Shana Tova Niv
10th of September 2026
28th of Elul, 5786
25 years from 11th September, 2001
One day before 5787
Shabbat Shalom and a peaceful and sweet Rosh Hashana.
I was going to write a simple New Year message, but you know me, nothing turns out the way I planned it! Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first day of Tishrei which is actually the seventh month, which means that my random musings are an inherited Jewish issue!! Anyway, until yesterday evening and a young man named Niv, you were going to get a short note and I was going off to continue my cooking, table setting and general preparations for the 20 people coming to us for the Friday night/ first night Rosh Hashana meal. Niv simply blew my mind away, causing deep emotions to surface and admiration beyond all expectations, a surge of empathy, pride and respect. A deep understanding the behind politics and the general cacophony of criticism, there are real heroes on our doorstep. That is my Rosh Hashana message. Forget the cacophony, live with the pride.
So last evening the Bet Halochey hOr, literally translated meaning “House of the Warriors of Light.” The wellness centre at the heart of our estate, held a Rosh Hashana Fair full of goodies. A few of us chose to go to the auditorium to hear a talk by a young man named Niv, a young man with a magical smile which clearly hid enormous tragedy. Niv stood on the stage alone and behind him, on the screen, were the words, you can’t see it on me, can you? With before and after photos. Niv suffers from severe PTSD,
When Niv was about to enlist, he could have used both his mother’s influence and his own brightness to go to a top intelligence unit but he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Engineering Unit. Not just the Engineers, but a special unit call “Yahalom”. Yahalom meaning Diamond; short for Special Operations Engineering Unit is the elite special operations unit of the Israel Defense Forces the unit specialises in complex, high-risk engineering and covert combat. He arrived at the site of the devastation of October 7th and into Gaza where he worked virtually non-stop, refusing to rest until his job was done, until late November 2024 when his body simply collapsed. Why on earth would I tell you this story when all you want is to prepare your chicken soup and kneidlach and think sweet thoughts? Because Niv represents so much of what we are.
Yesterday, as he stood on the stage, speaking quietly and naturally, he told us about the retreats in Panama. Without a structured transition, that gap between war and peace can become dangerous. In uncontained environments, the search for quiet can slide into disconnection, and the absence of boundaries can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use, isolation, and emotional collapse. He showed us photographs of surfing, swimming exercise and fun, but spoke about the psychological support programmes. He and some friends began a programme of their own, an “ozen kashevet” a listening ear for others who suffer PTSD.
As I heard him speak, I felt that this is a story I recognised, but from where? Then the penny dropped; my granddaughter Talia had volunteered in such a place when she was in Panama this summer! I called her immediately and she asked for a photo of Niv and yes, she had met him and heard him speak when she was at the retreat in Panama.
Niv’s story is the one you will never hear on CNN, BBC, or read in the Guardian or NYT but it is a story of heroism beyond politics, of loyalty beyond necessity and the story that isn’t told unless you really listen. Niv and friends created a Website called HATITUDE and they created hats (HATitude) and Tshirts. Niv is one of the models! https://hatitude.co.il/en
Perhaps one of the most hopeful things happening in our part of the world is the work of IMPACT-se. Work that gives hope for change in 5787. With enormous gratitude to our CEO, Marcus Sheff, and his remarkable team, we have not simply exposed intolerance in education; we have worked to change it. Through our educational programmes, tens of thousands of children in Judea and Samaria and Gaza have been introduced to ideas of tolerance, coexistence and respect for others, with the help of Professor Mohammed Dajani Daoud. 93,500 Arab school students in East Jerusalem are learning through this revised curriculum. Ultimately, real change begins in the classroom, with the next generation. https://impact-se.org/
My wish for you, dear friends, is that this will be a year of kindness, wellness, love, gentleness to others and to ourselves; and the strength to believe in ourselves, irrespective of which direction we pray in, what language our blessings, what colour our skin, how we dress, rich and poor alike. Perhaps to think of the bravery of Niv, who through his pain thinks only of helping others to stand on their feet and reach out to others.
The aromas of chicken soup, roast beef, various meats and treats fill the air, each apartment bringing its culinary traditions with it. The table will be set soon, the red, juicy pomegranate seeds in their little dishes, the apple and honey beside each plate, the blessings will be recited over the sweet challah, the wine and a multitude of symbols which have blended from the various countries and absorbed traditions of our dispersion.
The Maccabeats sing a song which encapsulates the meaning of these Holy Days. https://youtu.be/pn9QgBNgl1w?si=u19JgFEKRuTbib_U
Bob Dylan, not only poet, songster but in many ways a prophet, sings of how the “Times are aChangin’” https://youtu.be/90WD_ats6eE?si=n52mdwaP6PADgday
From Boys town in Jerusalem which gives boys from disadvantaged backgrounds in Israel with the education, support, and love they need to build a brighter future. A truly happy song about peace…. May the one who creates peace on high bring peace to us and to all Israel. And we say: Amen.. https://youtu.be/cPMjE5sToQg?si=36ezV8LDwikNx6T9
Thank you for listening to my musings over the years. Please God in 5787 I will have only good news to report on “The View From My Veranda”
Sending you all, each and every one of you is precious to me, much love from Jerusalem. Shana Tova!!
Sheila