On August 24, Stefan Abrahamsson and 40 activists will depart from Gothenberg, Sweden for an incredible journey to Herzliya, Israel. The “Solidarity Sail” as its been nicknamed, was influenced by their strong support for Israel, Jews and Mid-East Christians. 

A similar effort to reach Israel by sea was recently attempted by pro-Hamas Swedes who were headed for Gaza (and up to no good, of course!). Thankfully, they were deported before anything terrible could occur, but it portrayed Sweden in a very negative light. The “Solidarity Sail” will combat that in a most wonderful way.

I am so excited to hear about the sail and support their efforts. I love my friends in the Christian Zionist community. They truly care about Israel and want to help. Also, I’m glad that they’re bringing attention to the persecution of Christians in the Mid-East. As someone who believes in religious expression and religious freedom, the rights of Christians to freely worship needs to be addressed and protected, always. 

With Israel under rocket attack right this minute from terrorists, we need all the support we can get from around the world. Good people who care about Israel’s future need to speak up and if they’re able, visit in person. Nothing combats hate like love and the outpouring of love from the Swedish group is a Godsend. 

A couple who were married for 84 years hold the record for England’s longest marriage. Maurice and Helen Kaye, who started their life together in 1934, survived numerous obstacles: World War, the death of 2 children, and limited opportunities and rampant discrimination against Jews.

No matter what obstacle they encountered, they never gave up, choosing to focus on family and community, always guided by faith. They were very active in the Bournemouth Chabad, frequently attending events, and never missing a Shabbat. In honor of their 75th wedding anniversary, they donated a Torah (commemorated in the picture above, taken in 2009). 

At the exceptionally advanced age of 106, Mr. Kaye recently passed away, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew him. His incredible life should serve as an example to the rest of us!

Personally, I can’t imagine that amount of time. To put it into perspective, my own Grandparents were married in 1939. When my Grandfather passed away in 1977, they had celebrated 38 years. My Grandmother lived until 1999 and was a very devoted widow. 

None of us know how many years on earth we have and each day should be considered a gift since there’s no guarantee. Rabbi Yosef Alperowitz summed it up best: “People can learn from Maurice Kaye’s example…you could be in your 70s, 80s, 90s, and even 100s, and you can still be involved.”

So often we let age hold us back, but it shouldn’t. Every person, no matter how young or old, can contribute to the Jewish community. We all have an important part to play, whether it’s teaching, listening, lending a hand, or giving a hug. Everyone deserves to be counted. 

As for marriage, I doubt their record will ever be broken. Many unions today don’t even last for one year, let alone 8 decades. The older generations knew a lot more about relationships than we do. They didn’t treat marriage like it was disposable. Vows made were not meant to be broken. I truly admire this couple, on so many levels, and hope that in my own life, I can follow in their honored footsteps.