Dorothea Shefer-Vanson is a freelance journalist based in Mevasseret Zion, Israel.
Her published works, available on Amazon, include:
The words of the poet John Milton in his epic poem ‘Samson Agonistes,’ which I studied in my dim and distant schooldays (A level English) came back to me. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
Echoes of the Poet John Milton in Gaza Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThomas Mann … set himself the monumental task of tackling the stories of the ancestors of the Jewish people and setting them in their wider context, thereby resurrecting them in a way that draws on archeology, history, geography, comparative religions, philosophy, and psychology to portray the events described in a skeletal manner in the Bible. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Mann O Mann, Could Thomas Write on Biblical Subjects! Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsOne thing is clear about U.S. President Trump’s plan for Gaza: the whole world, except for Israel’s government and the U.S. administration, is united in rejecting the idea. Most vociferous in opposing it are the Arab countries, especially those two (Egypt and Jordan) slated to accept the Gazans who agree to leave that benighted piece of real estate. So much for Arab solidarity. Not to mention human compassion in the rest of the world. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Trump’s Gaza Plan Leaves the World Aghast and Confused Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe return of our hostages from the abyss of their captivity in Gaza to the exhilarating reunion with their families enabled most Israelis, as well as Jews and supporters everywhere, to share in their happiness. We sat shedding tears of joy as we watched the events on our television screens. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Hostage Release Greeted in Israel with Intense Emotions Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe return of the first three hostages after more than a year in captivity in Gaza was a rare moment of unity in Israel. Like most other people in the country, I was glued to the television screen on the afternoon set for their return and was not sure what I would be witnessing. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Israelis’ Emotions Ran High as First 3 Hostages Returned to Their Families Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsYes, there is a war going on, and every day we swallow the bitter pill of news about another soldier who has fallen in battle and watch on the nightly TV news the heart-wrenching funerals and eulogies for these brave young men. But normal life does go on. The sun shines and people go about their daily business. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
A Dispute Between an Israeli Writer and a British Journal Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The exhibition displays about 25 of Hirsch’s works in pen and wash (he worked using only shades of grey) presenting his unique and insightful way of seeing the world, whether depicting sitting or reclining models, still lifes or fantastical creatures and images. It is difficult to categorize his work, which seems to lie on the cusp between surrealism and German expressionism. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Israel Museum Exhibits Art of Joseph Hirsch, a Cousin Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsParticularly telling is the account of the way the German occupiers gradually close in on the Jewish population, depriving them of their rights and property and eventually deporting them in [ cattle trains to concentration camps in the east, with the cooperation of the French authorities. All those events are described in harrowing detail. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
European Family’s Lives Tracked Through Several Countries and Holocaust Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Staff and Bylined ContributorsOur minds and hearts are still reeling from the events of the last year, starting with the vile attack on kibbutzim and towns in the south by Hamas, the subsequent war in Gaza, political division in Israel and the current trial for corruption of Prime Minister Netanyahu, when we find our northern neighbor and enemy, Syria, in turmoil as a result of the rebel groups’ overthrow of Assad’s murderous regime. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Fast-Moving Events in Israel and the Middle East Make Heads Spin Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSpending a week in London in mid-November is not really a good idea for someone who has become used to the Mediterranean climate of Israel, but the arrival there of our son from Las Vegas proved an overriding attraction, so we went. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner… Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and FoodI found myself involved in the translation of five of the six volumes of Major Knesset Debates, 1948–1981, edited by former Clerk of the Knesset, Netanel Lorch. This project, which occupied me for several years, gave me a unique insight into the workings of the Knesset and the nature of the debates held there as well as of the various individuals (i.e., politicians) who participated in those debates. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Classic Debates in Israel’s Parliament Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many Israelis, whether as individuals in groups or associations, have taken it upon themselves to provide ‘extra-curricular’ help to the wounded soldiers, visiting them in hospitals, bringing them food or special treats, and generally doing what they can to improve the morale of sturdy young men who suddenly find themselves in a situation of near-helplessness.[Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Mending Broken IDF Soldiers Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodThe thing that bothers me most is that we seem to have lost a sense of unity of purpose. What was once a liberal, democratic and egalitarian society is now one that is riven by discord and disunity, with political figures seeking to impose values which negate the principles outlined by our founding fathers. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
OpEd: Israel Has Lost or Abandoned Its Founding Values Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSuddenly this year, in the midst of the war and tragedy that has befallen us, there was a beam of light. The Israel Barrocada Ensemble, which plays on period instruments and has been giving concerts in Tel Aviv, announced that it was returning to Abu Ghosh, and would start with a performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ The sublime music, using texts taken from Isaiah, Psalms and other books of the Bible, has always inspired me and uplifted my spirit. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Historic Church in Abu Ghosh a Welcome Respite from War’s Impact Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors