Category: News Letter

Lay of the Land Weekly Newsletter – 30 August 2026

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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 – 24–27 August 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Photo/Image Pick of the Week‘

OLD PILLAR, NEW DESIGN

While Israel’s kibbutzim and moshavim have shed many of its iconic founding structures, October 7reveals that the core fundamentals of ‘social bonds’ and ‘community identity’ remain deeply resilient.

Circulating this week on Jerusalem Post online,  this image of members of all ages taking part in festive celebrations earlier this year at Kibbutz Hukok in the Lower Galilee, captures that enduring spirit and preservation of values. (Photo: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

THE GHOULS FEEDING ON HIND RAJAB’S DEATH

An IDF investigation has produced no verdict and no new evidence of guilt. The online mob is exploiting the tragedy for clicks anyway.
By Andrew Fox

Carrion Call. Literally feeding off the dead, the moment the criminal investigation was announced, a
a malicious media called it as an admission of guilt designed – asserts the writer – “to trick”
news consumers into confusing “suspicion with conviction.”

THE GHOULS FEEDING ON HIND RAJAB’S DEATH
(Click on the blue title)




(2)

THE RAMAPHOSA / PEREZ MEETING–PATHOS OR POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM?

What truly lies behind the much-publicized meeting between South Africa’s President and the Rabbi parent of a SA-born Israeli soldier killed in the war in Gaza?
By Peter Bailey

Mixed Messaging. Endangering Jews globally by maligning the Jewish state with dangerously false accusations of genocide, SA president, Cyril Ramaphosa meets with Rabbi Doron and Shelly Perez, parents of slain son, Daniel, killed in action on the 7 October, 2023.

THE RAMAPHOSA / PEREZ MEETING–PATHOS OR POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM?
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(3)

WORDS AND DEEDS MATTER: THE ALARMING RISE IN STOCHASTIC ANTISEMITISM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Is a Jewish presence in South Africa inextricably tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has led to localized harassment?
By Yoram Blumstein

Disturbing Question. In the face of rising anti-Israel sentiment in South Africa, is it still safe for Jews
in South Africa – outside the protective safe zones – to visually identify themselves in public?

WORDS AND DEEDS MATTER: THE ALARMING RISE IN STOCHASTIC ANTISEMITISM IN SOUTH AFRICA
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

ELUL, REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

Elul reminds us that repentance is not only about regret for past shortcomings but choosing a better direction for the future.
By Jonathan Feldstein

Taking Stock of one’s Self. Currently in the Biblical month of Elul, we examine where we have been, where we are going, and how our actions align with our values with each morning the Shofar blowing to awaken the conscience as we prepare for judgement.

ELUL, REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
(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 August 2026

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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 – 17–20 August 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Photo/Image Pick of the Week‘

ADOLESCENCE ALTERED

October 7 shaped their adolescence. Now they will be voting for the first time come 27 October, 2023 Over 640,000 first-time voters – shaped by pandemic, war, and social media – are poised to play a decisive role.

How will Israel’s young impact this October 27, three years after October 7, 2023?
(Credit: Masha Zur-Glozman/ Haaretz)




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

MAKING PEACE TO MAKE WAR

Israelis love to fantasize about eating humus in Damascus. However, fantasies turn into fiascoes when they collide with fiendish reality.
By Jonathan Feldstein

Peace or Pause. For this writer, this week’s headlines “could have come from headlines of the year 628 with Mohammed’s “Treaty of Hudaybiyha.” How do you make peace with enemies whose aim is biblically embedded to buy time in order the attack later when stronger?

MAKING PEACE TO MAKE WAR
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(2)

AMERICA, BEWARE OF THE ISLAMISTS IN YOUR BACKYARD

What I see is what I fear: How can American’s be so blind?
By Marziyeh Amirizadeh

Voting in Vipers. “As a grateful and proud American, I weep as I see a trend happening in the US that echoes the naïve ignorance that paved the way for the rise of the Islamists in the country of my birth,” laments this writer who immigrated to the US after being sentenced to death for the crime of conversion.

AMERICA, BEWARE OF THE ISLAMISTS IN YOUR BACKYARD
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

NEVER STOP LOOKING

The State of Israel goes to great lengths to retrieve its soldiers, whether alive or dead.
By Lennie Lurie

No Rest until Laid to Rest. The crew of INS Dakar, the Israeli submarine that was lost at sea in January, 1968, is pictured here at Portsmouth Naval Base, England, ahead of its first voyage to Israel which she would never complete.

NEVER STOP LOOKING
(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 – 16 August 2026

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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 – 10–13 August 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Pick of the Week‘

“YOUR’E IN EUROPE HERE, GO AWAY”

It says much for Europe today when Irish tourist (below) said this to a Jewish couple inside a French supermarket followed by: “You get the f** away from me before I put a f**ing bullet in your head?”

Inside a French supermarket this week an Irish tourist who initially introduced himself to an Australian Jewish couple as “Paddy from Ireland,” made hateful remarks saying he was sorry Hitler hadn’t “finished the job” after a conversation turned political. He proceeded to threaten the couple with violence when they began recording the encounter.
(see: https://x.com/AustralianJA/status/2087326866562834566/video/1)




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

HANGAR OF HORROR TO GATES TO HEAVEN

I did not want to talk about it; so now I’m writing about it – my visit to Camp Shura in central Israel.
By David E. Kaplan

From Hell to Heaven. This young rabbi who had never seen a dead body before October 7 was suddenly thrust into a situation that he was totally unprepared for – the arrival of dead Jews “by the truckload.” Hearing firsthand of what played out at Shura, one can understand why 3 years later, the tears still flow from the teller and listeners alike!

HANGAR OF HORROR TO GATES TO HEAVEN



(2)

BEYOND MEMORY: PRAGUE’S LIVING JEWISH HERITAGE

Despite its complex millennium-long relationship with its Jewish community, Prague today actively preserves, honors, and celebrates its profound Jewish heritage.
By Motti Verses

Poignant Prague. The Altneuschul in Prague’s Jewish Quarter is the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe. Of all the places the writer has travelled,  “there is only one where I have truly felt that Judaism is not merely tolerated, but genuinely respected, cherished and embraced with warmth: Prague.” Discover why.

BEYOND MEMORY: PRAGUE’S LIVING JEWISH HERITAGE
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(3

MENSCHESKEIT, MITZVOT AND THE JEWISH SOUL IN TIMES OF WAR

A sensitive reflection on Jewish ethics, Derech Eretz, preserving life, and how living by Torah values can help protect mental health even in times of conflict.
By Bev Moss-Reilly

Soul Searching. “The soul of a people is tested not only by how it suffers, but by how it behaves when it has the strength to act,” asserts the writer. Beyond the ritual and law, what characterizes Jewish life   is menscheskeit, Read and learn more.

MENSCHESKEIT, MITZVOT AND THE JEWISH SOUL IN TIMES OF 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 – 09 August 2026

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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 – 06 August 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Pick of the Week‘

THE ‘NEW’ – NEW YORK

It may look the same but does it feel the same?

Beneath the Veneer. New York City holds the largest Jewish population of any city in the world outside of Israel, with over 1 million Jewish residents living within the five boroughs. They came as immigrants to escape; are they going to leave again for the same reason?




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

THE MORAL DECAY OF THE WEST

Are we seeing the decline of Western values?
By Rolene Marks

Fearing the Future. If “You can tell a society is in moral decay by the way it treats its Jews,” asserts the writer, then what does it say about crowds in cities across the world that “before the bodies were cold,” on October 7, 2023,  gathered to celebrate the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust?

THE MORAL DECAY OF THE WEST
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(2)

WORN DOWN BY WAR

A Jewish perspective of ‘anticipatory grief’, loss and mental health during war.
By Bev Moss-Reilly

Fearing the Worst. The dread that sits in the chest when “a loved one is at the front”, when “a mother keeps checking her phone”, or when “a father looks at the door and wonders who will walk through it next.” Anticipatory grief is exhausting and a way of daily life in Israel.

WORN DOWN BY WAR
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(3)

ROTH’S WRATH AT JUSTICE DENIED

Arnold Roth’s 25-Year fight for justice for his daughter’s murder and accountability for a Hamas terrorist.
By Jonathan Feldstein

Downtown Devastation. Among the dozens killed was 15-year-old Malki Roth whose father, Arnoldhas has not ceased to bring the mastermind of his daughter’s murder – a resident of Jordan – to justice.

ROTH’S WRATH AT JUSTICE DENIED
(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 – 02 August 2026

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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 – 27 – 30 July 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Pick of the Week‘

HE STOOD OUT BECAUSE HE STOOD UP – BOLD ‘BOY GEORGE’

Under fire, a rare stand-up in the entertainment industry for Israel

Refused to be Silenced. British musician and songwriter Boy George faced backlash after releasing a reggae-style song called, “We Will Dance Again” (a reference to the slogan of October 7 Nova Music Festival), that opens with the lyrics:
“You say genocide / I say war / When you’re attacked / That’s what the army’s for /
Did it get ugly? You bet it does / When I know you want to kill every last one of us.”

He continues:
“You never mention October 7 / Young girls raped against trees /
Murdered brutally / For the crime of dancing
When asked earlier this year, whether he would turn his back on his Jewish friends, Boy George replied:
“ That is not going to happen – it will never happen.”




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

EXPLOSIVE EXPOSÉ

What is the connection between the bombing of the King David Hotel 80 years ago and Moshav Gan Ner in Northern Israel?
By David E. Kaplan

Painful Past. Marking 80 years since the bombing of Jerusalem’s iconic King David Hotel, brought back memories for the writer of an old interview with a British lord, illuminating how out of destruction, emerged construction.

EXPLOSIVE EXPOSÉ
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(2)

COLLAPSE OF THE BLOOD LIBELS

Every pillar of the genocide accusation against Israel has crumbled. The institutions that built it have suddenly lost their voices.
By Andrew Fox

Same Old, Same New. One by one, the multitude of menacing voices accusing Israel of “genocide” and other alleged crimes have been discredited as false or fabricated revealing bias, antisemitism or both.

COLLAPSE OF THE BLOOD LIBELS
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

ISRAEL MUST CHOOSE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

The coming elections offer Israelis an opportunity not merely to choose another government but to reaffirm the national commitment to the values on which the state was founded.
By Prof. Uriel Reichman

Founding Values. As Israelis prepare to go to the polls in October, the writer cautions that “the question before them is about far more than who will form the next government.” It is about the kind of Jewish state Israel intends to be!

ISRAEL MUST CHOOSE 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 – 22 July 2026

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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 July 2026
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THE ISRAEL BRIEF – 20 – 23 July 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Pick of the Week‘

A FAIR SHAKE

More than shaking hands, it could be a real shake-up towards peace between Israel and Lebanon.

Marking the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House in more than 17 years, will Joseph Aoun’s upbeat
meeting with a jubilant Donald Trump on July 21, 2026, herald a genuine path to peace
between Israel and Lebanon?  (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)





ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE MESSAGE – TIME TO TRANSITION

Failures leading to October 7 followed by poor policies since, necessitate a switch in direction and a ditch of leadership.
By David E. Kaplan

Saving the State. Maj. Gen. (Res.) Prof. Amos Gilead (r) interviews retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak at the 2026 Herzliya Conference, who delivers a stark warning about the state and fate of Israeli democracy, relying now on the public – come elections – to salvage the situation.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE MESSAGE – TIME TO TRANSITION
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(2)

THE ANTISEMITIC GOSPEL ACCORDING TO REDI TLHABI

Relocated to the US, a popular South African journalist switches media platform to further outreach her antisemitism.
By Lawrence Nowosenetz

‘UPFRONT’ in her Prejudice. Working for her new boss Al Jazeera in the USA, SA journalist Redi Tlhabi is more than happy to propagate an antisemitic narrative evidenced by her postings like “…the Israeli lobby uses money and power to control the US and its lawmakers.”

THE ANTISEMITIC GOSPEL ACCORDING TO REDI TLHABI
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(3)

OBSTRUCTION AND OBFUSCATION

Where is the global outrage at new UN finding of Hamas’ obstruction of humanitarian aid?
By Kenneth Moeng Kgwadi

Daylight Robbery. Late to the game, the UN finally admits in a statement that international aid trucks are being hijacked and vital provisions stolen by “armed personnel affiliated with Gaza’s de facto authorities”   – code for Hamas – and are also assaulting aid workers.

OBSTRUCTION AND OBFUSCATION
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(4)

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO LORDS

An Israeli visiting London while war rages in the Middle East.
By Sidney Victor Kaplan

Having a Field Day. From a cricket test at Lords to a Bach concert at the Wigmore Hall, the writer discovers while visiting London that you can leave Israel but Israel never leaves you.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO LORDS
(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 – 12 July 2026

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:

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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 July 2026
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Lay of the Land’s Image ‘Pick of the Week‘

“CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE”

US vs Iran – Round 3 at the heavyweight bout in the Gulf

Wheelers and Dealers. “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum,” a bruised Trump told reporters earlier
this week – until the next round!  Meanwhile Israelis are waiting for the siren and the mad dash for shelter.
(Photo: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, REUTERS/Stringer)




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

50 YEARS SINCE ENTEBBE AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION

Recalling the Entebbe rescue brought back memories of the heroism of two South Africans in Israel’s ‘The Great Escape’.
By David E. Kaplan

Out of the Blue. From personal interviews with South African participants, the writer weaves an insider’s take of the monumental events of a daring 1976 rescue mission that mesmerized the world and defined the Jewish nation.

50 YEARS SINCE ENTEBBE AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION
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(2)

CALL THE MIDWIFE

When they are needed the most, Israeli nurses and midwives are always by your side, providing innovative solutions.
By Rolene Marks

‘Labor’ of Love. Imagine the mixed emotions of bringing a child into the world having lost your husband in war. Enter Lilly and Meirav and the Israeli Midwives Organization providing special support for IDF widows and women suffering stress throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

CALL THE MIDWIFE
(Click on the blue title)




(3)

A PESSIMISTIC PRESCIENCE

Willing to take, but not to give – have the ultra-Orthodox in a post October 7 world overplayed their hand?
By Stephen Schulman

A Bridge too Far. Storming the Chords Bridge in the entrance to Jerusalem, ultra-orthodox men have drawn
battle lines that are dividing the nation. “Learned in the ways of the Torah and Talmud but blind to the
realities of living in a hostile Middle East” have the ultra-orthodox rabbis gone too far?

A PESSIMISTIC PRESCIENCE
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(4)

THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, MILITANT ISLAM AND QATAR

The power of money to influence, corrupt and ultimately erode the liberal western way of life.
By Neville Berman

Nefarious Network. A disturbing inside look, inter alia, at Qatar’s “holy” world and its “‘All in the
Family” syndicate waging global Jihad and state-sponsored terrorism upon a vulnerable
and gullible world dependent on oil and gas.

THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, MILITANT ISLAM AND QATAR
(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 – 05 July 2026

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:

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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 – 29 June – 02 July 2026
(Click on the blue title)



Lay of the Land’s Image Pick of the Week

MACCABI GAMES 2026

Carrying the weight of 7 October and war, a smaller, scarred Maccabiah Games opened in Israel sending a message of Jewish solidarity and resilience.

For over a year, the catchphrase , “Let the games begin”  seemed to remain simply idiomatic, unfulfilled, as the quadrennial “Jewish Olympics” was plagued by war and uncertainty. Finally, on July 1, 2026,  in a spectacular opening ceremony in Jerusalem, it did “begin” featuring the traditional parade of thousands of Jewish athletes from across the globe. It was a visual reminder of the “Centrality of Israel” in the Jewish world.




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

MOVING ON

Tribute to  Israeli mobility artist Yaacov Agam globally celebrated as the father of the Kinetic Art movement.
By David E. Kaplan

Portrait of an Artist. “I met all the great artists at the time – Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Jean Arp – but they were all stuck in the past. I prefer to be in the state of becoming, like the true meaning of Shabbat – resting to prepare
for the coming week.” Insights on one of Israel’s most inspirational artists who passed away at 98.

MOVING ON
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

THE ODYSSEY OF THE OCHBERG ORPHANS

How one South African businessman in 1921 set out by himself, risking life and limb to save Jewish orphans in worn-torn Eastern Europe.
By Michel Levine

Ochberg’s Odyssey. Today, across the world, there is an ever-growing community of descendants of the Jewish orphans
Isaac Ochberg rescued from war-ravaged Eastern Europe. Spared from death through war, pogroms, famine or disease,
what inspired their savior and what legacy does “Daddy Ochberg” leave for future generations?

THE ODYSSEY OF THE OCHBERG ORPHANS
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

CAN LEBANON FINALLY ESCAPE HEZBOLLAH?

Rubio has delivered a diplomatic breakthrough. Now comes the difficult task of turning a framework into lasting security.
By  Andrew Fox

‘Sign’ of the Times. Can you imagine catching a train from Jerusalem to Beirut for a Lebanese shawarma! Could this historic
signing of the Israel-Lebanon-U.S. “Trilateral Framework Agreement” intended to totally disarm Hezbollah
eventually lead to the eventual normalization of relations between the Israel and Lebanon?

CAN LEBANON FINALLY ESCAPE HEZBOLLAH?

(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 – 28 June 2026

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 
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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 –22-25 June 2026
(Click on the blue title)



Lay of the Land’s Image Pick of the Week

A ‘GULF’ APART

The shores on either side appear closer to each other than the two negotiating parties

“Paid to pause”, “bidding time”, the MoU is being described as a ‘Memorandum of Misunderstanding’ or as we in Lay of the Land see it:  a ‘Memorandum of Manipulations’




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

TRUMP, NETANYAHU, IRAN AND THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Giving in to Iranian demands rather than achieve peace in the Middle East will instead facilitate perpetual war.
By Neville Berman

‘Face’ the Facts. The world is cheering. Gas prices are down, and Iran has promised not to build or buy atomic weapons. “Hallelujah”, at long last, peace in the Middle East seems to be possible. What can go wrong? Predictably, just about everything warns the writer!

TRUMP, NETANYAHU, IRAN AND THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ‘PALESTINE ACTION’

UK Court of Appeals confirms Palestine Action proscription decision
By Lawrence Nowosenetz

British Barbarians. Elbit’s £35-million R &D hub that was violently attacked by the proscribed terrorist group ‘Palestine Action’ employs 680 people, working on multiple programs for the UK military. During the raid, a ‘Palestine Action’ activist fractured a police sergeant’s spine with a sledgehammer.

LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ‘PALESTINE ACTION’
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

HAIR-RAISING SITUATION

Surprise discovery of Iranian women’s hair raises serious concerns but reminds – you can imprison a person but not an idea.
By Marziyeh Amirizadeh

Makes your Hair stand on End. The question of how and why Iranian women’s hair came to the attention of Armenian customs officials has now attracted global attention with speculation spotlighting the evil nature of the Islamic regime of Iran, particularly its barbaric treatment of women.

HAIR-RAISING SITUATION
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

SOUTH AFRICA CLAIMS ISRAEL IS BEHIND ITS ‘AFROPHOBIA’ VIOLENCE

Beset by internal social strife, South Africa indulges in cheap scapegoating blaming Israel  – Is anyone surprised?
By Marika Sboros

Singing for Salvation. While an anxious man plays his guitar as thousands of terrified Malawians take refuge on June 20, 2026 in Sherwood Park outside Durban, some in South Africa’s leadership strum a different tune, pointing a finger at Israel. Who, and why is this sadly unsurprising?

SOUTH AFRICA CLAIMS ISRAEL IS BEHIND ITS ‘AFROPHOBIA’ VIOLENCE
(Click on the blue title)



(5)

PAINFUL PARADOXES

Perhaps one of the emotional challenges of Jewish life in difficult times is not only learning how to survive what is happening around us but learning how to live with what we cannot control within it.
By Bev Moss-Reilly

Under Control. Living with war, antisemitism, instability, and communal insecurity, the Jewish world feels fragile. So are the small human components making up that world such as spouses, parents, teachers and community leaders seeking the strength to hold it altogether.

PAINFUL PARADOXES
(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 June 2026

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 –15-18 June 2026
(Click on the blue title)



Lay of the Land’s Photo Pick of the Week

ISRAEL’S WAR WITHIN

Blocking more than roads, ultra-Orthodox (Hareidi) block way forward to societal cohesion

Police intervene as ultra-Orthodox Jews block roads in Jerusalem on June 10, 2026, where crowds gathered to protest against compulsory military service. This photo captures pictorially the HEATED debate over the question: “What constitutes a Jewish state”?
(Photo: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)




ARTICLES

Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.

(1)

FROM AN AILING KING SAUL TO A FAILING “KING BIBI” – TIME FOR CHANGE

Promises, platitudes and politics is all that is left on offer from Israel’s prime minister.
By David E. Kaplan

Beyond the Bluster. In a De Gaulle mode of Je suis la France (“I am France”), Bibi believes he is indispensable to Israel – that he embodies the Jewish State. He doesn’t; the people do. His greatest act now will be to make way for new generational leadership.

FROM AN AILING KING SAUL TO A FAILING “KING BIBI” – TIME FOR CHANGE
(Click on the blue title)



(2)

‘ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE’

A South African take on “As You Like It” is playing at the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
By Craig Snoyman

South Africa Upstaged. Truth and fantasy flitted like prancing players in a mythical forest, with South Africa the ‘Court’ jester at the International Court of Justice. It now stands exposed as the real clown!

‘ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE’
(Click on the blue title)



(3)

FROM URGENCY TO DELAY: WHAT HAPPENED TO SOUTH AFRICA’S ICJ CASE?

South Africa exposes through ineptitude its true motivations behind its fabricated case against Israel.
By Kenneth Moeng Kgwadi

What a Drag! The image of empty seats at the ICJ stands as a metaphor of South Africa’s empty “genocide” case against Israel which is set to drag on for years due South Africa’s request for time to find the evidence!

FROM URGENCY TO DELAY: WHAT HAPPENED TO SOUTH AFRICA’S ICJ CASE?
(Click on the blue title)



(4)

THE DEADLY FLAWS OF THE DEAL

When it comes to self-preservation, they will lie at every turn and manipulate even the Dealmaker-in-Chief.
By Marziyeh Amirizadeh

‘Strait’ Talking’. Now that Americans can again cheaply fill up their cars this summer, Israelis will have to spend much more investing in its future defense. Such are the war-fought results of the ‘Opening of the Strait’ deal.

THE DEADLY FLAWS OF THE DEAL
(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).