News

This is not going to be a long column.

This could even just be a short Hebrew lesson.

Within a week of the October 7 terror attack on Israel, approximately 700 notable Hollywood personalities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Douglas, Debra Messing, Gal Gadot, and a handful of entertainment executives, came out strongly in support of Israel. In an open letter, devised by a nonprofit organization called “Creative Community for Peace,” they condemned in no unspeakable terms Hamas’ heinous attack on Israel, as well as calling for the release of its hostages.

This is the third consecutive week I am writing a column from Israel.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the war up until then for me, including guiding in Poland. Last week, I wrote about my son Matan who was injured (Baruch Hashem, he is doing much better).

Part II

By now many of you have probably read my piece in last week’s paper, entitled “Never forget? How I wish I could!”

Since then, it has been a tough few days I will never forget - not my usual Chanukah, but with a Chanukah miracle.

In the face of challenges, Israel’s resilience drives growth.

For over 35 years, Tivuch Shelly has been dedicated to serving our American clients and pioneering some of the major English-speaking communities in Israel. Jerusalem, steeped in history; Netanya, renowned for its coastal beauty; and Neve Shamir, an area experiencing significant growth in the past two years, are poised for urban development milestones.

On Sunday morning, our granddaughter’s husband Yosef (last name intentionally omitted) was given a 24-hour leave after nearly a month straight in Gaza. We hadn’t seen or spoken to Yosef, a member of the IDF Nahal Brigade, in nearly six weeks. While in Gaza, he had no phone, and for the last four weeks, our only news was through a supply officer who periodically went in and out of Gaza to make sure the troops were properly supplied. Yosef’s wife Batsheva had spoken to him a few times when this same officer let some of the soldiers use his phone to call home.