If this report is true, I'm going to have to boycot the Malcha Mall. Now, it's not like I love malls, but I have some favorite stores there. But Gush Katif is more important than my Hagara and Ishah Isha clothes. And I do have some good places to buy clothes for the grandchildren, though I had wanted to get somethings for Hallelie. But if orange is forbidden, I won't shop there at all.
Jerusalem Mall Bars Orange Ribbon Patrons 22:55 May 31, '05 / 22 Iyar 5765
(IsraelNN.com) Jerusalem’s Malcha Mall tonight implemented a new policy, instructing security personnel to prevent anyone from entering if displaying an orange ribbon or any other sign of solidarity with Gush Katif and northern Shomron residents.Mall operators are following the lead of Israel Police, which has been prohibiting entry into areas such as the Western Wall with orange ribbons and tee-shirts. The same holds true in Knesset where visitors have been instructed to remove orange garments in order to be permitted entry into the parliament building.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=83035
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
news digest plus
What can one say when someone doesn't learn from mistakes, from life? Maybe he's stupid? Or maybe he doesn't want to learn? Or maybe he has other priorities and the facts just aren't important. It makes one wonder about "our" government.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82841
Well, this is a little better, but what's the point of three months? We have a dangerous enemy, and they're not going to change. Just read last week's Parshat Shavua, Torah Portion of the Week. If we don't follow the Commandments we will be punished. Cause and Effect. Very simple.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82854
And one of Israel's legends is opposing his old buddy Arik and the Disengagement Plan.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82868
I just can't put this link up without a warning. You may feel sick at the totalitarian insensitivity. There just aren't words...
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82876
And what are we supposed to make of this?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1117333099940
ps Does anyone read these digests?
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82841
Well, this is a little better, but what's the point of three months? We have a dangerous enemy, and they're not going to change. Just read last week's Parshat Shavua, Torah Portion of the Week. If we don't follow the Commandments we will be punished. Cause and Effect. Very simple.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82854
And one of Israel's legends is opposing his old buddy Arik and the Disengagement Plan.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82868
I just can't put this link up without a warning. You may feel sick at the totalitarian insensitivity. There just aren't words...
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82876
And what are we supposed to make of this?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1117333099940
ps Does anyone read these digests?
Sunday, May 29, 2005
re: Dovrat Report and Sharon's remarks
Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser
Following are Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's remarks at the start of theCabinet meeting today (Sunday), 29.5.05, regarding the implementation of theDovrat Commission report and the attacks on Education, Culture and SportsMinister Limor Livnat
This morning Education, Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat will briefthe Cabinet on the implementation of the Dovrat Commission report(http://tinyurl.com/dqt8c).
I would like to point out that the education reforms specified in therecommendations of the Dovrat Commission report are very important andvital. The national task force that I appointed along with Minister Livnatsat for over a year and submitted very serious proposals. This is notanybody's private initiative. It is the decision of the Government and allthose who sit here around the table - except one - voted in favor of it.The Government has also budgeted billions of shekels for education in orderto implement the reforms.Minister Livnat is leading the implementation of the Dovrat report on behalfof the entire Government and she needs to receive its support. MinisterLivnat has led the education system to many achievements during her term ofoffice and the unbridled personal attacks on her are an attack on theGovernment and its decisions. I expect everyone to support the decisionthat we made.To my regret, the teachers' organizations are not cooperating inimplementing the report even though several very serious compromiseproposals have been made that would allow the implementation of the reformsto begin this coming [academic] year and which would either reduce orobviate the need to dismiss teachers.I want to make it clear that the Government's decision on the educationreforms will be implemented. This reform will happen. I call on theteachers' organizations to accept the serious proposals that have been madeto them and to open discussions on the immediate implementation of theDovrat report.The reforms contain many issues the implementation of which must bediscussed and it is possible to do so by agreement and through respectfuldialogue. I am always in favor of dialogue but in the absence ofcooperation, the Government will implement the Dovrat report along with thelocal authorities, according to the plan that has already been approved.It is the Government which is responsible towards the students and theparents to enact the necessary changes in the education system and this wewill do.Limor, I stand together with you in the important measures that you areleading."
Following are Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's remarks at the start of theCabinet meeting today (Sunday), 29.5.05, regarding the implementation of theDovrat Commission report and the attacks on Education, Culture and SportsMinister Limor Livnat
This morning Education, Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat will briefthe Cabinet on the implementation of the Dovrat Commission report(http://tinyurl.com/dqt8c).
I would like to point out that the education reforms specified in therecommendations of the Dovrat Commission report are very important andvital. The national task force that I appointed along with Minister Livnatsat for over a year and submitted very serious proposals. This is notanybody's private initiative. It is the decision of the Government and allthose who sit here around the table - except one - voted in favor of it.The Government has also budgeted billions of shekels for education in orderto implement the reforms.Minister Livnat is leading the implementation of the Dovrat report on behalfof the entire Government and she needs to receive its support. MinisterLivnat has led the education system to many achievements during her term ofoffice and the unbridled personal attacks on her are an attack on theGovernment and its decisions. I expect everyone to support the decisionthat we made.To my regret, the teachers' organizations are not cooperating inimplementing the report even though several very serious compromiseproposals have been made that would allow the implementation of the reformsto begin this coming [academic] year and which would either reduce orobviate the need to dismiss teachers.I want to make it clear that the Government's decision on the educationreforms will be implemented. This reform will happen. I call on theteachers' organizations to accept the serious proposals that have been madeto them and to open discussions on the immediate implementation of theDovrat report.The reforms contain many issues the implementation of which must bediscussed and it is possible to do so by agreement and through respectfuldialogue. I am always in favor of dialogue but in the absence ofcooperation, the Government will implement the Dovrat report along with thelocal authorities, according to the plan that has already been approved.It is the Government which is responsible towards the students and theparents to enact the necessary changes in the education system and this wewill do.Limor, I stand together with you in the important measures that you areleading."
Saturday, May 28, 2005
reply to a comment
So many people are against Disengagement, but they don't do anything. People my age and older from the states probably remember the Barry Goldwater presidential campaign. "In your heart you know he's right."
This is a lot more serious. Not only are people's lives at stake, but the future of the State of Israel. Disengagement isn't the end of the destruction, it's the coninuation that began when Begin destroyed Yamit and the other communities and gave the Sinai to Egypt on a silver platter. We must stop it. It will be more painful later on.
Sometimes it's not pleasant to be at a demonstration. Also, when you see the pictures and film clips, the demonstrators don't look nice. Shouting doesn't photograph well. and you know that the editors pick the least flattering pictures. Here are some ideas, for whatever they're worth.
This is a lot more serious. Not only are people's lives at stake, but the future of the State of Israel. Disengagement isn't the end of the destruction, it's the coninuation that began when Begin destroyed Yamit and the other communities and gave the Sinai to Egypt on a silver platter. We must stop it. It will be more painful later on.
Sometimes it's not pleasant to be at a demonstration. Also, when you see the pictures and film clips, the demonstrators don't look nice. Shouting doesn't photograph well. and you know that the editors pick the least flattering pictures. Here are some ideas, for whatever they're worth.
I admit it's a tough call,
but we all must do something, even if it's writing to the paper, calling talk
shows. And even sending http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2005/05/comment-on-121-from-veteran.html#comments to various papers and news agencies
asking why their reporters didn't do anything comprehensive.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Ironic isn't quite the right word
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82774
The latest protests are to stop the bulldozers, the ones preparing land for the "temporary community" or "new town," the one that's supposed to house the Gush Katif refugees. These aren't anti-Disengagemnet protestors. These are pro-sand dume demonstrators. They don't want the religious, right-wing Jews to defile their holy ground.
They've united with residents of Nitzan who are furious that their Garden of Eden should be a refugee camp. They don't want neighbors, expansion, espcially people who don't live their sort of life.
The government is finding it more and more difficult to solve all the niggling details and problems. It was so easy to declare a new daring policy. And they enjoyed all the attention and praise from the world's movers, shakers and prize givers. And now, before they've succeded in this first grand gesture, their ruler, Bush II, has already announced the next stage of the famous salami tactics.
I don't understand why the great experts are so surprised. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82767 I spoke to Steinitz when he visited Moshe Keinan's protest succah a year and a half ago, and I told him that he was "inconsistent." I was polite and didn't call him a hypocrite or naive.
This doesn't surprise us. We predicted it all. Some of us have been warning the country and
world Jewry since Begin greeted Sadat.
When someone I knew told me we should withdraw from the Sinai, because it was too far away for her husband when doing reserve duty, I asked if she wanted the war closer. She didn't understand, and then came terrorism in every city and road. I'd prefer the war far away, but with my accent, who listens?
And how did I get on this tangent?
Yes, the government can't push Jews around like pieces of lego. There was another good arutz 7 article with an interview with one of the leftists. He was asked if he would have Arabs taken out of their homes, and he said:
Asked if he would also agree to evacuate an Arab village in the same way he agrees to the destruction of Jewish towns, Ayalon said, "There's a difference. You are public servants, and we sent you. The mission of some of you has ended." MK Finkelstein responded, "They're not yo-yos! What, the servant-boy did his job and now he can go home?"
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82642
We have a lot of work to do, if these are the people in power.
Shabbat Shalom
The latest protests are to stop the bulldozers, the ones preparing land for the "temporary community" or "new town," the one that's supposed to house the Gush Katif refugees. These aren't anti-Disengagemnet protestors. These are pro-sand dume demonstrators. They don't want the religious, right-wing Jews to defile their holy ground.
They've united with residents of Nitzan who are furious that their Garden of Eden should be a refugee camp. They don't want neighbors, expansion, espcially people who don't live their sort of life.
The government is finding it more and more difficult to solve all the niggling details and problems. It was so easy to declare a new daring policy. And they enjoyed all the attention and praise from the world's movers, shakers and prize givers. And now, before they've succeded in this first grand gesture, their ruler, Bush II, has already announced the next stage of the famous salami tactics.
I don't understand why the great experts are so surprised. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82767 I spoke to Steinitz when he visited Moshe Keinan's protest succah a year and a half ago, and I told him that he was "inconsistent." I was polite and didn't call him a hypocrite or naive.
This doesn't surprise us. We predicted it all. Some of us have been warning the country and
world Jewry since Begin greeted Sadat.
When someone I knew told me we should withdraw from the Sinai, because it was too far away for her husband when doing reserve duty, I asked if she wanted the war closer. She didn't understand, and then came terrorism in every city and road. I'd prefer the war far away, but with my accent, who listens?
And how did I get on this tangent?
Yes, the government can't push Jews around like pieces of lego. There was another good arutz 7 article with an interview with one of the leftists. He was asked if he would have Arabs taken out of their homes, and he said:
Asked if he would also agree to evacuate an Arab village in the same way he agrees to the destruction of Jewish towns, Ayalon said, "There's a difference. You are public servants, and we sent you. The mission of some of you has ended." MK Finkelstein responded, "They're not yo-yos! What, the servant-boy did his job and now he can go home?"
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82642
We have a lot of work to do, if these are the people in power.
Shabbat Shalom
A Plea
This is a plea from a friend looking for a kidney. She is undergoing dialysis. If anyone knows of someone to help, please contact me at
shilohmuse at yahoo dot com
My blood type is A+. The donor has to have a blood type compatible with me, undergo blood and urine tests, be under 60 and be healthy. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate them.
I'm desperate to get off dialysis
shilohmuse at yahoo dot com
My blood type is A+. The donor has to have a blood type compatible with me, undergo blood and urine tests, be under 60 and be healthy. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate them.
I'm desperate to get off dialysis
Thursday, May 26, 2005
a comment on #121 from a veteran
A veteran Zionist activist sent me her comments on #121. She was one of the many demonstrating while Sharon was speaking. As I said in my musing, it didn't seem like the various newspapers sent reporters to really report what went on there. They just paraphrased, at best, the official press release.
So here is a first hand report:
Batya,
Let them know there are people here who really care & are willing to stand out in pouring rain. Bear in mind, please, I'm a 70 + bubby (w/arthritis and more) who has been doing this since age 12 when, along w/my Hashomer Hadati group attended any & all opportunities to rally, demonstrate, march, etc FOR a State.
For "what its worth!!"....Im among a group who travelled to NY (from Philly) on Sunday to participate in the rally when "he" spoke....
I went to Baltimore on Monday, stayed over & went w/a bus organized by W.I.G. to DC on Tuesday to stand in the pouring rain to hold signs in from of the aipac meeting..... after a while, I went to back of the convention center where delegates were loading into buses...... a woman came running over to me (her intent wasn't clear at first)...she said, "I'm wearing an orange button...lots of the delegates are w/you, but we can't speak out"......."what?", I asked...."you can't speak out?".....
some gave me (I happened to be standing on that corner alone..my sign said "STOP the forced transfer of Jews") the thumbs up sign.
Shmuel Sackett was inside and escorted out when he made some kind of commotion...he came over to speak to the group.
So here is a first hand report:
Batya,
Let them know there are people here who really care & are willing to stand out in pouring rain. Bear in mind, please, I'm a 70 + bubby (w/arthritis and more) who has been doing this since age 12 when, along w/my Hashomer Hadati group attended any & all opportunities to rally, demonstrate, march, etc FOR a State.
For "what its worth!!"....Im among a group who travelled to NY (from Philly) on Sunday to participate in the rally when "he" spoke....
I went to Baltimore on Monday, stayed over & went w/a bus organized by W.I.G. to DC on Tuesday to stand in the pouring rain to hold signs in from of the aipac meeting..... after a while, I went to back of the convention center where delegates were loading into buses...... a woman came running over to me (her intent wasn't clear at first)...she said, "I'm wearing an orange button...lots of the delegates are w/you, but we can't speak out"......."what?", I asked...."you can't speak out?".....
some gave me (I happened to be standing on that corner alone..my sign said "STOP the forced transfer of Jews") the thumbs up sign.
Shmuel Sackett was inside and escorted out when he made some kind of commotion...he came over to speak to the group.
#121 We're Not Afraid
Musings #121
May 24, 2005
15th of Iyyar
We’re Not Afraid
Justice Minister Livni is trying to scare us, claiming that our opposition to Disengagement will cause “chaos.”
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82567 And what’s “chaos?” According to the dictionary, it’s: “a state of extreme confusion and disorder.” That’s what Ariel Sharon and his government are causing. He has abandoned all ideology and his party’s long-standing platform. He’s the Mr. Hyde after Dr. Jeckyl took the magic potion.
I just googled Sharon’s visit to New York and discovered that almost all of the articles are identical, superficial and ignored most of his speech. Apparently they were taken from a single press release, which is a timely reminder about the level of the professional journalism in our day and age. Those who did listen carefully, or read the text, discovered that he’s treating Judea and Samaria like some unwanted junk at a “garage sale.” He’s offering a “good deal” if only the Arabs would promise “a bissel” quiet, and if they don’t; it doesn’t matter. He’ll give it away anyhow. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82495
Yes, this is confusing. Wasn’t Ariel Sharon a famous Israeli war hero and general? Wasn’t he also one of the strongest and most enthusiastic supporters of Jewish settlement in Judea, Samaria and Gaza? He’s the one who pointed to the hilltops, such as my neighborhood, and told Jews to inhabit them, like in the days of Joshua of the Bible. And now all of these thriving communities are on a silver platter to be given to our enemies, the same terrorists who murder, maim and educate their children to kill us. He’s planning on throwing good loyal Israelis from their homes and businesses and turn it all over to the same Arabs who are bombing our civilians.
Think of the chaos in refugee camps and storage depots where the government is planning on herding the homeless refugees and dumping thousands of crates of furniture, appliances, books, clothing, toys and the rest of the personal possessions of the innocent civilians deported from their homes until they get “permanent housing.”
The military experts are predicting an enormous increase in terror and more rockets and missles will be fired at Israel if Disengagement takes place. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82097 Isn’t it “peculiar” when a government declares a policy that they know will endanger the country? Maybe “peculiar” is the wrong word. Will I be arrested for using a different word, like “sedicious?”
Those of us who don’t agree with the Disengagement policy aren’t confused at all, nor are we causing “chaos.” We’re trying to bring stability and security to Israel. We’re focused, and we’re not afraid.
Just now, as I’m writing this, I saw a news report that anti-Disengagement demonstrators blocked one of Israel’s main highway. There were no arrests. Last week the police would have arrested them for the same “crimes.” But since the demonstrators aren’t afraid of being jailed, and the police don’t have the manpower to waste on the legal bureacracy, they’re changing tactics. That’s a victory for our protest movement.
Israel’s old, veteran Etzel and Lechi (pre-state underground) fighters must feel that they’re transported back to the past, as youngsters brag about how they stuck posters on walls late at night. There are two main differences between now and then. One is that today they’re protesting against The State of Israel, and the other is that they don’t have to cook the glue.
Yes, we’ll have the last laugh, b’ezrat Hashem, with G-d’s help.
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
May 24, 2005
15th of Iyyar
We’re Not Afraid
Justice Minister Livni is trying to scare us, claiming that our opposition to Disengagement will cause “chaos.”
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82567 And what’s “chaos?” According to the dictionary, it’s: “a state of extreme confusion and disorder.” That’s what Ariel Sharon and his government are causing. He has abandoned all ideology and his party’s long-standing platform. He’s the Mr. Hyde after Dr. Jeckyl took the magic potion.
I just googled Sharon’s visit to New York and discovered that almost all of the articles are identical, superficial and ignored most of his speech. Apparently they were taken from a single press release, which is a timely reminder about the level of the professional journalism in our day and age. Those who did listen carefully, or read the text, discovered that he’s treating Judea and Samaria like some unwanted junk at a “garage sale.” He’s offering a “good deal” if only the Arabs would promise “a bissel” quiet, and if they don’t; it doesn’t matter. He’ll give it away anyhow. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82495
Yes, this is confusing. Wasn’t Ariel Sharon a famous Israeli war hero and general? Wasn’t he also one of the strongest and most enthusiastic supporters of Jewish settlement in Judea, Samaria and Gaza? He’s the one who pointed to the hilltops, such as my neighborhood, and told Jews to inhabit them, like in the days of Joshua of the Bible. And now all of these thriving communities are on a silver platter to be given to our enemies, the same terrorists who murder, maim and educate their children to kill us. He’s planning on throwing good loyal Israelis from their homes and businesses and turn it all over to the same Arabs who are bombing our civilians.
Think of the chaos in refugee camps and storage depots where the government is planning on herding the homeless refugees and dumping thousands of crates of furniture, appliances, books, clothing, toys and the rest of the personal possessions of the innocent civilians deported from their homes until they get “permanent housing.”
The military experts are predicting an enormous increase in terror and more rockets and missles will be fired at Israel if Disengagement takes place. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82097 Isn’t it “peculiar” when a government declares a policy that they know will endanger the country? Maybe “peculiar” is the wrong word. Will I be arrested for using a different word, like “sedicious?”
Those of us who don’t agree with the Disengagement policy aren’t confused at all, nor are we causing “chaos.” We’re trying to bring stability and security to Israel. We’re focused, and we’re not afraid.
Just now, as I’m writing this, I saw a news report that anti-Disengagement demonstrators blocked one of Israel’s main highway. There were no arrests. Last week the police would have arrested them for the same “crimes.” But since the demonstrators aren’t afraid of being jailed, and the police don’t have the manpower to waste on the legal bureacracy, they’re changing tactics. That’s a victory for our protest movement.
Israel’s old, veteran Etzel and Lechi (pre-state underground) fighters must feel that they’re transported back to the past, as youngsters brag about how they stuck posters on walls late at night. There are two main differences between now and then. One is that today they’re protesting against The State of Israel, and the other is that they don’t have to cook the glue.
Yes, we’ll have the last laugh, b’ezrat Hashem, with G-d’s help.
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Live, Dead and Wounded: News from Gush Katif and Jerusalem
A few years ago, we participated in a staff Shabbat in the Gush Katif Hotel. At that point it was already struggling financially and specialized in group Shabbat deals. Since then it closed down. But recently it came back to life, filling up and being repaired to provide more housing for those looking for apartments in Gush Katif.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82532
Last night's tv news showed pictures of some new "rapid construction" of homes for the G-d forbid! refugees. Aparently these homes will be administered by Amigur.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694087
Confusion reigns:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694095
And an even more confusing and potentially major money waste is happening on the security front.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694090
And if you haven't been in Jerusalem recently, you won't recognize the view from some areas, due to the construction of a "wall" and it's no Kotel ma'aravi! There's nothing holy about this one, and nobody but the people in the construction business seem to really like it.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116814793522
No rest for the dead and no comfort for the bereaved:
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82581
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82532
Last night's tv news showed pictures of some new "rapid construction" of homes for the G-d forbid! refugees. Aparently these homes will be administered by Amigur.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694087
Confusion reigns:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694095
And an even more confusing and potentially major money waste is happening on the security front.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116901694090
And if you haven't been in Jerusalem recently, you won't recognize the view from some areas, due to the construction of a "wall" and it's no Kotel ma'aravi! There's nothing holy about this one, and nobody but the people in the construction business seem to really like it.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116814793522
No rest for the dead and no comfort for the bereaved:
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82581
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Laura Bush, Where's Your Man?
During American First Lady Laura Bush's visit to Israel she was attacked by an Arab mob when she visited Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount.) http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82410 Israeli body guards protected her. Some of these articles are "white washes." In Israel the film clip was shown on TV, and there were more than "heckles." Bush sent his wife into the "lion's den," while he stayed safe at home.
Not much of a man!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/05/22/laura.bush/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4570993.stm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-05-22-lbush-jerusalem_x.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050522/us_nm/bush_laura_dc
Not much of a man!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/05/22/laura.bush/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4570993.stm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-05-22-lbush-jerusalem_x.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050522/us_nm/bush_laura_dc
unbroken, the future is strong
Our youth is great! Here are a couple of links about the kids.
One youngman's story:
http://yingele.blogspot.com/2005/05/medinat-mishtarah.html
Even after a week in jail, Israel's future is ready to do more for Eretz Yisrael.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82496
One youngman's story:
http://yingele.blogspot.com/2005/05/medinat-mishtarah.html
Even after a week in jail, Israel's future is ready to do more for Eretz Yisrael.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82496
Monday, May 23, 2005
#120 Natural Treasures
Musings #120
May 22, 2005
13th of Iyyar
“Natural Treasures”
I think that there should be a “people’s uprising” to protect our “natural treasures.” I’m not talking about Gush Katif or Disengagement, and I’m not referring to the sand dunes of Nitzanim, which Interior Minister Ophir Pines considers so valuable and precious.
“The sands of Nitzanim are a national resource," he said today, "that we must carefully preserve for our own sake and for future generations. We must now make sure to prevent any construction from creeping into the area of the sands." “…important national interest of preserving Israel's natural treasures."
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82412#responses
The “Natural Treasures” that concern me are our future generations, our children, grandchildren and theirs. They are being endangered by the same government that is trying to reverse the miracles of the Six Day War and give our enemies the Land G-d liberated for our use. This isn’t about security or health; it’s about education.
When I was a student, receiving a “D” meant failure. So it’s rather ironic that this government is known for its two D’s. D for Disengagement and D for Dovrat. Both are failures. Disengagement will destroy whatever security we have, and Dovrat will cause severe decline in Israeli Education.
Thousands of teachers have already been fired because of the Dovrat recommendations. Now, I have a very simple question. How will this improve education? Class size won’t shrink if there are fewer teachers for, bli eyin haraa, our ever increasing number of school-age children. According to Dovrat the school day should be much longer, and teachers should work the same hours as clerical staff and factory workers. Young accademics should be given financial incentives to encourage them to teach, and experienced teachers will get a reduced salary or “pink slip.” Yes, one of the key recommendations of Dovrat is a total overhaul of salaries. Don’t they realize that once they reduce the salary of veteran teachers, their new ones won’t stay very long. Anyone who becomes a teacher for the money won’t be foolish enough to stay after the incentives have expired.
Employment agencies are recruiting potential teachers to work as “scabs” if there’s a major teachers strike. Yes, I’ve heard from people who have been approached. And at best these people will be used to fill-in when schools have difficulty finding qualified teachers. No where in this “restructuring” is any talk of changes in curriculum and methodology to those with proven success.
So, where’s the rebellion? I’m not talking about teachers. I’m talking about parents. Why aren’t the country’s parents taking a good look at these Dovrat recommendations? Don’t they know what’s being planned? Don’t they care who will be supervising their kids all day, and I used the term “supervise” for a reason. The kids aren’t going to be studying all those hours.
All the Israeli school buildings that had never had gymnasiums and lunchrooms haven’t sprouted them since you last looked. When I was a young student in an over-crowded, baby-boom New York City Public School, we ate our lunch in the auditorium when it was too nasty outside to walk home. How many Israeli elementary schools have auditoriums? Lunchrooms? Gymnasiusms? And if all the teachers are supposed to be in school all day everyday, where are they supposed to plan lessons and correct exams? And when can they study for advanced degrees and take professional courses?
If teachers seem tired now, just wait. But honestly, who’s going to really suffer from this rediculous experiment? The school children. Why don’t their parents care? Increasing time in school will not raise educational standards, and remember, the teachers aren’t the sole providers of education. The chief responsibility for a child’s education lies with his or her parents.
Parents, don’t wait until the damage is already done. Prevent it! Take to the streets. Protest against Dovrat for the sake of our precious children.
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il/
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
May 22, 2005
13th of Iyyar
“Natural Treasures”
I think that there should be a “people’s uprising” to protect our “natural treasures.” I’m not talking about Gush Katif or Disengagement, and I’m not referring to the sand dunes of Nitzanim, which Interior Minister Ophir Pines considers so valuable and precious.
“The sands of Nitzanim are a national resource," he said today, "that we must carefully preserve for our own sake and for future generations. We must now make sure to prevent any construction from creeping into the area of the sands." “…important national interest of preserving Israel's natural treasures."
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82412#responses
The “Natural Treasures” that concern me are our future generations, our children, grandchildren and theirs. They are being endangered by the same government that is trying to reverse the miracles of the Six Day War and give our enemies the Land G-d liberated for our use. This isn’t about security or health; it’s about education.
When I was a student, receiving a “D” meant failure. So it’s rather ironic that this government is known for its two D’s. D for Disengagement and D for Dovrat. Both are failures. Disengagement will destroy whatever security we have, and Dovrat will cause severe decline in Israeli Education.
Thousands of teachers have already been fired because of the Dovrat recommendations. Now, I have a very simple question. How will this improve education? Class size won’t shrink if there are fewer teachers for, bli eyin haraa, our ever increasing number of school-age children. According to Dovrat the school day should be much longer, and teachers should work the same hours as clerical staff and factory workers. Young accademics should be given financial incentives to encourage them to teach, and experienced teachers will get a reduced salary or “pink slip.” Yes, one of the key recommendations of Dovrat is a total overhaul of salaries. Don’t they realize that once they reduce the salary of veteran teachers, their new ones won’t stay very long. Anyone who becomes a teacher for the money won’t be foolish enough to stay after the incentives have expired.
Employment agencies are recruiting potential teachers to work as “scabs” if there’s a major teachers strike. Yes, I’ve heard from people who have been approached. And at best these people will be used to fill-in when schools have difficulty finding qualified teachers. No where in this “restructuring” is any talk of changes in curriculum and methodology to those with proven success.
So, where’s the rebellion? I’m not talking about teachers. I’m talking about parents. Why aren’t the country’s parents taking a good look at these Dovrat recommendations? Don’t they know what’s being planned? Don’t they care who will be supervising their kids all day, and I used the term “supervise” for a reason. The kids aren’t going to be studying all those hours.
All the Israeli school buildings that had never had gymnasiums and lunchrooms haven’t sprouted them since you last looked. When I was a young student in an over-crowded, baby-boom New York City Public School, we ate our lunch in the auditorium when it was too nasty outside to walk home. How many Israeli elementary schools have auditoriums? Lunchrooms? Gymnasiusms? And if all the teachers are supposed to be in school all day everyday, where are they supposed to plan lessons and correct exams? And when can they study for advanced degrees and take professional courses?
If teachers seem tired now, just wait. But honestly, who’s going to really suffer from this rediculous experiment? The school children. Why don’t their parents care? Increasing time in school will not raise educational standards, and remember, the teachers aren’t the sole providers of education. The chief responsibility for a child’s education lies with his or her parents.
Parents, don’t wait until the damage is already done. Prevent it! Take to the streets. Protest against Dovrat for the sake of our precious children.
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il/
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
Sunday, May 22, 2005
some more news
Here are a few things worth looking at:
"Solidarity Shabbat" outside of prison
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82361
and continued demonstration
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82370
Bombardment continues on Gush Katif
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82357
Sharon to New York
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/P/FrontPage/FrontPage&cid=1002116796299
New York anti-Sharon Demonstration
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82366
Interesting article about "hilltop" communities; remember, they're "on the chopping block," too. And there's a great variety; not all are like the ones described in the article.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull%26cid=1116469380463
Civil disobedience website, in Hebrew. It has a sign up form, but no privacy insured, so it's easy for "spies."
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82368
"Solidarity Shabbat" outside of prison
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82361
and continued demonstration
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82370
Bombardment continues on Gush Katif
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82357
Sharon to New York
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/P/FrontPage/FrontPage&cid=1002116796299
New York anti-Sharon Demonstration
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82366
Interesting article about "hilltop" communities; remember, they're "on the chopping block," too. And there's a great variety; not all are like the ones described in the article.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull%26cid=1116469380463
Civil disobedience website, in Hebrew. It has a sign up form, but no privacy insured, so it's easy for "spies."
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82368
important link
I don't remember if I put this link up before, but it's a good one about Gush Katif.
http://www.katifund.org/katifund/eng/index.html
http://www.katifund.org/katifund/eng/index.html
Saturday, May 21, 2005
simple, law abiding demonstrations
each man a sign
choose your slogan
and stand by a road
suggest slogans:
against disengagement
build, don't destroy
honk
if you love
Eretz Yisrael
choose your slogan
and stand by a road
suggest slogans:
against disengagement
build, don't destroy
honk
if you love
Eretz Yisrael
Friday, May 20, 2005
How dumb can I be? re:#119
The whole time we were demonstrating, I kept telling myself that I had to write about how much real support we have from the ordinary Israeli. It's a custom to honk the horn a certain tune when you pass a demonstration you agree with, and that was the background noise.
Your average Israeli is totally against Disengagement. It's the media a some politicians who are in favor, and they live in their elite little bubbles and are convinced that they are superior, and what they think is totally right. They also think that if they say something enough times as a truth, it will become one.
I'm sure that the best demonstration would be, lots of people, at various hours of the day for no more than 30 minutes on a busy road or intersection, each person alone, or at most groups of three or four should pull out a sign saying:
If you love Eretz Yisrael
HONK YOUR HORN!
Your average Israeli is totally against Disengagement. It's the media a some politicians who are in favor, and they live in their elite little bubbles and are convinced that they are superior, and what they think is totally right. They also think that if they say something enough times as a truth, it will become one.
I'm sure that the best demonstration would be, lots of people, at various hours of the day for no more than 30 minutes on a busy road or intersection, each person alone, or at most groups of three or four should pull out a sign saying:
If you love Eretz Yisrael
HONK YOUR HORN!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
#119 From the Frontlines
Musings #119
May 18, 2005
9th of Iyyar
Report From The Frontlines
Or Off the Couch!
I finally started moving myself from my comfortable office chair and onto the frontlines of the Anti-Disengagement Movement. Last week I went to the big rally in the Jerusalem Hyatt.
When I was a teen the worst insult was to call someone “an armchair liberal.” We were hypersensitive to anything that even hinted of hypocrisy. Honestly, that’s one of the reasons we made aliyah so young. How could one be “an American Zionist?” What an oxymoron! Either you’re a Zionist and live in Israel, or you’re not a Zionist. So how could two young idealists stay in America? And when we made aliyah we moved straight to the Old City of Jerusalem, which wasn’t the upper middle class neighborhood it is today. Today the building we were in is considered a convenient and desirable part of the Jewish Quarter, but then, thirty-five years ago, there was no “Jewish Quarter,” and it was surrounded by Arabs and accessible by mud paths.
I must admit that it was a bit too much, so we moved to a more conventional Jerusalem neighborhood, straight from the maternity ward, after the birth of our first child. But the yearning to live in a part of Eretz Yisrael liberated in the Six Days War of 1967 didn’t leave us. Ten years later we moved to Shiloh.
Personally, I find living in Shiloh rather effortless and am constantly amazed anew when people think that we’re doing something admirable or that visiting us would endanger their lives. When people do come here they’re amazed at the pastoral beauty and calm. Unfortunately, I haven’t made it to Gush Katif recently. No excuses.
When I got a call about the big rally over a week ago in Jerusalem, I knew that I had to attend. It was a long day, beginning with testing over twenty students in Ulpanat Ofra (girls high school) and the rally only in evening. The enormous room in the Hyatt was set up with hundreds, maybe even thousands of chairs. A half an hour after the official start, people were still milling around. Then it began.
From my vantage near front center, I didn’t notice hundreds more arrive; a short while later I turned around, and it was full. We listened to a large variety of speakers, who spoke short and to the point. There were almost no politicians, just activists. MK Arye Eldad was given a standing ovation, but I consider him an activist, not a politician. He’s one of the world’s best plastic surgeons, specializing in skin transplants for burn victims and left his profession to save our country.
The theme was totally optimistic. Various speakers, very logically, pointed out how Disengagement is losing momentum and how the government’s goals can’t be met. Nomi Ofan, wife of Neriya—the first Administrative Detainee, standing with their four children, told the crowd how proud she was of her husband and how jail isn’t a deterrent. That was definitely one of the main themes. Certificates of Honor were given to government employees who wouldn’t cooperate in the expulsion of Jews from their homes and to people who had already been arrested or detained. Arrest is seen as a way of choking the system. It’s a badge of courage against an unjust regime.
After it was over, I was determined to do more than type. So when a neighbor called asking me to speak at a local information rally Saturday night, I was surprised at his request, but agreed. I told the story of my son’s Bar Mitzvah during the Oslo nightmare. Most people have forgotten that according to the Oslo Accords, we were supposed to have been thrown out of our homes before Passover 1994. We were scheduled to be homeless refugees at the time of my son’s Bar Mitzvah. I couldn’t plan anything; for months I was paralyzed in terror. As you all know, we’re still here in Shiloh, but Disengagement is a direct descendent of Oslo. And just like our community wasn’t destroyed, G-d willing Gush Katif will continue to flourish.
And so this past Monday, I traveled with a neighbor to a major intersection to photograph and participate in one of the demonstrations. Apparently we missed the big excitement at the beginning, when some neighbors, fathers of large families, walked into the streets, hands high, tied in orange, stopped traffic and were arrested. There were people from a number of different places, not just Shiloh. The police were there in numbers, but much less than the demonstrators. The junction was very large with at least eight traffic lights, and the mostly good-natured cat-mouse choreography went on for a couple of hours. Every once in a while, there would be a shout, and everyone would run after the police who were dragging someone away. There were many photographers, including the police taking pictures of us. One demonstrator spent his time trying to talk to a policeman, convincing him to refuse to carry out immoral orders. All of us with cameras kept focusing on the tagless (those without name tags) policemen. In general, where we were the atmosphere was “civilized.”
Simultaneously there were dozens and dozens of demonstrations at various intersections all over the country. Some groups really managed to stop, rather than just slow down, the traffic, and some of the police were a lot more violent than the ones I encountered. On the whole it was a success. This was just a rehearsal, a bit of practice. In the courts, some of those arrested managed to be freed without paying or promising anything, because their lawyers were able to prove to the judges that the police had just rounded up demonstrators who weren’t doing anything illegal.
It’s sad that we have to demonstrate against the Israeli Government, but the government is made of people, and people sometimes make terrible mistakes. We must stop the Disengagement before it destroys our country.
Shabbat Shalom,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
May 18, 2005
9th of Iyyar
Report From The Frontlines
Or Off the Couch!
I finally started moving myself from my comfortable office chair and onto the frontlines of the Anti-Disengagement Movement. Last week I went to the big rally in the Jerusalem Hyatt.
When I was a teen the worst insult was to call someone “an armchair liberal.” We were hypersensitive to anything that even hinted of hypocrisy. Honestly, that’s one of the reasons we made aliyah so young. How could one be “an American Zionist?” What an oxymoron! Either you’re a Zionist and live in Israel, or you’re not a Zionist. So how could two young idealists stay in America? And when we made aliyah we moved straight to the Old City of Jerusalem, which wasn’t the upper middle class neighborhood it is today. Today the building we were in is considered a convenient and desirable part of the Jewish Quarter, but then, thirty-five years ago, there was no “Jewish Quarter,” and it was surrounded by Arabs and accessible by mud paths.
I must admit that it was a bit too much, so we moved to a more conventional Jerusalem neighborhood, straight from the maternity ward, after the birth of our first child. But the yearning to live in a part of Eretz Yisrael liberated in the Six Days War of 1967 didn’t leave us. Ten years later we moved to Shiloh.
Personally, I find living in Shiloh rather effortless and am constantly amazed anew when people think that we’re doing something admirable or that visiting us would endanger their lives. When people do come here they’re amazed at the pastoral beauty and calm. Unfortunately, I haven’t made it to Gush Katif recently. No excuses.
When I got a call about the big rally over a week ago in Jerusalem, I knew that I had to attend. It was a long day, beginning with testing over twenty students in Ulpanat Ofra (girls high school) and the rally only in evening. The enormous room in the Hyatt was set up with hundreds, maybe even thousands of chairs. A half an hour after the official start, people were still milling around. Then it began.
From my vantage near front center, I didn’t notice hundreds more arrive; a short while later I turned around, and it was full. We listened to a large variety of speakers, who spoke short and to the point. There were almost no politicians, just activists. MK Arye Eldad was given a standing ovation, but I consider him an activist, not a politician. He’s one of the world’s best plastic surgeons, specializing in skin transplants for burn victims and left his profession to save our country.
The theme was totally optimistic. Various speakers, very logically, pointed out how Disengagement is losing momentum and how the government’s goals can’t be met. Nomi Ofan, wife of Neriya—the first Administrative Detainee, standing with their four children, told the crowd how proud she was of her husband and how jail isn’t a deterrent. That was definitely one of the main themes. Certificates of Honor were given to government employees who wouldn’t cooperate in the expulsion of Jews from their homes and to people who had already been arrested or detained. Arrest is seen as a way of choking the system. It’s a badge of courage against an unjust regime.
After it was over, I was determined to do more than type. So when a neighbor called asking me to speak at a local information rally Saturday night, I was surprised at his request, but agreed. I told the story of my son’s Bar Mitzvah during the Oslo nightmare. Most people have forgotten that according to the Oslo Accords, we were supposed to have been thrown out of our homes before Passover 1994. We were scheduled to be homeless refugees at the time of my son’s Bar Mitzvah. I couldn’t plan anything; for months I was paralyzed in terror. As you all know, we’re still here in Shiloh, but Disengagement is a direct descendent of Oslo. And just like our community wasn’t destroyed, G-d willing Gush Katif will continue to flourish.
And so this past Monday, I traveled with a neighbor to a major intersection to photograph and participate in one of the demonstrations. Apparently we missed the big excitement at the beginning, when some neighbors, fathers of large families, walked into the streets, hands high, tied in orange, stopped traffic and were arrested. There were people from a number of different places, not just Shiloh. The police were there in numbers, but much less than the demonstrators. The junction was very large with at least eight traffic lights, and the mostly good-natured cat-mouse choreography went on for a couple of hours. Every once in a while, there would be a shout, and everyone would run after the police who were dragging someone away. There were many photographers, including the police taking pictures of us. One demonstrator spent his time trying to talk to a policeman, convincing him to refuse to carry out immoral orders. All of us with cameras kept focusing on the tagless (those without name tags) policemen. In general, where we were the atmosphere was “civilized.”
Simultaneously there were dozens and dozens of demonstrations at various intersections all over the country. Some groups really managed to stop, rather than just slow down, the traffic, and some of the police were a lot more violent than the ones I encountered. On the whole it was a success. This was just a rehearsal, a bit of practice. In the courts, some of those arrested managed to be freed without paying or promising anything, because their lawyers were able to prove to the judges that the police had just rounded up demonstrators who weren’t doing anything illegal.
It’s sad that we have to demonstrate against the Israeli Government, but the government is made of people, and people sometimes make terrible mistakes. We must stop the Disengagement before it destroys our country.
Shabbat Shalom,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
What do you think?
Honestly, how does this make you feel?
IDF soldier convicted of severe intentional harm and obstruction of justice
Wednesday 18/05/2005 22:19
Military court sentences soldier to a year and a half imprisonment for shooting without necessity and in violation of the rules of engagement.
On the 5th of May, 2005, after a nine-month trial, the Military Court of the southern judiciary region convicted an IDF soldier from the desert reconnaissance brigade of severe intentional harm and obstruction of justice, concluding that the soldier opened fire unjustifiably, and in violation of the rules of engagement.
The incident in question took place on October 19th, 2003, during which an IDF sergeant, who was acting as the commander of an IDF outpost near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, identified a Palestinian man on the roof of a house in the first row of houses in Rafah. An additional soldier at the outpost identified the Palestinian holding a ladder and leaning it against the antenna of the roof of the house. The Palestinian then climbed the ladder, facing the antenna. The outpost commander fired once at the Palestinian and immediately after the shooting the Palestinian held his leg and fell from the ladder.
The court convicted the commander of the post of causing severe intentional harm, for shooting at a Palestinian without necessity and in violation of the rules of engagement, with the intention of hitting him. Additionally, the commander of the post was convicted of obstructing the judicial process by giving a false statement to his commanding officers and to the operations headquarters, claiming he had shot an armed Palestinian. He was sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment, plus a suspended sentence of one year and demotion to the rank of private.
The court rejected the commander's version of events, according to which he fired towards an armed Palestinian, and ruled that his testimony was unreliable, without reason and filled with contradictions.
The court ordered the acquittal of the second soldier due to reasonable doubt on charges of causing severe intentional harm and obstructing the judicial process. The court ruled that even though there were questions that arose from the second soldier?s testimony, there was still sufficient doubt as to his involvement in the charges pressed against him.
Yesterday, May 18th, 2005, the sentencing of the soldier in question was passed. The military court decided to impose a severe and befitting punishment on the soldier, in light of the immoral nature of his actions, his breach of trust, and the stain that he has left on the image of the IDF and its soldiers.
IDF soldier convicted of severe intentional harm and obstruction of justice
Wednesday 18/05/2005 22:19
Military court sentences soldier to a year and a half imprisonment for shooting without necessity and in violation of the rules of engagement.
On the 5th of May, 2005, after a nine-month trial, the Military Court of the southern judiciary region convicted an IDF soldier from the desert reconnaissance brigade of severe intentional harm and obstruction of justice, concluding that the soldier opened fire unjustifiably, and in violation of the rules of engagement.
The incident in question took place on October 19th, 2003, during which an IDF sergeant, who was acting as the commander of an IDF outpost near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, identified a Palestinian man on the roof of a house in the first row of houses in Rafah. An additional soldier at the outpost identified the Palestinian holding a ladder and leaning it against the antenna of the roof of the house. The Palestinian then climbed the ladder, facing the antenna. The outpost commander fired once at the Palestinian and immediately after the shooting the Palestinian held his leg and fell from the ladder.
The court convicted the commander of the post of causing severe intentional harm, for shooting at a Palestinian without necessity and in violation of the rules of engagement, with the intention of hitting him. Additionally, the commander of the post was convicted of obstructing the judicial process by giving a false statement to his commanding officers and to the operations headquarters, claiming he had shot an armed Palestinian. He was sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment, plus a suspended sentence of one year and demotion to the rank of private.
The court rejected the commander's version of events, according to which he fired towards an armed Palestinian, and ruled that his testimony was unreliable, without reason and filled with contradictions.
The court ordered the acquittal of the second soldier due to reasonable doubt on charges of causing severe intentional harm and obstructing the judicial process. The court ruled that even though there were questions that arose from the second soldier?s testimony, there was still sufficient doubt as to his involvement in the charges pressed against him.
Yesterday, May 18th, 2005, the sentencing of the soldier in question was passed. The military court decided to impose a severe and befitting punishment on the soldier, in light of the immoral nature of his actions, his breach of trust, and the stain that he has left on the image of the IDF and its soldiers.
latest news
a few more things from the news
more threats from JM Livne
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383133370
Katif blog, from the JPost
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123542947
Ofan still jailed
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383132576
government trying to frighten young protesters
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383133359
more joining hunger strike
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82193
residents of Gus Katif hanging firm, won't sign
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82191
jails still full
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82182
more threats from JM Livne
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383133370
Katif blog, from the JPost
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123542947
Ofan still jailed
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383132576
government trying to frighten young protesters
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116383133359
more joining hunger strike
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82193
residents of Gus Katif hanging firm, won't sign
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82191
jails still full
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82182
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
great opportunity
May 2005
Iyar 5765
For the 16th year, Israel Resource News Agency will be running a summer
intersnhip program, designed to give people the opportunity to learn the brass
tacks of investigative journalism in Jerusalem.
This summer, interns will be investigating issues such as:
1. Financial conflicts of interests involved in the Sharon Retreat Plan.
2. Support programs for the PLO
3. Anti-semitism and anti-Americanism of the new Palestinian leadership.
4. The involvement of US AID in support of PLO incitement.
5. Media output of the Palestinian Authority.
6. Terrorism involvement of human rights organization.
7. The silence of American Jewish organizations in the light of Palestinian Authority ant-semitism.
8. The new Abu Mazen Cover-up.
Interns should apply to:
Israel Resource News Agency
Beit Agron International Press Center
37 Hillel Street
Jerusalem, Israel
www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
the news
more orange news
First of all, I've noticed that my neighbors feel very calm that their sons are arrested. At least some of them. An the wives left home with the kids are doing well, too. The government hasn't frightened anyone. Was it like this during the Mandate when people joined the Etzel and Lechi?
Here are a few links:
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82008
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82127
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82113
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82121
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82110
First of all, I've noticed that my neighbors feel very calm that their sons are arrested. At least some of them. An the wives left home with the kids are doing well, too. The government hasn't frightened anyone. Was it like this during the Mandate when people joined the Etzel and Lechi?
Here are a few links:
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82008
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82127
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82113
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82121
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82110
Monday, May 16, 2005
some of the news
Yes, more orange.
Here are some links.
Lots of arrests, mostly intentional I think. At least the ones I know of. Tactics.
If Disengagement will bring more terror, then why continue?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116210023017
the government will break under pressure
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123544437
about the demonstration from the Jerusalem Post
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123540825
Support for the demonstrations.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82042
There may be even more dirt.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82040
Honestly, I don't care what they think!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82039
Rabbi Levinger joined the "honor roll"
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82036
I wonder what would have happened today if the police had real policework to do.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82008
Here are some links.
Lots of arrests, mostly intentional I think. At least the ones I know of. Tactics.
If Disengagement will bring more terror, then why continue?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116210023017
the government will break under pressure
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123544437
about the demonstration from the Jerusalem Post
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123540825
Support for the demonstrations.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82042
There may be even more dirt.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82040
Honestly, I don't care what they think!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82039
Rabbi Levinger joined the "honor roll"
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82036
I wonder what would have happened today if the police had real policework to do.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=82008
some interesting articles
Here are some links:
Army officer resigns rather than follow orders http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116210018270
civil disobedience leaders arrested http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81958
David Wilder's visit to Gush Katif http://www.israelnn.com/article.php3?id=5123
Sharon's "minutak" http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81965
Israeli police will use German horses against Jews http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81966
Army officer resigns rather than follow orders http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116210018270
civil disobedience leaders arrested http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81958
David Wilder's visit to Gush Katif http://www.israelnn.com/article.php3?id=5123
Sharon's "minutak" http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81965
Israeli police will use German horses against Jews http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81966
letter sent to the Jerusalem Post Internet edition
The anti-Disengagement groups are not planning on rioting. Quoting from your aricle ""We will do whatever we can within the confines of the law," the demonstrators said."
It's incitement for you to have this "Police alert for right-wing riots" as the title. A better article would be investigating the "overkill" of the police against Civil Disobedience.
It's incitement for you to have this "Police alert for right-wing riots" as the title. A better article would be investigating the "overkill" of the police against Civil Disobedience.
Here's the article:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1116123540825
What's good for the goose.....
I always get a kick of how some people have different rules and values for different people. I was sent a message with a link that gives us something Rav Amital wrote over ten years ago. Coincidentally, he calls it "Musings." http://www.icjs-online.org/orig.php?eid=152&ICJS=4955&article=251
Here's my reaction:
It reminds me of the Hadassa women who always voted in the Zionist Congress with the government when Labor was in power. Then suddenly Begin and the Likud were in power, so they decided to "have a mind of their own" and vote against the government. They voted with Labor.
Here's my reaction:
It reminds me of the Hadassa women who always voted in the Zionist Congress with the government when Labor was in power. Then suddenly Begin and the Likud were in power, so they decided to "have a mind of their own" and vote against the government. They voted with Labor.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
HEVEL HAVELIM!!! #20
Sorry about the problems, and if there are still foul-ups, please let me know.
Hevel Havelim celebrates Yom Ha’atzma’ut and remembers those who fought to give and preserve Israel’s Independence!
One of the unique things in Israeli tradition is that the day before Independence Day is Memorial Day. They are connected, and the classic national and community ceremonies commemorate those who built the country and then immediately break into joyous fireworks to celebrate independence. This parallels the Jewish day, which begins with the stars of night.
That’s why I’m starting with a site that I recently discovered; it tells us about the unsung heroes of Israeli History. One of those heroes was Dov Gruner, who was hung by the British, as eulogized by A Simple Jew.
To understand Memorial Day, let's start with Lazer Beams's reflections.
Mozemen’s Bluesgives her opinion about Memorial Day.
I reminisced about a safer, more innocent time on Memorial Day.
On Rishon Rishon we learn some important linguistics. I was glad to see that Israpundit had a link for Yehudit Tayar’s The Spirit of Our People.
Here are Yom Ha'atzma'ut prayers from Am Echad. And something perfect from Not Quite Perfect.
Soccer Dad gives us a beautiful and necessary history lesson.
Elder of Ziyon reminds us why we should be proud to be Zionists.
Ouside the Blogway reminds us to be grateful and proud of Israel's accomplishments.
Mystical Paths writes on Yom Ha’atzma’ut and the State of Israel. And there’s also a post about something more “mystical” and another Chassidic story.
Boker Tov, Boulder posts a great Yom Ha’atzma’ut celebration.
Biur Chametz asks us a riddle . And Cosmic X has a lot to say about this year’s dilemmas. Sha! has some interesting ideas.
Fundamentally Freund gets philosophical. Dov Bear asks us if we’re wearing blue and white. From SklarO World we have a great photo montage.
And more photos at Treppenwitz . My baby spent a lot of time in their Pina Chama. Now my boys are both out of the army, but I still looked carefully for them in every picture. And I want to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in such chessed.
If you need to get away from politics, see Fred’s pictures. There’s a really spectacular one for Yom Ha’atzma’ut! I must admit that I asked him to make it up just for this. Thanks, Fred!
And since I mentioned flags, here's is what I did with the free ones from Bank Leumi.
Read Willow Green, and maybe you can be part of a family reunion.
Blognitive Dissonence reminds us of the similarities between peoples, especially women trying to get divorced .
Don't forget that men can make challah, too.
This may not be your classic blog, but it’s Jewish and gets delivered by cybermail. The Gantseh Megillah is an interesting magazine that includes articles and links on everything Jewish.
And before I finish, does anybody know why I’ve added this link? That's what comments are for!
And don’t forget the BLOG BURST.
Thanks to all who've helped with this, and if I've left anything out, please add in the comments.
For the next edition, check with Soccer Dad in the upper left hand corner of his blog.
Cross-posted , since I'm Gemini; yes, there's a birthday coming up...
Hevel Havelim celebrates Yom Ha’atzma’ut and remembers those who fought to give and preserve Israel’s Independence!
One of the unique things in Israeli tradition is that the day before Independence Day is Memorial Day. They are connected, and the classic national and community ceremonies commemorate those who built the country and then immediately break into joyous fireworks to celebrate independence. This parallels the Jewish day, which begins with the stars of night.
That’s why I’m starting with a site that I recently discovered; it tells us about the unsung heroes of Israeli History. One of those heroes was Dov Gruner, who was hung by the British, as eulogized by A Simple Jew.
To understand Memorial Day, let's start with Lazer Beams's reflections.
Mozemen’s Bluesgives her opinion about Memorial Day.
I reminisced about a safer, more innocent time on Memorial Day.
On Rishon Rishon we learn some important linguistics. I was glad to see that Israpundit had a link for Yehudit Tayar’s The Spirit of Our People.
Here are Yom Ha'atzma'ut prayers from Am Echad. And something perfect from Not Quite Perfect.
Soccer Dad gives us a beautiful and necessary history lesson.
Elder of Ziyon reminds us why we should be proud to be Zionists.
Ouside the Blogway reminds us to be grateful and proud of Israel's accomplishments.
Mystical Paths writes on Yom Ha’atzma’ut and the State of Israel. And there’s also a post about something more “mystical” and another Chassidic story.
Boker Tov, Boulder posts a great Yom Ha’atzma’ut celebration.
Biur Chametz asks us a riddle . And Cosmic X has a lot to say about this year’s dilemmas. Sha! has some interesting ideas.
Fundamentally Freund gets philosophical. Dov Bear asks us if we’re wearing blue and white. From SklarO World we have a great photo montage.
And more photos at Treppenwitz . My baby spent a lot of time in their Pina Chama. Now my boys are both out of the army, but I still looked carefully for them in every picture. And I want to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in such chessed.
If you need to get away from politics, see Fred’s pictures. There’s a really spectacular one for Yom Ha’atzma’ut! I must admit that I asked him to make it up just for this. Thanks, Fred!
And since I mentioned flags, here's is what I did with the free ones from Bank Leumi.
Read Willow Green, and maybe you can be part of a family reunion.
Blognitive Dissonence reminds us of the similarities between peoples, especially women trying to get divorced .
Don't forget that men can make challah, too.
This may not be your classic blog, but it’s Jewish and gets delivered by cybermail. The Gantseh Megillah is an interesting magazine that includes articles and links on everything Jewish.
And before I finish, does anybody know why I’ve added this link? That's what comments are for!
And don’t forget the BLOG BURST.
Thanks to all who've helped with this, and if I've left anything out, please add in the comments.
For the next edition, check with Soccer Dad in the upper left hand corner of his blog.
Cross-posted , since I'm Gemini; yes, there's a birthday coming up...
another comment on #118
Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers also includes Victims of Terror. Why should they be together?
The soldiers were defending our homeland and our right to continue to live here. Their sacrifice is heartbreaking but it can be inspiring and uplifting.
The victims of terror, however, were victims. Also heartbreaking but not inspiring and not uplifting. They didn't make a sacrifice; they were sacrificed and because of government policy.
By putting the victims of terror together with the fallen soldiers on memorial day the government covers its disgrace at not protecting its citizens by letting us believe that these innocent victims were also soldiers.
That's like trying to put Yom HaShoah on Memorial Day by claiming that the six million fought their way bravely into the ovens.
A memorial day for the victims of terror belongs on Yom HaShoah and Yom HaShoah belongs on Tisha B'Av and not on the 27th of Nissan to coincide with the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
In short:
Soldiers Memorial Day and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising 4 Iyar
Yom HaShoah and Victims of Terror 9th of Av
Best wishes
Moshe yid one at zero one three dot net
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Feminine strength
In http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2005/05/118-memorial-day.html I mentioned that the sisters of some of Shiloh's terror victims spoke at the memorial ceremony, and I also mentioned the Biblical Chana.
Since then I discovered that at the ceremony at Aushwitz an old female survivor refused to shake Sharon's hand--for political reasons. He son is a neighbor of ours.
And at the Bible Contest, some girls got up with signs when Sharon asked his question.
I'm proud to be a woman!
Since then I discovered that at the ceremony at Aushwitz an old female survivor refused to shake Sharon's hand--for political reasons. He son is a neighbor of ours.
And at the Bible Contest, some girls got up with signs when Sharon asked his question.
I'm proud to be a woman!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Disengagement links
The government created laws to control opposition of Disengagement, figuring that the fear of jail was stronger than loyalty to Land. One of the themes at Monday's rally was pride in being arrested, an honor to be arrested. There was even a slogan, but I can't remember it exactly.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81849
Another technical problem, moo. No joke!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Journalists on galei tzahal admit biased editing and reporting.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81849
Another technical problem, moo. No joke!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Journalists on galei tzahal admit biased editing and reporting.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Disengagement update and links
The government created laws to control opposition of Disengagement, figuring that the fear of jail was stronger than loyalty to Land. One of the themes at Monday's rally was pride in being arrested, an honor to be arrested. There was even a slogan, but I can't remember it exactly.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81849
Another technical problem, moo. No joke!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Journalists on galei tzahal admit biased editing and reporting.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81849
Another technical problem, moo. No joke!
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Journalists on galei tzahal admit biased editing and reporting.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81865
Thursday, May 12, 2005
more on #118 Memorial Day
I've had some interesting comments about what I wrote about Yitzchak Shamir and his staying at the Madrid Conference after the Arab terror attack that mudered Rachella Druk.
One person tried to defend Shamir, and I answered:
By not leaving after Rachella Druk and Yitzchak Rofeh were murdered he showed that he accepted terrorism. He gave it legitimacy by not showing uncompromising outrage. He preferred "hobnobbing" with the statesmen and diplomats to defending Israeli civilians.One of the worst things in Israeli policy is this acceptance of terrorism as a fact of life. The Americans reacted properly after 9-11.
One person tried to defend Shamir, and I answered:
By not leaving after Rachella Druk and Yitzchak Rofeh were murdered he showed that he accepted terrorism. He gave it legitimacy by not showing uncompromising outrage. He preferred "hobnobbing" with the statesmen and diplomats to defending Israeli civilians.One of the worst things in Israeli policy is this acceptance of terrorism as a fact of life. The Americans reacted properly after 9-11.
#118 Memorial Day
Musings #118
May 11, 2005
2nd of Iyyar
Memorial Day
When we moved to Shiloh almost twenty-four years ago, there was no cemetery here. We joined the few dozen families living on the hills where over three thousand years ago good Jews came on pilgrimages to worship G-d. Ancient pottery chards were found in the soil of the hills that sloped to the Tel, the Biblical city of Shiloh. We were all young, enthusiastic and innocent.
In those days we were able to walk freely all over Judea and Samaria, enjoy the beauty of the spring’s wild flowers and wander safely through neighboring Arab villages. School trips were to Biblical sites and unrestricted. Every year we took our second grade classes to re-enact the battles of the Macabees on the same mountains where the Chanukah story took place, in between Eli and Ma’ale Levona.
On rare occasions, the Arabs attacked vehicles by throwing stones. It was more annoying than dangerous. And we always knew that the later at night, the safer it was for us. There wasn’t electricity in the Arab villages. The generators were turned off at night, and the people slept. Neither during the British Mandate nor under Jordanian rule was the area developed with modern necessities such as and electric grid and piped, purified water. It was Israel that cared enough about the ordinary Arab resident to provide these services.
Yes, life was rather idyllic, though not always easy.
Everything changed that night, less than a year after the Gulf War, when three buses left Shiloh traveling to Tel Aviv, to the demonstration urging, encouraging then Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir to be strong and not to give in to pressure while at the Madrid Conference. I was in the first bus. It was very crowded, over-filled with children and some adults. I sat with my two young sons. I was terrified that if, G-d forbid, the bus would roll off the narrow road down the mountains, we’d all be killed.
Suddenly, when we were approaching the “Tapuach Junction” north of Shiloh, the driver got a message. The bus behind of had been attacked, shot at. Bullets entered the bus, injuring and murdering. The driver was dead and my friend and neighbor Rachella Druk was dying. Ambulances and helicopters were sent to take the injured to the hospital, and we all waited at the scene of the terror attack. Then, somehow, we proceeded, reeling in shock, to demonstrate in Tel Aviv.
Yitzchak Shamir wasn’t strong, steadfast, and didn’t defend his country. Two wonderful people were sacrificed for nothing. I’ve always felt that if my friend had been murdered for a reason, it was to give Shamir the message to leave. He could have easily told the world: “Ain im mi l’daber.” “There’s nobody to talk to. They’re terrorists.” The world would have understood. But he didn’t; he tried to “negotiate.”
Meanwhile, back in Shiloh we dug Rachella’s grave and inaugurated our cemetery. And for the living, we established a new neighborhood, Shvut Rachel. Unfortunately Rachella isn’t alone in the cemetery. She has been joined by quite a few others. Some lived full, long lives and died natural deaths, but not only isn’t she the only terror victim, we also have a “military section.”
Today we had a memorial ceremony at the cemetery. The main “speakers” were sisters of some of the young dead heroes. I wasn’t involved in the planning, so I can’t tell you the official reason for such a program. But remember; we’re in Shiloh.
It was in Shiloh, thousands of years ago, that Chana composed her prayer to G-d, the same prayer still said today. Chana prayed, beseeched G-d for a son. She didn’t want the son for her own selfish reasons. She wanted a son who would serve G-d. And a few years later when Chana brought her son to Shiloh, she told Eli, the Priest, “This is the son I asked for.” And she left Shmuel (Samuel) with him to learn how to serve G-d.
The Biblical Chana knew what her role was. She was just impatient to get going; that’s why she came to Shiloh to pray. Most of us are just ordinary people and we don’t know what G-d wants from us. May we learn to understand G-d’s instructions and have the strength to follow them, even when they appear difficult.
Chag Ha’atzma’ut Same’ach,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
May 11, 2005
2nd of Iyyar
Memorial Day
When we moved to Shiloh almost twenty-four years ago, there was no cemetery here. We joined the few dozen families living on the hills where over three thousand years ago good Jews came on pilgrimages to worship G-d. Ancient pottery chards were found in the soil of the hills that sloped to the Tel, the Biblical city of Shiloh. We were all young, enthusiastic and innocent.
In those days we were able to walk freely all over Judea and Samaria, enjoy the beauty of the spring’s wild flowers and wander safely through neighboring Arab villages. School trips were to Biblical sites and unrestricted. Every year we took our second grade classes to re-enact the battles of the Macabees on the same mountains where the Chanukah story took place, in between Eli and Ma’ale Levona.
On rare occasions, the Arabs attacked vehicles by throwing stones. It was more annoying than dangerous. And we always knew that the later at night, the safer it was for us. There wasn’t electricity in the Arab villages. The generators were turned off at night, and the people slept. Neither during the British Mandate nor under Jordanian rule was the area developed with modern necessities such as and electric grid and piped, purified water. It was Israel that cared enough about the ordinary Arab resident to provide these services.
Yes, life was rather idyllic, though not always easy.
Everything changed that night, less than a year after the Gulf War, when three buses left Shiloh traveling to Tel Aviv, to the demonstration urging, encouraging then Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir to be strong and not to give in to pressure while at the Madrid Conference. I was in the first bus. It was very crowded, over-filled with children and some adults. I sat with my two young sons. I was terrified that if, G-d forbid, the bus would roll off the narrow road down the mountains, we’d all be killed.
Suddenly, when we were approaching the “Tapuach Junction” north of Shiloh, the driver got a message. The bus behind of had been attacked, shot at. Bullets entered the bus, injuring and murdering. The driver was dead and my friend and neighbor Rachella Druk was dying. Ambulances and helicopters were sent to take the injured to the hospital, and we all waited at the scene of the terror attack. Then, somehow, we proceeded, reeling in shock, to demonstrate in Tel Aviv.
Yitzchak Shamir wasn’t strong, steadfast, and didn’t defend his country. Two wonderful people were sacrificed for nothing. I’ve always felt that if my friend had been murdered for a reason, it was to give Shamir the message to leave. He could have easily told the world: “Ain im mi l’daber.” “There’s nobody to talk to. They’re terrorists.” The world would have understood. But he didn’t; he tried to “negotiate.”
Meanwhile, back in Shiloh we dug Rachella’s grave and inaugurated our cemetery. And for the living, we established a new neighborhood, Shvut Rachel. Unfortunately Rachella isn’t alone in the cemetery. She has been joined by quite a few others. Some lived full, long lives and died natural deaths, but not only isn’t she the only terror victim, we also have a “military section.”
Today we had a memorial ceremony at the cemetery. The main “speakers” were sisters of some of the young dead heroes. I wasn’t involved in the planning, so I can’t tell you the official reason for such a program. But remember; we’re in Shiloh.
It was in Shiloh, thousands of years ago, that Chana composed her prayer to G-d, the same prayer still said today. Chana prayed, beseeched G-d for a son. She didn’t want the son for her own selfish reasons. She wanted a son who would serve G-d. And a few years later when Chana brought her son to Shiloh, she told Eli, the Priest, “This is the son I asked for.” And she left Shmuel (Samuel) with him to learn how to serve G-d.
The Biblical Chana knew what her role was. She was just impatient to get going; that’s why she came to Shiloh to pray. Most of us are just ordinary people and we don’t know what G-d wants from us. May we learn to understand G-d’s instructions and have the strength to follow them, even when they appear difficult.
Chag Ha’atzma’ut Same’ach,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
Calling All Jewish and Israeli Bloggers
I'm hosting Havel Havelim next week. It's a magazine type round up of interesting Israeli or Jewish blogs from the previous week. Since today we're celebrating Yom Ha'atzma'ut, Israeli Independence Day, that's the theme. Read this week’s for an idea.
Please send suitable links, with a line of explanation and title indicating topic, to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com, before Shabbat.
Thanks and Chag Sameach!
Please send suitable links, with a line of explanation and title indicating topic, to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com, before Shabbat.
Thanks and Chag Sameach!
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
and about (G-d forbid!) Disengagement
Here are some of the latest links from a couple of sources
Isn't this incitement, sedition?
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81736
They haven't a clue.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340541&p=1078027574097
Is this a hint?
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81743
Bibi seems to be jockeying for position to try to take over again. He and Sharansky are trying to show that they're pragmtic, meaning, against Disengagement but accepting it.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340538&p=1078027574097
Isn't this incitement, sedition?
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81736
They haven't a clue.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340541&p=1078027574097
Is this a hint?
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81743
Bibi seems to be jockeying for position to try to take over again. He and Sharansky are trying to show that they're pragmtic, meaning, against Disengagement but accepting it.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340538&p=1078027574097
mourning
The whole country's mourning. Israelis connect independence with those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Here are some links:
Memorial Day
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81666
a bereaved mother's reflections
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705338658&p=1078027574097
helping bereaved families
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705338658&p=1078027574097
about the family of a soldier murdered in a terror attack
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340556&p=1078027574097
Memorial Day
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81666
a bereaved mother's reflections
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705338658&p=1078027574097
helping bereaved families
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705338658&p=1078027574097
about the family of a soldier murdered in a terror attack
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1115705340556&p=1078027574097
Davka! in Italian
Someone contacted me to inform me that "Davka!" was translated into Italian and distributed to a list of thousands. I know that my Musings are used by many publications, both online and print, and greatly appreciate being notified.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Anti-disengagement rally
Last night I went to a very stirring anti-Disengagement Rally. I'm not going to write from my notes, because it will take too long. I prefer just jotting the memories that are strongest.
First of all, even though at first the turn-out seemed weak, there was a nice, big crowd of all ages and "dress styles." Those familiar with Israeli society will understand. The dominant colors were orange and green. But even Women in Green founder Ruth Matar was decked out in bright orange, though Nadia, who spoke towards the end, had on her green cap and was #2 in the cheering.
Number one recipient of cheers was MK Dr. Arye Eldad, who merited a standing ovation.
Other stars of the evening were Naomi Ofan and four little kids. Her husband is the first patriot arrested, administrative detention, for his dedication to Our Land. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81640 She made it clear that they see it an honor, and one of the major messages of the rally was that arrests won't break us. Massive arrests is one of the things that will choke the system.
Certificates of honor were given to those already arrested and released. This was an "honor roll" very unlike any I'd ever seen before. Old friends of ours, proud and loyal Betarim, came well-equipped with a camera to photograph their young son being awarded.
Another recipient of cheers was "Idan" the army officer and Personal Combat champion, who refused to train soldiers to attack civilians. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81346 The army had been trying to brainwash him that he was alone, and the Disengagement was popular and a fait complet (however it's spelled? I studied Spanish.) He was on the phone and listened to the cheers of support.
Overall, the organization and methods were superb. Kol hakavod to all those involved.
and most important, the youth
The future is not afraid of the challenge!
First of all, even though at first the turn-out seemed weak, there was a nice, big crowd of all ages and "dress styles." Those familiar with Israeli society will understand. The dominant colors were orange and green. But even Women in Green founder Ruth Matar was decked out in bright orange, though Nadia, who spoke towards the end, had on her green cap and was #2 in the cheering.
Number one recipient of cheers was MK Dr. Arye Eldad, who merited a standing ovation.
Other stars of the evening were Naomi Ofan and four little kids. Her husband is the first patriot arrested, administrative detention, for his dedication to Our Land. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81640 She made it clear that they see it an honor, and one of the major messages of the rally was that arrests won't break us. Massive arrests is one of the things that will choke the system.
Certificates of honor were given to those already arrested and released. This was an "honor roll" very unlike any I'd ever seen before. Old friends of ours, proud and loyal Betarim, came well-equipped with a camera to photograph their young son being awarded.
Another recipient of cheers was "Idan" the army officer and Personal Combat champion, who refused to train soldiers to attack civilians. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=81346 The army had been trying to brainwash him that he was alone, and the Disengagement was popular and a fait complet (however it's spelled? I studied Spanish.) He was on the phone and listened to the cheers of support.
Overall, the organization and methods were superb. Kol hakavod to all those involved.
and most important, the youth
The future is not afraid of the challenge!
Sunday, May 8, 2005
Havel Havelim
It's that time of the week again. A new Havel Havelim has been published by Devarim. Take a gander.
And next week is by yours truly. Suggestions of suitable Jewish and Israeli blog posts should be sent to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com by Friday before Shabbat. Include a line of explanation with the link, and indicate if it's about Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration, memorial day mourning or history of the establishment of the state or anything else Jewish or Israeli happening this week. I'm sure bloggers will be busy; the question is how much time for blogging.
And of course a thank you to Soccer Dad for getting the ball rolling!
And next week is by yours truly. Suggestions of suitable Jewish and Israeli blog posts should be sent to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com by Friday before Shabbat. Include a line of explanation with the link, and indicate if it's about Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration, memorial day mourning or history of the establishment of the state or anything else Jewish or Israeli happening this week. I'm sure bloggers will be busy; the question is how much time for blogging.
And of course a thank you to Soccer Dad for getting the ball rolling!
#117 DAVKA!
Musings #117
May 6-8, 2005
27-9th of Nissan
Davka!
Davka, this year I’m hanging flags, Israeli flags, on my house. Davka this year, when my country is treating me like a potential rebel and traitor. Davka this year, when my simple opposition to the government’s policies is considered incitement. Davka this year, when the prime minister’s policies are endangering the security of ordinary citizens. And davka this year, when the army and police are being trained to battle innocent civilians protecting their homes and families.
Over eleven years ago, when the Oslo Accords were announced, I took a small piece of white fabric and on it drew two blue lines and a Jewish Star. Then I ripped it, like a mourner tears his clothes. http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2004/10/my-ripped-flag.html#comments I wore it for a long time, every place I went, even to my son’s Bar Mitzvah. When I pinned that homemade flag onto my blouse I was certain that it would catch on as the perfect way of demonstrating our pain at the abandonment of our Land, but it didn’t. Most people considered the ripping of our national flag too traumatic, too drastic.
This year we suddenly have a lot of flags. One of the big Israeli banks has been giving them away for free with the newspapers. And as some of you may know, we get more newspapers than anyone.
The note with the flag instructs us “to decorate our homes with flags, so we will all have a happy holiday.” That’s not why I’m hanging flags. I’m hanging Israeli flags davka because the government and media are treating me like a rebel who is causing a civil war. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=80009 They’re treating us as if we’re seceding from our nation. The truth is that we are fighting for the integrity of our nation, to keep it whole and strong. We are not rebels; we are patriots. The truth is that it’s incitement to use the language, terms, innuendos that Sharon, his followers and the media use against us. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=80066
The children raised in YESHA are today’s best soldiers. They receive Citations of Excellence, volunteer for the most dangerous missions. In the early years of the state, it was the kibbutz youth that achieved disproportionately high rank in the Israeli army. Today’s kibbutz youth have other priorities. Today the gauntlet of Zionism has been picked up by those raised in YESHA.
This Shabbat there was a guest in Shiloh, Rabbi Yigal Kamenetsky, the Rabbi of Gush Katif. He spoke to us Shabbat afternoon, the hour when most people are usually napping, but the building was packed. I must trust my memory to report what he said, since it’s forbidden to take notes on Shabbat. He told us some amazing things about the constant miracles in Gush Katif. First of all, as crowded as the Arab city of Gaza is, the area of Gush Katif was deserted, desolate, not even the minimal desert plants and wildlife. The Arabs considered the area cursed, haunted and weren’t willing to live there.
Today Gush Katif is a miracle. Plants grow under conditions that the experts all insisted were doomed to failure. Bli eyin hara’a, the blitz of bombs the Arabs launch at Gush Katif rarely injures anyone. According to the laws of nature and statistics, all of this is inexplicable. Instead of celebrating this or at least appreciating it, the Israeli government is plotting Gush Katif’s destruction.
According to HaRav Yigal, there is a reason for this. The people in government, the media are battling with us for the identity of the “Israeli.” The Zionist movement had dreamt of a “new Jew,” strong and fearless, who worked with his hands, with a “kova tembel” (workers cap) on his head, work clothes, blue eyes, sun-bleached hair, a Jew who wasn’t restricted by old-fashioned Jewish Law.
All of a sudden, after over fifty years of statehood, they looked around and realized that their children and grandchildren had thrown out their kova tembel and instead were decorated with “piercings,” planning their next trip abroad. The proud Israeli farmer of today is in Gush Katif, and there are tzitziyot (ritual fringes) streaming out from under his shirt and a kippah under his work hat. To make matters even worse, this coming year more than fifty percent of the first grade classes will be in the religious (and chareidi) education streams. The demographic trend is clear, and it’s not what the “Zionist establishment” planned.
Throughout our history there were other instances when there was a struggle, a conflict between the spiritual and the “rational,” and the spiritual, the religious has always won. And this time we will again, G-d willing. Those who want to wipe us of out of history will be the ones to disappear.
The blue and white flag is ours, and it will decorate my home. Let no one doubt the loyalty and patriotism of religious Jews, because Israel is still our country, despite its faults. No one can take that from us.
Chag Ha’Atzma’ut Sameach,
And Let Us Be a Truely Independent Nation,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
May 6-8, 2005
27-9th of Nissan
Davka!
Davka, this year I’m hanging flags, Israeli flags, on my house. Davka this year, when my country is treating me like a potential rebel and traitor. Davka this year, when my simple opposition to the government’s policies is considered incitement. Davka this year, when the prime minister’s policies are endangering the security of ordinary citizens. And davka this year, when the army and police are being trained to battle innocent civilians protecting their homes and families.
Over eleven years ago, when the Oslo Accords were announced, I took a small piece of white fabric and on it drew two blue lines and a Jewish Star. Then I ripped it, like a mourner tears his clothes. http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2004/10/my-ripped-flag.html#comments I wore it for a long time, every place I went, even to my son’s Bar Mitzvah. When I pinned that homemade flag onto my blouse I was certain that it would catch on as the perfect way of demonstrating our pain at the abandonment of our Land, but it didn’t. Most people considered the ripping of our national flag too traumatic, too drastic.
This year we suddenly have a lot of flags. One of the big Israeli banks has been giving them away for free with the newspapers. And as some of you may know, we get more newspapers than anyone.
The note with the flag instructs us “to decorate our homes with flags, so we will all have a happy holiday.” That’s not why I’m hanging flags. I’m hanging Israeli flags davka because the government and media are treating me like a rebel who is causing a civil war. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=80009 They’re treating us as if we’re seceding from our nation. The truth is that we are fighting for the integrity of our nation, to keep it whole and strong. We are not rebels; we are patriots. The truth is that it’s incitement to use the language, terms, innuendos that Sharon, his followers and the media use against us. http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=80066
The children raised in YESHA are today’s best soldiers. They receive Citations of Excellence, volunteer for the most dangerous missions. In the early years of the state, it was the kibbutz youth that achieved disproportionately high rank in the Israeli army. Today’s kibbutz youth have other priorities. Today the gauntlet of Zionism has been picked up by those raised in YESHA.
This Shabbat there was a guest in Shiloh, Rabbi Yigal Kamenetsky, the Rabbi of Gush Katif. He spoke to us Shabbat afternoon, the hour when most people are usually napping, but the building was packed. I must trust my memory to report what he said, since it’s forbidden to take notes on Shabbat. He told us some amazing things about the constant miracles in Gush Katif. First of all, as crowded as the Arab city of Gaza is, the area of Gush Katif was deserted, desolate, not even the minimal desert plants and wildlife. The Arabs considered the area cursed, haunted and weren’t willing to live there.
Today Gush Katif is a miracle. Plants grow under conditions that the experts all insisted were doomed to failure. Bli eyin hara’a, the blitz of bombs the Arabs launch at Gush Katif rarely injures anyone. According to the laws of nature and statistics, all of this is inexplicable. Instead of celebrating this or at least appreciating it, the Israeli government is plotting Gush Katif’s destruction.
According to HaRav Yigal, there is a reason for this. The people in government, the media are battling with us for the identity of the “Israeli.” The Zionist movement had dreamt of a “new Jew,” strong and fearless, who worked with his hands, with a “kova tembel” (workers cap) on his head, work clothes, blue eyes, sun-bleached hair, a Jew who wasn’t restricted by old-fashioned Jewish Law.
All of a sudden, after over fifty years of statehood, they looked around and realized that their children and grandchildren had thrown out their kova tembel and instead were decorated with “piercings,” planning their next trip abroad. The proud Israeli farmer of today is in Gush Katif, and there are tzitziyot (ritual fringes) streaming out from under his shirt and a kippah under his work hat. To make matters even worse, this coming year more than fifty percent of the first grade classes will be in the religious (and chareidi) education streams. The demographic trend is clear, and it’s not what the “Zionist establishment” planned.
Throughout our history there were other instances when there was a struggle, a conflict between the spiritual and the “rational,” and the spiritual, the religious has always won. And this time we will again, G-d willing. Those who want to wipe us of out of history will be the ones to disappear.
The blue and white flag is ours, and it will decorate my home. Let no one doubt the loyalty and patriotism of religious Jews, because Israel is still our country, despite its faults. No one can take that from us.
Chag Ha’Atzma’ut Sameach,
And Let Us Be a Truely Independent Nation,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
Shilohmuse@yahoo.com
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/
http://me-ander.blogspot.com/
http://www.shilo.org.il
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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