Putin and his high scool Teacher

This is a true story; it first appeared on Ynet - a most popular israeli news and general content website . 

It all began in 2005. Vladimir Putin, president of the Russian Federation, visited Israel. Prior to his visit, an elderly woman came to the russian embassy in Tel-Aviv, and left a message for him.

He remembered her; she was his favorite teacher in high school, in St.Petersburg, She was the german language teacher. He invited her to a private talk with him ; shortly after that, she received  his signed autobiography book, and a wrist watch as a present.

Mina Yuditskaya  Berliner - the  teacher, with Putin's autobiography

the watch she got as a present from Putin

(the above pictures are from Ynet).

So far, so good. The best was yet to come.

Several weeks later, the then 84 year old lady ,was surprised by the visit of a russian embassy employee who informed her that Putin wanted to buy her an apartment. At that time, she was living in a tiny apartment , not her own, on the third floor, in a building without lift. The embassy worker asked for her cooperation in choosing the right apartment for her.

She died in December 2017, three months ago, at the age of 96. In her will, she asked for the little apartment to be returned to Putin through the russian embassy (She was a widow with no children or close family). At the funeral, Putin was represented by a memember of the russian embassy which , according to the media, also  paid for the burrial expenses.

(This  moving story has generated in the media some talkbackers' jokes on... Macron, the french PM. Putin bought his teacher an apartment!? Look what Macron  did for his teacher. He not only bought her a home, he also married her, and raised her children from a previous marriage...ha, ha, ha).

Well, may the teacher's soul rest in peace! The above story shows a generous, grateful side to Putin's character.

Black Hebrews In Dimona

"A phenomenon in the land of phenomena", as someone cleverly put it, referring to the community of the Black Hebrews in Israel.

The Black Hebrews, black americans originally from Chicago, believe they're the descendants of an ancient israelite tribe. They moved to Israel in 1968 (some 50 years ago) with a pitstop of over two years in Liberia, and settled  in the  desert city of Dimona.(some of them live in the cities of Jerusalem, Mizpe Ramon, Arad ).The spiritual, charismatic founder and leader of this movement, Ben Ammi Carter, died several years ago.

the Dimona neighborhood

We were rather late and tired when we reached the neighborhood of the Black Hebrews in  Dimona. However, curiosity kept us alert and well on our feet.

conference hall

We were greeted by two members of the community : a young woman, named Naghila, and an elderly, tall man - both dressed in orange- colored outfits. They split us into two groups and showed us around, after an introductory briefing, and a questions - answers exchange in the 'conference hall.'

Nagila, the hostess , in an orange dress

male  host in orange- colored outfit under coat

What immediately catches the eye in this neighborhood ,is the emphasis on bright, live coloured outfits (orange, red, white, yellow, blue, pink), and the storage sheds attached to the small houses.

In addition to the orange colour (in the above photos), we saw kids playing soccer dressed in red , some other kids clothed in blue and white; the two kids in the header wore pink outfits. I rather liked that colorful display of garments. It created an optimistic atmosphere.

kids playing soccer in red clothes

blue cap /pants for the boy, white bandana; red outfit for the girl

Small, tightly spaced single story houses and  an average of five children per family, naturally  create crowded conditions.  So, the storage sheds seem to be a Must here, and an integral part of the landscape.

house + storage shed (white fence)

storage sheds,  paved passage

more storage sheds

It should be mentioned in connection to the crowded conditions, that the Black Hebrews permit polygamy and forbid birth control. (It is believed that the practice of polygamy has stopped, after a certain agreement reached with the government of Israel).

nice house front !

standard  with  gas containers, tiny garden, shed, laundry on wire

The Black Hebrews maintain a strict vegan way of life, growing much of their food, and  wearing clothes made only of natural fabrics (cotton, wool, silk). We've seen a vegan restaurant, a small vegan grocery store, a vegan ice-cream shop, and some gardens with organic growths. 

organic little garden

tables at the vegan restaurant

grocery store

ice-cream display case

As part of their belief in a healthy life style, the members of the community also practice exercising, and keep away from pharmaceutical  or illegal drugs and alcohol. (I've noticed a facility called 'health sanctuary').

The Black Hebrews appear to be active and creative. They are engaged in crafts, and the women have a sewing studio offering sewing services to the community members. 
Among other things, they have established a gospel choir which is well known both in Israel and in the USA.

sewing studio

Although they don't see themselves as belonging to any particular religion , they do observe major religious traditions and customs that are biblical (Sabbath, Yom Kippur, Passover...), and express their intent to live according to the laws and prophecies of God.

I remember reading in some article that the late Ben Ammi Carter stated in an interview that there will never be peace  in the world by way of.politicians. How true!.

It was a short visit but quite enlightening.