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Israel Log- Fall 2008
Capt. Elie A. Fouere
Jerusalem, Israel

Capt. Elie A. Fouere’s
Israel Log- 13 September 08-
“In the Mix”
Shalom,

A new week in the Holy Land

This Shabbat was spent at the warm and welcoming home of Nadav & Gilli with their two adorable sons. The relaxing day was an excellent time to deal with the last elements of jet-lag and to contemplate the past week.

Mercklaz Klita
The absorption center where I am staying is a complex of three 6 story buildings around a courtyard, interconnected offices, class rooms, a schul and an Ulpan. There is an amazing mix of about 250 people from around the world. The average age is about 21 but there are families with several kids as well. Most seem to come from Brazil and Argentina, as well as France, Russia, South Africa, England and just a few from the USA.

Down in the courtyard there is at times a buzz as the different nationalities find a common language or work on their Hebrew.

Stepping back, it is amazing to think how easy and how welcoming this country makes it to live here. In the US Chinese are stuffing themselves into containers and Mexicans crawl thru the desert to make their new home. But here in Israel they literally roll out the red carpet, stuff money in your hands and food in your mouth. B”H.

Arrivals
Going back to the welcoming ceremony at the airport, the PM Olmert gave a passionate speech to the 700 people gathered there. And unbelievably half the crowd stood silent, a quarter clapped and the remainder “booed”! It was amazing to see how free people were to express themselves. (It was very true to the old joke about a country of presidents).

Israel Log- 18 September 08-
“Knives, Banks & Strudel”
Motto:

Many countries, states and companies have their slogan or motto: “Live free or die”, “Liberty-Equality-Fraternity”, “Working hard to serve you better”; You have tried the rest now try the best”. Here in Israel a national slogan could be, “Ask a question, get a different answer.” As if you do not like the answer, just keep asking the question, for the roulette wheel of ambiguous responses will eventually land on your bet.

The difference I have learned recently is that, when one is on vacation you are on line to spend your money while when you live somewhere it’s to get it back.

Bank Robbery:

Never go to a bank in Israel unless you want to be robbed. I walk into a lobby that was over flowing with people and take my place in line or so I thought. On this line a lady is on her cell phone explaining to her assistant how to unclog a sink in LA. Another guy just got off a desert caravan and is dressed in a full length gown. In front of me an Israeli electrician is arguing about the sign with an old man and a young American girl is running between several of the desk bankers and the line for the teller.

So I am up and suddenly an older guy jumps in front of me! What should I do, beat him with his own cane? After another 20 minutes the teller lazily points her finger to the next teller over, indicating to me she is the one who was trained in the art of counting money.

Teller #2 takes my 1,800$ in 100’s, she feeds the stack of them through an authentication machine, the processed notes fall like autumn leaves gently on the bank floor. Suddenly she stops, culling out one bill. She leaves the little teller area walking towards a copy machine, taking with her the bill and my passport. When she returns, I am told to sign a receipt for 1,700$. She tells me that the machine did not like one of the bills, I tell her I do and I want it back. She finally agrees, but then as we are approaching the end of our afternoon together she tells me to sign a different piece of paper for 100 NIS (30$), processing fee. Keep in mind this was just a straight deposit.

Ok, at this point, I wish I had not entered the bank an hour and a half ago. So now the only way out of this bank is to become Israeli. I gave in and started yelling. Finally the manager comes and prints out a new stack of papers for me to sign stating that we accomplished nothing.

Strudel

Is what they call the “@” sign here in Israel and it is also an oasis in the desert of empathy.
Amazing Coincidence

Here at the Absorption Center, we have a nightly international fiesta in the courtyard. There is a mix of 40 people who bring their national beverage, guitars, and their lap tops to mingle in the language of their choice.
So last night I meet a lady from Maine, and we quickly discover that her last boyfriend was the other Jew in Maine who I knew well! In fact he was at the Maine Maritime Academy and we would go to temple together. He now also lives in Israel.

In all these experiences are like little vignettes in a movie and when one steps back they are very entertaining. Let’s pray that there is romance, action, good scenery, the plot and sub-plot advances and that there is good character development.

Cross roads

This afternoon I will meet a friend, Daniel Simon from SB, who is in town with his Sabra girlfriend.

Music

As I type this I hear a Russian on another floor playing the piano, followed by the echoing blows of a distant Shofar and now as I sign off North African music comes in off the street.


Israel Log- 20 September 08- “Theoretical & Practical”

The last few days have given me a terrific opportunity to bond with the other people here at the “Beit Canada” Absorption Center.

Thursday afternoon (Yom Hameshe):

I went on a great tour of the Israeli Supreme Court Building with Daniel Simon, who was in town from Santa Barbara,. The building is an incredible piece of architecture, in that it achieves its purpose and also makes great poetic use of stone, light, water and wood. The café there also turns out some delicious food.

After our parting I walked by a small Israeli store that sold Kosher BBQ sets, after care contemplation and negation, I left carrying my new galvanized steel cooker, charcoal and tools.

Later once I arrived back at the Mercaz Kalita, the site of the new BBQ drew approving grunts from the other Jewish males, and within minutes several bags of hotdogs, pita, hummus and a bottle of Arrack appeared. About twelve of us deliberated over the best fire making techniques and the merits of different types of charcoal. By the end of the evening we all ate well and several stray cats and children were also fed.

Friday Afternoon (Yom Sheshe):

I now have a new roommate from Zimbabwe and together we went to a local pool for a swim before Shabbat which was a perfect way to get ready for the evening ahead.

This Shabbat was truly unique experience for the 45 of us who sat around several tables that stretched across the communal space in the basement of one the buildings. The Shabbat was sponsored by Chabad Rabbi Stern, who came from the Old City with trays of food, books and joy. R” Stern came to Israel from Santa Cruz, California in 1983. He worked together with Malka who is also new immigrant from Queens, NY and Ariel my Canadian roommate to make what was to be in the top 10 Shabbats of all time.

As the table was being set and food was being placed on hot plates, a young New Yorker comes up to the Rabbi and tells him that he has the room reserved for his birthday party. There were some negotiations that I was not a part of, but I was left wondering why anyone who moved all the way to Israel would argue with a Rabbi on Shabbat, or plan an event on this one night of the week? But the Rabbi said wisely “that for the sake of peace between Jews that both groups should respect each, by modulating their music.”

As the Shabbat table heated up many of the party goers were drawn to the singing and atmosphere that was created. For at the table we had an amazing mix of South Americans, Frenchies, South Africans, a few North Americans, and a Hungarian. After the blessing of the wine, hands and bread, we sang and ate our way through 5 course of delicious food. By 1:30 in the morning the meal and several bottles of wine were finished.

For some this was their first Shabbat so the seasoned pros passed on their knowledge. Everyone felt the common bond that has kept the many far flung Jewish communities together for the last two thousand years.
Saturday (Shabbat):

The rest of Shabbat went well. A few of us went to an incredibly small octagonal shaped schul for services in the morning. There three of us were called up to the Torah in honor of our recent arrival and status as Olim Hadashim. After services the kind community offered us all the leftover Kiddush food to bring back to the others. Upon returning with our “Manna from heaven”, with Malka’s help and direction we set the table for a proper Kiddush, which was to feed another 16 people.

Saturday Night (Yom Rishon)

A half dozen of us went to the soccer field and engaged 16 local Arabs in a game of soccer, but that is a long story for another time.

Israel Log- 24 September 08- “Compliments & Contradictions”
*Please pray for the speedy recovery of the 17 young Israelis who were injured in yet another relentless and terrifying attack.*

Knives (Tzakim)
I learned not to carry my fast opening knife in my pocket when entering the bus station (Takanah Autobus). It is preferable to keep it in one’s back pack, except at the Supreme Court, where you can check weapons with the guard (Hashomer).
Arab Soccer (Kadour regel Aravi)
So the other night a bunch of us Frenchies went down to the local soccer field to shoot the ball around, when we got there about 16 local Arab youth were playing. The Arabs were all toned and of similar build, playing in jeans and showing great control over the ball. In NYC the rules of playground turf and respect are pretty well understood. One of the Frenchies who grew up in Paris coached us about how to act in front of them. As their game went on, we waited for an opening to jump in. Eventually they gave it to us, but as we left for the field the leader of their tribe decides to act up in front of his friends, by making a public display of grabbing our water bottle and gulping it down and then sharing the spoils. Later this same guy, when the ball comes close to one of the Frenchies bag, takes on extra step just to kick his bag. Otherwise we left and played without incident.

Ulpan
When the people of Babel decided to build a tower to attack G-d, he instantly created the languages we speak today resulting in chaos and the collapse of the project. Everyday in the Ulpan, but with a kindler goal the reverse of this is happening. The teachers (morah) who conduct the Hebrew class use English, French, Spanish, Russian, and occasionally Portuguese. They are true linguistic masters and it is amazing they do not get tongue-tied. Any misunderstood lesson results in babbling between the different groups of students. Lastly being in the Ulpan brings back many memories of Pre-school and also the behavior that went with it.

Pre-Army Training

So twice a week a young guy from the IDF comes down as part of a youth program to take us and the local 17 year olds running and while I am no doubt the oldest one there, I keep up. We run up and down a trash filled valley, stopping for push ups and some combat exercise. There is a beautiful camaraderie between the kids and even the one guy who has eaten too many falafel balls over his lifetime is encouraged to keep up and finish.

Random Acts of Cake (Oolga)

Between all these various activities, someone is always showing up with some kind of desert. Just today the Mercaz Klita set up a big event in preparation for Rosh Shana, with a guitarist, honey and apple and wine. We sung and danced the Horah.

Terrorists (Michabel)

Sitting in the lobby and courtyard people pulse in throughout the day as the city bus (Eged), drops them off. Yesterday evening, a lady tells us that something just happened downtown! We rush to the TV, computers and cell phones. In ten minutes we learn that some one has decided to kill as many Jews as possible with any means necessary. The feeling amongst the Olim Hadashim was palpable. Until this point all of us had watched or learned of murderous acts in Israel as outsiders, but now this was truly happening to “us” as many people related how they had just been “there” that afternoon. As some people were visibly upset and scared I tried to relate to them that every place has its dangers, whether from earthquakes, typhoons or lightning.

Join me next time for my amazing experience at the Jerusalem Kenyon (shopping mall), the 6 NIS (Shekel) doctor visit and tattoos of Hebrew letters?!

G-d willing we will learn of peace in the Land soon.
Israel Log- 8 October 08- “Haggim”

The Haggim (Holidays)

Here in Jerusalem, I continue to get settled into my new life. The other residents and I of Beit Canada have been enjoying the Holidays in the holiest cities of the Holy-Land.

Last night at the Kotel (West retaining wall of the Holy Temple) there were over 50,000 people getting in their last minute prayers and this was at 2:30 in the am! Earlier that day at the Shouk (market) a unique Jewish ritual was being preformed.

Koporas
I am not sure the history of this ritual but it was moving and I could feel a difference afterwards. Basically upon entering the courtyard one is paired up with a chicken and is given a copy of the baruchas (prayers). There under the tarps with the sound of clucking were about a hundred people gathered with their families watching the other people performing the rituals and working with the birds.

The bird is then moved around one person’s head or several to absorb their sins. The bird is then brought over to a table behind which stands a shecket (ritual slaughterer). Standing by is another rabbi who periodically inspects the knife for nicks and keeps it sharp as per the Torah. There in front of you the birds neck is slit allowing it to die painlessly and is placed in a bin with the other lifeless chickens.

In another corner of the courtyard machines are running to de-feather the birds and a butcher is preparing the meat that will now be sent out to charities who feed the poor.

After this moving ceremony I went with Izy (GI Jew Jr.) to join up with other Beit Canada people from Maine, South Africa, Hungary and the Ukraine for a beer.

May you all have an easy tzam (fast).

Israel Log- 13 October 08- “20$ Lemons & Cardboard Fortresses”
Sukkoth
Well this evening another Holiday will get underway! Sukkoth is where the adults build little huts or booths in their backyards, behind their Schuls or in front of restaurants. These temporary dwellings are made of canvas, wood, palm fronds and bamboo mats. There are several explanations for this festival ultimately the instructions are detailed in the Torah.
Volunteers
How beautiful is it that this whole country was formed with and is run on Tzadekah?
Our Sukkoth here at Beit Canada was built by Army boarder guards who were organized by a retired industrialist. On the day these fine soldiers were helping us ten other groups were having the same experience. This same group will also run Chanukah events at retirement homes in a few months.
The work was split in to two groups one making decorations with the children the other getting on ladders and tying knots.
Estrog
So before Shabbat last week I went with a lovely Hungarian to Meir Sharim, to buy the 4 species that are needed for the ritual of Sukkoth. You might have heard that in this neighborhood people are regularly stoned, wives are beaten in public and Orthodox Jews cheat people. I am glad to report these rumors are untrue.
Together we went from table to table in the frenzied and packed streets examining the citruses, willows, myrtles and date palm shoots. One takes these and uses them as an instrument of prayer during the festival shaking them in a prescribed sequence and direction.
For a more throughout explanation and where to get your own 4 Species, please speak to your Competent Local Orthodox Rabbi.
Israel Log- 21 October 08- “Signed, Sealed & Delivered?”

Long-Lost Cousins

Here I am with my cousin Liba’s husband after we enjoyed a delicious meal in their Sukkah in Jerusalem. Thanks to the efforts of Mark Leeds and Steven Garber this two halves of the family are reunited again. They have two terrific daughters and are living in a very warm part of the city.
Tsfat

This past Shabbat I went North with a friend Israel to get some good mountain air. We visited the mountainous and mystical city of Tsfat. Where for many centuries a thriving Jewish community welcomed, housed and produced the great Kabalistic Rabbis. The city is almost 1000 meters high, which makes it sort of an Israeli Machu Pichu. The city of Tsfat looks out onto the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) to the South-East and Lebanon to the North-West.

In town we stayed at the facilities of Livnot in a large arched room facing a garden and long stone staircase. All the buildings of this town are perched on each other, built using the walls and roofs of earlier buildings. At the summit is an old crusader castle that was destroyed by some friendly Muslim armies.

Kassamim
After a delicious Shabbat meal in the Sukkoth of a warm Israeli family, the father brings us outside to show us the side of his house. As you can see he tells us, there a large hole. This is where a Hezbollah rocket slammed into the house. By a miracle, thank G-d, the kids were not sleeping in that room and the rocket did not explode! The army large came a disarmed it. The remnants of the rocket are propped in the window.

Since and during this lastest war “against the Jewish presence on planet earth” thousands of these terror weapons have landed on Israeli soil killing Jews and Arabs. Yet despite this threat Jewish life and learning continue to thrive in the Holy Land.

Cemeteries

One of the other big draws to Tsfat is the resting place of the many Tzadik who taught there. As to not step on any graves a elevated path brings you through this rocky site. Where it is appropriate to pray and to think of the memory and acts of kindness of the teacher whose grave it is.

Simcha Torah

Tonight is the last day of Sukkoth and in the morning we rewind the Torah scrolls. Before I-pods, CDs, VHS, cassettes, Beta, 8-tracks, LP records or wax cylinders there was the Torah. So happy are we that G-d has given us this and that we accepted it that we dance. The Kotel and the old city will be alive with the Joy of Torah. For other deeper explanations please consult your Rabbi.
Knot tying

This week I should be sharing my Maritime skills with the boys from the local pre-army running club. We run twice a week for an hour, do push-ups and stretches and then sit in a circle and learn about Israeli military history. I gave a presentation about some of Israel’s awesome Navy fighting ships.
Israel Log- 31 October 2008- “Devotion & Sacrifice”
Hashouk (the market)

Another incredible aspect of being in the Holy Land are the great food markets. Just imagine a subway car at rush hour packed with every type of delicious fruit, veggies and specialty foods. At fist I was a little nervous about going into the narrow alley of shops, but now I love it. One of my favorite stops is the Estrog Medicine Man shop. Here the owner makes various juices and extracts in accordance with the Rambam’s recipes. Shopping at the shuk is the most exciting and crowded right before Shabbat when everyone is getting ready.

Russian Ladies

Of the many groups here the one that always surprises me is the Russians and Ukrainians. The other night I was invited to a birthday party of one of the girls. After an amazing feast and at least one bottle of Vodka they started playing party games. I gladly contributed a bottle of wine and some rope.

The fact that there are still Jews from Russian is amazing; the government there did everything they could to “dissuade” people from connecting to G-d.

Some of the people here experienced their first Hanukkah only last year. Here many of them are still nervous about being openly Jewish, but there are some good Rabbis that are helping them and they have already made the amazing sacrifice of moving to Israel by themselves.

South Americans

If you are ever in an Ulpan class and the majority of the people of from South American, most likely very little work will be done. These guys tell one joke after another, and have a musical feeling to everything they do.
There are rumors that they will be making a “big Fiesta” soon. But from what I can see they will just hang out and smoke water pipes while listening to music till 3:00 am.

One family who is particularly sweet, have a 12 year old boy and have just escaped from Venezuela. Their boy is great and plays well with the boys.
Venezuela allowed them to leave as long as they left most of their money behind. In fact they are only allowed to withdraw 600$ a month from their accounts. Their country was also taken over by a politician who promised change. Chavez has close military and ideological ties to Russia and Iran. Chavez has spread anti-Semitism to all corners of Central America too.
South America’s economic and political relationship with the Nazis and Arabs is very interesting. In Argentina when the two terrorist bombs killed over a hundred Jews in the early ‘90’s the President was from a Syrian family. Needless to say there was little investigating and the Iranians were not punished at the time but now 15 years later the case is being reopened and some justice will be administered.

Political Funerals

Yesterday, Wednesday, I was given the honor of representing the new immigrants at a memorial celebration. In 2001 an Israeli minister was assassinated by an Arab terrorist in his hotel room. (The word assassin is from Arabic dating back to the crusade period). This minister who was nick-named “Gandhi” was a strong leader and many people feel that today he would be in charge.

The event was held at a military cemetery at Har Hertzel. This is also the location of the Hertzel museum and Yad Vashem. There was tight security with many units of well armed guys and girls.

This minister was also a famous general and is interred alongside many other Israeli soldiers. Going down the rows of graves, the average age was 20 and many of the plots were from 2006.

As the sun came out and a rainbow formed about three hundred people were there including Perez, Livni and Olmert made solemn speeches.

The grieving family gave me the feeling that Israel is in many ways a small town. I was very fortunate to be invited and to have a look into the inner world of Israeli society.

Transition

I continue to be in debt to the Katz Family for helping me in so many ways. Last week I was invited to their family BBQ in a lovely pioneering village, I have also worked with their cousin Lazer on an all night job and have spent many Yom Tovs with them.

Cross Roads

Given that Israel is the center of this planet eventually everyone passes through here. Currently Stella Fertig, Ira’s mom is in Tel Aviv and I have just found out Ami-chi from SB will be visiting family in December.

Israel Log- 11 November 2008-
“Monkeys in the Zoo”
Canyon Malka (Malka mall)

Another amazing place to spend time when in Israel is the mall. Why this place should be so magical I do not know, but when walking around an Israeli mall there is a feeling that is very different from those in the States.

From here you take the number 12 bus getting off at the soccer stadium. After going thru security you walk in and there is a petting zoo filled with large rabbits and exotic birds! The mall is 3 levels and is like the Shuk but spacious and clean with a movie theatre and trendy stores.

Not only is it a great place for a date but personally being there gives me a taste of “the world to come.”
Tiyul (Field Trip)

So last Wednesday we went on an amazing trip to the Negev. This region of Israel is the largest, over 60%. The land this area is arid desert. Yet in this place there are farms, cities and thousands of years of Jewish history.

Our coach first brought us to the Israeli Air Force Museum. There one learns how from the time of Israel’s modern inception to today we have been protected and saved by modern technology and G-d’s divine protection.

One of the opening chapters of the Israeli Air Force took place in the USA where contacts where made with discharged WWII pilots and old planes were purchased from government surplus. Then a fake airline was created in Panama, at the inaugural ceremony the planes took off but never landed instead they made their way to Israel in several legs! Needless to say the US and other interests where not excited about this. The other amazing irony in the War for the rebirth of Israel is that Nazi fighter planes were secured from Eastern Europe and repainted with the Magen David then used in the defense against the attacking Arab armies.

Valley of Zin

After this we continued on to an amazing view of the lush Judean Hills, oops wrong side, I mean here is the expanse of the desert in front of us. In the fore ground is a lovely Ukrainian. I think my great-great grand father might have delivered fire wood to her great-great grand mother.

The Israelites were active here and if we had had more time we would of hike to a Mayon (spring) there. Also at the overlook & nature center is the resting place of Ben Gurion and his wife.

The next stop on our trip was spent an Israeli spa near Beer Sheba. There we swam in three natural hot mineral pools for the remainder of the day.


Shabbat

And now for something Holy; this past Shabbat at Beit Canada the director Yoel organized students from Bar Ilan University, to come and join us here for a Shabbaton. It was great to have these motivated guys and girls help us in the Beit Kinnest reading from the Torah and with the meals.

Yeshiva

So at the subtle suggestion of some Rabbi friends of mine, I am attending classes several days a week at one of the great Yeshivas in Jerusalem, Mayanot.

If I had any doubts whether I should be there, they were quickly dispersed when I first walked in the door and immediate recognized 4 people whom I knew (1 from California, 2 from NJ and one from here)!

There are several great classes; one is about Jewish law, another about ritual, an Ulpan, a lecture on the history of Jerusalem and then there are the daily prayers followed by several meals.

Yesterday when I walked into the Zal (Yiddish for Study Hall) there was a Simcha going on. One of the Rabbis son’s was having his Upshernish. You might remember from a previous email this is the ceremonial cutting of a three old boy’s hair and the beginning of a life of Mitzvahs & Torah.

Christian Zionists

Believe it or not I meet many Christians here who have been to Israel 10-20 times! The other day a group from Chicago came to the Beit Canada. They came to have a tour and to see where there money is going. Last year this group gave over 25 million dollars!

When they came through our class they photographed us as we introduced ourselves. While this was going on I could not help like feeling an animal at the zoo, just some interesting curiosity to theses American tourists. I am thankful for their generosity but suspicious of their motivations.

Perhaps one day in the future we will see “Muslim-Zionists” also on tour seeing the amazing country that we have built.
Hevron

This upcoming Shabbat, G-d willing, we will be led by R’ Sterne to holy city of Hevron the resting place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rivka, Yakov & Leah. Even though this city has had a continuous Jewish presence for over 3000 years to get there today we have to go there on an armored bus!

Israel Log- 19 November 2008-
“6 Million More”
Avodah (Work):

So my 3 month vacation has come to a partial end. Together with a Sabra, Nathan we have made a company that does Cleaning, Repairs & Moving. We even have signs that were putting in fancy neighborhoods to solicit more business.

What we have going for us is that Nathan the Israeli guy, has many connections while I can provide the labor, as there are many Olim Hadashim who want to work. So far 6 people have worked on 8 different projects in just the last 3 weeks.

Here’s a picture of Ariel smashing down a wall in a demolition job in an old home for Israelis that just returned from living in LA for 30 years.

When we finished five of us walked away with a few Shekels in our pockets. To get a feel of the man-power industry in Israel, I recommend the movie James’ Journey to Jerusalem. This type of day labor is very common and fills a vital economic niche for new immigrants.

Hevron and the Cave of the Forefathers & Mothers

If this sounds like the title to the next Indian Jones serial, it should. This past Shabbat 60 of us went on a trip organized by R’ Sterne of Jerusalem Connection to visit this Holy site and to make some new friends.

In the Torah we learn how Abraham buys a burial cave and the land around it for Sarah for a large sum of silver. The cave also held the Adam & Eve and later Isaac, Yakov and Leah.

This city represents Earth, just as Jerusalem represents Fire, Tiberius Water and Tsfat Air or spirit. One friend on the trip said wisely that Hevron represents the physical manifestation of all the Israel’s political problems.

One hundred years ago a thriving Jewish community lived here amongst the Arabs until 1929, when the opening bell of the Holocaust was wrung. The Jewish community in this town was driven out after an Arab pogrom that killed 70 people and maimed many more.

So what is the connection to 1939?

The Grand Mustif (not pictured) was the Muslim religious leader, who organized this blood letting. He would later spend World War II with Hitler working on the Final Solution, organizing a Muslim SS division in Yugoslavia and supervising the removal of Jews from Hungary. His resume continues well after the war, inspiring the Muslim and Arab leaders of today. His protégées include Arafat, Sadam’s uncle and the present Iranian dictators.

Ok, ok, that was some intense history. Thank G-d we have many brave Israeli soldiers to protect us today from the physical threats that we still face.
Hevron is still in the news, as Jews try to reclaim the property they once owned or have bought in recent years. Often these disputes get violent as either the Arabs attack the Jews or the government does. Unfortunately, the government seems to have no plan, as the disputed area which is 3% of the larger modern city that is home to 180,000 Arabs only 800 Jews.

When our bus entered town the street was blocked by large boulders that had somehow just “rolled” there?! With our guard covering us with his Tavor (as seen above, this is Israel’s latest machine gun and yes, it is really cool) two other guys and I got out and cleared the path so the armored bus could continue on.

So how was it? The atmosphere was great, this is an amazing place and I recommend a Shabbat there to anyone visiting Israel. It could be an even greater place to visit, but like most of Israel what is missing is another 6 million Jews to fill the Land.

In the Spirit of the New York Post I will now feature a Page Six Girl:

This proud and beautiful Hebrew woman comes from Northern California and is interning at the Har Hertzel museum for the next several months.

Mi Shebeirach

Please pray for the speedy recovery of Grandma Roz, and Grandma Helen (Henya bat Israel).

Israel Log- 24 October-2008-
“Samson vs. Zohan”


Words of Torah & Hollywood

The other day at the Yeshiva, a sheer (a class) given by one of the Rabbis about Samson & Delilah. Then one of the students asked an innocent question that changed the whole direction of the conversation. What we discovered is that the plot of the Zohan is basically a remake of the epic from the story of the Prophets.

Both Zohan and Samson represent strong Jewish males with uncontrolled lust and power. They both have a hair fetish and are good natured yet feared for their prowess. In both stories they lose out to their desires and lose themselves in the process.

Another interesting kernel of truth about the Zohan movie is that it is similar to the real life Vidal Sassoon. He ran a successful international chain of hair saloons and marketed hair care products. He is also Jewish and Israeli and fought in the War for the rebirth of Israel. Unfortunately like the other two characters he lost a great deal to his ex-wife in a messy divorce trial.


Israel’s Sin City (Eilat)

So this past weekend with my friend “Lazer” we went to the most Southern part of modern day Israel. This modern city sits at the top of the Red Sea. There are modern hotels like Las Vegas and a nice water front like San Diego or Miami Beach. While we were there we took full advantage of the warm weather. Along the side of the road is a large Bedouin Tent that is open for tourists to enjoy.

Apartheid State

What is amazing is that in recent years over 2000 Sudanese refugees have found safety here. Incredibility there is now a large and friendly Black-Muslim population that owes their lives to Israel (Funny they never mention this fact at the UN?)


Pre-Shabbat Nesh (miracle)

On the way back from the tent, we were stopped by an Israeli who asked us if we had Teffilan? We told him if he gave us a ride back to our apartment, that it would be no problem and that we could help him with his mitzvah.

+4 NIS (New Israeli Shekel) = 1U$

The financial Tsunami that is sweeping the world has brought the exchange rate up to record levels. This is a great time to buy some Israeli property or plan a vacation here. And if any needs help laundering money please let me know?

Seriously the JA (Jewish Agency) that runs Beit Canada is now short by over 30% in operating capital. A sister absorption center in Baka, Jerusalem is being closed and the new Olim will be moved here. As of today one of the three buildings was emptied of tenants and they are being consolidated with others in the other two buildings. In January they will add another 130+ people.

Naturally in an act of true charity, many of the guys are looking forward to welcoming the new Jewish women, who will arrive.

As promised:

This amazing friend is from Hungary and in so many ways her life is an amazing example of the Kiddusha (holiness) of every second.

In Gulass (in exile)

I will be in NYC and Florida for 3 weeks to help several family members who are not feeling well, feel free to reach me on my 805 number. G-d willing they will make a speedy recovery and fulfill their spiritual purpose here in this world.

Happy American Thanksgiving & Ethiopian Simcha Torah!

Capt. Elie A. Fouere 4-A Builders, Designers & Nautical Services
tsquare8@hotmail.com Jerusalem, Israel