Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 26 November 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

THE ISRAEL BRIEF 20-23 November 2023
(Click on the blue title)



After a nail-biting on-off-on wait, Israelis breathed a sigh of relief as they watched with tearful eyes the first sightings on their televisions of the 2nd group of Israeli hostages released in the early hours of Sunday morning from Hamas’ cruel captivity



Articles

(1)

A TALE OF TWO HOSPITALS

A hospital in Israel saving lives, a hospital in Gaza shielding terrorists
By Jonathan Feldstein

Different uses of the same Machine. An MRI in Shaarei Zedek hospital in Jerusalem doing diagnostic testing (r) and an MRI at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza (l) storing Hamas machine guns and ammunition.

A TALE OF TWO HOSPITALS
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

THEATRE OF THE ABSURD

South Africa’s diplomatic posturing is reminiscent of an amateur actor auditioning for a lead role – with ‘real life’ deadly consequences.
By Tim Flack

Farce about Face. South Africa’s attempts to play a role on the world stage have proved nothing but a farce-
slapstick and amateurish, it fails to address local issues and flounders over issues abroad.

THEATRE OF THE ABSURD
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

LIST OF SHAME

While a group of 500 South African Jews sign an Israel-critical petition that begins with the wording “We are a diverse group of South African Jews who are dismayed…” the writer responds with her dismay at Jewish betrayal.
By Lesley Sacks

Bloody Bedroom. A reminder to those South African Jews calling for a ‘ceasefire, Israel wants to make sure it first ceases Hamas’ ability to ever again repeat like what happened in this bedroom on kibbutz Be’eri. 

LIST OF SHAME
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR – WEEK 6

I want an end to the bloodshed but ceasefires with limited shelf-life prolong the problem
By Harris Zvi Green

Bring them Home. While much of the world calls for a ceasefire, Israelis call for the release of its hostages.

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR – WEEK 6
(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com





Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 20 November 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

THE ISRAEL BRIEF 13-16 November 2023
(Click on the blue title)


he largest gathering of Jews in US history, the rally was a response to the large anti-Israel protests across the United States and the world. Clear and simple: Israel will cease its counteroffensive when Hamas ceases to be a threat to the Jewish state.


Articles

(1)

“THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF”
Simmon Wiesenthal Center accuses South Africa’s leadership of fueling antisemitism by its outrageous lies against the Jewish state
By David E. Kaplan

Supporters of Evil. Once holding out hope, he has brought despair but to Jews, a lot worse!

“THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF”
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

KNOCK KNOCK
From the knock of the roof to the knock on the door  – the sights and sounds of Israel’s war  with Gaza
By Jonathan Feldstein

Nervous Knock. The visit that every Israel family with a member serving in the army dreads.

KNOCK KNOCK
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

SERBIA HAS BEEN A BEACON OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL SINCE HAMAS’ ATTACK
As a people who suffered terribly at the hands of the Nazis and their Croatian Ustasha collaborators during World War II, Serbs feel a strong kinship with the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

By Dr. EFRAIM ZUROFF and ALEKSANDAR NIKOLIC

Serbian Support. Solidarity walk in support of Israel takes place in the center of Belgrade.

SERBIA HAS BEEN A BEACON OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL SINCE HAMAS’ ATTACK
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR – WEEK 5

Among the 238 hostages in Gaza is 10-month-old Kfir Bibas. What monsters kidnap babies and what type of world supports such monsters?

By Harris Zvi Green

Fighting for our Home.  The special spirit of Israel’s warriors as they battle the forces of evil.

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR – WEEK 5
(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com







Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 10 November 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

THE ISRAEL BRIEF 06-09 November 2023
(Click on the blue title)



ISRAEL’S UNITED MESSAGE TO HAMAS AND THE WORLD




Articles

(1)

YOUR TIME HAS COME

An appeal to join in solid solidarity with the people of Israel as they battle the spiritual heirs of Nazism
By Gary Kaplan

Brandenburg Gate. Germany illuminates its support and solidarity with Israel.

YOUR TIME HAS COME
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

ABOUT THE HOSTAGES

Hamas is using human pawns as their evil currency
By Jonathan Feldstein

Bring ’em Home. The haunting faces of Israel’s hostages on a Tel Aviv wall.

ABOUT THE HOSTAGES
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

LETTER TO KELLY-JO BLUEN OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN JEWS FOR FREE PALESTINE
By Richard Shavei-Tzion

Questioning the selective morality of expressing horror at “the cutting off of water” in Gaza but indifferent at the cutting off of baby’s heads in Israel.

Gaza’s Baby Killers. Teddy bear on a bloody floor greets Israeli soldier.

LETTER TO KELLY-JO BLUEN OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN JEWS FOR FREE PALESTINE
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

THIS WEEK’S LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR
By Harris Zvi Green
Covering the 4th week of the war: “So many of our young men and women including our children, grandchildren and their spouses are risking their lives to secure our borders and make our lives safer.”

Brothers in Arms. Fighting for Israel and Jews everywhere.

THIS WEEK’S LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR
(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com







Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 05 November 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

THE ISRAEL BRIEF 23-26 October 2023

(Click on the blue title)



DEFINING MOMENT IN JEWISH SURVIVAL

The brave line protecting Israel and the Jewish people

When will the world care about Jewish babies as they do for the rights of those responsible for their deaths?”

AN APPEAL TO THE WORLD

Before calling first on Israel for a ceasefire, call first on the Gazans to release ALL the hostages that include 33 children
even a 9-month-old baby and to cease firing rockets?
It’s that simple!




Articles

(1)

IF THEY LOVE US NOT, LET THEM FEAR US

I never thought as a liberal I would ever subscribe to the 15th century counsel of Niccolò Machiavelli but then came October 7

By David E. Kaplan

IF THEY LOVE US NOT, LET THEM FEAR US

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

BRING THEM HOME

Thoughts and prayers for those brutally murdered and those held hostage in Gaza

By Rolene Marks

BRING THEM HOME

(Click on the blue title)



(3)

SHERRY, YOUR ANTISEMITISM IS SHOWING

Don’t condone?  How about condemning?

By Jonathan Feldstein

SHERRY, YOUR ANTISEMITISM IS SHOWING

(Click on the blue title)



(4)

SOUTH AFRICA BEYOND THE PALE!

The governing ANC’s public distain for county’s Jews is a disturbing portend for community’s future

By Ben Levitas

SOUTH AFRICA BEYOND THE PALE!

(Click on the blue title)



(5)

ISRAELI POLICE WOMEN

Defenders of the state of Israel, woman heroes in the line of fire

By Rolene Marks and Marc Kahlberg

ISRAELI POLICE WOMEN

(Click on the blue title)



(6)

THIS WEEK’S LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR

UN provides diplomatic, moral and legal umbrella to Hamas to fulfil its goal of eliminating Israel

By Harris Green

THIS WEEK’S LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR

(Click on the blue title)



(7)

HEALTH DURING WAR

How do I prioritize myself and my health when my world is so upside down?

By Justine Friedman

HEALTH DURING WAR

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com





While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 30 October 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



They Came, they Killed, and they Carried off our loved ones

Israel unleashed – They will not do it again!



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

The Israel Brief 23-26 October 2023

(Click on the blue title)



Articles

(1)

IF HAMAS SURVIVES BARBARITY THRIVES

The world needs to join not undercut Israel in a global war against evil

By Neville Berman

IF HAMAS SURVIVES BARBARITY THRIVES

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

RATIONALISING TERROR

How Online Narratives Fuel Antisemitism

By Catherine Perez-Shakdam 

RATIONALISING TERROR

(Click on the blue title)




(3)

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR AGAINST EVIL

Week 2 as Israel takes on the proxies of Iran and the malignment  in the international media

By Harris Green

LETTER FROM ISRAEL AT WAR AGAINST EVIL

(Click on the blue title)



(4)

REFLECTIONS OF A LOVING FATHER

A brother of a daughter’s friend went to a party with fifty and returned with three

By Dov Yarden

REFLECTIONS OF A LOVING FATHER

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com






While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 23 October 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



The Israel Brief- 16-19 October 2023

(Click on the blue title)




“NEVER AGAIN” IS EVER AGAIN

The war against the Jews

A nation mourns what was and worries what will be. A protest in Trafalgar Square in support of Israel.
Jews around the world are uniting in solidarity and a wounded Israel will emerge from this nightmare. (AP Photo Frank Augstein)



Articles

(1)

ISRAEL’S “DAY OF INFAMY”

Death squads from Gaza murder, mutilate and rape before carrying off their Jewish hostages. They carried off as well any chance of peace for generations.

By David E. Kaplan

ISRAEL’S “DAY OF INFAMY”

(Click on the blue title)


(2)

ISRAEL MUST DESTROY HAMAS, REPLACE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP

Israel is up against the spiritual heirs of Nazism

By Dr. Efraim Zuroff

ISRAEL MUST DESTROY HAMAS, REPLACE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP

(Click on the blue title)


(3)

A BLOCKADE OF UNDERSTANDING

The ethical, essential and imperative yet mythical blockade of Gaza

By Jonathan Feldstein

A BLOCKADE OF UNDERSTANDING

(Click on the blue title)



(4)

“KEEP OUR SPIRITS ALIVE”

Poet Fonda Dubb from Eilat who as a former dance teacher defied Apartheid in her native South Africa,  prophetically  penned her thoughts and “hopes” in January 2023, 10 months before war erupted on our holy landscape

“KEEP OUR SPIRITS ALIVE”

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche
To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com




While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 15 October 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africa and millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

The Israel Brief 03-05 October 2023

The Israel Brief- 08-12 October 2023

(Click on the blue title)



Israel’s Darkest Days

In the shadow of the Shoah, dark days for Israel and Jews worldwide 

 

Following the worst atrocities perpetrated against Jews since the Holocaust, Israelis are stunned. Feeling locked into the worst ever horror movie unable to escape from, the proverbial pen provides a release to express one’s thoughts, anxieties, anger and concerns for the future. Lay of the Land publishes below the responses of writers to the nightmare that is Israel’s new reality.

Capturing the pain, pride and unity of Israeli society, citizens of Tel Aviv gathered together in this 1300 Candle Vigil in Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, on October 12, 2023. (Photo Eli Katzoff)

Lay of the Land extends its deepest thoughts and prayers with the people of Israel murdered, brutally injured and kidnapped by the senseless and barbarous actions of Hamas terrorists. We pray for the complete recovery of our injured, safe return of those who have been taken hostage and for peace in the region and an end to the violence.



Articles

(1)

I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON I WAS LAST WEEK

Life in Israel with the ‘Barbarians at the Gate’

By Rolene Marks

I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON I WAS LAST WEEK

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

SATURDAY MORNING

A day that changed the world for Israelis forever

By Larry Butchins

SATURDAY MORNING

(Click on the blue title)



(3)

HAMAS’ SURPRISE ATTACK

A Personal Perspective written on Day 2 of a war we know not when it will end

By Jonathan Feldstein

HAMAS’ SURPRISE ATTACK

(Click on the blue title)



(4)

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Time to shift from Reason to Rough when confronting mass murderers – a letter from Israel

By Harris Zvi Green

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

(Click on the blue title)



(5)

DARING DANI DAYAN AND THE COMPLICITY OF LITHUANIANS IN THE HOLOCAUST

The locals may never own what they did, but Yad Vashem’s chairman spoke truth to power, calling out their role in eliminating a vibrant Jewish world

By Dr. Efraim Zuroff

DARING DANI DAYAN AND THE COMPLICITY OF LITHUANIANS IN THE HOLOCAUST

(Click on the blue title)



(6)

ISRAEL ‘APARTHEID’?

The relentless pursuit of a mirage

By Raymond Wacks

ISRAEL ‘APARTHEID’?

(Click on the blue title)



(7)

WHY I AM CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES

Building bridges between Jews and Christians has its potholes – we must overcome

By Jonathan Feldstein

WHY I AM CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com






While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).



Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 01 October 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africaand millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

The Israel Brief

(Click on the blue title)






Articles

(1)
PRAYERS AND PROTEST ON THE STREETS OF TEL-AVIV

Yom-Kippur in 1973 was a defining moment. Will Yom-Kippur 2023  prove to be another?

By David E. Kaplan

Coalition of Chaos. From an Israel of unity during the ‘73 Yom Kippur War, to one of disunity today.

As the Jewish state reaches out to former enemies striking glorious accords, within Israel today the present governing coalition sows inglorious discord. On the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Israel finds itself again at war – with itself!

PRAYERS AND PROTEST ON THE STREETS OF TEL-AVIV

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

BIBI’S BLUNDER

The Reckless Assault on the Supreme Court

By Raymond Wacks

Government and the Gavel. Israel’s Supreme Court hears arguments in showdown over judicial curbs.

While seeking “to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court,” Netanyahu’s governing coalition is not only undermining the rule of law but also the country’s celebrated democratic system. In this pursuit, Israel finds itself in questionable company. “There are echoes,” asserts the writer “of the South African apartheid government’s crackdown on the judiciary,”

 BIBI’S BLUNDER

(Click on the blue title)



(3)

AN ISOLATED TEMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY SHINES IN THE NEGEV

Experiencing a new resort that blends seamlessly into the crusty landscape and exquisite beauty of Israel’s southern desert

By Motti Verses

When people think of a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday, a desert would unlikely be the first place that comes to mind. Challenging this misguided mindset, follow travel expert Motti Verses as he indulges all his ‘senses’ in Israel’s Negev desert at the Six Senses Shaharut – a luxury oasis providing the ultimate in relaxion in ultimate seclusion.

AN ISOLATED TEMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY SHINES IN THE NEGEV

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com






While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 21 September 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africaand millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

The Israel Brief

(Click on the blue title)





Articles

(1)

IT’S RISKY BEING ALIVE THESE DAYS

Lay of the Land reports on the 2023 World Summit on Counter-Terrorism (10-12 September) at Reichman University

By David E. Kaplan

Northern Exposure. Defense Minister Gallant points out a new runway built by Iran in Lebanon close to Israel’s border.

Could the Yom Kippur War of 50 years ago and 9/11 of 22 years ago have been predicted and hence prevented? The World Summit against Counter-Terrorism convenes annually on the anniversary of 9/11 at Israel’s Reichman University bringing together top practitioners and academicians in multifarious fields from across the globe. They engage with their Israeli counterparts to secure a safer tomorrow.

IT’S RISKY BEING ALIVE THESE DAYS

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

I SLEEP ILL AT NIGHT

Something is happening in Israel today that fills its citizens with trepidation

By Stephen Schulman

Bibi’s Buddies. Itzik Zarka whom the PM is proud to pose calls protesters “whores” and wishes them to “burn” like in the Holocaust.

The Israel of 2023 is not the country this writer envisaged when he immigrated in the late 1960s from South Africa, imbued with the idealism of his youth movement. The uptick in venomous verbiage and behavior of government members and their supporters is leaving “a bad smell in the air.”

I SLEEP ILL AT NIGHT

(Click on the blue title)



(3)

WE ARE ALL SIGNATORIES TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

By Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization

Israel’s Rebirth. David Ben-Gurion publicly pronouncing the Declaration of the State of Israel, May 14, 1948, in the old Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Rothschild Street.

Israel’s ‘Declaration of Independence’ belongs to the people, and besides the 37 actual signatures on it, there are millions more transparent signatures of every citizen. For this writer,  “each of us” are no more or no less signatories “with his own special pen, values, stories and hopes.”

WE ARE ALL SIGNATORIES TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

(Click on the blue title)



LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche

To unsubscribe, please reply to layotland@gmail.com






While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter- 14 September 2023

Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond

Home

Like this content? Please share and tweet it to your friends and followers.

To subscribe via email please send a mail noting your request to: layotland@gmail.com 

Please visit/ join/follow our social media platforms:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LotLSite/

X (Twitter): Lay Of The Land – @layoftheland5

Also available on YouTube @The Israel Brief  – Simply click on the red subscribe button to receive alerts when a new report is posted.



What’s happening in Israel today? See from every Monday – Thursday LOTL’s The Israel Brief broadcasts and on our Facebook page and YouTube by seasoned TV & radio broadcaster, Rolene Marks familiar to Chai FM listeners in South Africaand millions of American listeners to the News/Talk/Sports radio station WINA, broadcasting out of Virginia, USA.

The Israel Brief

(Click on the blue title)



SHANA TOVA – HAPPY NEW YEAR

Israel is a miraculous country globally admired for finding solutions against military threats to making breathtaking breakthroughsin medicine, science, and technology. We are not the “Start-Up Nation” by accident – We earned it!We owe it to ourselves to match these achievements in our political arena.May the sound of the shofar herald with the New Year also new beginnings –New understandings and New efforts to outreach and find solutionsleading to peace between peopleLay of the Land wishes you all a happy and healthy New Year.



Articles

(1)

ELITISM AND THE JUDICIARY

Disentangling the toxic from merit-based judicial elitism

By Lawrence Nowosenetz

Battle of the Buildings. High Court and Knesset face off in a showdown with democracy hanging in the balance.

With insights and experience of being a former Acting Judge of the Hight Court in South Africa, the writer now living in Israel, weighs in on the judicial issues rocking this nation and beyond.

ELITISM AND THE JUDICIARY

(Click on the blue title)



(2)

TAKE A WEIGHT OFF YOUR MIND

What if your weight is not the real issue?

By  Justine Friedman

Weighing up the Issues. Maybe step off and step up to new approaches for an improved wellbeing.

Making “Losing Weight” the focus of your thoughts and efforts may cause you to “try crazy eating plans that are unsustainable.” Your most important steps are not on the scale advises the writer – a clinical dietician – but finding solutions best suited to you.

TAKE A WEIGHT OFF YOUR MIND

(Click on the blue title)



(3)

LAW REFORM 101

Israel should avoid replicating South Africa’s National Party shenanigans

By Peter Bailey

Gambling with the Gavel. Hanging in the balance is more than the judiciary but the country’s democracy.

While there might be little global precedent on the Reasonableness Law, there is certainly precedent material with regard to a democratically elected government trying to usurp the authority of a High or Supreme Court and the end result. The writer looks at the South African experience as a guide for Israel to avoid.

LAW REFORM 101

(Click on the blue title)



(4)

HIGH ANXIETY

UNTIL 120 – A REALITY CHECK

A poem by Solly Kaplinski

Commuting to Contemplating. While the body travels in one direction, the mind wonders and worries in another.

Even something as mundane as riding on a bus, becomes in Jerusalem an existential experience. Is it paranoia or reality? The writer, a resident and commuter in Jerusalem, shares his observations, anxieties and intimate insights through a poem.

HIGH ANXIETY

(Click on the blue title)





While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).