SHANA TOVA TO ALL

Philip Chester, President, ZFA & Lorraine Abraham, ZFA Executive Director

It is our great pleasure to bring Rosh Hashana greetings from the ZFA to you, our Australian olim.

This has been a tough few months for the State of Israel and the people of Israel - a time during which the Jewish world has been galvanised in its support and love for the Israeli people.

In Australia, you have been at the forefront of our minds - during the rallies around the country, the blue ribbon campaigns for the release of the kidnapped soldiers, letters to the press, talkbalk radio and solidarity gatherings of thousands - the list goes on.

We hope and pray that the tentative quiet develops into a lasting peace; we hope and pray for a year of prosperity, of the realization of dreams and for the good health to take advantage of it all.

Our heartfelt wishes for a Shana Tova VeChatima Tova.

Philip Chester, President & Lorraine Abraham, Executive Director Melbourne

Frank Stein – Director, ZFA Israel

We started the year with hope. Tourists were coming, the streets of Jerusalem were full of people, and as the year went on, we looked as if we had returned to those pre-intifida days, with full hotels, and the country buzzing with life and excitement.

Somehow, in the middle of a beautiful summer, and totally out of nowhere, we found ourselves in a war, with millions in shelters or fleeing, and miluimnikim (those on reserve duty – Ed.) taking to the front line.

Wouldn't it be great to just have to worry about the little things!

May we all be blessed for a year of peace and quiet, prosperity, mutual respect and concern for one another!

My thanks to all of you who have helped us throughout the year, whether through the magazine, or helping Aussies. In particular warmest wishes to Rochelle Shushan for all her efforts with the magazine, and for her continued assistance and good friendship, and to my close friend David Hersh who voluntarily ensures the magazine is on the web and does other technical magic, that I for the life of me will never understand.

Frank

David Hersh – Webmaster, ZFA Newsletter

Fourth reminder from Rochelle, I better write this or it’ll miss the edition. Why is it so easy to wish each other Shana Tova, but when yet I find it hard to sit down and write greetings for the Magazine?

It's not as if I don’t have what to write about. So much has happened in our little country over the past year - the illness that removed Ariel Sharon from office and the lime-light of our daily lives - the elections that saw such change in the Israeli political scene – the terrible violence in the South and then the war on our Northern border and of course the phenomenal spirit of the general population of our beloved country. We saw the true “ISRAELI” spirit come forward during this terrible time.

So, what can I wish for this coming year? First, that it be a year of peace and prosperity for all of us. May we all have a year of health and happiness. Let us pray that the אכפתיות (caring) by citizens of our country will continue into our more regular times and that some of it will also rub off on our politicians. May our neighbours finally realise that it's better to talk with us than to fight with us and may we no longer have to make the trip to Australia to visit family and friends because they will all have made Aliyah.

SHANNAH TOVAH U'METUKAH

DAVID HERSH

P.S. You are all invited to my Judaica store on the corner of Ben Yehuda and King George Streets, Jerusalem. Bring this page and receive a free gift with your purchase.

Rochelle Shushan – Editor, ZFA Newsletter

The past year has brought about many changes both for me personally and for the country. The events of late; the 2^nd Lebanon War and the anniversary of September 11^th have just emphasized, for me, how fragile life is and how important it is to really live each day. This is a reality that the Israelis who were born here and/or grew up here understand all too well.

My wish for the New Year is for tolerance, peace, understanding between people, patience and tranquility. May the coming year bring a reduction in violence and road accidents. May the trees and forests in the north begin their re-growth without the fear of war, may the people of Israel and the world stop having to look over their shoulders and may we all continue to be surrounded by good friends and family.

My sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the newsletter and to those who have sent messages of encouragement. My warmest and heartfelt thanks to two unique people; Frank Stein and David Hersh – both with hearts of gold. The Newsletter would not be possible without them, would not be such a pleasure and would not hold the same meaning. My appreciation for all their work and efforts is immeasurable.

Shana Tova – Happy New Year,

Rochelle

Dvora Waysman – Author (Melbourne) and ZFA Newsletter contributor, residing in Jerusalem

I would like to wish you and all your Australian connection, a Shana Tova - health, happiness and most of all peace.

Kindest regards,

Dvora Waysman