A great deal is written about Christian Zionists these days, but they existed before the state’s founding. Among the best known is British Army officer Orde Wingate, who established the Special Night Squads that preceded Israel’s counter-terrorism network.
Institutions and streets in Israel are named in Wingate’s memory, but it’s not certain everyone knows who he was or what the State of Israel owes to his war and defense philosophy. Now, anyone who is curious about him can peruse his personal archives, which have been acquired by the National Library.
Wingate firmly believed in the right of the Jewish people to self-defense and to their own state. Many of his ideas have been incorporated into the IDF. Wingate took the trouble to learn Hebrew, and his Hebrew notebooks are included in his personal archive.
Thank Israeli Soldiers: The organization that thanks Israeli soldiers
■ THE IDF plays a significant role in Remembrance Day. Soldiers are honored more on these two consecutive days than at any other time of the year. There are, of course, organizations that honor soldiers all year round.
One such organization, which helps to further their education and in the post-service transition to civilian life, is Thank Israeli Soldiers. Founded by Aba and Pamela Claman, Old City residents, they have opened their home and hearts to Israel’s defenders. In the 20 years in which they and like-minded people in Israel and abroad have set up programs for soldiers, more than 850,000 soldiers have benefited.
The Clamans’ dedication has inspired others, and over the years 18,000 volunteers have assisted them in their work for the soldiers.
Welcome to the European Academy of Microbiology
■ TWO PIONEERING Hebrew University professors have been elected to the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM). It is difficult to assess the contribution of academic diplomacy to Israel’s international relations; but without joint scientific, research, and cultural projects, Israel’s position would not be where it is today. Even countries whose governments are critical of Israeli policies maintain diplomatic, academic, economic, cultural, and sporting ties with Israel.
The two professors elected to EAM are Hanah Margalit, a pioneer in computational and systems biology; and Ilan Rosenshine, a globally recognized leader in microbial pathogenesis. The two are among 95 new fellows whose outstanding contributions in all fields of microbiology have been recognized and honored.
Lost in translation
■ HOW MUCH original thought is lost in translation? The question arises in relation to Matti Friedman’s new book, which in English is titled Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe and in Hebrew LeHapes Ben Adam (“to search for a person”). Even that minor translation has other options.
The historical account about heroism and rebirth in Nazi Europe focuses on a group of young Europeans who came to pre-state Israel. Despite having escaped the Holocaust, they took on a special mission and parachuted back into Europe in 1944.
They were soon discovered before they could kill any Nazis, and were unable to save any Jews. A few of the members of the group survived. The best-known of the group was poet Hannah Szenes, who was killed but has become a modern Israeli icon.
In researching the book, Friedman went through thousands of documents, including previously unpublished letters. Anyone who wants to know more can attend his Hebrew book launch on Sunday, April 26, and the English book launch on Monday, April 27. Both events will be held at Beit Avi Chai at 8:30 p.m.
The Werdiger family
■ IN THE April 10 Magazine, there was a tribute to her late grandfather, Nathan Werdiger, by Sari Nossbaum of Jerusalem, previously of Melbourne, Australia.
Nathan Werdiger, Auschwitz survivor, successful businessman, mega-philanthropist, father of five, and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather of many descendants, was thrilled that Sari had inherited his love for writing.
She is not the only member of the extensive Werdiger family with a gift for writing, nor the only one living in Jerusalem. Nathan and Nechama Werdiger’s three daughters, Debbi Nossbaum, Michelle Feiglin, and Miriam Goldschmiedt, all have homes in Jerusalem, where they spend much of the year, but are also on a regular commute to Melbourne. Some of their children also live in Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel.
The two Werdiger brothers – Sari’s uncles, David and Shlomi – live in Melbourne and are successful businessmen. David is also a prolific writer on numerous subjects. He is a keen believer in leaders taking time out to rest, and has founded The Power of Pause Institute. In an email he sent last week, he wrote the following. Looking at Israel over the past few years, his theory is worth thinking about.
“Many leaders treat rest like a reward. Something you earn after the work is done. Something you’ll get to later. Something that feels optional…or even indulgent.
“I want to challenge that framing. Rest isn’t a reward for good leadership. It’s a responsibility of leadership. Because when leaders don’t rest, other people absorb the cost.
“Teams inherit our reactivity. Families feel our absence. Organizations suffer from short-sighted decisions and emotional volatility. Burnout doesn’t stay contained… it leaks.
“I’ve learned this the hard way. There were times when I believed pushing through was noble. What I didn’t see at the time was how my fatigue was shaping the culture around me.
“As leaders, one of the most important conditions we set is whether clarity, patience, and wisdom are even possible in our lives. Rest is part of stewardship.
“In my coaching work, we focus on building sustainable leadership architectures: ways of leading that don’t depend on constant self-sacrifice but on alignment, rhythm, and intention. If you’re leading others, rest isn’t optional. It’s part of the job.”
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