We had an amazing time in New York last weekend thanks to many of your suggestions.  The highlights included drinks at the Blue Bar (Algonquin Hotel) with friends (Diane, Randy, Carol, Steve, Ari, Rob, Marcie and surprise guests: Orna and Keenan). Dinner at Jojo’s (upper east side), Birch Coffee(upper east side), “Beautiful” on Broadway, walking the newly completed High Line (34th st. to 12th st.), lunch at Lulu and Me (28th and 5th), Toloache for the best Mexican dinner…ever (near Washington Square) and seeing Tziporela (Odd Birds) Tel Aviv Comedy Troop in The Village

http://www.timesofisrael.com/tel-aviv-troupe-heads-off-broadway/ We plan to make this NYC birthday weekend a yearly tradition.

Israel is not the only one plagued by Hamas.  31 Egyptian soldiers were killed this week by Terrorist in a Northern Sinai town, which pissed off the Egyptians.  This prompted a border closure between Gaza and Egypt, the distruction of 800 homes in the boarder town of Rafa, the displacement of 10,000 Egyptian and the halt of Egypt’s mediation talks between Israel and Hamas (not that there was much hope for success on that front).

20 years ago this week, Yitzhak Rabin (z”l) and King Husseinsigned the Israel/Jordan Peace Treaty.  This collaborative effort was based on a true friendship between these elder statesmen. Sadly both of these peace-makers are long gone though we could truly benefit from more like-minded world leaders today. Here is the actual (and interesting) Peace Treaty from Oct. 26, 1994 signed at the border crossing of Wadi “Araba: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/peacetreaty.html

The Toronto Ford brothers keep our late night comedians flush with material.  Good old, Rob Ford cruised back into politics this week winning a seat on the City Council while simultaneously battling an aggressive form of cancer. Though brother, Doug, lost his bid to replace Rob in the Mayor’s office but did manage to offend the Toronto Jewish Community when asked about a past anti-semitic comment made by his brother. He responded (and was booed) in the stereotypically way by mentioning his Jewish Doctor, Jewish Accountant and threw in that his Wife was Jewish…though she really isn’t.

Brothers Doug and Rob

After 16 longs months (and years of agony) our Detroit bankruptcy debacle is coming to an end as Judge Rhodesplans to give his verdict next Friday, Nov. 7th. This week the Detroit schools made a mutually beneficial swap with the City to exchange an $11.6 million debt for 57 empty schools and 20 vacant lots.  All good signs for our beloved City.

Last week I mentioned the passing of Ethel Rosenberg’s brother who lied in court and contributed to his sister execution. So as an addendum to that story (Thanks, Josh F.), here is information on the only known memorial to the Rosenbergs, which is, not surprisingly, in Cuba.

C. Everett Koop, where are your descendants?  Surely, our medical advancements are admirable but they don’t warrant the absence of a National Surgeon General which we’ve done WITHOUT for 15 months. Our current Senate won’t confirm the nominee, Dr. Vivek Murthy, since he suggests an assault weapons ban, gun safety training and limits on ammunition. The NRA doesn’t like these (lifesaving) ideas, so NRA supported Senators won’t confirm him during these medically tenuous times. This current articles in Good Magazine gives in interesting picture of our Surgeon General situation: http://tinyurl.com/LackofaSG.  Maybe if we had a Surgeon General, we would have a realistic policy on how to handle (brave) Ebola Health Care Workers on their return to the U.S.

And speaking of gun violence, this celeb-packed video might be nearly two years old but it is still relevant.  Step forward with Gabby Giffords, who is brave and determined to Demand a Plan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64G5FfG2Xpg

As Pink October fades into the past, our concern for Breast Cancer continues as a year-round vigil. The NYTimes compiled an extensive interactive portrayal of the many lives touched by this dreaded disease.  For inspiration on truly remarkable “Victors”, check out his incredible website:

Speedy recovery to Israeli right-wing activist

Yehuda Glick who is in serious condition after be shoot at point blank by a Palestinian terrorist who was later killed by Israeli police.  There is an elevated sense of violence in Jerusalem following last week’s car ramming terrorist attack which killed a 3 month old baby and 22 year old tourist.

Condolences to the Elliot and Denise and the Parr family on the passing of Louis Par (z”l).  May the memory of his love and spirit comfort those who mourn his passing.