The good news is that the New York Times published what I told Ben Hubbard, the AP reporter, and the bad news is that they also published the lies the Arab said. I guess that's what's called "even-handed."
Hubbard inaccurately described Shiloh as being "surrounded by security roads lined with surveillance cameras, concertina wire and guard dogs." Contrary to IDF demands, we're not fenced in, and the Arab villages for sure aren't. There are some dogs, but we're not surrounded.
There are a few simple non-ideological factual errors in Hubbard's article, like the Jewish return to Shiloh was in January 1978 and not as written. And, although, my parents are from Great Neck, my husband isn't. He's from Queens, NY, where we lived between our wedding and aliyah in 1970.
Now when my father and I pass the park where the interview took place, and he says, "That's where that New York Times reporter interviewed you. Did the article come out yet?" I can now answer in the affirmative.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ehud Barak's Altalena
Before I get into this post, I wish to take the opportunity to remind any surviving Altalena attackers and supporters of that attack that they ought to do a serious חשבון נפש "cheshbon nefesh," accounting of the soul, their deeds. There is nothing worse than acts of Jews against Jews, and no fancy liberal-sounding terminology can excuse it. The Leftists love throwing that burden on us proud patriotic Right wing Israelis and Jews, but history and current events show that they are the guilty ones, not us.
Menachem Begin and Irgun and Revisionist followers raised money and bought weapons to use to free the Old City of Jerusalem from Arab rule during Israel's War of Independence. The armaments and volunteers traveled/were shipped to Israel on the Altalena. Begin's representatives negotiated with David Ben-Gurion as to how to divide the weapons between the various Jewish fighting units and where to land the ship.
Totally unknown by Begin, Ben-Gurion had other plans. Ben-Gurion believed that once the public knew that it was due to Begin's contribution that Jerusalem, including the Kotel, western wall, would be guaranteed Jewish, they would support Begin over Ben-Gurion. To prevent loss of power, Ben-Gurion decided to trick Begin and attack him and the Altalena.
Menachem Begin survived the attack, and the Old Walled City of Jerusalem was captured by the Arabs. Only during the Six Days War, nineteen years later, was it liberated and returned to Jewish rule.
David Ben-Gurion preferred political power over Jewish rule of our HolyLand, including our historical and religious capital, Jerusalem.
Ehud Barak is following in Ben-Gurion's footsteps by attacking the hesder yeshivot like the one in Har Bracha. It is a well-known fact that in today's IDF Israel Defense Forces, the most motivated soldiers are the national religious, like those who participate via the hesder framework. Barak's policies will only weaken the Israeli army. Apparently, he, too, like Ben-Gurion, prefers personal power over Israeli victory. He wants soldiers who obey his orders, not intelligent thinking Jews.
Many of the military mistakes which caused the death of our soldiers during the "second Lebanese War" were due to the changes Barak, himself as Ramat Kal COS, had made in the army. Barak initiated the dependence on technology rather than human reconnaissance. Unfortunately things look different on a screen than in real life. My son's unit was saved, because his officer refused the instructions from "higher up" and didn't stay where they had been ordered. A different unit followed orders and many were killed and injured, because the place wasn't safe.
Ehud Barak's attempts to fill the army with technology-dependent yes-men is bad for Israel's security and survival.
Menachem Begin and Irgun and Revisionist followers raised money and bought weapons to use to free the Old City of Jerusalem from Arab rule during Israel's War of Independence. The armaments and volunteers traveled/were shipped to Israel on the Altalena. Begin's representatives negotiated with David Ben-Gurion as to how to divide the weapons between the various Jewish fighting units and where to land the ship.
Totally unknown by Begin, Ben-Gurion had other plans. Ben-Gurion believed that once the public knew that it was due to Begin's contribution that Jerusalem, including the Kotel, western wall, would be guaranteed Jewish, they would support Begin over Ben-Gurion. To prevent loss of power, Ben-Gurion decided to trick Begin and attack him and the Altalena.
Menachem Begin survived the attack, and the Old Walled City of Jerusalem was captured by the Arabs. Only during the Six Days War, nineteen years later, was it liberated and returned to Jewish rule.
David Ben-Gurion preferred political power over Jewish rule of our HolyLand, including our historical and religious capital, Jerusalem.
Ehud Barak is following in Ben-Gurion's footsteps by attacking the hesder yeshivot like the one in Har Bracha. It is a well-known fact that in today's IDF Israel Defense Forces, the most motivated soldiers are the national religious, like those who participate via the hesder framework. Barak's policies will only weaken the Israeli army. Apparently, he, too, like Ben-Gurion, prefers personal power over Israeli victory. He wants soldiers who obey his orders, not intelligent thinking Jews.
Many of the military mistakes which caused the death of our soldiers during the "second Lebanese War" were due to the changes Barak, himself as Ramat Kal COS, had made in the army. Barak initiated the dependence on technology rather than human reconnaissance. Unfortunately things look different on a screen than in real life. My son's unit was saved, because his officer refused the instructions from "higher up" and didn't stay where they had been ordered. A different unit followed orders and many were killed and injured, because the place wasn't safe.
Ehud Barak's attempts to fill the army with technology-dependent yes-men is bad for Israel's security and survival.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
How Can A "Rabbi For Human Rights" Confront A Jewish Farmer Protecting His Land?
"Perverse" is the cleanest word I can think of to describe that self-proclaimed rabbi for human rights involved in the attack on my neighbors, the Jewish farmers in Shiloh this morning.
It's obvious that Eric Ascherman's group isn't interested in human rights or they wouldn't be stealing from and destroying Jewish farms.
Ya'akov Sharvit and Moshe Moshkowitz, whose property was destroyed by Eric Ascherman and his Arab followers, are veteran farmers in Shiloh. They have raised fruit and flowers for export. They have been cultivating the Land here in Shiloh for decades.
Every week Ya'akov delivers pomegranate juice for my father. Ya'akov, who had to be hospitalized after the attack, is a cancer survivor. No doubt, G-d willing, he'll find the strength to survive this, too.
And no doubt that Eric Ascherman is a dangerous Jew-hating hypocrite. Any Jew who accompanies Arabs to attack Jews and their property is no rabbi. They should all be jailed. That's what the Israeli Government does to Jews who do less. Let Ascherman and crew pay for their crimes.
It's obvious that Eric Ascherman's group isn't interested in human rights or they wouldn't be stealing from and destroying Jewish farms.
Ya'akov Sharvit and Moshe Moshkowitz, whose property was destroyed by Eric Ascherman and his Arab followers, are veteran farmers in Shiloh. They have raised fruit and flowers for export. They have been cultivating the Land here in Shiloh for decades.
Every week Ya'akov delivers pomegranate juice for my father. Ya'akov, who had to be hospitalized after the attack, is a cancer survivor. No doubt, G-d willing, he'll find the strength to survive this, too.
And no doubt that Eric Ascherman is a dangerous Jew-hating hypocrite. Any Jew who accompanies Arabs to attack Jews and their property is no rabbi. They should all be jailed. That's what the Israeli Government does to Jews who do less. Let Ascherman and crew pay for their crimes.
Safety vs Peculiar PC Policies
South Africa, not the safest place in the world, objects to El Al's security checks. Security isn't something to play around with. Sometimes the checks aren't pleasant, but terrorism is worse.
This is related to the recent hullabaloo about the UK arrest warrant against Tsippi Livne for alleged "war crimes." It's old, even ancient news.
There's something very perverse and peculiar in what's considered 'morality" in this world. We have to think for ourselves.
It's now the fifth day of Chanukah. The battle, our victory in the history celebrated in this holiday is between those who follow Jewish Law and the Jews who followed Greek law, the Hellenists. Tsippi Livne is a modern Hellenist, and this British legal threat against her just proves that there's no safety in trying to please the goyim, our enemies.
This is related to the recent hullabaloo about the UK arrest warrant against Tsippi Livne for alleged "war crimes." It's old, even ancient news.
There's something very perverse and peculiar in what's considered 'morality" in this world. We have to think for ourselves.
It's now the fifth day of Chanukah. The battle, our victory in the history celebrated in this holiday is between those who follow Jewish Law and the Jews who followed Greek law, the Hellenists. Tsippi Livne is a modern Hellenist, and this British legal threat against her just proves that there's no safety in trying to please the goyim, our enemies.
Chag Urim Sameach
May you have an enlightened Chanukah!
Jerusalem, Never Dull
Jerusalem has always been a city more enjoyable for pedestrians than drivers, but recently, even those of us who take pride in walking it find ourselves stymied by unexpected walls and barriers. Olmert's light-rail is a bit heavy on the feet.
As the saying goes:
Some of the architecture is rather surprising, and sometimes incongruous, compared to its neighbors. At least this Jaffa Street building isn't in a windy location.
At first I didn't follow what was happening here, as I crossed from Binyanei Ha'uma to the Central Bus Station. Then I listened. The man was an archaeologist digging for "buried treasure." He was explaining to the interested passersby about what had been discovered.
As the saying goes:
Only in Jerusalem!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
President sic Abbas: "World Must Recognize 1967 Borders Reference for Negotiations." So, nu, if that's the case, what's the point of negotiations?
Hat tip IMRA
As I've blogged previously, I've been watching a series of old World War Two newsreels and documentaries on the same subject with my father. It's outrageous, unbelievable and frightening to think of how totally and tragically incompetent and unrealistic the American military and politicians were until they were attacked. Even when the masses of Japanese planes were spotted flying to Hawaii, the "experts" ordered the observers to "disregard." Just like Yom Kippur 1973!
There are times one shouldn't obey orders!
And even though Hitler kept repeating that Germany is going to take over the world, Europe kept negotiating "peace in our time."
President sic Abbas: "World Must Recognize 1967 Borders Reference for Negotiations." Is anyone in the Israeli Government, Military etc listening to him?
We can't keep relying on miracles.
As I've blogged previously, I've been watching a series of old World War Two newsreels and documentaries on the same subject with my father. It's outrageous, unbelievable and frightening to think of how totally and tragically incompetent and unrealistic the American military and politicians were until they were attacked. Even when the masses of Japanese planes were spotted flying to Hawaii, the "experts" ordered the observers to "disregard." Just like Yom Kippur 1973!
There are times one shouldn't obey orders!
And even though Hitler kept repeating that Germany is going to take over the world, Europe kept negotiating "peace in our time."
President sic Abbas: "World Must Recognize 1967 Borders Reference for Negotiations." Is anyone in the Israeli Government, Military etc listening to him?
We can't keep relying on miracles.
Chag Urim Sameach
Have an Enlightened Chanukah
Unity Test
We're constantly being tested by both man and G-d. This latest attack by the Israeli Government, led by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, against Hesder Yeshivot is just another round. G-d keeps giving us extra chances, and we haven't a clue as to when He'll say:
The building freeze is a test.
We're being challenged every day to prove that we understand that we are One People. Remember that our Holy Temples were destroyed and we were exiled, because of sinat chinam, needless hatred between fellow Jews. We won't be redeemed until we unite!
Please add your list of tests in the comments, thanks.
"Enough, you've failed!"That ridiculous farcial security wall is a test.
The building freeze is a test.
We're being challenged every day to prove that we understand that we are One People. Remember that our Holy Temples were destroyed and we were exiled, because of sinat chinam, needless hatred between fellow Jews. We won't be redeemed until we unite!
Please add your list of tests in the comments, thanks.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Call for Boycott!
Neighbors went furniture shopping, looking for the best buy and finally found exactly what they wanted at a price much less than all other other stores. Great you think. Yes, that's what they thought, too, until it was time to put in the order.
As soon as the clerk heard where they live, he cancelled the order:
This is no rumor, and these neighbors are Hebrew speakers, intelligent, not crackpots in any sense.
So, if they want a boycott, give them a boycott and don't buy from רהיטי דורון Rihutei Doron, the Doron Furniture chain.
As soon as the clerk heard where they live, he cancelled the order:
"We don't sell to Jews in the shtachim (territories.)"
"You don't have to deliver. We'll take care of that, assembly, too."
"No, you don't understand. We're boycotting you. We don't want your money, nor your business."
This is no rumor, and these neighbors are Hebrew speakers, intelligent, not crackpots in any sense.
So, if they want a boycott, give them a boycott and don't buy from רהיטי דורון Rihutei Doron, the Doron Furniture chain.
Don't Forget To Help Those Who Help Others
Honenu
A request and proposalShalom and greetings.
We turn to you with this request and proposal to partner with us in a great mitzvah that we are privileged to deal and struggle with on a day-to-day basis.
In a nutshell, our organization – Honenu – provides a backbone of legal and financial support for those whose great self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause of the Nation of Israel in the Land of Israel have landed them in legal trouble with the authorities.
Honenu comes to the aid of many soldiers and citizens who find themselves in deep financial and legal difficulties, as a direct result of their often heroic actions on behalf of Eretz Yisrael.
These people gave of themselves totally for the benefit of the entire nation - yet end up having to pay a very dear personal price.
Examples include people who are prosecuted for firing in self-defense, Jewish prisoners incarcerated for years beyond proportion in comparison to the sentences Arab terrorists receive, demonstrators against the Gush Katif expulsion, those arrested while attempting to defend outposts from being destroyed, and the like. They often find themselves barred from their homes, their weapons confiscated, and/or in prison - and all while facing tremendous legal expenses.
Throughout the Land, and especially in Judea and Samaria, a one-sided war has been going on routinely for years: terrorists against Jewish residents. Many Jewish soldiers and citizens find themselves in perpetual mortal danger – yet precisely when they manage to fight back and save themselves or others, they face a new danger: arrests, confiscation of weapons, court cases, heavy financial expenses, and the danger of jail time.
In addition, as you likely know, over the past months – and likely over the coming months as well – the government, under heavy-handed pressure from Obama, has been expelling Jewish families from their homes in "outposts" – Jewish start-up neighborhoods in Judea and Samaria. These expulsions and attempted expulsions exact a heavy price, in terms of the need to help those residents who don't quite get up politely and leave when told to.
Honenu also stands by and aids those who come to support these settlement pioneers in their/our just struggle.
Over the past eight years, Honenu has helped some 15,000 Jews who have faced these difficult situations. Our budget now stands at more than 100,000 shekels – over $27,000 – each month!
The money that we spend on this holy mission stems only from contributions. It is used in the following ways:
1. A telephone hot-line manned 24 hours a day, receiving reports and dispatching legal advice and counsel in real-time. This "first aid" is our main expense and our main investment, as it is the most crucial stage in determining the future of the person being accused. If we succeed in this stage, we can often avoid a trial or prison sentence altogether.
2. Alongside the above, our department for "first aid to arrestees" includes communications networks, a car, staff members who stand on alert night and day – and of course lawyers who provide counsel and representation. At present, Honenu accompanies over 1,000 such arrestees a year.
3. Our "critical cases" department helps those who have been indicted and are actually on trial.
4. We administer public, legal and economic aid to the families of those who are already in prison. We act as a lobby in the Knesset and government to promote the interests of these prisoners, many of whom receive much worse conditions than other prisoners. Our main goal is to secure their release, especially as they watch Arab terrorists leave prison by the hundreds, while they are forced to remain.
5. We provide help and aid to soldiers facing trial because of their anti-terror activities - soldiers who would otherwise have to defend themselves alone, without support, against the army and legal establishments.
We work with some of the country's best lawyers, but we pay them according to rates that we set – such that these lawyers essentially work for us on a semi-volunteer basis. Despite this, the costs are tremendous…
Honenu is recognized as a public charity association for tax-deduction purposes in both Israel and the United States. You can donate to us in either of the following ways:
HonenuYour contribution is only US tax-deductible by sending your donation to the address above (Tax ID: 30-0198003)
P.O. Box 150296
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
USA
Tel: 718-441-7300
Fax: 718-849-8423
Contributions are recognized by the IRS
2. By credit card over the phone, 24 hours a day (or leave a message). Israel phone number 02-960-5558. From abroad, call 972-2-960-5558.
You can watch us in action on a 10-minute video clip; it is very recommended, English or Hebrew. True, it is five years old, but the general situation has not changed and is just as relevant as ever. Just click here but please refer back to this e-mail for donation information.
Now, more than ever, your support for this critical cause is so very important. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Shmuel Zangy Meidad* and the Honenu team
*no relation, but I'm proud to share the name, Batya
Typically Delusional Left
I was doing my usual morning computer "stuff" with last night's IBA newscast in the background, when I heard one of those typical loony-Left fact-less myths about "settlers going back to Tel Aviv..."
I "rewound" the newscast to see who this so-called "expert" sic is. I had just heard Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a professor of Arabic. He may know Arabic, its grammar and literature, but he doesn't know bupkes about me and my neighbors.
The IBA had called him in to speak about the burning of a mosque. No surprise that he turned his time with the mic into an anti-settler tirade.
Kedar and his ilk refuse to see that Jews have been living in Judea and Samaria and other Land liberated as a result of the 1967 Six Days War, for well over thirty years, forty years when you include the Golan, Jordan Valley, Gush Etzion and Hebron region. A large percentage of our Jewish population, an entire generation only know life in these parts of the Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. There is no "going back."
Typical of the Left, Kedar is ignoring facts which contradict his philosophy. That reminds me of something MK Dr. Arieh Eldad, MD, has said:
Many of the parents of today's students in YESHA schools grew up in the yishuvim, villages, communities. There are many three and even four generation clans here. The Land of Israel isn't just our HomeLand in theory, it's our home and only home. There is something dangerously myopic in the views of people like Kedar.
I "rewound" the newscast to see who this so-called "expert" sic is. I had just heard Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a professor of Arabic. He may know Arabic, its grammar and literature, but he doesn't know bupkes about me and my neighbors.
The IBA had called him in to speak about the burning of a mosque. No surprise that he turned his time with the mic into an anti-settler tirade.
Kedar and his ilk refuse to see that Jews have been living in Judea and Samaria and other Land liberated as a result of the 1967 Six Days War, for well over thirty years, forty years when you include the Golan, Jordan Valley, Gush Etzion and Hebron region. A large percentage of our Jewish population, an entire generation only know life in these parts of the Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. There is no "going back."
Typical of the Left, Kedar is ignoring facts which contradict his philosophy. That reminds me of something MK Dr. Arieh Eldad, MD, has said:
"Israel's Right wing is full of scientists. The Leftists are philosophers."
Many of the parents of today's students in YESHA schools grew up in the yishuvim, villages, communities. There are many three and even four generation clans here. The Land of Israel isn't just our HomeLand in theory, it's our home and only home. There is something dangerously myopic in the views of people like Kedar.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Chanukah Activities and Rosh Chodesh Tevet at Tel Shiloh!
Run to Tel Shiloh for Chanukah!
Sunday and Monday Chanukah, December 13-14, there will be activities for the entire family, tours, workshops etc from 10am until 3pm. For further information call 02-994-4019 or email telshilo@gmail.com
Please invite your friends!
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