As I write these words, a ceasefire has been announced between Israel and Hamas. I actually have mixed feelings about the ceasefire.

As I am writing this message, I think where has the summer gone ? It seems like only yesterday we were getting through winter and welcoming back our many snowbirds.

Never have I seen a world so distorted and out of orbit as in the present day. Tiny Israel is surrounded by Arab countries in three directions.

I’ve been attending the Beth Zion Synagogue on a regular basis since moving into Cote Saint Luc 23 years ago. Before moving into Cote Saint Luc, I attended Beth Zion during the High Holidays with my uncle, David Fischler, and his son, my cousin, Lloyd Fischler.

George Gershwin wrote “Summertime and the livin’ is easy”. Unfortunately this summer was anything but “easy” as we watched our brothers and sisters being attacked by missiles while Hamas vowed to destroy all of Israel and its people.

Yasher Koach to all who dedicated time and effort to the wellbeing of our Beth Zion Congregation!