Zahava D. Englard's Blog, page 2

Pamela DuMond, Author: The Gilboa Iris - Author Interview

Pamela DuMond, Author: The Gilboa Iris - Author Interview: I'm pleased to participate in an author blog tour.  Zahava Englard wrote The Gilboa Iris, a romantic thriller.  About the Book Dara ...

THINGS OVERHEARD on the ONE ISRAEL FUND Day Trip in JUDEA

Back together with One Israel Fund and working alongside two dear friends, Marc Provisor and Eve Harow on a day trip through the communities of Gush Etzion in the Judean Hills....
 One Israel Fund, dedicated to providing humanitarian and security assistance to the Jewish communities throughout Judea and Samaria, is pleased to show the heartland of Israel  to all who wish to visit. The day trips are enlightening, engaging, inspiring, heartening and entertaining!
Just for fun, I took the liberty to jot down snippets from conversations of trip participants as well as staff members throughout the day:

“We live in Jerusalem and we’ve planted lemon trees and apples and plums in our little garden.”
“I lived in Puerto Rico for 32 years.”

“Of course I noticed how cute those soldiers are! I’m not dead!”

“Just came on aliyah a few weeks ago.”

“Do you straighten your hair?”

“Let me give you some advice…”

“One Israel Fund fills in the Gaps!”

“This community has its own dairy farm, turns around the lives of lost youth, and has a pre-military mechina.”

“I always wanted to marry an Israeli and I did!”

“To be a shepherd one must have strong leadership qualities and much patience.”

“Marc said I need to drink more water.”

“We’ve met two modern day shepherds.”

“Roll call!”

“Next stop, the brewery in Gush Etzion!”

“One Land – One People − One Israel.”

“It doesn’t make sense to tour this land without a Tanach in hand.”

“The soldiers love the One Israel Fund days when someone donates to the shluker campaign!”

“Wow, you look so much younger than your age!”

“Mmm. Now this is good beer.”

“I don’t think he’s listening so I can tell you now that Marc has saved many Jewish lives in Yehuda and Shomron.”

“Looks like we’re gathering a nice bunch of groupies.”

“Look around you and tell me if you see all your children?”

“Only from a place of strength can we stop terror.”

“Zahava said we have more water bottles.”

“He started digging the foundation for his new home and found a mikvah from the days of the second Temple.”

“We will be giving out life saving equipment to the community’s head of security.”

“We are about No more Jewish Victims.”

“Let me give you some advice.”

“Oh? You mean you didn’t know I’m a world renowned author?”

“Activism comes in many varieties.”

“Just spoke to a group of ravshatzim about preventive security needs that One Israel Fund can help them with.”

“Eve said we should drink water even if we don’t feel thirsty.”

“In 1967 they went to Kever Rachel and thanked her for her help in bringing us home.”

“How does she know so much?”

“Join us in preventing terror attacks on our people.”

“We are one people.”

“Take a look at our projects and see the many ways you can help keep our heartland strong.”

“Marc, Eve and Zahava – They’re like the Mod Squad.”

“Can I give you some advice?”

“It’s days like today that make an indelible imprint on one’s heart.”

“Community security heads work 48 hour days and 24 days a week.”

“Join us in building our communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron and making them flourish!”

“Sign me up!”

SO, Where are all the Movie Options??

FictionHistoryIsraelJudaismKidsReligionMeet the Author of the Gilboa Iris – Zahava EnglardBY ADMIN · AUGUST 1, 2012 · NO COMMENTS
FICTION ·Author of the Gilboa Iris, Zahava Englard, was interviewed by Jill Paterson on the perfectblog website.PP: The Gilboa Iris is your first sojourn into fiction. Please tell us about it.ZAHAVA: It’s all about the passion. Like every Israeli living in Israel, I’m passionate about the land. The Gilboa Iris tells a story not just about the passion between the two main characters, but passion between the characters and the Land of Israel. Perhaps it is because we live under a constant existential threat that Israel is a country steeped in passion, where we live for each moment − because one never knows what the next moment will bring.Over the years, I’ve visited too many families in Israel who had lost loved ones – either in an Arab terrorist attack, or while on active duty in the IDF. One hopes to give a measure of comfort and strength to the bereaved. But what I always found, without exception, is that each of these families provided the strength and encouragement to all who visited THEM. They had such a high level of faith, courage and strength, that out of the depths of their despair when they would recite the blessing, Baruch Dayan Ha-emet, (bless the true judge), they meant it.After one such visit a couple of years ago, my mind wandered (having my own two sons in the army) to a place a mother never wants it to wander. I thought about how I would react if God forbid……….Would I be as brave as these families? Would I be able to summon up that level of faith? Strength? Courage?I explored what I thought my reaction would be through a character that I conjured up in my mind, later to become the female protagonist of The Gilboa Iris, Dara Harow. Her reaction was not a pretty one. It was raw and unrestrained. It was unpleasant – at times disturbing. It was human and it was passionate.Before I knew it, I had a whole scenario playing out in my mind with “Dara,” a young idealistic American student, who travels to Israel to live her dream and must deal with the deadly consequences of Arab terror and global jihad. And with “Roni Ben-Ari,” the symbol of the type of courage and unrelenting hope that can be found in the modern day Israeli.I don’t like to dwell on despair, so I allowed the tale in my head to weave its way through yarns of action, romance, suspense, even humor, culminating on a note of hope and optimism.I wanted to transport the reader, invite him or her into the very passionate core of the Israeli. The mainstream media does not paint an accurate or fair picture of Israel and of Israelis. So…In writing The Gilboa Iris, I wanted people to see what I see, what Israelis see and what needs to be seen. I wanted the reader to be submerged in the lives of Dara, Roni and Uri – to feel what my characters felt as if it were palpable – to have the passion permanently imprinted in one’s heart.PP: And you certainly have done that, Zahava. It’s such a moving story. Not only romance, but intrigue and suspense. A great book! It must have been difficult to keep all the strings going and wrap them up. Did you use a story board or have an outline to keep it organized?ZAHAVA: Surprisingly, no. The story of The Gilboa Iris had been milling about my head for several months before I finally decided to put it to paper. The outline was embedded in my mind. What I hadn’t worked out, practically wrote itself as I typed. As for the rest, my characters seemed to finish for me, as the story took on a life of its own. The only notes I jotted down for myself was when researching various facts for accuracy or when delving into unfamiliar territory, such as missile technology or how to disable a car without destroying the engine.PP: Do you have a favourite scene, Zahava?ZAHAVA: Believe it or not, it was not the spicy romance scenes, the flirty fun chapters or the suspenseful intrigue. My favorite scene was the saddest one in the novel, and what was the most difficult to write. It was the chapter that had Dara face the most devastating consequences of Arab terror, depicting her very real, very pained and at the same time very indignant and passionate reaction. I wrote it out of some deep and sorrow-filled place, impressed upon me from my own experiences after meeting the other victims of terror − those who were left behind to pick up the pieces.PP: I remember that scene well. It’s imprinted on my mind. It would have been very difficult to write and is a tribute to you. Is there a message in The Gilboa Iris that you want your readers to grasp?ZAHAVA: Triumph over despair and holding on to hope at all costs. I like happy endings. Not fairy-tale happy endings, but happy endings with the right blend of realism, perhaps…bitter sweet realism and that sense of longing coupled with hope, for that hard to reach tranquil bliss in our Land of Israel. And, as I mentioned previously, I wanted to acquaint the reader with the true heart of the Israeli and to invite him or her into a world that is not portrayed through the international media − to get the real picture.PP: Well, I think you have gone a long way in doing that, Zahava. What activity (cause, charity, organization) consumes your time when you’re not writing?ZAHAVA: I have been involved in raising awareness as well as raising funds for humanitarian and security needs throughout Israel, in particular in Judea and Samaria. I have also had the privilege of joining a theater group in Israel known as Raise Your Spirits, whose productions help raise funds for victims of terror.PP: Is there anything else you would like to share with us, Zahava?ZAHAVA: As much as it is my dream for my novel to go viral, and sure, to be made into a movie (I say that with a huge grin), it has been a thrill just to have been recognized as a quality writer by my publisher at Gefen Publishing House and to be given an opportunity to put my heart out there to share with others. Because that is what The Gilboa Iris is − a very huge piece of my heart.PP: Well, I think you’ve written a marvelous book, Zahava, that’s not only filled with romance and suspense, but is also a window into life in Israel. Congratulations and thank you so much for being with us today.To read the full interview click here.Click here to purchase Zahava’s page turner “The Gilboa Iris”. You might like:Israel, Bulgaria Terrorist Attack and the Global JihadSomething for Everyone: The Gilboa IrisIsrael Inside – Free MovieSpanish and Portuguese Jewry and the InquisitionMunich Olympic Massacre in 1972 – Global Jihad Didn’t Start YesterdayIsraeli Politician Writes a Commentary on the TorahRELATED POSTS Wonderful Review of the New Book “Gilboa Iris”JANUARY 31, 2012 · NO COMMENTSFormer Teaneck resident Zahava D. Englard credits best-selling authors Leon Uris and Stephenie Meyer for turning her into a novelist. Uris’ Talented Writers in IsraelJANUARY 12, 2012 · NO COMMENTSIsrael needs all the support it can receive. It is wonderful knowing that there are talented writers like Zehava EnglardTweet this postPost to FacebookEmail a friendFiction

When your son is on the Syrian border | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

"We are not only connected to the Land of Israel; we are the Land of Israel...."


When your son is on the Syrian border | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

I had a plan | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

Time to chuck the plans, I thought. Change is good. Opening the door wide open to possibilities is something to celebrate. Let come what may, allow for the unpredicted and the unintended, and look at each day as an entirely new mind-blowing adventure.




I had a plan | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

No more Jewish victims -- really? | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

There is no honor in being a victim. With the right equipment, with the right training, and with the right frame of mind, Arab terror can be stopped and victims can be prevented. The Jewish people have enough memorials. We have zero tolerance for being killed, and we certainly have no interest in erecting another Museum of Tolerance.No more Jewish victims -- really? | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

50 Shades of Vanilla | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

50 Shades of Vanilla | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

My latest article on Blogs:TIMES OF ISRAEL

Come and Visit!

Those Gun-toting Settlers and the Occupied Territories | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

I‘ve been out on the hilltops, done the protests, skirted the border and riot police, put facts on the ground, represented the settler campaign to various interest groups and to the media, and (involuntarily) had my house showcased on Al Jazeera, (inaccurately) portrayed as an “Arab home stolen by a settler.”

Those Gun-toting Settlers and the Occupied Territories | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

Blackbird - Omen or Blessing? | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

Blackbird - Omen or Blessing? | Zahava Englard | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

When a blackbird crosses your path.....

Putting the Passion in Perspective

"What inspired you to write The Gilboa Iris?"

This is the question I've been asked most in the past couple of months by friends, book reviewers and enthusiastic readers. My initial knee-jerk response would be something like, "uhhh," while looking back at the curious inquisitor with an equally dumb expression on my face.


Why are you putting me on the spot? There's a reason I write, I thought to myself. I was never good with the adlib, on-the-spot kind of thing. And, inevitably, something more brilliant would pop into my head at a later moment, missing the opportunity to show off my real charm right then and there. Performing under pressure, if you will, was never my forte. I like to think before the words drop out of my mouth. Like spotting a great dress in a store window, I still need to try it on for size before the actual purchase.

Appreciating the value of words, I prefer to choose them carefully, and if I'm lucky, wisely. Let the quick-witted sink their teeth into spontaneous speech. I'm fine with that. Everyone has their own niche. Mine is the pen and paper, or rather, the keyboard and PC monitor.

Having a book launch coming up, I wanted to avoid the glazed look "uhhh" syndrome, and jot down a few thoughts as to what led me to write my first novel, The Gilboa Iris.  So here it goes:

I always wanted to be a rock star...
Yeah, well, that didn't pan out. So, naturally, I decided to go for the next logical sure thing and become a writer. Scoff now, but ye shall see....


It's all about passion.

I didn't know that I was going to write this novel. It wasn't planned. Even while having the story line rampage through my mind for months, it still didn't occur to me that what I had was the material for a great novel (if I say so myself). The Gilboa Iris is a novel of passion. Not only passion between the characters, but a passion for life, and a passion for the Land of Israel. And, just as passion can erupt unexpectedly, so to, did the writing of this novel.

The story line developed out of a deeply entrenched ardent fervor for Israel and a keen awareness of the Israeli condition as opposed to the human condition. My own thoughts and perspectives somehow formed into a full blown plot with characters that soon would become as alive on paper as they were in my head.

Before I even deigned to write it all down, however, I had, at the same time just finished reading a popular novel that my teenage daughter wanted me to read. I didn't expect to like it. It was one of those teen-fantasy-vampire stories. But, I not only  liked it, I loved it. Surprised as to how I was entirely drawn into the fabricated narrative, I re-read the book with a more scrupulous eye and upon finishing it, I thought...I could do this!


The very next day, I sat myself down in front of my computer and began typing out the story in my head that was already haunting me throughout my days. It was as if I were living two separate lives. The actual one on the street and the one dancing around in my mind. I guess it was a good move - for sanity's sake, to finally merge the two. And so, for about a year and a half I sat at my computer punching out the story of Roni, Dara, Uri, Mace, Alana, Jen and Yaniv. What started out as my passion becoming theirs, their passion became mine and I became the book. It got to a point, where when working on an emotionally charged and difficult chapter, my friends, noticing my dreary mood, would insist I get further on in the book-writing where the story line would take an uplifting turn and free me from my funk.

The Gilboa Iris evolved from my reaction to visiting a number of families in Israel who had either lost loved ones in an Arab terrorist attack or while on active duty in the army. I was awe struck how within each family - parent, wife, husband etc...would accept their loss stoically with a level of faith that I couldn't fathom. And one day, after visiting one such family who lost a son in a training accident in the army, my mind wandered (having my own two sons in the army) to a place a mother never wants it to wander. But, apparently the mind has a mind of its own. I began to think how I would react if God forbid....
Would I be as brave as these families? Would I be able to summon up that level of faith? Strength? Courage?
It didn't take me long to realize the answer. Hell no!  And then, before I knew it, I had a whole scenario playing out in my mind with "Dara," a young idealistic American student who travels to Israel to live her dream and must deal with the deadly consequences of Arab terror and global jihad. And with "Roni Ben-Ari," the symbol of the type of courage and unrelenting hope that can be found in the modern day Israeli.

I allowed the tale in my head to weave its way through entertaining yarns of action, romance, suspense, even humor, culminating with a note of hope and optimism. I like happy endings. Not fairy-tale happy endings, but happy endings with the right blend of realism, perhaps....bitter sweet realism and that sense of longing for that oh so hard to reach tranquil bliss - in our Land of Israel.










I wanted to transport the reader, invite him or her into the very core of the Israeli. To see what I see, what Israelis see and what needs to be seen. I wanted the reader to be submerged in the lives of Dara, Roni and Uri - to feel what my characters felt as if it were palpable - to have the passion permanently imprinted in one's heart.