Chas Newkey-Burden's Blog, page 35

There's something about Tzipi…

A warm welcome to Britain to one of the wonders of the Middle East, Tzipi Livni. Wishing her a productive and enjoyable stay. As to those who can no longer abuse the universal jurisdiction law to harass visiting Israeli politicians, I'm not sure what your next move should be. I suppose you could always go [...]

Autumn is back. Long live autumn.

So, the heatwave that arrived last week and gifted Britain almost six days of unseasonal sunshine and scorching temperatures is gone. We've returned to the cooler, darker and damper weather more familiar of October. Well, that's fine with me. Autumn is comfortably my favourite of the four seasons. I am half-Latvian, and I think my [...]

Love is all you need

Love the IDF. Love the NaNachs. Love this video.

Nachman on Monday

'To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval. Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are.' (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov)

An Israeli story

This is a guest post from 'Israelinurse' Some stories could only be Israeli, and this is one of them. This wonderful tale begins in Kuwait just over a century ago with the birth of two brothers – Salah and Daoud al Kuwaiti – who, from the ages of 10 and 8, were recognized as musical [...]

Wouldn't it be funny?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his 'regret' at Britain's decision to build new homes on the outskirts of London. In a thundering attack, Netanyahu said: 'These homes are an obstacle to peace. I am very disappointed in David Cameron – naughty David.' With emotion rising in his voice, he added: 'Settlements such as [...]

Ms Ashton regrets

EU Foreign Affairs Chief Catherine Ashton (no, I hadn't heard of her either) has expressed her 'deep regret' that Israel has approved construction of new homes in Gilo, Jerusalem. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague (yup, heard of him) has also stamped his feet and said Israel 'must revoke this decision'. I wonder who died and [...]

Nachman on Monday

'Talk to God as you would talk to your best friend. Tell the Holy One everything.' (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov) PS – I enjoyed this NaNach video muchly. For more on the NaNachs, read my post here. Shana tova to all my Jewish friends. A happy week to all.

Swweeeeeet!

I wish you all a happy, healthy, sweet and prosperous New Year. The following video brings to mind another of my favourite sayings of Rabbi Nachman: 'Pray with joy, and watch your requests ascend straight to God's chamber'. נ נח נחמ נחמן מאומן

If I can make it there…

I've been interviewed by Samuel Sokol for 5 Towns Jewish Times, a newspaper read by the Orthodox Jewish community in New York. It's a wide-ranging interview that covers my personal background, how I came to be a Zionist, my experiences in Israel, predictions for the future and more. I am actually on the front cover [...]