YNET
Three Israelis, including two owners of a locksmith company in Clearwater, Florida, were arrested on mail fraud charges and suspicion of instructing their employees to threaten their clients and force them to pay larger sums than what was agreed upon in advance.
...The company employs over 100 locksmiths around the United States. According to the court documents, the company trained its employees to use "coercive and intimidating techniques to ensure consumer payment, especially in the case of consumers who object to the fraudulent overcharge." Full story
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Michigan woman imprisoned by Israel fallowing settler take over of Palestinian home
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Imprisoned American citizen and Michigan resident Ahlam Mohsen to be deported to the US after being arrested in a Palestinian home taken over by Israeli settlers in Occupied East Jerusalem.
Ahlam was a guest of the al-Kurd family when on the morning of 3 November 2009 Israeli settlers burst in and seized part of the building. Contrary to eyewitness accounts, the police claim the 21-year-old attacked them.
From the Givon prison in Ramle where Ms. Mohsen is currently awaiting deportation she reported that: “The Israeli police were violently pushing an elderly Palestinian woman. So I stepped in front of them. They told me to move and when I refused they started forcefully pushing me. Then they grabbed me and carried me into a police van. While I was waiting at the Israeli Ministry of Interior, the police officers kept telling each other that I was a ‘dirty Arab’ and introducing me as 'Osama Bin Laden’s sister'. One of them, threatened to ‘break my head’. None of the other non-violent demonstrators were targeted; the way they treated me, it’s obvious that I was arrested because I’m of Arab descent.”
The 40 settlers, accompanied by private armed security and Israeli police forces, entered a section of the home, threw out the family’s belongings and locked themselves in.
The take-over came after an appeal submitted by the family's lawyer was rejected by the District Court. In their appeal, the Palestinian family was challenging an earlier court decision that deemed a section of the house illegal and ordered that the keys be given to settlers. The settlers proceeded to enter the house, while the court did not grant them the right to enter the property.
The al-Kurd home was built in 1956. An addition to the house was built 10 years ago, but the family was not allowed to inhabit the section because the municipality refused to grant them a building permit. Visibly unequal laws are used to make it possible for settlers to move into a home where it was declared illegal for Palestinian residents to inhabit. The Israeli authorities exercise their abilities to demolish and evict Palestinian residents, while ignoring building violations from the Israeli population in East Jerusalem.
The al-Kurds have become the fourth Sheikh Jarrah family whose house has been occupied by settlers in the last year. So far, 60 people have been left homeless. In total, 28 families living in the Karm Al- Ja'ouni neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, located directly north of the
Old City, face imminent eviction from their homes.
See video:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/11/03/hancocks.fight.for.jerusalem.cnn
Ahlam is imprisoned in the Givon prison in Ramle. She is available for
interviews.
Please contact:
Ahlam Mohsen +972.548.845.924
Sasha Solanas, ISM Media office +972.54.903.2981
Imprisoned American citizen and Michigan resident Ahlam Mohsen to be deported to the US after being arrested in a Palestinian home taken over by Israeli settlers in Occupied East Jerusalem.
Ahlam was a guest of the al-Kurd family when on the morning of 3 November 2009 Israeli settlers burst in and seized part of the building. Contrary to eyewitness accounts, the police claim the 21-year-old attacked them.
From the Givon prison in Ramle where Ms. Mohsen is currently awaiting deportation she reported that: “The Israeli police were violently pushing an elderly Palestinian woman. So I stepped in front of them. They told me to move and when I refused they started forcefully pushing me. Then they grabbed me and carried me into a police van. While I was waiting at the Israeli Ministry of Interior, the police officers kept telling each other that I was a ‘dirty Arab’ and introducing me as 'Osama Bin Laden’s sister'. One of them, threatened to ‘break my head’. None of the other non-violent demonstrators were targeted; the way they treated me, it’s obvious that I was arrested because I’m of Arab descent.”
The 40 settlers, accompanied by private armed security and Israeli police forces, entered a section of the home, threw out the family’s belongings and locked themselves in.
The take-over came after an appeal submitted by the family's lawyer was rejected by the District Court. In their appeal, the Palestinian family was challenging an earlier court decision that deemed a section of the house illegal and ordered that the keys be given to settlers. The settlers proceeded to enter the house, while the court did not grant them the right to enter the property.
The al-Kurd home was built in 1956. An addition to the house was built 10 years ago, but the family was not allowed to inhabit the section because the municipality refused to grant them a building permit. Visibly unequal laws are used to make it possible for settlers to move into a home where it was declared illegal for Palestinian residents to inhabit. The Israeli authorities exercise their abilities to demolish and evict Palestinian residents, while ignoring building violations from the Israeli population in East Jerusalem.
The al-Kurds have become the fourth Sheikh Jarrah family whose house has been occupied by settlers in the last year. So far, 60 people have been left homeless. In total, 28 families living in the Karm Al- Ja'ouni neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, located directly north of the
Old City, face imminent eviction from their homes.
See video:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#
Ahlam is imprisoned in the Givon prison in Ramle. She is available for
interviews.
Please contact:
Ahlam Mohsen +972.548.845.924
Sasha Solanas, ISM Media office +972.54.903.2981
Paying for programs—and the studies that love them
JTA
...Birthright Israel is hinging a major fund-raising push on a new study that says the program, which sends young Jews on free 10-day trips to Israel, has a major impact on Jewish continuity.
... Birthright's most vocal philanthropic boosters -- Charles Bronfman, Lynn Schusterman and Michael Steinhardt... Michael Bohnen... Full story
...Birthright Israel is hinging a major fund-raising push on a new study that says the program, which sends young Jews on free 10-day trips to Israel, has a major impact on Jewish continuity.
... Birthright's most vocal philanthropic boosters -- Charles Bronfman, Lynn Schusterman and Michael Steinhardt... Michael Bohnen... Full story
Another Madoff in South Florida? (Miami Herald, New Times)
YNET
Dozens of federal agents on Wednesday night raided the Fort Lauderdale law offices of attorney Scott Rothstein, a swaggering lawyer under investigation for allegedly masterminding an investment scam that could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Full story
Where is Scott Rothstein? - Sun Sentinel
A few weeks ago, Scott Rothstein sent an urgent e-mail to his colleagues. As law partner Stuart Rosenfeldt remembers it, Rothstein said he had a client who needed to know which countries lack extradition treaties with Israel and the United States. Full story
Rothstein campaign donations
Dozens of federal agents on Wednesday night raided the Fort Lauderdale law offices of attorney Scott Rothstein, a swaggering lawyer under investigation for allegedly masterminding an investment scam that could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Full story
Where is Scott Rothstein? - Sun Sentinel
A few weeks ago, Scott Rothstein sent an urgent e-mail to his colleagues. As law partner Stuart Rosenfeldt remembers it, Rothstein said he had a client who needed to know which countries lack extradition treaties with Israel and the United States. Full story
Rothstein campaign donations
PCHR Weekly Report: 15 civilians injured, 3 of them critically, by Israeli forces this week
IMEMC
According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, during the week of 29 Oct.- 04 Nov. 2009, three civilians in the West bank and the Gaza Strip were injured by bullet wounds when Israeli forces fired at them. 12 civilians, including 2 cameramen and 8 women, sustained injuries and bruises when Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations in the West Bank. In addition, Israeli forces abducted 13 Palestinian civilians, including one child, in the West Bank, and a wounded civilian from the Gaza Strip. Full story
According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, during the week of 29 Oct.- 04 Nov. 2009, three civilians in the West bank and the Gaza Strip were injured by bullet wounds when Israeli forces fired at them. 12 civilians, including 2 cameramen and 8 women, sustained injuries and bruises when Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations in the West Bank. In addition, Israeli forces abducted 13 Palestinian civilians, including one child, in the West Bank, and a wounded civilian from the Gaza Strip. Full story
UN General Assembly backs Goldstone report
Ma'an
The UN General Assembly in New York overwhelmingly endorsed South African jurist Richard Goldstone's Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict on Friday.
A resolution supporting the report passed the UN's largest body with 114 votes in favor versus 18 opposed. Forty-four states abstained.
...But critics say the Arab states' resolution, while expressing support for the report, does little to implement the document's recommendations for investigation and prosecution. The issue centers on the fact that the Security Council, dominated by veto-wielding US, UK, Russia, France, and China, is not likely to act on the report.
"Ideally, the General Assembly should retain authority to recommend the report to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or establish an ad hoc tribunal," said Richard Falk, a professor of international law at Princeton University, earlier this week. "There’s nothing in the charter precluding the General Assembly."
...The United States was the only permanent Security Council member to vote against the non-binding resolution. Full story
The UN General Assembly in New York overwhelmingly endorsed South African jurist Richard Goldstone's Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict on Friday.
A resolution supporting the report passed the UN's largest body with 114 votes in favor versus 18 opposed. Forty-four states abstained.
...But critics say the Arab states' resolution, while expressing support for the report, does little to implement the document's recommendations for investigation and prosecution. The issue centers on the fact that the Security Council, dominated by veto-wielding US, UK, Russia, France, and China, is not likely to act on the report.
"Ideally, the General Assembly should retain authority to recommend the report to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or establish an ad hoc tribunal," said Richard Falk, a professor of international law at Princeton University, earlier this week. "There’s nothing in the charter precluding the General Assembly."
...The United States was the only permanent Security Council member to vote against the non-binding resolution. Full story
Al-Ma'asara children remove barbed wire, sustain cuts
Ma'an
Al-Ma'asara residents approached the Israeli separation barrier in their village Friday afternoon, carrying percussion instruments, while children pulled down barbed wire strung along the road each Friday to prevent protesters from reaching the separation wall site, the popular committee said.
Several children sustained cuts on their hands while stepping over and trying to remove the barbed wire, and others fell on the sharp barbs as soldiers pushed them back after threatening them with arrest, the statement added.
As the children and protesters faced off with soldiers, one military vehicle reportedly entered the village from the back and parked on the main road, encircling the demonstrators
..."In today's demonstration against the illegal construction of the Apartheid Wall that is designed to steal the agricultural lands of the villages of southern Bethlehem, the people of Al-Ma'sara celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany," the statement added. Full story
Al-Ma'asara residents approached the Israeli separation barrier in their village Friday afternoon, carrying percussion instruments, while children pulled down barbed wire strung along the road each Friday to prevent protesters from reaching the separation wall site, the popular committee said.
Several children sustained cuts on their hands while stepping over and trying to remove the barbed wire, and others fell on the sharp barbs as soldiers pushed them back after threatening them with arrest, the statement added.
As the children and protesters faced off with soldiers, one military vehicle reportedly entered the village from the back and parked on the main road, encircling the demonstrators
..."In today's demonstration against the illegal construction of the Apartheid Wall that is designed to steal the agricultural lands of the villages of southern Bethlehem, the people of Al-Ma'sara celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany," the statement added. Full story
Settlement by stealth belies promises of restraint
Independent
Maysaa Al-Kurd has lived all her life in the home her family moved into in 1956. The pomegranate tree standing in the garden was planted by her father when she was still an infant nearly half a century ago. But that hardly reassured her yesterday when she heard the Jewish settlers break into the next-door extension building her brother Nabil built to house his family in 2001.
...Only last week about a hundred Israeli security personnel arrived to remove a nearby protest tent that the Palestinian Ghawi family had been sleeping in since being evicted in August. That move came 24 hours after bulldozers levelled the homes of six families across East Jerusalem on the grounds they did not have the proper permit. Human rights activists say it is exponentially harder for Palestinians than Israelis to obtain permits.
Maysaa Al-Kurd has lived all her life in the home her family moved into in 1956. The pomegranate tree standing in the garden was planted by her father when she was still an infant nearly half a century ago. But that hardly reassured her yesterday when she heard the Jewish settlers break into the next-door extension building her brother Nabil built to house his family in 2001.
...Only last week about a hundred Israeli security personnel arrived to remove a nearby protest tent that the Palestinian Ghawi family had been sleeping in since being evicted in August. That move came 24 hours after bulldozers levelled the homes of six families across East Jerusalem on the grounds they did not have the proper permit. Human rights activists say it is exponentially harder for Palestinians than Israelis to obtain permits.
Another elderly member of Ms Kurd's extended family, Mohammed al- Kurd, died after being evicted last August from his home and moving into a similar tent to the Ghawi family's.
...Maysaa al-Khurd said that her "life and blood" was in the house. Asked about the settlers' argument that they have a right to the land because Yemenite Jews lived there before 1948, she added that her own family were 1948 refugees from what was now Israel. "My family are all from Haifa. Can I go there and say I own the house and I have the key? Can I tell the people there that is my house? They will kill me." Full story
Bil'in protesters mark anniversary of Berlin wall fall
Ma'an
Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, demonstrators in Bil'in once again gathered in the village center and marched toward the site of the separation wall, which cuts the village from its agricultural, for a weekly protest.
"On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall came crumbling down in two days that inspired hope for a world in which walls could no longer keep people apart," a statement from the Popular Committee in Bil'in read. "Today, a wall twice as high and five times as long is being built by
Israel in the West Bank, in blunt contempt of international law, to separate Palestinians from their lands."
As the group of Palestinian, Israeli and international protesters marched toward the wall, they were met with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets fired by Israeli soldiers... Full story
Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, demonstrators in Bil'in once again gathered in the village center and marched toward the site of the separation wall, which cuts the village from its agricultural, for a weekly protest.
"On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall came crumbling down in two days that inspired hope for a world in which walls could no longer keep people apart," a statement from the Popular Committee in Bil'in read. "Today, a wall twice as high and five times as long is being built by
Israel in the West Bank, in blunt contempt of international law, to separate Palestinians from their lands."
As the group of Palestinian, Israeli and international protesters marched toward the wall, they were met with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets fired by Israeli soldiers... Full story
PA police: Youth arrested by Israel, teen assaulted by settlers
Ma'an
Palestinian Authority police report on Israeli violations in the West Bank overnight said a young man was detained and a teen struck in the head by a rock thrown by settlers.
...In Hebron, 14 year-old Adham Abdel Kader was transferred to Hebron Hospital after being hit with a stone in his head by Israeli settlers in the old city.
Near Bethlehem, Israeli troops overran Hussan village and detained two young men...
In Salfit, Israeli troops overran the town center... Full story
Palestinian Authority police report on Israeli violations in the West Bank overnight said a young man was detained and a teen struck in the head by a rock thrown by settlers.
...In Hebron, 14 year-old Adham Abdel Kader was transferred to Hebron Hospital after being hit with a stone in his head by Israeli settlers in the old city.
Near Bethlehem, Israeli troops overran Hussan village and detained two young men...
In Salfit, Israeli troops overran the town center... Full story
Gaza man sentenced to three life terms in Israeli court
Ma'an
An Israeli military court sentenced a Palestinian man to three life prison terms on Thursday... found guilty of placing an explosive device under the tank of the soldiers near the Netzarim base in Gaza.He was also accused and convicted of membership with the Popular Resistance Committees. Full story
An Israeli military court sentenced a Palestinian man to three life prison terms on Thursday... found guilty of placing an explosive device under the tank of the soldiers near the Netzarim base in Gaza.He was also accused and convicted of membership with the Popular Resistance Committees. Full story
Thursday, November 5, 2009
AT-TUWANI: Israeli military stops work to bring electricity to At-Tuwani; confiscates building materials
CPT
On Friday 30 October, the Israeli army forcibly stopped the electrical infrastructure work in the village of At-Tuwani. Officers from the Israeli District Coordinating Office (DCO), the branch of the Israeli army responsible for the administration of Palestinian civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, detained Mohammed Awayesa, a Palestinian worker from Ad-Dhahiriya and confiscated materials and tools used for the electrical work. The items confiscated included a truck, a mechanized lift, and a large spool of electrical wire. The officers produced no written orders for the detention, confiscations, or work stoppage. Full story
On Friday 30 October, the Israeli army forcibly stopped the electrical infrastructure work in the village of At-Tuwani. Officers from the Israeli District Coordinating Office (DCO), the branch of the Israeli army responsible for the administration of Palestinian civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, detained Mohammed Awayesa, a Palestinian worker from Ad-Dhahiriya and confiscated materials and tools used for the electrical work. The items confiscated included a truck, a mechanized lift, and a large spool of electrical wire. The officers produced no written orders for the detention, confiscations, or work stoppage. Full story
Declassified FBI File Alleges an Israeli Intelligence Agent Worked at AIPAC
Reuters - IRMEP
An agent of the Israeli intelligence service worked on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) according to a newly declassified FBI file.
An August 13, 1984 secret communication from the FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) to the FBI director states, "WFO files disclose that AIPAC is a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group staffed by U.S. citizens. WFO files contain an unsubstantiated allegation that a member of the Israeli Intelligence Service was a staff member of AIPAC."
...According to the newly released IRmep book "Spy Trade: How Israel's Lobby Undermines America's Economy," the 1984 and 2005 espionage incidents were not isolated events. Using declassified documents, "Spy Trade" documents Israeli covert actions against US military and industrial targets from the 1940sthrough the present.
"Spy Trade" also presents a damage assessment for the 1984 AIPAC industrial espionage incident: US $71 billion in lost exports, equivalent to 100,000 jobs over the last decade. Full story
[Commentary] Alone in the world
YNET - Yigal Sarna
With Olmert, an attorney more cunning than Bibi and a seemingly cautious man, we saw an eager trigger-finger and two bloody wars. Both of them brought global isolation upon us as well as numerous troubles, great suffering for the other side, and a disproportional number of casualties.
With Olmert, an attorney more cunning than Bibi and a seemingly cautious man, we saw an eager trigger-finger and two bloody wars. Both of them brought global isolation upon us as well as numerous troubles, great suffering for the other side, and a disproportional number of casualties.
Those who believe that it is better to have a thousand people hurt on the other side rather than one person here should know that any kind of death comes with a heavy price, even if it happens later on. Mass deaths on the other side, beyond the moral aspect, come with a price that will be exacted from us in installments for many years to come. There is no free killing. Olmert left a heavy debt, and Goldstone is merely the actuary. Full story
The Daily Harassments [by Israeli soldiers] at Qalandiya Checkpoint
IMEMC - Natanya Ginsburg - Machsom Watch
...a Palestinian ran to ask us to go into the checking area where an elderly couple from Gaza had had their permit to return home confiscated. ...discovered that the man had had an operation (we think he had a stent inserted). ...their permit was taken from them and they were told to return to Ramallah. They had no where to go and no money left -- the woman was in tears....
...there were about 30 people on line in Passageway No. 2 and 40 in Passageway No. 4. Once again there was an announcement over the PA system that Passageway 4 was closed and Passageway 3 was open. Once again people scrambled to get in the new line....
...At one point there was a whole group of foreign tourists in line (in Passageway 2) and while I was watching I saw the soldiers calling them to hurry through the turnstile. As the last of them went through and a Palestinian tried to follow the gate was locked in his face and the soldier shouted that the area was closed. Again the Palestinians were sent to another sleeve and, after an interval of about 5 minutes, to yet another...
A young man whom I had seen when we came into the checking area had evidently been sent from one sleeve to another, each time landing at the end of the line. By this time he was very angry and ran to the soldier sitting in the booth at the entrance and shouted at him. All this time the rain continued to pound...
...I saw the young man mentioned above manage to finally enter the checking area. He showed the soldier his ID and took his things from the x-ray machine and then I heard him shouting at her in anger, but he did not threaten her. Then I heard her shouting at him, `Who do you think you are talking to? Do you think I am your girlfriend?` At that point, she locked the second turnstile (the exit), imprisoning him in the examination area. She also prevented anyone else from coming through to be checked.
The man went back to her a few times asking why she did not let him out and she just sat there doing nothing. Then she called him and told him to enter one of the doors in the examination area, which he did. But she still did not open the first turnstile for people to go through. I went off for a few minutes and when I came back I saw through the bars that articles of clothing which had not been there previously were lying on the floor inside.
I asked one of the men whose clothing it was and they said that the young man had been ordered to throw his clothing down there. I do not know where they stripped him but his jacket was there and also his trousers on the dirty floor so I knew that he was inside in his underclothing... Full story
...a Palestinian ran to ask us to go into the checking area where an elderly couple from Gaza had had their permit to return home confiscated. ...discovered that the man had had an operation (we think he had a stent inserted). ...their permit was taken from them and they were told to return to Ramallah. They had no where to go and no money left -- the woman was in tears....
...there were about 30 people on line in Passageway No. 2 and 40 in Passageway No. 4. Once again there was an announcement over the PA system that Passageway 4 was closed and Passageway 3 was open. Once again people scrambled to get in the new line....
...At one point there was a whole group of foreign tourists in line (in Passageway 2) and while I was watching I saw the soldiers calling them to hurry through the turnstile. As the last of them went through and a Palestinian tried to follow the gate was locked in his face and the soldier shouted that the area was closed. Again the Palestinians were sent to another sleeve and, after an interval of about 5 minutes, to yet another...
A young man whom I had seen when we came into the checking area had evidently been sent from one sleeve to another, each time landing at the end of the line. By this time he was very angry and ran to the soldier sitting in the booth at the entrance and shouted at him. All this time the rain continued to pound...
...I saw the young man mentioned above manage to finally enter the checking area. He showed the soldier his ID and took his things from the x-ray machine and then I heard him shouting at her in anger, but he did not threaten her. Then I heard her shouting at him, `Who do you think you are talking to? Do you think I am your girlfriend?` At that point, she locked the second turnstile (the exit), imprisoning him in the examination area. She also prevented anyone else from coming through to be checked.
The man went back to her a few times asking why she did not let him out and she just sat there doing nothing. Then she called him and told him to enter one of the doors in the examination area, which he did. But she still did not open the first turnstile for people to go through. I went off for a few minutes and when I came back I saw through the bars that articles of clothing which had not been there previously were lying on the floor inside.
I asked one of the men whose clothing it was and they said that the young man had been ordered to throw his clothing down there. I do not know where they stripped him but his jacket was there and also his trousers on the dirty floor so I knew that he was inside in his underclothing... Full story
Daily Situation Report: Nov 3, 2009
PMG
Israeli forces
Israeli forces
- conducted 29 raids into Palestinian territory
- detained/kidnapped 17 people
- closed off Palestinian towns, roads, and villages
- fired 3 mortars toward Israel Full report
The Israeli military kidnap six Palestinian civilians from the West Bank
IMEMC
Six Palestinian civilians were kidnapped on Wednesday by Israeli troops during invasions targeting a number of West Bank communities Full story
Six Palestinian civilians were kidnapped on Wednesday by Israeli troops during invasions targeting a number of West Bank communities Full story
Non-violent protesters begin vigil outside evicted Palestinian family’s home
IMEMCAfter a Palestinian family was forcibly removed from their home by armed Israeli settlers in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, international and Israeli peace activists have descended on the neighborhood to hold a vigil in support of the evicted family.
...The family was forced out of their home Tuesday morning by 40 armed settlers accompanied by private armed security and Israeli police forces, who entered a section of the home, threw out the family’s belongings and locked themselves in. Full story
Gazans Not Allowed To Rebuild Their Lives
IMEMC
...What prevents Salim from returning to work is the lack of raw building materials in the Gaza Strip, due to Israel's crippling Israeli blockade of the territory since June 2007. In March 2009, international donors including the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia met in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh pledging at least $4 billion to reconstruct Gaza following last winter's 22-day Israeli invasion of the territory. However, the promised funds have yet to reach Gaza as the international community continues to boycott the governing Hamas party.
...the Israeli assault on Gaza rendered tens of thousands of homes, schools, governmental buildings, mosques and other facilities either partially or completely destroyed. As a result, more than 51,000 residents are homeless. Full story
...What prevents Salim from returning to work is the lack of raw building materials in the Gaza Strip, due to Israel's crippling Israeli blockade of the territory since June 2007. In March 2009, international donors including the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia met in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh pledging at least $4 billion to reconstruct Gaza following last winter's 22-day Israeli invasion of the territory. However, the promised funds have yet to reach Gaza as the international community continues to boycott the governing Hamas party.
...the Israeli assault on Gaza rendered tens of thousands of homes, schools, governmental buildings, mosques and other facilities either partially or completely destroyed. As a result, more than 51,000 residents are homeless. Full story
Deported [Bethlehem University] student to test Israeli movement restrictions
Ma'an
An early-evening court appearance on Tuesday saw Israeli prosecutors deliver a statement declaring 21-year-old [Palestinian Christian] student Berlanty Azzam to have been illegally residing in the West Bank.
...she was kept at an Israeli military checkpoint inside the West Bank for five hours, then blindfolded and transported to the Gaza Strip, where her family lives.
...the firm defending Berlanty, said it would argue that ...Israel has no jurisdiction to determine which Palestinian areas Palestinians can live and travel in... Full story
Israeli army closes entrance to Nablus-area village
Ma'an
Israeli forces closed the main southern road to the village of Qaryout south of Nablus overnight on Thursday, an official said.
Israeli bulldozers arrived to the place accompanied by military jeeps and closed the road... Full story
Israeli forces closed the main southern road to the village of Qaryout south of Nablus overnight on Thursday, an official said.
Israeli bulldozers arrived to the place accompanied by military jeeps and closed the road... Full story
Israeli forces detain 16 Palestinians overnight
Ma'an
Israeli soldiers detained 16 Palestinians during overnight raids in the West Bank, Israeli media reported on Thursday. Full story
Israeli soldiers detained 16 Palestinians during overnight raids in the West Bank, Israeli media reported on Thursday. Full story
US consul general tours Bethlehem institutionsUS consul general tours Bethlehem institutions
Ma'an
US Consul General in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein made a tour of Bethlehem organizations and institutions on Thursday, visiting Ma’an News Agency and Bethlehem University, among other locations.
At the university Rubinstein expressed concern over the recent capture and deportation of 21-year-old student Berlanty Azzam, for who a court case is pending. Full story
US Consul General in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein made a tour of Bethlehem organizations and institutions on Thursday, visiting Ma’an News Agency and Bethlehem University, among other locations.
At the university Rubinstein expressed concern over the recent capture and deportation of 21-year-old student Berlanty Azzam, for who a court case is pending. Full story
Croatian president's Jewish connection
YNET
Leader reveals during Israel visit that his Christian grandson speaks Hebrew, and for a good reason
... the Croatian president is known for his warm attitude towards Israel. Apart from the Macedonian president, Mesić was the only head of state to accept President Shimon Peres' invitation and attend the 2009 Israeli Presidential Conference. Full story
Leader reveals during Israel visit that his Christian grandson speaks Hebrew, and for a good reason
... the Croatian president is known for his warm attitude towards Israel. Apart from the Macedonian president, Mesić was the only head of state to accept President Shimon Peres' invitation and attend the 2009 Israeli Presidential Conference. Full story
2 [Israeli] Jerusalem residents suspected of kidney trafficking
YNET
Sami Shem-Tov and Dmitry Orenstein allegedly made tens of thousands of dollars for each time they mediated between organ seller, buyer. Police know of at least 10 Israelis who agreed to donate kidney due to financial difficulties
...investigators waited for the two suspects, Sami Shem-Tov and Dmitry Orenstein, at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on Sunday. They are believed to have arrived there to perform a tissue analysis on two other people.
...Each such surgery would cost about $200,000. The operation would be performed abroad, mostly in South America or China.
... For each such mediation, Shem-Tov and Orenstein were said to have received tens of thousands of dollars.
...The people who sold their kidney received only a small part of this sum.
Sami Shem-Tov and Dmitry Orenstein allegedly made tens of thousands of dollars for each time they mediated between organ seller, buyer. Police know of at least 10 Israelis who agreed to donate kidney due to financial difficulties
...investigators waited for the two suspects, Sami Shem-Tov and Dmitry Orenstein, at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on Sunday. They are believed to have arrived there to perform a tissue analysis on two other people.
...Each such surgery would cost about $200,000. The operation would be performed abroad, mostly in South America or China.
... For each such mediation, Shem-Tov and Orenstein were said to have received tens of thousands of dollars.
...The people who sold their kidney received only a small part of this sum.
...According to the organ transplant law, organ trafficking and selling is forbidden. The law went into effect last year and since then the act is considered a criminal offense. Full story
Uproot all conspiracy theories
JTA - Avi Dichter
...Claims made by radical rightists and leftists arguing that Shin Bet officials joined forces in order to create an assassination scenario in the aims of curbing the Oslo process constitute an absolute folly at best, and incitement to rebellion at worst. Full story
...Claims made by radical rightists and leftists arguing that Shin Bet officials joined forces in order to create an assassination scenario in the aims of curbing the Oslo process constitute an absolute folly at best, and incitement to rebellion at worst. Full story
New AFL-CIO head rejects Israel boycott
JTA
The 11.5 million-member labor federation is "proud to stand with the JLC to oppose boycotting Israel," Richard Trumka said, during a talk to the Jewish Labor Committee...
..."The Jewish community here -- and around the world -- has never had a stronger ally than the AFL-CIO"... Full story
The 11.5 million-member labor federation is "proud to stand with the JLC to oppose boycotting Israel," Richard Trumka said, during a talk to the Jewish Labor Committee...
..."The Jewish community here -- and around the world -- has never had a stronger ally than the AFL-CIO"... Full story
Detainees punished for hunger strike at Nafha prison
Ma'an
Palestinian hunger strikers at Israel's Nafha prison have been denied family visits since the start of their protests against constant bunk raids and maltreatment by Israeli prison guards, Kadura Fares, head of the Palestinian detainees’ society, said Wednesday. Full story
Palestinian hunger strikers at Israel's Nafha prison have been denied family visits since the start of their protests against constant bunk raids and maltreatment by Israeli prison guards, Kadura Fares, head of the Palestinian detainees’ society, said Wednesday. Full story
Ministry: Gaza fisherman shot by Israeli navy
Ma'an
Israeli naval forces shot a Palestinian fisherman on Wednesday whilst he was fishing near Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.
The Agriculture Ministry in Gaza stated that fisherman Bilal Muhammad An-Najjar, 20, was shot in the stomach by Israeli naval officers. Full story
Israeli naval forces shot a Palestinian fisherman on Wednesday whilst he was fishing near Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.
The Agriculture Ministry in Gaza stated that fisherman Bilal Muhammad An-Najjar, 20, was shot in the stomach by Israeli naval officers. Full story
Israel issues demolition orders in Nablus area
Ma'an
sraeli soldiers distributed warnings of house demolitions on Wednesday to three Palestinians from Ad-Dayheh, near the city of Nablus. Full story
sraeli soldiers distributed warnings of house demolitions on Wednesday to three Palestinians from Ad-Dayheh, near the city of Nablus. Full story
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
[Israel's Chief of Staff]: “Next Battle Likely In Gaza”
IMEMC
Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, stated Tuesday that he believes a new war in Gaza is nearing, and that the army is readying to target Qassam launching pads, located in densely populating areas in the Gaza Strip. He said that the army could be fighting in cities, mosques, hospitals, schools and even kindergartens and added that "the enemies want to force us to fight this way". Full story
Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, stated Tuesday that he believes a new war in Gaza is nearing, and that the army is readying to target Qassam launching pads, located in densely populating areas in the Gaza Strip. He said that the army could be fighting in cities, mosques, hospitals, schools and even kindergartens and added that "the enemies want to force us to fight this way". Full story
B'Tselem: [Israeli military] probes alleged cases of harm to civilians in Gaza
Ha'aretz
The Israel Defense Forces criminal investigation division is examining 21 cases where soldiers are suspected of inflicting harm on Palestinian civilians during Operation Cast Lead, writes the Israeli rights group B'Tselem in a report.
...In the report, the rights organization harshly criticizes the IDF's investigation method...
...The report also refers to Defense Minister Ehud Barak's declaration that the government has no intention of investigating the IDF following Operation Cast Lead.
..."For this reason, even if these investigations will lead to indictments against soldiers, they will only be against the lowest ranked soldiers, while those responsible for the policy of the operation will never have to be held accountable for their actions." Full story
B'Tselem report
The Israel Defense Forces criminal investigation division is examining 21 cases where soldiers are suspected of inflicting harm on Palestinian civilians during Operation Cast Lead, writes the Israeli rights group B'Tselem in a report.
...In the report, the rights organization harshly criticizes the IDF's investigation method...
...The report also refers to Defense Minister Ehud Barak's declaration that the government has no intention of investigating the IDF following Operation Cast Lead.
..."For this reason, even if these investigations will lead to indictments against soldiers, they will only be against the lowest ranked soldiers, while those responsible for the policy of the operation will never have to be held accountable for their actions." Full story
B'Tselem report
Daily Situation Report: Nov. 2, 2009
PMG
Israeli forces
Israeli forces
- conducted 20 raids into Palestinian territory
- detained/kidnapped 14 people
- beat family members, including a woman
- demolished 3 houses
- closed off towns, roads, and villages
- an unidentified group fired a mortar toward Israel Full report
Controversy over draft UN resolution on Gaza
Ma'an
The UN General Assembly is likely to vote in support of a UN report alleging war crimes in Gaza on Wednesday, but experts say that, if not properly worded, the resolution could close off options for further action on the matter. Full story
Website with day-by-day reports at time of Gaza invasion
The UN General Assembly is likely to vote in support of a UN report alleging war crimes in Gaza on Wednesday, but experts say that, if not properly worded, the resolution could close off options for further action on the matter. Full story
Website with day-by-day reports at time of Gaza invasion
Congress passes Goldstone-Gaza Resolution 867
The resolution, which was slightly amended at the last minute, to oppose the Goldstone report and veto any UN actions ended up with 202 co-sponsors (52 added their names on the last day).
This website shows how individual representatives voted: 344 yay, 36 nay, 22 abstained.
JTA - Ron Kampeas: Congress debates Goldstone
...There are three "traffic controllers" this evening: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the senior Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee who introduced the resolution; Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the committee chairman who co-sponsored the resolution; and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the member who visited Gaza in the war's immediate aftermath, and who opposes the resolution.
...Here's Ellison: Why are you voting on a resolution without holding a single hearing?
This website shows how individual representatives voted: 344 yay, 36 nay, 22 abstained.
JTA - Ron Kampeas: Congress debates Goldstone
...There are three "traffic controllers" this evening: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the senior Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee who introduced the resolution; Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the committee chairman who co-sponsored the resolution; and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the member who visited Gaza in the war's immediate aftermath, and who opposes the resolution.
Ros-Lehtinen objects to Ellison's request to enter the 574-page report into the congressional record. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.), who opposes the resolution and who accompanied Ellison to Gaza, objects to Ros-Lehtinen's objection, saying that an opening statement allowing the entry of extraneous documents applies generally.
Berman appears to back Ellison's request, although noting that there is a page limit -- no one seems to know what it is ...
...The count, ultimately, is 344 for, 36 against (all but three are Democrats) and 22 "present."
During the debate, much of the opposition has to do with how the House leadership placed the resolution on the "suspension calendar" which brings it straight to the floor, bypassing committees....Here's Ellison: Why are you voting on a resolution without holding a single hearing?
Ellison and others on his side want Goldstone to testify...
--Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) quotes David Ben-Gurion: "Without moral and intellectual independence there's no anchor for national independence."
--Baird holds up photos, first of Israeli children in Sderot undergoing a bombing drill, and then of a father mourning three dead toddlers in Gaza....
--Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is one of several opposing the resolution who note that Goldstone's report has an out for Israel: Investigate yourself.
--Reps. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) both argue that the resolution harms U.S. security by damaging its reputation as an honest broker. "American made white phsosphorous shells were used by Israel in civilian areas, causing horrible burns to Palestinian children," McCollum says. "There must be only one standard for respecting human rights."
--Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) says he will vote "present," because he is upset his colleagues haven't read the report. "I havent had the time to read 575 pages," he says. "The process has been totally inadequate."
--Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)...comes up with presidential debate -worthy quips about voting for up is down, night is day, etc.
...Most firey in support is the majority leader, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) [see story for other supporters who spoke.] Full story
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
US House of Representatives condemns Goldstone Report
YNET
The US House of Representatives has condemned the Goldstone Report, which accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza. The resolution, which defined the report as "one-sided and distorted" was supported by a wide majority of 334 delegates against 36 who opposed it. Twenty-two delegates abstained. Full Story
[The resolution also calls on the Obama administration to veto any and all United Nations resolutions on the report.]
[Some opposing representatives, including David Wu, D-OR, signed Brian Baird letter]
*** David Wu's office called to ask for a correction. He DID sign the letter. He did NOT vote in opposition to the resolution -- he voted "present." See voting ON 867.
The US House of Representatives has condemned the Goldstone Report, which accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza. The resolution, which defined the report as "one-sided and distorted" was supported by a wide majority of 334 delegates against 36 who opposed it. Twenty-two delegates abstained. Full Story
[The resolution also calls on the Obama administration to veto any and all United Nations resolutions on the report.]
[Some opposing representatives, including David Wu, D-OR, signed Brian Baird letter]
*** David Wu's office called to ask for a correction. He DID sign the letter. He did NOT vote in opposition to the resolution -- he voted "present." See voting ON 867.
Congress’ updated Goldstone resolution
JTA - Ron Kampeas
The office of U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, just sent out its additions and emendments to a resolution condemning the Goldstone report and urging its quashing by the Obama administration.
The office of U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, just sent out its additions and emendments to a resolution condemning the Goldstone report and urging its quashing by the Obama administration.
Goldstone wrote Berman a letter last week objecting to elements of the resolution...
A modified version of H.Res. 867 will be considered. These three provisions have been added...
(3) calls on the President and the Secretary of State to continue to strongly and unequivocally oppose any endorsement of the `Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict' in multilateral fora, including through leading opposition to any United Nations General Assembly resolution and through vetoing, if necessary, any United Nations Security Council resolution that endorses the contents of this report, seeks to act upon the recommendations contained in this report, or calls on any other international body to take further action regarding this report. Full story
Israel's European Lobby
Media Monitors - Maidhc Ó Cathail
"The influence the Israel Lobby wields in Washington has ensured that the United States has long been complicit in Israel’s barbarism. And if the Lobby gets it way in Brussels, so too will the European Union."
...One of the most important of the more than 60 organizations that make up “the Lobby” is the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Jeff Blankfort, an American Jew who is one of the Lobby’s most trenchant critics, described the AJC as “the Lobby’s unofficial foreign office.” Extending its global diplomatic mission, the AJC opened an office in Brussels in 2004. Since then, according to Blankfort, it has held weekly meetings with a high official or the chief of state of EU member states. The meetings seem to be having the desired effect. As Blankfort wrote in 2006, “Over the past year the EU has moved away from relative support for the Palestinians to adopting one position after another reflecting Israeli demands.”
As part of its lobbying efforts in Brussels, the AJC founded the Transatlantic Institute (TAI) in February 2004.
...Like American neocons, the TAI’s executive director, Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, has a “special affinity for Israel.” Before moving to Brussels, the Jewish Italian academic taught Israel Studies (a discipline which Mearsheimer and Walt describe as “intended in large part to promote Israel’s image”) at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies...
...like the current Israeli government and pro-Israeli groups worldwide, Iran’s non-existent nuclear weapons are Ottolenghi’s overriding concern at the moment – now that the threat of Iraq’s non-existent WMDs has promptly been forgotten.
...Israel’s crying wolf is nothing if not predictable though. As for the “mushroom cloud” that’s supposedly looming over Europe, who, bar the mainstream media, could forget Condoleezza Rice’s pre-Iraq invasion soundbite: “we don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud”? It was Michael Gerson, Bush’s pro-Israeli speechwriter, who thought up that one.
... Podhoretz, who has edited Commentary since 1960, claims that September 11, 2001 marked the beginning of World War IV ....Coincidentally or not, in 2007, the same year he published World War IV: The Long Struggle Against Islamofascism, Podhoretz was honoured by Bar-Ilan University with its Guardian of Zion Award, bestowed on Jews who have been supportive of the State of Israel. Full story
"The influence the Israel Lobby wields in Washington has ensured that the United States has long been complicit in Israel’s barbarism. And if the Lobby gets it way in Brussels, so too will the European Union."
...One of the most important of the more than 60 organizations that make up “the Lobby” is the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Jeff Blankfort, an American Jew who is one of the Lobby’s most trenchant critics, described the AJC as “the Lobby’s unofficial foreign office.” Extending its global diplomatic mission, the AJC opened an office in Brussels in 2004. Since then, according to Blankfort, it has held weekly meetings with a high official or the chief of state of EU member states. The meetings seem to be having the desired effect. As Blankfort wrote in 2006, “Over the past year the EU has moved away from relative support for the Palestinians to adopting one position after another reflecting Israeli demands.”
As part of its lobbying efforts in Brussels, the AJC founded the Transatlantic Institute (TAI) in February 2004.
...Like American neocons, the TAI’s executive director, Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, has a “special affinity for Israel.” Before moving to Brussels, the Jewish Italian academic taught Israel Studies (a discipline which Mearsheimer and Walt describe as “intended in large part to promote Israel’s image”) at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies...
...like the current Israeli government and pro-Israeli groups worldwide, Iran’s non-existent nuclear weapons are Ottolenghi’s overriding concern at the moment – now that the threat of Iraq’s non-existent WMDs has promptly been forgotten.
...Israel’s crying wolf is nothing if not predictable though. As for the “mushroom cloud” that’s supposedly looming over Europe, who, bar the mainstream media, could forget Condoleezza Rice’s pre-Iraq invasion soundbite: “we don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud”? It was Michael Gerson, Bush’s pro-Israeli speechwriter, who thought up that one.
... Podhoretz, who has edited Commentary since 1960, claims that September 11, 2001 marked the beginning of World War IV ....Coincidentally or not, in 2007, the same year he published World War IV: The Long Struggle Against Islamofascism, Podhoretz was honoured by Bar-Ilan University with its Guardian of Zion Award, bestowed on Jews who have been supportive of the State of Israel. Full story
Gaza patient dies due to the siege, death toll reaches 364
IMEMC
A Palestinian patient was reported dead on Tuesday after he was unable to leave the Gaza Strip for life saving medical care he needed.
Doctors announced that Ass'ad Asfour, aged 51, died of a lung cancer after Israel prevented him from leaving the besieged Gaza Strip for medical care.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported today that the number of patients who died because of the Israeli siege have reached 364. Full story
A Palestinian patient was reported dead on Tuesday after he was unable to leave the Gaza Strip for life saving medical care he needed.
Doctors announced that Ass'ad Asfour, aged 51, died of a lung cancer after Israel prevented him from leaving the besieged Gaza Strip for medical care.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported today that the number of patients who died because of the Israeli siege have reached 364. Full story
Israel and Gaza Deserve Better than a Misguided Resolution
Brian Baird (US Congressman from Washington)
Before House Members vote on H.Res. 867, regarding the U.N. Goldstone report on the Gaza conflict, there are a few questions worth asking.
First, why are we bringing this resolution to the floor without ever giving former South African Constitutional Court Justice Richard Goldstone a hearing to explain his findings? Have those who will vote on H.Res. 867 actually read the resolution? Have they read the Goldstone report? Are they aware that Justice Goldstone has issued a paragraph by paragraph response, available on my Web site at www.baird.house.gov, to H.Res. 867 pointing out that many of its assertions are factually inaccurate or deeply misleading?
Since scarcely a dozen House Members have actually been to Gaza, what actual first-hand knowledge do the rest of the Members of Congress possess on which to base their judgment of the merits of H.Res. 867 or the Goldstone report?
What will it say about this Congress and our country if we so readily seek to block "any further consideration" of a human rights investigation produced by one of the most respected jurists in the world today, a man who led the investigations of abuses in South Africa, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Kosovo and worked to identify and prosecute Nazi war criminals as a member of the Panel of the Commission of Enquiry into the Activities of Nazism in Argentina?
...This is about much more than just another imposed political litmus test that we are all too often asked to perform. This is about whether we as individuals and this Congress as an institution find it acceptable to drop white phosphorous on civilian targets, to rocket civilian communities, to destroy hospitals and schools, to use civilians as human shields, to deliberately destroy non-military factories, industries and basic water, electrical and sanitation infrastructure. This is about whether it is acceptable to restrict the movement, opportunities and hopes of more than a million people every single day.
At the end of the day, this is also about our own domestic security. If we are seen internationally as condoning violations of human rights and international law, if our money and our weaponry play a leading role in those violations, and if we reflexively obstruct the findings of someone with the credentials, history and integrity of Justice Goldstone, it can only diminish our international standing and our own security. Full story
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