Dear Friends and Family,

Persistency is a good thing when it is productive, however when lines are crossed it becomes a waste of time and money.  After over 30 attempts to repeal the Affordable Health Care Bill, that line has been crossed. Congress needs to move on to more productive work and allow this Bill to take its course and prove the naysayers wrong about their predictions.

Just as abortions went into back alleys, so may circumcisions in Germany after this month’s German Court banning of the health enhancing and religious ritual. Both the Muslim and Jewish Communities are working together to combat the courts ruling.  I will keep you posted.

Let’s pray for the medical staff in Cambodia who are working diligently to find a cause and cure for the mysterious illness that has killed over 60 children in the last several months.

Finally, in the year 2012, ALL countries competing in the Summer Olympics will have women athletes. Saudia Arabia (the last holdout) was pressured to include women on their team.  Also, for the first time, female athletes will be represented in all events.  And for my last Olympic related update… there is still no Minute of Silence for the Munich 11 at the opening ceremony, though there is a rumor of a possible less public commemoration.  Even after 100,000 petition signatures plus the US, Canadian, Austrian and German support, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) seems to be more concerned with possible retaliation (of countries who find Israel an “inconvenient”) than doing the Right Thing.

The Syrian defections are coming fast and furious.  Top Generals and Ambassadors are sending clear messages to President Bashar al-Assad to stop the murder and mayhem. The man needs to go!

Enjoy this flash mob of a different sort:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GBaHPND2QJg  (thanks Ettagail)

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa