Ma'an
Thousands of Israelis, most of them ultra-Orthodox Jews, descended on the tomb of the Biblical matriarch Rachel in a militarized compound in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday. Full story
Friday, October 30, 2009
PLO: Israeli house demolition policy "a war crime"
Ma'an
...Israel's ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem "is a war crime and a deliberate affront to international resolutions and humanitarian law."
In a statement, the PLO's international relations department slammed what it termed Israel's "policy of expulsion and ethnic cleansing."
On Tuesday, Israeli forces and a demolition crew entered the East Jerusalem village of Sur Bahir, south of the Old City, and destroyed the two-story home of Nimir Ali Nimir. The 300 square-meter house was home to 11 people.
... that home was the eighth in recent weeks, the PLO noted, adding that "the policy of home demolition, especially in occupied Jerusalem, has been ongoing since 1967 - carried out and deliberately approved by the [Israeli] political leadership."
"They have officially legitimized the expulsion of Palestinians from the holy city, placing them with settlers and changing realities on the ground," the statement added.
Since 1967, the department said, Israeli authorities have demolished more than 23,000 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. "Around 11,000 more are at risk, as Israel is carrying out this policy in an escalating manner." Full story
...Israel's ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem "is a war crime and a deliberate affront to international resolutions and humanitarian law."
In a statement, the PLO's international relations department slammed what it termed Israel's "policy of expulsion and ethnic cleansing."
On Tuesday, Israeli forces and a demolition crew entered the East Jerusalem village of Sur Bahir, south of the Old City, and destroyed the two-story home of Nimir Ali Nimir. The 300 square-meter house was home to 11 people.
... that home was the eighth in recent weeks, the PLO noted, adding that "the policy of home demolition, especially in occupied Jerusalem, has been ongoing since 1967 - carried out and deliberately approved by the [Israeli] political leadership."
"They have officially legitimized the expulsion of Palestinians from the holy city, placing them with settlers and changing realities on the ground," the statement added.
Since 1967, the department said, Israeli authorities have demolished more than 23,000 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. "Around 11,000 more are at risk, as Israel is carrying out this policy in an escalating manner." Full story
Haniyeh welcomes US shift, says willing to talk
Ma'an
There is nothing wrong with talking to the United States, de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told American delegates on a medical mission in Gaza on Wednesday.
Hamas welcomes the new language of US President Barack Obama, Haniyeh added, but noted the administration must implement its plans so the Palestinian people can establish their state with Jerusalem as its capital.
"I am convinced of the fairness of the rules of democracy, pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power in Palestine," he told the delegation, but noted the punishment the Palestinian people received when they fairly elected Hamas in 2006.
The United States has the ability to bring peace to the region, Haniyeh added, and we have no issues with the Americans, but asked them to back up their pledges. Full story
There is nothing wrong with talking to the United States, de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told American delegates on a medical mission in Gaza on Wednesday.
Hamas welcomes the new language of US President Barack Obama, Haniyeh added, but noted the administration must implement its plans so the Palestinian people can establish their state with Jerusalem as its capital.
"I am convinced of the fairness of the rules of democracy, pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power in Palestine," he told the delegation, but noted the punishment the Palestinian people received when they fairly elected Hamas in 2006.
The United States has the ability to bring peace to the region, Haniyeh added, and we have no issues with the Americans, but asked them to back up their pledges. Full story
Its getting harder to be racist - Mazin Qumsiyeh
Ma'an
...All this (much of it backfiring) is reminiscent of what happened to South Africa in the 10 years preceding the end of apartheid.
Thus, we are optimistic that we are in the final stage. The boycotts, divestments, and sanctions movement is mushrooming. More Israelis are joining the human wave demanding justice and equality and the Zionist movement has become more desperate in its fraudulent use of "anti-Semitism" and "self hating Jews" to silence the critics.
Increasingly paranoid and shrieking delusions, even some life-long Zionists have started to question the direction of the movement and its increasingly ghettoized mentality.
...the PA has already outlived its usefulness (it was supposed to be interim for five years anyway and now it is 16 years). The only elections we should be talking about are elections to the Palestinian National Council and rebuilding the PLO. Full story
...All this (much of it backfiring) is reminiscent of what happened to South Africa in the 10 years preceding the end of apartheid.
Thus, we are optimistic that we are in the final stage. The boycotts, divestments, and sanctions movement is mushrooming. More Israelis are joining the human wave demanding justice and equality and the Zionist movement has become more desperate in its fraudulent use of "anti-Semitism" and "self hating Jews" to silence the critics.
Increasingly paranoid and shrieking delusions, even some life-long Zionists have started to question the direction of the movement and its increasingly ghettoized mentality.
...the PA has already outlived its usefulness (it was supposed to be interim for five years anyway and now it is 16 years). The only elections we should be talking about are elections to the Palestinian National Council and rebuilding the PLO. Full story
French FM demands Jerusalem settlement freeze
Ma'an
Israel's ongoing house demolitions and excavations in East Jerusalem are unacceptable, said French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Morocco on Thursday. Full story
Israel's ongoing house demolitions and excavations in East Jerusalem are unacceptable, said French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Morocco on Thursday. Full story
UK condemns "unacceptable" house evictions
Ma'an
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has "expressed serious concern about the continued and unacceptable evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem." Full story
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has "expressed serious concern about the continued and unacceptable evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem." Full story
US scientist pleads not guilty in Israel spy case
AFP
A leading US space scientist credited with helping discover water on the moon pleaded not guilty to charges he tried to sell US defense secrets to Israel for two million dollars.
A leading US space scientist credited with helping discover water on the moon pleaded not guilty to charges he tried to sell US defense secrets to Israel for two million dollars.
Judge Deborah Robinson rejected a bail request from Stewart David Nozette, who was arrested October 19 in an FBI sting operation, saying he was considered a flight risk and should remain in jail pending trial.
Nozette, 52, is charged with two counts of attempted espionage for allegedly trying to sell secrets to an FBI agent posing as an Israeli intelligence officer ...
"The weight of evidence against the defendant is substantial," federal prosecutor Heather Schmidt told the court.
Court documents from the prosecution accused Nozette, who for years had a high-level US government security clearance, of seeking "roughly two million dollars as compensation for his espionage."
He "delivered and communicated this classified information to an individual he believed was an Israeli intelligence officer in exchange for an alias, a foreign passport, and cash payments," they said.
The government provided the court with recorded excerpts of a conversation with the FBI agent from October 19 in which a laughing Nozette mulled various plans to flee the United States should he be suspected of spying for Israel. Full story
Palestinians homeless again after eviction - 29 Oct 09
The United Nations is calling on Israel to immediately stop demolishing Palestinian homes in occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says 60,000 Palestinians may be at risk of being forcibly evicted.
History
History
Lebanon rocket fire on Israel claimed by Qaeda-linked group
AFP
A group linked to Al-Qaeda claims it fired the Katyusha rocket attack from Lebanon that hit northern Israel earlier this week, a US-based group that monitors jihadist websites said on Thursday.
A group linked to Al-Qaeda claims it fired the Katyusha rocket attack from Lebanon that hit northern Israel earlier this week, a US-based group that monitors jihadist websites said on Thursday.
The Brigades of Abdullah Azzam, Battalions of Ziad Jarrah, said it was responsible for Tuesday's attack, according to a statement released on Thursday by the Al-Fajr Media Centre, SITE Intelligence Group said. Full story
Suleiman: Israel set up rocket attack
JTA
Lebanon's president accused Israel of setting up a Katyusha attack on southern Israel to keep tensions high in the region.
Michel Suleiman on Thursday told Lebanese media that an Israeli agent may have fired the rocket. He said the fact that Israel has said it will continue to collect intelligence from southern Lebanon lends credibility to his claim. Full story
Lebanon's president accused Israel of setting up a Katyusha attack on southern Israel to keep tensions high in the region.
Michel Suleiman on Thursday told Lebanese media that an Israeli agent may have fired the rocket. He said the fact that Israel has said it will continue to collect intelligence from southern Lebanon lends credibility to his claim. Full story
Lebanon warns UN: Israel planning to attack us
Ha'aretz
Lebanon's ambassador to the United Nations has warned that Israel is exhibiting signs of an imminent attack on his country, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Hayyat reported on Friday.
Ambassador Noaf Salaam sent missives to the United Nations secretary general and to the Security Council condemning Israel's recent artillery fire on the village of Houla, the site where a Katyusha rocket was fired at the Upper Galilee last week.
Salaam called the artillery fire a clear violation of Lebanon's sovereignty as well as of UN Resolution 1701, which saw a truce between Israel and Lebanon following the 2006 war.
...Salaam also said that the Israeli decision to bomb Lebanese territory following every Katyusha attack delayed and prevented Lebanese forces from investigating the rocket attacks. Full story
Lebanon's ambassador to the United Nations has warned that Israel is exhibiting signs of an imminent attack on his country, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Hayyat reported on Friday.
Ambassador Noaf Salaam sent missives to the United Nations secretary general and to the Security Council condemning Israel's recent artillery fire on the village of Houla, the site where a Katyusha rocket was fired at the Upper Galilee last week.
Salaam called the artillery fire a clear violation of Lebanon's sovereignty as well as of UN Resolution 1701, which saw a truce between Israel and Lebanon following the 2006 war.
...Salaam also said that the Israeli decision to bomb Lebanese territory following every Katyusha attack delayed and prevented Lebanese forces from investigating the rocket attacks. Full story
Thursday, October 29, 2009
CAIR Seeks HBO Apology for 'Curb' Episode Mocking Jesus
CAIR
A prominent national Muslimcivil rights and advocacy organization today called on HBO to apologize for an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in which the main character splattered urine on a painting of Jesus.
In a letter to HBO Chairman and CEO Bill Nelson, Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote:
"It is beyond tasteless to insult the religious sensibilities of billions of people in America and around the world with such a cheap and vulgar publicity stunt. Jesus, peace be upon him, is loved and revered by both Christians and Muslims. Muslims view him as one of God's greatest messengers to mankind.
"The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: 'Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.'' (The Holy Quran, 3:45)
..."We understand the drive for ratings, but no one benefits from such a crude attempt to boost the network's bottom line by manufacturing a religious controversy. HBO should apologize."
Awad added that American Muslim television viewers contacted CAIR to express their concerns about the HBO episode. Full story
A prominent national Muslimcivil rights and advocacy organization today called on HBO to apologize for an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in which the main character splattered urine on a painting of Jesus.
In a letter to HBO Chairman and CEO Bill Nelson, Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote:
"It is beyond tasteless to insult the religious sensibilities of billions of people in America and around the world with such a cheap and vulgar publicity stunt. Jesus, peace be upon him, is loved and revered by both Christians and Muslims. Muslims view him as one of God's greatest messengers to mankind.
"The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: 'Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.'' (The Holy Quran, 3:45)
..."We understand the drive for ratings, but no one benefits from such a crude attempt to boost the network's bottom line by manufacturing a religious controversy. HBO should apologize."
Awad added that American Muslim television viewers contacted CAIR to express their concerns about the HBO episode. Full story
Israeli settlers obstruct fire fighters en route to Hebron blaze
Ma'an
Israeli settlers residing in illegal outposts in the heart of Hebron obstructed the work of Palestinian fire fighters on Wednesday night, as crews attempted to access a burning building owned by a Palestinian family. Full story
Israeli settlers residing in illegal outposts in the heart of Hebron obstructed the work of Palestinian fire fighters on Wednesday night, as crews attempted to access a burning building owned by a Palestinian family. Full story
Palestinians in [Israeli settlement] Ma'aleh Adumim employed by Israel but on Jordanian terms
Ha'aretz
"Ma'aleh Adumim is a shining pearl in the State of Israel," declares its mayor, Benny Kashriel, on the municipality's Web site. ... [Ma'aleh Adumim is built on confiscated Palestinian land and is Israel's largest settlement bloc. It is illegal under international law.]
Eighty Palestinian employees, members of the Jahleen Bedouin tribe living on the city's edge in the West Bank, have served the citizens of Ma'aleh Adumim for decades, mostly in gardening and sanitation jobs. The workers must be doing a good job because Ma'aleh Adumim is considered one of Israel's cleanest and best-maintained cities.
The municipality is proud that every year it scores the highest marks according to the organization Israel is Beautiful. But the gaps between the municipality's Israeli and Palestinian employees are great and stem from Jordanian labor law, which was applied in the territories in 1965. Even amendments over the past 45 years that have made Jordanian legislation more progressive in terms of labor rights are not applied in the case of Palestinians employed by the municipality.
The differences are vast. Under the original Jordanian law the employees had two basic rights - very limited severance pay and holiday pay. All other social benefits that are part of Israeli labor law such as rehabilitation pay, pensions, travel expenses and education funding do not exist in the Jordanian law.
..."Ma'aleh Adumim was built on lands of the Jahleen; these people were pushed to the edges of the community," Lecker said. "This is not a hostile population and the city should be interested in ensuring that this community is not hungry." Full story
"Ma'aleh Adumim is a shining pearl in the State of Israel," declares its mayor, Benny Kashriel, on the municipality's Web site. ... [Ma'aleh Adumim is built on confiscated Palestinian land and is Israel's largest settlement bloc. It is illegal under international law.]
Eighty Palestinian employees, members of the Jahleen Bedouin tribe living on the city's edge in the West Bank, have served the citizens of Ma'aleh Adumim for decades, mostly in gardening and sanitation jobs. The workers must be doing a good job because Ma'aleh Adumim is considered one of Israel's cleanest and best-maintained cities.
The municipality is proud that every year it scores the highest marks according to the organization Israel is Beautiful. But the gaps between the municipality's Israeli and Palestinian employees are great and stem from Jordanian labor law, which was applied in the territories in 1965. Even amendments over the past 45 years that have made Jordanian legislation more progressive in terms of labor rights are not applied in the case of Palestinians employed by the municipality.
The differences are vast. Under the original Jordanian law the employees had two basic rights - very limited severance pay and holiday pay. All other social benefits that are part of Israeli labor law such as rehabilitation pay, pensions, travel expenses and education funding do not exist in the Jordanian law.
..."Ma'aleh Adumim was built on lands of the Jahleen; these people were pushed to the edges of the community," Lecker said. "This is not a hostile population and the city should be interested in ensuring that this community is not hungry." Full story
Dovish Jews? They love Israel? Excommunicate them
Ha'aretz - Bradley Burston
...It's a new Israeli approach which borrows from the very worst of our aging instincts. It says: We're moral, our enemies are out to exterminate us along with our state, that's all you need to know. No modifications necessary. Stay the course. Concede nothing. Ease no siege. Give no ground. Ever.
It is a radical redefinition of Postmodern Zionism, this time from the right.
...Now it's about to be tried on North American Jewry, some 6 million strong, a community at a critical crossroads, one that will have lasting and - if mishandled - dangerous consequences for Israel.
The opening shot was fired this month by the former chairman of the Governing Board of the World Jewish Congress, Isi Liebler, who declared it "our obligation to confront the enemy within - renegade Jews - including Israelis who stand at the vanguard of global efforts to demonize and delegitimize the Jewish state."
"Such odious Jews can be traced back to apostates during the Middle Ages who fabricated blood libels and vile distortions of Jewish religious practice for Christian anti-Semites to incite hatred which culminated in massacres," Liebler wrote in the Jerusalem Post. "It was in response to these renegades that the herem [excommunication] was introduced." Full story
...It's a new Israeli approach which borrows from the very worst of our aging instincts. It says: We're moral, our enemies are out to exterminate us along with our state, that's all you need to know. No modifications necessary. Stay the course. Concede nothing. Ease no siege. Give no ground. Ever.
It is a radical redefinition of Postmodern Zionism, this time from the right.
...Now it's about to be tried on North American Jewry, some 6 million strong, a community at a critical crossroads, one that will have lasting and - if mishandled - dangerous consequences for Israel.
The opening shot was fired this month by the former chairman of the Governing Board of the World Jewish Congress, Isi Liebler, who declared it "our obligation to confront the enemy within - renegade Jews - including Israelis who stand at the vanguard of global efforts to demonize and delegitimize the Jewish state."
"Such odious Jews can be traced back to apostates during the Middle Ages who fabricated blood libels and vile distortions of Jewish religious practice for Christian anti-Semites to incite hatred which culminated in massacres," Liebler wrote in the Jerusalem Post. "It was in response to these renegades that the herem [excommunication] was introduced." Full story
Obama sends Rabin memorial video, in bid to woo Israelis
Ha'aretz
U.S. President Barack Obama has videotaped a message to be shown Saturday night at the annual memorial ceremony for Yitzhak Rabin in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. The message will relate to the murdered prime minister's legacy and the need to advance the peace process.
...This is another step in Obama's attempt to speak directly to the Israeli public in light of the very low level of support he has among the Israeli public.
...Obama's advisers are worried about his lack of popularity and the expressed feeling that he is hostile to Israel. They believe this seriously harms his ability to advance the peace process with the Palestinians.
...the U.S. administration has started to increase the number of messages it is sending to the Israeli public on the peace process. For example, Obama published a New Year's greeting to the Jewish people for Rosh Hashanah, in which he spoke at length about his aspirations to advance the peace process. In addition, he sent a video recording to the President's Conference in Jerusalem, reiterating his commitment to Israel's security. Obama also released a special announcement a few days ago honoring the 15th anniversary of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Full story
U.S. President Barack Obama has videotaped a message to be shown Saturday night at the annual memorial ceremony for Yitzhak Rabin in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. The message will relate to the murdered prime minister's legacy and the need to advance the peace process.
...This is another step in Obama's attempt to speak directly to the Israeli public in light of the very low level of support he has among the Israeli public.
...Obama's advisers are worried about his lack of popularity and the expressed feeling that he is hostile to Israel. They believe this seriously harms his ability to advance the peace process with the Palestinians.
...the U.S. administration has started to increase the number of messages it is sending to the Israeli public on the peace process. For example, Obama published a New Year's greeting to the Jewish people for Rosh Hashanah, in which he spoke at length about his aspirations to advance the peace process. In addition, he sent a video recording to the President's Conference in Jerusalem, reiterating his commitment to Israel's security. Obama also released a special announcement a few days ago honoring the 15th anniversary of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Full story
Police view alleged child-abusing 'rabbi' as attempted murder suspect
Ha'aretz
Israeli legal authorities plan to treat Elior Chen, the spiritual leader of an ultra-Orthodox sect in Jerusalem alleged to have carried out severe child abuse, as a suspect in attempted murder.
...Chen arrived in Israel on Wednesday after being extradited from Brazil. He and several of his followers allegedly used knives, hammers and other instruments to abuse children as young as 3 and 4 years old in the West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit in February and March 2008.
...Chen, who is suspected of being the key figure behind one of the worst child-abuse cases to ever occur in Israel, was arrested by Brazilian police in Sao Paulo in June 2008 after a 45-day manhunt.
... allegedly subjecting eight children to intense physical and mental abuse. He is said to have done so after asserting that the children were possessed by the devil. Full story
Israeli legal authorities plan to treat Elior Chen, the spiritual leader of an ultra-Orthodox sect in Jerusalem alleged to have carried out severe child abuse, as a suspect in attempted murder.
...Chen arrived in Israel on Wednesday after being extradited from Brazil. He and several of his followers allegedly used knives, hammers and other instruments to abuse children as young as 3 and 4 years old in the West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit in February and March 2008.
...Chen, who is suspected of being the key figure behind one of the worst child-abuse cases to ever occur in Israel, was arrested by Brazilian police in Sao Paulo in June 2008 after a 45-day manhunt.
... allegedly subjecting eight children to intense physical and mental abuse. He is said to have done so after asserting that the children were possessed by the devil. Full story
Israel remembers 14 years since Rabin murder
Ha'aretz
...to commemorate 14 years since the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin with an official state memorial service on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl.
The ceremonies was carried out as planned, even as right-wing activists were urging students in Jerusalem to boycott this year's memorials.
...right-wing activists said they intend to descend upon Jerusalem schools on Thursday morning with fliers urging students to boycott memorial ceremonies commemorating Rabin's assassination. Full story
...to commemorate 14 years since the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin with an official state memorial service on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl.
The ceremonies was carried out as planned, even as right-wing activists were urging students in Jerusalem to boycott this year's memorials.
...right-wing activists said they intend to descend upon Jerusalem schools on Thursday morning with fliers urging students to boycott memorial ceremonies commemorating Rabin's assassination. Full story
It’s All About Demography, Again!
IMEMC - Saed Bannoura
A recent Israeli report based on a study conducted by the Macro Center for Political Economy in Israel states that the aim of Israel in East Jerusalem is to guarantee a Jewish majority by all means in order to prevent any future partition of the city. The report ‘warns’ that in twenty years, and in spite of land annexation and home demolitions, there will be a Palestinian majority in Jerusalem.
It adds that the Israeli policies in Jerusalem aim at maintaining Jewish majority by all means.
The report was distributed to Israeli members of Knesset in recent days. It says that in spite of the Israeli activities and policies that aim at preventing the Palestinians from becoming a majority in the city, their natural growth continue to ‘pose a threat to the Jewish majority, and if nothing is done about it, Jerusalem would become a bi-national city”.
“Regardless of land grab policies and annexation of Arab land since 1967, the Arab population continues to grow”, the report adds, “Arabs could become a majority within twenty years”.
... since capturing East Jerusalem in 1967, the Israeli authorities annexed more than 24000 Dunams (nearly 6000 Acres, 35% of the total size of Jerusalem).
“Most of the lands, annexed from the Palestinians, were used to construct homes for the Jewish residents”, the report stated, “yet, more is needed in order to prevent the city from becoming bi-national”. Full story
A recent Israeli report based on a study conducted by the Macro Center for Political Economy in Israel states that the aim of Israel in East Jerusalem is to guarantee a Jewish majority by all means in order to prevent any future partition of the city. The report ‘warns’ that in twenty years, and in spite of land annexation and home demolitions, there will be a Palestinian majority in Jerusalem.
It adds that the Israeli policies in Jerusalem aim at maintaining Jewish majority by all means.
The report was distributed to Israeli members of Knesset in recent days. It says that in spite of the Israeli activities and policies that aim at preventing the Palestinians from becoming a majority in the city, their natural growth continue to ‘pose a threat to the Jewish majority, and if nothing is done about it, Jerusalem would become a bi-national city”.
“Regardless of land grab policies and annexation of Arab land since 1967, the Arab population continues to grow”, the report adds, “Arabs could become a majority within twenty years”.
... since capturing East Jerusalem in 1967, the Israeli authorities annexed more than 24000 Dunams (nearly 6000 Acres, 35% of the total size of Jerusalem).
“Most of the lands, annexed from the Palestinians, were used to construct homes for the Jewish residents”, the report stated, “yet, more is needed in order to prevent the city from becoming bi-national”. Full story
Netanyahu Orders A Plan For A Wall In Southern Israel
IMEMC
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered the army and the Ministry of Internal Security to prepare a plan to install a fence or a wall in southern Israel to prevent infiltration through Egyptian borders. Full story
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered the army and the Ministry of Internal Security to prepare a plan to install a fence or a wall in southern Israel to prevent infiltration through Egyptian borders. Full story
Hamas: “No Elections In Gaza, Abbas’ Declaration, Illegitimate”
IMEMC
The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip said that general and presidential elections, sanctioned by President Mahmoud Abbas, will not be held in the Gaza.
Hamas said that Abbas’ term in office had expired; therefore he cannot call for elections.
It added that elections should not be held before reaching a unity deal and before ending the ongoing divisions. Full story
The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip said that general and presidential elections, sanctioned by President Mahmoud Abbas, will not be held in the Gaza.
Hamas said that Abbas’ term in office had expired; therefore he cannot call for elections.
It added that elections should not be held before reaching a unity deal and before ending the ongoing divisions. Full story
Shot after photographing the Gaza sea
EI - Eva BartlettOn 4 October, Ashraf Abu Suleiman, a 16-year-old from Gaza's Jabaliya refugee camp, went to the northwest coast town of Sudaniya to visit an ill school friend. The teen then went to the sea, where he rolled up the legs of his pants, waded into the water and enjoyed the late summer morning. He took some photos of the sea and of the area around him, intending to play with the photos later on Photoshop, a hobby he and his father share.
Minutes later, Ashraf was running in blind terror as Israeli soldiers in a gunboat off the coast began shooting at Palestinian fishermen. He was hit by an Israeli soldier's bullet which bore through his neck and grazed his vertebrae, fracturing C-4 and C-5, leaving him bleeding on the ground and unable to stand up.
...He estimates he ran for a few minutes, soon approaching the northern border before an Israeli soldier's voice shouted over a megaphone for him to stop. Seeing an Israeli military vehicle in the distance ahead, Ashraf was afraid that the soldiers north of him would start shooting. He kept running, hoping to take cover behind a low hill nearby.
Then he was grounded, one of the bullets hitting him in the neck.
...At least eight Palestinians have been killed and at least 33 injured in the Israeli-imposed "buffer zone" along Gaza's border since the 18 January ceasefire. Three of the killed and 12 of the injured were minors, including many children.
...Three Israeli soldiers approached him on foot, Ashraf explained. "An Israeli soldier kicked me in the mouth and told me to stand up. I couldn't, my legs wouldn't move."
..."There were maybe 30 Israeli soldiers around us. The ambulance driver kept saying, 'he's critical, very critical, take him to Israel,' but the soldiers just pointed their guns at him and did nothing," Ashraf explained.
...At the Palestinian side of the Erez crossing, Ghrenam passed Ashraf to a waiting Red Crescent ambulance which immediately transferred the youth to Gaza's al-Shifa hospital. He is now in the al-Wafa rehabilitation hospital, and doctors and Ashraf's parents wait to see whether his fractured vertebrae will heal well enough so he can walk again.
Ashraf's father is not optimistic. "Every day we wait I feel like his life is withering. I'm worried about his future." Full story
Daily Situation Report: Oct. 27, 2009
PMG
Israeli forces
Israeli forces
- conducted 17 raids into Palestinian territory
- detained/kidnapped 25 people, including a number of children
- Severely beat 5 civilians
- demolished 3 houses
- closed off towns, villages and roads
- conducted 6 attacks on Palestinians, including burning olive trees and injuring civilians, including 2 women
- held a demonstration Full report
UN General Assembly to debate Gaza report next week
Ma'an
The United Nations General Assembly will debate next week a report that accuses Israel and Palestinian fighters of committing war crimes during Israel’s offensive against Gaza last winter.
...will take place during a plenary meeting on 4 November.
...Ban also urged Israel to reopen the Gaza Strip’s borders to allow UN-backed reconstruction efforts to proceed. Ban noted that 10 months after the end of the war there has been no progress on rebuilding homes, buildings and infrastructure, even though an international donors’ conference in Egypt raised 4.5 billion US dollars for reconstruction.
“Little if any of that money has been delivered,” he said, according to the UN news service. “Families have not been able to rebuild their homes. Clinics and schools are still in ruins. I urge Israel to accept the UN reconstruction proposals as set forth, recognizing that the only true guarantee of peace is people’s well-being and security.”
Israel bans the entry of all construction materials to Gaza as a part of a blockade it has imposed since June 2007. Full story
The United Nations General Assembly will debate next week a report that accuses Israel and Palestinian fighters of committing war crimes during Israel’s offensive against Gaza last winter.
...will take place during a plenary meeting on 4 November.
...Ban also urged Israel to reopen the Gaza Strip’s borders to allow UN-backed reconstruction efforts to proceed. Ban noted that 10 months after the end of the war there has been no progress on rebuilding homes, buildings and infrastructure, even though an international donors’ conference in Egypt raised 4.5 billion US dollars for reconstruction.
“Little if any of that money has been delivered,” he said, according to the UN news service. “Families have not been able to rebuild their homes. Clinics and schools are still in ruins. I urge Israel to accept the UN reconstruction proposals as set forth, recognizing that the only true guarantee of peace is people’s well-being and security.”
Israel bans the entry of all construction materials to Gaza as a part of a blockade it has imposed since June 2007. Full story
BU: Gazan student denied permission to finish degree in West Bank
Ma'an
Israeli forces forcibly deported Gazan student of Bethlehem University Berlanty Azzam to Gaza overnight, after detining her at the Container checkpoint north of Bethlehem on Wednesday.
The fourth-year Business Administration student had three credits left before finishing her degree.
"The Israeli Military authorities are holding this 4th year Christian student in the Sharon Detention Center near Netanya in Israel and are threatening to 'deport her’ to Gaza 'for trying to complete her studies at Bethlehem University,'" an appeal for help from Bethlehem University said. Full story
Israeli forces forcibly deported Gazan student of Bethlehem University Berlanty Azzam to Gaza overnight, after detining her at the Container checkpoint north of Bethlehem on Wednesday.
The fourth-year Business Administration student had three credits left before finishing her degree.
"The Israeli Military authorities are holding this 4th year Christian student in the Sharon Detention Center near Netanya in Israel and are threatening to 'deport her’ to Gaza 'for trying to complete her studies at Bethlehem University,'" an appeal for help from Bethlehem University said. Full story
Fayyad talks Dayton, resistance and statehood in new magazine
IMEMC
US General Keith Dayton is involved in “training and only training,” and does not interfere in the security mission of the Palestinian Security Services, Prime Minister of the caretaker government Salam Fayyad commented.
...“Violence is no longer part of the Palestinian resistance,” Fayyad announced while addressing questions around the role of Dayton. After the Oslo Accords, he explained, the track of violent resistance came to an end, and now negotiations must be used as an alternative. “There is an occupation,” he said, but “arms and chaos are not the solution.”
Instead, Fayyad promoted his two-year plan, released in August, which sets out a plan for state and institution building “despite the existence of the occupation,” and with an eye to totally overthrowing it when two years comes to an end.
The magazine staff pressed Fayyad on the issue of a Palestinian state, and asked whether the 1988 declaration of independence, unheeded by the international community, or the Oslo Accords in 1993 form the basis of a Palestinian state. Full story
US General Keith Dayton is involved in “training and only training,” and does not interfere in the security mission of the Palestinian Security Services, Prime Minister of the caretaker government Salam Fayyad commented.
...“Violence is no longer part of the Palestinian resistance,” Fayyad announced while addressing questions around the role of Dayton. After the Oslo Accords, he explained, the track of violent resistance came to an end, and now negotiations must be used as an alternative. “There is an occupation,” he said, but “arms and chaos are not the solution.”
Instead, Fayyad promoted his two-year plan, released in August, which sets out a plan for state and institution building “despite the existence of the occupation,” and with an eye to totally overthrowing it when two years comes to an end.
The magazine staff pressed Fayyad on the issue of a Palestinian state, and asked whether the 1988 declaration of independence, unheeded by the international community, or the Oslo Accords in 1993 form the basis of a Palestinian state. Full story
EU`s Solana slams house demolitions, warns of East Jlem escalations
Ma'an
EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana issued a public statement Wednesday condemning the demolition of Palestinian homes by Israeli forces in Jerusalem the preceding day. Full story
EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana issued a public statement Wednesday condemning the demolition of Palestinian homes by Israeli forces in Jerusalem the preceding day. Full story
Former Israeli MK won't travel abroad for fear of war crimes charges
Ma'an
Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon, wanted for war crimes in Europe, declared in the Israeli press Wednesday that he is "willing to forgo visits to European capitals and to allow the Israel Defense Forces the freedom to act."
Ya'alon, the former Israeli chief of staff for the army, is wanted on charges of war crimes for the assassination of Hamas leader Salah Shehadeh, who was killed alongside 14 civilians in July 2002. He is one of several Israeli officials and former officials with warrants outstanding in various world capitals. Full story
Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon, wanted for war crimes in Europe, declared in the Israeli press Wednesday that he is "willing to forgo visits to European capitals and to allow the Israel Defense Forces the freedom to act."
Ya'alon, the former Israeli chief of staff for the army, is wanted on charges of war crimes for the assassination of Hamas leader Salah Shehadeh, who was killed alongside 14 civilians in July 2002. He is one of several Israeli officials and former officials with warrants outstanding in various world capitals. Full story
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
[Group urges opposition to H.RES 867]
Capwiz - ADC
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) urges you to contact your Representatives and encourage them not to support H.RES 867 which was introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). [co-sponsored by Berman, Burton, Ackerman]
H. RES. 867 calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict.
...The Report is the conclusion of a three-month investigation ... undertaken by the UN Fact Finding Mission, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone. Full story
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) urges you to contact your Representatives and encourage them not to support H.RES 867 which was introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). [co-sponsored by Berman, Burton, Ackerman]
H. RES. 867 calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict.
...The Report is the conclusion of a three-month investigation ... undertaken by the UN Fact Finding Mission, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone. Full story
Gaza isn't about Israeli security, Gaza is about a world gone mad
Veterans Today - Jeff Gates
Jeff Gates is a Vietnam veteran, author, attorney, investment banker, educator and consultant to government, corporate and union leaders worldwide; an adviser to policy-makers worldwide; former counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
Full story
Israeli officials are right to worry. Gazans too. Yet Americans should worry even more.Israel’s “legitimacy” will not last.
Of course, that assumes its legitimacy was deserved. That issue also is now called into question in light of the consistency of Israeli behavior over the past six decades. The emerging issues are these: When and how will the recognition of Israel’s nation-state status be withdrawn? How will Tel Aviv behave in the interim?
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman may have tipped his Masada hand when he reportedly told Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan that Israel may use nuclear weapons against Gaza. The threat to Israel is not the 1.5 million Gazans who reside in the world’s largest open-air prison. The threat is the fast-growing global outrage at the abuse inflicted on Palestinians, commencing with the ethnic cleansing of 400-plus villages six decades ago.
...The merciless global agenda pursued by Colonial Zionists is the single greatest threat to world peace, as confirmed yet again by Lieberman’s warning. As the primary remaining ally of these Jewish nationalists, the risks to the U.S. increase with each passing day as Tel Aviv works behind the scenes to catalyze yet another conflict. This entangled alliance was destined to provoke resentments that would eventually endanger their super power ally and foremost arms provider.
...Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, the confessed mastermind of the mass murder of 9-11, conceded that the motivation for that attack was to focus “the American people…on the atrocities that America is committing by supporting Israel against the Palestinian people and America’s self-serving foreign policy that corrupts Arab governments and leads to further exploitation of the Arab Muslim people.
”The Joint Chiefs of Staff warned Truman 61 years ago that this militant enclave meant to establish Jewish military and economic hegemony over the entire Middle East. Familiar with the duplicity for which Israel has since become infamous, the Pentagon chiefs warned:
“All stages of this program are equally sacred to the fanatical concepts of the Jewish leaders.”
Nuclear-Armed Fanatics
With each passing year, Tel Aviv adds a new chapter to the agent provocateur handbook on How To Succeed as a Victim. Israel’s strategic success traces directly to its capacity to radicalize and enrage—as those residing in the Occupied Territories endure a third generation of deprivation, degradation and periodic starvation.
Thus the in-depth planning that preceded Israel’s brutal “defensive” assault on Gaza between Christmas 2008 and the inauguration of Barack Obama—who said nothing about the attack throughout its 28-day duration...
In the lead-up to the report’s release, a U.S. president gave Tel Aviv a rhetorical gift when, in a U.N. speech, the nation’s first Black president used the code phrase “Jewish state” as an implied endorsement of the apartheid policies of this racist enclave.
Even Truman did not go that far. But then his administration was not as thoroughly staffed with Zionists and pro-Israelis...
The facts in the Goldstone Report were further confirmed by “Breaking the Silence”—the personal testimony by thirty members of the Israel Defense Forces who described a murderous policy meant to teach the people of Gaza a lesson for their support of Hamas—which came to power in 2006 elections that were universally appraised as free and fair.
As Israel’s protector and apologist, the U.S. bears the brunt of the anger as Israeli extremism continues to enrage Muslims and radicalize the Islamic body politic.
... Meanwhile, the steady expansion of Israeli settlements made a Palestinian state impossible—unless indigenous Arabs are happy to reside in an archipelago of isolated ghettos ringed by Israeli checkpoints. To suggest that the U.S. is culpable only states the obvious.Yet Israeli extremism continues unabated even as Tel Aviv insists that its neighbors accept it as a “Jewish state” even before its borders are fixed and resolution of the occupied territories is known. After six decades of nonstop deceit, Arab states are understandably reluctant to further appease this “state.”
For Americans endangered by the behavior of Jewish fanatics, the lesson is uncomfortable but inescapable: we enabled this. By our continued appeasement, Barack Obama is inviting another violent reaction to Israel’s serial provocations. By failing to endorse the Goldstone Report, our commander-in-chief is putting U.S. forces at risk.
By implying that Israel is above the law, he only emboldens Tel Aviv. By suggesting that Israeli conduct is consistent with the values of a “Jewish state,” he endangers the broader Jewish community...
Small in numbers but large in ambition, this extremist enclave had no choice but to wage war by way of deception. The most insidious deceit was targeted, from within, at its purported ally to induce the U.S. military to lead an invasion of Iraq for its Greater Israel strategy.
Absent an Israeli strategy able to sustain serial crises, a long-deceived public will awaken to the common source of the fixed intelligence that led us into the last war—and now seeks to induce the next. As Americans awaken to how this duplicity proceeds in plain sight, they will see for themselves who and why.
That knowledge is the threat that Tel Aviv most fears. As the facts become known, Israeli legitimacy will no longer be an issue. The only issue will be how best to dis-arm these extremists and how to hold accountable those lawmakers who enable this ongoing treason.Jeff Gates is a Vietnam veteran, author, attorney, investment banker, educator and consultant to government, corporate and union leaders worldwide; an adviser to policy-makers worldwide; former counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
Full story
Daily Situation Report: Oct. 26, 2009
PMG
Israeli forces
Israeli forces
- conducted 20 raids into Palestinian territory
- detained/kidnapped 23 people
- stormed and searched school dormitories
- attacked property and leveled agricultural land
- closed towns, villages, roads Full report
US dairy farmers killing cows while Obama (quietly) lifts tariffs on Israeli milk products
Examiner.com
According to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) website, “U.S. dairy producers have been facing unprecedented losses over the past year due to low milk prices and high input costs… dire economic straits have forced many farmers to exit the industry, oftentimes having to sell their herds or farms.”
...Jake and Lori Slegers...last summer sent their 1500-plus head of cattle to be turned into hamburger.
According to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) website, “U.S. dairy producers have been facing unprecedented losses over the past year due to low milk prices and high input costs… dire economic straits have forced many farmers to exit the industry, oftentimes having to sell their herds or farms.”
...Jake and Lori Slegers...last summer sent their 1500-plus head of cattle to be turned into hamburger.
“He [Jake] said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do,” Lori Slegers told the AP.
...The Slegers estimate they’ve gone through more than a million dollars in savings to keep the farm afloat, and predicted more staggering financial loss was on the way.
...The AP reports individual farmers are sending cows to slaughter at a rate of 55,000 per week, leading a professor at the University of Wisconsin to estimate more than 3 million cows will be killed in a year – all in hopes of raising the prices paid to farmers by milk producers.
But while American dairy farmers face the prospect of culling the herd or losing their farms (and in many cases they go hand-in-hand), the Obama administration has removed the import surcharge on dairy products from Israel.
In a story covered by the Israeli news service, Ynet, President Obama signed last week a presidential memo that eliminated the tariffs on exports of dairy products from Israel to the U.S.
In simple terms, the President of the United States just eliminated another wall of protection for American dairy farmers and stopped the flow of much needed levy cash into our faltering economy.
Slightly more disturbing was the response Pacific Free Press contributor (and executive director of If Americans Knew), Alison Weir, received when she contacted the US Department of Agriculture, where no one she spoke with was aware this policy change had been implemented. Full story
Obama exempts Israel from dairy tariffs
KBOO
Full story
Listen to Cron's comments here
The US dairy industry is in a state of crisis. The average price of milk is half what it was last year, and dairy farmers around the country are suffering unprecedented losses.
Last Wednesday, Barack Obama signed legislation providing three hundred fifty million dollars in emergency subsidies to these farmers.
But at the same time that President Obama was publicly supporting the nation’s farmers, he was secretly engaging in a back room deal to undermine the dairy industry by allowing Israeli dairy products to enter the US untaxed.
Investigative journalist Alison Weir, who broke the story on her website IfAmericansKnew dot org, says that she was surprised to discover this presidential decree – and even more surprised when no one in the Department of Agriculture knew anything about it.
...Jim Cron, the Executive Director of the Oregon Dairy Farmer’s Association, explains why these tariffs are important for local farmers... says that this is the kind of thing that hurts farmers in Oregon and around the country...
Listen to Cron's comments here
Jones: Middle East peace ‘epicenter’ of policy
JTAAdvancing Israel-Palestinian peace is the "epicenter" of U.S. foreign policy, the White House national security adviser said.
"If there was one problem I could recommend to the president if he could solve one problem, this would be it," James Jones said Tuesday ... Bringing about an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement would create "ripples" around the world, Jones said. Full story
J Street confab shows generational divide on Israel
JTA
...there appeared to be broad consenus, like the belief that the Palestinians deserve national rights or the United States needs to do more to push the Israelis and Palestinians toward negotiations.
...there appeared to be broad consenus, like the belief that the Palestinians deserve national rights or the United States needs to do more to push the Israelis and Palestinians toward negotiations.
On other issues, however, a stark generation gap was apparent.
Older conference goers appeared to be virtually unanimous in expressing support for a two-state solution, calling themselves Zionists and saying that while they back more U.S. pressure on the parties, they reject cutting aid to Israel if it does not accede to U.S. demands.
But a number of delegates under 40, especially college students and recent graduates, appeared to be much more equivocal on the idea of two states for two peoples. Some were hesitant about identifying as Zionists, and some were open to the idea of making U.S. aid to Israel conditional on progress in the peace process. Full story
Palestinians to file lawsuits over Gaza war
JTA
About 1,500 notices of future civil lawsuits against the Israel Defense Forces over damages caused during the Gaza war have been filed in Israel.
About 1,500 notices of future civil lawsuits against the Israel Defense Forces over damages caused during the Gaza war have been filed in Israel.
The claims by Palestinians in Gaza come to tens of millions of dollars and deal with property damage, physical damage and loss of earning capacity, Ynet reported Wednesday. Full story
Israel Risks US Wrath Over Palestinian Homes
Sky News
Israel is risking another confrontation with the US by demolishing a record number of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem.
Israel is risking another confrontation with the US by demolishing a record number of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem.
The move comes just days before US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives here.
Jerusalem city authorities demolished five houses in Arab neighbourhoods on Tuesday, an unprecedented number on one day.
...The move has been condemned by Ir Amim - an organisation promoting coexistence in Jerusalem... "The extreme behaviour of the municipality is an irresponsible step that could escalate the situation in the city and bring it to a new boiling point."
..."It is clear that not only is the Jerusalem municipality not keeping its word but it is pursuing the most extreme policy in this area that the city has seen for years." Full story
On ‘Losing My Love for Israel’
Forward
Love Is Not Blindness
Opinion - Jay Michaelson
Since the publication of “How I’m Losing My Love for Israel,” a personal essay describing my fatigue as a liberal Zionist, the most disturbing responses have not been the vitriolic e-mails or online comments, nor the thoughtful and well-reasoned replies ... Rather, I have been most troubled by the statements of many Jewish professionals — rabbis, federation leaders, nonprofit directors — who have told me, “Thank you for saying what I cannot.”
Why is it that they cannot say what I said? Because they fear for their jobs, or fear their organizations would be harmed if they expressed their opinion? And what opinion is that, which they and I share? Is it hatred of Israel? Support for the terrorists of Hamas? No. It is *ambivalence.
Remarkably, and disturbingly, this American Jewish McCarthyism has reached such a paranoid pitch that my colleagues in the Jewish world fear even to express ambivalence, uncertainty or reservation regarding the State of Israel. We fear that we might endanger relationships with members, donors, supporters and friends for expressing uncertainty. This is outrageous, and it has shocked me in the weeks since the column was published.
...Fortunately, I think the American Jewish community is at a tipping point on these issues... there’s an understanding that the tide has begun to turn.
...Fewer and fewer people — especially American Jews under 40 — feel the reflexive, unquestioning loyalty that an older generation did. If their only choices were blind acceptance or outright opposition, they might just walk away. J Street and organizations like it represent a third way — and that is a very good thing for Israel. Full story
Love Is Not Blindness
Opinion - Jay Michaelson
Since the publication of “How I’m Losing My Love for Israel,” a personal essay describing my fatigue as a liberal Zionist, the most disturbing responses have not been the vitriolic e-mails or online comments, nor the thoughtful and well-reasoned replies ... Rather, I have been most troubled by the statements of many Jewish professionals — rabbis, federation leaders, nonprofit directors — who have told me, “Thank you for saying what I cannot.”
Why is it that they cannot say what I said? Because they fear for their jobs, or fear their organizations would be harmed if they expressed their opinion? And what opinion is that, which they and I share? Is it hatred of Israel? Support for the terrorists of Hamas? No. It is *ambivalence.
Remarkably, and disturbingly, this American Jewish McCarthyism has reached such a paranoid pitch that my colleagues in the Jewish world fear even to express ambivalence, uncertainty or reservation regarding the State of Israel. We fear that we might endanger relationships with members, donors, supporters and friends for expressing uncertainty. This is outrageous, and it has shocked me in the weeks since the column was published.
...Fortunately, I think the American Jewish community is at a tipping point on these issues... there’s an understanding that the tide has begun to turn.
...Fewer and fewer people — especially American Jews under 40 — feel the reflexive, unquestioning loyalty that an older generation did. If their only choices were blind acceptance or outright opposition, they might just walk away. J Street and organizations like it represent a third way — and that is a very good thing for Israel. Full story
Marching Through the Meltdown
Daily Beast - Dan Senor & Saul Singer
Israel has thrived during the global collapse—thanks to an entrepreneurial culture built on compulsory military service.
...the real turbocharger has been its universal military training and national service program.
Israel has thrived during the global collapse—thanks to an entrepreneurial culture built on compulsory military service.
...the real turbocharger has been its universal military training and national service program.
...While students in other countries are preoccupied with deciding which college to attend, Israelis are weighing the merits of different military units. And just as students elsewhere are thinking about what they need to do to get into the best schools, many Israelis are positioning themselves to be recruited by the elite units of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).
One IDF Army officer with whom we spoke knew when he was just twelve years old that he wanted to learn Arabic, partly because he realized even then that it might help him get accepted into the best intelligence units.
One year before reaching draft age, all seventeen-year-old males and females are called to report to IDF recruiting centers for an initial one-day screening that includes aptitude and psychological exams, interviews, and a medical evaluation.
...They remain in the reserves until they are in their mid-forties.
While it’s difficult to get into the top Israeli universities, the nation’s equivalent of Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are the IDF’s elite units.
...“In Israel, one’s academic past is somehow less important than the military past. One of the questions asked in every job interview is, Where did you serve in the army?” Full story
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