...He was at times both an agent of the Soviet KGB and the Israeli Shin Bet; he made his money under shady circumstances in apartheid-era South Africa; he recently transformed himself into a promoter of women’s basketball, and he was even once rumored to be romantically involved with Liza Minnelli. His end, Moscow police are speculating, came as a result of a business deal gone bad... Full story
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Life, Death and Judaica of a Russian Oligarch
Forward
...He was at times both an agent of the Soviet KGB and the Israeli Shin Bet; he made his money under shady circumstances in apartheid-era South Africa; he recently transformed himself into a promoter of women’s basketball, and he was even once rumored to be romantically involved with Liza Minnelli. His end, Moscow police are speculating, came as a result of a business deal gone bad... Full story
...He was at times both an agent of the Soviet KGB and the Israeli Shin Bet; he made his money under shady circumstances in apartheid-era South Africa; he recently transformed himself into a promoter of women’s basketball, and he was even once rumored to be romantically involved with Liza Minnelli. His end, Moscow police are speculating, came as a result of a business deal gone bad... Full story
G.A.’s Savior Is the Russian Oligarch ‘Who Got Away’
Forwar
His prominent speech — which earned him a standing ovation by the collected leadership of the American Jewish federation world — was the privilege given to him as international chairman of the yearly gathering and its major sponsor. And though the exact figure has not been disclosed, organizers of the G.A. have told the Forward that his money played a significant part in making the three-day event happen. Nevzlin’s charity, NADAV, was also conspicuous as one of the main organizers of the conference’s many forums and workshops.
His prominent speech — which earned him a standing ovation by the collected leadership of the American Jewish federation world — was the privilege given to him as international chairman of the yearly gathering and its major sponsor. And though the exact figure has not been disclosed, organizers of the G.A. have told the Forward that his money played a significant part in making the three-day event happen. Nevzlin’s charity, NADAV, was also conspicuous as one of the main organizers of the conference’s many forums and workshops.
The speech represented a crowning moment of what has been a complete rebranding effort by Nevzlin, 50, erasing his past as a Russian oligarch who just narrowly escaped jail, convicted in absentia last year in a Moscow courtroom to life in prison for ordering the murder of five people. A recent article about him in Forbes magazine — which estimated his wealth in 2004 to be $2 billion — was headlined, “The One Who Got Away.”
Israel, which has refused repeated attempts to extradite him to Russia, has helped greatly in this transformation. He has become an important philanthropist there, using his charity to fund projects that promote “Jewish peoplehood” and to gain influence and respectability in the process. This past September, he made a donation of $6 million to establish the Museum of the Jewish People, a new iteration of Beit Hatfutsot, Tel Aviv’s Diaspora Museum.
Now, with a very visible onstage handshake with the Israeli prime minister and a visit with President Obama at the White House as one of 50 invited guests during the G.A., Nevzlin is effectively positioning himself to become a philanthropic force in the United States, as well.
....Among the dead were Valentina Korneyeva, a Moscow businesswoman who owned a building in central Moscow that Yukos’s holding firm, Menatap, wanted to buy, and Vladimir Petukhov, mayor of Nefteyugansk, where Yukos’s largest production unit was based.Twice the Russian authorities tried to extradite Nevzlin, but both times Israel’s State Attorney’s Office denied the request, citing insufficient evidence.
...he has been given a de facto exoneration by America’s government. The White House confirmed his visit and his meeting with Obama on November 9, but not whether he was vetted by the state department or any other government agency. Full story
Israeli forces seize eight in night raids
Ma'an
Israel’s military said on Tuesday that it detained seven Palestinians during overnight raids in the occupied West Bank. Full story
Israel’s military said on Tuesday that it detained seven Palestinians during overnight raids in the occupied West Bank. Full story
Israeli airstrikes injure four in Gaza
Ma'an
Four Palestinians were injured when Israeli warplanes targeted smuggling tunnels along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt on Tuesday morning, a medical official said, while another strike hit near Gaza City.
...An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that warplanes struck two tunnels in the border area, as well as what he described as "a Hamas-owned weapons facility in Gaza City."
Sources in Gaza, however, said the northern target was a blacksmith's shop in Gaza City's Zaytoun neighborhood.
Israel's military spokesperson further reported that strikes were in response to two "rockets," actually homemade projectiles, reportedly fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Monday evening.
No Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the reported strikes...causing no casualties or damage, according to the military
...On Monday morning a series of Israeli airstrikes on the north, central, and southern Gaza Strip injured eight people. The strikes were confirmed by the Israeli military. Full story
Four Palestinians were injured when Israeli warplanes targeted smuggling tunnels along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt on Tuesday morning, a medical official said, while another strike hit near Gaza City.
...An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that warplanes struck two tunnels in the border area, as well as what he described as "a Hamas-owned weapons facility in Gaza City."
Sources in Gaza, however, said the northern target was a blacksmith's shop in Gaza City's Zaytoun neighborhood.
Israel's military spokesperson further reported that strikes were in response to two "rockets," actually homemade projectiles, reportedly fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Monday evening.
No Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the reported strikes...causing no casualties or damage, according to the military
...On Monday morning a series of Israeli airstrikes on the north, central, and southern Gaza Strip injured eight people. The strikes were confirmed by the Israeli military. Full story
Israel: Gaza projectile falls
Ma'an
Palestinians in Gaza launched a homemade projectile into Israeli territory on Monday, the country’s military said.
...No Palestinian group has claimed responsibility for the reported strike.
The launch comes two days after the Hamas-run government in Gaza announced it had reached an agreement with armed groups to cease cross-border attacks into Israel.
However, three groups, the armed wings of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) and Fatah, all said that they were not bound by the agreement. Even Hamas’ own armed wing said it would respond to Israeli attacks.
Early on Monday morning night Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza which medics said wounded eight people. Full story
Palestinians in Gaza launched a homemade projectile into Israeli territory on Monday, the country’s military said.
...No Palestinian group has claimed responsibility for the reported strike.
The launch comes two days after the Hamas-run government in Gaza announced it had reached an agreement with armed groups to cease cross-border attacks into Israel.
However, three groups, the armed wings of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) and Fatah, all said that they were not bound by the agreement. Even Hamas’ own armed wing said it would respond to Israeli attacks.
Early on Monday morning night Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza which medics said wounded eight people. Full story
More Israeli recruits seeking to join combat units
JTA
The Gaza war [in which Israeli forces killed over 1400 Palestinians and intentionally targeted civilian sites] has spurred more Israeli recruits to request service in combat units, the country's army said.
The Gaza war [in which Israeli forces killed over 1400 Palestinians and intentionally targeted civilian sites] has spurred more Israeli recruits to request service in combat units, the country's army said.
According to figures released Sunday by the Israel Defense Forces, requests to join combat units have increased by 6 percent in this November's draft over last year's.
Some 73.7 percent of all recruits this year requested to serve in combat units...
...Recruits are more interested in combat units because of last winter's Gaza war, the IDF told Ha'aretz. Full story
PA official banned from nearing Al-Aqsa
Ma'an
Israeli police reportedly banned senior Palestinian Authority (PA) official Hatem Abdul Qader on Monday from coming within 150 meters of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for the next six months.
...The Palestinian official told the newspaper that the order constitutes an Israeli declaration that Jerusalem is "occupied territory."
"How else can you explain the fact that Israel Police uses the army to enforce orders and decisions?" he said. Full story
Israeli police reportedly banned senior Palestinian Authority (PA) official Hatem Abdul Qader on Monday from coming within 150 meters of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for the next six months.
...The Palestinian official told the newspaper that the order constitutes an Israeli declaration that Jerusalem is "occupied territory."
"How else can you explain the fact that Israel Police uses the army to enforce orders and decisions?" he said. Full story
Palestinian nun beatified in Nazareth
Ma'an
Thousands of Palestinians attended a beatification ceremony for a Catholic nun in Nazareth on Sunday morning. Full story
Thousands of Palestinians attended a beatification ceremony for a Catholic nun in Nazareth on Sunday morning. Full story
Watch: Film imagines army checkpoints in London
Ma'an
A new short film transposes Israel’s movement restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied territories to London.
In No Way Through a man drives through London in a desperate attempt to reach a hospital, after an ambulance is blocked by soldiers from reaching the scene of an accident.
...seven-minute clip...
...there were 578 Israeli barriers and checkpoints inside the West Bank, excluding crossing points on the Green Line.
... Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, reported that it and other rights groups are petitioning the Israeli government to cancel rules that delay ambulances from reaching Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
...In many cases, patients face long delays in receiving treatment, and must be transferred by their own family’s cars, risking complications or increased severity of illness, the rights advocates say. Full story
A new short film transposes Israel’s movement restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied territories to London.
In No Way Through a man drives through London in a desperate attempt to reach a hospital, after an ambulance is blocked by soldiers from reaching the scene of an accident.
...seven-minute clip...
...there were 578 Israeli barriers and checkpoints inside the West Bank, excluding crossing points on the Green Line.
... Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, reported that it and other rights groups are petitioning the Israeli government to cancel rules that delay ambulances from reaching Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
...In many cases, patients face long delays in receiving treatment, and must be transferred by their own family’s cars, risking complications or increased severity of illness, the rights advocates say. Full story
PA cabinet rejects temporary borders
Ma'an
The Palestinian caretaker government rejected all partial solutions and plans to establish a Palestinian state on temporary borders during its weekly cabinet meeting in Ramallah on Monday.
Cabinet members guaranteed to end the transition stage which started sixteen years ago following the Oslo Accords and that the Palestinian state will be on lands occupied by Israel in 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.
The cabinet expressed their appreciation for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who rejected the proposal of a Palestinian state on temporary borders. Full story
The Palestinian caretaker government rejected all partial solutions and plans to establish a Palestinian state on temporary borders during its weekly cabinet meeting in Ramallah on Monday.
Cabinet members guaranteed to end the transition stage which started sixteen years ago following the Oslo Accords and that the Palestinian state will be on lands occupied by Israel in 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.
The cabinet expressed their appreciation for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who rejected the proposal of a Palestinian state on temporary borders. Full story
Daily Situation Report: Nov. 21, 2009
PMG
Israelis
Israelis
- Caused injuries: 6, Incl. 3 in Rafah & 2 in N. Gaza districts
- Physical Assaults:4, Severely beat 4 civilians in Jayyus town
- Arrests (per person): 2, 1 in Qalqiliya & 1 in Hebron districts
- Detentions: 14, At checkpoints & in residential locales
- Raids: 19, Incl. 1 in Jerusalem & 1 in Jenin
- Checkpoints: 9, Access impeded at 6 checkpoints
- Flying Checkpoints: 13, Incl. 3 in Qalqiliya & 2 in Jerusalem
- Attacks: 2, 1 in a raid & 1 in confrontations
- Air Attacks: 3, F-16 warplanes firing missiles on Gaza
- Air Patrols: 3, F-16 warplanes during air attacks
- Provocation of Pal. Forces: 3, Incl. the detention of 2 police officers
- Destruction of Property: 5, Incl. destroying blacksmith workshops
- Wall Construction: Suspended for the weekend
- Closure (per District): 7, Jer., Beth. (2 villages) & Hebron (4 areas)
- Closure of Main Roads: 40, Incl. 2 in Jerusalem & 1 in Jenin
- Closure of Crossing Points: 7, All crossing points are completely shut
- Security Measure: 1 Extradite a female Israeli settler in Jericho Full report
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Book: The Complete Guide to Killing Non-Jews
Introduction by Gilad Atzmon – It is rather impossible to grasp the magnitude of the crimes against humanity performed by the Jewish state in the name of the Jewish people unless one elaborates on Jewish culture in the light of Judaic teaching.
Zionism was founded as a secular movement. It was there to provide the emancipated Diaspora Jew with a ‘national home land’ of his or her own. However, Zionism was rather effective in transforming the Old Testament from a spiritual text into a land registry. As the truth of Israeli barbarism is unfolding a devastating continuum is being established between Israeli murderous policies and Judaic Goy hating.
It would be fair to argue that Judaic teaching is not monolithic. As we know, one of the only Jewish collectives that stands along the Palestinians call themselves the Torah Jews (Neturei Karta), a Jewish orthodox sect. In other words, the Torah must have a humanist side to it.
The following is a review of Torat ha-Melekh, a “kind of guide for anyone who ponders the question of if and when it is permissible to take the life of a non-Jew”. It was published by Ma’ariv Israel's second biggest paper. It is a must read. I would assume that those American and British corrupted politicians who are happy to take donations from Israeli Tycoons and other ‘Friends of Israel’ better start to understand once and for all what kind of Ideology they are aligning themselves with.
Here is a full translation of an article in the Maariv newspaper of Israel:
Ma’ariv 09.11.09 (p. 2) by Roi Sharon – When is it permissible to kill non-Jews? The book Torat ha-Melekh [The King’s Teaching—INT], which was just published, was written by Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the dean of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in the community of Yitzhar near Nablus [a major Palestinian city in the West Bank], together with another rabbi from the yeshiva, Yossi Elitzur. The book contains no fewer than 230 pages on the laws concerning the killing of non-Jews, a kind of guide for anyone who ponders the question of if and when it is permissible to take the life of a non-Jew.
Although the book is not being distributed by the leading book companies, it has already received warm recommendations from right-wing elements, including recommendations from important rabbis such as Yitzhak Ginsburg, Dov Lior and Yaakov Yosef, that were printed at the beginning of the book. The book is being distributed via the Internet and through the yeshiva, and at this stage the introductory price is NIS 30 per copy. At the memorial ceremony that was held over the weekend in Jerusalem for Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was killed nineteen years ago, copies of the book were sold.
Throughout the book, the authours deal with in-depth theoretical questions in Jewish religious law regarding the killing of non-Jews. The words “Arabs” and “Palestinians” are not mentioned even indirectly, and the authours are careful to avoid making explicit statements in favor of an individual taking the law into his own hands. The book includes hundreds of sources from the Bible and religious law. The book includes quotes from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, one of the fathers of religious Zionism, and from Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli, one of the deans of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, the stronghold of national-religious Zionism that is located in Jerusalem.
The book opens with a prohibition against killing non-Jews and justifies it, among other things, on the grounds of preventing hostility and any desecration of God’s name. But very quickly, the authors move from prohibition to permission, to the various dispensations for harming non-Jews, with the central reason being their obligation to uphold the seven Noahide laws, which every human being on earth must follow. Among these commandments are prohibitions on theft, bloodshed and idolatry. [The seven Noahide laws prohibit idolatry, murder, theft, illicit sexual relations, blasphemy and eating the flesh of a live animal, and require societies to institute just laws and law courts—INT]
“When we approach a non-Jew who has violated the seven Noahide laws and kill him out of concern for upholding these seven laws, no prohibition has been violated,” states the book, which emphasizes that killing is forbidden unless it is done in obedience to a court ruling. But later on, the authors limit the prohibition, noting that it applies only to a “proper system that deals with non-Jews who violate the seven Noahide commandments.”
The book includes another conclusion that explains when a non-Jew may be killed even if he is not an enemy of the Jews. “In any situation in which a non-Jew’s presence endangers Jewish lives, the non-Jew may be killed even if he is a righteous Gentile and not at all guilty for the situation that has been created,” the authors state. “When a non-Jew assists a murderer of Jews and causes the death of one, he may be killed, and in any case where a non-Jew’s presence causes danger to Jews, the non-Jew may be killed.”
One of the dispensations for killing non-Jews, according to religious law, applies in a case of din rodef [the law of the “pursuer,” according to which one who is pursuing another with murderous intent may be killed extrajudicially] even when the pursuer is a civilian. “The dispensation applies even when the pursuer is not threatening to kill directly, but only indirectly,” the book states. “Even a civilian who assists combat fighters is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Anyone who assists the army of the wicked in any way is strengthening murderers and is considered a pursuer. A civilian who encourages the war gives the king and his soldiers the strength to continue. Therefore, any citizen of the state that opposes us who encourages the combat soldiers or expresses satisfaction over their actions is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Also, anyone who weakens our own state by word or similar action is considered a pursuer.”
Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur determine that children may also be harmed because they are “hindrances.” The rabbis write as follows: “Hindrances—babies are found many times in this situation. They block the way to rescue by their presence and do so completely by force. Nevertheless, they may be killed because their presence aids murder. There is justification for killing babies if it is clear that they will grow up to harm us, and in such a situation they may be harmed deliberately, and not only during combat with adults.”
In addition, the children of the leader may be harmed in order to apply pressure to him. If attacking the children of a wicked ruler will influence him not to behave wickedly, they may be harmed. “It is better to kill the pursuers than to kill others,” the authors state.
In a chapter entitled “Deliberate harm to innocents,” the book explains that war is directed mainly against the pursuers, but those who belong to the enemy nation are also considered the enemy because they are assisting murderers.
Retaliation also has a place and purpose in this book by Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur. “In order to defeat the enemy, we must behave toward them in a spirit of retaliation and measure for measure,” they state. “Retaliation is absolutely necessary in order to render such wickedness not worthwhile. Therefore, sometimes we do cruel deeds in order to create the proper balance of terror.”
In one of the footnotes, the two rabbis write in such a way that appears to permit individuals to act on their own, outside of any decision by the government or the army.
“A decision by the nation is not necessary to permit shedding the blood of the evil kingdom,” the rabbis write. “Even individuals from the nation being attacked may harm them.”
Unlike books of religious law that are published by yeshivas, this time the rabbis added a chapter containing the book’s conclusions. Each of the six chapters is summarized into main points of several lines, which state, among other things: “In religious law, we have found that non-Jews are generally suspected of shedding Jewish blood, and in war, this suspicion becomes a great deal stronger. One must consider killing even babies, who have not violated the seven Noahide laws, because of the future danger that will be caused if they are allowed to grow up to be as wicked as their parents.”
Even though the authors are careful, as stated, to use the term “non-Jews,” there are certainly those who could interpret the nationality of the “non-Jews” who are liable to endanger the Jewish people. This is strengthened by the leaflet “The Jewish Voice,” which is published on the Internet from Yitzhar, which comments on the book: “It is superfluous to note that nowhere in the book is it written that the statements are directed only to the ancient non-Jews.” The leaflet’s editors did not omit a stinging remark directed at the GSS, who will certainly take the trouble to get themselves a copy. “The editors suggest to the GSS that they award the prize for Israel’s security to the authors,” the leaflet states, “who gave the detectives the option of reading the summarized conclusions without any need for in-depth study of the entire book.”
One student of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in Yitzhar explained, from his point of view, where RabbisShapira and Elitzur got the courage to speak so freely on a subject such as the killing of non-Jews. “The rabbis aren’t afraid of prosecution because in that case, Maimonides [Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, 1135–1204] and Nahmanides [Rabbi Moses ben Nahman, 1194–1270] would have to stand trial too, and anyway, this is research on religious law,” the yeshiva student said. “In a Jewish state, nobody sits in jail for studying Torah.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Zionism was founded as a secular movement. It was there to provide the emancipated Diaspora Jew with a ‘national home land’ of his or her own. However, Zionism was rather effective in transforming the Old Testament from a spiritual text into a land registry. As the truth of Israeli barbarism is unfolding a devastating continuum is being established between Israeli murderous policies and Judaic Goy hating.
It would be fair to argue that Judaic teaching is not monolithic. As we know, one of the only Jewish collectives that stands along the Palestinians call themselves the Torah Jews (Neturei Karta), a Jewish orthodox sect. In other words, the Torah must have a humanist side to it.
The following is a review of Torat ha-Melekh, a “kind of guide for anyone who ponders the question of if and when it is permissible to take the life of a non-Jew”. It was published by Ma’ariv Israel's second biggest paper. It is a must read. I would assume that those American and British corrupted politicians who are happy to take donations from Israeli Tycoons and other ‘Friends of Israel’ better start to understand once and for all what kind of Ideology they are aligning themselves with.
Here is a full translation of an article in the Maariv newspaper of Israel:
Ma’ariv 09.11.09 (p. 2) by Roi Sharon – When is it permissible to kill non-Jews? The book Torat ha-Melekh [The King’s Teaching—INT], which was just published, was written by Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the dean of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in the community of Yitzhar near Nablus [a major Palestinian city in the West Bank], together with another rabbi from the yeshiva, Yossi Elitzur. The book contains no fewer than 230 pages on the laws concerning the killing of non-Jews, a kind of guide for anyone who ponders the question of if and when it is permissible to take the life of a non-Jew.
Although the book is not being distributed by the leading book companies, it has already received warm recommendations from right-wing elements, including recommendations from important rabbis such as Yitzhak Ginsburg, Dov Lior and Yaakov Yosef, that were printed at the beginning of the book. The book is being distributed via the Internet and through the yeshiva, and at this stage the introductory price is NIS 30 per copy. At the memorial ceremony that was held over the weekend in Jerusalem for Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was killed nineteen years ago, copies of the book were sold.
Throughout the book, the authours deal with in-depth theoretical questions in Jewish religious law regarding the killing of non-Jews. The words “Arabs” and “Palestinians” are not mentioned even indirectly, and the authours are careful to avoid making explicit statements in favor of an individual taking the law into his own hands. The book includes hundreds of sources from the Bible and religious law. The book includes quotes from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, one of the fathers of religious Zionism, and from Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli, one of the deans of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, the stronghold of national-religious Zionism that is located in Jerusalem.
The book opens with a prohibition against killing non-Jews and justifies it, among other things, on the grounds of preventing hostility and any desecration of God’s name. But very quickly, the authors move from prohibition to permission, to the various dispensations for harming non-Jews, with the central reason being their obligation to uphold the seven Noahide laws, which every human being on earth must follow. Among these commandments are prohibitions on theft, bloodshed and idolatry. [The seven Noahide laws prohibit idolatry, murder, theft, illicit sexual relations, blasphemy and eating the flesh of a live animal, and require societies to institute just laws and law courts—INT]
“When we approach a non-Jew who has violated the seven Noahide laws and kill him out of concern for upholding these seven laws, no prohibition has been violated,” states the book, which emphasizes that killing is forbidden unless it is done in obedience to a court ruling. But later on, the authors limit the prohibition, noting that it applies only to a “proper system that deals with non-Jews who violate the seven Noahide commandments.”
The book includes another conclusion that explains when a non-Jew may be killed even if he is not an enemy of the Jews. “In any situation in which a non-Jew’s presence endangers Jewish lives, the non-Jew may be killed even if he is a righteous Gentile and not at all guilty for the situation that has been created,” the authors state. “When a non-Jew assists a murderer of Jews and causes the death of one, he may be killed, and in any case where a non-Jew’s presence causes danger to Jews, the non-Jew may be killed.”
One of the dispensations for killing non-Jews, according to religious law, applies in a case of din rodef [the law of the “pursuer,” according to which one who is pursuing another with murderous intent may be killed extrajudicially] even when the pursuer is a civilian. “The dispensation applies even when the pursuer is not threatening to kill directly, but only indirectly,” the book states. “Even a civilian who assists combat fighters is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Anyone who assists the army of the wicked in any way is strengthening murderers and is considered a pursuer. A civilian who encourages the war gives the king and his soldiers the strength to continue. Therefore, any citizen of the state that opposes us who encourages the combat soldiers or expresses satisfaction over their actions is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Also, anyone who weakens our own state by word or similar action is considered a pursuer.”
Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur determine that children may also be harmed because they are “hindrances.” The rabbis write as follows: “Hindrances—babies are found many times in this situation. They block the way to rescue by their presence and do so completely by force. Nevertheless, they may be killed because their presence aids murder. There is justification for killing babies if it is clear that they will grow up to harm us, and in such a situation they may be harmed deliberately, and not only during combat with adults.”
In addition, the children of the leader may be harmed in order to apply pressure to him. If attacking the children of a wicked ruler will influence him not to behave wickedly, they may be harmed. “It is better to kill the pursuers than to kill others,” the authors state.
In a chapter entitled “Deliberate harm to innocents,” the book explains that war is directed mainly against the pursuers, but those who belong to the enemy nation are also considered the enemy because they are assisting murderers.
Retaliation also has a place and purpose in this book by Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur. “In order to defeat the enemy, we must behave toward them in a spirit of retaliation and measure for measure,” they state. “Retaliation is absolutely necessary in order to render such wickedness not worthwhile. Therefore, sometimes we do cruel deeds in order to create the proper balance of terror.”
In one of the footnotes, the two rabbis write in such a way that appears to permit individuals to act on their own, outside of any decision by the government or the army.
“A decision by the nation is not necessary to permit shedding the blood of the evil kingdom,” the rabbis write. “Even individuals from the nation being attacked may harm them.”
Unlike books of religious law that are published by yeshivas, this time the rabbis added a chapter containing the book’s conclusions. Each of the six chapters is summarized into main points of several lines, which state, among other things: “In religious law, we have found that non-Jews are generally suspected of shedding Jewish blood, and in war, this suspicion becomes a great deal stronger. One must consider killing even babies, who have not violated the seven Noahide laws, because of the future danger that will be caused if they are allowed to grow up to be as wicked as their parents.”
Even though the authors are careful, as stated, to use the term “non-Jews,” there are certainly those who could interpret the nationality of the “non-Jews” who are liable to endanger the Jewish people. This is strengthened by the leaflet “The Jewish Voice,” which is published on the Internet from Yitzhar, which comments on the book: “It is superfluous to note that nowhere in the book is it written that the statements are directed only to the ancient non-Jews.” The leaflet’s editors did not omit a stinging remark directed at the GSS, who will certainly take the trouble to get themselves a copy. “The editors suggest to the GSS that they award the prize for Israel’s security to the authors,” the leaflet states, “who gave the detectives the option of reading the summarized conclusions without any need for in-depth study of the entire book.”
One student of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in Yitzhar explained, from his point of view, where RabbisShapira and Elitzur got the courage to speak so freely on a subject such as the killing of non-Jews. “The rabbis aren’t afraid of prosecution because in that case, Maimonides [Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, 1135–1204] and Nahmanides [Rabbi Moses ben Nahman, 1194–1270] would have to stand trial too, and anyway, this is research on religious law,” the yeshiva student said. “In a Jewish state, nobody sits in jail for studying Torah.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hamas Convinces Armed Factions To Halt Homemade Shelling
IMEMC
Fathi Hammad, Hamas' interior minister, announced Saturday that Hamas had convinced all the armed factions in Gaza to cease any firing of homemade shells across the border from Gaza into Israel.
Fathi Hammad, Hamas' interior minister, announced Saturday that Hamas had convinced all the armed factions in Gaza to cease any firing of homemade shells across the border from Gaza into Israel.
Hammad said that the agreement would only hold as long as Israel does not invade the Gaza Strip. He said that if such an invasion were to take place, Hamas and other resistance groups reserve their internationally-recognized right to resist a military invasion of their land.
In a press conference with Gazan journalists, Hammad stated, "We have agreed with the factions that nobody carries out any action involving shells for now."
...Over the last year, since the Israeli invasion of Gaza resulted in over 1400 Palestinians killed - 90% of whom were civilians, and 400 of which were children, Israel has threatened to invade the Gaza Strip on a number of occasions.
After Israeli air strikes on Thursday that resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians, a homemade shell was fired by Palestinian armed resistance factions in Gaza into the Negev desert in Israel. No injuries or damage were reported from the shelling. Full story
...Hammad highlighted that 60 police buildings were bombed in the Israeli assault last winter. He said some 350 security officers were killed, including his predecessor, Sa'id Siyam. Full story
...Hamas has observed a ceasefire for months, but other groups have carried out sporadic cross-border attacks.
The rockets usually cause limited damage and few if any casualties. Full story
Israeli warplanes strike Gaza Strip overnight
Ma'anEight injured in Gaza as Israeli warplanes strike several targets on Sunday morning. Full story
Al Jazeera report
...The Israeli attacks came just hours after Hamas said it had reached an agreement with other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, to stop firing rockets into Israeli towns. Full story
Jordanian detainees on hunger strike in Israeli prisons
Ma'an
Jordanian detainees in Israeli prisons initiated a hunger strike on Saturday evening.
According to the Jordanian Committee of Prisoners in Israel, the hunger strike is an appeal to the Jordanian government to exert more pressure to ensure the release of prisoners, and investigated the poor living conditions in Israeli prisons.
... concern over detained Muhammad Rimawi, who was placed in solitary confinement after he was diagnosed with an unspecified infectious disease. A representative from a human rights organization was made to wear a protective mask during an interview with Rimawi, who was kept behind a glass barrier.
Rimawi’s health has significantly deteriorated over several months, the committee noted, adding that the Israeli prison services have refused to transfer the detainee to hospital for treatment.
Wijdad Rimawi, Muhammad’s brother, said he was fearful that the Israeli prison service might have performed medical experiments on Muhammad... Full story
Jordanian detainees in Israeli prisons initiated a hunger strike on Saturday evening.
According to the Jordanian Committee of Prisoners in Israel, the hunger strike is an appeal to the Jordanian government to exert more pressure to ensure the release of prisoners, and investigated the poor living conditions in Israeli prisons.
... concern over detained Muhammad Rimawi, who was placed in solitary confinement after he was diagnosed with an unspecified infectious disease. A representative from a human rights organization was made to wear a protective mask during an interview with Rimawi, who was kept behind a glass barrier.
Rimawi’s health has significantly deteriorated over several months, the committee noted, adding that the Israeli prison services have refused to transfer the detainee to hospital for treatment.
Wijdad Rimawi, Muhammad’s brother, said he was fearful that the Israeli prison service might have performed medical experiments on Muhammad... Full story
Previously banned 'tutu' bullets return to Nil'in
Ma'an
Israeli forces have renewed using live fire against Palestinian protesters in the West Bank.
An Israeli court first outlawed the "tutu" ammunition in 2001, but the last two Fridays soldiers have used the "tutu" bullets in Bil'in and Ni'lin, two villages near Ramallah, during their weekly anti-wall rallies.
Israeli TV broadcast on Saturday the controversial weapon being used against Palestinians the day before. Israeli rights organizations insist the weapon is a deadly weapon, as it has killed Palestinians in the past.
...In Nil'in on Friday, Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinians with the weapon.
One was hospitalized after being shot in the knee, but later released...
A second was more seriously injured after soldiers shot him between the legs. He was undergoing surgery in Ramallah due to the seriousness of the injury, but was stable on Friday...
Around 200 people participated in the protest on Friday, including a delegation of Scandinavian students.
..."The re-introduction of snipers confirms the rumors," the statement added, referring to information the Popular Committee received last week that Israeli forces were planning to crack down on the demonstrations.
...One of the Palestinians who was shot on Friday is the brother of Mohammad Attallah, a 19-year-old Palestinians who was ordered to turn himself in to Israeli forces in October over his involvement in the demonstrations.
Activists also released a video of the young Palestinian in what they termed was his "message to the world." Full story
Israeli forces have renewed using live fire against Palestinian protesters in the West Bank.
An Israeli court first outlawed the "tutu" ammunition in 2001, but the last two Fridays soldiers have used the "tutu" bullets in Bil'in and Ni'lin, two villages near Ramallah, during their weekly anti-wall rallies.
Israeli TV broadcast on Saturday the controversial weapon being used against Palestinians the day before. Israeli rights organizations insist the weapon is a deadly weapon, as it has killed Palestinians in the past.
...In Nil'in on Friday, Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinians with the weapon.
One was hospitalized after being shot in the knee, but later released...
A second was more seriously injured after soldiers shot him between the legs. He was undergoing surgery in Ramallah due to the seriousness of the injury, but was stable on Friday...
Around 200 people participated in the protest on Friday, including a delegation of Scandinavian students.
..."The re-introduction of snipers confirms the rumors," the statement added, referring to information the Popular Committee received last week that Israeli forces were planning to crack down on the demonstrations.
...One of the Palestinians who was shot on Friday is the brother of Mohammad Attallah, a 19-year-old Palestinians who was ordered to turn himself in to Israeli forces in October over his involvement in the demonstrations.
Activists also released a video of the young Palestinian in what they termed was his "message to the world." Full story
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Palestine's right to statehood - Curtis Doebbler
Ma'an
With the Palestinian authorities in Ramallah seeking recognition of a Palestinian state through the United Nations, we must consider what this means both to Palestinians and to the rest of the world.
States are the predominant actors in the international community. They are the main actors who create and implement and are subject to international law, a system of rules initially established by Western states but now widely accepted as governing relations between states.
...The starting point for Palestinian statehood or independence is not UN General Assembly Resolution 181, which recommended, as the world body has no power to do more, that two states be created on Palestinian territory. It is this right to self-determination that belongs to the Palestinians as the indigenous people of Palestine.
This right is perhaps the most notable human right recognized by the United Nations. It is the only human right expressly recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, acknowledged in articles 1, paragraph 2, 55 and 73. The right to self-determination is an essential, the most essential for many states, part of customary international law and has been declared one of the most basic principles by the UN General Assembly's Declaration on the Principles of International Law concerning the Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States.
...It is a right that Israelis did not enjoy in Palestinian territory when they unilaterally declared their state in violation of Palestinians' right to self-determination. The Palestinians' right to self-determination pre-existed any effort by Israel to occupy Palestinian lands. It is a right that all Palestinians are entitled to exercise according to international law from the very beginning of the British Mandate created by the UN in the 1920s. It is thus a right that is enjoyed over all of Mandate Palestine.
This does not mean that Palestinians have to exercise this right, but if they wish to do so they are entitled to do so. They need no permission from any one else. Indeed, today more than half the states in the international community recognize Palestine as a state.
Although Palestine may already be considered a state by most of the international community the consequences of recognition by the United Nations could add significantly to Palestine's rights and responsibilities. A good way to understand how and why this will be the case is to reflect on the constituents of statehood and what they mean.
According to established customary international law, which is now reflected in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States dating back to 1933, a state should have a (a) permanent population, (b) a defined territory, (c) a government, and (d) the ability to enter into foreign relations with other states. There can be little doubt that Palestine satisfies all of these criteria.
Indeed, on 15 November 1988, when almost all the senior leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization declared Palestine an independent state to ensure the "everlasting union between itself, its land, and its history," they undoubtedly believed all of these criteria were met.
Palestine has a permanent population. This population includes not only the estimated more than four million Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but also an estimated more than three million more who have been forced from their land or forced to become Israelis by the involuntary inclusion of their lands under Israeli jurisdiction. While Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip meet the requirement for a permanent population, all the seven million Palestinians in the world are entitled to Palestinian nationality and to live in Palestine if the government of Palestine wishes this to be the case.
Similarly, the territory of Palestine is well defined. It was not defined in 1967 or even 1948, but it was defined by the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people....
A better legal date for the start of the occupation is 14 May 1948 when Israel declared a Jewish state. This is the date on which Israel legally took Palestinian land and acted in a manner that made it clear it intended to deny the Palestinian people the right to self-determination. That the UN subsequently ratified the existence of Israel as a state in the international community cannot abolish the Palestinians' right to self-determination. By the same token it cannot change the boundaries in which this right may be exercised.
Even Israel's continued and ever expanding oppressive occupation of the Palestinian people cannot extinguish the Palestinians' right to self-determination throughout all of mandate Palestine, minus that part in which the indigenous Hashimites founded their own state of Jordan in exercise of their right to self-determination.
Again this does not mean that Palestinians have to claim all of the Mandate Palestine as their homeland. They can negotiate part of the land away if they wish, but they cannot deny that they had the right in the first place and the international community cannot, within the realm of international law, deny that Palestine's borders are legally based on those that existed before 1948 when Israel proclaimed itself a state.
A very important consequence of understanding Palestine's borders in this way is that any changes should be negotiated from this legal starting point. Thus if Palestinians wish to recognize Israel they should do so knowing that they are ceding rights they have under international law. Perhaps, however, long-lasting peace is worth this trade off.
...Similarly, despite the ongoing dispute between the Palestinian authorities in Ramallah and those in Gaza, Palestine indisputably has a government.
The government is currently divided between the authorities in Gaza who are commonly know by their association to Hamas, a liberation movement, whose candidates in the Peace and Change Party were elected in a significant majority to be the government of the Palestinian people. The modality through which these elections took place was based on the Oslo Accords' provision for a Palestinian Authority with the power to govern Palestine. These Accords have unfortunately been repeatedly ignored, but no one can ignore the fact that the Hamas officials were elected by a fair and free election that reflected the will of the Palestinian people.
The other part of the government are the authorities in Ramallah who first refused to cooperate with the elected government and then to try to oust it by force, only to be rebuked, and driven out of Gaza. Only the president, Mahmoud Abbas, was elected and his term has expired without new elections, although they should have been held in January 2009.
Like Hamas, the Fatah-controlled PLO is a resistance movement. It was founded in 1964. It was recognized as a National Liberation Movement (NLM) having observer status by the UN in 1974. The UN has also recognized that NLMs are entitled to struggle against foreign and oppressive occupation, and even to use armed force to do so. Thus while usually assisting the use of force against a member state of the United Nations violates international law, NLM movements fighting for self-determination are an exception to this prohibition, although they are still bound to use force in accordance with the rules of international humanitarian law.
The fact that Hamas and Fatah/PLO remain divided does not mean that Palestine does not have a government, but merely that the authority of the government is in dispute. The dispute is between the Palestinian leaders who have been elected and their unelected leaders. The Palestinians will have to resolve this dispute to obtain their full potential, but not necessarily to be recognized as a state.
Finally, the Palestinians' ability to enter into foreign affairs is widely recognized. As already pointed out, more than half the states in the international community recognize Palestine as a state. This is the ultimate recognition of the ability to enter into foreign affairs.
The 21 other states of the League of Arab States, for example, already recognize Palestine as a state. So too do the 56 other member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Even the late President Yasser Arafat had letterhead that designated him as the president of Palestine.
Palestine is represented in more than a hundred states...
...The recognition of Palestine as a state by the United Nations would enhance the recognition already given to Palestine by the the majority of the states of the international community. It could end the fiction that has been believed by small parts of the world and sometimes even the Palestinians themselves for more than 60 years. Full story
Information on international law expert Curtis Doebler
UNRWA schools launch digital yearbook for Palestinain refugees
Ma'an
UN schools in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria launched a program Friday, linking Palestinian children in refugee camps across the region with the first digital yearbook project. Full story
The videos can be seen on the Hoping Foundation website.
UN schools in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria launched a program Friday, linking Palestinian children in refugee camps across the region with the first digital yearbook project. Full story
The videos can be seen on the Hoping Foundation website.
Video shows 60 minutes manipulation of Wallace Ahmadinejad interview
During the awards ceremony in which Mike Wallace was given an Emmy for his interview with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, a clip was played in which Ahmadinejad's statement was cut in the middle -- a classic case of lying through omission:
More information on manipulation of information on Ahmadinejad
More information on manipulation of information on Ahmadinejad
Friday, November 20, 2009
Palestinian shot at weekly anti-wall protest
Ma'an
Israeli forces shot and lightly injured a Palestinian in the West Bank village of Nil'in on Friday, witnesses said.
...shot in the foot...
Hundreds of village residents and international peace activists attempted to reach lands on the other side of Israel's separation barrier on Friday, but were stopped by soldiers standing guard.
Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, tear-gas canisters, and a foul-smelling liquid on the demonstrators, they said.
...In Al-Mas'ara, a village near Bethlehem, residents urged soldiers who lined up and spread barbed wire near the barrier there "to rethink their aggression, lay down their weapons, and join the international support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and human rights," according to a separate statement received by Ma'an.
Teenagers crossed over the small barrier set up in front of the wall while a woman from the village managed to again cross the barrier along with her two grandchildren. Soldiers reportedly did not stop the woman from reaching her farmland.
...Several Israeli officials and members of the "Likud Youth" joined in the protests as well, on the other side of the barrier, activists said. Full story
Israeli forces shot and lightly injured a Palestinian in the West Bank village of Nil'in on Friday, witnesses said.
...shot in the foot...
Hundreds of village residents and international peace activists attempted to reach lands on the other side of Israel's separation barrier on Friday, but were stopped by soldiers standing guard.
Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, tear-gas canisters, and a foul-smelling liquid on the demonstrators, they said.
...In Al-Mas'ara, a village near Bethlehem, residents urged soldiers who lined up and spread barbed wire near the barrier there "to rethink their aggression, lay down their weapons, and join the international support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and human rights," according to a separate statement received by Ma'an.
Teenagers crossed over the small barrier set up in front of the wall while a woman from the village managed to again cross the barrier along with her two grandchildren. Soldiers reportedly did not stop the woman from reaching her farmland.
...Several Israeli officials and members of the "Likud Youth" joined in the protests as well, on the other side of the barrier, activists said. Full story
Israeli Settler incursions of Palestinian homes in Sheikh Jarrah
Palsolidarity
On Wednesday 18 November 2009 at 10:30am, one of the settlers who are occupying the Ghawi family house in Sheikh Jarrah, climbed over a wall in order to enter the neighbouring Palestinian property. Amal Qassem, who lives in the house, was shocked to discover the settler in her backyard and another settler handing tools and a ladder over the wall to him...
On Wednesday 18 November 2009 at 10:30am, one of the settlers who are occupying the Ghawi family house in Sheikh Jarrah, climbed over a wall in order to enter the neighbouring Palestinian property. Amal Qassem, who lives in the house, was shocked to discover the settler in her backyard and another settler handing tools and a ladder over the wall to him...
Amal Qassem reported the trespassing to the police who arrived 30 minutes later. Only after that the settlers finally left.
Later that day, at 2pm, another two settlers living in the occupied Gawi family house, attempted to enter a Palestinian property across the street. Claiming they had the right to enter, they opened the gate leading to the house owned by the Kurd family...
...The al-Kurds have become the fourth Sheikh Jarrah family whose house (or part of it) 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.
In a strategic plan, settlers have been utilizing discriminatory laws to expand their presence in Occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinians, who face difficulties in acquiring building permits from the municipality, are often left with no legal recourse for extending their homes to accompany their growing families. Full story
Bil'in: Undercover Israeli police detain youth at workplace
Ma'an
Israeli forces invaded the village of Bil'in at 9am Thursday morning and detained a local youth involved in the weekly demonstrations against the Israeli separation wall, a statement from the local Popular Committee said.
"In an escalation of the recent arrest campaign conducted by the Israeli military in attempt to crush the popular struggle against the Wall in the village, an undercover army unit invaded Bil'in this morning and arrested a local youth, 19 year old Mohammad Yassin," the statement said.
..."undercover soldiers dressed as Palestinians" entered the village "searching for residents suspected of organizing and participating in the village's weekly demonstrations." Yassin was reportedly detained from the car garage where he works as a mechanic. "The arrest involved the beating of Yassin himself, as well as of his brother and his mother...
...a total of 28 Bil'in residents have been detained for their involvement in the demonstrations since 23 June 2009. Full story
Israeli forces invaded the village of Bil'in at 9am Thursday morning and detained a local youth involved in the weekly demonstrations against the Israeli separation wall, a statement from the local Popular Committee said.
"In an escalation of the recent arrest campaign conducted by the Israeli military in attempt to crush the popular struggle against the Wall in the village, an undercover army unit invaded Bil'in this morning and arrested a local youth, 19 year old Mohammad Yassin," the statement said.
..."undercover soldiers dressed as Palestinians" entered the village "searching for residents suspected of organizing and participating in the village's weekly demonstrations." Yassin was reportedly detained from the car garage where he works as a mechanic. "The arrest involved the beating of Yassin himself, as well as of his brother and his mother...
...a total of 28 Bil'in residents have been detained for their involvement in the demonstrations since 23 June 2009. Full story
Palestinian MK: 15,000 settlement homes awaiting approval in Jlem
Ma'an
...Israel's Jerusalem municipality is preparing to build 15,000 new housing units around the city, mainly in areas beyond the Green Line in occupied Palestine.
“These plans are larger and more dangerous than the recent plans to build 900 housing units in Gilo,” Tibi said during a phone interview on Friday.
...The plans are “a blow for the international community, the American administration and [US] President [Barack] Obama who should play his role to stop the Israeli chaos," that will result from the construction of so many new settlement homes, he said.
... the move, when it goes forward, will result in "dangerous regional developments." Full story
...Israel's Jerusalem municipality is preparing to build 15,000 new housing units around the city, mainly in areas beyond the Green Line in occupied Palestine.
“These plans are larger and more dangerous than the recent plans to build 900 housing units in Gilo,” Tibi said during a phone interview on Friday.
...The plans are “a blow for the international community, the American administration and [US] President [Barack] Obama who should play his role to stop the Israeli chaos," that will result from the construction of so many new settlement homes, he said.
... the move, when it goes forward, will result in "dangerous regional developments." Full story
Israel's "Pathology"
Truthout - Ira Chernus
...Perhaps it matters not a whit what the US or the Palestinians do, because the Israeli government and the bulk of Jewish Israeli voters are just too sick to move toward a just peace. At least that's one man's opinion.
...Perhaps it matters not a whit what the US or the Palestinians do, because the Israeli government and the bulk of Jewish Israeli voters are just too sick to move toward a just peace. At least that's one man's opinion.
The Jewish Israeli body politic is diseased, that one man writes, because it has not adjusted to the Jews' reentry into history with a state of their own. Too many Jews are still stuck in the ancient feeling of powerlessness and victimhood.
Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin told Israelis that their country is militarily powerful, and neither friendless nor at risk. They should therefore stop thinking and acting like victims. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, says that the whole world is against Israel and that Israelis are at risk of another Holocaust. That message of Jewish weakness and victimhood appeals to enough voters to keep him in power.
Gripped by such unrealistic fears, Israelis refuse Obama's call to stop expanding settlements and start compromising for peace. Israel's resistance to Obama's serious peace effort has been called "nothing less than pathological."
Pathological? Who would print such scurrilous anti-Israel charges - some anti-Semitic rag? Nope. This opinion comes straight from the op-ed page of The New York Times.
But who would write such a fierce attack, calling Israelis sick with "victimhood"? Some anti-Semitic apologist for Israel's enemies? Nope. It's Henry Siegman, who spent sixteen years as executive director of the American Jewish Congress, one of the most powerful and respected mainstream organizations in the US Jewish community. With his vast experience inside the Israeli and American Jewish communities, he knows that the evidence to support his diagnosis is everywhere.
Just look at the front page of any Israeli newspaper on any given day, where a surprising percentage of the stories answer the same central question: Who is threatening / hating / vilifying Israel and the Jews today? Iran, with its supposedly terrifying nuclear threat, continues to make the front page nearly every day. And Israel remains obsessed with its fear of the Goldstone Report - written by an eminent Zionist jurist who has now been magically transformed into an "enemy of Israel" - when the rest of the world has long since forgotten it.
The most interesting piece of evidence to back up Siegman's diagnosis of "pathology" was a bitter tirade launched against him by Bradley Burston, a columnist for Israel's top newspaper, Ha'aretz. Burston is a liberal by Israeli standards. But rather than trying to rebut Siegman with thoughtful arguments, he unleashed a vicious ad hominem attack: "Siegman doesn't merely think that Israelis are mistaken. He loathes them. In his reading, they are venal, deceitful.... He belongs to the school of thought which suggests that hating Israelis is a form of working for peace."
...As Siegman pointed out in a response to Burston, Israeli Jews know this better than anyone: "The pathology I described is invoked most frequently by Israelis themselves. The term for it in Israel is a "galut [diaspora] mentality," the tendency of diaspora Jewry to see itself as friendless, isolated and always at the edge of a looming pogrom. No one has described this pathology better than - guess who? - Bradley Burston." Siegman quoted Burston's own words, from a column the Israeli journalist wrote just a few weeks ago:
"We don't need them. They'll never see things our way, no matter what. Let them go. 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."
"If that is not a perfect description of a pathological mindset," Siegman concluded, "it will do until a better one comes along."
...As long as this pathology dominates Israeli political life, it's hard to see what Barack Obama or anyone else can do to move the Israelis toward a just peace, one that could be acceptable to even the most moderate Palestinians (who need no special mental condition to feel victimized; all they have to do is look out the window at the Israeli military patrols passing by).
Why should this pathology persist, even though it locks Israelis into an endless cycle of conflict? Henry Siegman has an answer, and it's the most disturbing part of his diagnosis. Most Israeli Jews forget Rabin's assurance that they are already secure, he says, because Netanyahu's fear-mongering talk of an impending Holocaust is "still a more comforting message for too many Israelis."
As Henry Siegman rightly concludes, "the conflict continues because US presidents - and to a far greater extent, members of the US Congress - have accommodated a pathology that can only be cured by its defiance."...The main thing holding Obama back now is his own fear of the political price he might pay for defying Israel. The size of that price depends on how much support he gets for showing some courage. So the White House needs to hear a clear message from the American people: We may sympathize with Israel's affliction. (Anger won't bring anyone closer to peace.) But when it comes time to make policy - and the time is now - we should ignore the pathology. We can't let it stop us from doing what must be done for the good of the US, the Middle East and the whole world. Full story
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Israeli Jews and the one-state solution
Electronic Intifada - Ali Abunimah
...with the total collapse of the Obama Administration's peace efforts, and relentless Israeli colonization of the occupied West Bank, the reality is dawning rapidly that the two-state solution is no more than a slogan that has no chance of being implemented or altering the reality of a de facto binational state in Palestine/Israel.
This places an obligation on all who care about the future of Palestine/Israel to seriously consider the democratic alternatives. I have long argued that the systems in post-apartheid South Africa (a unitary democratic state), and Northern Ireland (consociational democracy) -- offer hopeful, real-life models. Full story
Related book
...with the total collapse of the Obama Administration's peace efforts, and relentless Israeli colonization of the occupied West Bank, the reality is dawning rapidly that the two-state solution is no more than a slogan that has no chance of being implemented or altering the reality of a de facto binational state in Palestine/Israel.
This places an obligation on all who care about the future of Palestine/Israel to seriously consider the democratic alternatives. I have long argued that the systems in post-apartheid South Africa (a unitary democratic state), and Northern Ireland (consociational democracy) -- offer hopeful, real-life models. Full story
Related book
Orthodox groups decry State Dept. report on religious freedom
JTA
A U.S. State Department report on religious freedom is drawing sharp criticism from Orthodox Jewish groups over its portrayal of Israel.
A U.S. State Department report on religious freedom is drawing sharp criticism from Orthodox Jewish groups over its portrayal of Israel.
The groups are denouncing what they call the unfair and biased criticism of Israel in the annual International Religious Freedom Report. Released last month, the report evaluates the levels of religious freedom in countries throughout the world...
While the 2009 report credits [Israel] for supporting “the generally free practice of religion,” it does take issue with Israel’s treatment of non-Jews and non-Orthodox Jews.
The report cites the Israeli government’s recognition only of Orthodox authorities in certain civil matters, its refusal to allow interfaith marriages [and numerous other aspects]...
...The past few reports have similarly scrutinized Israel’s reliance on Orthodox Judaism as a religious compass, but this year’s analysis devotes more space to the matter and appears harsher, explicitly asserting that Israel "discriminates." Full story
Israeli Historian: Obama Won't Go Head-to-Head with US Jews
Israeli National News
“...every president in the White House understands that if he ignores the Jews of the United States and their supporters he will be making a mistake,” Professor Shlomo Aronson, an expert on political science from the Hebrew University, told Arutz Sheva Thursday. “Even Barack Obama would not think of entering a confrontation with the Jews of the United States,” he said. Full story
“...every president in the White House understands that if he ignores the Jews of the United States and their supporters he will be making a mistake,” Professor Shlomo Aronson, an expert on political science from the Hebrew University, told Arutz Sheva Thursday. “Even Barack Obama would not think of entering a confrontation with the Jews of the United States,” he said. Full story
Judge Rules Arab Teens Need Protection from Israeli Justice: Israel's Two-Tiered Justice System
CounterPunch - Jonathan Cook
An Israeli judge made an historic ruling last week when he decided that an Arab teenager needed “protection” from the justice system and ordered that he not be convicted despite being found guilty of throwing stones at a police car during a protest against Israel’s attack last winter on Gaza.
...Judge Yuval Shadmi said discrimination in the Israeli legal system’s treatment of Jewish and Arab minors, particularly in cases of what he called “ideologically motivated” offences, was “common knowledge”.
In the verdict, he wrote: “I will say that the state is not authorised to caress with one hand the Jewish ‘ideological’ felons, and flog with its other hand the Arab ‘ideological’ felons.”
He referred in particular to the lenient treatment by the police and courts both of Jewish settler youths who have attacked soldiers in the West Bank and who violently resisted the disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005, and of religious extremists who have spent many months battling police to prevent the opening of a car park on the Sabbath in Jerusalem.
...Judge Richard Goldstone, in his United Nations fact-finding report into the Gaza assault published in September, wrote that he had been “struck” by the fact that despite many counter-demonstrations by right-wing Jews that had turned violent the police appeared to have made “no arrests” in those cases.
He also noted that, according to the information he had seen, most Arab protesters had been refused bail and held in detention for lengthy periods, even in cases where they faced relatively minor charges.
Of the court system, Mr Goldstone concluded that “the element of discrimination between … and differential treatment of Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel by the judicial authorities, as reflected in the reports received, is a substantial cause for concern”. Full story
An Israeli judge made an historic ruling last week when he decided that an Arab teenager needed “protection” from the justice system and ordered that he not be convicted despite being found guilty of throwing stones at a police car during a protest against Israel’s attack last winter on Gaza.
...Judge Yuval Shadmi said discrimination in the Israeli legal system’s treatment of Jewish and Arab minors, particularly in cases of what he called “ideologically motivated” offences, was “common knowledge”.
In the verdict, he wrote: “I will say that the state is not authorised to caress with one hand the Jewish ‘ideological’ felons, and flog with its other hand the Arab ‘ideological’ felons.”
He referred in particular to the lenient treatment by the police and courts both of Jewish settler youths who have attacked soldiers in the West Bank and who violently resisted the disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005, and of religious extremists who have spent many months battling police to prevent the opening of a car park on the Sabbath in Jerusalem.
...Judge Richard Goldstone, in his United Nations fact-finding report into the Gaza assault published in September, wrote that he had been “struck” by the fact that despite many counter-demonstrations by right-wing Jews that had turned violent the police appeared to have made “no arrests” in those cases.
He also noted that, according to the information he had seen, most Arab protesters had been refused bail and held in detention for lengthy periods, even in cases where they faced relatively minor charges.
Of the court system, Mr Goldstone concluded that “the element of discrimination between … and differential treatment of Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel by the judicial authorities, as reflected in the reports received, is a substantial cause for concern”. Full story
Cats Are Illegal; A Potential Terrorist Threat
IMEMC
...The detainees in the Negev detention camp are taking care of some cats that entered the detention camp, in the Negev desert, through the barbed wires, and are feeding them although they do not have sufficient food.
The fact the detainees have some cats as ‘wild pets’ or ‘friends’ bothered the Prison Administration to the level of decided that cats are not allowed.
Israeli soldiers manning the detention camp even placed a cat in solitary confinement for a while after suspecting it was helping them, and of course for befriending them.
The cats might be guilty to some extent as they reportedly carry some foods and light stuff between the cells, providing some comfort, maybe some food, to the detainees in solitary confinement. Full story
...The detainees in the Negev detention camp are taking care of some cats that entered the detention camp, in the Negev desert, through the barbed wires, and are feeding them although they do not have sufficient food.
The fact the detainees have some cats as ‘wild pets’ or ‘friends’ bothered the Prison Administration to the level of decided that cats are not allowed.
Israeli soldiers manning the detention camp even placed a cat in solitary confinement for a while after suspecting it was helping them, and of course for befriending them.
The cats might be guilty to some extent as they reportedly carry some foods and light stuff between the cells, providing some comfort, maybe some food, to the detainees in solitary confinement. Full story
Daily Situation Report: Nov. 17, 2009
PMG
Israelis
Israelis
- Caused Injury: 1 - A child in Beituniya town in Ramallah dis.
- Physical Assault: 1 - Severely beat a civilian in Hebron district
- Arrests (per person): 17 - Incl. 2 children, security officer & student
- Detentions: 14 - At checkpoints & in residential locales
- Raids: 32 - Incl. 4 in Nablus & 4 in Ramallah
- Checkpoints: 8 - Access impeded at 5 checkpoints
- Flying Checkpoints: 16 - Incl. 1 in Ramallah & 1 in Nablus
- Attacks: 4 - 3 in raids & 1 from military post
- Air Patrol: 1 - Reconnaissance above Gaza district
- Provocation of Pal. Forces: 1 - Serving summon to security officer
- House Demolition: 1 - In Jerusalem city
- House Occupation: 1 - In Hebron district converted into post
- Land Leveling: 1 - Land in Gaza district
- Wall Construction: 21 - Jer., Raml’h., Qalq., Salfit, Heb., Beth.
- Closure (per District): 7 - Jer., Beth. (2 villages) & Hebron (4 areas)
- Closure of Main Roads: 40 - Incl. 1 in Jericho & 1 in Tulkarm
- Closure of Crossing Points: 4 - Partial opening of 3 crossings only
- Demonstration: 1 - In Tulkarm in solidarity with prisoners
- Attack: 1 - A mortar was fired towards the Green Line Full report
Rights groups: Israeli ambulance rules discriminate
Ma'an
Human rights groups are calling on the Israeli government to cancel instructions preventing ambulances from entering Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem without a police escort.
According to Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulances “must wait in a Jewish neighborhood adjacent to the Palestinian neighborhood and may not enter it to transfer the injured or the sick person to the hospital until a police escort arrives, even in life threatening situations.”
In many cases, patients face long delays in receiving treatment, and must be transferred by their own family’s cars, risking complications or increased severity of illness, the rights advocates say.
In a news release on Thursday, Adalah said the procedures “violate the first rule in the work of emergency crews, which is to provide medical aid as soon as possible, and the state's obligation to ensure the life and physical well-being of each person under its authority.”
Further, the rules may amount to a violation of medical ethics and “may constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law,” the group added in a statement.
The Israeli Ministry of Health did not immediately return calls from Ma’an seeking comment.
Adalah, along with Physicians for Human Rights and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human rights sent an urgent letter to the Israeli Deputy Minister of Health and the Jerusalem Police Chief on 10 November demanding the cancellation of the guidelines.
...The situation for Palestinians in Jerusalem is particularly dire, Naamneh said, because “There is no alternative.” The Palestine Red Crescent Society has only five ambulances in East Jerusalem, Naamneh said, which are often much farther away from Palestinian neighborhoods than their MDA counterparts.
The rights group noted that the instructions do not apply to Jewish settlements in the heart of Palestinian neighborhoods of occupied East Jerusalem. MDA ambulances travel through Palestinian areas to reach settlements without any accompaniment, the group said.
...ambulances are sometimes forced to wait more than an hour on the edge of the community... Full story
Human rights groups are calling on the Israeli government to cancel instructions preventing ambulances from entering Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem without a police escort.
According to Adalah, The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulances “must wait in a Jewish neighborhood adjacent to the Palestinian neighborhood and may not enter it to transfer the injured or the sick person to the hospital until a police escort arrives, even in life threatening situations.”
In many cases, patients face long delays in receiving treatment, and must be transferred by their own family’s cars, risking complications or increased severity of illness, the rights advocates say.
In a news release on Thursday, Adalah said the procedures “violate the first rule in the work of emergency crews, which is to provide medical aid as soon as possible, and the state's obligation to ensure the life and physical well-being of each person under its authority.”
Further, the rules may amount to a violation of medical ethics and “may constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law,” the group added in a statement.
The Israeli Ministry of Health did not immediately return calls from Ma’an seeking comment.
Adalah, along with Physicians for Human Rights and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human rights sent an urgent letter to the Israeli Deputy Minister of Health and the Jerusalem Police Chief on 10 November demanding the cancellation of the guidelines.
...The situation for Palestinians in Jerusalem is particularly dire, Naamneh said, because “There is no alternative.” The Palestine Red Crescent Society has only five ambulances in East Jerusalem, Naamneh said, which are often much farther away from Palestinian neighborhoods than their MDA counterparts.
The rights group noted that the instructions do not apply to Jewish settlements in the heart of Palestinian neighborhoods of occupied East Jerusalem. MDA ambulances travel through Palestinian areas to reach settlements without any accompaniment, the group said.
...ambulances are sometimes forced to wait more than an hour on the edge of the community... Full story
World Council of Churches condemns Israel's approval of 900 more housing units in Gilo settlemen
World Council of Churches
It is with great disappointment that the World Council of Churches (WCC) heard the news that the government of Israel has approved construction of 900 more housing units in the settlement of Gilo near East Jerusalem. The WCC strongly condemns the decision of the government of Israel to expand the illegal Gilo settlement as we believe that this decision will hinder attempts now in process to restart the peace negotiation.
The decision by the Israel government has shocked and dismayed many in the international community. This is evident in reactions from around the world deploring the decision to expand settlements on Palestinian territories. In fact, this decision to expand settlements is a violation of international law like the many before it. Gilo is built on Palestinian territory occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. Any expansion of settlements perpetuates illegality. At a time when Palestinians—many of them impoverished—are routinely denied legitimate applications to build homes on their own land, the decision to approve construction of 900 new four- and five-bedroom housing units that will bring relatively affluent Israelis to occupied land is deplorable.
The WCC asks its member churches, ecumenical partners, specialized ministries and agencies to act with resolve, and in concert, to mobilize their members and the public to reverse this decision of the Israeli government and the settlement programme it represents. Full story
Israeli rockets hit Gaza tunnels
Al Jazeera
Officials of the Palestinian group Hamas said two other strikes hit a military training facility close to the town of Khan Younis in the central Gaza Strip.
Officials of the Palestinian group Hamas said two other strikes hit a military training facility close to the town of Khan Younis in the central Gaza Strip.
...Israeli aircraft have hit two tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military has said. Full story
Settler Rabbi publishes “The complete guide to killing non-Jews” — UPDATED
Coteret
[The Nov. 9th edition of the Israeli publication] Maariv reports that the Yeshiva’s dean has just published on the proscribed dos and don’ts (mainly the former) regarding the killing of gentiles. Here are some choice excerpts.
Full story
[The Nov. 9th edition of the Israeli publication] Maariv reports that the Yeshiva’s dean has just published on the proscribed dos and don’ts (mainly the former) regarding the killing of gentiles. Here are some choice excerpts.
Full translation:
“In any situation in which a non-Jew’s presence endangers Jewish lives, the non-Jew may be killed even if he is a righteous Gentile and not at all guilty for the situation that has been created…When a non-Jew assists a murderer of Jews and causes the death of one, he may be killed, and in any case where a non-Jew’s presence causes danger to Jews, the non-Jew may be killed…The [Din Rodef] dispensation applies even when the pursuer is not threatening to kill directly, but only indirectly…Even a civilian who assists combat fighters is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Anyone who assists the army of the wicked in any way is strengthening murderers and is considered a pursuer. A civilian who encourages the war gives the king and his soldiers the strength to continue. Therefore, any citizen of the state that opposes us who encourages the combat soldiers or expresses satisfaction over their actions is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Also, anyone who weakens our own state by word or similar action is considered a pursuer…Hindrances—babies are found many times in this situation. They block the way to rescue by their presence and do so completely by force. Nevertheless, they may be killed because their presence aids murder. There is justification for killing babies if it is clear that they will grow up to harm us, and in such a situation they may be harmed deliberately, and not only during combat with adults.”…In a chapter entitled “Deliberate harm to innocents,” the book explains that war is directled mainly against the pursuers, but those who belong to the enemy nation are also considered the enemy because they are assisting murderers.
The complete guide to killing non-Jews
Roi Sharon, Maariv, November 9 2009 [page 2 with front page teaser]
When is it permissible to kill non-Jews? The book Torat ha-Melekh [The King’s Teaching], which was just published, was written by Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, the dean of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in the community of Yitzhar near Nablus, together with another rabbi from the yeshiva, Yossi Elitzur. The book contains no fewer than 230 pages on the laws concerning the killing of non-Jews, a kind of guide for anyone who ponders the question of if and when it is permissible to take the life of a non-Jew.
Although the book is not being distributed by the leading book companies, it has already received warm recommendations from right-wing elements, including recommendations from important rabbis such as Yitzhak Ginsburg, Dov Lior and Yaakov Yosef, that were printed at the beginning of the book. The book is being distributed via the Internet and through the yeshiva, and at this stage the introductory price is NIS 30 per copy. At the memorial ceremony that was held over the weekend in Jerusalem for Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was killed nineteen years ago, copies of the book were sold.
Throughout the book, the authors deal with in-depth theoretical questions in Jewish religious law regarding the killing of non-Jews. The words “Arabs” and “Palestinians” are not mentioned even indirectly, and the authors are careful to avoid making explicit statements in favor of an individual taking the law into his own hands. The book includes hundreds of sources from the Bible and religious law. The book includes quotes from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, one of the fathers of religious Zionism, and from Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli, one of the deans of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, the stronghold of national-religious Zionism that is located in Jerusalem.
The book opens with a prohibition against killing non-Jews and justifies it, among other things, on the grounds of preventing hostility and any desecration of God’s name. But very quickly, the authors move from prohibition to permission, to the various dispensations for harming non-Jews, with the central reason being their obligation to uphold the seven Noahide laws, which every human being on earth must follow. Among these commandments are prohibitions on theft, bloodshed and idolatry. [The seven Noahide laws prohibit idolatry, murder, theft, illicit sexual relations, blasphemy and eating the flesh of a live animal, and require societies to institute just laws and law courts]
“When we approach a non-Jew who has violated the seven Noahide laws and kill him out of concern for upholding these seven laws, no prohibition has been violated,” states the book, which emphasizes that killing is forbidden unless it is done in obedience to a court ruling. But later on, the authors limit the prohibition, noting that it applies only to a “proper system that deals with non-Jews who violate the seven Noahide commandments.”
The book includes another conclusion that explains when a non-Jew may be killed even if he is not an enemy of the Jews. “In any situation in which a non-Jew’s presence endangers Jewish lives, the non-Jew may be killed even if he is a righteous Gentile and not at all guilty for the situation that has been created,” the authors state. “When a non-Jew assists a murderer of Jews and causes the death of one, he may be killed, and in any case where a non-Jew’s presence causes danger to Jews, the non-Jew may be killed.”
One of the dispensations for killing non-Jews, according to religious law, applies in a case of din rodef [the law of the “pursuer,” according to which one who is pursuing another with murderous intent may be killed extrajudicially] even when the pursuer is a civilian. “The dispensation applies even when the pursuer is not threatening to kill directly, but only indirectly,” the book states. “Even a civilian who assists combat fighters is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Anyone who assists the army of the wicked in any way is strengthening murderers and is considered a pursuer. A civilian who encourages the war gives the king and his soldiers the strength to continue. Therefore, any citizen of the state that opposes us who encourages the combat soldiers or expresses satisfaction over their actions is considered a pursuer and may be killed. Also, anyone who weakens our own state by word or similar action is considered a pursuer.”
Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur determine that children may also be harmed because they are “hindrances.” The rabbis write as follows: “Hindrances—babies are found many times in this situation. They block the way to rescue by their presence and do so completely by force. Nevertheless, they may be killed because their presence aids murder. There is justification for killing babies if it is clear that they will grow up to harm us, and in such a situation they may be harmed deliberately, and not only during combat with adults.”
In addition, the children of the leader may be harmed in order to apply pressure to him. If attacking the children of a wicked ruler will influence him not to behave wickedly, they may be harmed. “It is better to kill the pursuers than to kill others,” the authors state.
In a chapter entitled “Deliberate harm to innocents,” the book explains that war is directly mainly against the pursuers, but those who belong to the enemy nation are also considered the enemy because they are assisting murderers.
Retaliation also has a place and purpose in this book by Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur. “In order to defeat the enemy, we must behave toward them in a spirit of retaliation and measure for measure,” they state. “Retaliation is absolutely necessary in order to render such wickedness not worthwhile. Therefore, sometimes we do cruel deeds in order to create the proper balance of terror.”
In one of the footnotes, the two rabbis write in such a way that appears to permit individuals to act on their own, outside of any decision by the government or the army.
“A decision by the nation is not necessary to permit shedding the blood of the evil kingdom,” the rabbis write. “Even individuals from the nation being attacked may harm them.”
Unlike books of religious law that are published by yeshivas, this time the rabbis added a chapter containing the book’s conclusions. Each of the six chapters is summarized into main points of several lines, which state, among other things: “In religious law, we have found that non-Jews are generally suspected of shedding Jewish blood, and in war, this suspicion becomes a great deal stronger. One must consider killing even babies, who have not violated the seven Noahide laws, because of the future danger that will be caused if they are allowed to grow up to be as wicked as their parents.”
Even though the authors are careful, as stated, to use the term “non-Jews,” there are certainly those who could interpret the nationality of the “non-Jews” who are liable to endanger the Jewish people. This is strengthened by the leaflet “The Jewish Voice,” which is published on the Internet from Yitzhar, which comments on the book: “It is superfluous to note that nowhere in the book is it written that the statements are directly only to the ancient non-Jews.” The leaflet’s editors did not omit a stinging remark directed at the GSS, who will certainly take the trouble to get themselves a copy. “The editors suggest to the GSS that they award the prize for Israel’s security to the authors,” the leaflet states, “who gave the detectives the option of reading the summarized conclusions without any need for in-depth study of the entire book.”
One student of the Od Yosef Hai yeshiva in Yitzhar explained, from his point of view, where Rabbis Shapira and Elitzur got the courage to speak so freely on a subject such as the killing of non-Jews. “The rabbis aren’t afraid of prosecution because in that case, Maimonides [Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, 1135–1204] and Nahmanides [Rabbi Moses ben Nahman, 1194–1270] would have to stand trial too, and anyway, this is research on religious law,” the yeshiva student said. “In a Jewish state, nobody sits in jail for studying Torah.”
Full story
Israeli forces seize five from West Bank
Ma'an
Israeli forces detained two Palestinians in Bethlehem and Tulkarm early on Thursday in addition to seizing three Palestinians during raids on Wednesday night in the West Bank, according to Israel’s own figures.
...On Tuesday night 24 Palestinians were taken from their homes in several West Bank locations. Full story
Israeli forces detained two Palestinians in Bethlehem and Tulkarm early on Thursday in addition to seizing three Palestinians during raids on Wednesday night in the West Bank, according to Israel’s own figures.
...On Tuesday night 24 Palestinians were taken from their homes in several West Bank locations. Full story
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Summary of: Israel In the grip of religious Zionists
Middle East Monitor
The overwhelming majority of officers who attended the Annual Conference of High Officers in the Israeli army convened recently, are religious Zionists...
...Based on data released in 2008 by the IDF's human resources department, 60% of officers in the Israeli army are followers of religious Zionism. The figures are even higher in the infantry brigades where they amount to 70%, reaching 75% in the special fighting units. Former commander of the northern part of the West Bank in the Israeli army Moshe Kaplinsky anticipates full control by religious Zionists of the chief of staff within two decades...
Motives of joining fighting units
The spiritual religious leadership of Israel's religious Zionism encourages its followers to join selected brigades and special military units. Leading rabbis of the Zionist religious tendency insist that this orientation is aimed at bringing the army under their control...
Glasshouses of terrorism
The religious Zionist leadership managed to make a deal with the army leadership that would provide for the establishment of special religious military schools where religious soldiers and officers continue their religious studies while doing their military service. Forty-two schools of this type have been opened so far.
Although these institutes are fully funded by the army which pays salaries to their heads among rabbis, they are totally dominated by the Zionist religious current. It is worth noting that the curriculum used by these schools is racist and prepares the soldiers to be more daring in killing Arabs.
For instance, the "fatwas" (religious injunctions) and various interpretations issued by key Zionist religious authorities constitute the major subjects taught in these schools. Rabbi Samuel Rusim, head of religious military school in Ma'aleh Adumim, states that he teaches his students (soldiers and officers) the fatwa that was issued two years ago by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu who inherited the leadership of religious Zionism that the fate of the Amalek must be implemented on Palestinians.
According to this verdict, God commands Prophet Joshua ( Yusha' Bin Nun) to exterminate the Amalek tribe living in Palestine completely, including men, women, children and livestock. In his widely spread Fatwa, Eliyahu believes that what was then applied to the Amalek must be applied to the Palestinians being the 'Amalek of this age.'
The Gaza war as an example
Ha'aretz revealed that the military rabbinate distributed to religious soldiers in the IDF a fatwa issued by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, the Rosh yeshiva of the Ateret Cohanim yeshiva in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem and the rabbi of Bet El inciting the murder of Palestinians. Meanwhile military rabbi and former Brigadier General Avi Ronski distributed pamphlets to Israeli troops sanctioning the killing of Palestinians. "Kill them all", he said highlighting that they were not civilians...
Israeli journalist Amos Hariel reported a soldier who participated in the war on Gaza as saying that rabbi Shaul Eliyahu (the official rabbi of the city of Safed) preached sermons to soldiers urging 'no mercy' in killing of Gazans. Full story
The overwhelming majority of officers who attended the Annual Conference of High Officers in the Israeli army convened recently, are religious Zionists...
...Based on data released in 2008 by the IDF's human resources department, 60% of officers in the Israeli army are followers of religious Zionism. The figures are even higher in the infantry brigades where they amount to 70%, reaching 75% in the special fighting units. Former commander of the northern part of the West Bank in the Israeli army Moshe Kaplinsky anticipates full control by religious Zionists of the chief of staff within two decades...
Motives of joining fighting units
The spiritual religious leadership of Israel's religious Zionism encourages its followers to join selected brigades and special military units. Leading rabbis of the Zionist religious tendency insist that this orientation is aimed at bringing the army under their control...
Glasshouses of terrorism
The religious Zionist leadership managed to make a deal with the army leadership that would provide for the establishment of special religious military schools where religious soldiers and officers continue their religious studies while doing their military service. Forty-two schools of this type have been opened so far.
Although these institutes are fully funded by the army which pays salaries to their heads among rabbis, they are totally dominated by the Zionist religious current. It is worth noting that the curriculum used by these schools is racist and prepares the soldiers to be more daring in killing Arabs.
For instance, the "fatwas" (religious injunctions) and various interpretations issued by key Zionist religious authorities constitute the major subjects taught in these schools. Rabbi Samuel Rusim, head of religious military school in Ma'aleh Adumim, states that he teaches his students (soldiers and officers) the fatwa that was issued two years ago by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu who inherited the leadership of religious Zionism that the fate of the Amalek must be implemented on Palestinians.
According to this verdict, God commands Prophet Joshua ( Yusha' Bin Nun) to exterminate the Amalek tribe living in Palestine completely, including men, women, children and livestock. In his widely spread Fatwa, Eliyahu believes that what was then applied to the Amalek must be applied to the Palestinians being the 'Amalek of this age.'
The Gaza war as an example
Ha'aretz revealed that the military rabbinate distributed to religious soldiers in the IDF a fatwa issued by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, the Rosh yeshiva of the Ateret Cohanim yeshiva in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem and the rabbi of Bet El inciting the murder of Palestinians. Meanwhile military rabbi and former Brigadier General Avi Ronski distributed pamphlets to Israeli troops sanctioning the killing of Palestinians. "Kill them all", he said highlighting that they were not civilians...
Israeli journalist Amos Hariel reported a soldier who participated in the war on Gaza as saying that rabbi Shaul Eliyahu (the official rabbi of the city of Safed) preached sermons to soldiers urging 'no mercy' in killing of Gazans. Full story
Meet the rabbi spurring IDF troops to refuse orders
Rabbi Eliezer MelamedHa'aretz
The head of the Har Bracha Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, has written in a book distributed to all graduates of his yeshiva that soldiers are not allowed to participate in evacuating settlements. The book also accused senior Israel Defense Forces officers of being "contaminated by politics."
[Removing Israeli settlers from living on confiscated Palestinian land is actually required by international law and, in some cases, also by Israeli law.]
His statements have received renewed attention in light of Monday's protest by six soldiers of the Kfir Brigade.
...The prime minister, defense minister and IDF chief of staff all condemned the soldiers' action, as did the Association of Hesder Yeshivas.
...The incident caused some senior army officers to reiterate their call for removing two extremist yeshivas in the northern West Bank ...from the hesder program, which allows soldiers to combine Torah study with shortened army service. Some of the soldiers involved in this incident came from those yeshivas.
...An extremist right-wing group calling itself the Organization for Saving the Nation and the Land has already announced that it will pay each soldier NIS 1,000 for every day they spend in military prison.
IDF sources said that in both incidents, the soldiers were egged on and abetted by right-wing activists from outside the army... Both yeshivas are located in settlements in the Nablus area.
The book published by Rabbi Melamed of Har Bracha was entitled "Revivim." In it, he offered answers to halakhic questions pertaining to "nation, land, army."
..."A simple halakha [Jewish law] is that it is forbidden for any person, whether a soldier or an officer ... to participate in the strictly forbidden act of expelling Jews from their homes and handing over any portion of the Land of Israel to enemies," he wrote. "Those who violate this violate several commandments of the Torah ... Full story
Holland to probe if Ahava products made on occupied land
YNET
...to launch an investigation of the Dead Sea company's products marketed in Holland in order to ascertain whether they are manufactured in Palestinian territory held by Israel,...
...If it will be found that the Ahava products are made on occupied territory, Bommel said that he "will call for a boycott of these products" because selling them "violates international law that forbids an occupying power from selling products whose raw materials belong to the occupied nation under its name."
...British charity organization Oxfam cancelled a contract with model Kristin Davis after she signed a contract to be a spokesperson for Ahava products. Full story
=
MORAN DRAFTED A letter to clinton about the student sent nov 5 asking state dept to look into issue request her to be allowed to return - intl pressure for the student - christian fellowship from vaatican - yesterday had a hearing outside gaza - gish an israeli ngo - in dc this wweek - will brief staffers on hill tomorrow - 11:30 in jim moran office 2239 rayburn bldg - one hour - briefing on gaza students being deported to gaza from west bank according to military law - israel military law cannot go to the other without prior permission from the israeli military - supreme court listening to defendant and military -
...to launch an investigation of the Dead Sea company's products marketed in Holland in order to ascertain whether they are manufactured in Palestinian territory held by Israel,...
...If it will be found that the Ahava products are made on occupied territory, Bommel said that he "will call for a boycott of these products" because selling them "violates international law that forbids an occupying power from selling products whose raw materials belong to the occupied nation under its name."
...British charity organization Oxfam cancelled a contract with model Kristin Davis after she signed a contract to be a spokesperson for Ahava products. Full story
=
MORAN DRAFTED A letter to clinton about the student sent nov 5 asking state dept to look into issue request her to be allowed to return - intl pressure for the student - christian fellowship from vaatican - yesterday had a hearing outside gaza - gish an israeli ngo - in dc this wweek - will brief staffers on hill tomorrow - 11:30 in jim moran office 2239 rayburn bldg - one hour - briefing on gaza students being deported to gaza from west bank according to military law - israel military law cannot go to the other without prior permission from the israeli military - supreme court listening to defendant and military -
Deported Bethlehem University student tells Israeli prosecutors she was in WB legally
Ma'an
Deported Bethlehem University Student Berlanty Azzam was interviewed by prosecutors from the Israeli military on Tuesday, pursuant to a 22 November court date...
The interview took place at the Israeli-controlled Erez crossing, where Berlanty was thrown back into Gaza after spending three and a half years in Bethlehem studying Business Administration and Translation in the West Bank. It was the first time Berlanty was permitted to meet her lawyer in person, and a chance for the young student to explain her story.
When travelling back to Bethlehem from a Ramallah job interview... Berlanty was pulled from the mini-bus she was riding in after soldiers demanded to inspect her identity card, which indicates she a resident of Gaza. She was then detained for several hours at the Container checkpoint, an internal military point in the West Bank that restricts the movement of Palestinians from one PA area to another. As evening approached, Berlanty was blindfolded and transported to Gaza. She was only informed of the decision that she was going to be deported when the blindfold was removed and she was already at the Erez crossing.
Describing the interview, Berlanty told BU staff, that military prosecutors "didn't say anything about the way they deported me...they just asked me about my permission [permit to leave Gaza] and what I wanted to do. I said I came to the West Bank legally, stayed for more than three and a half years, didn't do anyone any harm, and want to go back to finish my studies at Bethlehem University."
Berlanty's lawyer, Yadin Elam with the Israeli rights group Gisha, was at the interview despite attempts by Israeli prosecutors at the 12 November hearing of the Israeli High Court, to prevent him from being present.
On or before 22 November lawyers for both sides will present reports to the Israeli High Court, which will determine if there is a need for a hearing or if Berlanty should be returned to Bethlehem or some other outcome, according to a statement from BU.
"While we await the ruling of the High Court, we are all painfully aware that every day of her being held in Gaza against her will, Berlanty is suffering a missed academic day in her pursuit of completing her bachelors degree at Bethlehem University," university officials noted. Full story
Deported Bethlehem University Student Berlanty Azzam was interviewed by prosecutors from the Israeli military on Tuesday, pursuant to a 22 November court date...
The interview took place at the Israeli-controlled Erez crossing, where Berlanty was thrown back into Gaza after spending three and a half years in Bethlehem studying Business Administration and Translation in the West Bank. It was the first time Berlanty was permitted to meet her lawyer in person, and a chance for the young student to explain her story.
When travelling back to Bethlehem from a Ramallah job interview... Berlanty was pulled from the mini-bus she was riding in after soldiers demanded to inspect her identity card, which indicates she a resident of Gaza. She was then detained for several hours at the Container checkpoint, an internal military point in the West Bank that restricts the movement of Palestinians from one PA area to another. As evening approached, Berlanty was blindfolded and transported to Gaza. She was only informed of the decision that she was going to be deported when the blindfold was removed and she was already at the Erez crossing.
Describing the interview, Berlanty told BU staff, that military prosecutors "didn't say anything about the way they deported me...they just asked me about my permission [permit to leave Gaza] and what I wanted to do. I said I came to the West Bank legally, stayed for more than three and a half years, didn't do anyone any harm, and want to go back to finish my studies at Bethlehem University."
Berlanty's lawyer, Yadin Elam with the Israeli rights group Gisha, was at the interview despite attempts by Israeli prosecutors at the 12 November hearing of the Israeli High Court, to prevent him from being present.
On or before 22 November lawyers for both sides will present reports to the Israeli High Court, which will determine if there is a need for a hearing or if Berlanty should be returned to Bethlehem or some other outcome, according to a statement from BU.
"While we await the ruling of the High Court, we are all painfully aware that every day of her being held in Gaza against her will, Berlanty is suffering a missed academic day in her pursuit of completing her bachelors degree at Bethlehem University," university officials noted. Full story
Israel Demolishes Four Palestinian Homes And NGO Offices In East Jerusalem
IMEMC
The Israeli municipality demolished on Wednesday four Palestinian owned homes and offices of a local NGO in East Jerusalem.
Seven Palestinians were wounded... when residents tried to stop the demolition of two homes. ...soldiers fired tear gas bombs before attacking them attacked them with batons.
Also, Jerusalem municipality bulldozers demolished the offices of "The Old City Women Center" Located near Jerusalem's old city.
Earlier on Wednesday, the municipality demolished two homes owned by Palestinians east of Jerusalem's old city, rendering five families (35 people in total) homeless. Full story
The Israeli municipality demolished on Wednesday four Palestinian owned homes and offices of a local NGO in East Jerusalem.
Seven Palestinians were wounded... when residents tried to stop the demolition of two homes. ...soldiers fired tear gas bombs before attacking them attacked them with batons.
Also, Jerusalem municipality bulldozers demolished the offices of "The Old City Women Center" Located near Jerusalem's old city.
Earlier on Wednesday, the municipality demolished two homes owned by Palestinians east of Jerusalem's old city, rendering five families (35 people in total) homeless. Full story
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