Dalia 1

Subject: Hi again
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 21:50:57 +0200
From: Dalia
To: xxxxxxx


Hi Stef,

I was very happy to read your letters. E-Mails are a great invetion...

I am very pleased to hear that you are happy and well. My kids are great but a "handful"...

I an busy as usual. R says that we will end up in Australia if things here continue to deteriorate... I am kidding, of course, our whole life and family is here...

I suppose that when our kids will be big, we shall stary living and travelling. We are totaly grounded now(especially because I can't leave them, even for a night...)

I shall send you soon photos. I'd be happy if you send some too, but I know it is a bother and you must be busy too. Anyway, you are welcome here when ever you come.

best whishes, Dalia

 

  Dalia 2

Subject: Re: our new house
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 07:55:46 +0200
From: Dalia
To: xxxxxxxxx


Hi Stef
I shall come over a.s.a.p... (over a weekend maybe???) Shall I bring the kids too??? (just joking),...

Nice to hear from you, Stef, we are still here, I hope you have heard the depressing news of Israel so you appreciate your being in Australia...

I shall write more soon.

Best regards to your family, I hope you two will
visit us in Israel soon (that seems more likely than US jumping to Australia...

Love, Dalia

 

  Dalia 3

Subject: Happy new Jewish year
Date: 9-4-2002
From: Dalia
To: Stefan

Dear Stef

Happy new year (Rosh Hashanna) to you and your family.
We wish you all the best and good health.

Israel is calming down, although every second day there are new threats regarding Iqaq etc. I try not to watch or hear the news, so i really can't tell you much... I had a PhD student who studied coping methods, and said that I use "evasive copying"... I suppose she is right.

Are you planning to visit Israel??? M is approx. 7 months, right? My little girl is 2 and 9 months, time flies...

Dalia

 

  Dalia 4

Subject: Re: Happy New Year
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 22:18:24 +0200
From: Dalia
To: Stefan<3E099DD0.9030005@iprimus.com.au>


Dear Stef

Thanx for writing. I think of you all often but as you can see I haven't got time even to write e-mails...
I shall read your message later, I don't think you sent it earlier.

My daughter A is Bat-Mitzva to day (12 years old) and we celebrated it yesterday with family. M is 3 and a month and an amazing kid, very intelligent and sweet but she is a very active and emotional child. Anyway, I am loaded with work, which is good because unemployment rates are very high and I suppose you know what is going on here politically...
anyway, keep in tough, I shall send you some photos of us so you can introduce us to your family and if you have the time, send us photos. I am very happy to hear that all is going well and do hope that we shall meet again. You are welcome any time to visit us and stay with us if you come to Israel. I suppose that we can't go any were until our kids grow up....

All the best, Dalia

 

  Dalia 5

Subject: Pictures
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 22:25:04 +0200
From: Dalia
To: Stef


Dear Stef
The beautiful pictures arrived today. I wish you all the best.

It was lovely to hear you over the phone, I think that e-mail is a wonderful thing, I suppose we would have lost contact ages ago otherwise...

Anyway, next week is Purim. Are you dressing M up??? I hope you do (this is maybe the only happy HAG the Jews have... the others are depressing or complicated...)
Keep well and in touch - - - Dalia

 

  Dalia 6

Subject: a belated thanks
Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2002 22:07:23 +0200
From: Dalia
To: Stef


Dear Stef, It is so nice to hear from you and I really appreciate your concern. Lifehas become very sad and depressing here and I hope that we shall manage toreach a peace settlement somehow.

Most of the time I try to ignore the situation and keep a normal (happy)life for my kids, but last Sunday they killed 16 people in Matza restaurant in Haifa (which is near the mall I go to very often). A 16-year-old girl who got killed is the daughter of a colleague of mine. The funeral was one of my worst life experiences. We had 3 weeks vacation for Pessah (Passover) and itwas very difficult to enjoy it with the rain and news.

This Shabbat was E's Alya La'Tora (Bar Mitzvah) and I has our family for lunch after the synagogue. It was very nice and cheerful and I hope that atthe time of the Bar mitzvah party (May 2nd) things will be calmer.

I hired(on my expense) two additional security men to guard the hall in which theparty will take place. (This is in addition to the security men who work forthe hall!). So, you can see how we are leading our life.I hope that you will all come sometime to Israel to visit (the probabilityto get killed by terrorists is less than a car accident..).By little girl is already 2 years and 4 months old. She is sweetand a real joy.

Write more about M and I hope we will get to meet her,All the best, Dalia

 

  Dalia 7

Subject: Hi again
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:16:31 +0200
From: Dalia
To: Stef


Dear Stef, I will be more than happy to assist you with your Masters if you need materials from Israel,etc. Has you father met M yet??

I am very happy for you, for having a family (although I must admit that at the time, living a free life like you had seemed wonderful)...You know how much I love my kids and my family and as you said they are agreat source of joy.Since I was a child there were constant wars and battles (1966-the six-daywar, 1973- "YOM KIPUR" war, 1980-Lebanon, 1991-the Golf war etc.)

So, I am trying to convince myself that this is a phase and that better quiet days are due to come. As you know in five years E will be drafted to the army and I am trying to persuade him to continue studying and postponing his service.

Keep well and intough,,Dalia

 

  Dalia 8

to: Stefan
from: Dalia
date: Sunday, April 14, 2002 2:51 PM
subject: Re: Re: Hi again

Hi Stef,

You know, the same thing they told my mother when my brothe, Danny, was born, that when he will be 18 there will be peace. (He turned 40 in December, and was a soldier in the Lebanon war).

Anyway, thanks for your warm letters.

I read a very interesting book this weekend, about the mathematician who prooved the last riddle of Ferma (Xn+Yn=Zn does not exist).

It is very interesting and I reccoment it strongly.
You don't have to know too much math, but you get a view of the inner life of the work and thought of mathematicians.

Anyway, kisses to M and all the best to the family
:)
Dalia

----- äåãòä î÷åøéú -----
îàú: Stefan
àì: ãìéä âìòã
ùìç: Saturday, April 13, 2002 12:51 PM
åùà: Re: Hi again

Hi again Dalia.

Thanks again for your emails.

You know, the free life is good sometimes but it is only good for so long - then it becomes very rootless, isolating and kind of empty. I never understood this earlier in my life but family life is very very important too.

I hope that by the time E is 18 there will be peace - sometimes it takes a lot of bloodletting (like now) to lead up to peace. I'm hoping anyway for this. It feels very bad seeing what both the suicide bombers and the IDF are doing at the moment. We are getting lots of news here about innocent people killed both in the bombs and in Jenin and Nablus, where we are told they are buried under houses, shot by Army snipers etc. I hope Israel (ie the army) keeps its some of its humanitarian values...at the moment it's not looking so good.

Thank you for your offer of material for the piece. I may well ask you sometime about this, if that's OK.

No, my father hasn't met M yet. In fact I haven't heard from him in quite a few months. He's back in Israel now after a big trip to Europe etc...the other day my brother in France emailed me and said that he and my father might be visiting Australia this year. I'm a bit upset that I've heard nothing from David for so long, but he may be more concerned with life at home, which I can understand.

Oh well, better go, lots to do for work.

Stay well and stay safe,

Stefan

 

  Stefan6_2_01

To honour Stef's recent purchase of a baglama (Turkish lute) from a Sydney Road pawn shop, Stef and B are moving this week to our very own place in the heart of Mediterranean Coburg.
From Saturday - Feb 10 - onwards, you'll find us at:
(details)
Come over and check out the shed, or run amok in the kids' playground next door. Our current number will still work for a few weeks, as we've arranged to redirect the old number to the new one.

Hope to see youse in Coburg soon - watch out for news of a forthcoming housewarming/Stef's birthday shindig.

Good luck to your families!

 

  Dalia7_2_01

Hi Stef (and B too...)
I shall come over a.s.a.p... (over a weekend maybe???) Shall I bring the
kids too??? (just joking),...

Nice to hear from you, Stef, we are still here, I hope you have heard the
depressing news of Israel so you appreciate your being in Australia...

I shall write more soon.

Best regards to B - I assume she is your girl friend, I hope you two will
visit us in Israel soon (that seems more likely than US jumping to
Australia...

Love, Dalia

 

  Dalia17_8_01

Hi Stef,

I was very happy to read your letters. E-Mails are a great invetion...
I am very pleased to hear that you are happy and well. My kids are great but
a "handful"...
I an busy as usual. R says that we will end up in Australia if things
here continue to deteriorate... I am kidding, of course, our whole life and
family is here...
I suppose that when our kids will be big, we shall stary living and
travelling. We are totaly grounded now (especially because I can't leave
them, even for a night...)
I shall send you and B soon photos. I'd be happy if you send some too,
but I know it is a bother and you must be busy too.
Anyway, you are welcome here when ever you come.

best whishes, Dalia

 

  Stefan4_4_02

Hi Dalia.

How are you and family?

This is a very late thanks for your kind words about the birth of M.

She (and her parents) are well - M's mimicking sounds now, laughing and throwing the occasional baby tantrum too. She's sleeping well (lucky for us!) and is a lot of fun to share a house with.

Life in general is moving along nicely. How are you over there? I see the news and I think of you all in the middle of all the conflict...it's a very sad thing, and I hope it will end with peace for everybody. My thoughts are with you and the country of Israel, which I still feel a strong connection to.

Stay well, stay safe and all the best to you, R and the kids

Cheers,
Stefan

 

  Dalia6_4_02

Dear Stef, B and M, It is so nice to hear from you and I really appreciate your concern. Life has become very sad and depressing here and I hope that we shall manage to reach a peace settlement somehow.Most of the time I try to ignore the situation and keep a normal (happy)life for my kids, but last Sunday they killed 16 people in Matza restaurant in Haifa (which is near the mall I go to very often). A 16-year-old girl who got killed is the daughter of a colleague of mine. The funeral was one of my worst life experiences. We had 3 weeks vacation for Pessah (Passover) and itwas very difficult to enjoy it with the rain and news. This Shabbat was E's Alya La'Tora (Bar Mitzvah) and I has our family forlunch after the synagogue. It was very nice and cheerful and I hope that at the time of the Bar mitzvah party (May 2nd) things will be calmer. I hired (on my expense) two additional security men to guard the hall in which the party will take place. (This is in addition to the security men who work for the hall!). So, you can see how we are leading our life. I hope that you will all come sometime to Israel to visit (the probability to get killed by terrorists is less than a car accident..).

My little girl, M, Is already 2 years and 4 months old. She is sweet and a real joy. Write more about M and I hope we will get to meet her.

All the best, Dalia

 

  Stefan7_4_02

Hi Dalia.

Thank you for your email. Congratulations on Eran's Bar Mitzvah - it must be great to be part of these important stages of life in your child's life. A couple of weeks ago I met up with an old music friend Steve and his wife Lani. They're Jewish and had a son a day before M was born. Me not having a strong religious tradition is a shame in some ways - we don't get to celebrate the rituals of life as much, such as the Brit, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah etc. I guess living in a Christian country we get Christmas, Easter etc but they don't mean much except for overeating chocolate and buying presents!

Thank you for your moving words on life in Israel too. I'm thinking of the time I was in Israel, and how it was probably one of the more trouble-free times the country has had, and how I didn't get to understand fully the daily tension and trepidation you and all your fellow citizens experience at times like this. It was all there when I was visiting, but a bit more in the background, unlike now. It must be so hard staying positive sometimes when such awful things happen around you, especially after Israel was so close to peace 2 years ago. I pray for peace and safety for you all.

On this side of the world, M is developing incredibly fast and is now sleeping even better - right through the night most nights. She grins and makes noises a lot, and has baby conversations with us. It's a lot of fun and actually less of a change than I thought (at least for me it is). She's extremely bright and alert for an 11 week old, and I think she might be trouble later (ie too smart for us)

Stay well and content, say hi to R and the family, and good luck with it all.

Cheers

Stefan

PS Mi is also the name of my sister's half sister from Tel Aviv...she's a graphic designer, a fantastic girl. My wonderful German aunt (who I'm very close to - she's 1 year older than me, and she was there when I found out that I'd found my dad) is called M too. So your little one has good company!

PPS I'm starting my Masters this year in Writing - doing a multimedia piece on how I found my father, my stay in Israel etc. It will be a web site so I'll send it over when I have a bit of content on it

 

  Dalia8_4_02

Dear Stef,

I will be more than happy to assist you if you need materials from Israel,etc.

Has you father met M yet?? I am very happy for you, for having a family (although I must admit that at the time, living a free life like you had seemed wonderful)...You know how much I love my kids and my family and as you said they are a great source of joy.

Since I was a child there were constant wars and battles (1966-the six-day war, 1973- "YOM KIPUR" war, 1980-Lebanon, 1991-the Golf war etc.) So, I am trying to convince myself that this is a phase and that better quiet days are due to come. As you know in five years E will be drafted to the army and I am trying to persuade him to continue studying and postponing his service.

Keep well and in touch.

Kisses for M and warm regards to B,

Dalia

 

  Dalia9_4_02

Dear Stef
Happy new year (Rosh Hashanna) to you, B and M.
We wish you all the best and good health.

Israel is calming down, although every second day there are new threats regarding Iqaq etc. I try not to watch or hear the news, so i really can't tell you much... I had a PhD student who studied coping methods, and said that I use "evasive copying"... I suppose she is right.

Are you planning to visit Israel??? M is approx. 7 months, right? My little girl, M, is 2 and 9 months, time flies...
Dalia and R

 

  Stefan13_4_02

Hi again Dalia.

Thanks again for your emails.

You know, the free life is good sometimes but it is only good for so long - then it becomes very rootless, isolating and kind of empty. I never understood this earlier in my life but family life is very very important too.

I hope that by the time E is 18 there will be peace - sometimes it takes a lot of bloodletting (like now) to lead up to peace. I'm hoping anyway for this. It feels very bad seeing what both the suicide bombers and the IDF are doing at the moment. We are getting lots of news here about innocent people killed both in the bombs and in Jenin and Nablus, where we are told they are buried under houses, shot by Army snipers etc. I hope Israel (ie the army) keeps its some of its humanitarian values...at the moment it's not looking so good.

Thank you for your offer of material for the piece. I may well ask you sometime about this, if that's OK.

No, my father hasn't met M yet. In fact I haven't heard from him in quite a few months. He's back in Israel now after a big trip to Europe etc...the other day my brother in France emailed me and said that he and my father might be visiting Australia this year. I'm a bit upset that I've heard nothing from David for so long, but he may be more concerned with life at home, which I can understand.

Oh well, better go, lots to do for work.

Stay well and stay safe,

Stefan

 

  Dalia18_4_02

Hi Stef,

You know, the same thing they told my mother when my brother, D, was born, that when he will be 18 there will be peace.
(He turned 40 in December, and was a soldier in the Lebanon war).
Anyway, thanks for your warm letters.
I read a very interesting book this weekend, about the mathematician who proved the last riddle of Ferma (Xn+Yn=Zn does not exist).
It is very interesting and I reccoment it strongly.
You don't have to know too much math, but you get a view of the inner life of the work and thought of mathematicians.

Anyway, kisses to M and all the best to B,
:)
Dalia

 

  Dalia25_12_02

Dear Stef
Thanx for writing. I think of you all often but as you can see I haven't got time even to write e-mails...
I shall read your message later, I don't think you sent it earlier.
My daughter A is Bat-Mitzva to day (12 years old) and we celebrated it yesterday with family. M is 3 and a month and an amazing kid, very intelligent and sweet but she has E's nature, she is a very active and emotional child. Anyway, I am loaded with work, which is good because unemployment rates are very high and I suppose you know what is going on here politically...
anyway, keep in tough, I shall send you some photos of us so you can introduce us to B and if you have the time, send us photos of M and B. I am very happy to hear that all is going well and do hope that we shall meet again. You are welcome any time to visit us and stay with us if you come to Israel. I suppose that we can't go any were until our kids grow up, E and M are very difficult to handle and I can't bring myself to leave them....

All the best, Dalia

 

  Stefan25_12_02

Hi Dalia.

How are you? Hope you and family are well and all the best for the non-Jewish New Year...

M's 11 months, crawling, babbling, and lots of fun. She's a fantastic little girl - we're very lucky. Hope all's well up there in Nesher.

Work is very busy (as it is no doubt for you too) and I'm glad to have a break.

I found the message below n my Drafts folder...did I send it it in September or did my email program fool me?

Stay well,

Stefan



Subject: Re: Happy New Year
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 22:18:24 +0200

Great to hear from you - Shana Tova to you, R and the kids. I'm glad that things are getting calmer...it's a strange time in history and I hope things will settle down for good in the next year, especially in the Middle East. I really miss Israel and want to visit (I would now - the politics wouldn't stop me; B's also keen on visiting but not right now...too much trouble on the news lately) but it will take us a little time to get the money organised I think. I really want to come back to Haifa - I like the city very much. Is Mitzna still going for Labor there?

We're all well - busy but happy. M, yes, is 7 1/2 months old, and very cute. She's a very self-possessed and calm little baby, good with people but very happy with her own company. We've been very lucky with her.

News:

- my 4 day a week multimedia job is going very well...the IT economy is not so good but the company is survivng, and I'm working with great people on lots of different projects (intranet for the police, a site for whole of the state's government)

- teaching at the uni is still happening too, although it's now finished for the year

- I'm about to put in my proposal for my Masters to the Higher Degree Committee here...it's taken my supervisor and I a few months to hone the questions enough

- B is doing a little bit of work from home now

- I now have a training qualification too...got that as part of my uni teaching

Otherwise, that's about it.

Please stay well, enjoy life and hope to see you sometime n the not-too-distant future.

Cheers

Stefan

 

  Dalia20_1_03

Dear Stef
are you all well? I read that there was a huge fire in Australia's capital, Canberra. Where do you live? I am sorry I am s ignorant...
I wish you all the best, kisses to M and regards to B, Love Dalia

 

  Stefan20_1_03

Hi Dalia.

Thanks for your concern - don't worry, we're fine. The fires were in Canberra and we live in MElbourne, although today the city was covered in fire smoke because of some other bushfires 300km north in the Australian Alps. (Canberra is 1000km north of Melbourne)

Hope you are all OK in Israel...stay well and happy.

Thanks too for your best wishes - M is well...she's now 1 year old.

wll send you some photos in the next week.

Take care,

Stefan

 

  Dalia20_1_03a

Hi Stef,
Congratulations..!! does she say Mom and Dad yet?
I will be very happy to see her, and of course pictures of you and B, I hope you still look young and handsome as I remember...
I should send you some too from E's bar mitzvah and A's Bat mitzvahs (time flies SO quickly...)
All the best, Dalia

 

  Dalia13_3_03

Dear Stef
The beautiful pictures arrived today.
M seems a very sweet baby, and B is very very pretty and seems a kind person. I wish you all the best.
It was lovely to hear you over the phone, I think that e-mail is a wonderful thing, I suppose we would have lost contact ages ago otherwise...
Anyway, next week is Purim. Are you dressing M up??? I hope you do (this is maybe the only happy HAG the Jews have... the others are depressing or complicated...)
Keep well and in touch - - - Dalia

 

  Stefan16_3_03

Hi Dalia.

thanks for the email and for the chat - it was nice to speak with you in person.

We will dress M up - she has some costumes already. When is the main Purim day?

Hag Sameach to you, and thanks again for the beautiful presents. Stay well and good luck with everything,

Cheers

Stefan

 

  Dalia17_3_03

Dear Stef
Purim is on Tuesday, March 17th.
Hag Same'ah !!
Dalia

 

  Stefan6_2_06

Hi Dalia.

Thank you so much for your beautiful presents. It was such a surprise and so thoughtful. So toda raba m'od! M is very excited about her pencils and paints. I'm really glad you got in touch because my previous emails bounced back.

Great to hear your kids are well and growing. We're all well, life is busy (as you know with kids) and we're enjoying our summer. I went to Germany in July to see my grandparents, and also met up with my father and half-brother in Cologne (they drove over from Paris). I'd love to go to Israel but, yes, it may be a while. I miss Israel, especially Ha Galil, Jerusalem and Haifa.

Hope all is well with you and your family. You must be feeling weird after all the incredible political events of the last year, and recently.

Say hello to R and your very grownup children. Attached is a photo some friends took of me, B and M two days ago. We're all growing up too. It's my 40th birthday next month!

Stay well, thanks again and all the best.

Stefan

 

  Dalia7_2_06

Dear Stef

I am very happy to renew our e-mail connection, I have changed my address becayse of viruses and I see that you have too..
M loves coloring so I figured out that this is the best present for
little girls...

I shall send you in the next e-mail some photoes of us and kids - I suppose that we have grown older too (I shall be 46 in April, although I feel mentally 15, somethimes my bones feel every year.....) M is so sweet - if I a not mistaken, she looks a lot like B!

Love to all Dalia

 

  Stefan20_2_06

Hi Dalia.

So sorry I haven't responded until now. My teaching year has just begun and we are run off our feet at university.

I did get the photos and they're fantastic - nice to see you all again.

Next year it will be 10 years since I arrived in Israel. How time flies.

Thanks again for the wonderful package of goodies for M and A. How do you find the time with 4 kids and a job? I don't know how you do it.

Please stay well - I will write back in more detail soon.

All the best,

Stefan

 

  Dalia21_2_06

Dear Stef
I shall write soon in detail
I think that people find for what is important...
Believe my that I neglect a lot of other things...
How is M accepting (is that the word) A? My kids are still jealous one of the other....
Bye Dalia

 

  Dalia10_3_06

Hi Stef

E is nearly 17, last year before graduation from high school. GADNA is an abbreviation of GDudei Noar (Youth troupes) which is a preparation for army service.
When I was a child it was a very serious system but nowadays it is less "heavy"... They had five days of so called "army training" as a mandatory school activity...

It really is a strange feeling to see my little baby boy turning to a man (not to mention the social and other activities than are part of it...)... but I am very proud of him ...

He is taller than R and I, and you can imagine how much parental authority I have talking to a taller person who looks down to see his mom.....

Anyway, I wish you lots of joy and happiness raising your pretty sweet daughters!

Dalia

 

  Dalia21_3_06

Mi the fairy
A a butterfly
(..includes photos...)

 

  Dalia12_4_06

Dear Stef
We wish you a Happy Pesah!
Dalia @ family

 

  Dalia12_6_06

Y - BAR MITZVA - Alya Latora (taken on Thursday)
Love
Dalia
(includes photos..one is here)

 

  Rocket attack - Bat Galim, Haifa, July 2006

 

  Stefan18_7_06

Hello Dalia.

I hope your family is all OK, physically and emotionally, given all the things that are going on in your region. I never thought Haifa would be hit - I hope it was the last time this will ever happen.

I'm sorry I haven't been back in touch lately. A few things have been going on here. I have separated from B and we're currently working out next steps. It's sad but necessary. Don't know yet if it will be permanent but it could be. At the moment I'm staying with friends and B and I are working out arrangements for the children.

Anyway, stay well, thank you for your photos, and best wishes.

Stefan

 

  Dalia18_7_06

Dear Stef

I am truly sorry that you and B are splitting up, especially because
you have children. I know that it is no consolation, but many married (or not) couples stay years together because of the kids and I am not sure this is the best solution. Better two happy parents than one miserable couple...

And to turn to national troubles, we are definitely in a jam - since
Thursday, June 13th Haifa has been bombed, yesterday massively. It is summer and M's day activities were cancelled, R's workplace was nearly bombed on Sunday (100 meters from them a missiles
fell) and the place is shut down till things calm down. 20 meters from the Ministry of Education another bomb fell. The worse thing is that it fell on us as a surprise, and in the middle of the summer, when all the kids are at home.

Anyway, I can't invite you now to Israel on a vacation, but after things calm down and settle here you are welcome. Keep well and strong and I hope that that situation with B will sort itself out for the best.

Love Dalia

 

  Dalia23_7_06

Missiles hittinhg Nesher and the refinary area - 23-7-2006
taken from our balcony

 

  Missiles from Nesher 23 July 2006 #1

  Missiles from Nesher 23 July 2006 #2

  Missiles from Nesher 23 July 2006 #3

  Dalia5_8_06

Dear Stef

We are already in the 4th week of the war, yesterday night they sent a rocket as far as Hadera.
This morning again an air raid woke us up (see attached)
What a mess... I can't work all time M is home and needs attention and care...
R and Y are going tomorrow on his bar mitzvah trip (Holland, Belgium and France) and tonight my baby A is going to Florida ( a teenagers group sent by the Jewish Agency).
How are you doing these days? How are you little daughters adjusting to the new situation?

Keep well and strong

Dalia

Did I send you the photos of the missiles that fell in the refineries (Batei Zikuk) that can be seen from my balcony?

 

  Stefan8_8_06

Hi Dalia.

Gee – what a video...

I called my father last night and two of my nephews are currently in combat squads in Lebanon.

Hope you are all OK.

Stefan

 

  Dalia9_8_06

We are fine, although as a citizen of the north of Israel who are stack home for a month and not able to work or lead a normal life, are totally fed up because the situation is getting worse and worse and no one can tell what the next day will bring.

The air raids and loud noise of falling missiles (which are heard clearly on the movie I sent) are part of our every day life.

On Sunday night missiles fell in 7 different areas of Haifa, among then Merkaz HaCarmel (The beginning of Dereh HaYam), Wadi Nisnas (where the Arab market is), Down town and more. 3 people were killed and dozens injured.

D.

 

  Stefan14_8_06

Hi Dalia.

I’m so sorry to hear that you are still on the receiving end of the rockets. I’m following the news from here and it’s a sad thing to watch, especially when I think of the rockets landing in the places I spent time and enjoyed – like Haifa, Akko and close to Ma’ayan Zvi. I can’t imagine what it is like living in it, and trying to live life while all that is going on.

I did get the photo – an amazing shot. I haven’t called my father yet since I’m not in a house where I can call Israel easily.

Things at home are OK, if a little fragile at times. M is coping incredibly well, which is a great relief. She is enjoying staying at 2 houses and is quite matter-of-fact about things. B and I have worked hard to make sure that the impact on the kids is minimal, and so far all is good. I’m moving in with a friend in 2 weeks. He’s Jewish as it turns out (son of a Shoah survivor) who is also separated and has a 3 yo daughter. It will be fun to live in the Jewish belt of Melbourne (the south-east...we have been living in the north). Everything is still settling but it is good that B and I are living apart – some time to think and reflect.

I hope the war will end soon and life returns to normal for you all.

Stay well,

Stefan

 

  Dalia14_8_06

I hope so too...

 

  Stefan14_8_06

Hi Dalia.

I’m so sorry to hear that you are still on the receiving end of the rockets. I’m following the news from here and it’s a sad thing to watch, especially when I think of the rockets landing in the places I spent time and enjoyed – like Haifa, Akko and close to Ma’ayan Zvi. I can’t imagine what it is like living in it, and trying to live life while all that is going on.

I did get the photo – an amazing shot. I haven’t called my father yet since I’m not in a house where I can call Israel easily.

Things at home are OK, if a little fragile at times. M is coping incredibly well, which is a great relief. She is enjoying staying at 2 houses and is quite matter-of-fact about things. B and I have worked hard to make sure that the impact on the kids is minimal, and so far all is good. I’m moving in with a friend in 2 weeks. He’s Jewish as it turns out (son of a Shoah survivor) who is also separated and has a 3 yo daughter. It will be fun to live in the Jewish belt of Melbourne (the south-east...we have been living in the north). Everything is still settling but it is good that B and I are living apart – some time to think and reflect.

I hope the war will end soon and life returns to normal for you all.

Stay well,

Stefan

 

  Dalia28_8_06

I hope that I haven't sent this one already, it shows clearly tha damages of the unnesessary war... Dalia

 

  Dalia20_9_06

Dear Stef
I wish you a happy new year!
Dalia

 

  Stefan20_9_06

Hello Dalia.

Shana Tova to you too!

I’m living in Elsternwick, right in the Jewish part of Melbourne, and it’s nice seeing all the sukkahs popping up in people’s yards.

I hope life is a little easier now that you are not living in bomb shelters anymore.

All the best,

Stefan

 

  Dalia20_9_06b

Much easier... back to normal but we are still under a serious threat from Iran and Syria. Our leaders don't seem to know what they are doing. My son - Eran, received his enrollement date (the day he begins his army service) - Next August, so you can imagine that I am 'a little' worried....

D.

 

  Dalia17_12_06

Happy Hanukkah All
Enjoy every calorie...
Love - Dalia and Family

 

  Dalia11_2_07

Dear Stef
I have'nt heard from you for a while. I hope you are OK.
Dalia

 

  Stefan11_2_07

Hi Dalia.

Thank you for your email. I’ve been on holidays, then very busy at work, so sorry haven’t been in touch.

All is OK at home – the girls are wonderful and lots of fun, and B and I are on good terms.

I have some news – I will be coming to Israel at the end of June/beginning July. I will only have a week or so (I am going to Israel after some conferences in the US) but would love to see you all in Haifa if possible.

I don’t have details yet but will have them soon – will let you know.

Until then, stay well and hope you’re all good.

Regards,

Stefan

 

  Stefan11_2_07a

Hi Dalia.

Thanks for the kind offer and the photos. Will look forward to seeing you all.

You know, I think I might actually stay in a hotel this time around if that’s OK - it might be easier with big families etc and is quick to organise on the Internet these days. I think I’d like to go back to Akko too to see how the place has changed.

It’s amazing how quickly kids change; I’m noticing it already. But the army thing must be quite a strange feeling.

Stay well and see you soon,

Stefan

 

  Dalia11_2_07a

Dear Stef
What great news... Let me know when you have an exact date, and of course you can stay at our home if needed!
We are basically OK the children growing up too quickly...
I shall send you from gmail pictures of them (E will be going to the army in August, can you imagine...???)
All the best -- Dalia

 

  Dalia11_2_07b

Dear Stef
You can feel free to choose whatever is convenient... Our offer stands.
The army thing is a big deal, as E has ADHD and is not the easiest person to deal with. On the other hand he is very intelligent and a lovely person so I hope he will find his place. D.

 

  Dalia11_2_07c

Dear Stef
Here is a photo of M all over her bro's and sis...
Your baby girl looks exactly like you (M looks like B...???)
right?

 

  Dalia1_4_07

Hi,

I am launching today this "mail Asaf a stone" campaign in
remembrance of Asaf's 21st birthday .
The attached letter explains it all so please forward this text to
as many people as you can, whoever is on you mailing list in as many
countries as possible.

Thanks

Mail Asaf a stone!

On March 5th 2003 Asaf, a young high school boy was on his way back
from school. A suicide murderer that exploded on Asaf's bus killed him
and sixteen other innocent men, women and children.

Asaf was almost seventeen years old and he is my son.

This year on April 27th we will remember Asaf's 21st birthday.

As every Israeli young man does, Asaf would have finished his
military service and would have gone on a trip to see the world either to south
America, the far east, India or maybe Australia and New Zealand.

Ever since Asaf died when ever I go on trips inside Israel or travel
abroad I bring back with me a stone.
From the dead sea in the south, from the sea of Galilee in the north
from every creek and spring in Israel, Shale from Ein Gedi, basalt from
the Golan heights, many pebbles I laid at Asaf's rest place in the recent
years.

When I go abroad I look for a stone from a nice place, from a park
or from a famous site. I brought back a stone from lake Winnipesaukee in New
Hampshire, from lake Ontario in Canada, from the Niagra falls, new York's
Central park, Helsinki, London and many other places.

With each stone I lay on Asaf's tombstone I fill I bring the world
to him, I feel as if I took Aaaf with me and brought the experience of that
place to him.

It is an old Jewish custom to lay a stone at ones grave when coming
to visit. The reason for that custom is to show one is remembered, to come and
visit your dear ones and see and know that they are remembered by people
that visit and lay a stone at their grave.

I am sending this letter in hope it will go around the world and
reach many many people. I ask each one of you receiving this letter to mail me
a stone from wherever you live.

Asaf may not be able to go and travel the world, So this way I will
bring the world to him for his 21st birthday on April 27th this year.

Each one of you getting this letter, please pick a stone from the place you
live in , may it be a small stone, a big stone, a round or a flat stone, put
it in an envelope and mail it to me ("Yossi Zur POB 7895 Haifa 31078,
Israel", I will lay all the stones received at Asaf's grave.

I will also update the places from which stones were sent on Asaf's
memorial web site. At: http://www.blondi. co.il/stone. htm

Please forward this letter to all your email contacts in as many
countries as possible.

Thanks in advance

Yossi Zur, Asaf's father
POB 7895
Haifa 31078
Israel
Email: Yossi@Blondi. co.il
Web: www.Blondi.co. il

 

  Stefan14_7_07

Hi Dalia.

Thank you for your email - and Mazel Tov on the house signing!

It was really fantastic to see you and your family, and I did really appreciate your hospitality and warmth. You're all really excellent people and I hope to see you all again, hopefully on a conference visit. It was great to visit the north of Israel and I do wish I could have stayed there longer, especially in Haifa and Akko, which I think are still my favourite places in the country.

It's good that I came back early though, despite the sudden departure and the lack of a chance to see the Druze villages etc. B was totally exhausted from looking after the kids over the school holidays and I was so longing to see them as well. B was right. I had been away from my real home and life for too long, and needed to go back.

I think a lot of my general sense of discomfort with being in Israel this time was the realisation that, after 10 years of the father stuff, that my life really is here, in Melbourne and in the present, not in some mythological rediscovered past. I also do think (despite my father's disagreement) that Israel has changed from when I visited in 1997-98. I think your jokes about Iran pointed to this - a greater and justified sense of threat and being under siege than a decade ago, when there was still the remnant of a peace process in the air.

Israel is an amazing country with some of the most resourceful and amazing people I have ever seen. The people are capable and tough - much tougher than I will ever be - and are incredible at leading close to normal lives in extraordinary circumstances. I admire your country and people immensely. But I'm not one of them - the machine guns and bag checks everywhere were kind of darkly exotic a decade ago for me, but this time they just reminded me of the more problematic aspects of human nature - our tribal leanings, our lack of ability to get on with one another and work out our problems (probably a reminder of my own recent personal history as well...) and our lack of forgiveness for one another. It wasn't about Israelis per se, more about the whole 'situation' and its continued fueling of more of the same.

This time I think I felt spiritually assaulted by the atmosphere of division and conflict, which was calmed by my visit to your relatively sane part of Israel, but aggravated by things like the driving, the sight of the separation wall (important though it is for Israelis to be safe from bombs) and the one-sided narrative of my immediate family. My father said he was speaking about my opinions to a friend of his while walking the dog, and his friend said 'don't worry, if he lives here for a year or two he will agree with us'. Maybe that would happen. Israel has given back Gaza and southern Lebanon in the last decade and look how much closer to peace it is. These aren't good times for peaceniks in the Middle East. Somehow, sometime though, I really feel that people in the world as a whole need to start co-operating more and fighting less, or we're all stuffed. It sounds like a cliche but I guess it is where my head is at as a father, and coming to Israel was quite a challenge in that regard.

Sorry about the rave - I'll stop now. The trip home was eventful. I had to sleep overnight on a bench at Heathrow Airport but managed to get onto a flight to Singapore and Sydney the next day. I was very happy to be home - now comes the work of finding a place to live, car etc. The girls are staying with me tonight (I'm living at a friend's place until I find my own place) and A is staying over for the first time...seems to be OK, touch wood. They are gorgeous kids, just like yours, and it's a thrill to be with them again.

Anyhow, keep in touch and I would be interested in discussing the copy proofing work. Maybe we could try it on a trial basis when something suitable comes up and see how it works?

Stay well, all the best to yourself, R and the kids - and thanks again for the visit (and the key ring)!

Stefan

 

  Dalia18_7_07

Dear Stef

I have just realised that the mail I wrote a few days ago wasn't sent...
I am sending again with a few more word... Your father called me up today, very worried that he hadn't heard from you. I told him that via e-mail you wrote that you are home and he said he didn't think of checking his mail... He sends you his best.

How is A feeling? Is she better now?
am sending the mail I wrote a few days ago, and hopw to hear from you soon
Dalia



I don't know how you felt, but R and I agreed that we didn't feel like 10 years apart - rather than just a while ago we met you. We are happy to be your friends in the "favourite part (north) of Israel", and I hope that one day when you show your girls this country, we will still be part of the trip-plan...

Reading your e-mail maked me understand how we became friends, you wrote "I really feel that people in the world as a whole need to start co-operating more and fighting less", and this is exactly my beliefe and feeling.

Both sides, Jews and Arabs, have sane people and "nuts" who fight over land and religion. Personnaly, as you know by now, I live my life doing the best I can do to make my immediate environment safe and happy. I realise that there is a little I can do to change the world and my belief is that if I am kind and good to others - it will pass on (including on the roads!)

Write more when you have time, I started reading your story on your web site and so far, I realised that your father's name is David (mine too, and Y's second name is David after him), my daughrt Mi like your sister and Anne (Annie) was my grandmother from England - A is named after her.

My grandfather's family was from Spain, like yours and if I had any belief in spirits I would say that we knew each other some time in the past... but I don't - and I am just happy to have met you and that we are still intouch.

Send pictures of your kids and I shall show them to M. She was very quirious about your girls.

All the best from all of us - Dalia

 

  Stefan22_7_07

Hi Dalia.

Thank you for your lovely email. And thank you for passing on that my father called. I did call him after your email; I hadn't had time until then because life back in Melbourne was so busy.

It was good to talk with David - we spoke honestly and in detail. He was actually quite thoughtful and accepting. Sometimes I think people need to go to uncomfortable places with one another to advance their understanding. This has been good for us I think - when you're separated by language, culture and 1000s of kilometres, a relationship can become stagnant because you just say the same things over and over on the phone for years. It feels like something real has entered our interaction, which I think is good.

A is better, and very cute, as is M. It was more B who needed assistance - she is a little less exhausted now but still tired, as am I. Life has been frantic since my return - straight into looking for a car (I am getting one - an old Volvo) and house, being dad, catching up on work stuff, organising our house settlement. Hardly a spare moment...hence the delay in sending this. I am currently building what is basically a new life, which is an odd feeling, exciting at times and hard at others, and it's the middle of winter here too - wet and cold.

M loved the hair clip from M, A enjoyed playing with the headband, so please pass on my thanks to your cool daughter.

Ands yes, I also felt an instant sense of familiarity and warmth when I saw you and your family again. One doesn't know what to expect after 10 years, but the sympatico was really there. So thank you again for making my trip so special. Hopefully next time we will have more time.

Stay well, and good luck to you and yours. I'll send photos soon - at the moment I'm still at my friend's house and all my stuff is everywhere. Once I'm settled I'll sort through all the pix etc.

All the best to you and yours,

Lehitraot

Stefan

 

  Dalia23_7_07

Hi, I am so glad to read this - you sound now happy and well. I am sure that we will meet again, hard to believe that we need to cross the world to meet again but e-mail and the internet make life much easier.
I shall find the time to install skype and then the girls can see each other and talk.
M knows a little English and already is learning the basics in school.
Teach M and A some Hebrew - lets hope they'll need it some day..

Shalom
Dalia

 

  Dalia9_8_07

Hi Stef
How are you?
Next week we are planning to go to Jerusalem for 4 days (want to join us?....)
Dalia

 

  Dalia8_11_07

Dear Stef

How are you doing? I hope you and the girls are well.

I am writing to tell you that one of my students who is writing his PhD intends to send you his dissertation for editing (in about 6-9 months from now).

Also, can you refer me too a reference regarding assessment of an internet site? I have found some material but I hope you can give me a source which is reliable and professional. I hope this is not a bother...

How is your thesis coming on?

Thanks Dalia

 

  Stefan28_11_07

Hi Dalia.

Thanks a lot for your reply. It’s nice to hear from you, and to see the pix of your kids (and apartment – now I know what it looks like again !)

You must all be going a bit crazy with no school for 7 weeks!

We are all celebrating a little this week after our elections last Saturday. 11 years of a mean, sneaky, vindictive government promoting extreme self-centredness, running down unions, refugees, workers’ rights and education and engaging in a right-wing ‘history war’ have ended. The new lot, a centre-left party, are not perfect but it can’t be worse - everyone I know is very relieved. The prime minister John Howard has not only led his party to a loss at a time of a major economic boom (which they took credit for, even though it had as much to do with the reforms of the previous govt and the hunger of China for Australia’s zinc, iron and gas) but his arrogance had led to him losing his own seat.

M’s arm is healed now – she’s chirpy as ever. A is speaking in sentences and is in tantrum mode (terrible twos). They are excellent kids. Aren‘t we lucky?

Stay well,

Stefan

 

  Stefan28_11_07a

Hi Dalia.

Great to hear from you.

Firstly, I’m so sorry about the delay in replying. Your email kind of disappeared in my inbox - it’s been a mad three weeks with M breaking her arm (she’s OK now) , the girls and B all being ill, and the really busy time of the year at work with project work, student interviews and exhibitions, assessment etc. Plus I’m going to Singapore this week to do a paper at a conference. As a result I have 800 emails in my inbox and am trying to pare this down now.

Life is good but I’m really looking forward to a break.

Some good news – I got into the PhD program for my project.

Stay well and great to hear from you.

Cheers,

Stefan

 

  Dalia28_11_07

Stef

We are very lucky to be parents. Although work and friends are important and a great joy, kids are still the best thing a person can have. They grow up SO quickly and you remember little E driving us nuts - in ten days he is going to the army and I am very very sad and miss him although he is still here ...

We had a similar change of govt years ago and felt the same way (When Barak won the elections and Bibi lNetanyahu lost) - but things just got worst. I do hope that for you it will be a ongoing positive change.

D.

 

  Dalia28_11_07a

Dear Stef

I shall write DALIA in the subject row of the messgae so you won't loose me too easily...

I am happy that you got into the PhD program and wish you all the best and good luck. If at any stage you will need assistance in statistics and evaluation I will be happy to help. I shall check out the links and try to make sense of it.

I am sorry for M, 3 of my kids broke arms and legs and it was a rather heart breaking experience (I always felt I could have avoided it!! - the famous Jewish mother built-in guilt system at work!!) but they recovered. A and Y have no school for the past SEVEN weeks - their teachers are on strike. So for the past 6 months (july-aug. - summer vacations, September - Holidays) I am having a very difficult time trying to work more that a few hours a day. So the PhD project is basiclyy still only a vauge plan.
Best --- Dalia
Attached - M and A with M’s birthday cake (please show the girls...)

 

  Stefan7_12_07

Hi Stef
I hope that your trip back was easy and went well.
Today we singed the contract for our new flat. I hope that you will find a nice suitable house quickly. How is A feeling? I suppose both girls were happy to see you.
Keep well and in touch
Dalia

ps I bought another key ring (I got used to it!) and the character on it is
a famous illustration of the Israeli Zabbar by DOSH
which was a famous drawer of charterers

 

  Dalia13_3_08

I assume you mean our home address - we moved to a new flat a month ago. I shall send you photoes when it is all sellted.
The address is:
(address)

Israel is in a bad state, as you surely know from the news, and
my son now is in the army, although he is not KRAVI (not a fighter) having bronchitis and ADHD etc., he is in a course in UVDA near Eilat and I am afraid of kidnapping soldiers which a reak threat here...
I am working as usual, busy with my kids and parents and wish that we will manage to settele financially. Because the dollar went down so much we rented our flat and took a huge morgage. We also need money to enlarge the living room and kithchen so work is my number 1 occupation...
I suupose some day I will find time to travel and study...
How are your girls doing? Do they dress up for PURIM?
Dalia

 

  Stefan13_3_08

Hello Dalia.

How are you? Hope you are all well and having fun. Sorry I haven't been in touch much - it's been a very busy time lately with lots on at home and work.

I would like to send you some photos of the girls. What is your address again? I can't find it and my computer was stolen recently.

All the best,

Stefan

 

  Dalia18_4_08

Happy Pessach!

חג אביב שמח מתובל בפריחות

והתחלות חדשות,

הצלחות ושמחות גדולות וקטנות.

 

  Dalia3_5_08

(a forwarded joke...)

HOW MOSES GOT THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

God went to the Arabs and said, "I have Commandments for you that will make
Your lives better."
The Arabs asked, "What are Commandments?"
And the Lord said, "They are rules for living."
"Can you give us an example?"
"Thou shall not kill."
"Not kill?
We're not interested."
So He went to the Blacks and said, "I have Commandments."
The Blacks wanted an example, and the Lord said, "Honor thy Father and
Mother."
"Father?
We don't know who our fathers are.
We're not interested."
Then He went to the Mexicans and said, "I have Commandments."
The Mexicans also wanted an example, and the Lord said "Thou shall not
Steal."
"Not steal?
We're not interested."
Then He went to the French and said, "I have Commandments."
The French too wanted an example and the Lord said, "Thou shall not commit
Adultery."
"Not commit adultery?
We're not interested."
Finally, He went to the Jews and said, "I have Commandments."
"Commandments?"
They said, "How much are they?"
"They're free."
"We'll take 10."

There, That Should Offend Just About Everybody.

 

  Dalia18_5_08

Email titled: E our soldier

(no text, just a photo of E in army uniform holding AK47)

 

  Dalia20_5_08

Dear Stef
We also think of you and your family often, and its hard to believe that nearly a year had past since your last visit. I shall show M the pictures!
We had a very difficult winter, moving in January (only a genius like myself could set the moving day to the coldest stormy day in the middle-east climate…). In addition my mom fell down again and was hospitalized for six weeks the same time we were moving) but now we are relatively back to normal.

Your daughters look great – beautiful and happy!
Keep in touch and we hope to see you soon again
Dalia

 

  Stefan20_5_08

Hi Dalia.

Sorry I've been a bit quiet lately – everything is just so busy.

I hope you are well. Thank you for your photos of your army boy – wow.

I think of you and the family often and hope life is good with you. Hopefully I can come back soon in more relaxed circumstances.

This email is from my dad...(Jewish trivia email follows)

Stay well,

Stefan