Wizo Centre with this surface Dimri Towers, Modiin in Kaiser. Starts 7.45pm with a 15 MAyBE COuLD■There thereis no bridgebe a demand club in for the a bridge minute lesson at 7.30pm. Cost: clubcity, inbut Modiin? duplicate bridge sessions NIS 35. Contact Gal: 052 5688 781. are available in Modiin as Both include coffee and biscuits. follows: If you’re interested in forming whoever is responsiblemodiinlife, for Monday evenings at the community a Modiin bridge club, then please the tiled surface at the front of the centre on Almagan, very near email David Salter at Modiin Merkaz train station should junction with Levonah. Starts [email protected] readTay yourGreen informative article “Here’s how to prevent falling…” ( January). It becomes treacherous modiinlife after any rainfall.

Sunday March 5: ARGAMAN, Searching for Tuesdaywhat’s March 7: Thursday March 9: on the organisation representing Modiin’s butterflies LOGON production pensioners, is hosting two evenings in Hebrew in NATuRE Thursdayof musical AnnieMarch 16: recognitionThursday March of 20 years 23: since the city was founded: Feminine Power – Women’s influence Hadassah Purim in the city since its founding. Conversation led by Dr Orna Thursday March 2: Sunday March 19- walks in March organised by 23:programme Mager, consultant to the Mayor on the status of women. From a City of Young People to a City FridaySociety Marchfor the 17:Protection of Nature with the Modiin Municipality. MondayESRA wine March tasting 20: of Golden Agers – How Modiin has adapted to its population. ThursdayParticipants: March Shifra 2: Traivitz,The non-profit Yaakov Almog, Asaf organisationlawyer Shmuel is Night walk in the hosting a lecture in Hebrew about fibromyalgia. Speakers and southern hills. 7 – 9pm Iriyah trip to Molner. Moderator Yael Segel. Venue: Mifgash, Emek Bet presentationsShean, opposite by no therapists 7. Entrance from free. various From fields. 7.30pm. Venue: Rav Saturday March 25:Tour of the Dead Sea Techumi, Emek Dotan 49. Time 8pm. Participation free. archaeological site ‘A Shun’, (in Registration: [email protected] Moreshet neighbourhood) with Hadassah Prices:archaeologist. 9am to 11am. AssociatesCAN ONE be (Men) a Catholic priest and an observant Jew at the same time? That’s Looking for recognitionthe subject of ‘Torn’, a documentary to be screened by ESRA on Wednesday butterflies on Givat Sher 10am to programmeMarch 15 at Mifgash, Emek Beit Shean, opposite Beit Shean No. 7, Modiin. 12.30. Cost, including light supper, NIS 60, ESRA members NIS 45. Single ticket NIS 20, family Reservations: [email protected] or call 055 6693 744. ticket NIS 50, Saturday NIS 60. The film will be followed by a discussion with Rabbi Adi Sultanik. For tickets phone 106 or 08 9726 020 The tours are in Hebrew and are Want an event in April listing? Then please send details to:based [email protected] on travel in private cars. In case of bad weather, the tour will be modiinlife 12 cancelled. Area to extend over 29 dunams and will include new road for easy access City cemetery – Next

MODIIN’Sstage plans revealed

planning and building There will be additional construction responsible for religious affairs, says, committee has authorised the latest of a funeral building at the entrance to "The subject of burial catches us at a plan for the second stage of the ciity’s the cemetery. This will include a Tahara most emotional time. cemetery. section and offices, and enlarging of the “The Municipality is taking into It will extend over 29 dunams in area for Hespedim (gathering space for account the long-term planning four stages: 2,450 graves in the eulogies). needs and personal religious first stage; 2,400 in the second; 3,100 in A new road will encircle the cemetery and civil sensitivities of every resident the■ third, and 2,550 graves in the to enable easy access and exit. and his or her family in the city, fourth.■ In the coming weeks work will and of every individual who requests ■ These numbers will be split into: begin to complete the first stage burial services in their local cemetery. Burial in the ground. with 400 new graves on 1.9 dunams “I am very happy about the hard work DoubleStill burial on in the the ground. same subject,of land. an open letter to readersthat has gone of into modiin the planningli fofe this ‘Sanhedria’ burial into walls. Modiin councillor Jonny Cline, who is important service." Sensitivity of mourners ‘not being considered by the Municipality’ THE MUNICIPALITY

JonnyOUR MAN ON THE MODIIN-MACCABIM-REUT Cline CITY COUNCIL 1. has put out an official statement of its burial policy. Part of it states that there are three sections 2.within the Modiin cemetery – regular, the fallen victims of Burial in Modiin: is it a battle and civil. A single person will be buried by the ‘Revaya’ fateSO MUCH OF worse than death? 3.(internment in a wall) or ‘Sanhedria’ method at no cost. my time as a resident of Modiin‐Maccabim‐ assumption and expectation, and can then focus on what Family of a deceased person can secure for another Reut is taken up thinking about real estate (what are the is available. apartments like in the new neighbourhoods? Is my I too had assumed that there are basic rights after death, family member an adjacent plot by ‘Revaya’ for NIS 3,640, apartment really the size for which I pay arnona? How based upon the fact that the deceased had paid national Flashback:much has my apartment Jonny gone up Cline’s since I bought column it, and insurance which contributions prompted during their thislifetime. letter Sometimes according to law. ■ what could I buy for that amount if I were to sell?) that it is only when a question is asked that you learn the raw I rarely spared a minute to think about real estate of t Burial in the ground is possible only in two layers, i.e. Leumia throughout their working lives, and should be

(thattwo deceased person havingpersons worked, in one dug-out and paid grave, into one Bituach placed buried free of charge.

Leumiabove the during other. his The or firsther lifetime).person will be buried for free, It seems to me that the municipality is placing a andNow, burial how for sensitive the second is this person to the will sensitivities incur a payment and of monetary value on cemetery land and using Jewish burial emotionsNIS 3,640, ofto thebe paiddeceased's at the time family? of burial of the first person as a commercial enterprise.

4. modiinlife,

5.

If the family is not interested in a double grave, each without affecting the freedom of a Sadly,f in his column published in the last deceased person will be put into a wall cupboard, in Councillor Jonny Cline based his comments on the accordance with the municipality’s decision. Municipality’s policies from their official point of view.

This,There even is a whensmall bothsection of forthe burial deceased in the paid ground. into BituachIn order MarionThe Municipality Stone, Modiin was allowed to formulate its own policy to secure such a plot, a couple will have to reserve in on this matter, based on a new national law and has not modiinlife 13 advance for payment of NIS 50,000, or a single NIS 25,000. considered one single ‘sensitivity’ of the individual mourner,

(Bet Shemesh charges NIS 7,500 per person). in any possible manner.

Speaking English and Hebrew could protect us against dementia BAD NEWS

for Olim who can only who can only speak their native damage, even though they exhibited speak one language . . . if you are tongue. What isn’t known is why this the same symptoms as those who only proficient in two – say English and happens. spoke one language. Hebrew – then you’re less likely to Now Italian scientists have The experiment was led by a develop Alzheimer’s Disease. discovered that those who use two professor of neuro-science at a According to a report in the London languages can manage with having university in Milan. She said that if Times, this is because people who can their brains devasted by Alzheimer’s. you use more than one language, speak two or more languages can cope This is due to the power of their “it keeps your brain going throughout with having their brains devastated by intellectual command centres. your life.” the disease due to the power of their In an experiment, 40 people with Time, perhaps, for many of us to intellectual command centres. dementia who could only speak their either go back – or start – those For more than a decade researchers mother tongue, Italian, were compared Hebrew lessons at the Olim Centre and have known that bilingual people tend with 45 others who also spoke German. catch up with the textbook Danny and to learn that they have dementia four The results showed that bilingual Ruti to see if they’re still queuing up for or fiveHave years later a than beer those people andpatients learn had suffered how worse brain to stampsbe ata the goodpost office. dad MODIIN

fathers of young children are being urged to have a The lectures are being given by Omri Imber, writer of the beer and then listen to lectures on various aspects of blog ‘Israeli Fatherhood’. fatherhood. Subjects include balancing work and family time, The monthly talks, which take place in a pub in Maccabim discipline and limits, couples’ issues and the differences where the first glass of beer is on the house, started in between mummies and daddies. February. Also to be covered are new hobbies in mid-life, and The ‘Beer and Beyond’ project is being organised by the dreams and aspirations. Modiin Sachlavim Community Centre. It is hoped that the beer helps rather than hinders, and The fathers of youngsters up to the age of six hear a that by the time they get home, fathers remember what lecture dealing with methods of how to overcome the they were told at the lectures. differences between the father that you want to be and the Pre-registration is required through the Sachlivim dadmodiin you are. life: bitswebsite. andThe lectures are in Hebrew.pieces Big rush for free book on nature walks SINCE modiinlife,

it was highlighted in the last colour large format paperback is issueNature of Walks in Modiin,a free nature book published by the Society for the with walking ideas in and around Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI). the city has been going like hot If you want a copy, stocks are still Shalom! Couple returncakes! and settle in cityavailable.News To secureat 10 yours, in pleaseEnglish email: A HEARTY welcome from modiinlife to Americans Judith anda 50-page Robert fullGolub,[email protected] TV viewers – but hurry! returning Israeli citizens who have settled in Modiin. The Golubs have been TV VIEWERS reunited with their respective families: Chanan and Sivia Golub and Yonit and Yosef Serkin.They are making Aliyah Gimel after student/young adult years in Jerusalem in the 1970s, and young family years in Haifa in the 1980s. will be delighted to learn that a 30-minute news programme in modiinlife 14 English airs Sundays to Thursdays at 10pm on Channel 109 (METV). Cricket, football and baseball are firm favourites, reports David Franks

Question of sport: Modiin is truly spoilt for choice MODIIN’S

municipal swimming pool, sports centre and require another article to fully explain. Suffice to state that tennis courts in Emek Zevelun are on obvious view and well the eventual play off winner is also promoted. the bottom known to the community. In particular, the municipal two clubs will be relegated. swimming pool is being roofed over. When work is Modiin also play in the State Cup but usually, as occurred completed it will be available all year rather than the this season, are eliminated in the preliminary rounds before current May to September. there is a chance the club might play one of the top Israeli In addition, there is the health club at Holmes Place and teams such as Beer Sheva or Maccabi tel aviv. Cricketthe swimming pool and sports centre in Reut, both of which all Modiin’s home matches are played early Friday require membership. However there are other, less well afternoon, usually starting at 1.00p.m. Entrance to their advertised, activities. ground near the Ligad Centre is free – yes free – with ample free parking. the team is currently in sixth position in their league within distance of reaching the play offs. So watch It May not be widely known but Modiin has three teams in some live football near your home without paying an the Israeli National Cricket League. the first plays in the entrance fee. a division with the lower two teams in the B division. Home BaseballFurther information can be found on the Israel Football matches are played on thursday and Saturday evenings at association web site, football.org.il but unfortunately only the Iron Gimel High School. the top two divisions merit an English entry. the format is very loosely based on 20-20 cricket played worldwide so that all matches produce a victor on the night. the teams welcome players of all levels and ages with tHIS IS played regularly in the amphi on Emek ahula. Modiin’s top team containing players who have competed Sessions take place on Friday afternoons. It is considered atFootball International level for Israel. the phrase, ‘welcomes the fastest growing sporting activity in Israel. players of all ages’ is not used lightly, currently players Modiin’s Little league team, comprising players in grades range from 10 year olds to the over 70’s. 4-6 in 2016 had the best record in the league. If you want to try to play in one of the teams go along on a Friday or just be a spectator. tHE CIty boasts of a semi-professional football team, Iron On a wider basis, the Israeli senior team has qualified for Modiin, that plays in the 4th Division South of the Israeli the upcoming World Baseball Championship to be played in Football League. there are 16 teams in the league from Eilat March in South Korea. Israel can take advantage of the rules in the far South to Modiin at the Northern end of the league. that allow players to compete for any country for which they the club organizes numerous Chugim, (Soccer training are eligible for citizenship. Consequently, the Israeli team sessions) for children of all ages and these are an important consists mainly of americans who have played major and source of finance. the team receives some financial support minor league baseball in the US. from the Municipality. . On the more cerebral side there are Duplicate bridge at the end of each season, usually September, the topmodiin team sessionslife 15 available at least three days a week and a in the league is promoted to the third tier. the teams in 2nd regular Mah Jongg evening. More information on these in a -5th position enter a play off that is so complex it would future issue. Talking about my regenerationFour months on from fires, and Titora Hill is blooming again

Story and photos: Marion Stone IT WAS

only last November when fire damaged many parts of Titora Hill. But now, just four months after the blazes, the Modiin beauty spot is magically and wonderfully regenerating itself. Proof of this can be seen with the blooming of wild spring flowers. These include anemonies, cyclamen and the rare Eretz Israel Iris. Meanwhile, almond trees are laden with their blossoms. The flowers have rapidly grown in the grassy The editorial team wishes to thank everyone who has undergrowthcontributed following to this the issue winter’s of firstmodiin rains.life However, some trees that were badly damaged by the fires have not blossomed.