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On Sunday, 3 November 2024, Poland's new Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia opened a photographic exhibition at Beth Shalom Aleichem in Tel Aviv entitled "Guardians of Angels" which depicted the preservation and protection of Jewish cultural heritage sites in Poland.
Jews first arrived in Poland in the 10th century and in the 13th century the Statute of Kalisz was issued which established the legal status of Jews. In 1500 Jews existed in 100 localities. In 1765 the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth had a population of 750 000 Jews. In 1933 Poland's Jewish population was 3.3 million. 1992 marked the rebirth of Jewish life in Poland by the appointment of a Chief Rabbi and the establishment of the Union of Jewish Religious Communities (ZGWZ) consisting of 1594 members in 2022. Every year the Jewish Culture Festival is held in Krakow and a Jewish Film Festival in Warsaw. In Wroclaw a festival called "Simcha Festival" is celebrated annually. There are Jewish kindergartens, schools and high schools in Warsaw and Lodz. Jewish studies are offered at the Universities of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Lublin. In Warsaw a Jewish Theatre, The Ester Rachel Kaminska Theatre exists performing plays in Yiddish.
The ceremony started with a heart wrenching song in Yiddish by Olga Avigail, "Ofyn Weg Shteyf e Boym" who also played the accordian while singing.
H.E. Mr. Marciej Hunia, ambassador of Poland to Israel briefly spoke, saying that Jewsih culture in Poland is closely connected to Polish Culture and that the Jewish contribution to Poland's public life, science, culture, art and the economy was enormous. During World War 11 the Germans attempted to annihilate not only Jews and Jewish culture but all structures reminiscent of Jewish identity namely over 400 synagogues and almost all Jewish institutions.He concluded his talk by stating that during the difficulty Israel is experiencing "be sure that Poland understands Israel's situation and emphatically supports it".
Since World War 11 over 1200 Jewish cemeteries in Poland have grossly been neglected and in 2002 the "The Foundation of Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland" - (FODZ) was established by the Poland's government.
"Young Guardians of Jewish Cemeteries", a voluntary organization of high school students as well as initiatives of families and local communities undertake the responsibility by dedicating themselves to the meticulous care of Jewish cemeteries in which there are over 10 000 volunteers in various associations related to the cause. Different Organizations are actively engaged in restoring the memory of local Jewish communities in Poland by collecting and publishing the names of individuals who were murdered in the Holocaust.
opening hours of the exhibition:
Sunday:11-18
Monday: 9:30-17:30
Tuesday: 9:30-18:00
Wednesday: 9:30-18:30
Detailed hours in Hebrew you might find here: https://bethshalomaleichem.co.il/%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a1%d7%9f/
The exhitibition will be there till 20.11
Ten Years ago, Rabbi Shapira who founded the Jewish Cemeteries Association whose aim is the preservation of Jewish cemeteries in Central and Eastern Europe was not present, his speech was read by the Embassy's "Master of Ceremony".
A short video was shown featuring young Polish volunteers involved in restoration projects of cemeteries and a few said that it was "their moral responsibility to do so". Another volunteer mentioned the fact that despite the constant work involved in the cemeteries he never gives up as opposed to the demands and challenges he faces.
Present at the event despite having to face two previous flights from Warsaw to Tel Aviv which were cancelled, was Mr. Pawel Kulig who represented the association "Guardians of Remembrance". His speech was translated into Hebrew and he mentioned that "the work is for you and not for us". He nostalgically quoted a song by Airk Einstein entitled, "Ani v' Ata" implying that "together we can change the world".
The event was concluded by Olga Avigayil's "Sholem Lid" or "Peace Song" which started in Yiddish and ended in Hebrew. Reference was made on behalf of the Polish Embassy acknowledging the Polish Cultural Association in Israel efforts.
Notable guests present were H.E. Mr. Gershon Zohar, Israel's ambassador to Poland from 1993 - 1997, Dr. Laurence Weinbaum who is Director General of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Andre Gasiorwski, President and CEO of Global Forum which is an umbrella organization of 250 associations and lastly Brother Seweryn Lubecki, originally from Pszczyna, Poland who has been living in Israel for 36 years, he is a Fransiscian friar at a monastery in Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist.
A special mention of thanks to Mrs. Magdalena Kukula and Mr. Lukas Levy of the Embassy of Poland in Tel Aviv who graciously provided Diplomacy,co.il with invaluable information regarding Jewish life in Poland and about the exhibition.
בית שלום עליכם | Beth Shalom Aleichem
Address : 2 Berkowitz Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
Beit Shalom Aleichem is located in the cultural center of Tel Aviv - near Beit Ariela, the opera house and the theater
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
The Chamber - which itself serves as a center for Yiddish culture in Tel Aviv and Israel. There is an intensive activity at home that includes:
Annual courses for teaching Yiddish - beginner, advanced and affordable classes - who participate in them
Over 300 students every year; Courses on Eastern European Jewry:
history, culture, literature; Music and theater performances.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Reena and Vinod Pushkarna and their son, Kunal are doyon's of Indian food in Israel, having started their restaurant chain, Tandoori, 40 years ago. They were the first to introduce Indian food in Israel. Since the early 80's , a generation of Israelis "grew up on her" Chicken Tikka and for that reason she decided to emphasize "kids menus". In 2023 the government of the Republic of India awarded her an order of merit for services rendered. Today their chain has two restaurants, one located in Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv with a mesmerizing seaview of the Mediterranean and the other located in Herzliya's industrial zone Mercazim building, an ideal venue for business lunches.
On Thursday, 31 October three of us experienced an unforgettable gastronomy enjoying lunch in their plush restaurant in Tel Aviv served by three professional waiters with extraordinary service skills, rarely encountered in Israel.
The service staff were exceptional in their gracious manner displaying patience, professionalism and an innate knowledge of the menu recommending dishes.
Tandoori the name of the restaurant, is a traditional Indian clay oven reaching a temperature of 600c and a hallmark of Punjabi cuisine where chicken, meat and fish are baked.
Our meal started with an assortment of four entrees which included Chicken Tamarind wings, Fish Taco Papad (small fish fillets of locus), Fish Pakado (fillets cooked and fried with chickpea flour batter) and Bhel Puri (fluffy rice flakes). It was accompanied by a selection of relishes presented in small bowls consisting of cilantro, mango ajar, coconut flakes, tamarind and fruit chutney.
The second course consisted of a selection of dumplings or dim dim, namely chicken, beef, vegetable and tofu.
This was followed by a selection of vegetables (broccoli and potato), Panner (Indian cottage cheese), grilled locus, fish pakora and lamb samosas.
Main courses were Seekh Kebab (grilled lamb in the clay oven), Tandoori Chicken (grilled in the clay oven) and Chicken Tikka (grilled cubes of chicken).
Exotic desserts offered on the menu are gulab jamun (homemade cheese dumplings, cardamon and aromatic syrup), Elaichi kheer (rice pudding cooked with milk, rosewater cardamom, saffron and pistachio), the all time Indian classic vegan sweet carrot halwa (grated carrots cooked with cardamom and aromatic spices served with a non dairy vanilla ice cream). Another exotic dessert featured is Zafrani kulfi which is made from pistachio ice cream, spices, falooda noodles and saffron.
From the large choice of deserts we decided to have the Gulab jamun (described in the the above paragraph) and the Western classic, Pavlova Mango (cream, meringue, almond, and ginger served with raspberry and mango coulis), this was conceptualized in Australia and New Zealand in the early 20th century named after the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova when she toured these countries.
Drinks included Mango Lassi (a cool summer drink of liquidized mangoes, yogurt, milk, cream and ground cardamom) and Nimbu Pani (fresh lemon juice and water).
Unobtrusive Indian music was played amidst a cosmopolitan atmosphere patronized by guests from abroad staying in the surrounding luxury hotels as well as people working in Tel Aviv. The restaurant seats 160 guests and includes a circular bar providing additional seating where there is a drinks menu available of Indian cocktails with " Lunch Bowl Deals" that can be ordered, however only during the day.
.The sea view is unparalleled and contributes to the restaurant's elegant interior and aesthetics. Tandoori offers takeaways and is an excellent venue for family celebrations, business functions, romantic encounters and personal outings.
In Israel, Indian cuisine has become popular and in many localities almost a household necessity thus Tandoori offers "special lunch box" specials as well as "Thali specials" on Wolt and 10bis. For lunch Tandoori offers a set menu priced at 78 shekels, ideal for working people as it is light and filling. Starters include bowls served with a dish of choice consisting of either rice or quinoa followed by a main course of a choice of Beef Korma or Chicken Tikka Masala prepared in a clay oven.The set menu also includes "soup of the day", naan bread and dessert. For an additional price of 10 shekels a soft drink, draft beer or a glass of wine is available.
We are most thankful to Reena Pushkarna and her dedicated staff for a memorable gastronomic experience and promise to return, hopefully in the not too distant future.
TANDOORI - A REAL TASTE OF INDIA
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
Tandoori Events
Tandoori Delivery
TANDOORI Lands End adress : 76 Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Tel Aviv : Tel 03-6296185
Tandoori Herzliya: 32 Maskit St., Herzliya Tel 09-9546702
www.tandoori.co.il
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Families of Fallen Druze Soldiers in the Iron Swords War Plant a Tree in Their Memory in the KKL-JNF Ahihud Forest
"We sacrificed our most precious loved ones, who left behind grieving families. They deserve to be commemorated and remembered at every opportunity. The KKL-JNF dedication to their memory is deeply touching," said Imad Habka, father of Lieutenant Colonel Salman Habka from the village of Yanuh-Jat, who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip.
Yesterday (Tuesday), Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund held a tree planting ceremony in the Ahihud Forest up north, in memory of Druze soldiers who gave their lives in the Iron Swords War. The event was attended by the Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community, Shaykh Mowafaq Tarif, KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, leaders of the Druze community, families of the fallen, northern municipal leaders, representatives from the "Yad LaBanim" organization, representatives from Kerem-El Pre-military Academy, and KKL-JNF employees.
During the ceremony, the families of the fallen planted olive trees together in the KKL-JNF Ahihud forest to honor their loved ones while defending the country. This planting underscores the preservation of their memory alongside KKL-JNF's values of growth and renewal.
Over the years, KKL-JNF has strengthened its connection with the Druze community, creating various projects. These range from educational activities in both formal and informal settings to the "Paths of Sons", which spans about 250 km, connecting Druze villages on Mt. Carmel and in the Galilee, featuring 18 initial landmark stones.
An annual ceremony is also held in the Lavi Forest following the "Paths of Sons" race, which attracts tens of thousands of participants each year. The "Covenant of Brothers, Covenant of Life" project, which began in 2016 to mark the special bond between the Druze community and the State of Israel, takes place in the Ahihud Forest. Here, hundreds of youths march annually to express central values of brotherhood, cooperation, and hope for a shared future.
Shaykh Mowafaq Tarif, the Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community in Israel, stated, "The Druze community's journey of mourning since the beginning of the war is a journey of mourning for the entire nation. Yet, thanks to this journey, we can maintain normalcy in the country. KKL-JNF's initiative is a touching and significant gesture – planting trees in memory of the fallen here in the Galilee, where the roots of the Druze community have been planted for nearly a thousand years." The planted trees will stand as living testimony to the bravery of the fallen and symbolize the partnership between Druze and Jews. KKL-JNF, as a national institution of the Jewish people, believes in and desires a partnership with the Druze community. The country is no longer the same as it was before but remains in the covenant between the Jewish people and the Druze community, a covenant created by exceptional individuals whom we remember today and will always remember. I hope that this beautiful site will mark a new path in the relations between the community and the Jewish people, thanks to the fallen we commemorate and the shared belief that together we will strive for a better future."
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Chairwoman of KKL-JNF, said: "The Druze community has walked hand in hand with KKL-JNF for years. Our relationship is deeply rooted and important, covering a range of fields and topics. I sincerely hope that today's tree-planting commemoration provides the bereaved families a place of solace, a piece of land that will grow and flourish. I believe that today's ceremony and our ongoing activities with the Druze community will continue to deepen our important connection."
Imad Habka, father of Lieutenant Colonel Salman Habka from Yanuh-Jat village, commander of the 53rd battalion in the Barak Brigade who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip, shared, "Our sons, sacrificed themselves for the security of the state. For us Druze, this is our country too, and it is our duty to protect and defend it. We sacrificed our dearest loved ones, who left behind grieving families, parents, wives, and children. They deserve to be commemorated and remembered at every opportunity. KKL-JNF's dedication to their memory is deeply moving, and this way, everyone has a place to honor our sons."
www.youtube.com/user/KKLJNFISRAEL
At the Photo ;Shaykh Mowafaq Tarif, Ifat Ovadia Luski, Imad Habka, Munir Madi
Photo credit: Guy Assayag, KKL-JNF.
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President Isaac Herzog commented on the 30th anniversary of the AMIA terror attack in Argentina.
In a statement in English, Hebrew and Spanish, he posted:
Today, we mark 30 years since the AMIA bombing - a brutal terror attack on the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, carried out by Iranian backed Hezbollah terrorists and which claimed the lives of 85 innocent people, injuring hundreds more.
Now, just as then, we express our solidarity with the Jewish community and all the Argentinian people, and share in the call for justice for the victims and their families, and the prosecution of those behind the attack.
I send my heartfelt thanks to President @JMilei of Argentina for leading the commemoration of this terrible crime, and to President @LuisLacallePou of Uruguay and @PresidenciaPy @SantiPenap of Paraguay for joining and sending a clear and important message in your region and the world.
Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Israeli people as we continue to face the threat of terror and hatred.
Photo : Haim Zach (GPO)
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan
The new Gandel Rehabilitation Center, inaugurated at Hadassah Mount Scopus following a large-scale fundraising campaign by Hadassah International, includes a therapeutic pool with a modular floor that adjusts to patient needs, advanced cranes for moving injured patients, computerized systems to measure range of motion, and an advanced walking laboratory. The center, estimated to cost 500 million NIS, opened its first department dedicated to treating war injuries in the south during a time of conflict. Weeks later, additional departments were added, and the center now treats hundreds of patients of all ages needing orthopedic, neurological, and other rehabilitation services.
Hadassah Medical Organization Director, Professor Yoram Weiss, explained, "We made history and did justice to the population of Jerusalem and the entire country. We have added hundreds of hospital beds for rehabilitation at a time when there is a significant shortage in Israel for war-injured rehabilitation, providing our patients with the most advanced rehabilitation technologies combining physical and emotional therapy, now operating for the first time in Israel."
The new center was inaugurated after a large-scale fundraising effort by Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America and Hadassah International, with its cost estimated at 500 million NIS. The center is named after John and Pauline Gandel from Melbourne, Australia, who made significant donations through the Gandel Foundation.
Carol Ann Schwartz, President of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, noted, "The need to establish a new, advanced rehabilitation center in Jerusalem has existed for a long time, and we have worked for years to establish it. This need became essential and immediate after the war, for many soldiers and citizens of Israel."
The Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus provides a critical response at this time, made possible by the fundraising efforts of Hadassah International and Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America. This effort is part of the organization's 112-year commitment to the State of Israel and Jerusalem in particular.
Dalia Itzik, President of the Hadassah Medical Organization Board of Directors, stated, "Today we made history." She emphasized that the opening of the first department of the rehabilitation center is a national event that will change the rehabilitation landscape in Israel. Recognizing the need for rehabilitation beds and an advanced center in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem, Hadassah began construction of the center years before the outbreak of the "Iron Swords" war.
Professor Weiss highlighted the importance of understanding that each injured person requires long-term rehabilitation, a period of several weeks to many months, during which they will receive the best physiological and emotional treatment using advanced rehabilitation technologies, walking laboratories, and a specially ordered therapeutic pool from Europe. The center offers a professional team of experts in various rehabilitation fields in a large complex designed for comfort, providing a hotel-like experience instead of a hospital setting.
The new building, covering 30,000 square meters and rising eight stories, is located near the old hospital building but has an independent entrance allowing rehabilitation patients to access the center directly. The previous rehabilitation department at Hadassah Mount Scopus offered 40 inpatient beds, which has now expanded to 140 inpatient beds and 250 places for daytime rehabilitation treatments.
The center will provide restorative treatments for the entire population, including victims of car accidents, patients after complex surgeries, or those with head injuries, offering personalized advanced physiotherapy and occupational therapy, swimming, and exercises with smart equipment. The first department, opened three months ago, focused on rehabilitating soldiers injured in the "Iron Swords" war, and today, the center operates additional rehabilitation departments for patients of all ages with various medical conditions requiring quality and professional rehabilitation.
www.hadassah.org.il/hadassah_mount_scopus/
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Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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