When the "Prophet" Comes to Call

9-11, Bali, Baghdad, Beirut, Delhi, Madrid, Kenya, London, and now Glasgow, the list of terror operations and attempted terror operations being carried out either by Al Qaeda, and organizations affiliated with Al Qaeda grows on and on. Only a year ago, a massive air-terror attack involving at least 20 international flights from London to New York was thwarted when special liquid explosive bombs disguised as cosmetics and other liquids normally carried in hand luggage were discovered at Heathrow Airport by British security officials. The foiled terror operation was linked to Al Qaeda; and had it been successful, more than 5,000 passengers and flight crews would have lost their lives.

Islamic sponsored terrorism, or radical Islamic sponsored terrorism, to be more tactfully correct, appears to be behind nearly all acts of international terrorism occurring in the world today. Whether it be an attack by Chechnya rebels on targets in Russia, a car bombing in Beirut or central Baghdad, or the recent terror attacks, and near terror attacks in central London, These events are being traced to terrorists connected with radical Islamic organizations.

Radical Islam – is this what is responsible for most acts of international terror, or is it something else; something more basic, more fundamental than what has been sensationalized by all the world's news media organizations, including BBC, CNN, Sky News and Fox? A generation ago, international terrorism was carried out by a number of organizations and individuals, including Carlos the Jackal, the Badar Meinhoff gang, the Red Brigade, the IRA, and Spain's ETA. Some of them acted together, some alone. But the reasons for their actions were either political or privately motivated. Since the mid 1990's, however, it appears that the vast majority of terror operations have been traced to Islamic groups. There is good reason for this as Islam in itself is now the fastest growing religion in the world; and most certainly the fastest spreading religious movement in Western Europe.

The following example is a good indication of how quickly Islamic sponsored terror spreads: Less than a month ago, British novelist Shalman Rushdie, author of the intensely controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, was benighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth; an act that almost instantly set off a wave of furor among Muslims in both the U.K. and abroad. Rushdie, upon whom a fatwa death warrant had been issued by Iranian religious leader, the Ayatollah Khomeini, is still a marked man by his alleged blasphemy against Islam, and the act of making him a Peer of the Realm only appears to legitimize his blasphemy in the eyes of Muslim clerics. A short time following Rushdie being benighted by the Queen, two cars were found in central London, filled with explosive materials, including LP gas cylinders, nails and other metal fragmentary material. This incident alone resulted in the entire central London theatre district being sealed off for fear of a massive terror attack. And following on its heals, three men tried to crash a jeep 4 X 4 into the arrivals entrance of Glasgow International Airport. The burning vehicle's blaze was only extinguished an hour later by the airport's fire brigade.

Incidents such as this only point out the very core of what is causing these acts of terrorism. And that "core" is a fast spreading religion that once tried to exert itself over half of the known world and is once again flexing its muscles and trying to become the dominant religious movement in Asia, Africa, Europe, and even North America. It is a religion that already has more than 1.3 Billion adherents: and is only being held back in Central and South America, where the Catholic Church still has a major influence.

The power of this religion is being felt all over the world, from the streets of Baghdad and Beirut, to the refugee camps of Gaza City. Its holy warriors fought a vastly superior Israeli military force last summer in southern Lebanon, and emerged as the psychological victors. It continues to frustrate and hold at bay both Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as American and other Coalition forces in Iraq. And it's acts of terrorism, have caused panic and alarm to millions the world over.

This religion, known as Islam, or submission to God's will, has from its outset been a religion of coercion and intimidation, a religion spread by force of arms. It is not to say that other religions have not used similar tactics to force their doctrines upon others. Christianity, especially during the Middle Ages, also used brute force to gain converts; and the Holy Inquisition of the Catholic Church only ended officially a century ago. But while Christians have made great strides to make amends for their previous actions, Muslims have only increased their armed struggle.

This "struggle" is made even more intense by the acts of martyrdom by Muslims resulting in much death and suffering worldwide. In fact, Islamic martyrdom has accounted for the great majority of deaths, human injury, and property damage attributed to their acts; the most noteworthy being the September 11, 2001 mega terror attacks on both New York City and Washington DC.

The resulting War of Terror, i.e. Islamic sponsored terror, has only been partially successful; and has even been set back significantly by the ongoing insurgent war in Iraq.

Al Qaeda's chief leaders, including Usama bin Ladin himself, have yet to be accounted for, and in Afghanistan, where both Al Qaeda's main headquarters and the ultra religious Taliban, who once held the country in an iron grip, are now making a strong come back.

It is nearly seven years since the horror of "9-11" with still no end in sight to the nightmare of Islamic sponsored terrorism. Countries who aid and sponsor these terrorists, such as Iran, Syria, and even to some extent Saudi Arabia, continue to do so despite threats and sanctions from the U.N. Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza continue to be a dire threat to the State of Israel, as well as to the world at large. Hezbollah operatives are said to be present in Iraq, aiding the local insurgents in designing and planting car bombs and other explosive charges responsible for widespread death and destruction.

And the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its obstinate desire to become a nuclear power, is an intensive threat not only to it's immediate geographical region (especially to Israel), but to the entire world as well.

The Prophet Muhammad, when founding the religion called Islam, could not possibly have imagined what the end result would be. But we, living in today's world more than 1,400 years later, know this "end result" far too well.

Haste is From the Devil

Temperatures have returned to normal after last week’s record electricity consumption in Israel...

After demonstrations and anger at President Katsav’s plea bargain...

And after gasoline prices rose again last night by 1.65%.

Yes, Israel is definitely a high energy, hot-blooded country.

A country of Jews from Morocco, Yemen, Spain, Germany, Hungary, England, France, India, Iraq, Canada, you name it – we all develop a Middle Eastern mentality within minutes of landing at Ben-Gurion Airport!

And that means no patience.

We replace our prime ministers With alarming frequency...

We sack soccer and basketball coaches after one season...

And we can’t wait for the Palestinians to prove they’re serious about peace, because...

Because?
Because?
Because Olmert and Co – just like those before them – want to engrave their names in the annals of history?

Because we’ve just had enough. The people are tired and just want to stop fighting. It’s not peace but at least it’s quiet.

Because Uncle Sam is pushing and pressurizing and bribing?

Because if the Government haven’t got the Palestinians to bother with, they might be
forced to do something about unemployment, poverty, crime?

Because we no longer believe in the justice of our cause?

Because we feel we owe the Palestinians for all the years of suffering?

All of the above?

Whatever the reason, Israel’s repeated and incessant urgency to make progress
in the ‘peace process’ (irrespective of what the other side does or doesn’t do),
needs reassessing. STOP! THINK!

Look at the facts!

At the Palestinians’ track record of keeping agreements...

At what happens when you give them guns, concessions, money...

At what happens when you give them Gush Katif...

Peace is not Pizza!

Two wise men put it very well:

“Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.”
(Confucius)

“Fraud and deceit are ever in a hurry. Take time for all things. Great haste makes great waste.” (Benjamin Franklin)

The Jewish people have waited over 2,000 years.

We can wait some more. What’s the rush?

What Really Happened in the Middle East?

Dear Friends of Israel

In light of the recent conference being held in Sharam al Shiekh, everyone should look at this presentation sent to us by Bruce Tuchman.
This is WHAT THE ARABS REALLY WANT IN THE MIDDLE EAST!,

What Really Happened in the Middle East?
A 10-minute flash video produced by the Terrorism Awareness Project.
Terrorism Awareness Project is a program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center.
Click here to View the Video

A Home for Israel’s Soldiers

Let’s keep away from the political scene this week.

After all, people do try and live normal lives in Israel.

But we will stick with the IDF and see how they’re doing on the home front.

Well, the good news is the Government has recently approved the establishment of a number of military neighborhoods in the Negev.

Since IDF training bases will now be moved south, hundreds of career soldiers will need new homes.

And based on the success of the first such neighborhood - Zahala in North East Tel Aviv – and others such as Reut-Maccabim, Kohav Yair and Kfar Yonah, that’s good news for the local economy.

One of “our aims is to arouse the hard hit real estate market in the Negev – both qualitatively and quantitatively,” says Lieutenant-Colonel Jackie Suissa, Head of Housing Projects in the IDF’s Human Resources Division.

“And it’s a 20% savings on market prices for every family.”

Such neighborhoods also raise the value of the rest of the city too.

The army’s aim is to provide its top ‘employees’ with choice physical living conditions so they are not tempted away to Hi-Tech, business or other fields.

And for the career soldiers, knowing who your neighbors are before you move is also a big plus!

However, there are of course those who oppose this particular ‘military strategy.’

Professor Yossi Katz, Head of the Geography Department at Bar-Ilan University, argues these neighborhoods will just create elites and widen the socio-economic gaps in their host cities.

And since career soldiers are traditionally moved from job to job, he claims there’s no guarantee that families who buy houses will actually live there. Especially when the Negev is not so attractive in terms of education, culture, sport etc.

Or the environment.

The Greens were out demonstrating this morning against the Government’s decision.
“We are against the establishment of these training bases before the pollution failings – which cause breathing problems, birth defects and ,miscarriages – are dealt with,” says Didi Zilberman, spokesperson of the student environmental group at Ben-Gurion University.

“Why endanger the lives of soldiers unnecessarily?”

The problem is the nearby Ramat Hovav Industrial Park, notorious for its heavy air pollution.

In response, the Government claims the highest pollution standards have been maintained there for the last year and a half. At any rate, whatever the arguments for and against, I’m sure a solution will be found pretty quickly...

Unlike the political situation we wanted to keep away from this week!

Hamas!

Has the world woken up now?

Have Bush and Rice seen sense?

Have Olmert, Peres, Barak and the rest of the Israeli Left recognized their mistakes over the last decades?

Do they finally understand you cannot make peace with terrorists?
People (a compliment) for whom human life is disposable.
Who have no god but themselves...
People who cannot be trusted to keep any agreement...
Who do not know the meaning of the word compromise, or mercy.
Peace is not just the absence of war.
Peace is that two peoples can live side by side without fear.

Open borders; healthy economies,sharing resources...

Yes, there is a Palestinian people who want to live a quiet, normal life like you and me.

Who want to see their children educated, prosperous and living in a reality free of hatred and bloodshed.

But if we haven’t heard their voice yet, what chance do they have now?

Dear President Bush, Prime Minister Olmert and other world leaders with a conscience, Now is the time to FIGHT terror And wipe out this cancer.
No negotiations. No summits. No superficial Saudi suggestions.

Yes, do your best to save innocent lives by all means.
But the aim must be to eliminate Hamas. And all it represents.

Not only for the survival of Israel, but for the sanity of the whole
wide world.

Finally – Shimon is a Winner!

Vice Premier Shimon Peres, who up to now has had one of the longest and disappointing carriers in Israeli political history finally came out on the long end by his election to the presidency today by a final majority of 86 parliamentary votes. His two rivals, Likud MK Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin and Labor MK Colette Avital conceded in favor of the 83 year old Peres who will take up his new post as President of the State of Israel on July 15.

Peres lost out to Moshe Katsav for the post in June, 2000, and since then has been involved in a number of political ventures including being part of the governments of both former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and present Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The largely ceremonial presidency is a 7 year post which includes officiating at important state functions such as Memorial and Independence Day celebrations, Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations, and officially receiving new ambassadors and other high ranking foreign dignitaries; duties which Mr. Peres is more than qualified to undertake.

Following the scandalous end to the presidential term of Moshe Katsav, who has been accused of numerous crimes of sexual misconduct, including rape, Mr. Peres should bring an air of dignity and respectability back to the Presidency which is sorely needed in Israel today.

Peres will perform his duties well, and be remembered afterwards in a similar favorable light as former presidents such as Haim Herzog and Yitzhak Navon.

We wish him well and our best wishes in his new endeavor.

"We will name the babe Muhammad!"

Great Britain's Muslim population, particularly Muslims living in greater London, is growing so fast that it is now acknowledged as the most prolific minority group there today. In fact, so fast is this ethnic group increasing in size, one only has to walk through the maternity ward of most British hospitals to see how many babies are being born to Muslim parents.

One recent indication of this phenomenon was a revelation that the most popular name being given to new born males in the U.K. is Muhammad, the prophet and historic founder of the religion known as Islam. Not that the name Muhammad hasn't been popular with Muslim mothers outside of the U.K. At least 1 in 3 new-born Muslim males are given the name Muhammad, especially those born into fundamentalist Muslim families. That the name has become popular amongst the fastest growing segment of Gt. Britain's population indicates that the future trend for this country's demographic make up is obvious to all.

The British government is trying to tighten up immigration policies to make it more difficult for new immigrants to enter the U.K. Despite this effort, however, a considerable number of new immigrants from Muslim countries continue to enter the U.K. each year; many of them illegally. This fact, coupled with a high birth rate for Muslim women of 6-8 children per childbearing Muslim woman compared to less than three for non-Muslim women, means that a Muslim population that is now approached 5 million is expected to double in the next 15 - 20 years.

Like other Western countries where minority immigrant populations have grown considerably, the British government has no one to blame but themselves for maintaining an 'open door' policy for peoples who originated from former British colonies and Commonwealth countries, particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and more than half of the African continent. Muslims from these countries naturally took advantage of British generosity, especially after the partition of India in 1947. On a smaller scale, Muslims from Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and the territory which became the State of Israel in 1948, also came to live in Great Britain following the end of the Mandate period.

Muslims living in London, Manchester, and other major cities have established their own neighborhoods and culture, a phenomenon which has become even more evident with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. The recent 2005 bombings in central London were carried out by young Muslims of Pakistani origin, and at least three of them held British nationality. As the Muslim population increases, so will undoubtedly an increase in Islamic radicalism, which could result in further suicide bombings.

This is the reality of the 'brave new world' that Great Britain will have to cope with; especially the government which comes to power after Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves office in only two weeks. With the name Muhammad now the most popular name for a male child, it probably won't be long until Amira or Fatima will be the name of choice for female newborns as well. This possibility is definitely something for the Archbishop of Canterbury to ponder; especially with more Muslims attending mosques on Friday than Anglican Christians attending churches on Sunday.

And will this someday result in Canterbury Cathedral someday becoming the Great Mosque of Canterbury? Only time will tell.

War or Peace? Israel's 'new' polices towards Syria

Syria's President Bashar Assad claims that the Israeli government, especially Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, is sending out "mixed signals" in regards to possible peace negotiations with Syria. Olmert's recent announcement that his government is ready to enter into serious negotiations with Syria involving the Golan Heights, is coming on the heels of both countries preparing for a future military conflict over the territory taken by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War.

Assad, who recently declared that his country is ready to retake the "Heights", sees Israel in a much weakened position following last summer's Lebanon II war. Basking in his so-called "re-election" for another 7 year term as president, Assad seems more determined to reclaim his country's ownership of the territory still being held by Israel. Olmert, for his part, is offering to return nearly the entire Golan Heights, except for small sections around the Sea of Galilee, including Hamat Gader, one of the important sources of the Jordan River and a major water source for Israel.

Giving back this territory to Syria, which would include the entire Mt. Hermon Ski area as well as most of the eastern shore of Lake Kinneret, would mean that Syria will once again be sitting literally on Israel's doorstep. It would also mean that Syria would have full access to Israel's most important fresh water source, and could literally pump out the same water now being used by Israel. Some of the regions best fruit crops, especially apples, are grown on the Golan; and more recently world-class quality wines are produced there as well.

More than 30,000 Israelis live on the Golan Heights, as well as several thousand Druze who still claim Syrian nationality. Returning the Golan to Syria would necessitate relocating these people back to Israel – a feat much more difficult than the disengagement from Gaza in August, 2005.

The Golan Druze, however, are still loyal to Syria despite receiving various services from Israel including medical.

Many analysts agree that Prime Minister Olmert is offering up the Golan Heights out of a position of weakness; and that a stronger leader would not have considered this gesture to one of Israel's worst enemies. Still, other political leaders including Yizhak Rabin, and even Binyamin Nantanyahu have made similar offers in the past.

Both Israeli and Syrian military forces have recently staged military exercises on each other's respective side of the border; and intelligence reports indicate that the Syrians are repairing and cleaning bomb shelters and bunkers on their side of the cease fire line. Syria reportedly has hundreds of Scud-type long range missiles aimed at central Israel, including major population centers like Tel Aviv. And if Syria and Israel were to go to war, The Hezbollah in Lebanon would certainly "join the party".

Present day realities show that returning the Golan Heights to Syria is not as simple as returning the Sinai to Egypt. If this is not believable, then all one has to do is to go to the Golan and see this reality 'on the ground' Still, peace – even a cold one like the current relations with Egypt and Jordan, is still better that no peace at all, many declare.

That may be true, but can the Syrians really be trusted to abide by a peace treaty? And who would gain most by a final agreement. Possibly both countries, if they take it seriously.

How to Understand the Media

So what’s new in Israel at the start of another week?

Well, we’re another week closer to the school holidays (I’m still in denial.)

And the dollar’s thankfully climbing up again.

And somewhere up there in the headlines is the Jihad spokesman saying: “We wanted to return with a kidnapped soldier.”

He is of course referring to the failed attempt (Saturday) by a 4-man heavily-armed terror cell. They managed to infiltrate into Israel but the IDF caught them before they had a chance to do any damage.

That’s pretty serious, right?

Solid proof about who the terrorists, the aggressors, the inhumane kidnappers are, right?

Something the world should know before they accuse Israel of all sorts of despicable crimes, right?

When was the last time Israel’ terrorists kidnapped a 19-year old soldier from a neighboring army?

Anyway, let’s see if the world media has put this on their front pages this morning...

CNN?

Well in the 12 Top Stories we have Paris Hilton, the Belmont Stakes, Bush ‘in awe’ of the Pope and cyclists losing their clothes in an oil protest.

All of course critical to world peace.

Ahh, but wait! Here’s something. When you click on ‘Latest Updates,’ one of the stories begins:
“Israeli airstrikes target Gaza locations”
And the last paragraph of that piece reads
(my underlines):
“On Saturday, one Palestinian militant was killed when a small group of Palestinian gunmen crossed the border and engaged Israel Defense Forces in the Kissufim area of Israel, Palestinian sources said. The gunmen crossed the border in a Jeep and exchanged gunfire with the IDF, according to an IDF spokesman. It was unclear who fired first. An Israeli official said the purpose of the gunmen was apparently to kidnap an Israeli soldier. The IDF would not confirm the Sunday airstrikes were retaliation for that incident.”
Ummm, no terrorists here. And was the poor “militant” part of this “small group” or not?

And kidnapping soldiers does not seem to be such a big deal, does it?

And if the airstrike was retaliation, maybe this could have been the first paragraph in the article to indicate that Israel was not the aggressor in this instance?

OK. Thanks CNN for your unbiased reporting.

What about the BBC?

No. Didn’t make the front page.

How about Middle East news?

Ah! Here it is! A secondary link:

“Gaza militants launch Israel raid”

At least that’s a headline accusing someone else...

And those annoying militants get everywhere don’t they?

But if you read on, apart from the militants, the story actually does seem quite unbiased:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6737617.stm

Although there’s only a minor mention of abducting a soldier.

OK. Let’s try one more.

Reuters.

Here we have a “Rival Palestinian factions fight Gaza gun battles” headline link.

But no mention of the terror cell or any planned kidnaps.

This is nothing new.

Media bias against Israel and the refusal to call terrorists terrorists is as much a fact of life as waking up in the morning.

I don’t blame them.

Paris Hilton in jail and naked cyclists are far more interesting and sell much better
than yet another Middle East incident. But our role is not to believe the media.

Our role is to know the facts and know why Israel is fighting the Palestinians.

And appreciate why kidnapping soldiers is such a serious offence against humanity.

Let’s face it.

Israel is by no means perfect.

But this is a war we have to win.

And if after 9/11, dozens of bus bombings in Israel and elsewhere, kidnapped soldiers,
Muslim riots in Europe, Hamas, Fatah, Hezbollah and more,

Israelis, World Jewry and our other supporters are not 100% convinced
of that, What will it take to convince them?

Special Commemorative DVD on the Six Day War

On this 40^th anniversary of the historic Six Day War, the war that not only changed the face of Israel, but history itself, IMP is proud of offer this special film which dramatizes the State of Israel's victory over the armies of three Arab countries.

Follow Me illustrates in full detail the events leading up to this war, which broke out on June 5^th, 1967, and ended a mere six days later with Israel's conquest of the entire Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank of the Jordan.

Besides earth-shaking events, the film includes the conquest of East Jerusalem from the Jordanian Army, including such historic battles as Ammunition Hill, and the Old City, including the first exposure of the Kotel or Western Wall of the Second Temple to Israelis since 1948.

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The Best of British Manners

Last week’s British University and CollegeUnion’s decision to boycott Israeli academics should come as no surprise to those who are familiar with Jewish history.

As Professor Uriel Reichman, President of the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, said Thursday night, the British boycott is "a modern reformulation of Judenreine," a German expression used by the Nazis meaning "Jew free," describing areas they had emptied of a Jewish presence.

Yes, once again, like it or not, anti-Semitism rears its ugly head.

Whether it’s setting fire to a Swiss synagogue a couple of weeks ago, or boycotting Israeli academia, anti-Semitism is still alive and well, despite its advanced
age.

Israel is just the excuse. As events have proved time and again, Jews all over the World suffer when Israel tries to defend itself.

It happened in 2000-2001 with a spate of anti-Semitic attacks all over Europe, and it’s happening now as Israel tries to halt the Kassam cascade on Sderot.

WHY?

Anti-Semitism is as natural as the sunset.

Ever since Esau hated Jacob, the world has been programmed to hate the Jews.

British academics would obviously deny this, but the reason for anti-Semitism is clear:

The Jews taught the world to love their neighbors and strangers, share with the poor, respect the elderly, help the weak, uplift the oppressed...

Judaism gave the World its concepts of humaneness and morality... that man’s essence is his soul and not his body... and that greatness is achieved not by dominating others but by controlling one’s own animal instincts and striving to become like God.

As Hitler himself said:

“I am freeing Man from the restraints of an intelligence that has taken charge, from the dirty and degrading self-mortifications of a false vision called conscience and morality, and from the demands of a freedom and personal independence that only a very few can bear.”

Yes, humankind and British academics can no longer fritter away their lives according to their whims and passions. Life involves responsibility and meaning. And subservience to a Higher Power instead of indulging in unrestrained physical desires. That is the message the Jewish people bring to the world.

And that’s why they hate us.

Yes, they say it’s because we’re too rich or too poor; because we’re capitalists or communists, because we attack innocent Palestinians or we don’t defend urselves
at all...

But the real reason is that these people are not willing to take responsibility for their own lives and immoral, selfish behavior.

If Israel and the Jewish people would begin to realize that too, and see themselves with the same clarity as Hitler did, we could teach the British and the other anti-Semites a thing or two about manners.

Ho Hum; Labor Party Primaries hardly noticed in Israel

With Israel Labor Party primaries now under way, and on top of current security issues such as the beleaguered town of Sderot and military actions into Gaza, today's inter-party primary elections for a new Labor Party leader seem to be so boring that even the most mediocre TV program will probably receive better ratings.

The three front-runners, including present party leader and Defence Minister Amir Peretz, also include former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and a newer 'kid on the block' former Naval Chief Ami Ayalon; who appears to be the front runner, and the only new face among a group of hopefuls whose aspirations are not generating any excitement within a political party which is only a shadow of it's former self.

Peretz, running a distant third behind 'Rear-Admiral' Ayalon and Barak 'The Watchmacher' (Barak's favorite hobby is disassembling and reassembling watches and clocks) still thinks he can pull off an upset and retain his present position, made increasingly unstable in the aftermath of the sensational Winograd Report. Amir appears to have delusions of grandeur, however, as pre-primary polls show him able to garner less than 20% of the party vote, compared to Barak's 31% and Ayalon's 35%.

Barak also appears to be suffering from a few delusions himself, as his short term as Prime Minister resulted in Israel's hasty pull-out from Lebanon in May, 2000, followed by the disappointing Camp David Summit later that summer and the Second Intifada in the fall. Even Barak himself seems to have some doubts as he was quoted recently as saying: "if there will be a run-off, I'll lose it (the election)".

Ayalon appears to be the only possible man who might possibly be able to bring some new life into the party which was virtually unopposed in Israeli politics for nearly thirty years. But in light of present realities, even he may have an uphill struggle due to infighting within Labor, together with Ayalon's personal connections with Palestinian Professor Sari Nusseibeh concerning a two state solution for Israelis and Palestinians; a not too popular conception nowadays with Kassam rockets still raining

down on Israel's southern regions. The aftermath of last summer's war, coupled with the present Hamas led hostilities in the south, has increased right winged feelings and given strength to more hawkish political parties, particularly opposition Likud party leader Binyamin 'Bibi' Natanyahu.

In the fall-out from events which may occur during the coming days (especially if the conflict with the Palestinians grows more intense) it may even set the stage for such people as Arkady Gaydamak to become even more popular at the expense of current politicians, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who appears to holding onto power by the skin of his teeth. If Gaydamak continues to win friends and influence people, as he has with his assistance to Sderot residents and others in distress, even he might be a possible political leader in the not so distant future. After all, with all the millions that Arkady has, he doesn't need to be corrupt – he has enough money already.

Labor's chances of being in the next Israeli government are not too good at this point. But Israeli politics often results in strange bedfellows; and when push comes to shove, this party could very well be right in there again, alongside an even more right-winged government. After all, a deal is a deal, even if the 'menu' is not too palatable.

The writer is a political commentator and free lance journalist

Keep it in the Family

Another week begins in Israel...A shooting attack in Jerusalem...The police on highest alert...The IDF attacking Gaza... And another 22 Kassams.Not to mention the race for the leadership of the Labor Party, which will be decided Monday.

And Arkady Gaidamek, the Russian tycoon who stepped in to provide Sderot residents with some refuge by setting up a temporary accommodation in Tel Aviv.

Well I suppose that’s good news.

Someone actually doing something for the benefit of others.
Someone realizing that the people of Sderot are our people, our brothers and sisters.
That Sderot today can be Haifa or Jerusalem tomorrow...
The time has come for the Jewish people to realize we’re all in this together.

Hamas couldn’t care less whether you’re religious or secular, Labor or Likud.
And if not Hamas, then Hezbollah or Ahmedijan.
Like Haman and Hitler before them. They want all Jews out.

And if you need proof it’s not just a war against Israel, look at the increased anti-Semitism in Europe since the IDF’s attacks in Gaza.
(Hundreds of similar attacks also occurred in 2000-2001 as well.)

The Jewish people are under threat. Again.


Now is not the time to attack each other.
Now is the time to realize we’re one family.
I don’t expect all members of a family to agree with each other...

And yes, there are families in which siblings don’t even speak to each other.

But I bet that 99% of the time, family members would do all in their power to protect the lives of their parents, brothers, sisters and children.

Now is the time to put our differences in perspective and understand we have much more in common than we tend to think.

Like life, for example.
Let Hamas and Fatah kill each other.
Israel, and Jews, are different.
Every Jew is connected to every other Jew, whether in Ashkelon, Australia or America.
That’s just how it is.

And the sooner we realize that, the safer we’ll be.

Israel Needs Something More

Another 9 Kassam rockets last night...
More targeted IAF attacks on Hamas strongholds...
And the cycle of pointless and endless violence continues...

It’s a cycle that’s been revolving since 1948, and – in its present format – since the first Intifada.

Nothing has changed.

And nothing will, unless Israel drastically changes track.
Well that’s not strictly true. If Israel keeps up its reactive, targeted attack policy (which has got us nowhere), the Hamas, Hezbollah and our other friendly neighbors will continue to laugh at us and gently send their rockets over the fence every day until they get what they want.

After all, they forced Israel to evacuate Gush Katif with this policy. They humiliated Israel in the Second Lebanon War with this policy, so why should they stop?

Israel must do what it has to do. No fear. No hesitation.

Israeli citizens are being attacked every day.
This is not the time for “protecting innocent Palestinians.”

This is not the time for worrying “what the world will say” or “how Bush will react.”

Israel must finally realize that its future is in its own hands. And it has to take the lead in the war against evil because no-one else will.

Now is the time to allow the IDF to do what it’s supposed to do: defend Israel. And that’s by giving them free rein to eliminate Hamas in Gaza.

No more political diplomacy. At least not with Hamas.

When you’re dealing with a bunch of terrorists, you have to talk in their language.

Israeli citizens have a basic right to live without the daily threat of Kassam rockets over their heads.

And normal Palestinian citizens have a right to live without tyranny and fear...

Yes, do it by trying to minimize loss of innocent lives...

Yes, do it by giving a 48-hour ultimatum for those that want to leave Gaza...

Yes do it, by clearly explaining to the world what we’re about to do...

But DO IT!

Before it’s too late...

Thoughts on 40 Years of United Jerusalem

May 14 is being celebrated in Israel's capital as the 40^th anniversary of a united Jerusalem. A united Jerusalem – what does that really mean? For some, especially Israel's Arab enemies, it still means Al Nakba or 'The Catastrophe', as they consider this fact to be detrimental to Arab pride as they claim part of the city to be occupied Arab land.

For Jews, especially religious Jews, a unified Jerusalem is the fulfillment of a dream that was only that, a dream, for 18 years, from 1948 until June 7, 1967. It means being able to travel in virtually all parts of the city including the Old City; and the ability to pray once again at the Kotel or Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple. Going to 'The Wall' on the Jewish Sabbath is an experience in itself; and many Jewish families come from abroad to celebrate Bar Mitzvah ceremonies in front of this ancient landmark.

For Christians, to be able to pray in their holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulture in complete freedom is a great asset, and many Christians are grateful for this fact. For a united Jerusalem is to their advantage as well.

For Muslims, Israeli governments from the outset have given them formal control over the Temple Mount, known in Arabic as Karim al Shariff . For Jerusalem, or Al Quds (The Holy), is Islam's third holiest city. Muslims living in the city enjoy full residency status, and many are also Israeli citizens. Despite everything said by Muslims living outside of Jerusalem, they have more freedoms in a united Jerusalem than any minority groups have in nearly all Muslim and Arab capitals, including Cairo Egypt and Amman Jordan.

So why all the controversy regarding the status of this city; and why do so many Arabs want to see the city divided once again, as well as the eviction of all non-Muslims? It is simply because they want to possess the entire Land of Israel including the Holy City of Jerusalem. This will never happen as long as Israel is strong and the Jewish people are strong.

Meanwhile, all that can be hoped for is the realization of the prophecy written in the Book of Isaiah: "For out of Zion shall come forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem".

And that simply says it all.

United or Divided?

This Tuesday is Jerusalem Day.

The day we celebrate the miraculous military victory in the Six-Day War, 40 years ago.

The IDF reclaimed Jerusalem, and more specifically the Old City and the Western Wall, as well as what we know today as Judea, Samaria and Gaza.

Israeli leaders always promise they will maintain a “united Jerusalem.”

This means (I think, depending on who says it) that Jerusalem will always remain the undivided capital of Israel.

Whatever that means.

But the more immediate question is why has Jerusalem Day become almost the exclusive property of Jerusalemites and the Religious Zionist community ?

Unlike Independence Day, which is a national holiday (with a handful of exceptions), Jerusalem Day is just a normal working day.

And if you took a random poll on Tuesday outside Jerusalem, I’m not sure that even 30% would know what day it was.

Jerusalem may be united but the Israeli public are divided.

Why?

There are many explanations of course, but I would guess that one of the main reasons is that the majority of Israelis simply do not appreciate what Jerusalem
means.

It is not just another city like London, New York or Paris (with all due respect to those wonderful places of course.)

Paris is named after the Greek myth. Paris chose the love of the Helen of Troy as opposed to the options of wisdom and power.

And London comes from a Celtic word meaning “wild and wooded town.”

Jerusalem was allegedly named by God. It’s a combination of two words: ‘yira’ – to see, and ‘shalem,’ which
means ‘complete’ or ‘peace.’

Jerusalem is a metaphor for the vision of a perfect world. It gives us perspective on our lives, as Aldous Huxley once said, “We have each of us our Jerusalem.”

Jews prayed “Next Year in Jerusalem” for over 2,000 years of exile. Despite oppression , poverty and disease,they preserved the dream of a world of
love and justice; a world where the rich looked after the poor and power did not corrupt.

The Talmud says that creation began in Jerusalem, and the world radiated outwards from there.
Medieval maps show Jerusalem at the epicenter of Asia, Europe and Africa.
The world flows into this spot, and Jerusalem gives perspective to the rest of the world.

Even when the Jewish people were far away from Jerusalem, we never forgot. We never despaired. Never gave up hope that the place where Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac would once again return to Jewish hands.

Jerusalem represents the eternity of Israel. Of the Jewish people. Jerusalem is an idyllic vision of God
in our lives.

An image of a perfect world.

Jerusalem reminds us of Israel’s greater purpose in life. Like it or not, Israel is a nation unlike any other. Period.

Like it or not, the Jewish people has a responsibility to the world. A ‘Jerusalem’ responsibility. A vision of perfection and peace.

It won’t be easy. And we won’t be uniting the world this Tuesday.

Because before we do that...

We must unite ourselves.

Lagging Behind

Lagging Behind

Lag BaOmer. That’s the name of the holiday celebrated in Israel today (and mainly last night.)

My kids stayed up all night around their bonfires. For the last month, they’ve been dragging branches, tree trunks, broken furniture and wooden legs (only joking) to prepare for this all night fire alert.

What’s it all about?

It’s all about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a wise man who lived during the Roman conquest of Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago.

When the Romans outlawed Torah study, Rabbi Shimon dared to oppose them. And so they promptly issued a price for his head.

Rabbi Shimon and his son Elazar fled to a cave. They had no food but miraculously a carob tree grew nearby, along with a stream of fresh water.

They spent their entire days deep in Torah study.
For 12 years.

Then one day, Elijah the prophet visited them and told them that Caesar had died and the decree against Rabbi Shimon had been annulled.

However, since they had been exclusively involved in lofty spiritual matters for 12 years, when they left the cave they vaporized everything they saw, Harry Potter-style.

At which point a Heavenly voice ordered them back into the cave to learn how to control their spiritual powers.

Rabbi Shimon became the greatest teacher of his generation.

One of his students, Rabbi Abba, described the day of his master’s death:

“I couldn’t even lift my head due to the intense light emanating from Rabbi Shimon. The entire day the house was filled with fire, and nobody could get close due to the wall of fire and light...”

Indeed, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai wrote the archetypal Kabbalistic treatise, the Zohar, which literally means “shining light.”

So that’s why Israeli children build bonfires 20 and 30 feet high on Lag BaOmer – to celebrate The great light and fire that was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

What’s all that got to do with you and me?

At least three things I think:

1. An ideal leader will illuminate the path for his/her followers. He will not use his power to burn and destroy.

2. Although we are sad at the death of someone we cherish, we should always be encouraged by their good deeds and their impact on the world.

3. We should learn about perseverance and enthusiasm from our children. It’s certainly not my idea of a good time to get splinters in my hands the whole month just to sit and stink of smoke all night long...

But as Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach once said:
“Sometimes we should walk in front of our children to show them the way...

Sometimes we can walk with our children when they know the way...

And sometimes we should lag behind our children so they can show us the way.”

Happy Lagging!

Judgment Day for Olmert?

Despite attempts by embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to remain in office, a mass rally scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday night may decide the fate of the man who has been shouldered with much of the blame for Israel's failures in last summer's Lebanon II war. The event, at Kikar Rabin in Tel Aviv, is expected to be attended by more than 100,000, including a number of well known media and entertainment personalities as well as yet-to-be-named politicians. Seemingly hemmed in on all sides by a number of protest groups, including striking university students (pictured) Olmert's political future seems in jeopardy as a majority of the Israel public feel that he has failed in his position as head of government and should therefore resign his post.

It's not the first time that Israeli political leaders have resigned following wars and other trying events in which their leadership was questioned. David Ben Gurion resigned his prime minister's post at least twice; and both Golda Meir and Menacham Begin resigned after receiving public castigation following the Yom Kippur and Lebanon I war. In the case of Olmert, however, he refuses to leave his 'watch' despite the devastating findings of the recently released Winograd Report. The same also holds true for Defense Minister Amir Peretz, who also is trying to stay put despite an even higher "vote' on behalf of the Israeli public.

What remains to be seen is what will happen after the dust settles following tonight's rally, where such 'well-knowns' as Aviv Gefen, Gilad Sagev and Nimrod Lev. Interest groups such as the Movement for Quality Government, Organization of Northern Border Communities, as well as a large contingent of army reservists who found themselves thrown into the heat of battle with virtually no preparation, and little or no food and water. "We want the P.M. to know just how we feel concerning what happened to us in Labanon" one angry reservist was quoted as saying. It's questionable if any members of the Prime Minister's cabinet will make an appearance, but for sure, many of the opposition Knesset members may show up for this event which may draw as many as 200,000.

As for both Olmert and Amir Peretz, they will probably not like what they see and hear should they both watch the spectacle on T.V. Judging from Olmert's appearance at a ceremony to inaugurate the new National Police Commissioner, Dudi Cohen, Olmert's already tired and drawn face may become even more pathetic on the "morning after".
All the signs and banners telling both Olmert and Peretz to go home, will remain in the minds of many, especially the ones for whom the 'party' is being held.

Ouch – That Hurts!

Findings in the release of the Winograd report on Monday, April 30, have made Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's problematic leadership even more troublesome for him as well as others in his cabinet. Polls conducted by several local media sources have concluded that around 69% of the country's population think that he should resign his office; and an even larger percentage, 75%, believe that Defense Minister Amr Peretz should also begin cleaning out his desk. Both men, as well as former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, were found to be responsible for the way last summer's Lebanon II war was carried out, with the report's committee, headed by former Tel Aviv District Judge Eliahu Winograd , laying the majority of the blame on Olmert himself for hastily sending Israeli air and ground forces against the Hezbollah in Lebanon without a clear-cut military strategy.

The end results, after 34 days of mayhem on both sides of the Israel-Lebanese border, brought misery and suffering to both countries, and left the Hezbollah in an even stronger and more popular position that prior to the conflict. And the two captive IDF servicemen, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser remain in Hezbollah hands.

Despite the severity of the report, both Olmert and Peretz refuse to vacate their offices, and though Peretz was noted as being completely unqualified to hold the defense ministry portfolio, he seems unwilling to accept reality and even talks about taking another cabinet position, the finance ministry, as well as even running for prime minister as the Labor Party's head in the next election. The third person shouldering much of the blame for the war is former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz. Halutz, now in the U.S.A. on a study sabbatical at Harvard University, resigned his position three months ago. That position is now filled by Major General Gaby Ashkenazi. As COS during the war, Halutz's command of the armed forces left many questions concerning the IDF's ability to fight the kind of guerrilla warfare that the Hezbollah forces have become known for. Also not answered is how to protect the public against the onslaught of Kaitusha and other missiles launched at Israeli civilian targets, even paralyzing the country's third largest city, Haifa.

It is being said that should elections be held in Israel now, Olmert's center based Kadima party will loose many Knesset seats, with many of them going back to the right-winged Likud Party, from whence many Knssset members fled to join Kadima, which was founded in September, 2005 by former prime minister Ariel Sharon. Needless to say, the Likud's present chairman, Binyamin (Bibi) Natanyahu must be enjoying the spectacle and planning his next political move as well. Following one of his party's worst election showings in it's history, with only 11 seats after the March, 2006 elections, the Likud now stands to rise again to its former glory, with Natanyahu at the crest of the wave.

Regarding Olmert and the rest of the Kadima Party, many are wondering if they will go the direction of another former short-lived party, Shinui, and fade away into political oblivion. As for Olmert himself, his political "oblivion" may be just around the corner

You Too Can Fly the Flag

If you’re ever in Israel around Independence Day time you’ll see cars on the streets sporting little Israeli flags on their windows.

And many have US flags too!

Kids stand at traffic lights selling these flags to patriotic motorists at 5 shekels a piece (just over a dollar these days)...

But this year there’s another flag for sale:
“Don’t Let our Apathy Kill Them!”

A blue and white design with a picture of the three soldiers kidnapped last summer:
Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev and Gilad Shalit.


For the last few months there’s been incessant talk about possible prisoner exchanges and imminent release, at least for Shalit. The others are rarely mentioned.

But as we write, who knows how they are, where they are and what kind of suffering they’re going through?

Who can understand the pain and anguish of their families as they begin another day of worry, uncertainty and helplessness?

It is our duty, and the duty of any civilized human being, not to remain apathetic...

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” said Edmund Burke in the 18th Century.

Everyone reading this is a “good man/woman”
I’m sure.
NEVER say “but what can I do?”
Everyone can do something.
Even if it’s a daily prayer...

Keeping the pictures of these three young men on your wall...

Thinking of their poor families when you sit down to dinner with yours...

Or if you’re more actively inclined, then petitioning your government to do something about it...

Writing to the UN, the Red Cross or other organizations who may have a way of getting through the evil...

Organizing human rights demonstrations...

This is not just another news story about three men, Israel and the terror organizations.

It’s part of the universal war of evil against good.

And that’s your war too...

So whatever you can do, DO IT!

Fly the flag.

“Don’t Let Our Apathy Kill Them.”

Remembrance and Independence

Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims falls on Monday,
April 22, immediately followed by its 59th Independence Day.

Once again, it’s that time of year,Where smile is tinged with tear.

But that’s the life of the Israeli, the Jew;
Times of joy, and sadness too.
Always together, always hand-in-hand,
Rolling, rolling... like tides across the sand.

In Israel the union is especially acute,
One minute they shake; the next they shoot.
But such is life here, and so it looks ahead,
For us to live, Some have to stop. Dead.

Today we remember those who gave their lives for us to live;
Those who had so much life in them, so much left to give.
They fell in ’48, they fell in ’56,
’67, ’73, ’82, 2006...

Bricks in the building of a country, Seeds in the sowing of a land.
But how much will be left underground, Before the building will finally stand?

The pain is felt across the divides; United. Silence. Tears.
Memories are clear and fresh, Despite the months and years.

For some it’s past, for most it’s here, The reality of Israel today.
Still fighting for its existence, With a heavy price to pay.

And then we climb, up half a flagpole, The tears drip into cheers,
And optimistic as we are The bloodstains turn to beers.

Israel is here to stay. Israel is strong and brave.
Israel is hi-tec, cool, Israel’s on a wave.

So from the depths of sorrow, We celebrate our home,
By banging plastic hammers And spraying shaving foam!

Is that how we rejoiced in ’48? Is that how we show our thanks?
To 18-year-olds who fell in battle, Or burnt to death in tanks?

Do they teach in our schools, The art of how to appreciate,
Or do they assume you’ll find it out When it really is too late?

It seems that that’s what happens When we stand on Remembrance Day
We simply appreciate life, The life that’s gone away.

And the switch seems all too hard; To value our own life in minutes, and days,
So we just go fry up steaks And clog up all the freeways.

Yet there are those who offer thanks to God For giving us a land,
And those who study ancient texts About His outstretched hand.

Israel is a country of life and death, Cries and graves a national chore…

We know we’re prepared to die for it,
But what are we living for?

"Flagging Patriotism" on Israel's 59th?

Less than three days before Israel's 59th independence anniversary, we finally put some flags out on our balcony, courtesy of a local newspaper. In many neighborhoods there appears to be a marked absence of flags and banners that are usually hung out in the days preceding Israel's annual national holiday; and from recent articles and news commentaries, this 'phenomena' seems to be a nation-wide reality.

More than eight months following the end of last summer's war in Lebanon, and with an atmosphere rife with political controversy and scandal, it's no wonder that fewer symbols of national pride are being displayed by a public that is becoming more and more disillusioned with what is transpiring – especially among the country's leadership. To give you an idea about what has brought all of this on, a quick survey highlight the following problems that Israelis presently have to deal with:


1. The President of the State has been indicted for charges of rape and other forms of
sexual misconduct.

2. The Prime Minister is under investigation for his handling of the war, as well as a
number of financial dealings involving properties and other investments.

3. The Defense Minister, chosen for a position he was completely unqualified for, is
under fire and many have called for his resignation.

4. The Finance Minister is now under increasing investigation for allegations of both
Grand Theft and fraud, with "clarion calls" for his dismissal.

5. More and more Israelis, especially aged ones (particularly Holocaust survivors) are
living under the poverty line and cannot even buy enough food to survive. This
also includes one in every four Israeli children.

6. The three Israeli captive soldiers are still unaccounted for, and the present
government appears unwilling or incapable of securing their release.


7. It was revealed this weekend that emigration (Yeridah) is now exceeding
immigration (Aliyah) for the first time in over twenty years. And this is despite an
increase in new immigrants (Olim) from France and other European countries.


Need one say more…..

It's not the first time that following a major military conflict that feelings of dismay and lack of patriotism have been evident in the Jewish State. What makes this year's phenomena even more striking however, are the other problems that go along with the aftermath of the Lebanon II war.

Israel's growing economic affluence (for some, that is), largely brought on by the "get rich quick" attitudes inspired by the technological boom, have given many people the economic freedom and mobility that enables them to relocate their entire business venture by simply packing their 'laptop' into a suitcase and boarding an international flight to American cities like Boston or Santa Clara California. Zionistic calls to 'settle the land' are becoming fewer and fewer, particularly following the mass disengagement from settlements in Gaza and planned 'resettlements' from large sections of the West Bank.

Though many of the 'Yordim' or emigrants are ones who came to Israel from Russia and other former Soviet Union republics, they as a whole are intelligent, highly educated people, whose skills are very needed to ensure Israel's technological edge over her adversaries. With countries like Iran on the verge of becoming nuclear powers, this 'brain drain' is even more critical, and could even be fatal in next few years.

We must therefore find ways to correct the many problems facing our country; and this can well begin with coming together as a nation and showing a bit more patriotism – even if it is only the placing of flags on our cars and on our balconies.

Remember – we don't have another (Jewish) country.

Remembering the Dead – and the Living: Yom HaZicharon, 2007

Israel prepares to honor it's war dead and those killed in acts of terror at Remembrance Day 2007, also known as Yom Zicharon. Coming just months after last summer's Lebanon II war, the people of Israel have those killed in this unfortunate episode to add to many otherswho have fallen in battle or were killed by acts of terror since the founding of the state. Also to be remembered are the three captured Israeli soldiers: Eldad Regev, Ehud Goldwasser, and Gilad Schalit. Schalit was captured in late June when his patrol unit was attacked on the border with Gaza; and Regev and Goldwasser were captured by the Hezbollah July 12 on Israel's northern border with Lebanon - an act which sparked a war that ended more than a month later with more than 150 Israelis killed, including 38 civilians from Ketusha rocket attacks.

Since the early 1980's and the war known as Operation Peace for Galilee, or Lebanon I, a number of Israeli soldiers have been reported as either missing in action or captured. So far, none of these soldiers have returned alive, and many, including Air Force Flight Navigator Ron Arad, have been missing for years. It was only in the Yom Kippur War that some captured prisoners were returned alive, many after spending several months as prisoners in either Egyptian or Syrian jails and prison camps.

The reality of this past and recent scenario is that Israeli soldiers captured alive do not appear to have much likelihood of ever coming home again to their families; alive that is.

Recent optimism concerning a prisoner exchange with the Palestinians for the release of Corporal Gilad Schalit seems to be constantly frustrated as demands made by the Hamas dominated Palestinian Authority for the inclusion of prisoners with "blood on their hands" are just not acceptable by Israel. In regards to the other two being held by the Hezbollah, their spiritual leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, knows how to play on the emotions of concerned relatives as they did several years back when the remains of three Israeli soldiers, and a reserve officer named Elkanah Tennenbaum, were exchanged for more than 1,000 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners.

On Sunday night, April 22, Yom Zicharon will begin in Israel with a special memorial ceremony at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. While special remembrance flames will be lit there, and at numerous ceremonies around the country, we must all pause to say a prayer for the three captive soldiers and hope that they will soon be released and back with their loving families.

That's what Yom Zicharon is all about: not just to memorialize the dead, but to pray for the living as well.

The Holocaust Choice – Man or Beast?

Monday, April 16 is Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel.

62 years later and the questions remain as fresh as ever.

Yes we can spend the day discussing and philosophizing about God’s whereabouts between 1939-1945 or – for that matter – Man’s whereabouts too.

But will that get us anywhere?

Because if we conclude that God’s to blame, then we must surely conclude he’s also to blame for establishing the State of Israel three years after the war.

And if we think Man’s to blame,
then what’s new? He’s also to blame
for Somalia, Serbia, 9/11, Iraq and any
other major disaster in history.

All of which just leaves us more frustrated, confused and depressed.
And sometimes there just are no answers.
As a wise man once said,” Faith begins where human intelligence ends.”

So how can we take a positive, practical message from Holocaust Day 2007?

The Holocaust teaches us that human beings have the potential to rise to the heights of angels...
Or plunge to the depths of depravity.
62 years later, we have the same choice.
Each and every one of us.

As we live our lives, we have that choice every single day.

Are you going to fall victim to your basest desires or are you going to follow your greatest destiny?

It’s good vs. evil.
In you.
The choice is yours.

Remembering “Yom Hashoah” (Holocaust)

Every year, soon after the end of the Passover Holidays, Jews all over the world, and especially in the State of Israel, observe a day of remembering for one of the worst periods in the history of the Jewish People.

Known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah in Hebrew, all normal activities are altered and in Israel, places of entertainment, including restaurants, theatres and like are closed. Programs dealing with this subject are conducted in Synagogues, community centers, schools, etc., while television programs run ceremonies, interviews, movies and other features to bring forth various aspects of the period which ran from the mid 1930’s until the end of World War II.

We are now seven years into the new millennium and more than 66 years after the last shots were fired in Europe and the remnants of the cream of European Jewry were finally set free from the man-made hell of concentration camps all over northern and central Europe. For more than six million Jews, however, liberation came too late, as they had been swallowed up in the inferno created by a country that was once considered to be one of the most law-abiding and cultured in the World.

The Holocaust for the Jewish People is not the only disaster that has stricken Mankind – within the framework of man’s inhumanity to man. Literally thousands of events are evident throughout recorded history, ranging from conquests by the great empires of the earth, religious carnage by events such as the Crusades, rise of Islam, etc., Spanish Inquisition, and, of course, wars. Since the beginning of the 20th century, when Mankind was supposed to be more enlightened and cultured some of the worst atrocities have occurred, and in themselves, were no less horrible than the Holocaust itself. Ranging from the Turkish slaughter of the Armenians in 1918, to the Japanese persecution of the Korean and Chinese peoples, not to mention those living in South East Asia; the mayhem in various African countries, such as Rwanda, Liberia, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Sudan, where millions have died horrible deaths; the Khmer Rouge carnage in Cambodia; and the events in various Balkan countries including, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Kosovo province of Serbia-Yugoslavia, the Chechnya province of Russia; the list literally goes on and on.

And despite all of this, it was recently announced in the U.K. that public schools there will no longer include studies of the Holocaust in their study curriculum, as this offends Muslims who are denying that the Holocaust ever happened!

For the Jewish People, whether living in Israel or in the Diaspora, life is never 100% secure, even in democracies such as England, America, Canada, etc. Israelis know all too well the alternative to being unable to defend oneself. As a country established for Jews to live in after being hounded and persecuted for centuries, Israel form the outset has had to defend itself from its “neighbors”, some of whom actually welcomed Jews in former years. In war after war, terrorist atrocity after atrocity, and recently Intifada after Intifada, the Jews of Israel have literally been fighting for survival. With one of the largest population of Holocaust survivors and children of Holocaust survivors, the importance of Yom HaShoah carries on year after year, in order that new generations of Jews will continue to spread the message of “Never Again”.

"Never Again”: the meaning of this expression is symbolic in the culture of Israelis, in that Jews will never again allow themselves to be weak and defenseless and at the mercies on the peoples of the countries in which they live. Never again will Jews be forced to give up their faith and religious practices. Never again will Jews be considered as pariahs, stateless wanderers, being forbidden to live in certain areas, and barred from working in certain trades and professions, etc.

But being strong has its price, and this price is particularly and painfully felt in the State of Israel, especially within the past few years. Both physical and economic hardships have become a part of Israeli lives, with more and more wars and terrorism attacks.

Despite all of the adversities, Israel continues to carry on, and likewise, Jews all over the world continue to have this Homeland to come to if they should ever need to flee their present places of dwelling.

By continuing to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive, Jews continue to be strong.

Because once they begin to forget this segment of their past, it creates the seeds of it happening again in the future. Already many non-Jews all over the world, like the example of the U.K., preach denial of Holocaust, saying it was a fabrication to create sympathy towards the Jews.

The truth is stronger, however, and millions of Gentiles join their Jewish brethren annually to commemorate this event. For they too know that “he who forgets the lessons of history will certainly be doomed to repeat it”.

Azmi Bashara – Bad Boy or True Arab Patriot?

The furor over Balad Party leader Azmi Bashara's political future makes many Israelis wonder if he may be the beginning of other Arab Israeli Knesset parliamentarians going over to "the other side".

And that 'other side' may be Israel's enemies, including radical Islamic countries like
Syria and Iran.

Mr. Bashara's radical political views in respect to being a member of the Israeli Knesset have often gotten him into trouble with the Israeli government, particularly among the more right wing political spectrum, including the Likud and other parties who take a dim view of such actions. Bashara's frequent trips to neighboring Arab countries, resulting in his hob-knobbing with such people as exiled Hamas leader Khalid Maashal and Syrian leader Baashar Al-Assad, has resulted in many Israelis calling for his ouster from his parliamentary seat as well as indictment for seditious anti-government activities.
Other Arab Knesset political leaders, including Taal Party leader Dr. Ahmad Tibi, seem moderate in comparison to Bashara, who has been advocating the disillusion of the Jewish character of the state in favor of a secular one.

Presently "languishing" in a posh Amman Jordan hotel suite, Bashara is pondering both his political as well as personal future. Carefully weighing his options, he is considering returning to Israel and coming into the line of fire by an unfriendly, Jewish parliamentary majority who seem bent on kicking him and possibly his political party from Israel for good. Or, to voluntarily give up his Knesset seat and show his true personal and political "spots" by officially emigrating to either Syria, Lebanon, or Jordan.

Syria, and possibly other countries unfriendly to Israel may want to use Bashara as a propaganda tool against the Jewish State by having him send a clear message to other Arabs holding Israeli nationality that the time as come for them to decide as to with whom their loyalty really lies. For Bashara himself, it's becoming more and more evident regarding where he wants to be; and that place is not within a Jewish dominated and governed republic. One might wonder if Bashara would consider becoming involved in Palestinian politics; but most likely, even he is not that stupid, judging from the current state of anarchy which is tearing the Palestinian Authority apart and which almost led to civil war.

Most Israelis would like to see Bashara exit Israeli politics; and the country as well. His continued presence in both has been damaging to all, to say the very least.
Other Israeli Arab politicians, many of whom live very comfortable lives in the Jewish Republic, must now decide who really butters their bread; for life in most neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan, may not be nearly as pleasant as life within the 'confines' of the State of Israel.

At the end of the day, many Arab-Israeli politicians may decide that they have never had it so good, Bashara included.

Israeli Air Force pilot flys F15 with one wing shot off.

In the year 1983 an F-15 of the Israeli airforce collided with a skyhawk while doing a practice. the skyhawk blew away but the pilot abandoned it peacefully. the f-15 lost his right wind but the pilot Ziv Nadivi couldnt see it because of the vast fuel fumes that covered it. the pilot and the navigator Yehuar Gal didnt not know they are flying on one winf only, a state which is of course "impossible" to fly in, and didnt not abandoned the jet but continued to land a crash landing. because of the high velocity of the jet (450kmph) while landing, the stopping hook was cut away and the jet stopped a few meters before the end of the runway.

after more than 20 years, we can finally see the movie.

(this is from the History channel)

Israel you didn't know

This clip will show you Israel, Israel you didn't know exist.
Based on the "Cool facts about Israel"

Watch Israeli Soldiers in Action

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Are These Israel’s Real Goals?

After all the hype, glamour and expectation, the Israeli soccer team tied with the mighty England 0-0.

No goals for Israel.

No goals for England.

Nothing.

In front of 40,000 fans in the stadium and millions more in England, Israel and who knows where else!

In NBA or NFL terms, that means a full game (with all the commercials, timeouts, etc.) ending 0-0!

Go figure.

And the Israelis were happy, saying the result indicates good progress!

It’s not my job here to explain the mysteries of soccer, but I would like to consider the wonders of modern-day Israel.

Israel – whether we like it or not – is the Promised Land.

Promised by God to the Jewish people.

For what?

To play soccer?

To become another England or America in the Middle East?

I think not.

Of course there’s value in sport and in developing a western-style, democratic, educated society, but what are Israel’s long-term goals?

To be a nation just like any other nation?

Have we survived thousands of years of exile, persecution, pogroms and Holocausts just to become a nation like any other?

Were we freed from Egypt just to be able to compete against England in the European Championships?

Please correct me if you think I’m wrong, but I would guess Israel is here to achieve some piritually valuable goals.

After all, do we really need another America? Does God care if we beat England or not?

It’s a “Promised Land” so the Jewish people can leverage its intrinsic holiness as some sort of “light unto the nations.”

To take it a bit over the top, that means Israeli sports crowds should behave impeccably, with respect and courtesy for their opponents...

No swearing or curses during the game...
No violence...

OK. That’s maybe for the Messianic All-Stars in Jerusalem but you get the idea.

For if Israel has no goals but to score goals, why are thousands of IDF soldiers risking their lives every day?

And why are Hamas, Hezbollah & Co. out to kill us?

Pesach in 2007

This year, in the Hebrew year "Tash-oz" (5767) the Pesach holiday takes on an ever more special significance in Israel. Following last summer's war in Lebanon, and after the trauma that many Israelis experienced from the onslaughts of Ketusha missiles from the Hezbollah, Pesach in 2007 will remind everyone living in Israel and elsewhere how precious personal safety and freedom really is. Many Israeli soldiers are serving their country far away from friends and family; especially the ones known as lone soldiers or "hayal boded" in Hebrew. It is hoped that everyone will open their homes, and their hearts, to these brave young men and women who made the decision to come to Israel alone, leaving family members back in their home countries. We must also hope, and pray, that the three captured Israeli soldiers, Gilad Schalit, Eldad Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser, will soon be free and back with their families during the Pesach Holiday in 2008.

Celebrating Pesach in Israel

The Passover Season is even more special when celebrated in Israel.
The entire country becomes involved and this includes even grocery stores are restaurants, including 'fast food' ones where hamburgers are mostly sold in special rolls made from matzo meal. During the days proceeding the first Seder night, households can be seen vigorously preparing for the holiday by cleaning and throwing out unwanted items.

"Doing Pesach" becomes interpreted as a very thorough Spring cleaning, and most religious homes are already 'kosher for Pesach' as much as two weeks before the holiday really begins. The night before the Seder, families symbolically search throughout the house for pieces of 'hametz' which is taken outside and burned before Passover Seder eve. On the evening of the Seder, literally thousands of cars can be seen heading towards places where families will come together to partake in the Passover meal.

The first and last days of Pesach are official Israeli holidays, and even during the interim or 'Chol Hamoed' days many people are on holiday, often traveling to national parks and other holiday sites around the country.

Celebrating Times of Freedom

For those who aren’t aware, Pesach or Passover celebrates the redemption of the Children of Israel from forced bondage under the Egyptian Pharos. The holiday is celebrated annually for seven days from the 14th to 21st of the Hebrew month of Nisan.

For Jews all over the word, Pesach is a very special holiday as it also coincides with the beginning of spring. As an important reminder of leaving Egypt, the Pesach holiday requires observant Jews to eat special foods, especially 'matzot' or unleavened bread products, to recall the rush of leaving the house of bondage without having time to bake bread in the conventional manner. In the Diaspora, Jews must often purchase or prepare these foods ahead of time so as not to run out during the holiday.

Homes must be cleaned thoroughly to rid them of 'hametz' or leavened bread products. Foodstuffs not "kosher for Passover" are put away and even symbolically 'sold' to non-Jews, to be kept "in trust" until the end of the seventh day. The festive, ritual meal, known as the Passover Seder is participated in by families on Pesach Eve.

This special ritual, in which all members of the family participate in its observance, include the reciting of the Passover Hagadah, which tells the story of the ten plagues rendered by G-d to the Egyptians, and explains the symbolic meaning of all items eaten in the Passover meal.
The sparing by G-d of the first born children of the Israelites, as well as the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, allowing them to cross over to freedom, also pays an important part in the meaning of this holiday.

Thus, Pesach is truly a Jewish "festival of freedom".

Have We Really Left Egypt?

Ayal Yerushalmi, an Israeli motor sports enthusiast and motorbike rider, took part in the Rally of the Pharaohs in Egypt. He had a serious accident that paralyzed him for life.

His sponsors (and employers) had not taken out suitable insurance for him and refused to take any responsibility after the accident.
And what’s worse is the Israeli courts accepted their argument.

Why?

Well, the bottom line was “they weren’t obliged by law to insure Yerushalmi in this particular situation.”

The law is an ass.

In contrast to real life sport in Israel, Frankie Dunn, Maggie Fitzgerald’s trainer in the movie,” Million Dollar Baby” does all in his power to ensure his paralyzed charge gets the best treatment and sticks with her throughout.

That’s just common sense.
Simple human decency.
And to hell with the law.

As the Jewish people approach Passover, the festival celebrating the Exodus from Egypt, what are we celebrating?

Freedom from the heartless, barbaric, murderous regime of the Pharaohs?

Freedom from the selfishness, immorality and promiscuity of Egyptian life?

Yes we are. Partly.

But leaving all that behind doesn’t make the slightest bit of difference if we don’t do what’s right and show care and compassion to our fellow human beings.

Yes, law is important, but caring for others is above and beyond.

15 killed over the weekend.

85 since the start of the year. No, it’s not Baghdad.
It’s Israel.
On the roads.

Jaffa oranges, diamonds and Israel Military Products aside, Israel is notorious for high numbers of traffic accidents and fatalities.

Sometimes it’s because they didn’t stop at a red light or a junction...
Sometimes it’s because they were speeding...
Or under the influence of alcohol...
Sometimes they lose control of the wheel...
Or fall asleep...

And the list goes on.
The Government and the Police wake up every so often and announce yet another new program to fight death on the roads.
The media play their part in bringing the gruesome pictures to the people.
And there are programs in school to teach kids of the dangers from a very early age.

And now, after a particularly rough start to the Year, the Internal Security Minister is calling for emergency measures. Again.

Something is not working here.
And it can’t just be human nature or human error. It can’t just be lack of care or the recklessness of younger drivers.
No, I don’t have a magic solution, but I know that much more can and should be
done.

Is enough money devoted to prevention?
Have we studied traffic rules and enforcements in countries with much lower accident statistics?
And applied the conclusions?

And have we taught our children well enough that the most valuable thing in the whole wide world is LIFE?

Ears, Hats and Pockets

Purim is the happiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The evil Haman had planned to annihilate the Jewish people and Queen Esther thwarted his wicked plan.

Haman was hung on a tree to dry and the Jews celebrate Purim to this day.

Lots of food. Lots of drink.

And lots of giving gifts to others.

That’s what Judaism’s all about I suppose!

Although we’d rather keep old Haman hanging in suspense, there’s an ancient tradition to...eat him in one form or another!

Hamantashen is a triangular-shaped pastry traditionally served on Purim.

The original recipe contained poppy seed filling. The name came from poppy seed treats called “Mantashen.”

Some joker distorted it to “Hamantashen” which means “Haman's pockets” in Yiddish.

Some authorities claim he wore a three-cornered hat, (how do they know?) and that’s why the pastry is triangular.

In Hebrew, the pastry is called “Oznei Haman,” Haman's ears.

This could be because he was rather embarrassed when his evil plot was revealed.
Could his ears have been red?

Was Haman the first Communist?
Or maybe he should have just listened to his mother, who asked him to buy her one of these collectors-item sterling silver Hamentashen

Check out some other original jewelry and great Purim gifts at israel-shops.com

And give your loved ones an earful this Purim!

Our Own Worst Enemy

Whether it’s Amir Peretz thinking he can gain some much-needed popularity by dismantling so-called ‘illegal’settlements...

Or Peace Now thinking their activities really will bring peace now...

Or the religious infighting by those who think they have a God-given right to impose their views on others...

Or Israel’s leaders or sportsmen trying to make us into a nation like any other nation...
It all boils down to the same thing. We are our own worst enemy. Because we don’t understand who we are.

The Jewish people are a people unlike any other.

Chosen by God not in a racially superior sense but to represent a monotheistic, moral and ethical way of life in this world.

In other words, chosen for responsibility.
Certainly not an Oscar Hollywood will award this week!

And the world hates us for symbolizing conscience and moral responsibility.

Hitler said so explicitly:

“I am freeing man from the restraints of an intelligence that has taken charge, from the dirty and degrading self-mortifications of a false vision known as conscience and morality...”

He also knew that the Jewish ‘threat’ was embodied in every single Jew, whether that Jew was the greatest Rabbi who ever lived or the most self-hating assimilated Jew on the planet:

“If only one Jewish child survives, without any Jewish education, with no synagogue and no Hebrew school – it is in his soul.”

Ironically, Hitler had a clearer understanding of who the Jewish people – and what they have
accomplished – than millions of Jews do today.

Amir Peretz, Peace Now, religious coercers Israeli leaders, and every Jew....

Before you choose to be like everyone else,look deep into your souls... and see the JEW!