On the other hand
This Chanukah has proven to be one of the most dangerous and deadliest on record in Israel.
It has nothing to do with road accidents which occur on a daily basis.
It also has nothing to do with terror incidents perpetrated by our non-peace partners.
The real reason seems to be the increased lethal quality of Chanukah sufganiyot (doughnuts) being consumed this year. There have been numerous cases of elderly Israelis choking on their Chanukah treats with at least one fatality and quite a few being resuscitated in time.
This sudden upsurge can perhaps be explained by the fact that there are a record number of varieties on sale, each more appealing and laden with oil and cream. Trying to chew and swallow these large concoctions can be a serious challenge for the physically fit but when someone in their vintage years tries to do the same, trouble ensues.
The best solution is for the bakeries to cut their doughnuts into smaller pieces, which might diminish the sales appeal.
In the meantime, it might be advisable for the health authorities to require warnings on each product in the same way that cigarette packets have health warnings printed.
On the other hand, given the overwhelming urge by young and old alike to partake of these cholesterol time bombs, will warnings be effective?
Here is a small selection of the ever-multiplying varieties of doughnuts available in Israel.
Warning – do not try to eat them in one mouthful.
For those tempted to eat sufganiyot but not quite sure whether they should, here is some light relief.
