The wolf will live with the lamb...

There are only a few days left until the winter festivals of lights, peace, family and friendship!

Jews and Christians will celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas together this year, which is especially significant, as only a few miles away horrible attrocities are comitted between the different Muslim and ethnic fractions in Syria, a vicious civil war raging already for many years, ignored by most of the world at large.

As Israeli one is unsure to take sides, as they have nearly all been declared enemies of our state, but it doesn't matter. Humanity in general has failed on all levels to let this happen for so long and it will be with a heavy heart, if at all, that we will be able to celebrate in the face of these terrible crimes committed against civilians, minorities and women. All this man-made tragidy happens in the name of power, race and religion! The pictures recently dominating the news are devestating and overwhelming. We can only urge our governments to somehow intervene and at least send more relief for the wounded and children, even if this has been done inofficially by Israeli medical staff for years at the Syrian border. I have no answers, only the biblical promise of a peaceful world comes to mind, which is currently so far removed, nearly delousional: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them."

(Isaiah 11:6).

May you make and teach peace, at least in your close realm of influence. This is my only wish for the coming year!