Insane! Israeli Laws Endanger Soldiers and Civilians!

Only are we Jewish Israelis supposed to protect our enemies instead of protecting ourselves.

Sorry, can't credit the source for this photo with caption. I got it off of facebook.

In this the soldier is checking with his officer for instructions when under attack:

"I don't understand. Only if I'm hit by rocks over five kilo (12 lbs) I can return fire, or is it up to five kilo?"

This "joke" is based on true situations.

IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians have been  arrested for defending themselves. We are told that only if we can prove that our "lives are in danger" do we have the right to react to attacks. The big problem is that waiting puts our lives in danger. If we're attacked we must be legally permitted to respond and defend ourselves just like anyone anyplace else in the world.

Many soldiers have been told by their families:

"We'd rather see you jailed than dead."

15% of Judea/Samaria Jewish Population American

Efrat which had many Americans in its founding
core of residents.

Those familiar with the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, aka the west bank sic, know that a relatively high proportion of the population is immigrants, whether North or South America, Europe and also Australia and New Zealand. There are also a relatively large amount of converts from all over the world, even places without a notable Jewish population. Foreign and international journalists needing to interview residents, have no problems finding people who can speak all sorts of languages, and not only the expected, English, French, Spanish and Russian. No doubt that Shiloh is typical that you'll also find less common Jewish languages such as Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese.

There are YESHA communities well-known as anglo, meaning full of English speakers, such as Efrat and Ginot Shomron. Not all English speakers are American, but since nobody has more trouble learning Hebrew or any other foreign language than Americans, English speakers do try to live together. Even Shiloh has a sizable number of English speakers, of which many are American. We even have a number of events specifically for English speakers, such as a Book Club and Torah classes. The senior citizens programs have an ulpan and translation into English when needed.

At the not very well publicized (we never saw any announcements, and a neighbor complained that she only received a notice a couple of days before) recent Jerusalem Limmud, Sara Yael Hirschhorn publicized her new book:

Speaking at the Limmud conference in Jerusalem, Sara Yael Hirschhorn, in a promotional lecture for her soon-to-be published book, said that out of the approximately 400,000 Jews living in the West Bank, 60,000 were Americans. The figures did not include east Jerusalem, Newsweek added. (Jerusalem Post)

I decided to check out the Newsweek article, too:

However, Hirschhorn says her research, which took place over a period of 10 years, contradicts the belief that many American citizens emigrated to Israel because of their Right-wing beliefs, ultra-Orthodox religion or because of a lack of opportunities in the U.S. "What my studies reveal is that they were young, single, highly-educated—something like 10 percent of American settlers in the occupied territories hold PhDs, they're upwardly mobile, they're traditional but not necessarily Orthodox in their religious practice," she said, according to Haaretz. "Most importantly, they were politically active in the leftist socialist movements in the U.S. in the 1960s and 70s and voted for the Democratic Party prior to their immigration to Israel." She added that the mainstream picture of the American settlers she studied "is one of young, idealistic, intelligent and seasoned liberal Americans who were Zionist activists, and who were eager to apply their values and experiences to the Israeli settler movement."

No surprise but I don't think Hirschhorn got it. I don't know for sure whom she interviewed, because it's pretty clear to me why so many Americans are in the yishuvim, and she's in a quandary.

olim chadashim/new immigrants
Nefesh b'Nefesh flight 10 years ago

As you can see even today in pictures of Nefesh B'Nefesh olim, immigrants, many are religious. I accompanied NBN charter flights ten years ago, and it was very clear that there has been no change. If anything, more religious or traditional Jews come to live in Israel than non-religious. And of course, those who make aliyah are of stronger ideology than those who don't, no matter where they come from. And among Israeli born/raised, those who are firmer in their Zionism in principles try to live in the Land of Israel liberated in the 1967 Six Days War. That was the situation when we made aliyah in 1970 and hasn't really changed.

You will certainly find many Americans and other anglos in the Leftist-nouveau-Judaism crowd in Tel Aviv, too. That's for the same basic reason. Making aliyah is not easy, and most Jews who do it from choice come from a strong ideology, whether on the Right or the Left. 

Also, many of us American immigrants were leaders in our Jewish communities or Jewish organizations, youth movements etc. We stood out, stand out and aren't afraid to take a stand! 

I don't know this Sara Yael Hirschhorn, but it seems like she's too closed in her Leftist bubble to see the big picture, and that's a shame.

Two Weeks to Rosh Hashanah Havel Havelim

Eeks!

I was walking around my Shiloh neighborhood on Shabbat with a friend while the sun was going down and Shabbat leaving us. The sky was gorgeous, and then I noticed the large round moon and shrieked!

"Eeks!! Do you see that big round moon? Do you know what it means?"
My friend looked at me like I was crazy.
"I means there are only two weeks left to Rosh Hashanah, and my freezer is still too full.  I'm just not ready!! I need more time."

Obviously, since my freezer is full of all sorts of useless things, I'm not cooking in advance for Rosh Hashanah this year, so I'm still doing Havel Havelim.

It would be appreciated if there would be some volunteer hosts, but I'll keep it up in the meantime until I don't know. Havel Havelim is the weekly international Jewish blog carnival. Apparently there are are still lots of Jewish blogs all over, but the idea of community of Jewish bloggers seems to be dying out. Havel Havelim was started well over a decade ago by Soccer Dad who no longer blogs. Nowadays we holdouts keep in touch on facebook rather than email. It used to be that when a blog was included in an edition of HH, the blogger would comment a thank you and then mention it in his/her blog and even volunteer on occasion to host one. The thank-you's and mentions are a thing of the past or very rare. Honestly, I wonder if I should just let it all fade away and die. Or I'll just post when I'm in the mood... What do you think? Or will this one also get no response?

If you've written a recent post or seen something that suits, please mail me the link before Shabbat your time, thanks, shilohmuse@gmail.com, subject: HH, plus a one line blurb.

As is my custom, first I'll list the posts sent to me, then my own and finally whatever I feel like adding.

Remember you don't have to be a blogger to read, comment and share 
Havel Havelim!!

Jacob, Helpful English - Hebrew "School" Vocabulary Study Sheets
Yocheved, A life-saving medical matter: Reader response just might save this man's life. His doctor's don't know what to do. Thrombocytopenia and Mabthera Treatment: Seeking the Public's Help
Ester, Peace? Three Strikes and You’re Out
I must admit that we have the worst, most pathetic garden in all of Shiloh. There is only one really nice fruitful thing about it, our grapes. If We Can Grow Grapes in Shiloh, then it is The Best Place for Vineyards
I highly recommend this book, Book Review: Yael Ziegler's "Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy"

This year Shiloh Hakeduma has added English programming to Tefillat Chana. Ladies, Make Plans for Tefilat Chana!
Matisyahu, first invited, then boycotted and then reinstated in the Spanish music festival. This has given him more public scrutiny. Matisyahu's Very Public Spiritual Journey
Why are Jews so quick to take responsibility and act guilty? Electrical not Terrorist, Another Duma Fire
Doug hosted another beer tasting. First his version and then mine:
Results of the Israel Brews and Views -- Amber Ale Tasting Panel

Photo by Mike

Beer, Glorious Beer
Muhammad Zoabi: I Have Risked My Life
Jewish terrorism? Maybe — or maybe not
Is Jonathan Pollard a Hero?
Intimidation of Jews on Temple Mount
Another staged incident
Perfection and the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays)
No Regrets This Summer
HOW TO TAKE YOUR 6 FAVORITE SUMMER TRENDS INTO FALL
SYMBOLIC EATS
A Different Pareve Kishke
All for the Gush Katif Brides: Elul Ushered in by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi
#BlogElul 12: Forgive

That's it for this week. If you have a favorite blog or two or more that you'd like to see in Havel Havelim, please let me know. And if you're a blogger and would like to host a Havel Havelim, ditto. Shavua Tov and please don't forget:

You don't have to be a blogger to read, comment and share Havel Havelim!!

Book Review: Yael Ziegler's "Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy"

Now, before I get started here, I must admit, make it very clear that I'm a fan of Yael Ziegler. I've been taking her courses in Matan for many years. I had been looking forward to getting her book Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy, (Maggid Studies in Tanakh) ever since hearing that it was in the works. And now that I've read it, I must say that I'm not at all disappointed. It is the book I had been waiting for and more. I've already told my neighbor who organizes the local Shiloh Women's Shavuot Classes that I have material for years to come.

That may seem strange considering that the Book of Ruth is a very short four chapter book which can be read in minutes. Ziegler's book is almost five hundred, yes, 500, pages long. What could be in it? No doubt that Yael Ziegler would reply that there are hundreds of pages she edited out.

Megillat Ruth has three main characters, Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, introduced in that order. Each line in Megillat Ruth is rich with both facts, statements and questions for the reader. Ziegler goes into the various theories of why Elimelech, Naomi's husband and leader of the Tribe of Judah left Bethlehem and went to Moav. Ziegler also delves into the role Naomi played by accompanying him with their sons. After a period of time Naomi is found widowed and childless, alone with her two barren/childless widowed daughters-in-law. The detailed narrative begins there. And Ziegler brings richness and clarity to the story which culminates in the birth of Oved, the grandfather of King David. The is not a "quick read." It is a book to savor.

One of the things I love about Yael's Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy and classes on the Bible is that not only does she give explanations on all sorts of aspects of the text from grammar, syntax, classic literature, history, theology, all of the usual Jewish commentators and midrash, but she makes it clear as to what is actual text versus all of the commentary. Too many teachers fudge the lines creating situations where even Bible/Tanach teachers mix up commentary with p'shat, original Bible text. I have many times found myself in the awkward position asking a teacher to show me where it's written because I can't find it. Of course, it ends up that it isn't in the Bible; it's just commentary. With Yael, I never have that problem. She always makes it crystal clear and also gives her opinion, which sometimes find her on the other side of the fence versus some of the most respected Jewish sages.

Don't think that Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy is only for scholars. That isn't the case at all. Ziegler has the talent for putting the deepest and most interesting facts and commentary into very readable, accessible words. For those new to this sort of study, I'd recommend beginning by reading the entire text of the Book of Ruth and then go to Ziegler's "Afterward," which is near the end of the book. After that, read the book from the beginning to the end.

I certainly recommend Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy by Yael Ziegler; it should be in the home of everyone who enjoys studying the Bible.

In Democracy There's No "Right and Wrong"

I'm getting such a kick out of the media's reactions to the voice of what was once called the American "silent majority." The American media, like the Israeli one, is rather Left wing and not objective, Center or opinionless. They consider themselves experts on what's best for the USA and the world. For that reason, they just can't understand why or how so many Americans, especially registered Republicans adore Donald Trump.

Their unfettered support has fueled Trump's rise in Republican primary polls and kept him in the top spot for months. No controversy appears to faze them out of the many Trump has endured — from controversial comments over immigration, to the McCain comments, to a bitter, lingering feud with Fox News and host Megyn Kelly.The focus group should not be considered representative of the Republican Party as a whole, or of the electorate in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. But their unwavering support indicates that there may be nothing that can take down Trump. (Yahoo)

He's the antithesis of the conventional Republican candidate. And that is the reason why those who consider themselves Republicans support him, and that's also why Republicans lost the past two Presidential elections. As Barack Hussein Obama proved, Americans want to dream and want a candidate who can tell them that things can get better. They want hope, and the Trump slogan and story gives them that hope:

"Make America Great Again"

Your ordinary American has been suffering. The financial situation is the pits. Outsourcing has taken away jobs from the low income sector and weakened the economy. They see the media and politicians as elitists who are totally removed from ordinary life. The almost epidemic of "random shootings" plus kidnappings and sexual predators etc have taken away the feeling of personal security that was once prevalent in American society.

Donald Trump is considered a success story which has been giving ordinary Americans a confidence that no other candidate can give. That is how many Americans feel. That observation when calculated into votes is or can be an electoral majority. There is no right or wrong in Democracy. Democracy is a numbers game. Condemning and/or criticizing the feelings of large numbers of people is anti-democratic. 

As an Israeli with American citizenship, of course I'm concerned about the winner's active policies towards Israel. But at this point there is still almost a year and a half until the next American President whoever he/she will be takes office. So, I'll just watch the show...

Very Enthusiastic Arabs in Sha'ar Binyamin

The other night at work I noticed an Arab family, parents and daughter taking lots of pictures when entering Rami Levy. By the time I got my camera ready, they were finishing, so I only got one blurred shot.

Later on they came into the shoe store where I was working and got so friendly, even took more photos. I'm probably in some of them. They seemed so happy to be there in Yafiz and Rami Levy, Sha'ar Binyamin. I honestly couldn't figure out why. They aren't the first Arabs I've seen taking selfies and photos of their family/group/friends in the stores and shopping center. But I've never seen such enthusiasm.

Any guesses?

Electrical not Terrorist, Another Duma Fire

Authorities  in the P.A. Palestinian Authority  have admitted after investigation that the latest fire in the Duma village home of  the  Dawabsha clan was electrical .

(JNi.media) Palestinian Authority media reported that late Sunday night a fire broke out in a house belonging to a member of the Dawabsha family in the village of Duma, not far from Ramallah. According to early reports, some family members were injured in the fire, but later reports said there were no injuries. Also, early Arab reports blamed the fire on Jewish settlers, but after a while the head of the Duma village council, Abdul Salam Dawabsha, announced the fire started due to a malfunctioning electric system.
However, local residents told NRG that they found a Molotov cocktail inside the burnt Dawabsha house, and suggested the house—located at the center of the village, just like the other two Dawabsha burnt houses were—had been set on fire as the result of an internal conflict. The same locals noted that, contrary to the previous fire, this house was left without Hebrew graffiti smeared on the walls.
In another interesting development, 0404.co.il reports that a third Dawabsha house in Duma had a fire in February of this year, and a Dawabshe family car was also burnt in June.
This raises the question, posed so far only by “extremist” Jews, as to whether the previous arson, where a baby and later his father—of the same Dawabsha clan—were killed, may also have been the result of internal fighting. (Jewish Press)

results of an earlier fire photo credit:TOVAH LAZAROFF

It makes one wonder about the first fire that caused the deaths of a father and son.

Inspections after the fires showed that there was a lot of flammable material in their homes, including Molotov cocktails, and the clan is known for its funding. So, there's a pretty good chance that the fatal fire was a set-up made to give the impression that it was set by Jews. Also, the family compound is in the middle of the village.

Will we ever know the truth?

MDA Draws Blood at Elav Missionary Conference in Jerusalem

Posted by JewishIsrael.com

MDA Draws Blood at Elav Missionary Conference in Jerusalem

Last month JewishIsrael posted a community update on the Elav missionary conference and concert which took place this year at Jerusalem’s First Station. Sponsored by the Succat Hallel ministry, the annual event openly calls for "a Jesus revolution in Israel" and for Jewish, Arab and Christian Israeli youth to surrender their lives to christ.

JewishIsrael found it disturbing that a Jerusalem Municipality property such as the First Station would lend their facilities to a concert which targets Israeli youth with an overtly conversionary agenda. However, we should all be especially taken aback to see Magen David Adom (MDA) actively partnering in a blood drive in conjunction with this messianic Christian event.

JewishIsrael went to Jerusalem's First Station to get an onsite report...more

Looks Like Ehud Barak is Campaigning Again

When Ehud Barak had his chance as Prime Minister of Israel the country suffered, and he was quickly booted out by the Likud and Binyamin Netanyahu who has been in office ever since. Gd willing he won't get another chance at the helm.

Ehud Barak's Iran bombshell could shake up Israeli politics

Of course to be Prime Minister he'd have to be chosen to head a political party, and I don't know if Herzog would hand Labor over to him without a good fight. Certainly Kahalon and Lapid wouldn't.

What do you think?

Matisyahu's Very Public Spiritual Journey

Matisyahu performing on stage at Rototom
Sunsplash Festival in Benicassim, eastern Spain [EPA]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that most readers here have heard of the Jewish performer, rapper reggae singer Matisyahu, who though raised in an ordinary (not Torah observant) American Jewish home found religion, became Orthodox, more specifically Chabad Chassidic, then in the full uniform  of beard, hat, coat etc became a hit reggae performer. Then he began having some spiritual doubts and shaved off the beard, took off the kippa, coat and all.

As a visibly Torah observant performer who wrote and performed Jewish themed songs, reggae style, he was in a category all his own. Nowadays it has been more difficult for him to keep up a following. But the BDS lobbyists gave Matisyahu a great gift by putting pressure on the Spanish Sunsplash Festival to ban him after he was scheduled to perform. In short, he was banned, and then after great international pressure, his invitation was reinstated, and he performed there Saturday night.

Pro-Palestinian groups during Matisyahu performance [EPA]

And he didn't sing about the weather. Facing antagonistic anti-Israel flags and signs promoting Arab Palestine sic, Matisyahu sang a song about Jerusalem, and this performance and all that led up to it will certainly be good for his career.

Jerusalem, if I forget you,
fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand forget what it’s supposed to do.
In the ancient days, we will return with no delay
Picking up the bounty and the spoils on our way
We’ve been traveling from state to state
And them don’t understand what they say
3,000 years with no place to be
And they want me to give up my milk and honey
Don’t you see, it’s not about the land or the sea
Not the country but the dwelling of his majesty
[chorus]
Rebuild the temple and the crown of glory
Years gone by, about sixty
Burn in the oven in this century
And the gas tried to choke, but it couldn’t choke me
I will not lie down, I will not fall asleep
They come overseas, yes they’re trying to be free
Erase the demons out of our memory
Change your name and your identity
Afraid of the truth and our dark history
Why is everybody always chasing we
Cut off the roots of your family tree
Don’t you know that’s not the way to be
[chorus]
Caught up in these ways, and the worlds gone craze
Don’t you know it’s just a phase
Case of the Simon says
If I forget the truth then my words won’t penetrate
Babylon burning in the place, can’t see through the haze
Chop down all of them dirty ways,
That’s the price that you pay for selling lies to the youth
No way, not ok, oh no way, not ok, hey
Aint no one gonna break my stride
Aint no one gonna pull me down
Oh no, I got to keep on moving
Stay alive (PJ Media) 

We all know the well known saying:

"I don't care what you say about me, as long as you say something about me, and as long as you spell my name right."  George M Cohan quotes

Matisyahu stood up to this challenge, and now that he's targeted, in the sights of the BDS no doubt they won't let up against him.

I don't know if that was the song that Matisyahu had previously planned on performing there, but it really was the perfect response to the antisemitic and anti-Israel campaign against him. Whether he likes it or not, with or without the beard and tzitziyot, he's still a symbol of Judaism and Israel for many. And I have no doubt that his spiritual journey is far from over.

Is Trump Going to Triumph?

Could this next United States Presidential Elections be the big chance for the Republican Party?

The Democrats have two "frontrunners" who don't really have a chance to win nationally, scandal-plagued and 1980's throwback Hillary Clinton and extreme Leftist Bernie Sanders, who's Jewish.

Compared to those two, Donald Trump seems like an easy choice. At least that's what the polls are saying:

Trump widens lead over U.S. Republican presidential field: Reuters poll

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to supporters as he is driven away following a campaign town hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire August 19, 2015. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

It's hard to believe that anyone could really support Hillary Clinton except for the most fanatic feminist sexist who will vote for anyone born with ovaries and uterus. Not only is she a proven and consistent opportunist/carpetbagger who paid good money for an expensive home in New York to qualify to run for the Senate from there, but her ideology shows no real consistency, and now all sorts of other scandals are popping up.

More evidence, questions arise about existence of second, private Clinton email server

Hillary  never had the charm and charisma of her husband, Bill. Even those who credited her as being the behind the scenes secret of his electoral success, few would ever vote for her. In all honesty I could never understand how she got elected in New York as its senator.

Then again I also couldn't comprehend the popularity of Barack Hussein Obama.

Good luck America! Things may get even worse....

Oops! Ellul Already!! Havel Havelim-Kosher Cooking Carnival Combo

Cross-posted on A Jewish Grandmother...

We're a week into the Jewish Month of Ellul, which means that in three weeks it'll be Rosh Hashannah, and a week after that's over it's Yom Kippur and a few days after that we have the Succot Holiday which ends with Simchat Torah.

Yes, for Jews of all stripes there's lots to do and lots to think about. And for Jewish bloggers there should be lots to blog about, so please send me links to the posts, OK?

Havel Havelim is the long-running weekly international Jewish blog carnival, which had been started many years ago (by modern internet standards) by Soccer Dad, who no longer blogs. It floats from blog to blog, and we keep it organized on our facebook page. If you'd like to host one, please let us know, and it's yours! I'm always willing to help newbies. Hosting isn't hard and it's a good way to get your blog better known and know others.
The Kosher Cooking Carnival is  the monthly (in theory--appearing on or around Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Jewish Month,) blog carnival I began a number of years ago on the specific topic of kosher food. It can include posts about every aspect from Halacha, Jewish Law, to recipes, customs, kosher cookbooks and restaurants. You can also volunteer to host an edition; we also have a facebook page.
To guarantee your post's inclusion in one of the blog carnivals, please send me the link, with a short blurb describing it, to shilohmuse@gmail.com and ither HH or KCC as subject, thanks. If there will be a different host, I'll just forward it. Since Havel Havelim is weekly, please send the link before Shabbat your time, thanks. I not only include links sent to me, but I also look for others.

Remember, that you don't have to be a blogger to read, comment and share the posts on Havel Havelim or the Kosher Cooking Carnival.

Tzedek, Tzeddek, that's right!!

First are posts sent to me, then mine and last will be some I've found. Responsibility for content is that of the writer, not mine. Jewish bloggers are a heterogeneous group of people with a wide variety of opinions. If we didn't have opinions, we wouldn't have anything to blog about. If you'd like to be included or have a favorite blog you think should be in it, then don't be shy; send me a link. In the meantime, enjoy:

Yael Shahar, two very interesting posts: Book Review: The Disappearance of God by Richard Elliot Friedman, The Disappearance of God follows the gradual decrease of the divine presence in the Biblical writings—from the unquestioned guide of the Patriarchs, to the distant but still accessible voice of the Prophets, to the absent Deity of Esther. What is the meaning of this trend, and what does it portend for our day? Jewish Book Blog Carnival As we enter the month of Elul, A Damaged Mirror Blog hosts the Jewish Book Blog Carnival, a monthly event where bloggers who write about Jewish books can meet, read, and comment on each others’ posts.

Drew Kaplan,  “The Joy of Text” Features a Discussion on Speaking With One’s Children About Sex and Features Guest Dr. Joy Ladin to Discuss Changing Genders
Ben-Tzion Spitz, Lions of Judah, The Bible itself as well as subsequent Rabbinic commentators have mixed feelings regarding a monarchy. On one hand it seems to be a command that the nation of Israel should have a king. On the other hand, it seems that a monarchy may only be established if the nation desires one.
RJS, Yesterday a Nefesh B'Nefesh charter flight landed with 232 new Olim, immigrants to Israel. Of that number, 59 were young people who came to volunteer, to serve in the IDF as lone soldiers. It was so impressive that I had to share a few of those photos in Israellycool. Living the Dream. Last week I wrote about 75 Torah scrolls dedicated at the Kotel. However, I found there was more to the story. As thousands were waiting for the program to begin, over by the Kotel in the Women's Section, a small elite group was gathered. I saw them and photographed the historic moment. Torah: Bond for Eternity
This was sent by the blogger's mother who also blogs. On Food, Sociology, and Green Beans in Olive Oil And from the "older generation," DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT TIL IT’S GONE
Jacob Richman, Welcome Home to the New Olim and photos at the airport,  3 Year Jewish Holiday Calendar (5576-5778 / 2015-2018)
I was at the 4th Shiloh Conference, which was wonderful!! Don't miss next year's! Photos From the 4th Shiloh Conference כנס שילה
On Shiloh Musings, among dozens of other topics, I wrote about two revolutions happening right now. The New "American Revolution," 2015/2016 and Shabbat Revolution in Israel
Jerusalem's open air market, Machane Yehuda also has some great restaurants Fish Meal in the "Shuk."
We were in Efrat and it sure has grown. Grand Bus Tour of Efrat
And here are a few interesting blog posts and articles.

Berkeley Couple Welcomes Shabbat Guests for 25 Years
Carter To Seek Cancer Treatment In Gaza: ‘No Jewish MDs There’
Today's Mitzvot
#BlogElul 6: Know
Four Year Aliyah Anniversary
Twenty-Three Years Ago...Today
If it were my parent...
Poetry, Please; Moroccan Fish Balls
Armenian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Just when you think you miss Walmart...
ZA'ATAR BAKED SALMON
Ashdod Beer Festival -- August 19-20
After Yesterday, Cooler-Yet-Warmer News

Enjoy and comment and share the posts.

Shabbat Revolution in Israel

Ironically, just as Shabus, a private/cooperative type of bus service has begun in certain locations on Shabbat, the traditional Shabbat afternoon soccer games may be a thing of the past. Hundreds of professional soccer players are demanding Shabbat as their day of rest instead of the highlight of their work week.

...Labor Court judge Ariela Giltzer-Katz ruled that players can't be forced to play during Shabbat, a decision which could have major repercussions on Israeli soccer and sports as a whole.
Hundreds of players signed a petition demanding that matches won't be played on Shabbat and Giltzer-Katz decided that until the sides meet again in court to try and resolve the matter on September 7, National League games shouldn't be held during the Jewish day of rest. (Jerusalem Post)

When Israel was a smaller less technological country, many of the Shabbat observant would make their way to their local soccer fields on Shabbat with prepaid tickets to watch a game. In those days, not only were cellphones unheard of, but not everyone had a phone at home, and even cameras were rare. So a surprising, to the standards of today's Sabbath observers, amount of kippot could be seen in the crowds.

Beitar Jerusalem playing in the YMCA field in central King David Street

Any Jerusalem neighborhood was walking distance to the YMCA field on King David Street. And the lines between religious, non-religious and traditional were quite blurred then in ways they aren't today. Also, there was less confidence in the Bnai Akiva dati le'umi crowd about demanding rights to observe Shabbat. Army heros were then the secular kibbutznikim, not those who wore kippot and tzitziyot.

Yesterday at the 4th Shiloh Conference, Rabbi Eli Sadan, founder of the thriving mechina, Bnai David, The Military Yeshiva Academy of Israel in Eli mentioned the changes in Israeli society mentioned profound changes in Israeli society when it comes to religion and nationalism. I see the ramifications of this also in the sports fields today. Today's IDF has many more officers, male and female, who are Torah observant, and a very high percentage of its heroes alive and dead, also come from Israel's religious community.

And unlike any other time in Jewish History, it's now "in" to become religious, Torah observant, and demand one's rights to observe the Sabbath.

BDS, Based on Lies!

Last night, when I should have been sleeping I found myself watching a very disturbing television show explaining to the Israeli public what our enemy, BDS, really is. Just like Nazism and other antisemitic movements over the millennia the BDS Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is based on lies.

The campaign was started on 9 July 2005 by 171 Palestinian non-governmental organizations in support of the Palestinian cause for boycott, divestment and international sanctions against Israel. Citing a body of UN resolutions and specifically echoing the anti-apartheid campaigns against white minority rule in apartheid era South Africa,^[3] the BDS campaign called for "various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law".^[4]There is considerable debate about the scope, efficacy, and morality of the BDS movement. Critics argue that the BDS movement is antisemitic^[5][6]and promotes the delegitimization of Israel.^[7][8] Critics have also accused the movement of using threats, bribes and coercion to ensure that unwilling participants are agreeable to BDS demands.^[9] [10] BDS supporters argue that both the movement (and criticism of the movement) are similar to the earlier boycotts of South Africa during its apartheid era,^[11][12][13] a comparison that the critics categorically reject on the grounds of dissimilarity of the regimes.^[14] (Wikipedia)

Their basic premise is that the Jewish People have no historic rights to be in the HolyLand and that we have no connection to this Land. From there they go on to lying about life here and how the Arabs are treated.

Of course they base their general ideology on what they call their superior morality. The fact that their logo includes the word "equality," they certainly don't promote equality when it comes to Jews. Forget about equal rights; we have no right, nor respect. The supporters of the BDS encourage Arab terrorism, too. They promote the boycott of business that davka hire/employ Arabs if owned by Jews. Now, what's just about that?

They've coated their rabid antisemitism with pseudo-liberal terminology, but they are as honest and fair as Orwell's Big Brother.

Listen to Fred Taub of Boycott Watch:

Death Penalty for Arab Terrorists!

Arab terrorists should not be tried as criminals. No family should have to put up with what Eliezer and Sarah Rosenfeld have been forced to suffer.

No IDF soldier should be put in the position of having to decide between a trial and death.

• Arab rock throwers aim to kill, and that puts the victim in a position, legally and morally, of self-defense. 
• Arabs who run over Jews at bus stops or on any sidewalk or side of road are aiming to murder, so killing them is self-defense. 
• Arabs who shoot Jews are aiming to murder, so killing them is self-defense. 

It's perfectly obvious and clear that these Arab terrorists are not ordinary criminals. They should not have their day in court. There is no moral or legal reason to give them a chance to defend themselves. Arab terrorists must be executed, and that's it!!

Yehuda Shoham, HaY"D, murdered by Arab terrorists who stoned the car he was traveling in.

Malachi Rosenfeld, HaY"D, murdered by Arab terrorists who shot at the car he was traveling in.

Chaye Zisel Braun, HaY"D, murdered by Arab terrorist who intentionally ran over her and others who had been innocently standing on the sidewalk.

Antisemitism = Crime Against Humanity

Shades of the 1930's, it's so "in" to be antisemitic, though they never call it that. The BDS movement and all the support for a Palestinian sic State and the continued imprisonment of Jonathan Pollard are blatant proof that there's a different law for Jews than for anybody else.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Just the other day, the American Jewish rapper, who goes by his Jewish name, Matisyahu, found himself thrown out of a music festival because he wouldn't sign their anti-Israel manifesto.

The American reggae rapper (who was Orthodox Jewish when he rose to fame) was removed from the lineup for Rototom Sunsplash near Valencia, Spain, after he declined to confirm or deny his position on the creation of an independent Palestinian state. According to the rapper, the festival was being pressured by the BDS movement -- which has called for various boycotts against Israel -- to "stat[e] my positions on Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to pacify the BDS people." Matisyahu's now-axed concert was set for Saturday, Aug. 22. (Yahoo!)

All sorts of performers think because they can carry a tune or can convincingly recite lines not their own aka "act," consider themselves experts in history, politics and morality. And they all think themselves more moral than Jews like myself.

The irony of this last minute cancellation, and I certainly hope that Matisyahu succeeds in suing them into bankruptcy, is that the music festival is in Spain. Spain has one of the most notorious records in antisemitic acts on par with Nazi Germany. I trust that you've heard of the Inquisition. For centuries the Spanish Catholic Church forced Jews to convert or face death. And then they kept records of the converted to continue discriminating against them.

All the murderous acts of the arab terrorists here are justified by their promotion of "Palestine," which makes them among the most evil groups in the modern world. Those BDS supporters support terrorism showing them to be immoral hypocrites.

Let Arab Terrorists Commit Suicide!

Especially considering that there's an international trend supporting people's rights to commit suicide, I don't see any moral reason that the State of Israel should forcefully provide medical care to convicted Arab terrorists who want to die.

Israeli doctors say Palestinian hunger striker's life still in dangerDoctors at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon said on Sunday that they are working to save the life of Muhammad Allan, the Islamic Jihad operative who has declared a hunger strike that is now in its third month.
Allan, in the 63rd day of a hunger strike in protest of his being held in administrative detention without trial, lost consciousness on Friday morning and has been in danger of dying ever since. (Jerusalem Post)

Palestinian protesters hold a placard depicting hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Mohammed Allan, during a demonstration calling for his release following Friday prayers in Jerusalem's Old City August 14, 2015.

REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD

In all honesty, I'm a firm believer in the death penalty for any Arab terrorist who attempts murdering Jews, even if he/she's unsuccessful at it. We certainly should not give him/her a second/third/fourth whatever chance to kill.

According to Israeli Law, Nazis can be executed, and the only one to have actually been sentenced to death was Adolf Eichmann. I don't see any real difference between the Nazi ideology and that of the Arab terrorists. And Eichmann, if I'm not mistaken was not an actual killer.

Otto Adolf Eichmann (pronounced [ˈɔto ˈaːdɔlf ˈaɪ̯çman]; 19 March 1906 – 1 June 1962) was a German Nazi SS-Obersturmbannführer (lieutenant colonel) and one of the major organisers of the Holocaust. Eichmann was charged by SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich with facilitating and managing the logistics of mass deportation of Jews to ghettos and extermination camps in German-occupied Eastern Europe during World War II. (Wikipedia)

The significance of that is to give judicial weight to the arrest, imprisonment and execution of the higher echelons of Hamas and Fatah who encourage, support and reward Arab terrorism.

Yes, that may even include Obama's good buddy Mahmoud Abbas.

It's time for Israel to stop trying to please the world and do what is really right. None of the placating of Arab terrorists and their supporters have raised our international support, because the world doesn't really care about right and wrong, nor Israeli security or survival.

We can't rely on anyone other than ourselves and Gd Almighty.

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