Archive | June, 2025

Honoring Those Who Do Good In Times Of Crisis

28 Jun

The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes has exhibits that all children and adults 12 and older should experience. A friend and I went there specifically to see the Anne Frank Exhibit, “Anne Frank: A History for Today,” which is now completed. But that was just a minor part of this learning experience. Since that special exhibit is over, this blog will focus on the usual museum sights.

First Panel of Anne Frank Exhibit

Located just two short blocks from the Ft. Scott National Historic Site, the Lowell Milken Center, is a wonderful place to learn about people who stand up and do good in times of crisis.  The centerpiece of the museum is “Irena Sendler: Life In A Jar,” the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, who saved over 2500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War Two. She had a group of about 20 people who helped her. But it was Sendler who organized the group and saved the names of the children who were rescued.

Irena herself was rescued from obscurity by a group of high school children from a small town in Kansas. Their discovery led them to find out Irena was alive. They had the chance to meet her and wrote a play about her that has been shown hundreds of times, which led to Irena being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, she passed away before she could be recognized as the prize cannot be awarded to someone who is deceased.  Her story and the story of the girls who brought her story to life is the centerpiece of the Center.

However, it is not just about Irena’s story.  There are many unsung heroes whose stories are on display at the Center. Each story was discovered by students and then written about for display at the Center. Student can enter their research into the Discovery Award competition which recognizes outstanding Unsung Heroes projects by students in grades 4-12.

In these times of increased online hatred and the rise of anti-immigration, ICE raids, and Jew Hatred, the Lowell Milken Center is an oasis of goodness.  Each panel tells the story of someone who stood up to be counted in times of peril, helping those in need. These people, of all religions, follow the Jewish value of doing good, repairing the world , “or “Tikun Olam.”

While we were there, we met briefly with a group of international teachers who had come to the Center to learn about the programs and how to bring it to their schools. The two people leading the discussions were part of the original Irena Sendler discovery: the high school history teacher and one of the students.  That student, Meagan, now works at the Lowell Milken Center. 

This brought me joy, as I saw the original play when the girls were in high school and they presented in Kansas City.  Then a few years later, I saw the expanded play as well.  My friend had seen it with me. We were pleasantly surprised to meet her.  She told the international teachers that we had seen the play!  Smiles all around. It was so wonderful to see that she continues to dedicate her life to teaching others to do good!

I have written about Ft Scott before. (See blog below.). So I will tell you that an excellent summer field trip day with your middle school and older children would be to visit Ft. Scott in the morning. There is a Park Ranger to help as you walk around the site, clean bathrooms and a store. Have lunch at one of Ft. Scott’s restaurants. 

Then during the heat of the day, go to the Lowell Milken Center to  immerse yourself and your children in goodness and kindness.  Your heart will be filled with the knowledge that there are truly good people in the world.

https://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/
https://www.yadvashem.org/righteous/stories/sendler.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=45989503&gbraid=0AAAAAD1IFGM_bfUQWakp_GCm1-mc__KhT&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlP22woCVjgMVZzbUAR3XcDlQEAAYASAAEgKelPD_BwE
A Day’s Escape to Ft. Scott
https://www.nps.gov/fosc/planyourvisit/index.htm

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A Disney Experience in Marceline

22 Jun

I am a dedicated Disney enthusiast.  I have been to both Disneyland and Disney World multiple times. When the Disney 100 Anniversary Exhibition visited Kansas City, I made sure that my husband and I had tickets to go through the exhibit.  I loved it! 

I have passed by the Laugh O Gram building in Kansas City many times. I am still hoping that one day KC will have its own little piece of Disney.  Now I can add a new Disney experience.  I finally got to visit the Disney hometown of Marceline, Missouri.

It was worth the over two-hour drive from our home.  Was it everything I thought it would be, not exactly.  But despite that, even my husband said that the museum was very interesting.  And it was.

Original ticket booth.

The Disney Hometown Museum is housed in the original Marceline Sante Fe train depot.  A perfect spot for a Disney museum because Walt Disney loved trains. Parts of the train station are still obvious.  The original ticket office still exists with some train memorabilia.  Also the train comes by every so often, so you get to hear the sounds and whistle. 

Davy Crockett
Original Map

Most of the collection was from the estate of Walt and Roy’s sister, Ruth.  Even though she was not employed by the Disney company, she received many Disney artifacts and letters throughout her lifetime.  Many of the items on display were hers.

Also included are many Disney family items. Photographs and letters line display boxes.  Information about the Disney parents and siblings is an important part of the museum.  I loved learning about how Walt and Roy took care of their family throughout their lives, giving them Disney stock and other items.  In fact, the one Disney sibling who never married, left millions of dollars the Shriners’ Children Hospital. What a great place for the profits of the Disney company to end up!

Teacup Ride
It’s a Small World

I really enjoyed the displays on the second floor of the original Disneyland models.  Seeing the view of the It’s a Small World Ride and the teacups in miniature, as well as the castle and other rides was really a thrill.  This is what they were trying to create in full size, and they succeeded!

As an aside, the Teacups were my favorite ride when I was younger. But as I aged I realized I did not like to be spinning around. For my sister and daughter “It’s a Small World” was the best ride ever.

I loved seeing the items like the model dressed in the Davy Crockett regalia and the giant Mickey Mouse.  There were dozens of items to enjoy. Some of which I remember from my children hood. My brother was a big Davy Crockett fan!

I have to also comment on the kindness of the people who worked there.  They made the experience so warm and friendly.  But then they knew we were true enthusiasts as I was wearing one of my Disney shirts.  In fact ,you could tell in each family who was there who the Disney fan was…that was the person who people wearing Disney clothes!

Vuew of the ride as we walked toward it.
Entrance to ride area.
One of the cars in the museum.

After the Museum we walked over to Ripley Park, where the Midget Autopia ride was installed after it was taken out of service at Disneyland.  The only ride ever to be given away after it left the park!! I am sure it is a shorter car trail than what was used on Disneyland. You can still see where it was, as it is still set up to be used. But currently the cars are no longer there.  Although there is one car on display in the museum.

In the park you can also see both a diesel locomotive and a steam locomotive. They are quite huge.

For lunch we ate at Ma Vic’s Corner Café. It was crowded with locals and  with the people who had been to the museum. I saw  two other restaurants in town, but I am not sure they are open for lunch.  

We also walked past the Uptown Theater where Disney premiered two of his movies and where he saw movies as a child.  It is closed now. But it does resemble the movie theatre on Main Street USA at the Disney parks.

Main Street USA was a disappointment. We walked up and down Main Street USA, which Walt Disney used as the guiding force of the Main Street in Disneyland/Magic Kingdom. But it was somewhat sad.  Most of the store fronts were empty. There were a few things in the windows, but many had no businesses.  A few shops were open, when we were there,  while some that opened only in the afternoon. I guess I was hoping for more Disney spirit in downtown.

When we went back to the museum, before we left, I asked about the Main Street stores.  We were told that someone had purchased the buildings to keep the look of the town intact, but really there was not a lot of business. 

Honestly, although there is a small shop in the museum, I think that they should use one or two of the store fronts to open a Disney store in Marceline.  I think it would be busy with those of us who would love to purchase more in Disney’s hometown.  Look at Hamilton. It was a dying town, but with all the fabric stores, it is now a quilting mecca.  I think something more can be done with Marceline.   But don’t worry, I did help the economy by buying myself a t-shirt, two magnets and presents at the museum.

We did not visit the Disney farm or school.  I am not sure the school would be open to visitors, but at the museum we saw that Disney artists had painted murals throughout the school.  However, with our two-hour drive home and the heat of the day, we ended our visit to Marceline.

The Disney Hometown Museum is definitely worth the drive for Disney enthusiasts.  My husband and I truly enjoyed our time there viewing all the artifacts, reading the letters and materials and talking with some other Disney fans and the museum staff.

https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/

Yet Another Disney Adventure Begins
It was a Small World at the New York City’s World’s Fair 1964/65

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Jew: The Original Doomsday Preppers

16 Jun

 It has been a crazy three days.  It has been stressful and at times unreal.  But what I do know is that I am a mother of a daughter and son-in-law who live in Israel.  More than that I am the mother of a woman who is 8-months pregnant.

My friends and family know that I am anxious, stressed and somewhat neurotic right now. They are reaching out with support and love. I am trying to continue with my daily life, but no matter what I do, my brain and my heart are in Israel. 

I feel like I need to share, to vent, to emote, at times to scream.  I mean, really!  I was just in Israel. How could this happen!  I HAVE to get back to Israel in six weeks!

Even my cousins who live in Israel or have their own children in Israel have reached out to me.  One cousin,  originally from Wichita, asked if I was okay.  She told me that her mother needed tranquilizers during the Gulf War. Makes sense to me.  Aunt Barbara I understand your angst now!

 Then another cousin, who I also saw in Israel, and who recently became a grandmother for the second time, texted: “Stay strong.”  My response, “I am trying!  You too!”  She is so Israeli. Her response “Children are strong. They are lions. And we are all warriors!”

I used that line this Shabbat when I was asked to read the Prayer for Israel.  I told everyone to remember we are all warriors! 

We will survive, as we always do.  I believe that. In the last two years its especially important to believe.  WE cannot cave to hate.

My daughter recently helped me see the reality.  We communicate several times each day now.  This What’s App Chat was classic. 

I start off:  “Perhaps when you are in the mamad (bomb shelter), you should stay away from the window.    (Back story: When they purchased this apartment she told me, “You will be happy to know the apartment has a bomb shelter.”  My response, “I am happy it does, but sad it has to have one.”  Now I really am happy snd extremely sad.)

“No one who was in a shelter died,” my daughter typed. “And Home Front Command specifically said that the number one safest place to be is in your mamad.  So that is where I will be.”  (There have about 30 who have died so far and hundreds who have been injured.)

“My heart hurts that you and all of Israel have to go through this. But especially pregnant women. (Okay I should have said children as well.).”  Then she informs me that one of her WhatsApp group of pregnant woman gave birth on Friday.   Both are fine.  But oy vey what a day.  So as a mom I typed (as if I had any control) “Wonderful! But best not to go into labor during a missile attack.  Just remember that.”  I got a thumbs up and “Yeah not Ideal.”

In Kansas people go into labor during tornados and snowstorms. It snowed the day she was born. But somehow giving birth during a bombing seems wrong.

The conversation continued as we got into what I call the immigrant response that was handed down from her great grandparents. My grandparents were both from Europe. They kept jewels, gold and money hidden in the basement. My siblings and I inherited a lot of jewelry. I keep my share in the bank. But we know it is there if needed.

Don’t worry is her usual response.  But this time it was a little different.

“Passports and jewelry are in the mamad as well,” she tells me. “A friend and I were talking about the first things to go into the mamad and I was like passports and jewelry.  Then came food. Then extra clothes.” (This is what I call European Jewish escape response.). I added, “What about water and a pot to pee in.” (Someone had to remind them.)

“Then I was talking to another friend and her German boyfriend,” she typed.  “I said something about diamonds, and he said “NO, Gold is better.”  I said, “ok, I guess a real German would know what bribes Germans were most likely to take so I’ll be sure to include gold.  Not that Germans are the problem right now.”  (Definitely Shoah inspired response based on knowledge about our family who was murdered and those that survived.)

I told her I was sad that she had to think about what she needs to keep in the mamad. 

“It is sad, but it’s also kind of our history.  Jews – the original doomsday preppers,” she typed.  “Gotta be ready to escape and bribe your way to safety.”

Yes, true, I wrote. But at least you have a shelter. I have to think of what Hamas did to the Gazans. Tunnels just for militants, the rest left to suffer the consequences of wars Hamas starts.

Unfortunately, perhaps it is our millenniums of dealing with hatred that has made us able to survive.  Perhaps being the original doomsday preppers is good.

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Zissel and Shalom: Survivors and Heroes

11 Jun

This is the most important blog I will write about my distant cousins Shalom Hollander and  (Lieb) Zissel Feuer.  They are true Jewish heroes. They did not give up. They lived through the Shoah and they helped those who also survived.  And I feel so honored to know that I am part of their family. I know that I just wrote about my renewed contact with their family, but I believe I need to just put it all in one place!

I have mentioned in other blogs that I met Zissel and Shalom when I was 19//20 years old studying at Hebrew University in 1974-75.  When I met them, I knew about the Shoah, but I also knew it was not something you asked about. If someone told you something you listened, but you did not interrupt.  You kept quiet.  The 1970s they were only just beginning to open up about what happened to them.

To me Zissel was someone my grandparents wanted me to meet.  Grandma had known him in 1931/32 when she took my mother and uncle to Europe.  Zissel stole a pearl necklace from her. And now over 40 years later, he wanted to make amends.  I was sent to collect the money and to listen to his story.  I liked Zissel. He reminded me of my grandfather. He worked in a bakery, my grandfather owned a bakery.  So from that point forward whenever I went to Tel Aviv, I visited Zissel.    I did not ask questions about his past.

Shalom I only met once. When my grandmother and I traveled to Israel in January 1976, we met up with Shalom in Haifa.  He and grandmother spent two hours speaking in Yiddish about what had happened in the war. About everyone who died.  

Ziseel and Shalom had been married to sisters, my grandfather’s first cousins. They and all the rest of the family was murdered. (Except one of the sisters’ brothers and those who had already left .) Some were buried in mass graves; some died in concentration camps; some died in a ghetto; some died in the death camp Belzec.  Shalom was saved by Schindler.  Zissel survived hiding in the forest nearby as part of the Amsterdam group, a partisan group all members of my family who hoped to survive in the forest.

After the war they both returned to Mielec to find other survivors.  They lived together in a house in town.  Thanks to Izabela Sekulska of Mayn Shtetele Mielec,  I now know what they did there.  They saved lives.  They testified against evil.  They worked to keep the memory of the dead alive.

First they saved lives.  Izabella told me that people were angry at Zissel. They said he lied and took money.  Well maybe he did. I have a different view.  The land of the Jews was now empty. The Jews were not coming back, or very few. Out of 5000 about 200 returned.  Zissel became the head of the Jewish community of Mielec.  Shalom was his deputy.  They did not just let the Poles take the land that had belong to the Jews. They told them that the survivors who came back, those who had lived through hell, had owned those lands. And they made the Polish people who wanted the lands to pay the Jews.  It makes sense to me.  They had nothing. No Home. No clothes. No family. NOTHING.  At least they could get some money to start a new life.  And they did.

Second thing they did. They testified.  They testified FOR the people who had helped the Jews. But they also Testified AGAINST many who had murdered the Jews. Including my great grandmother, who was also their aunt by marriage.  They wrote out testimonies and they signed their names to them.

Third thing they did. They protected the site of a mass burial. The spot where the Germans killed 800 Jews on March 9, 1942, Shalom purchased the land and put up a monument to his parents who are among those who are buried there, probably along with my great aunts and uncle.  They also built a wall around the Jewish cemetery.

Fourth, they helped an orphan Jewish girl who had been hidden and kept by a Polish woman during the war.  Shalom remarried after the war to another survivor of the Shoah. They adopted the girl and brought her to Israel with them when they left Poland. They went on to have three more children.

Fifth.  Shalom wrote testimonies for almost 40 people to be kept at Yad vShem, including for my great grandparents and my great uncle.  As well as his wife, children, parents, in laws, and Zissel’s wife.

Sixth.  Zissel came to America to see his brother in the early 1950s.  He visited my grandparents and told my grandfather how his family died.  My grandmother called him the Angel of Death, because he brought this horrific news into our family.

Seventh.  They survived.  They helped to settle the new Israel.  They worked. They remained close.  Shalom had a new family, new wife, children and grandchildren.  Zissel never remarried, but he also had a life and a relationship with Shalom’s children.

I am honored that I knew them.  I wish I had been braver and asked questions.  I wish had written down what they did tell me.  I wish I was not so timid then. But I am glad that I can close my eyes and still see them. Especially Zissel, who I spent so much time with 50 years ago.

I hope to keep their names and memories a blessing for my family.

There are many blogs about both Zissel and Shalom. You can find them on my blog site.

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Am Yisroel Chai. My Shabbat Speech

2 Jun

I was asked by my Rabbi to talk to my congregation about my trip to Israel. Here is a slightly edited version of that Shabbat speech, which I delivered on May 30.

Shabbat Shalom.

 I recently spent two weeks in Israel.  I did not visit tourist sites or go to a meeting.  I spent my time with my daughter and her husband and visits with friends and relatives who live in Israel.  What I did see was the resilience of the people of Israel.

On Sunday, 36 hours after I arrived in Israel, just as I went to take a walk, the siren sounded.  I went to the Mamad, the safe room.  A Houthi missile landed in Ben Gurion Airport.  This bombing partially cut Israel off from the rest of the world as airlines cancelled flights. Obviously, what the Houthis and terrorists want to do.

I also learned that when a siren for a rocket or missile attack goes off, take shelter wherever you can.  Just follow the crowd and they will let you in and show you what to do. When a siren sounds Israelis are one, helping each other to shelter.

On Monday, day 4, I took a bus with my daughter to Tel Aviv to meet with Ilana, who used to live in Overland Park and taught at the Hebrew Academy. She took me to Hostage Square, walking me from my daughter’s office to the site next to the Tel Aviv Art Museum.  Although I was there in the middle of the day, not when the protests usually happen, I was able to see the monuments and messages posted in honor and in memory of the hostages and those who died.   Ilana and I discussed the political situations in both the USA and Israel. How the hostage families want the war to end. Is what Trump is doing good for the Jewish people and Israel or not. What about Netanyahu?  What was going to happen.

Later we met my daughter for lunch at a restaurant in Sarona. We joined many others enjoying the lovely weather and eating outside.  We even ran into a group from Kansas City, including one of my daughter’s Hebrew Academy classmates. Life continues in Isarel. People enjoy luncheon dates. Tourist run into people they know. I have to believe, Am Yisroel Chai.

 On Thursday, Day 7,my daughter and I took the train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In the morning, the train was empty and quiet.  I was a little nervous about what to do if there are sirens during the trip.  But a large part of this journey is underground, through tunnels in the mountains around Jerusalem. This new train route is direct from Tel Aviv with just one stop at Ben Gurion Airport before going on to Jerusalem. It’s a great way to travel.

It ends at a new train station with easy access to the Central Bus Station and where you can catch the light rail station right in front.  We just had a five-minute walk through lots of construction to meet our family, two of my husband’s first cousins (who grew up in Wichita) and their spouses.   One couple lives in Shiloh on the West Bank.  Right after October 7, three of their sons and one so- in-law were called up. Two went to Gaza.  Now after a break, two have been called up again. In fact, that week 60,000 young men and women were called back to active duty for a new ground assault of Gaza.

 The other couple live in Sderot Boker. On October 7, the wife’s sister- in-law was among those murdered.  Her daughter is teamed with a search and rescue dog. They spent days after October 7 searching for the living and finding the dead.  We did not discuss October 7, our main topic of conversation was that Jay’s 82-year-old cousin finally had a bar mitzvah at the Kotel that morning, and the antisemitism in the USA, especially on college campuses.  Think of that, sons called up to Gaza; sister-in-law murdered on Oct 7; and we discussed the Jew Hatred in the United States.   They will persevere. Am Yisroel Chai.

The train ride back to Tel Aviv was packed.  Soldiers and students returning home with their laundry for the weekend. It made me smile.  Sixty thousand called up.  Airlines cancel flights.  Worldwide antisemitism.  And in Israel teens and soldiers are bringing their laundry home to their mothers.  As it should be. Mothers rule!!!

On Friday, Day 8, Zak’s parents, who live in Tekoa, in the West Bank,  and his brother and girlfriend, from Modiim, came for lunch.  We took pictures. We celebrated being together. We spoke about family and the future. We talked about the house they are renovating in Zichron Yaacov.  We did not discuss the war or politics. We discussed the future for our children. And we do see a future. Am Yisorel Chai.

For Shabbat . Day 9, we visited my cousins.  My mother’s first cousin is my age.  Her parents, my great uncle and aunt, survived the Shoah.  She was born when they finally felt safe.  Her daughter is an excellent chef and made us a wonderful meal. Three of her grandchildren were there as well. The oldest is in the army. She does intake for those who work in the Kiryia.  Her biggest complaint are the parents who call because their children did not make it into this elite group.  Parents are the same everywhere.  The next oldest, a boy, has one more year before the army, but already had his first meeting.  And the youngest is just 14. But he knows what’s in his future.  Families in Israel. Descendants of survivors,  still sending their precious children to fight for survival.  Am Yisroel chai.

On Monday, Day 11,  I took the bus once again to Tel Aviv.  On the way home my daughter pointed out a different bus line with the driver who poked the package.  To understand that you need to know that several months ago a few buses had explosives that blew up, luckily, when the buses were empty in Holon and Bat Yam.  A couple of days later, my daughter had to take a different bus than usual that went through Bat Yam then to Holon.  She was the last one on the bus and noticed an unattended.  She walked up to the bus driver to tell him.  He stopped the bus and looked at it and poked it. And said it was safe.  She was horrified. They had a short conversation with him ending it by saying “I don’t know why anyone would ride a bus!”  She was a bit shocked and said to him, You drive them!””  In any case he was our driver on Monday. Should I say Am Yisroel Chai?  Israeli bus drivers are tough! But it does make you think.

Later that day Edan Alexander was released by the Hamas and returned to Israel.  I did not realize how much this would touch my heart.  An American from New Jersey, Edan is from the same city where my sister and her family lived.  I have been at the high school and the Jewish Community Center.  I have walked those streets.  He survived over 500 days in hell.

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Our returned hostages have an entire country supporting them. People lined the streets to the hospital to welcome him home.  Hostage Square was packed that evening. Am Yisroel Chai.

Tuesday, Day 12, my daughter and I go to the large outdoor mall in Tel Aviv to meet her friend with her 2-month-old daughter and her father.  Her friend’s first cousin, Maya, was slaughtered at the Nova concert.  I planted a tree for her and said Kaddish on October 7, 2024. We had lunch together, in a restaurant where we were served by both Jewish and Moslem wait staff. My daughter and her friend spent two hours in SheLev baby store going through everything Lara would need.  While her Dad walked the baby, I stayed mostly with the girls. They suffered a horrible loss on October 7, but now it was all about the Babies.  And there are lots of babies in Israel. They are having a baby boom!  The people of Israel will continue to live.  Am Yisroel Chai.                 

Later that day, my daughter drove me. to a kfar near Natanya, where I have distant relatives. The descendants of survivors, whom I met when I lived in Israel in 1974 and 1975. The families had lost touch over the past 35 years, when my grandfather and the survivors passed away.  But now we were reunited and could share our family stories. My distant cousin, whose father lost his entire first family in the Shoah, his wife and four children, as well as his parents and all his siblings, was the oldest son of the second marriage. The marriage of two survivors.  My cousin and his wife have 7 children, 40 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren so far. I do not know how many children his siblings have, but I know there are many. The people of Israel will continue to live. Am Yisroel Chai vChayon.

At this point, I will add that our current president’s trip to the middle East was about to begin.  There was consternation in Israel because neither he nor anyone else from the government was coming to Israel. There was some anxiety in the air, but at the same time not. Israel was already isolated. 

My final trip to Tel Aviv was on Wednesday, Day 13. I met with a childhood friend who moved to Israel 30 years ago. We had lunch at the Azrielli Mall in Tel Aviv.  Her daughter has finished her military service and now will be an English teacher.  Her son will go into the army later this year.  Her husband works at Ben Gurion Airport to screen those coming into and out of the country. We also discussed the Jew Hatred in the USA and around the world.   And keeping safe. Am Yisroel Chai.

After I walked her to the train station, I walked back to Serona, where I did my one tourist activity, I took a tour of Serona.  It was a welcome moment of just enjoying seeing something of Israel I hadn’t seen before, as docent took us into buildings that are usually locked and told us the story of Serona. Originally settled in the late 1800s by the German Templars, Serona was the site of the first government of Israel, the first Bank of Israel, the first military base. It was the Kiryia.  Having this place as the first seat of government enabled Israel to govern from a safe spot.  Now, of course, the main seat of government is in Jerusalem.  Whereas there is a new Kiryia is in Tel Aviv.

My daughter’s’s office is in one of the skyscrapers that now surround Serona. On the three days I took the bus into Tel Aviv with her, I got to see where she worked and meet with her colleagues.  The CyberWell office is dedicated to searching for and helping to eliminate Jew hatred on social media platforms.  They see so much hatred online that part of their workload includes monthly meetings with a wellness team to ease their stress. The efforts to stop the hate is ongoing and not easy as social media platforms track it mainly in English, and the hate comes in all languages.  But they have the technology and the people who will work to stop it. The Jewish people find ways to survive, we are resilient. Am Yisroel Chai.

On a daily basis, I walked the streets of Holon and Tel Aviv feeling safe.  Some days after work and dinner, when it was dark and cooler, my daughter and I walked around Holon for a mile or so.  We passed the many playgrounds with their bomb shelters, we passed stores, some that are open all night.  We passed my favorite bakery. The bread in Israel is so delicious, so we often stopped there to buy challah rolls or bagelas or pastry.  One side of the bakery was all pareve.  I was in bakery heaven.

My last night, we had one last siren before my trip ended.  In all I experienced four sirens and four trips to the Mamad.  By the end, I no longer felt anxious when the sirens went off.  I knew the military was doing its best to keep us all safe with its defenses and its alerts to the people. I knew that the people of Israel were strong, as was I, and this too shall pass, and we will remain as always.   Am Yisroel Chai v Chaiyon.

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Little Tikes Purple Princess Cars Are Needed

1 Jun

Years ago, I wrote a blog about my daughter’s purple princess Little Tikes car and how much it meant to her to have it returned to our family after 17 years being loved by another family.  (See blog below.)

I thought that was the end of my need to comment about this car. I was wrong.

Recently I received a message from a man in the United Kingdom who was looking for that very same Little Tike’s purple princess car as his daughter had loved hers as well, and he now had a granddaughter he wanted to have the same experience.  He asked if he could buy my car.

I told him I felt his pain, but since I had a family member who was loving it, and I had promised my daughter to never give that car away again, I could not help him.

He was happy I had someone enjoying it, and that he would continue his search!

When I told the story to my daughter, she had a different point of view.  “Mom,” she said, “Maybe you can start a campaign to connect people with purple cars.” 

Maybe I can!!!  What a great idea!!! I like doing things to make peopel happy. This could be one of those callings.

I have two thoughts.

First:

 If you have a little Tikes purple princess car, or a pink one, please comment on this blog.  If you are looking for one of these cars, please check this blog and comment!

I am hoping I can help all people who love these cars find new homes for them with loving children. 

Second: 

Little Tikes are you listening?  People want to have this lovely Purple Princess car.  Perhaps you can start making it again!!!

In our home the Purple Princess Car will always be loved. So Little Tikes, I am sure it will be loved by families everywhere.

PS: I did contact Little Tikes and had a nice conversation with a representative. She sadi: Wewill certainly pass your request on to our Marketing Team for consideraton. Thank you for shairing and loving our product.”

In response to my saying that the purple princess car has such personality. She responded. “It does. Itwas called the Model T.” And added that her son loved it as well!!!

The Purple Princess Car is Home!

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