Various Israelis, of all political opinions, are beginning to realize that there's something "fishy" about all these unilateral withdrawl-disengagement-convergence-resettlement for nothing plans that PM Olmert keeps promoting.
Even some dyed in the wool leftists are against his latest, OK, maybe not for the right reasons. Actually I don't care about the reasons, I just want people to be suspicious and doubt his judgement.
The numbers speak, too. Since Disengagement the amount of rockets launched against Israel has increased more than tenfold.
Qassams in Western Negev Show Significant Rise Since Retreat
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 30 June
2006
The following data was published in Makor Rishon
on 30 June:
Qassam rockets that landed in the Western Negev
by month:
31 Jan 2005
00 Feb 2005
00 Mar 2005
08 Apr 2005
06 May 2005
12 Jun 2005
23 Jly 2005
05 Aug 2005 [retreat]
12 Sep 2005
08 Oct 2005
04 Nov 2005
16 Dec 2005
00 Jan 2006
01 Feb 2006
49 Mar 2006
64 Apr 2006
46 May 2006
83 June as of 29 June 2006
Dr. Aaron Lerner,
Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il/
The government can't hide it!
King David suffered unwarrented persecution from King Saul, so reminicent of today's situation when even teens are jailed because of their opinions. David didn't give up, and he didn't give in. He wrote:
Psalm 37
37:1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
37:2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, and fade as the green herb.
37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and cherish faithfulness.
37:4 So shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and He shall give thee the petitions of thy heart.
37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.
37:6 And He will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, and thy right as the noonday.
37:7 Resign thyself unto the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.
37:9 For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait for the Lord, they shall inherit the land.
37:10 And yet a little while, and the wicked is no more; yea, thou shalt look well at his place, and he is not.
37:11 But the humble shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
37:12 The wicked plotteth against the righteous, and gnasheth at him with his teeth.
37:13 The Lord doth laugh at him; for He seeth that his day is coming.
37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow; to cast down the poor and needy, to slay such as are upright in the way;
37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
37:16 Better is a little that the righteous hath than the abundance of many wicked.
37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
37:18 the Lord knoweth the days of them that are wholehearted; and their inheritance shall be for ever.
37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
37:20 For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs--they shall pass away in smoke, they shall pass away.
37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not; but the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.
37:22 For such as are blessed of Him shall inherit the land; and they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off.
37:23 It is of the Lord that a man's goings are established; and He delighted in his way.
37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth his hand.
37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
37:26 All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
37:28 For the Lord loveth justice, and forsaketh not His saints; they are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
37:30 The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, and his tongue speaketh justice.
37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps slide.
37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
37:33 the Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor suffer him to be condemned when he is judged.
37:34 Wait for the Lord, and keep His way, and He will exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a leafy tree in its native soil.
37:36 But one passed by, and, lo, he was not; yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37:37 Mark the man of integrity, and behold the upright; for there is a future for the man of peace.
37:38 But transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
37:40 And the Lord helpeth them, and delivereth them; He delivereth them from the wicked, and saveth them, because they have taken refuge in Him.
Shabbat Shalom U'Mevorach!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Who asked?
There's a certain art in asking rabbis questions. Depending on how you word things, you'll get different answers. The same goes for polls, referendums and the like. Only a simple 1+1=2 is absolute.
I'm disgusted with the headlines:
Rabbis Forbid Hitchhiking at This Time
First of all, if you read the article clearly, you see that the information given is not so black and white. But more important is: Who asked the rabbis? And what exactly did they ask?
The normative, accepted procedure is that a person ask a rabbi his own question. That means that if a reporter asked a rabbi: "In principle, is it forbidden, at this time to hitchhike?" Nobody is required to obey the rabbi except the person who asked, who probably doesn't even need to "take rides."
A few years ago, when terrorists were shooting Israeli vehicles on the roads near us, the school I work for was trying to pressure me into traveling a very long, inconvenient route, which would have made my working there impossible. They also wanted me to sign away their responsibility. Or maybe they just wanted me to quite, and if I quit, I wouldn't get full compensation.
After a very unpleasant time at work, when waiting for a ride home at the "half-way" location of Ofra, who should arrive, but my local rabbi, Rabbi Elchanan Bin Nun, and since I was the only passenger, I was able to ask him very specifically what to do. He told me to continue traveling as usual. And he knew exactly what that meant, that I'd be hitchhiking.
The roads were a lot more dangerous then.
I asked my personal question to my community rabbi and I got my answer. It's a lot of nerve of the media to publish "rabbinic responses" as if they apply to all.
I'm disgusted with the headlines:
Rabbis Forbid Hitchhiking at This Time
First of all, if you read the article clearly, you see that the information given is not so black and white. But more important is: Who asked the rabbis? And what exactly did they ask?
The normative, accepted procedure is that a person ask a rabbi his own question. That means that if a reporter asked a rabbi: "In principle, is it forbidden, at this time to hitchhike?" Nobody is required to obey the rabbi except the person who asked, who probably doesn't even need to "take rides."
A few years ago, when terrorists were shooting Israeli vehicles on the roads near us, the school I work for was trying to pressure me into traveling a very long, inconvenient route, which would have made my working there impossible. They also wanted me to sign away their responsibility. Or maybe they just wanted me to quite, and if I quit, I wouldn't get full compensation.
After a very unpleasant time at work, when waiting for a ride home at the "half-way" location of Ofra, who should arrive, but my local rabbi, Rabbi Elchanan Bin Nun, and since I was the only passenger, I was able to ask him very specifically what to do. He told me to continue traveling as usual. And he knew exactly what that meant, that I'd be hitchhiking.
The roads were a lot more dangerous then.
I asked my personal question to my community rabbi and I got my answer. It's a lot of nerve of the media to publish "rabbinic responses" as if they apply to all.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Signs of the Moshiach!!
I definitely thought I was hallucinating, delirious or some other "not quite here in this world" state of mind when I saw this headline in my emailed New York Times:
Hamas Provokes a Fight
I took for granted that it must be an op-ed by someone I know; though there wasn't a byline. I clicked the link and found myself facing an editorial of all things! Who would have thought that the editors of The New York Times would ever admit that Israel wasn't at fault, even for a second?
"Hakarat hatov," recognizing the good in others is a very important mitzvah/principle in Judaism. So, I'm going to give you the pleasure of reading these momentous words right here on Shiloh Musings.
Published: June 29, 2006
The Palestinians who futilely threw up sand berms on Gaza's main roads to deflect Israeli troop movements were building their defenses in the wrong direction. The responsibility for this latest escalation rests squarely with Hamas, whose military wing tunneled into Israel on Sunday, killed two Israeli soldiers and kidnapped another. This was a follow-up to a declaration earlier this month by Hamas's political leadership that the group's 16-month intermittent cease-fire would no longer be observed.
Under the circumstances, an Israeli military response was inevitable. It should also be as restrained as possible. Israel does not seem to want to reoccupy Gaza, but its reported detention of several cabinet ministers in the West Bank is unsettling. Bitterness and distrust on both sides are sure to increase, and the already dim prospects for a return to peace negotiations will diminish even further.
Ironically, Hamas has chosen this bleak moment to finally endorse a document that implicitly recognizes Israel within its pre-1967 borders. In a different context that would represent progress. But in a week in which Hamas's military wing has crossed those very borders, it is hard to draw much encouragement.
The renewed presence of Israeli forces in Gaza may give a short-term boost to Hamas's local popularity. But once the immediate adrenaline rush wears off, the Palestinians who elected Hamas, and the Arab nations on which it now depends for financial survival, need to survey the wreckage and draw the obvious conclusions. When Hamas was only an opposition movement, its provocative behavior was a major impediment to peace. As a governing party, it is far worse.
Contrary to the hopes of many outsiders, five months in government has failed to educate Hamas to the reality of the world the Palestinians live in. Hamas has merely assumed the political privileges of power without accepting the minimal responsibilities that go with it.
If things go on like this, Palestinians can look forward to endless rounds of reckless Hamas provocations and inexorable Israeli responses. That is why things must not be allowed to go on like this. It is not just Israel that needs to be delivering that message to Hamas.
Hamas Provokes a Fight
I took for granted that it must be an op-ed by someone I know; though there wasn't a byline. I clicked the link and found myself facing an editorial of all things! Who would have thought that the editors of The New York Times would ever admit that Israel wasn't at fault, even for a second?
"Hakarat hatov," recognizing the good in others is a very important mitzvah/principle in Judaism. So, I'm going to give you the pleasure of reading these momentous words right here on Shiloh Musings.
Published: June 29, 2006
The Palestinians who futilely threw up sand berms on Gaza's main roads to deflect Israeli troop movements were building their defenses in the wrong direction. The responsibility for this latest escalation rests squarely with Hamas, whose military wing tunneled into Israel on Sunday, killed two Israeli soldiers and kidnapped another. This was a follow-up to a declaration earlier this month by Hamas's political leadership that the group's 16-month intermittent cease-fire would no longer be observed.
Under the circumstances, an Israeli military response was inevitable. It should also be as restrained as possible. Israel does not seem to want to reoccupy Gaza, but its reported detention of several cabinet ministers in the West Bank is unsettling. Bitterness and distrust on both sides are sure to increase, and the already dim prospects for a return to peace negotiations will diminish even further.
Ironically, Hamas has chosen this bleak moment to finally endorse a document that implicitly recognizes Israel within its pre-1967 borders. In a different context that would represent progress. But in a week in which Hamas's military wing has crossed those very borders, it is hard to draw much encouragement.
The renewed presence of Israeli forces in Gaza may give a short-term boost to Hamas's local popularity. But once the immediate adrenaline rush wears off, the Palestinians who elected Hamas, and the Arab nations on which it now depends for financial survival, need to survey the wreckage and draw the obvious conclusions. When Hamas was only an opposition movement, its provocative behavior was a major impediment to peace. As a governing party, it is far worse.
Contrary to the hopes of many outsiders, five months in government has failed to educate Hamas to the reality of the world the Palestinians live in. Hamas has merely assumed the political privileges of power without accepting the minimal responsibilities that go with it.
If things go on like this, Palestinians can look forward to endless rounds of reckless Hamas provocations and inexorable Israeli responses. That is why things must not be allowed to go on like this. It is not just Israel that needs to be delivering that message to Hamas.
Protest to the Media
Remember that the international media is a business. They need customers, volume, so don't be shy about complaining when you don't like the "service."
For instance, CNN keeps referring to the murdered Eliyahu Asheri, HaYa"D, as "settler."
In response, I wrote them:
For instance, CNN keeps referring to the murdered Eliyahu Asheri, HaYa"D, as "settler."
In response, I wrote them:
I object to calling the Israeli teen murdered by Arabs "settler."
Call him Israeli teen, which he was. You chose the negative term on
purpose to reduce deserved sympathy.
HaShem Y'Nkom Damoh!
The body of the kidnapped youth Eliyahu Asheri was found overnight near Ramallah. He was likely murdered Sunday night by his Arab kidnappers, and will be buried on the Mt. of Olives this afternoon.
A large part of the inherent cruelty of the Arabs is the fact that for days they teased the family and nation with the possibility that Eliyahu, HaYa"D, may still be alive. Manpower and money were wasted in a surrealistic, Kafkaesque attempt to rescue him.
Baruch HaShem, at least his body was found and he will receive a proper Jewish burial.
HaMakom Y'Nachem...
Never Again!
Too many people are oblivious to the dangers we're in,
Wake up and stop it now, before it's too late!
Thanks, Boris!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
There will be grassroots rally in NYC on July 6th to protest:
1) The latest suicidal convergence/realignment plans.
2) The Israel Consul's anti-democratic and anti-Jewish comments that US Jewry must keep quiet while fellow Jews are about to be forcefully thrown out of their homes and their communities destroyed by their local goverment.
3) the alarming severe erosion of civil liberties in Israel.
The rally will be in front of the Israeli Consulate, from 12-2pm.
800 East 2nd Avenue bet. 43rd and 42nd street.
Check out the website lmaantzion.org or contact Daniel Tauber by emailing daniel@lmaantzion.org , or calling (917) 497-7358
1) The latest suicidal convergence/realignment plans.
2) The Israel Consul's anti-democratic and anti-Jewish comments that US Jewry must keep quiet while fellow Jews are about to be forcefully thrown out of their homes and their communities destroyed by their local goverment.
3) the alarming severe erosion of civil liberties in Israel.
The rally will be in front of the Israeli Consulate, from 12-2pm.
800 East 2nd Avenue bet. 43rd and 42nd street.
Check out the website lmaantzion.org or contact Daniel Tauber by emailing daniel@lmaantzion.org , or calling (917) 497-7358
Why wasn't THIS on CNN?
Terrorists Threaten to Butcher Kidnapped Teenager on TV
I'm holding fort at my daughter's to babysit, and she gets CNN, which we don't. All they reported was Israel's invasion of Gaza.
For that reason, we all, everyone of us, has a job and that's to publicize the Arab cruelty and violence.
I'm holding fort at my daughter's to babysit, and she gets CNN, which we don't. All they reported was Israel's invasion of Gaza.
For that reason, we all, everyone of us, has a job and that's to publicize the Arab cruelty and violence.
There's a war going on,
and this latest "military incursion" is just one of the battles.
It doesn't make me happy. I'm not a war-hungry militant. I don't want fighting and war. I want victory a genuine victory.
I want the victory we had in our hands in June, 1967, but this time we're not giving the enemy the keys to the Temple Mount!
Until we have a battle plan to defeat the Arab terrorists who are attempting to destroy us and western civilization, all of these "incursions" are just cosmetics, and they are dangerous.
If you want peace, you must destroy the enemy. That's the truth; that's life.
It doesn't make me happy. I'm not a war-hungry militant. I don't want fighting and war. I want victory a genuine victory.
I want the victory we had in our hands in June, 1967, but this time we're not giving the enemy the keys to the Temple Mount!
Until we have a battle plan to defeat the Arab terrorists who are attempting to destroy us and western civilization, all of these "incursions" are just cosmetics, and they are dangerous.
If you want peace, you must destroy the enemy. That's the truth; that's life.
"Army troops" against "Militants"
That's how the New York Times has it this morning.
Their choice of words makes it seem so unfair. The headlines paint a picture of very strong, well-equipped military action:
Israeli Troops Enter Gaza; Bridges Are Hit
It's to give a David-Goliath impression.
They could have refocused (re-written) the article by headlining the "postscript:"
Mr. Al also said his group had kidnapped a Jewish civilian settler
in the West Bank. The police said that Eliyahu Asheri, 18, who lives in the
settlement of Itamar, near Nablus, had been reported missing since Sunday. They said they were trying to see if there was a connection.
Israeli teen kidnapped by Palestinians!
But that wouldn't give the message they want to give their readers.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Missing--Kidnapped
The missing teenager from Itamar is Eliyahu Ben Miriam.
השם של הבחור הנעדר מאיתמר הוא אליהו בן מרים
Tonight I had to wait for the bus home at the French Hill bus stop, which is also the main "trempiada," hitchhiking post for anyone going north of Jerusalem. There were young people with pictures of Eliyahu asking everyone if they had seen him. They stopped every car to ask, too. When we got to Shiloh, the bus was greeted with two more brandishing pictures of Eliyahu.
I couldn't help. G-d willing he will be found safe and sound.
Yes, two families and their circles of relatives, family and friends are going through hell right now.
G-d willing we will do what we must do to save them.
השם של הבחור הנעדר מאיתמר הוא אליהו בן מרים
Tonight I had to wait for the bus home at the French Hill bus stop, which is also the main "trempiada," hitchhiking post for anyone going north of Jerusalem. There were young people with pictures of Eliyahu asking everyone if they had seen him. They stopped every car to ask, too. When we got to Shiloh, the bus was greeted with two more brandishing pictures of Eliyahu.
I couldn't help. G-d willing he will be found safe and sound.
Yes, two families and their circles of relatives, family and friends are going through hell right now.
G-d willing we will do what we must do to save them.
MIA-Captured
Gilad Shalit Gilad ben Aviva
My heart goes out to him, his family and friends.
There was a time when Israel was known as the country that didn't leave soldiers behind. We had heroes who would risk everything to save another. There was idealism, not pragmatism. There was a time I was proud to be an Israeli.
A friend who served in the Israeli Army in the 1960's told me of successful army actions that boggles the imagination. We had confidence, chutzpah and the magic siyat d'Shmaya. All that's left is the siyat d'Shmaya, but it's not enough. G-d is waiting for us to want to be saved. We need that confidence, chutzpah and vision.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Upside Down and Dangerous
It seems like I'm running a dictionary service.
The lead headline in the N.Y. Times email had me going.
Militants' Raid on Israel Raises Gaza Tension
Nu? What's a "militant?" According to word web dictionary:
Noun: militant militunt
A militant reformer- activist
Adjective: militant militunt
Disposed to warfare or hard-line policies"militant nations"- hawkish, warlike
Showing a fighting disposition"militant in fighting for better wages for workers"- competitive
Engaged in war"militant nations"- belligerent, fighting, war-ridden, warring
It sounds like a bunch of flaky, benign idealists, like the militant activists for the environment, protecting endangered species and all that.
It sure doesn't jive with the first paragraph of the article:
JERUSALEM, June 25 In an ominous development, Israel threatened strong military action on Sunday after eight Palestinian militants in Gaza, including members of the governing faction Hamas, emerged from a secret tunnel dug 300 yards into Israel, killed two soldiers, wounded three and kidnapped another.
What does it sound like to you?
And how are the Israeli Security Forces gearing up to defend the country?
Distancing Orders Issued to Outpost Activists 15:24 Jun 26, '06 / 30 Sivan 5766
by Hillel Fendel
The government has taken its first steps to destroy four Jewish outposts in Judea and Samaria, distributing restraining orders against some 15 activists on Friday and Sunday.
Civil Rights don't exist for Jews in Israel; that's for sure. All those people being banished from their homes in the name of "national security," should take it as a compliment. It means that:
EHUD OLMERT IS AFRAID OF THEM!
The government is trying to stifle free speech. None of these people have done any crime. The government is "restraining" them, preventing from living their lives in their homes.
Arab terrorists wander around freely, building whatever and wherever they want. Only Jews, Israelis are restricted.
Wherever you are, protest! Don't be embarrassed that it's against Israel! This is not the Israel you feel loyal to. We must restore the country to one of growth and development and freedom for Jews.
If a Jew can't live in the home of his forefathers, where the Bible took place, where can we live safely?
The lead headline in the N.Y. Times email had me going.
Militants' Raid on Israel Raises Gaza Tension
Nu? What's a "militant?" According to word web dictionary:
Noun: militant militunt
A militant reformer- activist
Adjective: militant militunt
Disposed to warfare or hard-line policies"militant nations"- hawkish, warlike
Showing a fighting disposition"militant in fighting for better wages for workers"- competitive
Engaged in war"militant nations"- belligerent, fighting, war-ridden, warring
It sounds like a bunch of flaky, benign idealists, like the militant activists for the environment, protecting endangered species and all that.
It sure doesn't jive with the first paragraph of the article:
JERUSALEM, June 25 In an ominous development, Israel threatened strong military action on Sunday after eight Palestinian militants in Gaza, including members of the governing faction Hamas, emerged from a secret tunnel dug 300 yards into Israel, killed two soldiers, wounded three and kidnapped another.
What does it sound like to you?
And how are the Israeli Security Forces gearing up to defend the country?
Distancing Orders Issued to Outpost Activists 15:24 Jun 26, '06 / 30 Sivan 5766
by Hillel Fendel
The government has taken its first steps to destroy four Jewish outposts in Judea and Samaria, distributing restraining orders against some 15 activists on Friday and Sunday.
Civil Rights don't exist for Jews in Israel; that's for sure. All those people being banished from their homes in the name of "national security," should take it as a compliment. It means that:
EHUD OLMERT IS AFRAID OF THEM!
The government is trying to stifle free speech. None of these people have done any crime. The government is "restraining" them, preventing from living their lives in their homes.
Arab terrorists wander around freely, building whatever and wherever they want. Only Jews, Israelis are restricted.
Wherever you are, protest! Don't be embarrassed that it's against Israel! This is not the Israel you feel loyal to. We must restore the country to one of growth and development and freedom for Jews.
If a Jew can't live in the home of his forefathers, where the Bible took place, where can we live safely?
What is "moral?"
There's a strange, disturbing perversity in this morning's news. Newspapers tell us that Arabs attacked our soldiers, killing two and capturing one, and the police are busy delivering restraining orders to "right wing activists." Does it make any sense?
At the same time, PM Olmert and the Israeli Government brag about the Israel Defense Forces being "the most moral army." What is "moral?"
According to The Free Dictionary it means:
mor·al (môrl, mr-)
adj.
1. Of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character: moral scrutiny; a moral quandary.
2. Teaching or exhibiting goodness or correctness of character and behavior: a moral lesson.
3. Conforming to standards of what is right or just in behavior; virtuous: a moral life.
4. Arising from conscience or the sense of right and wrong: a moral obligation.
5. Having psychological rather than physical or tangible effects: a moral victory; moral support.
6. Based on strong likelihood or firm conviction, rather than on the actual evidence: a moral certainty.
I highlighted a couple of the terms in the definition; they're problematic.
- First of all "the sense of right and wrong" is highly subjective, since it's not based on G-d given standards. The people professing to be experts in "right and wrong" do not give G-d or the Torah, or anything besides their own feelings, as their source.
- Second is that they're basing their concept of morality on "conviction," not on any actual "evidence."
Putting this together, we see that there is no real pragmatic, rational, logical value in the morality so strongly worshiped by the Israeli establishment.
Looking carefully at the facts as they are rapidly showing that this "morality" is seriously endangering the country. The truth is that no other country and at no other time has any society followed this "morality."
The United States, which is so worshipped by the "moral elite" of Israel, does not follow those principles. The United States does what is good for the United States without apologies, without thinking twice. When it decided that Sadaam Hussein was its mortal enemy it attacked Iraq, bombing it, killing thousands, without compunction.
At present, Israel is cursed by the dominance of followers of this perverse morality. The Free Dictionary defines perverse as:
per·verse (pr-vûrs, pûrvûrs)
adj.
1. Directed away from what is right or good; perverted.
2. Obstinately persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn.
3.
a. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict.
b. Arising from such a disposition.
4. Cranky; peevish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Middle Enperverseervers, from Old French, from Latin perversus, past participle of pervertere, to pervert; see pervert.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For our survival we must replace the perverse morality with true Torah values.
another something new
Jewish blog surfing is getting even easier with another listing, jblogsphere.net. It doesn't rate them like The Jewish and Israeli Blog Network . I think that they're both pretty new and very extensive.
I have a funny feeling about it, as if our small Jewish blogging village has suddeny become a large city. Or were we always a large city, and I was just used to our little friendly neighborhood?
Being involved in Havel Havelim for over a year, hosting every couple of months, I thought that I had a finger on the pulse as the saying goes. Apparently, I was wrong, or I'm just not in that group of (are they young) innovators and computer/internet experts?
As an old savta, bubby, granny (take your pick), I'm just happy to kvell at the growth of the Jewish blogging family I'm part of.
Ken yirbu, gezunte heit!
cross-posted on me-ander
I have a funny feeling about it, as if our small Jewish blogging village has suddeny become a large city. Or were we always a large city, and I was just used to our little friendly neighborhood?
Being involved in Havel Havelim for over a year, hosting every couple of months, I thought that I had a finger on the pulse as the saying goes. Apparently, I was wrong, or I'm just not in that group of (are they young) innovators and computer/internet experts?
As an old savta, bubby, granny (take your pick), I'm just happy to kvell at the growth of the Jewish blogging family I'm part of.
Ken yirbu, gezunte heit!
cross-posted on me-ander
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Just in case you have nothing to do, or don't want to do what you're supposed to be doing...
Here are a few great carnivals:
Let's start with Abba Gav's Havel Havelim, which has the best graphics yet! Maybe you want to teach me how to do those great montages, or whatever they're called?
This next one isn't a carnival, but it's a great blog resource:
The Jewish and Israeli Blog Network .
Since you're working up an appetite, try the Carnival of Recipes, which has a great variety of recipes. And speaking of recipes, don't forget...
Here are a few great carnivals:
Let's start with Abba Gav's Havel Havelim, which has the best graphics yet! Maybe you want to teach me how to do those great montages, or whatever they're called?
This next one isn't a carnival, but it's a great blog resource:
The Jewish and Israeli Blog Network .
Since you're working up an appetite, try the Carnival of Recipes, which has a great variety of recipes. And speaking of recipes, don't forget...
to send me all of your food links , whenever you post
something that could be in the Kosher Cooking Carnival. Either
send to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com or via Conservative Cat's handy form or the blog carnival one, and at the same time you may
discover other carnivals to visit and enter...
Imagine....
Imagine...
I don't think that John Lennon and his widow Yoko Ono would approve of this one. This isn't the first time I've taken his words and changed them. The original words follow.
Imagine there's a heaven
It's easy if you try
The gate is open to us
If we'd only try
Imagine all the people
if only to G-d they'd pray...
Imagine there are no terrorists
murderers and rapists, too
because they know they'll be punished
if they harm me or you,
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
There's nothing wrong with being one
But we'll have to fight for it
It won't happen 'till we've won.
Imagine no weapons
since all will believe in the G-d above
No need for greed or hunger
There will be true brotherly love,
Imagine all the people
Knowing their place in the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
Many of us are willing
To say that G-d is One
Batya
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
I don't think that John Lennon and his widow Yoko Ono would approve of this one. This isn't the first time I've taken his words and changed them. The original words follow.
Imagine there's a heaven
It's easy if you try
The gate is open to us
If we'd only try
Imagine all the people
if only to G-d they'd pray...
Imagine there are no terrorists
murderers and rapists, too
because they know they'll be punished
if they harm me or you,
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
There's nothing wrong with being one
But we'll have to fight for it
It won't happen 'till we've won.
Imagine no weapons
since all will believe in the G-d above
No need for greed or hunger
There will be true brotherly love,
Imagine all the people
Knowing their place in the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
Many of us are willing
To say that G-d is One
Batya
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Empty?
The Olmert Government doesn't seem to be doing well, not at all. It's not only his Exile/Transfer/Resettlement/Convergence/Realignment Plan that isn't getting the international praise he had been lusting for, but his Foreign Ministry isn't keeping up with the routine work.
In two weeks, nearly a third of Israel's consulates throughout the world will be left unstaffed as 23 consuls end their terms and make their way back home. Cities that will be left without Israeli government representation include Moscow, Dublin, Boston, Atlanta, Rome, Athens, Beijing, Prague, and Oslo.
In addition to the impending consular exodus, Israel currently has no ambassador in either France or Jordan.
I'm not going to lie to you, so I have to admit that I've been having trouble remembering who his Foreign Minister is. The name isn't mentioned in the article, and considering the situation, it may be that the minister doesn't show up to work too often or doesn't have a good idea of the responsibilities of the job. Maybe he/she thinks it's just a photo-op job, considering all the traveling Olmert's been doing.
Instead of googling, I just asked my husband. It's the frowning, dark-roots, Tzippi Livne. I never liked her, but I thought that at least she was a conscientious worker.
This is a very serious mistake by Olmert and Livne. It shows that they, and she's his #2, are not paying attention to "details." For them to succeed with their plan (G-d forbid) they must have the support of the embassies, consulates and Foreign Ministry.
Let's just hope that they continue to "goof" on the easy routine things, until their house of cards falls, paper tiger crumbles or however you want to put it.
Shavua Tov, let's keep up the GOOD NEWS!
In two weeks, nearly a third of Israel's consulates throughout the world will be left unstaffed as 23 consuls end their terms and make their way back home. Cities that will be left without Israeli government representation include Moscow, Dublin, Boston, Atlanta, Rome, Athens, Beijing, Prague, and Oslo.
In addition to the impending consular exodus, Israel currently has no ambassador in either France or Jordan.
I'm not going to lie to you, so I have to admit that I've been having trouble remembering who his Foreign Minister is. The name isn't mentioned in the article, and considering the situation, it may be that the minister doesn't show up to work too often or doesn't have a good idea of the responsibilities of the job. Maybe he/she thinks it's just a photo-op job, considering all the traveling Olmert's been doing.
Instead of googling, I just asked my husband. It's the frowning, dark-roots, Tzippi Livne. I never liked her, but I thought that at least she was a conscientious worker.
This is a very serious mistake by Olmert and Livne. It shows that they, and she's his #2, are not paying attention to "details." For them to succeed with their plan (G-d forbid) they must have the support of the embassies, consulates and Foreign Ministry.
Let's just hope that they continue to "goof" on the easy routine things, until their house of cards falls, paper tiger crumbles or however you want to put it.
Shavua Tov, let's keep up the GOOD NEWS!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Katzav fell of his tightrope!
Israel's President, Moshe Katzav, the parve politician with the kippah in his pocket and smile on his face, best known for convincing hunger-strikers to eat, fell off his tightrope.
During his term as president, he has made more enemies because of his lack of opinions, staying calm and "unifying" when thousands of Israelis were exiled from their homes during Disengagement.
Personally, I was shocked that "Mr. Nice" blew it over the issue of "reform rabbis." Considering all that has been going on here in Israel and all the people he has offended by not taking a stand. I remember when my neighbor, Moshe Keinan, had his protest Succah, outside the President's Residence immediately after his son, Avihu, was killed in a badly planned army action. President Katzav invited Moshe to visit, so Moshe did with other bereaved parents. I remember asking Moshe how it was:
I had hoped that Katzav would have taken a stand last summer, but maybe it was the stresses of Disengagement that made him "snap." I'd like to think that's the case.
During his term as president, he has made more enemies because of his lack of opinions, staying calm and "unifying" when thousands of Israelis were exiled from their homes during Disengagement.
Personally, I was shocked that "Mr. Nice" blew it over the issue of "reform rabbis." Considering all that has been going on here in Israel and all the people he has offended by not taking a stand. I remember when my neighbor, Moshe Keinan, had his protest Succah, outside the President's Residence immediately after his son, Avihu, was killed in a badly planned army action. President Katzav invited Moshe to visit, so Moshe did with other bereaved parents. I remember asking Moshe how it was:
Katzav was kind, sympathetic, but
"gurnisht," nothing as they say in Yiddish.
I had hoped that Katzav would have taken a stand last summer, but maybe it was the stresses of Disengagement that made him "snap." I'd like to think that's the case.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Doesn't this remind you of something?
(IsraelNN.com) Likud party Chairman and Knesset opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has the capability to destroy Gaza, but won’t do it.
This sure reminds me of something, of the very sorry end of our first king, Saul. He had been commanded by G-d to destroy Amalek, every one and all their cattle, but he didn't. He "improved" the commandment according to his agenda, his morals.
Remember, at the same time, instead of investing all of his military strength to defeat the Philistines (Amalek,) he persecuted David. He knew that David had already been annointed to succede him, and he declared David the enemy of the people.
In the end, since he didn't do what G-d commanded, because he wanted to be "moral," he was deposed in one of the most pathetic scenes in the Bible.
Meanwhile, the Prophet Samuel tells Saul:
"I shall not return to you for you have rejected the word of the Lord and the Lord has rejected you from being King over Israel."
And Samuel turned to go and he [Saul] seized the hem of his robe and it tore. And Samuel said to him, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it your fellow who is better than you.'" (1 Samuel 15:26-28)
Olmert adds to his list of Jewish Towns he wants to Destroy!
Olmert's List of Destruction and Exile waxes and wanes. While shmoozing with his buddy and speech writer, Eli Weisel, in Jordan at the Petra Nobel Laureates Conference, Olmert is quoted as saying:
"Shilo, Beit El, Ofra and Kedumim were always part of the historical Land of Israel, and they always emotionally will be."
There's something very Christian in that.
In one of his earlier lists (of destruction), Beit El and Ofra were given the impression that they were immune to the plague of Convergence, Realignment, Resettlement, Disengagement, or whatever term suits your fancy. That very effectively shut up the leadership of those two relatively powerful yeshuvim. It was a successful strategy, since I never heard any forceful opposition to Olmert and his plans from them.
The "national religious" rabbis made up their little "instruction booklet" to keep us well-behaved. I have no doubt that their "meekness" gave Olmert the go ahead to increase his list. Instead of giving us strength, the rabbis surrendered before the struggle even began. Olmert had been reducing his list, which is a barometer of the strength of the nation, as he sees it.
I picture the hands of Moshe, during the difficult battles when The People of Israel fought Amalek:
17:11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
17:13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Don't those rabbis realize that, if they need the help, we are willing to hold up their hands? We have no faith in the politicians and the community "leaders." None of them are leading us to victory. They are not even attempting to.
Their hands are heavy with material possessions and weakened by adopting a strange and foreign morality.
Of course, look at the calendar; last week we read "Shlach Lechah" in Eretz Yisrael, and this coming Shabbat it will be read in synagogues abroad. It's the tragic and very human story of how the elite of each of the twelve tribes was sent as a delegation to "tour" the Land before the People of Israel were to enter it.
The English word "tour" comes from the Hebrew "latour." They were given free tickets, and the deal was that they were to come back raving about the great place they were about to move to. Instead they decided that they were working for "Military intelligence" and not only did they collect data, they "analyzed it."
It's known as "the Sin of the Spies," but it's more like "the Ungrateful Tourists."
And getting back to Olmert's list. He, too, doesn't understand his role. As Prime Minister of Israel, he's supposed to protect, preserve and develop our country, not to destroy it.
Actually his over-confidence makes me feel even better about it all. The further he steps on on his "limb," the harder he will fall.
Shabbat Shalom
orange basketball
Most people have no idea what life was like in Gush Katif before it was destroyed by the Israeli Government last summer and its people exiled.
I was just sent a link about one of the more "ordinary" aspects of life in Gush Katif, their basketball tournaments.
The competitions began in 1992 and involved most everybody in one role or another. Don't put down spectators; they're important, too.
Even now with the former residents exiled all over Israel, they're attempting a "comeback." Read all about it.
I was just sent a link about one of the more "ordinary" aspects of life in Gush Katif, their basketball tournaments.
The competitions began in 1992 and involved most everybody in one role or another. Don't put down spectators; they're important, too.
Even now with the former residents exiled all over Israel, they're attempting a "comeback." Read all about it.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Zionist Congress in Shiloh!
A few days ago I was asked if I could speak to a group that was coming to Shiloh; it was the World Zionist Congress. Our "town administrator," for whatever reason, decided that I was just the one. It's nice to be appreciated, but the only problem was that Wed. afternoon is babysitting time for my grandchildren.
To make it short, it worked out "fine," if you can call it that, and since the girls weren't feeling well, they were taken here, and my "life guard" son and I shared the fun.
Instead of the "we're not sure too many will be coming out there," the delegates surprised everyone by signing up in numbers far more than expected. Two full buses came out to Shiloh and environs.
Of course they were late, but we did everything that had been planned. I was told to take the first bus, since a "surprise" was waiting, an old friend of my late in-laws.
I had the driver drive them around my neighborhood while I in rapid-fire Hebrew-English (simultaneously) gave a guided tour, history lesson etc. You have to be a bissel hyper to do it. Then we went down to the famous Mishkan Shiloh Beit Knesset, designed to resemble the Holy Tabernacle, which stood in ancient Shiloh for 369 years.
There I found myself appointed as MC, totally unexpected, especially when I was informed that I had been nominated to translate the last speaker. First they met three of the four generations of the Ackerman-Podiak (Spetter) clan. Cathy and Elisheva spoke beautifully.
Lastly I had to translate for Rabbi Brom, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hesder Shiloh. I don't think I did too great a job, but I luckily had help. It's a lot to remember, and I wasn't prepped in advance.
From what I was told, the large number of participants on the tour here weren't all happy that the yishuvim exist. Some of them had been driving the others crazy with their nastiness. But I'm glad they did come. Maybe seeing our communities will make a difference, a good one. I'm sure that they weren't prepared for the reality. All of those I spoke to were lovely, good Jews who care about our country.
B'Ezrat Hashem, Yihiyeh Tov
G-d willing, it will be good!
To make it short, it worked out "fine," if you can call it that, and since the girls weren't feeling well, they were taken here, and my "life guard" son and I shared the fun.
Instead of the "we're not sure too many will be coming out there," the delegates surprised everyone by signing up in numbers far more than expected. Two full buses came out to Shiloh and environs.
Of course they were late, but we did everything that had been planned. I was told to take the first bus, since a "surprise" was waiting, an old friend of my late in-laws.
I had the driver drive them around my neighborhood while I in rapid-fire Hebrew-English (simultaneously) gave a guided tour, history lesson etc. You have to be a bissel hyper to do it. Then we went down to the famous Mishkan Shiloh Beit Knesset, designed to resemble the Holy Tabernacle, which stood in ancient Shiloh for 369 years.
There I found myself appointed as MC, totally unexpected, especially when I was informed that I had been nominated to translate the last speaker. First they met three of the four generations of the Ackerman-Podiak (Spetter) clan. Cathy and Elisheva spoke beautifully.
Lastly I had to translate for Rabbi Brom, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hesder Shiloh. I don't think I did too great a job, but I luckily had help. It's a lot to remember, and I wasn't prepped in advance.
From what I was told, the large number of participants on the tour here weren't all happy that the yishuvim exist. Some of them had been driving the others crazy with their nastiness. But I'm glad they did come. Maybe seeing our communities will make a difference, a good one. I'm sure that they weren't prepared for the reality. All of those I spoke to were lovely, good Jews who care about our country.
B'Ezrat Hashem, Yihiyeh Tov
G-d willing, it will be good!
Aliyah and the Zionist Congress
Aliyah is out of the closet at the Zionist Congress this year.
One of the optional bus tours for the delegates today will be to Shiloh. I hope to meet them. It should be interesting, since registration is high.
One of the optional bus tours for the delegates today will be to Shiloh. I hope to meet them. It should be interesting, since registration is high.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Son of Peretz
They interviewed Peretz's son on the TV news about what's going on in Sderot. How can I describe him?
He was asked what it's like for his father to come home to angry neighbors, angry because of the blitz. The kid, ok, young man, did a competent job as unofficial spokesman. I wonder what his day job is.
thin and hairy, lots of black hair,
mid-Israel accent, not his father's Moroccan one
He was asked what it's like for his father to come home to angry neighbors, angry because of the blitz. The kid, ok, young man, did a competent job as unofficial spokesman. I wonder what his day job is.
Kiryat Shmoneh, the Peres example
According to Shimon Peres, who gave guns to the Arabs as part of his Oslo Agreement, Sderot should be like Kiryat Shmoneh when it was constantly "shelled for years.." The truth is that Kiryat Shmoneh didn't take it "in stride."
I visited Kiryat Shmoneh during the Gulf War in 1991, and people spoke to me about how much they hated, resented the rest of the country, "all those in Tel Aviv" who never cared about the damage, injuries and death the north of the country had been suffering because of the Syrian katyushas.
People were happy that Ramat Gan was getting the feel of the bombs, which Kiryat Shmoneh was so familiar with.
Remember that though it was only fifteen years ago when I was there, the toughest time up north was earlier, when there was no easy instant communication. There were no, or it was still rare and expensive, SMS, emails, internet and cellphones. You couldn't send a picture a second after taking it. Also the people in Kiryat Shmoneh were the weaker members of Israeli society. And the general Israeli public was rather oblivious to how others suffered, even more than today.
I'm glad that today there is media coverage about the Arab blitz of Sderot and the south of Israel.
I visited Kiryat Shmoneh during the Gulf War in 1991, and people spoke to me about how much they hated, resented the rest of the country, "all those in Tel Aviv" who never cared about the damage, injuries and death the north of the country had been suffering because of the Syrian katyushas.
People were happy that Ramat Gan was getting the feel of the bombs, which Kiryat Shmoneh was so familiar with.
Remember that though it was only fifteen years ago when I was there, the toughest time up north was earlier, when there was no easy instant communication. There were no, or it was still rare and expensive, SMS, emails, internet and cellphones. You couldn't send a picture a second after taking it. Also the people in Kiryat Shmoneh were the weaker members of Israeli society. And the general Israeli public was rather oblivious to how others suffered, even more than today.
I'm glad that today there is media coverage about the Arab blitz of Sderot and the south of Israel.
yoo hoo, hello there
A careful reading of my "counter," and I discovered a post on Simply Jews analyzing some of my musings.
Here's my reply:
Here's my reply:
Thanks for the serious reading and the links, of course. If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be coming out against democracy and other holy pc cows, I wouldn't have had believed it.
Remember the scud missile attacks of the Gulf War, a peculiar situation when the US attacked Iraq, and Iraq then bombed Israel? In Israel hardly an injury, and of course the hundreds of Arab bombs on Gush Katif, ditto. Then one scud on American barracks and a couple of dozen US soldiers killed.
That irrational element was G-d, and that's why the spies weren't supposed to think pragmatically.
Monday, June 19, 2006
A Few Things, Today
Today, just as we were turning to leave Beit El, by the bus stop, just before the firing range, we heard a car speed by and a siren-like sound. There was a light on top, the security car, and it speedily passed other vehicles. Soon we lost sight of it, but then we heard the sirens of what turned out to be an ambulance.
It was obvious that something had happened. Was it a terror attack or traffic accident? We kept looking for clues, via the amount of emergency vehicles and the directions they would take. The ambulance passed us just before the T-Junction, Givat Asaf; then it turned north, our direction. We still had no idea what the emergency was.
We had room for one more passenger, and a familiar-looking woman got in; she said that she was going to Ofra. Then I saw a neighbor of mine, the one who had killed the terrorist who ran over my foot. "Too bad," I said; "he's going further and should have gotten the place."
The woman told us that she really needed to get to Ofra quickly; her daughter had just been shot. Whoah! Then she told us all she knew. A school bus taking high school girls from their school in Maale Levona to Ofra was attacked by terrorists in Sinjil, not far from where the road forks between Shiloh/Eli and Maale Levona. All the woman knew was that her daughter was lightly hurt, and she was going to meet the ambulance in Ofra and then travel with her daughter to the hospital. The fact that we hadn't been met by speeding ambulances was a good sign, meaning no serious injuries. The bus had actually continued to Ofra, where the injured were being treated.
After we dropped her off, we wondered how many hours we would be stuck waiting on the road. That's the usual routine after terror attacks, but we got home pretty quickly.
I watched TV when eating supper. The big news was the Arab rocket attack on Sderot during President Katzav's visit. The people of Sderot are angry at the government for abandoning them, for not following through with their threats to reenter Gaza if southern Israel was attacked, for not protecting them. The response of the reporter, considered one of Israel's best, was outrageous. She argued with the man she was interviewing:
"How can Israel attack the Arabs? Europe will be angry! What if innocent Arabs are injured?"
The Sderot resident tried to explain, but then the interview was cut.
Next they showed moving trucks filled with furniture and explained that people are leaving Sderot. They interviewed a woman who said that she had lived there her entire life, but she couldn't take the rocket attacks. She was afraid for her children. If things ever calmed down, she'd return. They gave the impression that the city was ready to fold.
In contrast, who could forget the brave residents of Gush Katif, who suffered constant rocket and mortar attacks from the Arabs and refused to leave their homes.
It was obvious that something had happened. Was it a terror attack or traffic accident? We kept looking for clues, via the amount of emergency vehicles and the directions they would take. The ambulance passed us just before the T-Junction, Givat Asaf; then it turned north, our direction. We still had no idea what the emergency was.
We had room for one more passenger, and a familiar-looking woman got in; she said that she was going to Ofra. Then I saw a neighbor of mine, the one who had killed the terrorist who ran over my foot. "Too bad," I said; "he's going further and should have gotten the place."
The woman told us that she really needed to get to Ofra quickly; her daughter had just been shot. Whoah! Then she told us all she knew. A school bus taking high school girls from their school in Maale Levona to Ofra was attacked by terrorists in Sinjil, not far from where the road forks between Shiloh/Eli and Maale Levona. All the woman knew was that her daughter was lightly hurt, and she was going to meet the ambulance in Ofra and then travel with her daughter to the hospital. The fact that we hadn't been met by speeding ambulances was a good sign, meaning no serious injuries. The bus had actually continued to Ofra, where the injured were being treated.
After we dropped her off, we wondered how many hours we would be stuck waiting on the road. That's the usual routine after terror attacks, but we got home pretty quickly.
I watched TV when eating supper. The big news was the Arab rocket attack on Sderot during President Katzav's visit. The people of Sderot are angry at the government for abandoning them, for not following through with their threats to reenter Gaza if southern Israel was attacked, for not protecting them. The response of the reporter, considered one of Israel's best, was outrageous. She argued with the man she was interviewing:
"How can Israel attack the Arabs? Europe will be angry! What if innocent Arabs are injured?"
The Sderot resident tried to explain, but then the interview was cut.
Next they showed moving trucks filled with furniture and explained that people are leaving Sderot. They interviewed a woman who said that she had lived there her entire life, but she couldn't take the rocket attacks. She was afraid for her children. If things ever calmed down, she'd return. They gave the impression that the city was ready to fold.
In contrast, who could forget the brave residents of Gush Katif, who suffered constant rocket and mortar attacks from the Arabs and refused to leave their homes.
Pathetic Political Saga
Of the Likud, that is. At least that's what I see in this pathetic story about the World Likud's recent elections.
The Likud is like a paper mache mask. Paper Mache is an "art form," which is done by wetting strips of newspaper with liquid paste, then covering a shape or object, layer by layer. Once it's complete, it may be difficult to discern, or guess, the original object under all the layers.
Today's Likud is nothing like its original political party. In the early days of the State of Israel, the various Zionist organizations and military undergrounds, which had fought against the British Mandate, each developed into political parties; the Revisionists and the Irgun (aka Etzel) formed Herut, "Freedom Party." It was led by Menachem Begin, who continued to lead it and all of the subsequent political blocs it formed until his retirement as Israeli Prime Minister in 1983.
The Likud was known for its strong ideology and its integrity, until Begin became Prime Minister and surprised the world by giving the Sinai to Egypt and ordering the destruction of Yamit and all of the Jewish communities which had been established there after Israel's miraculous victory in the 1967 Six Days War, when the survival of the entire State of Israel had been in danger. Some of the Jewish communities established as permanent-guaranteed replacements were in Gush Katif and subsequently destroyed by the Likud's Sharon as a major element in the dangerous Disengagement Plan.
Begin's 180 degree turn from ארץ ישראל השלימה, the Integrity of the Entire Land of Israel to the destruction of Jewish communities was the beginning of the end. Without strong ideology, opportunists became attracted to "the party in power," and today's Likud bears no resemblance to its proud and pure beginning.
Arik Sharon joined the Likud in 1977 with his two member Shlomtzion Party and became Prime Minister in 2001. Then at the height of the Disengagement tension, he and Ehud Olmert split from the Likud and formed Kadima, which attracted like-minded politicians from other political parties.
Nothing much is left in the Likud. Its fans were hoping that being in the opposition would make it "lean and mean," but instead it just seems like a shrinking balloon, dying a sad, wretched death. Is this really the end? One thing for sure, it won't survive without a strong ideology.
The Likud is like a paper mache mask. Paper Mache is an "art form," which is done by wetting strips of newspaper with liquid paste, then covering a shape or object, layer by layer. Once it's complete, it may be difficult to discern, or guess, the original object under all the layers.
Today's Likud is nothing like its original political party. In the early days of the State of Israel, the various Zionist organizations and military undergrounds, which had fought against the British Mandate, each developed into political parties; the Revisionists and the Irgun (aka Etzel) formed Herut, "Freedom Party." It was led by Menachem Begin, who continued to lead it and all of the subsequent political blocs it formed until his retirement as Israeli Prime Minister in 1983.
The Likud was known for its strong ideology and its integrity, until Begin became Prime Minister and surprised the world by giving the Sinai to Egypt and ordering the destruction of Yamit and all of the Jewish communities which had been established there after Israel's miraculous victory in the 1967 Six Days War, when the survival of the entire State of Israel had been in danger. Some of the Jewish communities established as permanent-guaranteed replacements were in Gush Katif and subsequently destroyed by the Likud's Sharon as a major element in the dangerous Disengagement Plan.
Begin's 180 degree turn from ארץ ישראל השלימה, the Integrity of the Entire Land of Israel to the destruction of Jewish communities was the beginning of the end. Without strong ideology, opportunists became attracted to "the party in power," and today's Likud bears no resemblance to its proud and pure beginning.
Arik Sharon joined the Likud in 1977 with his two member Shlomtzion Party and became Prime Minister in 2001. Then at the height of the Disengagement tension, he and Ehud Olmert split from the Likud and formed Kadima, which attracted like-minded politicians from other political parties.
Nothing much is left in the Likud. Its fans were hoping that being in the opposition would make it "lean and mean," but instead it just seems like a shrinking balloon, dying a sad, wretched death. Is this really the end? One thing for sure, it won't survive without a strong ideology.
Defense Forces from Chelm
Honestly, I wish this really was just a Tale from Chelm.
While the neighboring Arabs are blitzing--bombing the Sderot, Ashkelon, Negev areas with dangerous rockets, Israel Defense Forces are preparing to act against...
...Sderot protesters, if they block the roads! Yes, demonstrators, even when from bombed and endangered Sderot, are a danger to society.
The Defense Minister's other priority action is to destroy Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The modern Zionist pioneers are just criminals in the eyes of the Defense Minister. It makes me wonder how the left-wing kibbutznikim have the nerve to stay in their homes, or the left-wing town of Ramat Aviv, built on land "more Arab" than any of the communities Olmert, Peres and Peretz want to destroy.
And please, don't ask me to go to the Israeli Supreme Court on this. According to Israel's Chief Justice, this is the big problem facing Israelis:
Don't worry, I haven't given up. Let's work not just to "change the government," we have to change the entire system!
While the neighboring Arabs are blitzing--bombing the Sderot, Ashkelon, Negev areas with dangerous rockets, Israel Defense Forces are preparing to act against...
...Sderot protesters, if they block the roads! Yes, demonstrators, even when from bombed and endangered Sderot, are a danger to society.
News Flash! Olmert decided to send in his secret weapon against the angry Sderot residents.
President Katzav will be visiting today, so Mayor Eli Moyal agreed to honor him by postponing the strike.
The Defense Minister's other priority action is to destroy Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The modern Zionist pioneers are just criminals in the eyes of the Defense Minister. It makes me wonder how the left-wing kibbutznikim have the nerve to stay in their homes, or the left-wing town of Ramat Aviv, built on land "more Arab" than any of the communities Olmert, Peres and Peretz want to destroy.
And please, don't ask me to go to the Israeli Supreme Court on this. According to Israel's Chief Justice, this is the big problem facing Israelis:
Supreme Court President Aharon Barak dropped a potential bombshell on Sunday when he said Israelis are being deprived of their rights by being prohibited from marrying in civil ceremonies.
Don't worry, I haven't given up. Let's work not just to "change the government," we have to change the entire system!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Havel Havelim of the Vanities
When you translate Havel Havelim, you get Carnival of the Vanities. But if you read both those carnivals, which I highly recommend, you'll see how different they are.
Have a better week
Our week starts when the stars are out Saturday night. Then we no longer say: Shabbat Shalom, we than say: Shavua Tov, Have a nice week. This morning, Sunday, the first morning of the week, doesn't have such great news:
And we can't expect much help and defense from the Olmert government.
So far, the IDF has failed in its war against the rocket launchers in Gaza.
Dispite the blitz of rockets on Israel by the Arabs, the same Arabs are playing on our sympathies to cover medical costs.
Let them send their sick to
Dubai!
Have a better week, G-d willing, but it's up to us.
Qassam rocket
disrupts electricity supply to Sderot
By Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondents and Itim
Palestinians fired two Qassam rockets at Israeli targets near the Gaza Strip predawn Sunday.
One rocket hit several electricity poles in the southern town of Sderot and
disrupted electricity supply to the Rabin neighborhood in the town. Power supply
was restored several hours later.
And we can't expect much help and defense from the Olmert government.
So far, the IDF has failed in its war against the rocket launchers in Gaza.
Dispite the blitz of rockets on Israel by the Arabs, the same Arabs are playing on our sympathies to cover medical costs.
Since Hamas came to power, the PA has not transferred money directly to Israeli hospitals. So the Israeli government takes the funds from the taxes that it collects on the PA's behalf and transfers them to those hospitals. But, according to a senior Palestinian official, the Hamas government has other priorities right now: It needs the tax revenues to pay Israel for electricity, gas and fuel. "Patients are less important at the moment," he said.
Let them send their sick to
Dubai!
Have a better week, G-d willing, but it's up to us.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
more on hitchhiking
re: the hitchhiking question
Since the attempted abduction of two teenage girls on Thursday, the media and airwaves, and everyplace people meet seem to be reverberating with the question "to hitch or not." In most cases, it seems like those who don't "tremp" (the Hebrew for hitching) are the most opposed to it. Those of us who for whatever reasons "tremp" a lot, are confident that we're continuing. There were a number of letters on our shilohgroup mail about it. This is my favorite. I received permission to publish it, but since it wasn't clear if the writer wanted to sign it, I'll save the name until it's clarified.
B"H
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Sidrat Shilach 5766
I disagree with all those who are against hitchhiking on the main
roads. We and our kids should continue to do so. % wise - it is much more
dangerous to drive in a car anywhere in Aretz - more people have died in
vehicle accidents than in all our wars. Have you stopped using vehicles ?
"Kasat" transliterated into English from the Hebrew Street language
abbreviation is a national pastime. Our gov't and army will always be able
to say - as you are saying, we warned you. When we gave into plastic
windows on our cars instead of demanding proper protection - we did
ourselves in. From there, the road was short to bullet protected windows,
by - pass roads, fences, walls + and geirush (expulsion/exile.)
Sidrat Hashavu is Shilach. " Haeem b'Mivstarim oh b'Machanim ?" Moshe
Rabbeinu asks the miraglim to check. And Rashi says - if they live in
walled cities they are afraid and if in camps they depend on their strength.
I am for continuing to hitch - hike and protect yourself. Those who don't
have neshek (weapon,) buy a knife and or spray for yourself and our kids.
Chazak v'Nitzchazeik b'Ad Artzeinu
Shabat Shalom
Since the attempted abduction of two teenage girls on Thursday, the media and airwaves, and everyplace people meet seem to be reverberating with the question "to hitch or not." In most cases, it seems like those who don't "tremp" (the Hebrew for hitching) are the most opposed to it. Those of us who for whatever reasons "tremp" a lot, are confident that we're continuing. There were a number of letters on our shilohgroup mail about it. This is my favorite. I received permission to publish it, but since it wasn't clear if the writer wanted to sign it, I'll save the name until it's clarified.
B"H
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Sidrat Shilach 5766
I disagree with all those who are against hitchhiking on the main
roads. We and our kids should continue to do so. % wise - it is much more
dangerous to drive in a car anywhere in Aretz - more people have died in
vehicle accidents than in all our wars. Have you stopped using vehicles ?
"Kasat" transliterated into English from the Hebrew Street language
abbreviation is a national pastime. Our gov't and army will always be able
to say - as you are saying, we warned you. When we gave into plastic
windows on our cars instead of demanding proper protection - we did
ourselves in. From there, the road was short to bullet protected windows,
by - pass roads, fences, walls + and geirush (expulsion/exile.)
Sidrat Hashavu is Shilach. " Haeem b'Mivstarim oh b'Machanim ?" Moshe
Rabbeinu asks the miraglim to check. And Rashi says - if they live in
walled cities they are afraid and if in camps they depend on their strength.
I am for continuing to hitch - hike and protect yourself. Those who don't
have neshek (weapon,) buy a knife and or spray for yourself and our kids.
Chazak v'Nitzchazeik b'Ad Artzeinu
Shabat Shalom
Bad News, No News
I'm just like everyone else, I'm sure the world is aware of what's going on here, the Arabs in Gaza constantly blitzing southern Israel with bombs and ordinary citizens are in danger.
Here in the eye of the storm, we're certain that the rest of the world has an idea of what's going on, but that's not the case. I've gotten mail from all over.
The international media, certainly in the small towns, are ignoring it. Only people with independent online news sources know what's happening.
So keep letting everyone know.
Here in the eye of the storm, we're certain that the rest of the world has an idea of what's going on, but that's not the case. I've gotten mail from all over.
The international media, certainly in the small towns, are ignoring it. Only people with independent online news sources know what's happening.
So keep letting everyone know.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Seriously
There are a few things that we just shouldn't take lightly, even me who usually finds it easy to joke and mock. Our country's in danger! The State of Israel's very existence is in danger. The Prime Minister and movers and shakers are in a manic frenzy, like some bulimic anorexics, convinced that they're burdened with unnecessary and dangerous fat.
Tiny Israel, surrounded by over twenty Arab States, looks in its distorted mirror and thinks it must reduce.
Map from: Israel Science and Technology
Tiny Israel, surrounded by over twenty Arab States, looks in its distorted mirror and thinks it must reduce.
Map from: Israel Science and Technology
The Arab nations are represented by 21 separate countries (see Table). There is
only one Jewish nation with a tiny country, Israel. The combined territories of
Arab countries is 650 fold greater than Israel (see map above comparing size of
Israel versus those of Arab countries). Their population is 50 fold greater than
Israel. The average per capita GDP in Arab countries is $3,700 versus $18,000
for Israel. This despite the fact that many Arab countries have world's richest
oil resources.
The Arabs keep repeating very clearly that they want us destroyed, but Israel, cheered on by the rest of the world, keeps trying to pacify them with "gifts."
Just last week, the Israeli Government gave weapons to the Arabs, which the Arabs then pledged to use against Israel! Sick, yes?
Despite the blitz of rockets and bombs the Arabs are constantly launching on southern Israel,
Ramon: Halt rockets, or we will hit Gaza harder
That's a joke for sure. We've all lost count of the times Israeli politicians haves made that kind of threat. And what is Sderot resident and Israel Defense Minister concentrating on? What is endangering the country so seriously that it's his priority to work on? Could it be those who are launching rockets at his very own neighborhood? No, mah pitome! Don't be silly! Taking care of the terrorists is not important according to Peretz's priorities. He's too busy planning how to destroy more Jewish communities and exile more innocent Israeli citizens from their homes. This of course is instead of protecting Israeli citizens from Arab rockets and Arab terrorism. He is trying to reduce the size of our tiny country and give the Arab terrorists the crucially important strategic mountain range, so they can aim their weapons more easily at Jews. (G-d forbid!!!) As a result we won't be able to defend ourselves, nor develop our country.
And all that the army can do about the girls who were attacked yesterday is blame the victims. IDF commander calls for hitchhiking ban
Why can't we roam our Homeland freely? Why are we supposed to stay locked up? Lock up the terrorists instead!!
And just one more thing for all of those who believe that we have to flee from the demographic threat of the Arabs: Last update - 08:19 16/06/2006 Fertility rate among Israeli Arab women steadily declining
Thursday, June 15, 2006
A miracle
This afternoon a couple of young teenage girls were miraculously saved. They were waiting for a ride on the road near Rechallim, north of Jerusalem. A car stopped and two Arabs tried to force them in. One succeeded in escaping, but the other didn't. Baruch Hashem very soon after an army vehicle arrived and took chase. The girl was released.
One of the reasons we have to "tremp," hitchhike, is because the public transportation is insufficient. The public transportation is horrendous from some yishuvim. There is no public transportation at all between Beit El and north of the T-junction, meaning none to Ofra, Shiloh, Eli, Maale Levona etc. There are numerous educational institutions, especially large high schools in these communities, and the students and staff come from all over the area. Students, staff and ordinary people of all ages are forced to "tremp" and stand on roads.
Even the buses from Shiloh and Ofra going south which pass the T-Junction to Beit El won't let us off there. We have to rely on unpredictable rides. There's no way parents can enforce "only take a bus." I'm a teacher, and I have to "tremp."
In addition, the schools are getting much less government support, and the high schools have eliminated the free bus service which once existed for all students and staff. To make matters even worse, the local council has instructed its drivers not to pick up hitch hikers. So we have no choice other than "tremp."
Rechallim is the location of the murder of my friend Rachella Druk of Shiloh over 15 years ago, when we were all going to a demonstration to encourage Yitzchak Shamir, then Prime Minister, to be strong and defend us at the Madrid Conference. Three buses left Shiloh, and terrorists shot up the second one, murdering Rachella, Yitzchak Rofeh, the bus driver, and injuring others, including Harel Bin Nun, who was later murdered in Yitzhar.
One of the reasons we have to "tremp," hitchhike, is because the public transportation is insufficient. The public transportation is horrendous from some yishuvim. There is no public transportation at all between Beit El and north of the T-junction, meaning none to Ofra, Shiloh, Eli, Maale Levona etc. There are numerous educational institutions, especially large high schools in these communities, and the students and staff come from all over the area. Students, staff and ordinary people of all ages are forced to "tremp" and stand on roads.
Even the buses from Shiloh and Ofra going south which pass the T-Junction to Beit El won't let us off there. We have to rely on unpredictable rides. There's no way parents can enforce "only take a bus." I'm a teacher, and I have to "tremp."
In addition, the schools are getting much less government support, and the high schools have eliminated the free bus service which once existed for all students and staff. To make matters even worse, the local council has instructed its drivers not to pick up hitch hikers. So we have no choice other than "tremp."
Rechallim is the location of the murder of my friend Rachella Druk of Shiloh over 15 years ago, when we were all going to a demonstration to encourage Yitzchak Shamir, then Prime Minister, to be strong and defend us at the Madrid Conference. Three buses left Shiloh, and terrorists shot up the second one, murdering Rachella, Yitzchak Rofeh, the bus driver, and injuring others, including Harel Bin Nun, who was later murdered in Yitzhar.
nice commission?
I'm sure those "mules" carrying suitcases filled with millions and millions of dollars to Gaza are getting nice commissions.
The Noose
I'm glad that the noose is far from us. We're not near the ghetto walls at all. The communities which are nearby that pathetic strip of cement are spending a fortune losing court cases. According to the Israeli Supreme Court, only Arab rights are endangered by the "fence." But isn't the "fence" supposed to protect Jewish Israeli citizens from Arab terrorists? OK, you know I really suspect it's being put up to make the "connected" even richer, but still...
Now, if the Arabs aren't supposed to be "inconvenienced" how will it keep terrorists out? Arabs are Arabs, nu? Of course, the Israeli Supreme Court has no compunctions about inconveniencing Jews. So, that's why I'm glad that Shiloh isn't included in the ghetto. There's no fence on the horizon, nor outside the gate. Actually there's no wall choking Shiloh at all.
So, come and visit, breathe freedom. This is Shiloh.
Now, if the Arabs aren't supposed to be "inconvenienced" how will it keep terrorists out? Arabs are Arabs, nu? Of course, the Israeli Supreme Court has no compunctions about inconveniencing Jews. So, that's why I'm glad that Shiloh isn't included in the ghetto. There's no fence on the horizon, nor outside the gate. Actually there's no wall choking Shiloh at all.
So, come and visit, breathe freedom. This is Shiloh.
And how would it play in Sderot?
Olmert's basking in the praise of foreign countries which hosted the Nazis and cooperated in the murder of six million Jews and millions of others. He and his very creative PR staff are bragging about the unconditional support of European leaders, though the truth is quite different:
Blair insists on negotiated settlement
Yes, it is.
And I wonder how his plan plays in Sderot, which is suffering a blitz of rocket attacks by nearby Arabs. And in response, just words from Sderot resident, Defense Minister Peretz. Would Olmert have the guts to visit with no more protection than your ordinary citizen?
Do you remember the joke about the flood:
A new flood is foretold and nothing can be done to prevent it; in three days, the waters will wipe out the world. The greatest leaders of the major religions go on worldwide television to make their final plea.
The leader of Buddhism pleads with everyone to become a Buddhist; that way, they will at least find salvation in heaven.
The Pope goes on television and shakes his fists to the audience, "It is still not too late to accept Jesus!" he cries.
The Chief Rabbi of Israel approaches the podium...stands silent for what seems to be an eternity...looks directly into the lens of the center camera and slowly but solemnly states, "My people"...he pauses once again and continues..."We have three days to learn to live under water"...
It's just like IDF to reinforce schools near Gaza . And did you notice the new geographical description, the leper-like "near Gaza?"
Blair insists on negotiated settlement
Yes, it is.
And I wonder how his plan plays in Sderot, which is suffering a blitz of rocket attacks by nearby Arabs. And in response, just words from Sderot resident, Defense Minister Peretz. Would Olmert have the guts to visit with no more protection than your ordinary citizen?
Do you remember the joke about the flood:
A new flood is foretold and nothing can be done to prevent it; in three days, the waters will wipe out the world. The greatest leaders of the major religions go on worldwide television to make their final plea.
The leader of Buddhism pleads with everyone to become a Buddhist; that way, they will at least find salvation in heaven.
The Pope goes on television and shakes his fists to the audience, "It is still not too late to accept Jesus!" he cries.
The Chief Rabbi of Israel approaches the podium...stands silent for what seems to be an eternity...looks directly into the lens of the center camera and slowly but solemnly states, "My people"...he pauses once again and continues..."We have three days to learn to live under water"...
It's just like IDF to reinforce schools near Gaza . And did you notice the new geographical description, the leper-like "near Gaza?"
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
About the banner
Just a few words about the banner...
As you know, ~Sarah's View~ did the graphics on my new banner. I sent her two photos and some text. Choosing the photos was difficult for me. I needed photos with a strong Shiloh theme which somehow illustrate my "musings," those hard to define essays, rants and quips you read here on this blog.
No one picture fit the bill. I've always loved that flag photo I took at the second Avihu Chai March from Shiloh to Jerusalem. You can see the flags dancing. It was one of the most thrilling events in my life.
Unfortunately, after Disengagement and the Government's exiling, expelling loyal Jewish-Israeli citizens from their homes, the flag is tarnished in our eyes. That's why the second picture seemed so appropriate. It was taken at a women's anti-Disengagement T'hillim, psalm saying session held in the Beit Medrash L'Noar, Youth Torah Study Center, established in memory of two Shiloh teens murdered in terror attacks by Arabs. Avi Siton, hay"d, and Shmuel Yerushalmi, hay"d, were best friends and murdered just a few weeks apart.
Written on the orange shirt shirt:
יהודי לא מגרש יהודי
A Jew Doesn't Expel a Jew!
As you know, ~Sarah's View~ did the graphics on my new banner. I sent her two photos and some text. Choosing the photos was difficult for me. I needed photos with a strong Shiloh theme which somehow illustrate my "musings," those hard to define essays, rants and quips you read here on this blog.
No one picture fit the bill. I've always loved that flag photo I took at the second Avihu Chai March from Shiloh to Jerusalem. You can see the flags dancing. It was one of the most thrilling events in my life.
Unfortunately, after Disengagement and the Government's exiling, expelling loyal Jewish-Israeli citizens from their homes, the flag is tarnished in our eyes. That's why the second picture seemed so appropriate. It was taken at a women's anti-Disengagement T'hillim, psalm saying session held in the Beit Medrash L'Noar, Youth Torah Study Center, established in memory of two Shiloh teens murdered in terror attacks by Arabs. Avi Siton, hay"d, and Shmuel Yerushalmi, hay"d, were best friends and murdered just a few weeks apart.
Written on the orange shirt shirt:
יהודי לא מגרש יהודי
A Jew Doesn't Expel a Jew!
a different parade
There's a "different" parade being planned for Jerusalem this summer. It wasn't initiated by the municipality, nor the government, nor the rabbis, nor other religious leaders, nor your ordinary patriotic citizens.
It doesn't celebrate the historical significance of Jerusalem, nor its religious significance. It mocks it all.
Simply put, it's a sex parade sponsored by a "gay pride" organization.
The streets of Jerusalem are not the place for such a display.
Why don't we hear from Jerusalem's protectors?
I'm debating on whether or not to publish pictures from previous parades with the same theme, but I really don't want such pictures on my blog.
It doesn't celebrate the historical significance of Jerusalem, nor its religious significance. It mocks it all.
Simply put, it's a sex parade sponsored by a "gay pride" organization.
The streets of Jerusalem are not the place for such a display.
Why don't we hear from Jerusalem's protectors?
I'm debating on whether or not to publish pictures from previous parades with the same theme, but I really don't want such pictures on my blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)