POW_Archives

January 2026 February 202 6 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 October 2026 November 2026 December 2026

(Last year -2025)

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
24th October 2026
aunts

My Aunts

A little bit of family history. I had eight aunts - 4 on my father's side and 4 on my mother's side. (Two aunts, sisters of my father, Fanny and Annie died before I was born.)

From left to right - top to bottom
Bess Shapiro - My mother's sister. Unmarried
Esther Shapiro nee Meyers - Married to my mother's brother Willie. No children.
Ethel William - nee Levy - My father's sister married to Solomon William. No children.
Ethel Levy nee Solomon - 'My godmother'. Married to my father's brother Joe, 4 children Shirley, David, Bruce and Miriam
Dora Shapiro - My mother's sister. Unmarried
Rose Klaff nee Shapiro - My mother's sister married to Sholem Klaff, one boy Vivian
Winnie Levy nee Edelstein - Married to my father's brother Eric, three children Sharon, Charles and Cecile
Malia Levy nee Weinronk - Married to my father's brother Abe, one son Jonathan

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Quiet week except for doctors' visits. Busier weekend: more doctors, dinner with Vered, lunch with Maureen Fin e, opera (Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana.)

We thoroughly enjoyed the operas. We were not expecting too much as the performance was at the Petach Tikvah Cultural Centre and not at the "regular" Opera House with the Israel Opera singers. We were pleasantly surprised by the lavish production and the excellent voices.

We have had amazing success with our papayas (pawpaws). We, family, friends and neighbours (and even the electrician who replaced a lamp) have all enjoyed the plentiful big and delicious fruit.

Here are some pictures of the Ron's visit to Japan earlier this month.

We're getting ready for Israel's elections. Doreen and I are volunteering helping The Democrats on Tuesday, election day. We hope that finally Bibi will be replaced.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

17th October 2026
Dan Noga Bortenstein

Breaking the Glass - Dan and Noa Marry

<>Mazal Tov to Dan Bortenstein and Noa Cohen on their marriage yesterday. Congratulations too to Dan's parents Yaakov and Ziva Bortenstein, Doreen's second cousin. (See Schank family tree.). See another picture.

This seems to be the Schank season for marriages - see Roni and Ben's wedding three weeks ago and we understand another one is coming up soon.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Another addition to my KFC pictures, Kyoto Japan. Thanks, Vered.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

10th October 2026

cats

Doreen feeding cats at Saint Nicolas Monastery of the Cats

We visited the monastery of Saint Nicolas of the Cats. We are dog lovers but our grandchildren love cats as well. We were fascinated by the idea of a monastery devoted to cats. However, we were a little disappointed by our visit. We had anticipated hundreds of cats but I estimate we only saw about 50-60. All were unafraid and friendly and some came up to be petted. Also the church was being renovated and had been emptied of content.
More pictures here.

From Wiki:
The monastery, founded in AD 325, is the second oldest in Cyprus; the church dates from the 1200s. St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, landed here in AD 328, finding the place swarming with poisonous snakes. She sent a shipload of cats to get rid of the snakes. The cats were fed a bit of meat morning and night to limit their intake of venom. ....... It is said that the monastery once had two bells - one to call to prayer and the other to call the cats. Monks lived in the monastery until 1570, perishing in the Turkish invasion. After several revivals and periods of neglect, nuns came in 1983. They care for hundreds of cats, with some government help for the food.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We came back yesterday from our Cyprus trip. We'd been relaxing and resting for a couple of weeks.
After visiting the Monastery (see above) we drove for an hour via side roads for lunch at Mamas Restaurant. There I discovered that I had left my wallet with my credit cards at the monastery. So after finishing our fish meal we drove back an hour to the monastery, found my wallet and then drove more than an hour back to Larnaca - this time on the highway - with a stop for coffee on the way.
At the coffee shop there was a man selling snails - see Doreen's Column for more!
For the past 50 years we have been telling the "Tomorrow" story about our visit to Japan in the late 1960's. I wrote about in the Memories page of this site. I don't know how many believed it was a true story, so thank you Aviv! Aviv and Vered are in Japan and we are delighted that Aviv found the "Tomorrow" restaurant! Click here for the picture Aviv took.
Click for some more pictures of the Ron's Japan visit.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

3rd October 2026

Breakfast at Flat401 Mechmet Nigazi Street 14, Larnaca ca

Doreen and I enjoy a breakfast with a view in our flat in Larnaca

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We are in Cyprus. We've been relaxing and resting for a week and next week we'll hire a car and, as on all our visits to Cyprus, do/visit something new.

We entertained our first local guests for lunch. Igor with wife, daughter and their cutest dog. We all enjoyed Doreen's gazpacho and baked labrax (sea bass). Igor and family are originally from Russia. They live in Limassol and also own an apartment in our building which they rent out.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

26th Sep 2026

Ronni and Ben are married
Breaking the Glass

Mazal Tov and best wishes to Ronni Karlsbad and Ben Desaclo on their marriage. Congratulations too to mother-of-the-bride Rachel Karlsbad and uncle Tzvika Karlsbad, Doreen's second cousins.
See Schank family tree.

More pictures here.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We celebrated Sukkot (see picture) at the home of the Rons and were joined by son Aviv and grandson Itamar. Delightful evening - atmosphere, delicious food, good company
Moran is back from Thessaloniki Greece where he went on a motor cycle touring trip with his friend Erez. See pictures.
In a couple of days we fly to Cyprus for a two week stay and rest.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

19th September 2026

Zoe enjoying a concert

Son Moran and grandchildren Maayan and Zoe Segoli returned this week after a visit to the USA where, as a special treat for Zoe, they took part in a concert of Pierce the Veil, Zoe's favourite rock band.. The concert in San Diego was the final concert of the band's "I Can't Hear You" world tour of 69 concerts from May 2025 to September 2026.
From the above picture is is clear that Zoe thoroughly enjoyed the concert and enthusiastically helped them sing. 😂, Moran preferred to listen!

Two more pictures here.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

It's been a busy week for our family. The Rons (Vered, Aviv, Danielle, Lior), the Segolis (Moran, Maayan, Zoe) and Amit Levy all returned from overseas visits.
Moran is off again tomorrow.to Thessaloniki Greece where he will go on a motor cycle touring trip with his friend Erez.
We received a lovely picture of cousin Caryn (Klaff) Sangupta with a snow leopard. (No, not AI, but just costume). See Goldberg family tree.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

12th September 2026

Michal and Lotem Segoli with Louis Nickel

Doreen's cousin Louis Nickel (see Nickel tree) has just opened a thrift store "Irit" in Tivon. We wish him success in this new venture.

Our daughter in law Michal Segoli and our granddaughter Lotem (Levy tree) were in the area and went to the shop, nor knowing it was Louis's shop. Michal and Louis have met, but although they seemed familiar to each other there was no recognition. Lotem started looking at clothing, and then -

Louis: Where are you from?
Lotem: Midrasha at Sde Boker.
Louis: Do you know my cousin Moran Segoli?
Lotem: Yes, he's my father!

Further 'proof' that it's a small world!

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

We wish all our friends and relatives a happy Rosh Hashanah with hope for a return to the values we treasure so much.
Read the moving story of a Rosh Hashanah card written under Nazi rule and and lovingly kept to this day.
The Rons are enjoying Rosh Hashanah in Greece.
Son Moran and his children Maayan and Zoe are in California, USA. They'll be there about a week. While there they did not forgo the family tradition of eating at a KFC restaurant. For a picture, and all KFC pictures, click here.
Also overseas - niece Denise Braverman and her partner Shai Arroyo.
With most of the family overseas or otherwise engaged we had a most pleasant secular Rosh Hashanah meal with good friends Ruti and Dani Erez.
Doreen took sister Louise with Minda to Herzliya Beach for a view of the sea - and an ice-cream
Bon voyage to granddaughter Amit Levy who will spend a week with a friend in our apartment in Larnaca.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

5th September 2026

Itamar and cats

Doreen needed to be in Larnaca to organize some things connected to our apartment there and she asked grandson Itamar to accompany her. Among other things they visited the Larnaca Archaeological Museum and they both thoroughly enjoyed it. When it was time to return to Israel Itamar decided to stay for a few days more and invited 2 friends to join him.

Itamar likes cats and evidently cats like Itamar. There are more stray cats in Cyprus than people - about double the number. They are strays but tame and never aggressive or afraid. There is even a Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats where nuns look after hundreds of cats. Both on this trip and on a previous trip when Itamar walked in the street cats approached him for petting.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Doreen returned from Cyprus after a three day visit and grandson Itamar invited 2 friends and stayed on for a few more days.
Lots of papayas this year, but our avocado tree looks less promising.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

29th August 2026

Ilay

Ilay - off to National Service

Granddaughter Ilay Levy enlisted this week. Good luck Ilay.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

This week we visited Kibbutz Yizrael. Issy Levitan, a friend from our Durban days invited us and some other Durbanites. We had a wonderful time - see more and pictures.
Daughter Vered and Aviv Ron have returned from their US visit. In Boston they went to see The Great Elephant Migration Adventure on a very special day.
We are blessed with wonderful grandchildren who visit and drop in regularly. In the last 10 days we have seen by granddaughters Ilay, Amit, Lotem, Danielle and Lior, and grandsons Itamar and Maayan. See some pictures here.
Doreen will be in Cyprus for a few days to care of some things. Grandson Itamar will accompany her.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

22nd August 2026

Ari and Yael Stennard

I am delighted to have established contact with Yael Stennard, the daughter of Belinda and my late cousin David Levy. Yael is a psychiatrist and lives in Sydney Australia with her husband Rod and son Ari.
We have never met her, but we have met her sister Dari and we are in contact with her mother Belinda.
We hope some day to meet her, possibly in Australia but more likely in Israel.

See Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

Son Aviv was a TV star this week. He appeared on 2 channels describing the release of turtles to the sea. They had been bred from birth 30 years ago. Here is a link to Channel 12 (in Hebrew): https://share.ifat.com/item?encID=DiEmKip5rNXAtG4S2KMOTwxEqualsXxEqualsX&itemType=tv
Son Aviv and granddaughters Ilay and Lior joined us for dinner at the Nishi Restaurant in Netanya. As always the food was excellent and it was lovely being together.
Daughter Vered and Aviv and granddaughter Danielle are in USA for a wedding and are also enjoying hiking in the White Mountains area in New Hampshire area.
Doreen had added a recipe for pickled herring (one of my favourites) on the Recipes page.
On my Memories page I have added a memory of my mother and a horse race.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

15th August 2026

Get Together at Colin and Louise Kessel

Jewel Hackner, Terry Kessel, Noga Porter, Nili Shelef, Louise Kessel, Basil Porter, Nookie Reisner, Carol Kessel, Doreen
Eitan, Rafi Shelef, Barbara Faktor, Colin Kessel, Errol Hackner,

Errol Hackner, an old friend from our Durban days, and his wife Jewel live in USA. They are visiting Israel and the Kessels welcomed them together with many of our old common friends.
A most enjoyable evening, not only because of the delicious food but also for the opportunity to chat and get updates from friends.

Click here to see Errol and me over 70 years ago.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS .

I am delighted to have made contact with Yael Stennard, the daughter of Belinda and my late cousin David Levy. She lives in Australia. Next week I hope to write a little about her and add some pictures.
Doreen's sister Louise Braverman celebrated her birthday this week at the retirement home where she lives.
On my Memories page I have added a memory of my mother and a horse race.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

8th August 2026

Driving home from hospital

I'm back home after a heart valve replacement. The procedure was successful but I'm still feeling a little weak.
I was very impressed by the Kaplan Hospital from all aspects and want to thank all the staff. I especially want to thank Dr Dani Haberman, not only for his professionalism but also for the special care.

My children, Vered, Aviv and Moran, were wonderful. To, at and from hospital I was not left alone even for a minute and their help was exceptional.

And Doreen. What did I do to deserve such a loving and caring wife? I don't think I could have got through everything so well without her constant caring and attention. I do not usually quote the bible but in The Book of Proverbs, written as a tribute to female strength, capability and wisdom we read "A woman of valor who can find? For her price is far above rubies". Well, I have found her. And not only rubies - gold, diamonds, platinum too.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Congratulations to daughter-in-law Michal Segoli. She has received a research grant for five years from the Israeli Science Foundation (ISF) to compare sexual behaviour and sexual cannibalism between all widow spider species (~35 species).
On my Memories page I have added a memory of my mother and a horse race

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

1st August 2026

COUSINS

Charles, Bruce, Cecille Cotton
David, Miriam
Sharon Leibowitz, Jonathan, Shirley Kansky
Fern, Vivian Klaff, Eitan

Vivian is on my mother's side; the others on my father's Levy side

At the time of writing six have passed: Fern, Cecille, David, Miriam, Bruce and Vivian. Except for Bruce who died one year old I have fond recollections of the times we cousins spent together. Although separated geographically the 5 of us still maintain steady contact.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We were saddened this week to hear of the passing of Adam Tal aged 43. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Maytal, his mother Cheryl, his father Daniel and to his grandmother my cousin Shirley Kansky.
Son Aviv and Limor spent a few days at the Dead Sea celebrating Limor's birthday.
On Tuesday I go into hospital to prepare for my heart valve procedure (TAVI) on Wednesday.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

25th July 2026

Oiling the Brickwork - 2004

The inside entrance wall to our house in Hofit (where we lived on and off for over 40 years) displayed wonderful brickwork and ceramic objects designed by the sculptor and artist Doron Bar-Adon. (You can see part of entrance in a picture here). In keeping with the theme there were also bricks on part of outside wall. The bricks needed periodical oiling. This was not a problem for the inside entrance but access to the outside wall was not too easy. As you can see, Doreen managed very well.
Times change. Today her climbing is largely on a kitchen stool and I have difficulty even with that.

When we sold the house (in 2011) we were disappointed when the new owners removed all the artwork and redid the entrance wall

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Doreen has added some personal memories about my sister Fern who passed away on July 21st 18 years ago. <>
We enjoyed lunch today with granddaughter Lotem.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

18th July 2026

2011 Albena - Three Hats Three Presidents

This week the Israel Junior bridge teams won silver medals in the 3 Open championships: Under 26, Under 21 and Under 16. This reminded me that 15 years ago in July 2011 the Israel team won the gold medal in the European Under 26 category at Albena Bulgaria where I was the Chief Tournament Director. The Presidents of the WBF,World Bridge Federation, (Gianarrigo Rona) and of the EBL, European Bridge League, (Yves Aubrey) were there, and at the time I was President of the Israel Bridge Federation . I don't remember the exact circumstances (probably at the staff party) but somehow the three presidents let their hair down and enjoyed a little bit of nonsense.

(see also here for another hat picture from 2015 which also shows the late Jan Kamras who was to become the president of both the WBF and the EBL

(The Three Presidents) is another picture from October 2010 to February 2012 when this site was not updated.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Lots of eating the last few days: On Thursday we invited friends for lunch, and on Saturday enjoyed brunch at the home of Dudley and Sarah Kessel.
Granddaughter Dani Ron came back this week from a short visit to Berlin to see and hear the band System of the Down. It appears that this band ("an Armenian-American heavy metal band") is very popular. They are on a European tour and our grandchildren Itamar and Amit Levy are in Warsaw to see the band tomorrow.
Daughter Vered Ron was in Greece for short break and was joined by Patisa her schooldays friend from the Virgin Islands.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

11th July 2026

Lopsy guarding our house in Hofit

Our family have always had such great pleasure with pets especially dogs that I think it about time that one of our dogs is This Week's Picture.

I'm sure our present dogs - small Alma with the Rons, our medium size Joannie, large Tom with the Segolis and giant Oreo in Eilat - will agree that Lopsy who lived both with us and with the Rons deserves this honour. (We consider the legendary Peles as a family member not a dog.)
All in all, our family has had 15 dogs and you can see their pictures and read about them on the page devoted to them.

.THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We enjoyed a brunch with ex brother-in-law Melly Braverman. Melly is making a good recovery after his bad fall about a month ago.
Today we visited and had a lunch with the Segolis in Midreshet Ben Gurion. The highlight of our visit was watching granddaughter Zoe enjoying her pole dancing exercises.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

4th July 2026

Delicious Trout au Bleu

When grandson Itamar Levy came with us to Cyprus a few months ago we wanted to visit a trout farm and restaurant but unfortunately it was temporarily closed. On a later visit to Cyprus we did eat there and decided that when we were back in Israel we would invite Itamar for a trout meal.

When our two grandsons Itamar and Maayan Segoli visited us this week Doreen decided it was an opportunity to serve trout. Maayan had previously prepared and eaten trout based on Doreen's first book Potpourri of Memories but Itamar had never eaten it.
She decided to prepare Trout au Bleu which is poached. Next time she'll prepare the more traditional fried in butter, Trout Meuniere.

The fish was delicious and we all enjoyed it.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

I am at home after my heart catheterization earlier this week. I am feeling very much better but still a little weak. Thanks to all my relatives and friends for their concern for me and for their good wishes for my recovery. I will undergo a heart valve repair in a couple of weeks.
Son Moran Segoli had two radio interviews this week about projects he is doing at the Ramat Negev Research and Development Institution to generate electricity from plant waste material. The interviews were broadcast on the national Reshet Bet channel and on Galai Tzahal. He came over extremely well and we are very proud of him. Listen to one of the interviews here.
Our wonderful daughter Vered celebrated her 60th birthday this week. We can't believe we have a daughter who is 60 years old! עד מאה ועשרים
It's watermelon season now and each time I eat watermelon I think of my Uncle Eric. See why on my Memories page.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

27th June 2026

A gift from Turkish Cyprus

On our visit to Cyprus this week we decided to visit the northern side of the Island, The Turkish Republic of Cyprus. We enjoyed it very much - see Doreen's account and pictures.
We found the people very friendly, perhaps because we were tourists. At the village of Bellapais we had a friendly conversation with a stall owner and quenched our thirst with freshly squeezed orange juice and left with a gift of two oranges which we enjoyed later at our apartment.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We were in Cyprus relaxing and enjoying a short break before the valve repair procedure on my heart when at the bridge club I had sharp pains in my chest. I tried to ignore it but it got worse and went to the local hospital where the doctor diagnosed unstable angina. This could lead to heart attack. To cut a long story short after three days I was transferred by air ambulance to Kaplan Hospital in Israel from where I am typing this. As of now there has been a good improvement and I am feeling much better and being spoilt by son Aviv, daughter Vered, son Moran and of course my dear wife. (see pictures) . Aviv is with me all the time - when I sleep he sleeps on a chair next to my bed. It looks like I'll be having another heart catheterization tomorrow (Sunday).
While theTurkish Republic of Cyprus is a self governing state Turkey is the only country recognizing it but we decided to add the visit to our list of countries visited. This now means that Doreen has visited 100 countries!!

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

20th June 2026

Maayan Receives His Certificate

We attended the ceremony at Ben Gurion University where grandson Maayan received his BSc with distinction in Physics. Maayan also gave a short address on behalf of the graduating students.

Congratulations Maayan - we are so proud of you and wish you good luck for your future achievements.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We are in Cyprus relaxing and enjoying a short break before the valve repair procedure on my heart.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

13th June 2026

Miriam (Mere) and Elhanan (Chone) Goldberg
1889 - 1940 1876 - 1934

This week I underwent a catheterization (צנתור) in preparation for a heart valve procedure. I was very well looked after by the doctor at Kaplan hospital - Dr. Dani Haberman. Elhanan and Miriam are his great grandparents and also my grand uncle and aunt.
My 2nd cousin Shuli and Eitan Haberman - Dani's parents - are not only relatives but also good friends. We have a close relationship with them and with Shuli's sister Racheli Gilad. We also kept close contact with Shuli's mother Sarah Olkienitsky (my mother's cousin) and her husband Isaac, who died in 2012. Sarah died in 2022 aged 99.

Some time ago Sarah gave me some postcards sent in 1915-1917 by her grandfather Zelig from Europe to my grandparents Isaac Shapiro and Roddeh (Chone's sister) in Kimberly South Africa. These postcards, sent from Latvia and the Ukraine, reflect the displacement of Lithuanian Jewish families following the mass expulsion from Lithuania. The postcards give news of the family (including Chone, Mere and their daughter Shulamit) and reflect the reliance on money sent to them from the emigrated family in South Africa. These postcards are a wealth of information about their lives and are worth reading. (Here is the link to the postcards and the English translation.) In one of the postcards we learn that Chone had received money and had written to Isaac in South Africa. In another we read that Choneh had got a job and was moving to the Novgorod area in Russia where Mere and Shulamit would join him. In another we learn that Zelig had lost his job in a brewery and was out of work.
For me these postcards reflect the resilience of the Jewish people. Not only are they interesting from a historical and family point of view, but they are also saddening when we think about the hard lives they led.

Note: Shuli is named after Shulamit, Sarah's sister. Sarah told me that she was with Shulamit when she died in a Russian camp soon after the war. Sarah was born in 1923 before the postcards were written. Sarah had three daughters: Miriam (Miri) (who passed away in 2000)
named after her mother, Shuli and Racheli,

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Welcome to this world to baby Yair and congratulations to parents Dani and Tali Haberman and the Haberman family
Next week we fly to Larnaca for a week. We hope this will be more relaxing than our last visit.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

6th June 2026

Lior's Tomatoes

Update on the Levy/Ron Gardening Competition: I have never been able to successfully grow tomatoes (and I'm still trying) so granddaughter Lior takes the lead. Perhaps she has inherited my green thumb, but I'll still need some lessons from her for tomatoes. I believe that Dani's gooseberries may be next.
I 'm still in the lead with papayas, lemons and avocados but the Rons are close behind and their grapefruit is a clear winner.
Of course none of us can compare with the real specialist: son Moran with his tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, cucumbers ..........etc.
Bon appetit!

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Apologies for the two weeks that this site was not updated. It's a long story but briefly my bank account was hacked and my computer was infected and couldn't be used. Fortunately most of the money has been recovered. This is being written on my new Lenovo computer.
We had gone to Cyprus for some rest and relaxation but the hack and having to climb four flights as the elevator was not working interfered with our plans.
However, our time in Cyprus was not completely wasted. We try to do something new each time we visit Cyprus. Being hacked was not considered deserving of "first time" status, but we did visit the Larnaca Archeological Museum and the wonderful Kykkos Monastery and had a meal at the trout fish farm where we have wanted to go for a long time. See some pictures here.
Next week I will undergo a catheterization (צ'נתור) procedure in preparation for the heart valve replacement procedure I need later this month.
A Potpourri of Memories.

I have added a link to Doreen's first cookbook, A Potpourri of Memories, which she wrote over 30 years ago. Apart from the recipes there is a wealth of stories and family history. Really worth a visit. (The initial download may take a minute or two.)

23rd May 2026
Communication problems - no update this week

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

16th May 2026

Yarden Levy and Aviv Balili are married.

Warm congratulations to Yarden and Aviv on their marriage yesterday. Congratulations too to father Jonathan, mother Dina and siblings Nadav and Efrat.

See Levy and Matz family trees.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

The Levy/Matz descendants have had a busy few days. Yesterday Yarden Levy married Aviv (see above); Ron and Sharon Tal welcomed baby Itay born yesterday, a brother to Harel; and today we visited my cousin Shirley Kansky who is having some medical problems. We wish her a speedy recovery. (See Levy and Matz family trees).

We had a most enjoyable dinner with Shuly and Eitan Haberman (see Goldberg tree) and Sarah and Dudley Kessel. Doreen outdid herself with a seafood Paella.
Minda is the caregiver for Louise, Doreen's sister. She is doing a wonderful job, and we expressed our thanks to her and celebrated her birthday.
I have had some breathing problems recently and I need a repair of the heart valve inserted 14 years ago. I'm being looked after by Dr Dani Haberman (Shuly and Eitan's son) who specializes in the procedure needed and he has been wonderful. Thanks Dani.
A Potpourri of Memories.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
9th May 2026

Kyoto Imperial Palace, Japan

Doreen and I visited Japan twice - the first time in about the late 60's and again in 1978. We have many memories of our visits but, although I'm sure we took many, the picture above on our first visit is the only one I can find.

Click here for some memories of our first visit to Japan (and Taiwan).

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

After the busy time last week, this week has been quiet. We enjoyed a meal at the Rons and there enjoyed meeting again with Steven and Hefzibah Rudovsky. Steven is a long-time friend of Vered since college days and is also also a second cousin to Aura Greenberg, Doreen's good friend from high school.
Today we also visited and had lunch with 2nd cousin Susan Nathan whom we haven't seen for over a year.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
2nd May 2026

Good Bye, Ziona

Our deepest condolences to Miri, Tami and Dudi on the passing of their mother and our dear friend Ziona Glassman. Doreen and Ziona have been best friends from the time they met at gym classes nearly 60 years ago. Dovvie, Ziona's late husband, was a friend and also a colleague at the Coral World group. Our lives, both professionally and personally, have crossed in Hofit/Bet Herut, Eilat, US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and trips in Sinai and USA. We shall miss her deeply.
Some pictures here.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

This has been a busy and varied week: my 86th birthday, a wedding, a funeral, a CT before a heart valve replacement, dietary restrictions before a medical procedure and a short but lovely visit from granddaughter Amit Levy and her friend David.
Congratulations to Doreen's cousin Carmen and Marlon (see Nickel tree) on the marriage of their son Jaryd to Viv. Pictures here.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
25th April 2026

Zoe on a salt lake in Cyprus

Happy happy 14th birthday to our youngest granddaughter. We hope you had a great day yesterday and will have a great year. We all love you very much and have so enjoyed watching you grow from a little baby to the wonderful person you are now.

Speaking of babies: 14 years ago your big sister (who was also little but bigger than you) so enjoyed her new baby sister (you) that she wrote a book about it. Click here to read it.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

A week ago we had dinner at the Rons and Doreen prepared polenta, both regular and vegan. Both were great hits! See the recipes here.
I have added another memory to the Memories page, about a meeting with Margaret who was cycling around Australia.
Doreen and her sister Louise Braverman with Minda her caregiver went for a lovely walk along the Netanya promenade.
And a reminder .....
There is a new addition to my site. Doreen's second cookbook is titled "Memories for the Future". To complement this book I will regularly be posting a memory of the past - Memories and Stories from the Past - a collection of stories and events that we have been privileged to experience and and happy to share. The page can be accessed from the Links to Other Pages heading at the top of this page. Some memories incidents may have already been on this site and they will be referenced from the Memories page. I have posted a few items that you can click to view.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
18th April 2026

Dani is back in Israel

After flight problems due to the Iran War granddaughter Danielle Ron extended her stay in India and Thailand and returned home after 2 months. Her mom Vered and we two were on hand to welcome her at Ben Gurion Airport.

Note the 'recycled' shirts from our 23rd family reunion.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We were delighted that son Aviv and our granddaughter Ilay spent the weekend with us. Aviv comes up from Eilat (a 350- Km drive) fairly regularly to help around the house. This time: repair the broken window handle, fix our mix master, prune our plants, repair the water pipe to the trees, dig wells around the big trees, and a few other odds and ends.
Two of our grandchildren, Itamar Levy and Lotem Segoli are living at this time in Haifa - about 60 Kms north of us - so we with Aviv, and Ilay took the opportunity to meet for a delicious dinner at the Najma Restaurant. It's always a pleasure being with our grandchildren.
The commemoration of the Shoah this week reminded us of Doreen's visit to the concentration camp of Majdanek 20 years ago. Her account of her visit and of our visit to Lithuania, is worth re-reading.
There is a new addition to my site. Doreen's second cookbook is titled "Memories for the Future". To complement this book I will regularly be posting a memory of the past - Memories and Stories from the Past - a collection of stories and events that we have been privileged to experience and and happy to share. The page can be accessed from the Links to Other Pages heading at the top of this page. Some memories incidents may have already been on this site and they will be referenced from the Memories page. I have posted a few items that you can click to view.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
11th April 2026

Daughter Vered Ron took part in a panel organized by the newspaper Yediot Ahronot discussing the potential technological advances in cars due to AI and ease of communication. The full discussions can be accessed on You tube here. The discussions are very interesting and worth listening to. Vered's contribution starts from minute 06.11 and you can hear an explanation of what she is presently doing in her job.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Finally, but probably temporally, there is a cease fire and we can sleep undisturbed by alerts and sirens.
We are looking forward to granddaughter Dani Ron's return later this week from a 2 month trip to India and Thailand.
This week I was delighted to receive an email from Dari Levy, the daughter of my late cousin David and his ex-wife Belinda. She is a lawyer and in her profile she mentioned the inspiration she had from her grandfather Joe.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
4th April 2026

In the protected space (ממ"ד) on Passover eve

with the Ron family Vered, Aviv and Lior
and Joanie and Alma.

Although we were aware that there would be rockets and missiles fired on Passover eve, we, like probably most of the population, decided to go ahead and hold our Seder.
Soon after the Rons arrived in the afternoon to help prepare the table and the food we heard the warning siren that a rocket was about to fall in or near our area. We rushed to our reinforced protected room. After some time we heard the BOOM when the rocketfell or was shot down in a relatively open area. We received the message "event ended" and resumed our pesach preparations.

We were fortunate that there were no further warnings or sirens during the seder or meal. We sympathize with the many others were not so lucky.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We get older, children marry and have their own and their spouses families. A pesach seder with the whole Levy family is a thing of the past. The Rons joined us, the Eilat Levys joined Limor's family and the Segolis hosted their Segoli family. All reported ample delicious food and enjoyable seders.
Our best wishes for a quick recovery to ex brother in law Mellie Braverman who had a bad fall and is recuperating at his daughter Yahel's apartment.
Son in law Aviv Ron has found a new fascination - backgammon - and placed first in his first tournament. Way to go, Aviv.
Son Aviv was interviewed on Channel 12 television about the effect of the war on tourism in Eilat in general and on Coral World in particular. As he has done on many other TV appearances he spoke effortlessly and extremely well.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
28th March 2026

Celebrations in April

We welcome April in 3 days - all four of our immediate family have celebrations in April:

Granddaughter Zoe Segoli - birthday 24th April
Grandson Itamar Levy - birthday 4th April
Daughter Vered and Aviv Ron - anniversary 14th April
Me - birthday 27th April

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Recently a website dedicated to Stanley Glasser, composer and professor of Music at Goldsmith University London has been established. Among many other achievements he was the musical director of the ground-breaking successful African musical King Kong well known to ex-South Africans. Stanley was a cousin of Doreen's father. (see Glasser family tree). (Thanks to his daughter Sue for drawing our attention to this.)
Despite the war and the danger of rockets and missiles landing, we are trying to lead as normal a life as we can. Yesterday morning we had brunch at a restaurant with friends and almost family Lennie and Selma Cartoon; and this morning we were invited to brunch by long-time friends Louise and Colin Kessel. We were especially pleased to be joined by Terry and Carol Kessel, Dudley and Sara Kessel, Geoff Bethlehem and Barbara Faktor.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
21st March 2026

At a restaurant in Eilat
Me, Doreen, Aviv Levy, Itamar Levy, Maayan Segoli, Zoe Segoli, Amit Levy and David, Moran Segoli

We finally arrived back in Israel from Cyprus on Thursday after waiting 17 days for a replacement flight that had been cancelled due to the Iran war. On Friday we went to Sde Boker and had supper and celebrated Aviv Ron's birthday at the Segolis with the Rons (Vered, Aviv and Lior) and the Segolis (Moran, Michal and Zoe), and on Saturday we went on a one-day trip to Eilat with the Segolis to see the Levys (Aviv, Itamar and Amit) . The weekend was like a mini family reunion - 2 grandparents, 3 children and 5 (out of 8) grandchildren.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We were welcomed back in Israel with a siren in Sde Boker, and a "get ready warning" on the road back from Eilat.
In Eilat we were impressed by granddaughter Zoe who took the fire ball twice, once with brother Maayan and once with cousin Amit.
As mentioned last week I participated in a meeting of the World Bridge Federation (WBF) Laws Committee in Paris.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
14th March 2026

Dan and Maria Nathan

Doreen and I have just returned from Paris where I went for a bridge meeting. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with relative Dan Nathan and meet his wife Maria (see Levy family tree). We were delighted to see them and enjoy a meal with them at an Italian restaurant. We hope to see them again soon either in Israel or in Cyprus (or both).

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We are again in Cyprus two weeks after we had planned to return to Israel. Four flights on which we were booked were canceled and (thanks to Vered) we have another booking later this week which we hope will actually take place.
We spent four days in Paris where I participated in a meeting of the World Bridge Federation (WBF) Laws Committee. Every 10 years the laws of bridge are examined and revised. For years the committee has been working by email and zoom. This meeting in Paris, where we met face to face as well as by zoom was both important and fruitful. We made many changes (improvements, I hope!) and the laws will now be drafted ready for the final version to be approved by the WBF Executive Committee and published next year January 2027. The nine members of the committee are from The Netherlands, Australia, Italy, USA (3), Canada, China and Israel.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
7th March 2026

Plenty time to enjoy the view from our Larnaca apartment

We (Doreen, grandson Itamar and I) have been stuck in Cyprus for nearly a week, because of the war with Iran. Itamar flies back to Tel Aviv tomorrow. We were due to fly to Paris from Israel for a meeting of the World Bridge Federation Laws Committee on Tuesday 10th but there was no way we could get to Israel in time and in any case it appears that the flight from Tel Aviv is cancelled. So we decided to fly to and from Paris via Larnaca. From Larnaca we will then return to Israel. Our 4-5 day trip to Larnaca with Itamar has become a 2 week trip.
Fortunately, we have our comfortable apartment to enjoy in Larnaca, so from that aspect we did not "suffer" too much. Also it was a chance for Itamar to see some more of Cyprus in-between his studying periods.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Itamar flies back to Israel tomorrow. We enjoyed having him and showing him around Cyprus; this week Paphos, Agia Napa, Aphrodite's Rock, Cavo Greko, Famagusta lookout). He also enjoyed various eating experiences.
My next update will be from Paris. As I have intensive meetings while there, and will only leave next Saturday, my site might be a little delayed.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
28th February 2026

Itamar chooses a lion fish for supper

We are in Larnaca Cyprus with grandson Itamar Levy. We were booked to return the day after tomorrow but we have no idea when flights to Israel will resume due to the Iran war.

As an Eilati Itamar is well aware of the venomous lion fish. It is not eaten in Eilat and he was most surprised to hear that it is eaten elsewhere. It is an invasive species in the Mediterranean and is now common in Cyprus waters where eating it is encouraged. We had it for dinner this evening and Itamar found it very tasty and thoroughly enjoyed it.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We have only been here in Larnaca with Itamar for two days and taking into account that he has needed time to study for an upcoming exam we have been quite busy. We visited Omodos and the Chantara Falls which had much more water than we usually see, toured the Neolithic site at Choirokitia, visited the interesting Medical Museum in Larnaca (a first for us too), bought fresh fish at the fishing marina near us and perused the Academic and General Bookstore.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
21st February 2026

Davis, California, October 2010
Maayan and Lotem celebrate Halloween

The Segolis are not the only ones in our family to like Halloween and pumpkins. Click here for 2 year old cousin Dani's pumpkin adventure.

(This is another picture from October 2010 to February 2012 when this site was not updated)

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Daughter Vered Levy Ron is the CEO of CorrActions, a startup that is developing a product to ensure safer driving. Read and hear an interview with her from the LinkedIn site and see reactions (scroll down to the end). (Sorry, the link is only available to LinkedIn subscribers.)
Doreen had not been feeling well and the doctor decided she needed an iron transfusion. To compensate for the breakfast she was given at the hospital during the transfusion we decided to go out for dinner at one of the newly opened restaurants in our area, the Paris-Texas Steak House.
We both love Porgy and Bess, the folk opera written by George Gershwin, so of course we went to a Gershwin concert by the Jerusalem Symphonic Orchestra. We were not disappointed. This was one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
We had a lovely family weekend. Son Moran and granddaughter Lotem overnighted and we were delighted that son Aviv Levy and our granddaughter Amit could spend the weekend with us. Moran helped Doreen pick oranges while Amit helped her in the kitchen and Aviv busied himself cleaning and fixing the many things that needed doing around the apartment and in the garden. We enjoyed Friday night dinner with daughter Vered Levy Ron and to round off the weekend we enjoyed a delicious sushi lunch.
Moran found an opportunity to catch Aviv and me at an embarrassing moment - not with our pants down but with our hair up.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
14th February 2026
backfrom WI

about 30 years ago
A gift on my return to Israel after 4 years in the Virgin Islands, West Indies

In the 1980's I was in charge of Coral World in the Virgin Islands (and later in the Bahamas). It was hard work but both Doreen and I enjoyed our stay there. We took an active part in activities outside work and integrated very well with the the local population and their customs, food, culture and way of life. When I was due to return to Israel my staff wondered how I would adapt to the change of the more staid Israel life. As a going away present Margaret, one of the staff, presented me with above drawing which still amuses me after more than 30 years.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We had a lovely week enjoying meals with our children and grandchildren - at the Rons and at home with Ilay.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
7th February 2026

Levy eilat kids

15 years ago - 2011 - the Eilat Levy Children

The cute children 15 years ago are now our wonderful adult grandchildren. Maybe we can no longer say they are 'cute' but they are definitely lovable. They met this week with parents Aviv and Limor, and with friends, for a family dinner.

(This is another picture from October 2010 to February 2012 when this site was not updated)

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Children get older and move out of home. Six of our 8 grandchildren are no longer staying with their parents even though for all of them "home" is still with their parents. We are lucky as some of them are now closer to us and we can see them more often. This week we enjoyed an excellent meal with granddaughter Lotem in Haifa.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
31st January 2026

Vered Ron, Sheryl Tal, Shirley Kansky, me, Doreen, Wendy Kansky

I 'm always happy to see my older cousin Shirley. We've been friends since we were young. Somehow the 2 year difference in age - usually significant for pre-teens - didn't seem to bother us. Even though we lived nearly 1,000 Kms apart we saw each other often, usually in Uitenhage where she lived or in Port Elizabeth with her mother's relatives but also in Durban.
We enjoyed a lunch together at the Nishi restaurant with our daughter Vered and with her two daughters Wendy and Sheryl.

See Matz and Levy family trees.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

This week there were two Raphael celebrations - my cousin's grandson Raphael Klotnik who married and Doreen's great nephew Raphael Dvir on his 17th birthday.
This week we enjoyed visits to cousin Sydney Lossin and friend Ziona Glassman, both in their late 90's.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
24th January 2026

Snail Sale

We returned this morning from a short 4 day trip to Larnaca. The weather was cold, windy and rainy, so most of the time we relaxed in our flat. But we did visit the Faneromeni Tomb situated very near our apartment, about 2 kms away.
On the road at the entrance to the tomb we were fascinated by a women selling snails which are plentiful in rainy weather and very popular in Cyprus. In restaurants snails in butter and garlic - escargot - can cost between €10 - €25 for 6 snails. The price of the snails seen in the picture was €5 for a large packet. We were leaving the next day for home, but on our next visit we'll buy some and try them.,if she is still there.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Our granddaughter Lior Ron and her 2nd cousins Yarden Levy and Amit Nickel were inseparable when they were young but have not met for many years. They were delighted (and so were we) when they met again.
Frankie Klaff (our good friend and 'cousin-in-law') celebrated her 80th birthday. (See Goldberg tree)

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
17th January 2026

European Bridge Youth Champioships - Albena, Bulgaria July 2011

2011 was a good year for me and for Israel bridge. I was the Chief Tournament Director at the youth championships and Israel won the Gold Medal in the Under 26 Championship and the Silver Medal in the Under 21 Championships.

(This is another picture from October 2010 to February 2012 when this site was not updated)

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

We spent a few days at the Dead Sea taking part in the GoBridge bridge festival there. Although our results were only average we enjoyed the stay and the extremely well organised festival.
The Vert Hotel where we stayed for the bridge festival had a performance by two of the Black Hebrews from Arad who sang and performed classic songs from way back, some from 60 years ago! They were excellent and we enjoyed the performance and of course the nostalgia.

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
10th January 2026

The Eilat Levys Visit the Biblical Zoo December 2010

(This is another picture from October 2010 to February 2012 when this site was not updated)

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Thanks to parents Melodie and Mark Nathan, daughter of Doreen's cousin Lucille Melamed (see Nickel tree) in Florida for sending us these pictures of their daughter Gabi who has just graduated from High School. Gabi is an All America wrestler at the national level.
Tomorrow we travel again, not so far this time - to the Dead Sea to take part in a bridge festival there

THIS WEEK'S PICTURE

3rd January 2026

The label of the Petrus Pomerol we drank in 1984 to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary.

We are still in Cyprus and will be here until the middle of next week. Last Sunday we went to a Carvery Luncheon at the Columbia Steak House in Limassol. We went there last Christmas as well and again we were not disappointed by the variety and quantity of the food. In addition to the carved meat, lamb, pork and beef, there was also chicken, duck, salmon, sushi, a variety of salads and mouth-watering desserts.

But what impressed us the most was the wine list. which included Petrus Pomerol at the price of €6,500 for a bottle! We fondly remembered that we had celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in 1984 with Petros Pomerol. We paid about $100 the equivalent of $300 today. At that time Petrus Pomerol was largely unknown. Two years later Time Magazine published an article: " ....True wine lovers think nothing of paying $80 for a bottle of Chateau Lafite .... but many discriminating connoisseurs are paying even more for a once obscure, less aristocratic wine - Petrus Pomerol."

Doreen wrote a full account of how we came to buy and drink this wine in her cookbook A Potpourri of Memories. You can read it here.

And by the way - If I had not bought the wine but rather invested the money for 40 years at 5% my investment would be about $700. Even at 10% the return of $5,000 would not be enough to buy this wine at the Columbia Carvery.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Our dear friend Morris Kahn passed away this week at the age of 96. Morris was my boss for many years and we became good friends. We spent many happy times with him at his home and travelling with him to China, the Galapagos, Seychelles and sailing with him to many destinations. Despite his wealth he was modest and approachable and exceptionally generous and well known for his philanthropy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his sons David and Benjamin, his grandchildren and his family. See Wikipedia and Doreen's Column for her her personal tribute.
We're still relaxing in Larnaca with very little travelling and enjoying the Christmas atmosphere. But we did take a short and interesting trip to Deryneia and Paralimni just north of Paphos in the Famagusta region.
Yesterday we went for lunch to a fish tavern in Zygi, a seaside village about 45 minutes away along the sea road. It's a lovely drive passing through beautiful green agricultural areas. We stopped at a small farm shop where we bought WHITE strawberries.
Doreen's sister Louise Braverman sends New Year greetings to all family and friends.