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THIS WEEK'S PICTURE and THIS WEEK'S NEWS

14 December 2019

Doreen and I celebrate our 55th Wedding Anniversary

We had a previous early celebration for our immediate family (see our family trip to Tuscany) and will celebrate my 80th with our relatives early next year, so we decided to invite our closest friends, to celebrate our 55th this evening. What started out as a light buffet supper turned into a full many course meal as Doreen added and added to the menu. (Click here to see the menu). The food was delicious, the company wonderful and a good time was had by all. Some of our friends are "new", many of us have known each other since before we were married so there were plenty of reminiscences of the "good old times". Some of the stories were new and eye-openers to our children Vered and Moran. (Aviv unfortunately was ill and couldn't attend.)
There are some more pictures here.
Click here for the menu for the delicious Carrot Soup.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Grandson Itamar Levy has pneumonia, but to keep his spirits up he sent us a picture of a wreck dive he and his dad, Aviv, made a few weeks ago.

Happy Birthday this week to: Adam Emanuel (15th), Dan Kansky (16th), Guy Lossin (16), Daniel Leibowitz (17th), Joel Beckman (17th), Gidon Lazarus (17th), Talya Levy (17th), Gabriel Glogauer (18th), Carin Matz (19th), Ben Tal (20th), Guy Gordon (20th)
Happy Anniversary this week to: Pat and Stewart Shub (15th), Wendy and Neill Glasser (15th), Doreen and Eitan Levy (16th), Natasha and Joshua Leibowitz (18th), Wendy and David Ginsberg (19th), Lisa and Simon Shapiro (20th), Natalie and Ryan Smith (20th)

7 December 2019

With the Reijzers
Doreen, Ezra, Hans, Jose Keyson, me

We returned at the beginning of the week from our short trip to Amsterdam for the unveiling of Lottie Reijzer's tombstone. (See last week's picture). The visit was very meaningful for us and we were glad we could share the occasion with Hans, Jose and Ezra and their spouses and children.
Click here for a picture of the Reijzer clan.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

My cousin Cecile Cotton (Hershovitz and Matz family trees) is undergoing medical treatment and we wish her a speedy and complete recovery. Our thoughts are with her and with husband Raymond and children Eric, Raphael and Jenna. And a special mazeltov to Cecile and Raymond's Anniversary this week.
Last week I ran a bridge event organized by Bet Protea, a retirement home, to raise money for needy residents. We were happy to meet one of the volunteer organizers, a fellow ex-Durbanite (and Doreen's ex neighbour) Elaine (Geshen) Finkelstein. Elaine is younger than us, but we knew her well as we were very friendly with the Geshen family.
Our poor dog Joannie somehow managed to slice part of her paw probably while out chasing cats. She needed stiches - and that means anaesthesia and hospital for a dog. See two pictures here.

30 November 2019

Shabbat dinner with the Keysons

We are in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to attend the unveiling tomorrwo of the matzeva, tombstone, of out dear departed friend from our first days in Israel Lottie Reijzer. Last night, after arriving from Israel, we were treated to a shabbat dinner by Lottie's daughter Jose and David Keyson. We enjoyed the meal, but even more enjoyed meeting once again Hans and the Keyson family. We and our children have maintained contact with the Reijzer clan both in Israel and in the Netherlands, and it is always a pleasure to renew contact.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Congratulations to Mark Nathan (see Nickel family tree) on achieving the certification of Sifu (Master) of Wing Chun Kung Fu, the martial arts method within the Moy Yat lineage. See pictures.
The Segolis have finally finished paying off their mortgage and daughter Vered and Aviv joined us and them for a celebratory dinner. It was also son Aviv and Limor's wedding anniversary so we made it a double celebration even tnough Aviv and Limor couldn't join us. (see picture)
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without enjoying the delicious "new herring" and this time Doreen joined me. See picture.

23 November 2019

Prize-giving Ceremony in Bucharest

Doreen and I spent a week in Romania. For 4 days I attended meetings of the European Bridge League Executive Committee and officiated at the European Champions' Cup Competition. The winning team was Club Onstein from the Netherlands. We were honored by the presence of the Prime Minister of Romania (centre of the picture, next to the cup).
After the competition, we went on a three day tour. Read Doreen's account with pictures.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Grandson Maayan continues to amaze us with his culinary skills. This time he prepared a full English Breakast, complete with sausages, which of course he made himself! Picture here.
Daughter Vered Ron, in China on a business trip, couldn't resist taking a picture of a KFC in Shenzhen that she saw to add to family KFC pictures.
We were happy to celebrate with many of her friends the 80th birthday of Yona Weisman. See picture her e.

16 November 2019

The Ioan Bolbarea Sculpture in Bucharest

The Romanian artist Ioab Bolborea depicted 16 of the characters from the stories of the Romanian playwright Ion Luca Caragiale. This impressive work stands in the centre of Bucharest outside the National Theatre.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We are in Bucharest for the European Bridge Champions' Cup where I am officiating. We have been here 4 days and Doreen has seen Bucharest's main attractions - see pictures of Ceausescu's house. Tomorrow we have a guide who will take us to the north on a three day visit to the sites around the areas of Sighisoara and Brasov.
With many people trying to reduce the amount of wheat they eat, spelt is a good alternative. See Doreen's recipe for spelt pancakes.

PICTURE DELETED

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We were happy to see Einat our former neighbour who came to visit us - or more accurately visit Joanie - with two of her sons - Shilo and Yonatan. The boys had had no contact with dogs and Einat was keen that they learn not to be afraid of them. The children and Joanie had a very successful visit.
A quiet week ended with a rushed weekend - dropping Joanie off at the Segolis on the way to Eilat, where we paid our respects to the Red Sea Bridge Festival and enjoyed being with son Aviv, Limor, Itamar, Amit and Ilai and then on the way back from Eilat picking Joanie up at the Segolis.
The Segolis, son Moran, Mikhal, Lotem and Zoe visited the migrating cranes at the Hulah reserve and then met up with Mikhal's sister Diki, Pini, Mili and Tal on a visit to the Park Yarden.
With many people trying to reduce the amount of wheat they eat, spelt is a good alternative. See Doreen's recipe for spelt pancakes.

2 November 2019

photocredit: Benny Sharoni

Deganit Paikowsky Haberman

Congratulations to Deganit on her appointment as a Vice-President of the Internatioal Astronautical Federation (IAF) - the first Israeli in this position. The IAF is an international non-governmental space advocacy organisation founded in 1951 to establish a dialogue between scientists around the world and to lay the information for international space cooperation. It has over 340 members from 68 countries across the world. This is a tremendous achievement that brings great honor to Deganit, Israel and the Haberman family. We are all so proud of you, Deganit.

Between her time being married to Uri and mother to Alon, Nitzan and Geffen, Deganit is a visiting researcher at the Space Policy Institute at The George Washington University and teaches at Tel Aviv University’s master’s program in Diplomacy and Security Studies.

Click here for a picture of Deganit with son Nitzan at one of the Haberman's traditional Channukah celebrations.

(see Goldberg family tree.)

THIS WEEK'S NEWS
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Good luck and best wishes to granddaughter Danielle Ron who this week started her studies at the School of Sustainability at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya.

26th October 2019

Lotem after the haircut

Granddaughter Lotem Segoli had her long tresses cut and donated her hair for a wig for women needing cancer treatment and who can't afford expensive wigs. We're very proud of Lotem who joins her cousins and our granddaughters Danielle (twice) and Lior ron who also donated their hair in the past.
It gives much pleasure to Doreen and I to see that our grandchildren don't only think about themselves but also have a social conscience.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We took it easy this week during the sukkot holidays. Apart from a couple of concerts at the Abu Ghosh Music Festival and a home dinner for a few guests, we took it easy.

19th October 2019

Good bye, Tuli

It's always so sad when a dog who has been years with the family and is really considered part of the family dies. Tuli has been with the Rons since Lopsy died. Tuli had been suffering these last few weeks and her time had come. Lior came up from Army duty to join Danielle (who had just returned from India) and Vered and Aviv to give Tuli a last hug.

Click here for the page on the family's dogs.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We are making good use of the sukkot holiday week. We spent a few days in Eilat with the Eilatis and the Segolis, enjoyed a great concert at the Abu Ghosh festival, and are looking forward to another one next week.
In Eilat we were delighted to meet friend and former colleague Aaron Miroz.
Sons Moran and Aviv went diving with children Itamar, Maayan and Lotem. Unfortinately as we had to return home early, Doreen missed the dive she had been looking forward to.
The Eilati Levys have a new dog Oreo - actually it is Amit's dog - the biggest "Levy" dog so far. It's still a puppy and growing! See a picture here.

12th October 2019

Granddaughters Lotem and Zoe Segoli take a jump

During Yom Kippur this week we went down to Eilat and relaxed with the Segolis and the Eilati Levys. Granddaughter Lior Ron had a couple of days off from the army and joined us. We drove to Eilat on Tuesday afternoon and returned on Wednesday evening and during that time managed to do a lot: resting, sleeping and swimming. Those that fasted, fasted, those that didn't, didn't.
See some more pictures here.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Granddaughter Danielle Ron is due back this evening from her trip to India and we are looking forward to hearing her stories and seeing her pictures.
Long time friend Maureen Fain was one of the winners of the 1st Israel National Watercolor Exhibition and Doreen, with friends Caroline Livneh and Yael Paperna visited the exhibition. See picture. Doreen and Maureen have been friends since their school days. Click for Doreen at one of Maureen's previous exhibitions.

5th October 2019

The Segolis hike the Ramon Crater Loop

During the Rosh Hashanah holidays Mikhal, Maayan, Zoe and Moran went on a four day trek on a new hiking path around the Ramon crater (Sovev Machtesh Ramon).

Moran writes: "We had someone leave us water and supplies along the path. There were amazing views of the Machtesh crater and it was a lovely hike. We had a wonderful time.

It was a bit hot, so every day we rested a few hours in the shade – something that wasn’t the easiest thing to find.
On the way we saw gazelles and wild ass. I told the kids that I took care of the wild ass parents or grandparents when I was a volunteer at the Hai Bar Rederve about 30+ years ago.

Click for some pictures.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

The Braverman family (Melly, Denise, Yahel and family) went to Aqaba during the Rosh Hashanah break and by all accounts had a fantastic time. They also visited the famous Wadi Rahm and Denise sent us a picture from there.
Grandson Maayan Segoli continues his adventures in cooking. Moran reports that the dumplings Maayan prepared were delicious. See the picture on his page.
Vanessa Tarazza sent us some pictures of the family taken at the wedding of her daughter Cinzia to Francois Mulder. Belated congratulations to Cinzia and family. The Australia Glassers came to South Africa for the wedding. See some pictures here. (See Gordon/Glasser family tree).
If you haven't read it yet you can read Doreen's New Year letter to family and friends.

28th September 2019

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Rosh Hashanah 5780
לשנה טובה תיכתבו ותחתמו

The Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah - falls this week on September 29th and 30th. May the coming year bring happiness and success to all our relatives and friends, and peace to our troubled region.

Click to read Doreen's New Year letter to family and friends.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We are saddened by the death in Johannesburg of Solly Krengel, husnand of Doreen's cousin Marsha, and extend our condolences to Marsha and daughters Shimonah, Leah and Yonit and granddaughters. (see Nochimovitz/Nickel tree)
Granddaughter Lior Ron took a break from Army duty to celebrate her 20th birthday. Mazeltov Lior, see picture here.
It's hard to keep track of the overseas business trips of daughter Vered Ron, but fortunately the pictures she sends give us a clue.
We will have a small Rosh Hashana dinner at home this year with the Rons and Doreen's sister Louise. The other children will be celebrating with their respective families. We'll dip an apple in honey symbolizing a sweet year in the traditional way ignoring the modern hi-tech method.

21st September 2019

Polling Station Chairman

I am proud of Doreen who spent hours as chairman of a polling station during the Israel elections ensuring that the voting was honest. Although "our side" won, things are still very unclear and we will need to wait to see how things work out and whether there will be any significant changes.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

I am in China (Wuhan in Hubei province) and have just finished attending meetings of the Executive and Laws committees of the World Bridge Federation. I fly back home tomorrow.
Last weekend Doreen drove to Midreshet Ben Gurion (Sde Boqer) to the Segolis. The Eilati Levys also came and there was a "mini family reunion" and a good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday this week to: Joel Ezra (21), Ashley Gordon (21), Jaryd Kay (21), Micaela Tarazza (22), Beryl Klotnick (22), Dean Bacher (23), Jennifer MacMillan (24), Megan Emanuel (24), Uri Boasson (24), Benjamin Pauwen (25), Gert Drui (25), Hagar Yehezkel (26), Leah Forman (26), Belinda Levy (27), Michal O'Dwyer (27), Yoav Pashas (27)
Happy Anniversary this week to: Keren and Ofer Levin (21), Nancy and Witney Burrows (23)

13-14th September 2019

Haircuts - I'm front right.

From my Old Pictures collection: This picture was taken 60 years ago at the Students' Residence at Witwatersrand University. We were a group of students from the most part different backgrounds but who got on well together and often did stupid things, like giving each other "mohawk" haircuts. I remember their faces and for the most part their ethnic origins but to be honest the only name I remember is mine! I wonder where they are today?

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

This weeks update is a day early as later today I am flying to China (Wuhan in Hubei province) and will be there for 10 days. I will be attending meetings of the Executive and Laws committees of the World Bridge Federation. I understand that internet and other communication may not be easy so this week's update is a day earlier than usual and the next update may be somewhat delayed.
Doreen and friend Caroline Livne visited good friend Maureen Fain in Jerusalem. On the way back they stopped in Protea Hills at Shoresh to say hello to Yona Weisman and there they also met an old aquaintance from our Eilat days. Read Doreen's account in her Column page.
While I'm away the family will play. Later today Doreen is driving to Sde Boqer and spend the weekend with the Segolis and the Eilat Levys. It will also be the first meeting between our dog Joannie and Amit's Oreo. Hope it goes well.

Happy Birthday this week to: Lior Ron (13), Moshe Kirshner (13), Samuel Cleaver (13), Yahel Braverman (14), Ephraim Klotnick (15), Mica Matz (16), Stacy Levy (17), Douglas Hock (19), Michael Nathan (19), Stewart Shub (19)
Happy Anniversary this week to: Claire and Samuel Neiman (16)

7th September 2019

1991, Nassau Bahamas: : A wave surge "tsunami" destroys Coral Villas

We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused to parts of the Bahamas by hurrican Dorian, and hope that all our friends and aquaintances there are safe. During our stay in the Bahamas we experienced a hurricane, fortunately nowhere near as dangerous as Dorian, and also a tsunami or wave surge which ravaged the island and destroyed much of Coral World and Coral Villas (the attraction I was in charge of.). The damage depicted above was inflicted only by flooding - there was not a breath of wind, so one can imagine the damage caused by severe flooding and winds in excess of 250 Kph. The pictures on the various news sites give an idea of the devastation.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Earlier this week Doreen attended Memento, an unusual ballet performed by the Jerusalem Ballet. It tells the story of Francesca Mann, a Polish ballerina who together with her family was finally sent to Auschwitz where she on her way to the gas chambers she grabs the rifle of one of the guards killing him and others before the whole group was shot to death. The Jews danced classical ballet including a man in a wheelchair while the Nazis danced equistively modern, spider-like. It was a fascinating evening.
When master chef Doreen is at home I am allowed to prepare three dishes: boiled eggs, poached eggs and omelettes. I am not willing to divulge the secrets of my cooking, but can share with you how to flip an omelette.
Next week I am flying to China (Wuhan in Hubei province) and will be there for 10 days. I will be attending meetings of the Executive and Laws committees of the World Bridge Federation. I understand that internet and other communication may not be easy so the next two updates of this site may be somewhat delayed.

31st August 2019

Itamar receives his 1st Draft Order

Living in Israel, you know that when your grandchild receives the first army call-up draft notice. he/she is not really a child any more. Itamar Levy received his this week. He is our third grandchild to be called up, following granddaughters Danielle and Lior Ron. The first call-up is for basic check-ups so Itamar still has a couple of years to enjoy school (!) and pre-army life.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Daughter Vered and the Ron family Aviv, Danielle and Lior have returned from their week-long visit to the US. Although only there for a week, they report having a great time, especially enjoying Flatiron Building and a walk along the High Line. See pictures.
Granddaughter Danielle only had 2 days to enjoy home before she was off again - this time on a 6 week trip to India. Dani loves travelling and visiting new places as can be seen by viewing her page on this site.
Granddaughter Lotem Segoli was not too happy with the colour of her room so she decided to repaint it, with the help of younger sister Zoe. It looks like they did a good job!
The Eilat Levys seem to agree with the English proverb, "More Hands Less Work" as they all pitch in helping in the kitchen.
Doreen has added a recipe for roast turkey breast to the Family Menus page.

Happy Birthday this week to: Max Melamed (31 Aug), Hannah Klotnick (1), Sha'ar Kasorla (1), Nici Ezra (1), Jesse Gordon (1), Wendy Ginsberg (2), Jennifer Matz (2), Amitai Stern (2); Ashley Kahn (3), Carly Glasser (3), Lisa Neiman (4), Jason Levy (5), Gillian Zimmerman (5), Asaf Amit (6),
Happy Anniversary this week to: Lee and Ben Tal (31 Aug), Joel and Beryl Klotnick (1); Mark and Sarina Or (Klotnick) (1) , Maayan and Ido Golomb (2), Rachel and Yuval Moskowitz, (3)

24th August 2019

The family go on a seaside hike

This morning, Doreen with the Eilatis and Segolis and some friends from Australia went for an easy hike and swim along the coast a few kilometres north of where we stay.
Click for some pictures and details.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We had an excellent family week - we saw all our offspring and their spouses. It was not quite a family reunion as we didn't see all of them at the same time. The Rons, daughter Vered with husband Aviv and Danielle and Lior had supper with us on Wednesday evening on their way to the airport for a short visit to the USA.
Then the Eilat Levys, son Aviv, wife Limor and Itamar, Amit and Ilai came for dinner on Thursday evening and slept over. On Friday the Segolis, son Moran wife Mikhal and Maayan, Lotem and Zoe joined us for a specially festive Friday night dinner deliciously prepared by Doreen with help from the grandchildren. Somehow we found room for 12 persons to sleep. Some pictures here.
We have updated the account (with pictures) of out sailing trip to Italy and France last week.
If you have not yet seen the pictures of the Segoli Mongolia trip you are missing something! See Moran's report here in Hebrew or in English.- we were in awe of the Segolis when we read it and saw the pictures.

Happy Birthday this week to: Lesley Gordon (24), Jeffrey Geffen (25), Richard Klotnick (25), Mark Or (Klotnick) (25), Henia Deul (25), Mildred Hock (25), Bruce Brod (26), Buna Friedman (26), Aviva Melamed (27), Benjamin Garbawy (27), Yaakov Hodes (28), Noah Glogauer (28), Raz Kirschner (29), Michael (Melly) Braverman (29), Holly Nickel (29), Idit Mizrahi (30), Basil Royle (30), Dani Haberman (30),
Happy Anniversary this week to: Yael and Justin Baum (24), Louis and Susan Glogauer (27), Shari and Joel Beckman (28), Jordana and Mark Glogauer (29)

17th August 2019

Four Napoleans pose in front of a statue of THE Napolean on the Island of Elba where Napoleon was exiled.
(Alon Chananya, me, Morris Kahan, Barney Weiner)

We returned a few hours ago from a sailing trip from Sorrento in Italy to Villefranche on the French Riviera, so there's no time to prepare a full report with pictures. Doreen will prepare a report of the trip - and more pictures - for next week. In the meantime here are some pictures.

The Segolis on their hike in Mongolia

Son Moran Segoli and famly have just finished their trip to Mongolia which included an 11 day trek in Western Mongolia where they also climbed Malchin Peak (4050m). Moran reports that the hike was difficult - it was cold, there was hail and snow and a lot of rain - but the views were amazing and they all enjoyed it.
Tomorrow they fly to Moscow for a few days and then back home by the end of the week.
When he gets back Moran will organise the many pictures they took but in the meantime he sent me a few pictures (not only of views) which can be seen on the Miscellaneous page, and on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe.

Yaffa Loew (see Schank family tree) is a docent once a month at the local Museum of Mishar where she lives. This morning Doreen, and friend Caroline Livneh. went to hear Yaffa's explanations and talks, and found it most interesting.
Also there was another relative, Yaffa's sister Rochelle. Click for a picture.

We're in Paris with granddaughters Ilai and Amit Levy; this is Ilai's batmitvah present. We are spending the week showing them around Paris. Details next week.
There are pictures here, and on the pages of Amit and Ilai.

The girls (plus Moran) go bowling

While we were in Norway (see here) the Segolis looked after our dog Joanie. On our return Doreen went to Sde Boqer to pick up Joanie and spent a couple days there. Both granddaughters Amit and Ilay Levy were also there and all the girls enjoyed an outing bowling with Moran, Mikhal and Granny.

The Participants at the European Junior Bridge Championships

Doreen and I are now in Oslo after spending 8 days in Stokke at the Oslofjord Convention Centre at the Championships. The Championships were very successful. We were particuarly happy that the U16 Gold Medal was won by Israel.
I was in charge of the event and was fortunate that the bridge staff are not only experienced but also excellent. At the prize giving, Doreen was roped in to sort the medals and hand them to the person presenting them.(see picture).
See two more pictures.

Scorpion at Sde Boqer

This weekend grandson Itamar Levy spent a few days with his cousins Maayan, Lotem and Zoe Segoli at Sde Boqer. They were joined by the children of two friends the Segolis met in Australia and who were visiting Israel. One night Moran took them to Ein Akev spring near Sde Boqer where they live, to show them the desert night life. They were happy to see a scorpion which of course they took care not to touch.
Click here for another picture of the children, this time in the pool.

Celebrating Vered's Birthday

Nearly the whole Ron, Levy and Segoli families celebrated daughter Vered Ron's birthday at her favourite restaurant. Happy Birthday!! June is also the month of the birthdays of Doreen and son Aviv so this is also a joint family celebration.

Two more pictures here.

The Executive Committee of the European Bridge League

Back row: EC members from Iceland, France,Germany, Slovakia, Ireland, Israel (me).
Front row: Belgium, Poland, Israel, Sweden (Jan Kamras president), Turkey, Netherlands, Norway

We are in Istanbul for the European Open Bridge Championships. Apart from the Championships which last just over two weeks, and at which I am an official, there were also meetings of the EBL Executive Committee over three days.

Doreen's 75th Birthday

This week Doreen celebrated her 75th birthay. Before going to an Opera we had dinner at a restaurant in the area. Our son Aviv Levy had arranged to join us without Doreen's knowing, and she was delighted and overwhelmed when he walked in at the beginning of the meal.
The next evening we went to an "Only Meat' restaurant in Jaffa to enjoy our steak and tartar. (see picture)

Danielle at the Tel Aviv Vegafest

Granddaughter Danielle Ron is - and has been for many years - a vegan.* She works part-time for an organisation called Vegan Active. This week there was a special event at the Sarona Fair devoted to veganism. We aren't vegans but went to visit Dani who was running one of the organisation's stalls. We didn't think there would be many visitors and were very surprised by the large crowd (estimated at 40,000!) and the numerous and varied stalls and stands. We were also impressed by Dani's enthusiasm and abilities. (Click here for another picture.)

*Vegan: Persons who don't eat meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal-derived ingredients. Most vegans extend the definition of veganism to go beyond just food and will also avoid the use of all personal and household products tested on animals, and avoid purchasing and using all animal-derived, non-food products, such as leather, fur, and wool.
The Vegan Society defines it as "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals".
from Spruce-eats.com and Wikipedia

And an extra special happy birthday on Tuesday to my wonderful wife Doreen!!

THEN - Itamar Levy contemplates his new-born cousin Maayan Segoli NOW - The cousins communicate

Two pictures this week - one from the "Old Photos" collection and the other from now. The cousins are also very good friends (and even sometimes actually speak to each other.)

At the Demonstration

Tonight we took part in a mass demonstration in Tel Aviv of tens of thousands of Israelis protesting the anti-democratic intentions of the Netanyahu government which is likely to be sworn in this week. In particular we demonstrated against the plans to over-ride and weaken the Supreme Court, and to pass legislation to prevent the courts from dealing with the corruption accusations against Netanyahu.

Sara Olkienitski, Shuli and Eitan Haberman

Happy 96th birthday on Thursday this week to Sara Olkienitski (nee Goldberg), my mother's cousin. And happy birthday also this week to her grandson Uri Haberman. Pictures above are Uri's parents, Shuli (Sara's daughter) and Eitan. Mazal Tov to both of you. עד 120 - not far to go, Sara!

Displaying Israel's Flag on Independence Day

This week we celebrated the 71st Israel Independance Day. The actual day is celebrated throught Israel by having barbecues, in parks, on the beaches and even on traffic islands. This year our son Aviv, curator of the Coral World Eilat, celebrated a little differently, hoisting our national flag underwater. He and the dive staff at Coral World have often re-enacted some current events under water. for example: Seder Pesach/Passover; playing cards; sitting in a sukka (booth) during the Shavuot holiday; and celebrating the stage of the Giro d'Italia Cycle Race which took place in Eilat.

We are proud of the achievements of our country but at the same time worried by the anti-democratic tendencies that are becomimg more and more evident. An extra perk for us this year was the lighting of one of the 12 commemorative torches at Har Herzl in Jerusalem by Morris Kahn, our good friend and my former employer.

We've had quite a week in Israel - rockets into Israel, firing into Gaza, Holocaust Day, Remembrance Day, Independence Day; and next week we'll have Eurovision.
Fitting in with the week's events we saw a moving and very interesting opera, The Passenger by Miecyslaw Weinberg, based on an SS Guard and a concentration camp prisoner and their memories of Auschwitz during and after World War 2.
We joined the traditional barbecue at the house of Carol and Terry Kessel, gracious hosts and great barbecuers. It is an uplifting experience to reconnect with old friends some whom we do not see regularly but still share a vision of a different Israel that we had hoped to be part of.

Happy Birthday this week to: Paul Bacher; Tessa Marks (12), Cinzia Tarazza, Gene Glick (13); Yael Gilad, Michal Gilad, Tamara Braverman (14); Alana Stern; Shuly Haberman, Michaela Leibowitz (16); Bruce Cleaver, Lauren Stern (17)

Lital Bortenstein?, Yaffa Bortenstein Loew, Yaakov and Lior? Bortenstein, Vered Levy Ron, Avram Bortenstein
Picnicking somewhere, perhaps at the farm in Meishar

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) was this week and as every year we remembered family members and mourned all the innocent Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Shoah. This year Doreen would like to share with you the story of our dear relative Avram Bortenstein ז"ל who was in the Russian army and his efforts after the Shoah to help find and identify Jewish children who had been hidden in Poland during this period.
See Doreen's Column

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

The Segoli site has been updated to include pictures of the Family Reunion and their hike in the Apennines. Click for site in English or in Hebrew .
Son Aviv Levy is back from diving in the Cayman Islands. It was short, but he had a great time and some good dives. We went down to Eilat - via the Segolis in Sdeh Boqer - and heard details of his dives. Click for a picture of us with the Eilat Levys.
Daughter Vered Ron is very busy in her new job and is overseas for a few days. Click here for her picture on the Taboola site. Click on her picture there for a short decription..

Happy Birthday this week to: Debora Lazarus (4), Yael Segoli (4), Tallulah Wood (4); Jason Lewis, Jackie Marks, Marion Bloede, Noga Poupko, Oren Gordon (5), Daniella Guendelman, Jacqueline Lampert (6); Raphael Klotnick, Talya Klotnick (8); Matar Nickel, Joshua Meyerov, Roni Karlsbad, Edward Cleaver (9); Steven Klotnick (10)

What? Only one candle for my 79th birthday?
(No, it's not Who Knows One - Echad Mi Yodea)

Doreen insists it is the most important candle - the one symbolizing a year that will be of good health and life. We celebrated my 79th birthday at home last night, and were joined by Vered, Aviv and Danielle. Doreen went out of her way and prepared a delicious gourmet 4 course dinner. See some pictures here. Two main courses: Roast Sirloin and Vegan Shepherds's Pie.

I received a delightful birthday card from Doreen - see here.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

After their vacation extensions following our family reunion in Italy (see here) all our family are back in Israel.
The Segolis enjoyed their hike in the Apennines - see pictures here. For Moran's account and pictures you can access the Segoli site in English or in Hebrew updated today.
Son Aviv is in the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean Islands (see picture). There he will be the diving companion of family friend Morris Kahn. Morris has been in the news recently, first as the driving force behind the launching of the Bereshit space vehicle to the moon, and then as one of the 12 persons honored to light a torch during the coming Israel Independence Day celebrations.

Happy Birthday this week to: Eitan Levy (27), Rene Hock (28), Elizabeth Mynarski (28), Jacob Glogauer (29), Noam Amit (30), Wendy Kansky (30): MAY - Brian Galgut, Ariel Stennard (1), Amit Nickel, Sarah Garbawy, Russel Glasser (2); Gail Nickel, Miriam Santhaus (3);

Who Knows One? אחד מי יודע

The girls, with help from Rafael, perform their spirited version of "Echad Mi Yodea"

We had a most pleasant Passover Seder at the home of niece Yahel Braverman and Donnie Dvir. Good company, good food, good atmosphere, not too much haggadah - a perfect seder!
Rafael sang Ma Nishtenah and Chad Gadya for us - see picture.

We had a wonderful time at our 24th Family Reunion in Italy (see last week's post in the Archives) , and returned yesterday. You can read about it and see pictures here.
The Eilat Levys stayed on in Rome for a few days after the reunion - see a picture here.
The Segolis also remained in Italy. They will be hiking for about a week in the Apennine Mountains. Click for a picture.

Happy Birthday this week to: Harry Schochat (21), Kari Mynarski (21), Remy Levin (24), Joyce Bernstein (24), Zoe Segoli (24), Arie Schochat (25), Ben Zion Poupko (25), Racheli Gilad (26), Yonat Partok (26)

24th Family Reunion in Italy, at Pisa

Doreen and I are celebrating our 55 years of marriage (a little early) at the 24th Family Reunion in Italy. We have rented a refurbished farmhouse in Tuscany, Villa Prato al Sole, in the village of San Pancrazio near Monte San Savino. So far the 15 family members (Lior is in the army and couldn't join us) are having a great time. More next week.

Our Reunion is primarily for the family to have fun together and bond (and eat!), but we also have, so far, visited Orvieto, Perugia, Pisa and San Gimignano. Next week - pictures and report.

Happy Birthday this week to: Leon Matz (14), Charlene Engleberg (14), Yaron Glasser (14), Noa Schwartz (15), Jodie-Beth Matz (15), Na'ama Gilad (16), Yael Schochat (16), Saul Ginsberg (17), Keira Leibowitz (17), Hanna Gordon (17), Rachel Zagnoev (18), Robert Cleaver (19)

My father, me, Aunt Rose

from my old photo collection:
That's me on the beach somewhere (Port Elizabeth?) in the early 1940's with my father Hayman and Aunt Rose (my mother's sister and Viv Klaff's mother)

Daughter Vered Ron, after 9 years of working with Benny Landa, started a new job this week. She joined Taboola, an internet marketing company, as VP & GM Taboola News. We all her wish her good luck and success in her new job.
Ilai enjoyed taking part in the national Junior Cyber contest in Holon.. Unfortunately spectators were not allowed, so we have to make do with this impressive picture of the participants.
After their success in the regional Robotics Championships, Itamar's school took part in the National Contest, held this time in Tel Aviv. They all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We attended a few hours of the competition and were amazed not only at the technological achievements we saw but also at the unbridled enthusiasm of the contestants and the good natured rivalry. See pictures here.
In a few days time we (the whole family except Lior who is in the army) will go Italy for a week's Family Reunion in a refurbished farmhouse in Tuscany near Florence.
The day before we leave, we will put our votes in the ballot box hoping to help replace the Netanyahu government with a democratic and peace-seeking alternative.

Happy Birthday this week to: Dov Levin (6), Darren Klotnick (6), Michael Glasser (7), Erin Herr (8), Melodie Nathan (9), Leshem Nickel (9), Kenneth Berman (9), Nevo Nickel (12), Jonathan Hock (12),

My parents Hayman and Queenie with my sister Fern

from my old photo collection:
To the best of my recollection this picture of my parents and Fern as a flower girl was taken at the wedding of my father's cousin Louis Hurwitz to Avie Woolfson in Durban in 1948. (see Matz family tree).
(Click here for a picture of the wedding celebrants and families).

Granddaughter Ilai Levy and 3 others from her school will be attending the 2019 Israel Cyber Competition. (see picture) in a few days time. We hope to be present at part of the competition.
With winter finishing and warmer days coming, it's time to start barbecuing. See Doreen's recipe for delicious barbecued wings.

Happy Birthday this week to: 30/3 - Alan Klotnick , Gabriel Bloede, Morris Gordon 31/3 - Deryn Klein, 1/4 - Oren Klaff, Rachel Kirschner, Barney Gordon, 2/4 - Roni Gurland, Issy Bacher, 3/4 - Richard Nickel, 4/4 - Itamar Levy, Louis Glogauer, 5/4- Jessica Gordon, Ariel Moskovich, Eloise Feinstein, Sorrel Bolel, 6/4 - Dov Levin, Darren Klotnick

A short break in the EBL Executive meeting

Peter (Slovakia), Philippe (France), Sevinc (Turkey), Gilad (Israel), Japhet (Iceland), Marc (Belgium), Eric (Netherlands),
Catherine (Secretary), me (Israel), Jan (Sweden), Paul (Ireland), Igor (Poland), Kari-Ann (Norway). Missing - Josef (Germany)

This last week we were in Lausanne, Switzerland for six days. I attended a two-day meeting of the European Bridge League Executive Committee. We stayed with our wonderful friends Pierre and Francois Collaros who entertained and fed us royally, and also lent us their car.

We have visited Lausanne and district a number of times, but always enjoy seeing new places and some of the old places again. Click for some pictures here.
While we were in Lausanne, our grandchildren were enjoying dressing up for the festval of Purm. We're sorry we couldn't see them, but from the photos we received it seems like they had a great time.

Happy Birthday this week to: 23 - Daniel Hock, Stewart Aronson, Logan Thompson-MacLeod 24 - Nitzan Partok 25 - Pia Murad 26 - Assaf Nickel 27 - Ashlee Glasser, Itamar Gordon, Ofek Golomb 28 - Abigail Cigler, Yarden Levy, Eric Cotton, Denise Braverman , 29 -Yoel Geffen, Joe Leibowitz

Lior and Granny Doreen sewing on Lior's stripes

Every week there are new signs that the grandchildren are fast becoming grandadults. This week Itamar Levy received his official Identification Card (תעודת זהות) . See picture
Congratulations to granddaughter Ilai Levy who has been chosen to be one of four pupils to represent her school in a national Computer Cyber Contest, to be held in 10 days time, in a competition testing logic.
Tomorrow we fly to Lausanne, where I will be attending some bridge meetings. Doreen is accompanying me and we will stay and spend a few extra days with good friends Pierre and Francoise Collaros. Every March the European Bridge Executive holds meetings in Lausanne at the International Sports Center. Spending a few extra days with the Collaros's has become a lovely tradition. See here for example..

Itamar with the Robot built at his school

Grandson Itamar took part in the FRC Robotic Championship held this past week in Haifa. Participating schools are given a task to be performed by a robot, and the students have 70 days to plan and build a suitable robot. This year the task was to build a robot that could pick up a ball, move to the "goal" area and shoot the ball into a tunnel whose rear end had been previously blocked by the robot to prevent the ball coming out of the tunnel. In addition, there were 3 robots on the field, and a robot could block another robot from scoring. After scoring the robot had to climb on a dias or platform (different heights of the dias earned different points).
92 schools took part, and Itamar's robotic class were placed 10th and reached the quarter finals.
Itamar reports that this was a fantastic experience. The combination of planning and building the robot, then taking part, and meeting other people who all had a common interest and a passion for robots and success was amazing- as he puts it "we were all on an extended high the whole time."
We're very proud of you, Itamar. This was a terrific achievement and we congratulate you on the result and on the experience.
(Another picture on Itamar's page)

Not only Itamar was in the news this week. Our grandchildren were busy:
As reported last week, granddaughter Lior Ron finished her unit training in the Army. But then there was a surprise. She was chosen as the Outstanding Trainee of the course. Click for a photo of Lior with her certificate. Well done, Corporal Lior!
Our grandchildren seem to be growing older very quickly! Suddenly (or so it seems) our second youngest granddaughter, Ilai Levy, is accepted into the high school she wanted and we realise that she is not so young any more. Picture here.
We received a video of grandchildren Lotem and Zoe Segoli performing the Ross and Monica dance from Friends. Click to see.

Lior after the Swearing-in Ceremony

Granddaughter Lior Ron has finished her Basic Training and is now a regular soldier in the Israel army, assigned to a unit. Her parents Aviv and Vered and sister Danielle attended the Swearing-In Ceremony and were very moved. We congratulate Lior on getting through the hard basic and specialised courses .

Lotem, Maayan and Doreen at Boca do Roca

We're in Lisbon - see This Week's News below. Doreen took the grandchildren to Boca do Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. It was fun thinking there was nothing between them and the Americas except the Atlantic Ocean.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Devra Hock celebrates her birthday

We were delighted to hear some months ago from Devra Hock, a relative on the Nochomovitz side, who would be in Israel to attend a meeting of a Museum Research Group as part of her studies for a Ph.D in paleontology. We have never met her or her parents but have met quite a few other Hock relatives (for example, see here.) . Over the weekend we got to know her as friendly and articulate. Her visit culminated in a Friday night family dinner, before her flight back home to the States. As it turned out, the timimg was excellent, as we could also celebrate her birthday! Doreen baked a delicious chocolate cake (vegan of course for our granddaughters) seen in the picture above. You can see the recipe here.
Click for some pictures of the family dinner.

Participants at the Course

We are on the way back from Antalya Turkey where I organized the 11th European Bridge League Tournament Directors' Course. In bridge, the Tournament Director's job, in addition to activities concerened with organizing competitions, is also the judge during the course of the competition. There were 64 participants from 27 different countries, and 17 participants received accreditation as International Bridge Directors (=judges)

Click for a picture of the Tutors grading Entry test papers.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

I was busy during the time in Antalya and only managed to see a little of the city during the last afternoon, but Doreen had time to get around and see some more of the area. Click for some pictures.
We received a lovely picture of our eldest granddaughter Dani in Hawai.
After last week's family supper the Eilat Levys went on a short visit up North to the Golan and granddaughter Ilai took some pictures. See one of them here.

Happy Birthday this week to: 9- Karen Cleaver 10 - Roslyn Hakim, Ian Klotnick, 12 - Charles Levy, 13 - Tamar Moskovich , Debra Hochstadter, Navah Hellerstein 14 - Devra Hock, Russel Kahn, Sydney Yudelman, Alexis Bloede 15 - Ari Lazarus, Tamar Shabtay

Happy Anniversary this week to: 9 - Sharlene and Steven Klotnick 11 - Rhona and Abraham Neimann 14 - Lori and David Hock, Neta and Lior Bortenstein

A mini family reunion

Two days separate granddaughter Ilai's birthday (28 Jan) from son Moran's (30 Jan) and Doreen decided to invite the whole clan for Friday night dinner last night. 14 of the 16 (both AvivR and Dani are overseas) came from Herzliya, Sde Boqer and Eilat and enjoyed being togethert and a really exceptional 5 course dinner cooked over 3 days by Doreen.

Click for more pictures here and on Ilai's page.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Doreen and I with Vered on her enlistment many years ago

Now that granddaughter Lior Ron is doing her compulsory army service, (see for example her enlistment), I thought she might like to see her mother when she was in the army.

From my collection of "Old Photos"

The Levy and Edelstein families gather for the barmitzvah of Charles Levy February 1963

I recently received this picture from cousin Sharon Leibowitz. It was taken in Upington at the bar mitzvah of Charles, son of Eric Levy and Winnie (nee Edelstein). Members of both families are present, but surprisingly Charles is apparenty not in the picture!

Back 2 rows: David L, Benny E, Joe L, Hayman L, Winnie L, Sasha E, Abe L, Malia L, Sheila E, Ilana E, Irma E, Fanny E, Eric L
Front rows: Sophelia E, Lynette E, Cecile L, Sharon L, Jonathan L, Tony E, David E, Maurice E with Dunne E, Sheryl E, Hacky E

From my collection of "Old Photos" - thanks to cousin Sharon

A fish meal in London
Dave Rothschild and Frankie Klaff with Doreen and me

We are in London for a week's visit, and return to Israel on Tuesday. We shopped, visited, saw "Macbeth" and enjoyed spending some time with Frankie (see Goldberg Family tree) and Dave who were visiting from USA.

Click for a picture of Frankie and Doreen in ChinaTown just before a delicious roast duck lunch.

Moran takes a selfie of himself with a gelada monkey.
(Moran is the one on the right with the sunglasses)

Son Maayan Segoli returned this morning from a six day trek with 2 friends in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia. He reports a wonderful experience, including seeing the unique Gelada monkey ("bleeding heart monkey") found only in Ethiopia.
Click here for some more pictures.

In 2004 Doreen went on a 4 day trek in the Simien Mountains - you can read her report and pictures here.

We'll wait to see more pictures on his site in due time. In the meantime you can enjoy the amazing pictures of his familt trip to Madagascar ( in Hebrew or in English.)