**** It seems like the "action" is moving here. Check out the comments, also on unite and Sorry, Charley and Surprise?.
I'm just wondering. Does anyone know if Arik Sharon is a card player? We know that Sharansky plays chess, which is a very different type of game. What do the other politicians do to keep their minds sharp or entertain themselves? And please don't say the obvious that they don't have any minds to sharpen.
Seriously. Sharon is like one those circus entertainers, talking fast while shuffling the deck accordion-style, pocketing cards and pulling them out from his sleeves while our eyes are being distracted by his three ring circus.
Does anyone really know what's going on?
There are some really amazing things happening in the political spheres here in Israel. Some of it is actually "Moshiach-like." At least from how I see it. I've never voted for a religious party, because I don't believe that they should exist. I think that religious needs show be guarded by all. Religious and Chareidi education shouldn't be dominated by politicians of special-interest parties. And if there was an "Anglo" party of English-speaking Israelis, I wouldn't vote for it either. Immigrant needs should be the concern of all. And ditto for a party claiming to represent the yishuvim. I'm an Israeli and I expect, demand that the entire country, the entire population support settlement. All this separation, special interest groups as political parties is bad for Israeli society.
So now since Sharon has decided to establish a brand new party, suddenly there's more change in the Israeli political scene than most countries see in fifty years. One of the greatest things is that the religious parties are starting to re-evaluate. Not only is the NRP, National Religious Party, (Mafdal), negotiating with the NU, National Union, but even some of the Chareidim are waking up and talking about a united block with the right wing parties.
We mustn't be afraid of change. Haven't we been complaining about Israeli politics for years? Hasn't it gotten harder and harder to decide for whom to vote?
The previous situation was horrendous, right? That's why they were able to implement Disengagement. Everyone agrees. So change is necessary, and apparently Sharon is our tool. Nobody would have the guts for all this, if Sharon hadn't messed up the deck and thrown the cards all over the floor. Now we have no choice.
In my house we have lots of books, so the idea of painting the livingroom is overwhelming, so when just after our daughter go engaged a wall of shelves tumbled, books and all, we had no choice. And not only did we have the room painted, I bought a gorgeous new wall unit. Honestly, I should have redecorated that room years before, but it took those falling shelves and books to make me do it.
Ariel Sharon has done some terrible things to our country since becoming Prime Minister. Each of his "successes" has made him more confident to do worse and worse.
I think it's wonderful that he has created Kadima, his new political party. It has forced us all to look at Israeli politics and government differently. We now have a real opportunity to change, to make things better.
This is our chance to deal a new hand, a winning one.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Unite!
***the debate continues in these comments; join the action!
The Israeli political system has been evolving over the years, and just as I'm writing this I realize that I've been a "participant" for a majority of those years. We have been here since 1970.
First of all, the Knesset is divided by "proportional representation." That means that you vote for a party/ideology/platform and the 120 seats are divided in proportion to the votes. But it's not that simple, because the minimum percent for a party to be in the Knesset has gone up a lot. It used to be possible for one person to get in as a sole, solitary one-person political party. But now it has gone up and one needs enough percentage points for at least three, or has it been raised since? Sorry, I can't remember.
But this is important. It is now much more difficult for a new party to make a successful showing. That's why massive pressure must be put on Baruch Marzel and Paul Eidelberg to cease their attempts to run for the Knesset as a separate party. They have already run and lost, and it's not just whatever money was wasted. The votes they got would have gone to other patriotic or religious or chareidi parties giving a total of 4-6 extra seats to the block if not more. Instead those seats went to the Likud and Labor. Yes, it's complicated.
B'ezrat Hashem, with G-d's help, the National Religious Party, Mafdal, will join with the Ichud Le'umi, National Union. Former NRP members joined before the last elections.
The NU reminds me of what was the best of the T'chiya Party, which just missed getting back in the Knesset the year that Rabbi Levinger and Daniella Weiss ran for Knesset as a new party. They didn't get in either, causing a massive waste of votes and potential religious & patriotic Knesset Members.
T'chiya included Geula Cohen, Moshe Shamir, Yuval Ne'eman and Channan Porat. It was a wonderful coalition of Jews. I remember once at a T'chiya "chug bayit," "parlour meeting," someone asked Geula if T'chiya was a religious party. Her answer was: "No, it's a Jewish Party." And that's what we need again.
And we need a Jewish Government with Jewish Values. And most of all we need UNITY. And in order to unify, sometimes you have to compromise on details.
We all need to vote for and support a political party with a clear vision. This vision must be of Jewish settlement in all of the Land of Israel. We must take responsibility for our own security and not rely on any other country or international body. It is better to develop our own industry, rather than accepting coupons (foreign aid.) By becoming economically independent, we will reduce unemployment, thereby getting fiscally stronger at the same time.
Jewish and World History has proven over and over that we cannot count on any other country, people or international organization to save ourselves.
Not only Ariel Sharon and other left-wing politicians have been saying they want to, or are willing to, give our Land, most of what remains of Judea and Samaria to the Arabs. Almost all of the Likud politicians, including Bibi, Uzi and Sharansky, will give Land away "when the Arabs agree to..." and some, even if they don't. Remember who supported Disengagement or sat by passively as Jewish homes, schools, businesses and lives were destroyed. Yes, lives, because today the vast majority of Disengagement victims are homeless and jobless. Family dynamics have changed for the worse. The results will take their time to fully show. G-d forbid.
We need strong leaders who are ready to contribute to our country without being "party head" or even members of Knesset. This isn't the time for egos. It's the time to contribute whatever we can.
Let's focus on what's really important. Let's save our country, our Land and our People! UNITE!!
The Israeli political system has been evolving over the years, and just as I'm writing this I realize that I've been a "participant" for a majority of those years. We have been here since 1970.
First of all, the Knesset is divided by "proportional representation." That means that you vote for a party/ideology/platform and the 120 seats are divided in proportion to the votes. But it's not that simple, because the minimum percent for a party to be in the Knesset has gone up a lot. It used to be possible for one person to get in as a sole, solitary one-person political party. But now it has gone up and one needs enough percentage points for at least three, or has it been raised since? Sorry, I can't remember.
But this is important. It is now much more difficult for a new party to make a successful showing. That's why massive pressure must be put on Baruch Marzel and Paul Eidelberg to cease their attempts to run for the Knesset as a separate party. They have already run and lost, and it's not just whatever money was wasted. The votes they got would have gone to other patriotic or religious or chareidi parties giving a total of 4-6 extra seats to the block if not more. Instead those seats went to the Likud and Labor. Yes, it's complicated.
B'ezrat Hashem, with G-d's help, the National Religious Party, Mafdal, will join with the Ichud Le'umi, National Union. Former NRP members joined before the last elections.
The NU reminds me of what was the best of the T'chiya Party, which just missed getting back in the Knesset the year that Rabbi Levinger and Daniella Weiss ran for Knesset as a new party. They didn't get in either, causing a massive waste of votes and potential religious & patriotic Knesset Members.
T'chiya included Geula Cohen, Moshe Shamir, Yuval Ne'eman and Channan Porat. It was a wonderful coalition of Jews. I remember once at a T'chiya "chug bayit," "parlour meeting," someone asked Geula if T'chiya was a religious party. Her answer was: "No, it's a Jewish Party." And that's what we need again.
And we need a Jewish Government with Jewish Values. And most of all we need UNITY. And in order to unify, sometimes you have to compromise on details.
We all need to vote for and support a political party with a clear vision. This vision must be of Jewish settlement in all of the Land of Israel. We must take responsibility for our own security and not rely on any other country or international body. It is better to develop our own industry, rather than accepting coupons (foreign aid.) By becoming economically independent, we will reduce unemployment, thereby getting fiscally stronger at the same time.
Jewish and World History has proven over and over that we cannot count on any other country, people or international organization to save ourselves.
Not only Ariel Sharon and other left-wing politicians have been saying they want to, or are willing to, give our Land, most of what remains of Judea and Samaria to the Arabs. Almost all of the Likud politicians, including Bibi, Uzi and Sharansky, will give Land away "when the Arabs agree to..." and some, even if they don't. Remember who supported Disengagement or sat by passively as Jewish homes, schools, businesses and lives were destroyed. Yes, lives, because today the vast majority of Disengagement victims are homeless and jobless. Family dynamics have changed for the worse. The results will take their time to fully show. G-d forbid.
We need strong leaders who are ready to contribute to our country without being "party head" or even members of Knesset. This isn't the time for egos. It's the time to contribute whatever we can.
Let's focus on what's really important. Let's save our country, our Land and our People! UNITE!!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Sorry, Charley
***Read the comments, and join in the debate!
This is an elaboration of my reply to Jameel's comment on "Surprise?"
Sorry Jameel and all those putting their trust, faith and votes in the Likud. Even if Moshe Feiglin gets enough votes to be #1, (something that even a Don Quixote would have trouble believing), or Uzi Landau would metamorphose into Oz, strength, I can't see the Likud as the party to change and rescue our nation.
Remember, " רק הליקוד יכול" "only the Likud could" brought us Camp David, when the great gentleman Zionist, Menachem Begin, shocked us all by destroying Yamit and the other Jewish communities in the Sinai and gave its sovereignty to Egypt. And "only the Likud could" support Ariel Sharon as he unilaterally, without getting or even demanding anything in return, just threw away Neve Dekalim, Gush Katif, Northern Shomron and some of the most economically successful agricultural businesses in the history of our country.
Remember that the Likud Central Committee, the same people who supported Sharon, are still the Likud Central Committee. And remember who's still left in the Likud, Mofaz and Sylvan Shalom, those with ambition to just stay in power, no matter what the cost to the nation. And do you think that Limor Livnat, trying out more hairdos than Hillary Clinton, or stiff, sad-eyed Tzachi, or very proper Uzi have the sort of political guts needed burn the chametz out of the Likud? I keep hearing: "Moshe Feiglin, Moshe Feiglin" from some of my friends, neighbors and fellow bloggers. But there's no comparison between him and Peretz's power, machine and charisma that made him victorious in the Labor Party elections.
There is a major revolution happening in Israeli politics. It is just the time to take a fresh look and neither rely on sentiment nor nostalgia. It'll be almost 28 years since the first major Israeli political upheaval when the Likud was voted into power with Begin at its helm, when we have our next elections. In contrast to the situation in 1977, the Likud has been the party in power for most of the past decades. Unfortunately, ever since Begin decided that his role was to "make peace," rather than fully develp our gifts, Our Land and People, the party lost its "vision" and has deteriorated, fatally.
The National Union, Ha'Ichud HaLe'umi, is the successor. It combines a complete range of religious observance in its leadership. It has a clear vision of Jewish values and settling our Land. Its leaders were in the forefront of the struggle against Disengagement. MK Tzvi Hendel, of Tekuma, is himself a Disengagement victim after decades of living in Gush Katif. MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad, of Moledet, and his family lived in one of the communities in the Northern Shomron until the soldiers destroyed it.
We must unify, unite to fight Sharon, and the National Union is the party to support.
This is an elaboration of my reply to Jameel's comment on "Surprise?"
Sorry Jameel and all those putting their trust, faith and votes in the Likud. Even if Moshe Feiglin gets enough votes to be #1, (something that even a Don Quixote would have trouble believing), or Uzi Landau would metamorphose into Oz, strength, I can't see the Likud as the party to change and rescue our nation.
Remember, " רק הליקוד יכול" "only the Likud could" brought us Camp David, when the great gentleman Zionist, Menachem Begin, shocked us all by destroying Yamit and the other Jewish communities in the Sinai and gave its sovereignty to Egypt. And "only the Likud could" support Ariel Sharon as he unilaterally, without getting or even demanding anything in return, just threw away Neve Dekalim, Gush Katif, Northern Shomron and some of the most economically successful agricultural businesses in the history of our country.
Remember that the Likud Central Committee, the same people who supported Sharon, are still the Likud Central Committee. And remember who's still left in the Likud, Mofaz and Sylvan Shalom, those with ambition to just stay in power, no matter what the cost to the nation. And do you think that Limor Livnat, trying out more hairdos than Hillary Clinton, or stiff, sad-eyed Tzachi, or very proper Uzi have the sort of political guts needed burn the chametz out of the Likud? I keep hearing: "Moshe Feiglin, Moshe Feiglin" from some of my friends, neighbors and fellow bloggers. But there's no comparison between him and Peretz's power, machine and charisma that made him victorious in the Labor Party elections.
There is a major revolution happening in Israeli politics. It is just the time to take a fresh look and neither rely on sentiment nor nostalgia. It'll be almost 28 years since the first major Israeli political upheaval when the Likud was voted into power with Begin at its helm, when we have our next elections. In contrast to the situation in 1977, the Likud has been the party in power for most of the past decades. Unfortunately, ever since Begin decided that his role was to "make peace," rather than fully develp our gifts, Our Land and People, the party lost its "vision" and has deteriorated, fatally.
The National Union, Ha'Ichud HaLe'umi, is the successor. It combines a complete range of religious observance in its leadership. It has a clear vision of Jewish values and settling our Land. Its leaders were in the forefront of the struggle against Disengagement. MK Tzvi Hendel, of Tekuma, is himself a Disengagement victim after decades of living in Gush Katif. MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad, of Moledet, and his family lived in one of the communities in the Northern Shomron until the soldiers destroyed it.
We must unify, unite to fight Sharon, and the National Union is the party to support.
Surprise?
Now, I must say that nothing really surprises me about Ariel Sharon any more.
I was surprised and upset by his original Disengagement announcement. And I was surprised, upset and disgusted by his dictatorial totalitarian means of enforcing Disengagement.
But now, these latest announcements, already in the stage after "leaks," that he wants to give, G-d forbid, the Arab terrorists over 90% of what remains in our hands of YESHA, get a "so, who's surprised?"
And who and what is Ariel Sharon? He's the person who visited Shiloh in early 1981 and told the few families there that they "weren't thinking large enough." He pointed to the mountain above the ancient Tel of Shiloh, a kilometer from where the first permanent houses were being built, and announced that Shiloh's new neighborhood would be up there. That's where we live, having moved here the summer of 1981. Every veteran yishuv has stories like that about how Ariel Sharon encouraged their existence and expansion.
We really do feel betrayed. We're being tortured and murdered by the man who was our "father figure." And I guess we didn't know him at all. Yes, we should have suspected something when he worked so efficiently at destroying Yamit and the other Jewish communities in the Sinai. But, honestly, Menachem Begin was also involved in that. Could it have been that Sharon was more instrumental in the entire Camp David--Sadat "agreement?" Many of us have been blaming Moshe Dayan, who had been drafted by Begin (or was it already Sharon's influence?) to make him (Begin) "more attractive" to the world's diplomatic community.
When will the truth come out? Will it? Who really knows, other than Sharon himself?
Another peculiar figure is Israel's very own Dorian Gray, Shimon Peres. He is one of the latest to join Kadima, Sharon's new political party.
Just a few short months ago, when we were campaigning against Disengagement, I predicted that if we G-d forbid lose and Disengagement is implemented, my home would be next. Unfortunately I'm right. The case against Disengagement should have focused on the big picture, and it didn't.
Now after the horrendous and dangerous precedent of Disengagement, we have a much more difficult job ahead. Sharon has taken off his mask and so has Olmert, Mofaz, Sylvan Shalom, Limor, Tzachi, Bibi, Sharansky ad nauseum. We've seen their performances under fire, and we know what they're really made of.
This next, March 28th, election is the most important in the entire history of the State of Israel. We must unify to save the country. We must also reject the corrupt. I only see one party to vote for, The National Union.
I was surprised and upset by his original Disengagement announcement. And I was surprised, upset and disgusted by his dictatorial totalitarian means of enforcing Disengagement.
But now, these latest announcements, already in the stage after "leaks," that he wants to give, G-d forbid, the Arab terrorists over 90% of what remains in our hands of YESHA, get a "so, who's surprised?"
And who and what is Ariel Sharon? He's the person who visited Shiloh in early 1981 and told the few families there that they "weren't thinking large enough." He pointed to the mountain above the ancient Tel of Shiloh, a kilometer from where the first permanent houses were being built, and announced that Shiloh's new neighborhood would be up there. That's where we live, having moved here the summer of 1981. Every veteran yishuv has stories like that about how Ariel Sharon encouraged their existence and expansion.
We really do feel betrayed. We're being tortured and murdered by the man who was our "father figure." And I guess we didn't know him at all. Yes, we should have suspected something when he worked so efficiently at destroying Yamit and the other Jewish communities in the Sinai. But, honestly, Menachem Begin was also involved in that. Could it have been that Sharon was more instrumental in the entire Camp David--Sadat "agreement?" Many of us have been blaming Moshe Dayan, who had been drafted by Begin (or was it already Sharon's influence?) to make him (Begin) "more attractive" to the world's diplomatic community.
When will the truth come out? Will it? Who really knows, other than Sharon himself?
Another peculiar figure is Israel's very own Dorian Gray, Shimon Peres. He is one of the latest to join Kadima, Sharon's new political party.
Just a few short months ago, when we were campaigning against Disengagement, I predicted that if we G-d forbid lose and Disengagement is implemented, my home would be next. Unfortunately I'm right. The case against Disengagement should have focused on the big picture, and it didn't.
Now after the horrendous and dangerous precedent of Disengagement, we have a much more difficult job ahead. Sharon has taken off his mask and so has Olmert, Mofaz, Sylvan Shalom, Limor, Tzachi, Bibi, Sharansky ad nauseum. We've seen their performances under fire, and we know what they're really made of.
This next, March 28th, election is the most important in the entire history of the State of Israel. We must unify to save the country. We must also reject the corrupt. I only see one party to vote for, The National Union.
Thankful for Havel Havelilm
We're all very thankful that Israel Perspectives has done such a great job on this week's Havel Havelim! Take a gander; you'll be thankful, too!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
More trouble for the Jerusalem Hyatt
The "Jerusalem Hyatt" Hotel is in big trouble. I remember when it was first built and opened, a magnificent luxury hotel in Jerusalem on the "seam" between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods, near the Hebrew University and Hadassa's Mount Scopus Hospital. Not only was the lobby one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive in Jerusalem, high ceiling, waterfalls and unbeatable view, but the hotel originally served "French-style" kosher food.
In those early days, we--the entire family including all five kids--were once treated to a Shabbat there, when my husband was invited to debate Yael Dayan on Shabbat afternoon for the entertainment of visiting Americans. I remember that the kids complained that the food wasn't "Shabbat-style." It didn't taste "Jewish," since it was gourmet.
On the way home, Saturday night, our bus was stoned heavily, and glass got into our youngest daughter's eye.
The hotel never became the popular money-maker the Hyatt company had expected. The foreign journalists still prefered and prefer the ambience and Arab hospitality of the American Colony Hotel. And Jewish guests didn't like the closeness to the Arab neighborhood and the distance to the tourist attractions and other Jewish hotels.
After Israeli Tourism Minister Rachavam Ze'evi was murdered in the hotel, it almost emptied out completely.
It's prices went down, and it became possible to get very good deals there. As a sign of its desparation to fill its rooms, it even became one of the "temporary solutions" for homeless Disengagement victims. Now it has a new problem. It was just announced that it lost its kashrut certification.
In those early days, we--the entire family including all five kids--were once treated to a Shabbat there, when my husband was invited to debate Yael Dayan on Shabbat afternoon for the entertainment of visiting Americans. I remember that the kids complained that the food wasn't "Shabbat-style." It didn't taste "Jewish," since it was gourmet.
On the way home, Saturday night, our bus was stoned heavily, and glass got into our youngest daughter's eye.
The hotel never became the popular money-maker the Hyatt company had expected. The foreign journalists still prefered and prefer the ambience and Arab hospitality of the American Colony Hotel. And Jewish guests didn't like the closeness to the Arab neighborhood and the distance to the tourist attractions and other Jewish hotels.
After Israeli Tourism Minister Rachavam Ze'evi was murdered in the hotel, it almost emptied out completely.
It's prices went down, and it became possible to get very good deals there. As a sign of its desparation to fill its rooms, it even became one of the "temporary solutions" for homeless Disengagement victims. Now it has a new problem. It was just announced that it lost its kashrut certification.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
In the Teachers Room
I certainly can't tell you what's going on in the rest of the country, but lots of political talk has been heard in the Teachers Room where I work. One teacher is with Moshe Feiglin, and he's working hard. As you know, I'm not... working with Feiglin that is.
From looking at us, you'd think that we're all NRP, Mafdal. But don't go by the stereotype. There are lots of ideas and opinions.
From looking at us, you'd think that we're all NRP, Mafdal. But don't go by the stereotype. There are lots of ideas and opinions.
Kadima
Kadima means "onwards," or "forward" and that's the name Ariel Sharon and public relations staff chose for the new political party. Somehow it creates an image in my mind of his rather obese figure, clothed in armor, topped with a helmet, tiny holes near his eyes, brandishing a long sword, posed on a skinny horse, which he's whipping enthusiastically as he gaily gallops over a cliff.
The crowds, led by the UN's Kofi Anan, US's Bushes and Cheney, Europeans of all languages and colors cheer wildly!! What a great show for them.
If I was a Yaakov Kirschen, I'd draw it, but I'm not. I have to trust that my words create the image in your mind that is prancing around mine, like a psychotic in a manic episode.
Being a Gemini, it's pictured more than one way in my active mind. My "youthful, techie side" sees Sharon taking the Likud and punching "save as...Kadima" into his computer, giving him two intrinsically identical parties with two different names. He can then use the Likud template on Kadima, fine-tweaking any changes and adjustments to suit his desires. And of course, in actuality, he still controls the Likud.
A new paragraph should give you time to breathe and think about what I just wrote. I have absolutely no doubt that Sharon, and when I write "Sharon" I mean his "political machine," is still in control of the Likud. We saw how he bull-dozed, or hypnotized once "nationalist, pro-Land of Israel" politicians and army officers until they performed, not like trained seals, but like well-oiled robots.
Sharon succeeded in implementing Disengagement without the Likud breaking up. Considering how long he must have had been planning his breakaway party, I am certain that he was just putting it together as a backup, to protect and promote himself if and when the Likud fell apart. He is a master tactician, and so is Olmert, who as I've been saying for awhile is poised to take over when Sharon is either dead or incapacitated. Omri (son of Ariel) Sharon's talents and loyalty are in the "back room" of politics, and at least at this time, wouldn't be acceptable as Prime Minister, even to those loyal to the machine.
Do you remember the surprises in the last Likud list for the Knesset? Do you remember how totally unknown to the general public figures got safe numbers, while those who had been working their way through the political ranks were left in the cold? These neophyte politicians are the products of the Sharon factory, a machine being too small an image. Remember that they were voted in by the Central Committee, and the Central Committee is still there in the Likud. So are all of the clerks and secretaries, whom we all know are a lot more powerful than their salaries and titles indicate.
The "real Likud" of pro-Land of Israel loyalty is dead. It is like a brain dead patient being kept alive by machinery. It's time to pull the plug.
If Uzi Landau and Moshe Feiglin really think themselves as national leaders, if they really want to save our country, they should give the Likud the dignity of a natural death. They should join the National Union and unite for the good of our Land, Nation and People!
The crowds, led by the UN's Kofi Anan, US's Bushes and Cheney, Europeans of all languages and colors cheer wildly!! What a great show for them.
If I was a Yaakov Kirschen, I'd draw it, but I'm not. I have to trust that my words create the image in your mind that is prancing around mine, like a psychotic in a manic episode.
Being a Gemini, it's pictured more than one way in my active mind. My "youthful, techie side" sees Sharon taking the Likud and punching "save as...Kadima" into his computer, giving him two intrinsically identical parties with two different names. He can then use the Likud template on Kadima, fine-tweaking any changes and adjustments to suit his desires. And of course, in actuality, he still controls the Likud.
A new paragraph should give you time to breathe and think about what I just wrote. I have absolutely no doubt that Sharon, and when I write "Sharon" I mean his "political machine," is still in control of the Likud. We saw how he bull-dozed, or hypnotized once "nationalist, pro-Land of Israel" politicians and army officers until they performed, not like trained seals, but like well-oiled robots.
Sharon succeeded in implementing Disengagement without the Likud breaking up. Considering how long he must have had been planning his breakaway party, I am certain that he was just putting it together as a backup, to protect and promote himself if and when the Likud fell apart. He is a master tactician, and so is Olmert, who as I've been saying for awhile is poised to take over when Sharon is either dead or incapacitated. Omri (son of Ariel) Sharon's talents and loyalty are in the "back room" of politics, and at least at this time, wouldn't be acceptable as Prime Minister, even to those loyal to the machine.
Do you remember the surprises in the last Likud list for the Knesset? Do you remember how totally unknown to the general public figures got safe numbers, while those who had been working their way through the political ranks were left in the cold? These neophyte politicians are the products of the Sharon factory, a machine being too small an image. Remember that they were voted in by the Central Committee, and the Central Committee is still there in the Likud. So are all of the clerks and secretaries, whom we all know are a lot more powerful than their salaries and titles indicate.
The "real Likud" of pro-Land of Israel loyalty is dead. It is like a brain dead patient being kept alive by machinery. It's time to pull the plug.
If Uzi Landau and Moshe Feiglin really think themselves as national leaders, if they really want to save our country, they should give the Likud the dignity of a natural death. They should join the National Union and unite for the good of our Land, Nation and People!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
While the cat's away...
While Israeli politicians are scampering, scratching and scattering,
the "mice are playing." Yes, we're being attacked! And our "good friend" the United States is instructing restraint. So what else is new?
Hizbullah terrorists fired Katyusha rockets and mortar shells at
Israeli targets and infiltrated an IDF position in the Har Dov region Monday,
wounding eleven, two seriously. Arutz 7
the "mice are playing." Yes, we're being attacked! And our "good friend" the United States is instructing restraint. So what else is new?
Monday, November 21, 2005
In a nutshell, ok, nut house
Politics here in Israel is like a nut house, and I can't sit here too long, so I'll give you my latest reading of it in a nutshell.
The big question is why is Arik Sharon starting another party?. He has already castrated the Likud and turned most of the politicians and Central committee into his puppets. What's the point? He's an old man. How much longer does he see himself active?
Maybe my mind is just too suspicious, but I can't help forgetting that Sharon and his supporters had thousands join the Likud. Those people are still members. Actually, I've been a member "forever," even though I stopped voting Likud since Menachem Begin gave the Sinai to Egypt and destroyed Yamit and the other communities there. You can be a member of a party without voting for it, or even respecting it.
That means that Sharon* can control two parties. One his custom-made new one, and two his customized old one. *When I mention Sharon I'm referring to his "organization," his sons and those who are involved with his planning and policies.
Besides the members, there are all the employees he has brought in. They're loyal to him.
So, the simple thing is that he can control, or strongly influence, the results of the race for Likud Party leader, even though he has left the party. He can get someone elected who either will make a coalition deal with him or will find other ways of completing the destruction of the party.
I don't think I need to elaborate further. You're not stupid.
The big question is why is Arik Sharon starting another party?. He has already castrated the Likud and turned most of the politicians and Central committee into his puppets. What's the point? He's an old man. How much longer does he see himself active?
Maybe my mind is just too suspicious, but I can't help forgetting that Sharon and his supporters had thousands join the Likud. Those people are still members. Actually, I've been a member "forever," even though I stopped voting Likud since Menachem Begin gave the Sinai to Egypt and destroyed Yamit and the other communities there. You can be a member of a party without voting for it, or even respecting it.
That means that Sharon* can control two parties. One his custom-made new one, and two his customized old one. *When I mention Sharon I'm referring to his "organization," his sons and those who are involved with his planning and policies.
Besides the members, there are all the employees he has brought in. They're loyal to him.
So, the simple thing is that he can control, or strongly influence, the results of the race for Likud Party leader, even though he has left the party. He can get someone elected who either will make a coalition deal with him or will find other ways of completing the destruction of the party.
I don't think I need to elaborate further. You're not stupid.
That New Party
I've gotten the word that there are people out there waiting for my opinion of that new political party whipped up by Olmert and Sharon (and sons.) OK, I know that officially Ariel Sharon is the initiator, but honestly, my gut, deep in my kishkes, tells me that there's more than one cook.
Ever since Sharon appointed Olmert as his "second in command," bumping Bibi to the thankless role as Finance Minister, their relationship, read: scheming, has been pretty obvious. They rapidly and enthusiastically shed their "nationalist ideology," like "jump out of the cake strippers" rushing off to another job.
As expected, it has created an uproar and confusion. Geula Cohen's son Tzachi Hanegbi continues to disappoint as he blames Uzi Landau and other "rebel-loyalists," for the break up of the Likud. Sorry, Tzachi, but your father, Emanuel Hanegbi, brave and patriotic Lechi fighter, is probably rolling over in his grave over your statements. Too bad that your mother has "retired" from active politics.
The best news is that Uzi Landau is voicing interest in joining the "right wing" bloc to run in the next elections. Personally, I would keep out Avigdor Lieberman's party, which has proven itself no better than most of the Likud.
I don't see how this new party could be called "centrist," but considering how far left the media is... Also, I like the idea that Labor members are thinking of joining. That means that Labor will also be weakened.
Arik Sharon thrives on mayhem. He loves it when others are confused and panicking. This is his type of scene. While others are trying to find their bearings, he just shoots ahead, establishing facts, and by the time everyone has their heads out of the water, it's too late.
Let's hope and pray that this time he's the one left adrift. The big problem is that, as I've said before, Ehud Olmert and he are working hand in glove, and Olmert's no less a snake.
We have a lot of work to do.
Ever since Sharon appointed Olmert as his "second in command," bumping Bibi to the thankless role as Finance Minister, their relationship, read: scheming, has been pretty obvious. They rapidly and enthusiastically shed their "nationalist ideology," like "jump out of the cake strippers" rushing off to another job.
As expected, it has created an uproar and confusion. Geula Cohen's son Tzachi Hanegbi continues to disappoint as he blames Uzi Landau and other "rebel-loyalists," for the break up of the Likud. Sorry, Tzachi, but your father, Emanuel Hanegbi, brave and patriotic Lechi fighter, is probably rolling over in his grave over your statements. Too bad that your mother has "retired" from active politics.
The best news is that Uzi Landau is voicing interest in joining the "right wing" bloc to run in the next elections. Personally, I would keep out Avigdor Lieberman's party, which has proven itself no better than most of the Likud.
I don't see how this new party could be called "centrist," but considering how far left the media is... Also, I like the idea that Labor members are thinking of joining. That means that Labor will also be weakened.
Arik Sharon thrives on mayhem. He loves it when others are confused and panicking. This is his type of scene. While others are trying to find their bearings, he just shoots ahead, establishing facts, and by the time everyone has their heads out of the water, it's too late.
Let's hope and pray that this time he's the one left adrift. The big problem is that, as I've said before, Ehud Olmert and he are working hand in glove, and Olmert's no less a snake.
We have a lot of work to do.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Just A Little Bit Pregnant
Have you heard the expression that "you can't be just a little bit pregnant?"
As the mother of five, I know that either you're pregnant or you're not.
That expression always comes to haunt me when I try to see which Israeli politician may or may not be reliable, according to how I see the Israeli political and security scene.
I'm a plain straight thinker and talker and writer, as some of you know by now. For me, either you're in favor of Jews in Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, or you're against. There's no such thing as being a little bit pregnant and I can't accept one who believes in Jews being in only some of the Land.
Israeli politician, former Prime Minister Bibi (Binyamin) Netyanyahu has been trying to sell himself as "pro-settlement," defender of the Land. The only problem is that he isn't.
Read this:
He's trying to be just a little bit pregnant. He doesn't understand that the fence won't protect it will only endanger and destroy our country. It will also make it very clear, especially after Disengagement, that the Israeli Government feels no obligation to protect its citizens and Land.
His willingness to abandon Jewish Land, Jewish History and Israeli citizens means that nothing is really dear to him. As we mothers know, just because the baby "doesn't show," it doesn't mean there's no baby growing inside of us.
Since Israeli politicians are willing to give even the smallest amount of our Land to our enemies, all of our Land is in danger!
As the mother of five, I know that either you're pregnant or you're not.
That expression always comes to haunt me when I try to see which Israeli politician may or may not be reliable, according to how I see the Israeli political and security scene.
I'm a plain straight thinker and talker and writer, as some of you know by now. For me, either you're in favor of Jews in Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, or you're against. There's no such thing as being a little bit pregnant and I can't accept one who believes in Jews being in only some of the Land.
Israeli politician, former Prime Minister Bibi (Binyamin) Netyanyahu has been trying to sell himself as "pro-settlement," defender of the Land. The only problem is that he isn't.
Read this:
The former Prime Minister favors the partition fence: "We must complete, without delay, the construction of the fence in Judea and Samaria, and the route must include the large settlement blocs: the expanded Ariel bloc, Gush Etzion, Maaleh Adumim, and Route 443 from Tel Aviv to united Jerusalem."
Left out of Netanyahu's plan are Yesha communities such as Kiryat Arba, Hevron, Beit El, Shilo, Psagot, Ofrah, Kokhav HaShachar, Tapuach, Elon Moreh, Yitzhar,
Talmon, Dolev, Nachliel, N'vei Tzuf, Mevo Dotan, and many more. Arutz 7
He's trying to be just a little bit pregnant. He doesn't understand that the fence won't protect it will only endanger and destroy our country. It will also make it very clear, especially after Disengagement, that the Israeli Government feels no obligation to protect its citizens and Land.
His willingness to abandon Jewish Land, Jewish History and Israeli citizens means that nothing is really dear to him. As we mothers know, just because the baby "doesn't show," it doesn't mean there's no baby growing inside of us.
Since Israeli politicians are willing to give even the smallest amount of our Land to our enemies, all of our Land is in danger!
Mirty's hosting Havel Havelim!
The latest Havel Havelim is at Mirty's. It's a great one, as one would expect from the blogging maven. Take a gander!
No, this isn't the United States
I wouldn't dare claim to remember everything I learned in school, but there's one thing that was drummed into us about the United States government. CHECKS AND BALANCES, yes that's the major principle or mechanism that prevents any of the three major government "branches," the Executive, the Judicial and the Legislative, from dominating, dictating. There is no such principle, or law, in Israel, as Caroline Glick wrote in such detail.
In the United States, the Executive must get the approval of the Legislative, and if a bill or law is considered by some to be inconsistent with the Constitution, or previous laws/bills, then the Judicial must decide in accordance with their interpretation of the Constitution. Basically there's always a "two to one," or "three to zero" factor. No one branch of the government can decide or declare without the approval of one of the other.
The judges aren't allowed to use their independent thinking. They are restricted to the written Law. The judges also can't appoint or elect their fellow judges. In terms of the Supreme Court, the Executive nominates, but the Legislative must vote approval. In today's world, with rapid media, the nominees are examined and investigated very publicly. It's a real circus and much more difficult for a president (the Executive) to have his nominee confirmed. The lower courts are generally elected by the people, but it's much more complicated.
In Israel the judges are approved by a committee made up of other judges. It's a real closed club. And that's only the technical part of the business. In Israel the Supreme Court is dominated by Supreme Court President Aharon Barak who sees his role as the Supreme Guide to Justice and Proper Ideology and Values for Israel. He calls is "Judicial pro-activism." Instead of basing his decisions on previous laws--there is no Constitution in Israel--he decides according to his personal beliefs and value system.
So the bottom line is that the true Dictator of Israel is not Ariel Sharon, he is Aharon Barak!
Barak with the help of his Court even has the power to veto government laws. He also controls the committee that approves judges, so basically he controls this country. The Legislature cannot control him, unless they pass laws that change the entire system, which is difficult, because he has the power to declare the laws invalid. So it would be quite a battle!
The root of this problem is how and who constructed the principles of the Israeli Government after the country was established in 1948. Honestly I don't fully understand what tools we have to correct it.
Most Israelis don't realize that there are problems in the most basic principles or structure of the State of Israel, because this is all they know. It's extremely difficult for us former Americans who were raised with different ideals, concepts of fair government and take for granted that all "democracies are the same." We have to find ways to raise the consciousness of the Israeli public and use legal steps to correct this injustice.
Israel is far from being a Hebrew-speaking United States, not that I personally would want a duplicate. But I definitely don't want to live in a dictatorship, which this is. And remember that Arik Sharon only succeeded in forcing Disengagement, because the Israeli Supreme Court approved of it!
In the United States, the Executive must get the approval of the Legislative, and if a bill or law is considered by some to be inconsistent with the Constitution, or previous laws/bills, then the Judicial must decide in accordance with their interpretation of the Constitution. Basically there's always a "two to one," or "three to zero" factor. No one branch of the government can decide or declare without the approval of one of the other.
The judges aren't allowed to use their independent thinking. They are restricted to the written Law. The judges also can't appoint or elect their fellow judges. In terms of the Supreme Court, the Executive nominates, but the Legislative must vote approval. In today's world, with rapid media, the nominees are examined and investigated very publicly. It's a real circus and much more difficult for a president (the Executive) to have his nominee confirmed. The lower courts are generally elected by the people, but it's much more complicated.
In Israel the judges are approved by a committee made up of other judges. It's a real closed club. And that's only the technical part of the business. In Israel the Supreme Court is dominated by Supreme Court President Aharon Barak who sees his role as the Supreme Guide to Justice and Proper Ideology and Values for Israel. He calls is "Judicial pro-activism." Instead of basing his decisions on previous laws--there is no Constitution in Israel--he decides according to his personal beliefs and value system.
So the bottom line is that the true Dictator of Israel is not Ariel Sharon, he is Aharon Barak!
Barak with the help of his Court even has the power to veto government laws. He also controls the committee that approves judges, so basically he controls this country. The Legislature cannot control him, unless they pass laws that change the entire system, which is difficult, because he has the power to declare the laws invalid. So it would be quite a battle!
The root of this problem is how and who constructed the principles of the Israeli Government after the country was established in 1948. Honestly I don't fully understand what tools we have to correct it.
Most Israelis don't realize that there are problems in the most basic principles or structure of the State of Israel, because this is all they know. It's extremely difficult for us former Americans who were raised with different ideals, concepts of fair government and take for granted that all "democracies are the same." We have to find ways to raise the consciousness of the Israeli public and use legal steps to correct this injustice.
Israel is far from being a Hebrew-speaking United States, not that I personally would want a duplicate. But I definitely don't want to live in a dictatorship, which this is. And remember that Arik Sharon only succeeded in forcing Disengagement, because the Israeli Supreme Court approved of it!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
"Ad Me'ah V'Esrim," until 120
"Ad Me'ah V'Esrim shannah,"
"May you live to be a hundred and twenty" is a very popular saying, wishing a person a "full life, " which equals one hundred and twenty years.
And only then should you die.
One of the reasons people, at least here in Israel, like to "delay death" is that the funerals in most of the cemeteries here are "unpleasant," to say the least. They are religious ceremonies run by the "Chevra Kadishe," "burial societies."
These burial societies control which burial plot you can have and many aspects of the funeral ceremony itself. In many of the cities, there are "local customs" that are forced on the bereaved family, even if the family never heard of the customs or has very different ones. Also most of the Chevra Kadishe are what's known as "chareidi," a style of Jewish Orthodoxy, not observed by most. So here a family at its most traumatized finds itself attending a funeral it can't relate to.
It's different in Shiloh and othe yishuvim, where we have our own "chevra kadishe" of our own friends and neighbors. We don't have any "customs" that restrict and limit women from the gravesite. All members of the family and friends speak, male and female, whatever ther bereaved family chooses. The only restrictions are those of straight halacha, and the halacha is very simple.
My in-laws are buried here, and I remember how comforting it was to have people we know dig the graves and bury the bodies.
Cremation is becoming a more accepted alternative to burial, especially for the non- Torah observant, who aren't comfortable with the standard Israeli funeral directed by the Chevre Kadishe. Too bad. There are other alternatives.
"May you live to be a hundred and twenty" is a very popular saying, wishing a person a "full life, " which equals one hundred and twenty years.
And only then should you die.
One of the reasons people, at least here in Israel, like to "delay death" is that the funerals in most of the cemeteries here are "unpleasant," to say the least. They are religious ceremonies run by the "Chevra Kadishe," "burial societies."
These burial societies control which burial plot you can have and many aspects of the funeral ceremony itself. In many of the cities, there are "local customs" that are forced on the bereaved family, even if the family never heard of the customs or has very different ones. Also most of the Chevra Kadishe are what's known as "chareidi," a style of Jewish Orthodoxy, not observed by most. So here a family at its most traumatized finds itself attending a funeral it can't relate to.
It's different in Shiloh and othe yishuvim, where we have our own "chevra kadishe" of our own friends and neighbors. We don't have any "customs" that restrict and limit women from the gravesite. All members of the family and friends speak, male and female, whatever ther bereaved family chooses. The only restrictions are those of straight halacha, and the halacha is very simple.
My in-laws are buried here, and I remember how comforting it was to have people we know dig the graves and bury the bodies.
Cremation is becoming a more accepted alternative to burial, especially for the non- Torah observant, who aren't comfortable with the standard Israeli funeral directed by the Chevre Kadishe. Too bad. There are other alternatives.
The Original Bloggers' Carnival
If I'm not mistaken, Carnival of the Vanities is the original bloggers' carnival. And this recent one includes a me-ander and a Shiloh Musing. So take a gander!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Pictures say so much
This picture of Israel's President Moshe Katzav is bothering a lot of people. Its composition says more than the greatest writer ever could.
Height is power. The Italian guards stand proud and tall, and what could be said about our president? Dwarfed, submissive?
Our Judaism and our Jewish People existed long before Christianity, which is best described as an old off-shoot of Judaism.
The Vatican has precious Temple artifacts stored away. Over the years, on very rare occasions, some people have been given a tease of a look. At the same time, the Vatican has been trying, scheming, to take over Jerusalem, and the recent attempt to occupy Mount Zion is only the latest of a long series, centuries long.
Investigative reporters discovered that the "leaks" about Katzav signing an agreement were from the Vatican, hoping to create facts. Many people are crediting Internet, email and bloggers with bringing it to public and political knowledge. Bli eyin haraa, (don't tempt fate), we stopped them this time, but they are not giving up, and they have lots of money and staff to keep on trying. We must stay vigilant.
Our president may be bowed, but we're not at all!
cross-posted on Blog Free!
That Wall
Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, is being mutilated by a cement wall. It won't protect anyone, since thousands of Jews are being locked in with Arab terrorists, and it is being designed for the convenience of the Arabs, according to demands by their friends and fans in the UN, US, Europe and even some miss-guided Israelis.
In many places, it closely follows the old "green line" which was the border between Israel and Jordan until Jordan attacked Israel in June, 1967. Although there are always denials, it's very clear that it is designed to establish a new border between Israel and the terror state, which is trying to destroy Israel.
What particularly galls me is that some YESH(A), "settlement area," leaders actually are in favor of it, as long as their own community is included in the ghetto side.
On Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur we prayed in the plural for all of Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, and here we see how even some of those living in Judea and Samaria can only think as far as their own backyard. They don't, or won't, look at the entire picture.
We lost Gush Katif and Northern Shomron because of this attitude. Most of World Jewry, including Israeli Jewry and even the Jews living in Land and neighborhoods liberated from the Arabs in the Six Days War, don't care about Eretz Yisrael. This endangers all of us, whether we live in Shiloh, Saviyon or Savannah, GA.
We must look at all of Eretz Yisrael as our backyard, even if it's far away, even if we've never seen it all. We're all connected, whether we recognize it or not. That wall won't separate The State of Israel from the terrorists, it will separate Jew from Jew, which is the greatest danger of all.
We, all of World Jewry, must unite to survive.
In many places, it closely follows the old "green line" which was the border between Israel and Jordan until Jordan attacked Israel in June, 1967. Although there are always denials, it's very clear that it is designed to establish a new border between Israel and the terror state, which is trying to destroy Israel.
What particularly galls me is that some YESH(A), "settlement area," leaders actually are in favor of it, as long as their own community is included in the ghetto side.
On Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur we prayed in the plural for all of Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, and here we see how even some of those living in Judea and Samaria can only think as far as their own backyard. They don't, or won't, look at the entire picture.
We lost Gush Katif and Northern Shomron because of this attitude. Most of World Jewry, including Israeli Jewry and even the Jews living in Land and neighborhoods liberated from the Arabs in the Six Days War, don't care about Eretz Yisrael. This endangers all of us, whether we live in Shiloh, Saviyon or Savannah, GA.
We must look at all of Eretz Yisrael as our backyard, even if it's far away, even if we've never seen it all. We're all connected, whether we recognize it or not. That wall won't separate The State of Israel from the terrorists, it will separate Jew from Jew, which is the greatest danger of all.
We, all of World Jewry, must unite to survive.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
On the roads...
For a great variety of reasons, I never know what to expect when traveling on the roads from Shiloh to wherever.
I'm sure that most of you think that I'm referring to G-d forbid terrorism, but, Baruch Hashem, bli eyin haraa, it's a lot rarer than car accidents. If you don't believe me, check the statistics. Though, honestly, I don't know what will be once the new terrorist--express or local--bus line begins to function.
Can you imagine? There still isn't public transportation from Beit El, north to Shiloh, Ofra etc, and I still have to "tremp" (hitch hike) to and from work, but the terrorists will be able to travel from Gaza to all over Judea and Samaria. They shouldn't be inconvenienced.
And while I'm mentioning inconvenience, my life was endangered yesterday, when we were forced to wait standing, lots of cars, Jewish and Arab, crowded on the road, when Condeliza Rice left Ramallah by car. The roads had to be totally cleared for her convenience. It couldn't be for her security, since she was in a top-quality bullet-proof vehicle. She was safe. And if her security people really wanted to keep her safe, she should have had been in some ordinary, unrecognizable bullet-proof GMC, without any identification, the same for her guards. She called so much attention to herself, which is the most dangerous thing to do.
And in the meantime ordinary citizens were forced to wait, or, if they were lucky, had alternative routes available. My neighbors knew in advance and traveled by Kvish Allon, the Jordan Valley Road, just east of us. It took a little longer, but they felt a lot safer than they would have if being forced to wait on the road.
Reports from Jerusalem were worse. The Clintons were at it again. Wherever they went, the traffic was barred. So add that to the snarls due to the construction of the "light rail line," it's definitely not a car-friendly time. Pedestrians were luckier, another excuse to walk and get fit.
Yes, in case you were wondering, I did get to work on time. It pays to leave early, though my students have already asked if I'm ever late.
These famous foreign guests remind me of the type of houseguests who think nothing of monopolizing the only toilet in the house! And then they act like they're doing you a favor that they came. Maybe we can send them to Iraq.
I'm sure that most of you think that I'm referring to G-d forbid terrorism, but, Baruch Hashem, bli eyin haraa, it's a lot rarer than car accidents. If you don't believe me, check the statistics. Though, honestly, I don't know what will be once the new terrorist--express or local--bus line begins to function.
Can you imagine? There still isn't public transportation from Beit El, north to Shiloh, Ofra etc, and I still have to "tremp" (hitch hike) to and from work, but the terrorists will be able to travel from Gaza to all over Judea and Samaria. They shouldn't be inconvenienced.
And while I'm mentioning inconvenience, my life was endangered yesterday, when we were forced to wait standing, lots of cars, Jewish and Arab, crowded on the road, when Condeliza Rice left Ramallah by car. The roads had to be totally cleared for her convenience. It couldn't be for her security, since she was in a top-quality bullet-proof vehicle. She was safe. And if her security people really wanted to keep her safe, she should have had been in some ordinary, unrecognizable bullet-proof GMC, without any identification, the same for her guards. She called so much attention to herself, which is the most dangerous thing to do.
And in the meantime ordinary citizens were forced to wait, or, if they were lucky, had alternative routes available. My neighbors knew in advance and traveled by Kvish Allon, the Jordan Valley Road, just east of us. It took a little longer, but they felt a lot safer than they would have if being forced to wait on the road.
Reports from Jerusalem were worse. The Clintons were at it again. Wherever they went, the traffic was barred. So add that to the snarls due to the construction of the "light rail line," it's definitely not a car-friendly time. Pedestrians were luckier, another excuse to walk and get fit.
Yes, in case you were wondering, I did get to work on time. It pays to leave early, though my students have already asked if I'm ever late.
These famous foreign guests remind me of the type of houseguests who think nothing of monopolizing the only toilet in the house! And then they act like they're doing you a favor that they came. Maybe we can send them to Iraq.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Moshav Argaman
A long time ago, in spring of 1971, we were at the ceremony in Moshav Argaman, in the Jordan Valley, when it became a civilian moshav, rather than a Nachal Army Base.
I took this picture of Menachem Begin and Ezer Weizman. It's a small picture and in black and white, and we just got this new scanner, so I figured that I ought to practice using it.
I took this picture of Menachem Begin and Ezer Weizman. It's a small picture and in black and white, and we just got this new scanner, so I figured that I ought to practice using it.
Carnivals Galore for Your Reading Pleasure!
Carvinals are a safe way of "surfing" seeing what's doing in the world of blogging. When I used to freely surf the blogs, by clicking "next blog" on the top of mine, or clicking what seemed interesting from the "recently updated" on blogspot, I discovered that too many are not my "cup of tea." Let's suffice with that description. That's why I'm happy to particiapete in the "carnivals."
Now I'm a regular contributer to two, BOMS and Havel Havelim, and even host "HH" every couple of months. Take a gander. BOMS is a general carnival of posts at least two months old, and Havel Havelim is the Jewish-Israeli blogging carnival. To find out what other carnivals there are, whether just to read them or to contribute, click on Carnival Forms.
Now I'm a regular contributer to two, BOMS and Havel Havelim, and even host "HH" every couple of months. Take a gander. BOMS is a general carnival of posts at least two months old, and Havel Havelim is the Jewish-Israeli blogging carnival. To find out what other carnivals there are, whether just to read them or to contribute, click on Carnival Forms.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
#153 Not Me!
Musings #153
November 13, 2005
11th of Marcheshvan
Not Me!
Could I easily document that my family has lived here in Shiloh for over twenty-four years? Not me!
If, G-d forbid, I had to pack up my most precious possessions what would I pack? Wow! That’s a tough one. I’ve been married thirty-five years; I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I have a house with four bedrooms, a den and an over-stuffed attic and basement.
We have photographs, negatives and pictures the children drew before they could write their names. We have more than enough clothes, and the kids, even though out of the house, have plenty of clothes and books stored here. The kitchen is fully supplied with all of dishes, pots and appliances a kosher kitchen needs in quadruple quantities, and don’t forget the parve things for both chametz and Pesach.
There are more than enough books and files here to open a reading and reference library, with a well-equipped section for EFL (English as a foreign language) teaching. And did I describe all of the framed pictures, drawings, embroidery and needlepoint on the walls? And we also have a TV, VCR and DVD, small, simple models, plus what to watch, a closet full of tapes and discs.
We’re just like families all over the world and just like the good people thrown out of their homes in the Name of Disengagement, who are now poverty-stricken, unemployed and homeless. The Disengagement Authority is now demanding that the victims bring in school report cards and other proof that they had really lived in Gush Katif and Northern Shomron. I didn’t keep my kids’ report cards, and I didn’t keep their baby teeth. And if I had to gather my most precious possessions, those would not be on the list.
The Israeli government is getting more sadistic by the moment, and the Israeli public is disengaged, ignoring the “displaced” people, good Jews, loyal citizens who were thrown out of their homes.
Most Israelis “live on” overdrafts. Their bank accounts are permanently in the red, and the banks encourage it, because that way they can charge very hefty interest. If you’re wondering how the refugees are “managing,” that’s the story.
The big problem is that someday the Disengagement victims are going to have to fill that hole. One of the things making it deeper is that they are being charged for their hotel rooms and caravillas. Since they want to be together and have lost track of their financial situation, these once independent and some were very successful business people are now too paralyzed by depression to take initiative and risks and move to less expensive places.
Since the government has added to the requirements of proof, nobody knows how much money is coming whenever it comes. All the time, ticking away, eating up at the potential compensation, are those “temporary” costs. I have this awful feeling that when the final calculations are done, these poor people will owe the government money.
It reminds me of the “company towns,” which were owned by large companies for their workers. Everything from the housing to the grocer were owned by the company, which controlled salaries and prices, calculated so that nobody could ever save enough money to leave, and frequently at the end of the month, the workers would discover that they owed money to the company, enslaving them further.
It’s frightening how quickly the once confident and independent residents of Gush Katif and Northern Shomron have deteriorated into depressed refugees. Their former leaders have lost direction and aren’t taking them out of their ruts, since they too are in the same condition.
I have no doubt that all the proof of residence is easy to find in government files. As a salaried worker, I know that I’ve had to file “proof of residence” periodically with income tax forms. Also, the Interior Ministry computerized years ago, and birth certificates include residence of parents. The sick funds are also computerized and should be able to say since when a member has been using a specific clinic. Most people keep the same bank accounts from a young age, and these too will provide proof of address.
So, if I’m G-d forbid forced to pack, and I hope, pray and write all I can so the day never comes, I’m not going to look for old report cards. We moved to Shiloh over a two-day period, August 31 and September 1, 1981, and I’d like to see the government try to prove differently.
From my home in Shiloh,
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
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November 13, 2005
11th of Marcheshvan
Not Me!
Could I easily document that my family has lived here in Shiloh for over twenty-four years? Not me!
If, G-d forbid, I had to pack up my most precious possessions what would I pack? Wow! That’s a tough one. I’ve been married thirty-five years; I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I have a house with four bedrooms, a den and an over-stuffed attic and basement.
We have photographs, negatives and pictures the children drew before they could write their names. We have more than enough clothes, and the kids, even though out of the house, have plenty of clothes and books stored here. The kitchen is fully supplied with all of dishes, pots and appliances a kosher kitchen needs in quadruple quantities, and don’t forget the parve things for both chametz and Pesach.
There are more than enough books and files here to open a reading and reference library, with a well-equipped section for EFL (English as a foreign language) teaching. And did I describe all of the framed pictures, drawings, embroidery and needlepoint on the walls? And we also have a TV, VCR and DVD, small, simple models, plus what to watch, a closet full of tapes and discs.
We’re just like families all over the world and just like the good people thrown out of their homes in the Name of Disengagement, who are now poverty-stricken, unemployed and homeless. The Disengagement Authority is now demanding that the victims bring in school report cards and other proof that they had really lived in Gush Katif and Northern Shomron. I didn’t keep my kids’ report cards, and I didn’t keep their baby teeth. And if I had to gather my most precious possessions, those would not be on the list.
The Israeli government is getting more sadistic by the moment, and the Israeli public is disengaged, ignoring the “displaced” people, good Jews, loyal citizens who were thrown out of their homes.
Most Israelis “live on” overdrafts. Their bank accounts are permanently in the red, and the banks encourage it, because that way they can charge very hefty interest. If you’re wondering how the refugees are “managing,” that’s the story.
The big problem is that someday the Disengagement victims are going to have to fill that hole. One of the things making it deeper is that they are being charged for their hotel rooms and caravillas. Since they want to be together and have lost track of their financial situation, these once independent and some were very successful business people are now too paralyzed by depression to take initiative and risks and move to less expensive places.
Since the government has added to the requirements of proof, nobody knows how much money is coming whenever it comes. All the time, ticking away, eating up at the potential compensation, are those “temporary” costs. I have this awful feeling that when the final calculations are done, these poor people will owe the government money.
It reminds me of the “company towns,” which were owned by large companies for their workers. Everything from the housing to the grocer were owned by the company, which controlled salaries and prices, calculated so that nobody could ever save enough money to leave, and frequently at the end of the month, the workers would discover that they owed money to the company, enslaving them further.
It’s frightening how quickly the once confident and independent residents of Gush Katif and Northern Shomron have deteriorated into depressed refugees. Their former leaders have lost direction and aren’t taking them out of their ruts, since they too are in the same condition.
I have no doubt that all the proof of residence is easy to find in government files. As a salaried worker, I know that I’ve had to file “proof of residence” periodically with income tax forms. Also, the Interior Ministry computerized years ago, and birth certificates include residence of parents. The sick funds are also computerized and should be able to say since when a member has been using a specific clinic. Most people keep the same bank accounts from a young age, and these too will provide proof of address.
So, if I’m G-d forbid forced to pack, and I hope, pray and write all I can so the day never comes, I’m not going to look for old report cards. We moved to Shiloh over a two-day period, August 31 and September 1, 1981, and I’d like to see the government try to prove differently.
From my home in Shiloh,
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://samizdatblogfree.blogspot.com/
http://shilohpics.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
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Taking advantage....
Oh, yes, we must never ignore opportunities...
This morning my husband was entertaining some BBC reporters, while I hid out here in the den by my trusty ol' pc.
Just before they left, he came to get me, so I'd be polite and say hello. So I went in, and the guy stationed here was very friendly commenting how much he likes coming out here, lovely view and all that, how we must be living here for the view...
And then I grabbed the opportunity and said:
...and they were out the door.
This morning my husband was entertaining some BBC reporters, while I hid out here in the den by my trusty ol' pc.
Just before they left, he came to get me, so I'd be polite and say hello. So I went in, and the guy stationed here was very friendly commenting how much he likes coming out here, lovely view and all that, how we must be living here for the view...
And then I grabbed the opportunity and said:
Ahh, if you've notice the view, you've seen how empty it all his here. You can see the proof how the Arabs are lying about our stealing their homes, because they never had any homes here.
And another thing, when we first came here, every spring we had the most beautiful wildflowers, like an Oriental Carpet. They're very delicate, so once people walk on them they no longer come up. Not only here, but along the roads. The Arab agriculture you see now is all new. We used to have the most beautiful wild flowers growing all the way to Jerusalem.
And as long as you're looking at the views, you see our modest homes, take a look a the fancy mansions in the Arab villages...
...and they were out the door.
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Struck by the Mesorah bug, oy
***Here's moze's continuation of the bug!
The one and only Cosmic X struck me by the Mesorah bug. I guess it was to distract me from Mt. Zion's danger of being given to the Vatican.
The idea is to comment on the following which was published by Ha'aretz:
The Jewish public's pessimism* can apparently be ascribed to the state of affairs today, which leads an overwhelming majority of 74 percent to expect that even if Israel withdraws from all the territories beyond the Green Line and the occupation ends, Palestinian violence will not stop and may even intensify.
*Pessimism? emphasis mine
It's pragmatic realism! Just listen to what the Arabs say; they aren't being shy. They want us all dead and the country gone, and that includes Tel Aviv and Kfar Shmariyahu!
Now, I'd like to know what Moze has to say.
The one and only Cosmic X struck me by the Mesorah bug. I guess it was to distract me from Mt. Zion's danger of being given to the Vatican.
The idea is to comment on the following which was published by Ha'aretz:
The Jewish public's pessimism* can apparently be ascribed to the state of affairs today, which leads an overwhelming majority of 74 percent to expect that even if Israel withdraws from all the territories beyond the Green Line and the occupation ends, Palestinian violence will not stop and may even intensify.
*Pessimism? emphasis mine
It's pragmatic realism! Just listen to what the Arabs say; they aren't being shy. They want us all dead and the country gone, and that includes Tel Aviv and Kfar Shmariyahu!
Now, I'd like to know what Moze has to say.
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Demonstrate! Keep Mount Zion Jewish!
VIGIL!
Friday Morning 11-12am
President's Residence
Keep Mount Zion Jewish!
Tell President Katzav
Don't Give Mt. Zion
to the Vatican!
Tell everyone to come
just an hour
for King David
What's really going on in France?
From what I've been reading, Paris is burning. (Look at the picture.) And this has been going on for about two weeks already.
The amazing thing is that so far only one fatality, though there have been over a hundred injuries to police and firemen.
This NY Times article is the most comprehensive.
I wonder if the US State Department has put out their warnings about the advisablity of not going to France until the "revolt" is put down.
The amazing thing is that so far only one fatality, though there have been over a hundred injuries to police and firemen.
This NY Times article is the most comprehensive.
I wonder if the US State Department has put out their warnings about the advisablity of not going to France until the "revolt" is put down.
Monday, November 7, 2005
The Mt. Zion Conflict and I
Well, actually, it's not Mt. Zion that has a conflict, it's the Jews and the Catholics and the disengaged politicians and those of us who treasure our Land and history.
Poor Mt. Zion, King David's special spot. Today it overlooks modern Jerusalem.
I've become a sort of spokesperson, very strange. All I really want if for the real powers to take over and fix it all. The really powerful people should wake up and cancel the whole agreement and tell the Vatican that Mount Zion's Jewish, and we don't want any old church that was once a synagogue. We don't want to invest our Jewish money in some old building in Spain, where there aren't any Jews. We don't want more Jewish tourism and Jewish money to go to Europe. We need it all here.
We want to develop Jewish education and Jewish awareness all over the world, and if people want to travel to see Jewish treasure and Jewish history, may they all travel to our precious Holy Land.
And we have so many serious issues to take care of here in Israel, and I resent that I've been distracted from the displaced/dispossessed Jews here who were disengaged from their homes, businesses, neighbors, schools and jobs.
There are thousands of Jews who need our help, and suddenly, apparently not all that suddenly--they've been hatching this scheme for years--right in Jerusalem, next to the Old City Walls, Mount Zion is in danger.
Enormous sums of money have been mentioned. The Catholic Church is very rich, and Israeli politicians are very "vulnerable."
So please, let's put pressure on the Israeli Government to stop, to cancel negotiations.
Mt. Zion is Yerushalayim!
Poor Mt. Zion, King David's special spot. Today it overlooks modern Jerusalem.
I've become a sort of spokesperson, very strange. All I really want if for the real powers to take over and fix it all. The really powerful people should wake up and cancel the whole agreement and tell the Vatican that Mount Zion's Jewish, and we don't want any old church that was once a synagogue. We don't want to invest our Jewish money in some old building in Spain, where there aren't any Jews. We don't want more Jewish tourism and Jewish money to go to Europe. We need it all here.
We want to develop Jewish education and Jewish awareness all over the world, and if people want to travel to see Jewish treasure and Jewish history, may they all travel to our precious Holy Land.
And we have so many serious issues to take care of here in Israel, and I resent that I've been distracted from the displaced/dispossessed Jews here who were disengaged from their homes, businesses, neighbors, schools and jobs.
There are thousands of Jews who need our help, and suddenly, apparently not all that suddenly--they've been hatching this scheme for years--right in Jerusalem, next to the Old City Walls, Mount Zion is in danger.
Enormous sums of money have been mentioned. The Catholic Church is very rich, and Israeli politicians are very "vulnerable."
So please, let's put pressure on the Israeli Government to stop, to cancel negotiations.
Mt. Zion is Yerushalayim!
#152 Words, Again
Musings #152
November 6, 2005
4th of Marcheshvan
Words, Again
The words we choose have lots of power. I admit that I wouldn’t have thought twice about a news article saying that the Vatican wants the “Coenaculum,” or the “Cenacle Shrine of the Upper Room,” if I hadn’t already learned what and where it is.
Do you know where that room is and what has been going on there for decades?
I’ll tell you. It’s on Mount Zion and for decades, it has been used by the Diaspora Yeshiva. And while I’m at it I’ll add that the Vatican wants a lot more than that room.
According to Christian tradition, it is the location of the “last supper.” Of course they claim that that fact is indisputable, and the Jewish connection is in doubt. They fail to mention that their Jesus was a practicing Jew during his lifetime, and if he chose that location to celebrate the Passover Seder, the odds are that he chose it for its Jewish significance.
A simple reminder, Judaism predates both Christianity and Islam. And just another “minor” point; since both Christianity and Islam tried to replace Judaism, claiming that their religions are a “continuation,” or “improvement,” they adopted many of our historic locations, tombs, shrines and Biblical history. That’s connected to the importance they see in trying to convert us.
I can’t even say that the media isn’t describing it quite like that, because unfortunately, the media is ignoring the entire issue. There has hardly been any mention in mainstream papers. Every time I tell someone what’s going on, I hear this gasp: “How could it be? But it wasn’t in….” And they name a newspaper.
Maybe I’ve been sounding a bit repetitive recently, but I keep hoping that others will join our small group. We’re talking about our heritage, King David. King David unified the Jewish nation and brought the capital to Israel. He did the groundwork, so that his son, Shlomo, could build the Holy Temple.
Mt. Zion has always been associated with King David. We must keep, preserve and treasure his mountain.
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://samizdatblogfree.blogspot.com/
http://shilohpics.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
November 6, 2005
4th of Marcheshvan
Words, Again
The words we choose have lots of power. I admit that I wouldn’t have thought twice about a news article saying that the Vatican wants the “Coenaculum,” or the “Cenacle Shrine of the Upper Room,” if I hadn’t already learned what and where it is.
Do you know where that room is and what has been going on there for decades?
I’ll tell you. It’s on Mount Zion and for decades, it has been used by the Diaspora Yeshiva. And while I’m at it I’ll add that the Vatican wants a lot more than that room.
According to Christian tradition, it is the location of the “last supper.” Of course they claim that that fact is indisputable, and the Jewish connection is in doubt. They fail to mention that their Jesus was a practicing Jew during his lifetime, and if he chose that location to celebrate the Passover Seder, the odds are that he chose it for its Jewish significance.
A simple reminder, Judaism predates both Christianity and Islam. And just another “minor” point; since both Christianity and Islam tried to replace Judaism, claiming that their religions are a “continuation,” or “improvement,” they adopted many of our historic locations, tombs, shrines and Biblical history. That’s connected to the importance they see in trying to convert us.
I can’t even say that the media isn’t describing it quite like that, because unfortunately, the media is ignoring the entire issue. There has hardly been any mention in mainstream papers. Every time I tell someone what’s going on, I hear this gasp: “How could it be? But it wasn’t in….” And they name a newspaper.
Maybe I’ve been sounding a bit repetitive recently, but I keep hoping that others will join our small group. We’re talking about our heritage, King David. King David unified the Jewish nation and brought the capital to Israel. He did the groundwork, so that his son, Shlomo, could build the Holy Temple.
Mt. Zion has always been associated with King David. We must keep, preserve and treasure his mountain.
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://samizdatblogfree.blogspot.com/
http://shilohpics.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
Uzi Landau watch/listen
Bad news, ok more bad news for those who still have their faith in Uzi Landau as an opposition leader. What is he up to?
And as a special service for those who aren't into Spanish dancing, meaning, don't like to "click," here's the article. My emphasis in bold.
MK Landau: Our Intention is Not to Disparage the Prime Minister
10:37 Nov 07, '05 / 5 Cheshvan 5766
(IsraelNN.com) MK Uzi Landau, leader of the “Likud faithful” bloc of MK’s opposed to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s disengagement policy, said he and his supporters are not interested in disparaging the prime minister in today’s Knesset vote on new cabinet appointments.
In an interview on Israel's government-sponsored radio this morning, Landau said that if Sharon brings up the appointment of Ehud Olmert as finance minister in a separate vote, he would support the measure.
Olmert, who succeeded MK Binyamin Netanyahu as finance minister after Netanyahu resigned over implementing the disengagement, holds the post in a temporary capacity, until his appointment is approved by the Knesset. Sharon’s other two proposed appointments, Ze'ev Boim, as Minister of Absorption, and Danny Yatom, as Minister of Industry and Trade, are not expected to attain a majority in a Knesset vote scheduled for today.
And as a special service for those who aren't into Spanish dancing, meaning, don't like to "click," here's the article. My emphasis in bold.
MK Landau: Our Intention is Not to Disparage the Prime Minister
10:37 Nov 07, '05 / 5 Cheshvan 5766
(IsraelNN.com) MK Uzi Landau, leader of the “Likud faithful” bloc of MK’s opposed to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s disengagement policy, said he and his supporters are not interested in disparaging the prime minister in today’s Knesset vote on new cabinet appointments.
In an interview on Israel's government-sponsored radio this morning, Landau said that if Sharon brings up the appointment of Ehud Olmert as finance minister in a separate vote, he would support the measure.
Olmert, who succeeded MK Binyamin Netanyahu as finance minister after Netanyahu resigned over implementing the disengagement, holds the post in a temporary capacity, until his appointment is approved by the Knesset. Sharon’s other two proposed appointments, Ze'ev Boim, as Minister of Absorption, and Danny Yatom, as Minister of Industry and Trade, are not expected to attain a majority in a Knesset vote scheduled for today.
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Havel Havelim #43
Jack has done a great job with Havel Havelim #43. You'll find lots of interesting posts from lots of well-written Blogs.
Enjoy
Enjoy
#151 We're Being Robbed!
Musings #151
November 4, 2005
2nd of Marcheshvan
We’re Being Robbed!
Just as we were trying to figure out which communities in Judea and Samaria are, G-d forbid, next in line for extinction and destruction, we were shocked to discover that Mount Zion, including David’s Tomb is being offered to the descendents of the Crusaders, the same guys who brought us the Inquisition more than half a millennium ago.
If you haven’t yet heard, and Israel’s President Katzav claims to be in the dark about this scandal, even though the government is planning on using him to sign the contract. Yes, I’m calling it a contract, rather than an agreement, since it’s a business deal involving millions, tens of millions of Euros, which are worth more than dollars. Honestly, it is possible that Katzav knows nothing about it. In Israel, the president is a figurehead to be wheeled out to smile and shake hands at formal occasions.
Katzav, a “traditional Jew,” keeps a kippah handy in his pocket for religious needs, and besides a ready smile, he seems pretty robotic to me. He succeeded Ezer Weitzman, his polar opposite in personality and life-style. That’s one of the reasons, probably the main reason he was elected.
It’s strange that even though Katzav’s office professes ignorance and the mainstream newspapers are at best playing it down and even worse most are ignoring it, a group of Anglos have had little trouble discovering the details. Sharon Katz’s Voices Magazine will be running an article on the subject.
Investigations have shown that the scheme was hatched by Avraham Poraz, of the anti-religious Shinui Party, when he was the Minister of the Interior. He promised to facilitate the deal during a visit to Rome over a year ago. The Shinui Party is no longer a member of the coalition. Previous Israeli officials, such as Rabbi Benny Elon of the National Union and former Minister of Tourism did everything to veto it.
The deal to give away Mount Zion to the Catholic Church has been totally ignored by the Hebrew press. Not even the religious Jewish papers have written about it. Every time I mention it to neighbors they are in shock and can’t figure out why they have been kept in the dark.
Not a peep has been heard from the politicians. It seems like all the activity is from some bloggers and emailers in English. From the amount of letters coming in to our computer, you’d think it was the biggest issue in the country, but unfortunately it’s not true. Nobody else seems to know anything.
I can’t believe that nobody cares.
Even if the area in question hadn’t been the location of a yeshiva, The Diaspora Yeshiva, for over thirty five years, it’s still of great religious and historical importance for the Jewish People. It shouldn’t be given, sold or leased to any other religion. It‘s a travesty of justice. Why are the civil rights of Jews always ignored?
On Friday I was the demonstration outside of the President’s Residence against his signing the agreement. We were a very small group, and only one politician showed, Jerusalem City Councilwoman, Mina Fenton. She seems to be the only person in the municipality showing any interest, and she had more information, and it was bad news.
It’s like living in the Theatre of the Absurd. Giving the Catholic Church such a holy Jewish Landmark endangers our existence.
Our disengaged government is out to destroy the country, G-d forbid. Let’s get to work. We have a country to save.
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://samizdatblogfree.blogspot.com/
http://shilohpics.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
November 4, 2005
2nd of Marcheshvan
We’re Being Robbed!
Just as we were trying to figure out which communities in Judea and Samaria are, G-d forbid, next in line for extinction and destruction, we were shocked to discover that Mount Zion, including David’s Tomb is being offered to the descendents of the Crusaders, the same guys who brought us the Inquisition more than half a millennium ago.
If you haven’t yet heard, and Israel’s President Katzav claims to be in the dark about this scandal, even though the government is planning on using him to sign the contract. Yes, I’m calling it a contract, rather than an agreement, since it’s a business deal involving millions, tens of millions of Euros, which are worth more than dollars. Honestly, it is possible that Katzav knows nothing about it. In Israel, the president is a figurehead to be wheeled out to smile and shake hands at formal occasions.
Katzav, a “traditional Jew,” keeps a kippah handy in his pocket for religious needs, and besides a ready smile, he seems pretty robotic to me. He succeeded Ezer Weitzman, his polar opposite in personality and life-style. That’s one of the reasons, probably the main reason he was elected.
It’s strange that even though Katzav’s office professes ignorance and the mainstream newspapers are at best playing it down and even worse most are ignoring it, a group of Anglos have had little trouble discovering the details. Sharon Katz’s Voices Magazine will be running an article on the subject.
Investigations have shown that the scheme was hatched by Avraham Poraz, of the anti-religious Shinui Party, when he was the Minister of the Interior. He promised to facilitate the deal during a visit to Rome over a year ago. The Shinui Party is no longer a member of the coalition. Previous Israeli officials, such as Rabbi Benny Elon of the National Union and former Minister of Tourism did everything to veto it.
The deal to give away Mount Zion to the Catholic Church has been totally ignored by the Hebrew press. Not even the religious Jewish papers have written about it. Every time I mention it to neighbors they are in shock and can’t figure out why they have been kept in the dark.
Not a peep has been heard from the politicians. It seems like all the activity is from some bloggers and emailers in English. From the amount of letters coming in to our computer, you’d think it was the biggest issue in the country, but unfortunately it’s not true. Nobody else seems to know anything.
I can’t believe that nobody cares.
Even if the area in question hadn’t been the location of a yeshiva, The Diaspora Yeshiva, for over thirty five years, it’s still of great religious and historical importance for the Jewish People. It shouldn’t be given, sold or leased to any other religion. It‘s a travesty of justice. Why are the civil rights of Jews always ignored?
On Friday I was the demonstration outside of the President’s Residence against his signing the agreement. We were a very small group, and only one politician showed, Jerusalem City Councilwoman, Mina Fenton. She seems to be the only person in the municipality showing any interest, and she had more information, and it was bad news.
It’s like living in the Theatre of the Absurd. Giving the Catholic Church such a holy Jewish Landmark endangers our existence.
Our disengaged government is out to destroy the country, G-d forbid. Let’s get to work. We have a country to save.
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://samizdatblogfree.blogspot.com/
http://shilohpics.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
Friday, November 4, 2005
Government by Leaks and Bounds
It seems like we're being governed by leaks and bounds.
When the Israeli Government has an idea that may not be too popular, it's first leaked by various cooperating media figures.
Then when they see that the opposition is adamantly opposed, it's denied. Then it's leaked in a different format, and if there is still a lot of opposition, another denial. This goes on until the "polls" measure that the time is right to "bound" in, no matter what the public really wants. Because after a while most people are numb and confused.
Recently they pulled a really sophisticated, advanced version of the leak and deny method. Post Disengagement we had already heard so many times, even before the withdrawal and destruction from Gush Katif and northern Shomron that parts of Judea and Samaria were next. So that's where we were concentrating our energies, when suddenly, AMBUSH! we found out that the government is about to sign away David's Tomb, Mt. Zion to the Vatican, G-d forbid.
This must be stopped. And we need a government that will develop and strengthen the country not destroy it!
When the Israeli Government has an idea that may not be too popular, it's first leaked by various cooperating media figures.
Then when they see that the opposition is adamantly opposed, it's denied. Then it's leaked in a different format, and if there is still a lot of opposition, another denial. This goes on until the "polls" measure that the time is right to "bound" in, no matter what the public really wants. Because after a while most people are numb and confused.
Recently they pulled a really sophisticated, advanced version of the leak and deny method. Post Disengagement we had already heard so many times, even before the withdrawal and destruction from Gush Katif and northern Shomron that parts of Judea and Samaria were next. So that's where we were concentrating our energies, when suddenly, AMBUSH! we found out that the government is about to sign away David's Tomb, Mt. Zion to the Vatican, G-d forbid.
This must be stopped. And we need a government that will develop and strengthen the country not destroy it!
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Friday Demonstration Against Giving Mt. Zion to the Vatican
TOMORROW'S VIGIL
There will be a Vigil for 1 hr. Beginning at 11am
in front of President Katsav's home.
This peaceful gathering will be held at 3 Hanassi Street Jerusalem.
IMPORTANT:
We know that the President denies the deal and we also know that the Vatican is pushing the deal. So our objective in the vigil is to strengthen the President¹s resolve and get him to stick to his commitment that there is no deal. (Bring a copy of the Jpost headlines with you or paste them on a banner.)
THE MESSAGE:
PRESIDENT KATZAV, HAVE A SAFE TRIP and REMEMBER You are the President of the Jewish State and must Protect our Jewish Holy Sites
SUGGESTED PLACARDS:
PUBLIC PROTEST CAMPAIGN TO SAVE JEWISH MT. ZION SUCCEEDS
PRESIDENT DENIES HE WILL SIGN AWAY KING DAVID'S TOMB
FOR THE SAKE OF MT. ZION, I WILL NOT BE SILENT
There will be a Vigil for 1 hr. Beginning at 11am
in front of President Katsav's home.
This peaceful gathering will be held at 3 Hanassi Street Jerusalem.
IMPORTANT:
We know that the President denies the deal and we also know that the Vatican is pushing the deal. So our objective in the vigil is to strengthen the President¹s resolve and get him to stick to his commitment that there is no deal. (Bring a copy of the Jpost headlines with you or paste them on a banner.)
THE MESSAGE:
PRESIDENT KATZAV, HAVE A SAFE TRIP and REMEMBER You are the President of the Jewish State and must Protect our Jewish Holy Sites
SUGGESTED PLACARDS:
PUBLIC PROTEST CAMPAIGN TO SAVE JEWISH MT. ZION SUCCEEDS
PRESIDENT DENIES HE WILL SIGN AWAY KING DAVID'S TOMB
FOR THE SAKE OF MT. ZION, I WILL NOT BE SILENT
and more on Uzi Landau
Some of my friends are going to be very angry with me. Too many times I've heard them say that I'm
Honestly, I don't look for faults. I'm not trying to "pick on him." Really it's just too easy to find problems with him, but I decided to back off, and I haven't written anything for quite awhile, but now I have no choice.
Let's start with an easy question. Since Arik Sharon started with his dangerous and evil Disengagement Plan, which minister has been his chief supporter? The answer is Ehud Olmert. Yes, the same Ehud Olmert who managed to easily push Bibi Netanyahu out of the Number Two spot in the cabinet. The same Ehud Olmert so palsy with the big "no law is bigger than me" contractors. And the same Ehud Olmert who gave the interview, when abroad, explaining that Israelis "are tired" and prefer giving away land, like in Disengagement, rather than defending it.
IMHO, Ehud Olmert is the most dangerous politician right or left, simply because after decades of playing "right" he recently revealed that he's really post-Zionist, left wing, not interested in a strong State of Israel.
Now, what does this have to do with Uzi Landau?
Arik Sharon is trying to refill his cabinet and among the proposed ministers would be Ehud Olmert as Minister of Finance, the post Bibi Netanyahu held until his resignation this summer.
There is cross the board opposition to Sharon in the Knesset, and MK's from all parties are threatening to vote "no" to his candidates. Sharon's "sweating" as the saying goes. You'd think that Uzi Landau would be encouraged to work harder to cripple the Sharon Government and keep Olmert down.
Isn't Uzi supposed to be our "great blue and white hope?"
At the end of the Arutz 7 article about the voting for the ministers I saw this:
...too critical of Uzi.
He's such a nice guy
Isn't he the best we have from the Likud?
Why do you keep picking on him?
Honestly, I don't look for faults. I'm not trying to "pick on him." Really it's just too easy to find problems with him, but I decided to back off, and I haven't written anything for quite awhile, but now I have no choice.
Let's start with an easy question. Since Arik Sharon started with his dangerous and evil Disengagement Plan, which minister has been his chief supporter? The answer is Ehud Olmert. Yes, the same Ehud Olmert who managed to easily push Bibi Netanyahu out of the Number Two spot in the cabinet. The same Ehud Olmert so palsy with the big "no law is bigger than me" contractors. And the same Ehud Olmert who gave the interview, when abroad, explaining that Israelis "are tired" and prefer giving away land, like in Disengagement, rather than defending it.
IMHO, Ehud Olmert is the most dangerous politician right or left, simply because after decades of playing "right" he recently revealed that he's really post-Zionist, left wing, not interested in a strong State of Israel.
Now, what does this have to do with Uzi Landau?
Arik Sharon is trying to refill his cabinet and among the proposed ministers would be Ehud Olmert as Minister of Finance, the post Bibi Netanyahu held until his resignation this summer.
There is cross the board opposition to Sharon in the Knesset, and MK's from all parties are threatening to vote "no" to his candidates. Sharon's "sweating" as the saying goes. You'd think that Uzi Landau would be encouraged to work harder to cripple the Sharon Government and keep Olmert down.
Isn't Uzi supposed to be our "great blue and white hope?"
At the end of the Arutz 7 article about the voting for the ministers I saw this:
Landau said he would vote in favor of Olmert if his
appointment is on a separate vote.
Introducing--The College Zionist
ZOA launches new magazine
The College Zionist
It's a print magazine (we're giving out thousands of copies), but it's also available online.
This could become a big tool in spreading the pro-Israel message on campus.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
contact: Adi Neuman
aneuman@zoa.org
Campus Coordinator
Zionist Organization of America
Phone: (212) 481-1500 x225
Fax: (212) 481-1515
The College Zionist
It's a print magazine (we're giving out thousands of copies), but it's also available online.
This could become a big tool in spreading the pro-Israel message on campus.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
contact: Adi Neuman
aneuman@zoa.org
Campus Coordinator
Zionist Organization of America
Phone: (212) 481-1500 x225
Fax: (212) 481-1515
#150 We're Disengaged
Musings #150
November 2, 2005
Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan
We’re Disengaged
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but we’re going on with our lives disengaged from all those who were thrown out of their homes by the Israeli Government in the Name of Disengagement.
With very few exceptions, we haven’t done anything major, changed our routines, sacrificed anything of value for the benefit of the (choose your term; I don’t know what’s the best one):
evacuees
homeless
refugees
victims
Periodically like right now, I mount my office chair and charge ahead writing, trying to challenge the establishment, and change the world. But the rest of the time, I’m like everyone else, busy with work and family, laundry and shopping.
Even here in Shiloh, we’re busy keeping our routines going. In the early days after the soldiers and police forced people from their homes in Gush Katif and Northern Shomron, we collected gifts and freshly baked treats to send to Nitzan, the Caravilla neighborhood, the largest concentration of Disengagement victims and Ariel, where the Yishuv Netzarim were temporarily “relocated”—what a cold, technical word. Relocated, like moving a book from the shelf to the table. I can’t remember the last request I got to help.
I write; I talk to people; I write. And I even managed to make contact with an old friend who’s now living in a caravilla. But my life is going on as usual, and it’s almost embarrassing, yes it is embarrassing to admit.
We should have all stopped our routine and gone out to protest. Some of you will remind me that you did. Many good people left their homes to try to break through the barriers and make it to Gush Katif and the northern Shomron. Why that great effort failed is no longer that important.
Orange ribbons are still seen tied to bags, baby carriages and car antennas, which have gotten very black from soot. A few of us still have orange bracelets, though mine is temporarily brownish from the minerals in the spa I visited on Sunday. Last month I had donations to treat some “evacuee” women to an evening with us in the spa, but after dozens of calls I finally found some who were interested in going, and then they never showed—too depressed to get out.
The Sharon Israeli Government considers Disengagement a roaring success. He claims Security in Israel has improved at the same time that the Arab terror state shot rockets into Israel wounding civilians and an Israeli woman was stabbed by an Arab terrorist. And thousands of innocent Israel citizens are homeless and unemployed, since their homes were destroyed and they were evicted in the Name of Disengagement.
All over the world, Jews and self-proclaimed lovers of liberty and civil rights are silent.
And we used to wonder how the Holocaust could have happened.
Batya Medad, Shiloh
Copyright©2005BatyaMedad, Contact me for publication permission; private distribution encouraged.
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