Ostensibly, the news from Israel this week has been depressing.

• About 20 more citizens died from corona.
• The government’s economic policy for saving the economy looks amateurish, if I have to be complimentary.
• The Prime Minister is seeking new elections, when the country needs leadership not political pranks.
• Demonstrations and violent counter -demos in response to the actions of the Prime Minister.

The list goes on. It is no wonder that I cancelled the weekend newspapers months ago. It is poignant to note that yesterday was the day that Jews around the world recalled the destruction of the first two Temples. One of the background causes is considered senseless hatred, when communities turn in one each other. Ironic?

This morning, my face brightened up. Just after completing the 6.00am news on the Israeli Army Radio station – it is a 70 year old anomaly that this semi-commercial media outlet is still ostensibly run by the military – the announcer wished the Arab and Druze community “Eid al Hada Mubarak”.

Today is Eid-Al-Hada, the Feast of Sacrifice, for Moslems.

So there is hope! But is this a one-off incident? I invite to open this link https://www.facebook.com/19459912688/videos/750021899147879/

It is amazing how many wonderful things take place in this wonderful Holy Land between different religions, but is so rarely reported! When I look around at these and other similar stories, I note that none involve the government. People are doing it by themselves, for themselves.

It’s now about 4.00pm. One of the main TV stations has a special on how citizens can donate to charities, swamped with extra appeals in this time of need. During the chit-chat, there is a ticker at the bottom of the screen, publicising positions available.

Some cheer at last. Have a good weekend!