Shaiel Ben-Ephraim
shaielb.bsky.social
Shaiel Ben-Ephraim
@shaielb.bsky.social
Hoping for a more connected and empathetic world. Host of the Israel Explained YouTube channel and the History of the Land of Israel Podcast.
Zakaria Zubeidi will be released tomorrow. That is a massive deal because he is one of the biggest symbols of the Second Intifada to the Palestinians. He was the Jenin chief of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades.
January 29, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Two months ago, my doctor told me I should stop drinking. I did not know if I could do it. But I have succeeded. Two months sober. Two months of meditating every day. I am so grateful.
January 29, 2025 at 7:27 AM
With every day of sobriety and meditation, I feel closer to understanding the unity of creation. “All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything” - Swami Vivekananda
January 23, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Today was one of the best days of my life. Romi, Emily, and Doron were reunited with their families. I inspired someone to stop drinking. I managed to maintain my sobriety meeting friends at a bar. I was there for a friend going through a rough time. The world is a beautiful place. Namaste.
January 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Biden deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. He ended the Afghanistan War. Ended the war in Lebanon and ended the war in Gaza. A true peacemaker, handing a more peaceful world over to Trump.
January 16, 2025 at 12:22 AM
A draft of the deal has been published. The transition from Phase A to Phase B is the most problematic part of the current structure. Although Israel claims otherwise, the deal has guarantees for a smooth transition.
January 15, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Another day of meditation and sobriety is behind me. There were so many provocations and moments of disquiet today. But I handled them all well. I have new spiritual tools to deal with challenges. Ones I never had before. Nothing can bring us peace but ourselves.
January 13, 2025 at 6:58 AM
The deputy IDF Chief of Staff Ami Baram, has decided to step down. In his letter, which was leaked to the press (likely by him) he cites that the main reason he does not wish to continue in the current role is "because the intensity of the war has diminished significantly."
January 10, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Musk and Trump are working incredibly hard to attack the ties between the U.S. and its closest NATO allies. The only beneficiaries of that are our biggest enemies.
January 7, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Last time, the Nazis took power by blaming all problems on the Jews. This time they are doing it by scapegoating Muslims. The results will be the same.
January 6, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The list of hostages provided by Hamas includes the Bibas family among the 34 hostages they are willing and able to release. But it does not say if they are alive or dead.
January 6, 2025 at 6:57 AM
I have reconnected with people far to the left and far to the right of me. Because I try not to judge people harshly for political differences anymore. Because we are all frightened and confused, trying to force certainty on a universe offering precious little.
January 5, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Sigal Eitach was one of those slaughtered by Hamas on October 7th. She was an orphan, who raised her three siblings instead of enjoying her youth. Went to the Nova Festival and could have gotten away, but went back to save her friends.
January 5, 2025 at 4:49 AM
A few days ago, I began a new journey. I'm writing a novel exploring the pain that leads to addiction. I have no idea if it will be any good, but I need to write it. Sobriety and meditation have cleared my mind, and I have something to say.
January 4, 2025 at 6:55 AM
I had a beautiful day today. Still sober. Still meditating. Looking forward to the future. Was kind to everyone I met. I ask for the strength to continue this journey.
January 3, 2025 at 7:06 AM
There is no clear ending point to the deport immigrants policy. Especially in a nation of immigrants like the USA. No one will be safe. Everyone will turn on everyone else. We could solve this by doing our best to integrate those already here and loving our neighbors.
January 3, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Jimmy Carter had a complex legacy as President and beyond. But it is always better to focus on the positive when someone dies.
December 29, 2024 at 10:03 PM
Over the last month or so, I have been on a road of sobriety and meditation. I will continue on this road so I can treat people better and be a better person. The past is a lesson, not a life sentence. I will learn from it and stay sober and mindful.
December 28, 2024 at 10:07 PM
The Republican Party under Trump is racist to the core and any member of a minority group that aligns with them will ultimately regret it.
December 28, 2024 at 9:03 PM
Amit Levi, 35, from Kibbutz Shomria, and Hod Shriebman, 27, from Tzofit were killed in Gaza over the last 24 hours. The war there continues to bring too many lives to an early end. We need a ceasefire now and a return of the hostages.
December 27, 2024 at 3:48 AM
My journey to sobriety and self-improvement has never been harder than today. But I remain dedicated to being a better person. I did not have a drink and will not have a drink. To a better tomorrow for all sentient beings everywhere.
December 27, 2024 at 3:21 AM
My father has a little Christmas tree near the menorah, and I have to admit it bothers me. He thinks I am being close minded. I think we should protect our legacy. Who is right?
December 25, 2024 at 1:08 AM
When you see connections instead of divisions, everything makes sense. Namaste.
December 23, 2024 at 5:37 AM
You can't soft invade a country. Either you go into their territory against the will of the rightful sovereign, or you don't.
December 23, 2024 at 3:29 AM
The new Syrian government has been sending Israel overtures that it will uphold the 1974 ceasefire agreement. However, Netanyahu and the security brass are not impressed. They said they plan to keep a buffer zone in Syria until Damascus proves it can stop any incursions into Israel.
December 22, 2024 at 9:49 PM