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1. Next Arab Facebook Campaign: Get Millions to Invade Israel
by Chana Ya'ar
Palestinian Authority activists have recreated the Third Intifada page that was banned by Facebook on Tuesday in response to thousands of member requests.
An Israeli Cabinet minister, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a massive Internet campaign were only some of the measures used to pressure the popular social networking site into removing the page, which promoted violence against Jews in Israel.
But the story doesn't end there, because angry Palestinian Authority sponsors of the page ensured the fight would continue.
A Muslim page similarly entitled "Subscribe now to the Palestinian Intifada," on its logo but which is innocuously entitled "Make the Prophet Number One on Facebook" on the heading is listed under Non-profit Organizations.
Easily the largest and most popular Muslim page on Facebook, it espouses peace and offers myriad beneficent comments about Allah and Islam's founder, the Prophet Muhammed. But the Rassoul Allaah page also directs readers to directs readers to a wealth of links to other pages promoting the Third Intifada and a massive attempt to carry out the destruction of the State of Israel.
By Wednesday afternoon, the page had garnered more than three million -- 3,293,252 -- votes of support from Facebook members around the world.
Organizers have summoned millions of Arabs from across the Middle East to march into Israel and forcibly attempt to implement a de facto “Right of Return,” the Arab euphenism for the mass immigration of several million Arabs.
The date for this march has been set for May 15 – the anniversary of what the Arabs refer to as the “Nakba” or “Tragedy“ -- the date of the establishment of the State of Israel.
Although some of the pages promoting this campaign have warned its readers to maintain a peaceful demeanor, others do not bother with such niceties.
At least one is a complete re-creation of the original Third Palestinian Intifada page that was removed.
Third Palestinian Uprising – Persian Gulf
Within 24 hours, organizers created the same page under a new name: Third Palestinian uprising – the Persian Gulf answer join our mosque.
The page, written entirely in Arabic and listed under the Political Party category, was created at approximately 11:00 a.m. Jerusalem time.
“This page has been created after the Facebook page was closed after the uprising, the number of logged-in page to 350,000, at the request of Israel. Accordingly we set up a number of pages to spread news of the uprising. All pages have been created to spread news of the uprising in case the main page is closed once again...”
Under “Likes and Interests” on the page, organizers wrote, “One billion Muslims for the destruction of Israel. Billion Muslim to Exterminate Israel, a campaign one million pro-Aqsa Mosque, a campaign to write the date of the third Palestinian Intifada on the Egyptian currency... the historic march toward Palestine, 15.05.2011 – I am the first volunteer in the United Arab army in the event of a declaration of war on Israel and 5 more...”
Posted on the page are various messages, including the notice by the “Million campaign to advocate for the al Aqsa Mosque,” which tells readers, “Save al-Aqsa mosque from injustice, and aggression is our goal.”
Arab Revolt for Liberation of Palestine
Another notice was posted by the Arab Revolt for the Liberation of Palestine (listed under “Cause”).
It announced its “primary goal is to liberate our land, Arab Filistine (Palestine -ed.) and the defeat of the occupation in every inch of the land of Palestine, pure and simple. We call upon the Arab masses...
“This day will be a dawn of freedom for the liberated Arab peoples. Free Palestine and we will be released...” This page alone has garnered 27,379 “Likes.”
A number of other pages, all posted in Arabic, have also been created on the popular social networking site.
Two pages, Maseera 2011 and Palatora, are non-violent but nevertheless threatening to the Jewish State, supporting the call for a mass invasion by millions of Arabs. By noon Wednesday, Maseera 2011 had garnered 7,209 “Likes.”
Maseera 2011
Written in Arabic, a statement on the page announced, “Our goal is to carry out the march of the Right of Return in both word and deed to Palestine on May 15 2011 from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in order to penetrate the borders of Palestine and return to the homeland and validate the right of return in word and deed,” proclaims a statement on the page.
“This step is the first towards achievement of Resolution 194, to be followed by other steps such as recognition of the rights of returnees and compensation...
“If you are a refugee who wants to return, or you support the right of refugees to return, we hope that you publish this page everywhere on the Internet, in Facebook, Twitter, forums, email groups and all possible locations,” organizers wrote. “Copy our link and put it in your profile and publish it on all the pictures and videos and pages and everywhere... 63 years; it is time to return.”
Revolution for Palestinian Refugees - Palatora
The Revolution for Palestinian Refugees page – Palatora – is categorized under Media/News/Publishing and by Wednesday late morning had collected 5,805 “Likes.”
Organizers describe themselves as “sons of exiles” and vow to carry out a “March of Return” on May 15 to “restore our right to our land... we will not be denied and will not go back to where we were at all costs of blood or money, nor with a white flag. We will be flying the flag of Palestine... and we will stand with our heads held high.”
Also written completely in Arabic, one posting on this page vows enthusiastically, “We will enter Palestine in the millions!”
Another reminds readers, “March 30... Earth Day – Palestinians strong in our land and win!”
March to Palestine
The March to Palestine page, listed under the category of Political Party, proclaims the slogan, “May 15 is the date to march around historic Palestine.” As of Wednesday morning, 8,080 people had expressed their support for the page.
“Ready and on standby for the Liberation of Jerusalem,” wrote Mahmoued Abd Elwahed.
“O Jerusalem, coming, coming,” wrote Ala'a Yousef.
“Allah will chastise them at your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them...” promised Ghassan M. Ka'awach, who posted in response to a photo of a PA Arab woman hurling a rock, presumably at a Jew.
One of the posts on this page is a link to a page that is aimed at Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is Jewish.
Hatred Hurled at Zuckerberg
A new page was started as soon as Facebook removed the Third Palestinian Intifada to express the disappointment and in many cases, hatred of Facebook's Arab readers at being stymied. The page, Mark Zuckerberg is the next dictator to Go, proclaims as its slogan, “Reopen the Third Palestinian Intifada Page now!”
On that page, more than a few readers have issued ultimatums and warnings of their own.
“Do not be like the Israelis criminals,” wrote Mustafa Hashem Safi. “The state of Israel was built on the blood and the skulls of the innocent Palestinian people since 1948 .. Israelis stole our land and killed out sons and drove us out of our country under duress, a fact that Israel .. And you know that your money and billions of dollars owned are not worth a drop of blood for our son Palestinian.”
“Message to staff in the Department of facebook: You have 48 hours to return the official page Third of the Palestinian uprising, or boycott the province on facebook will be Thursday, 31/03/2011” wrote one.
“...you are a moron serving the Zionists...”
“Dear Mark... you can remove the page but the third intifada has already begun. Its the awakening of the global consciousness to the crimes of the zionist entity... its BDS.. You caved in to the ADL....your a puppet...”
Taunted another, “Why did you remove the page? ARE YOU AFRAID? :)”
Marching Through the Desert 'A Thirsty Trek'
Any march from surrounding Arab countries is likely to entail a thirsty trek through kilometers of desert wasteland, one Israeli tour guide told Israel National News in an exclusive interview Wednesday afternoon, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Such a march could easily take days, if not weeks of walking in the blistering Negev sun, with complex logistics for organizing an ongoing supply of fresh water and food.
Although the Negev Bedouin are experienced and adept at living under such conditions, the region's Palestinian Authority Arabs and their foreign-born descendants are unlikely to have similar expertise, he said.
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
Palestinian Authority activists have recreated the Third Intifada page that was banned by Facebook on Tuesday in response to thousands of member requests.
An Israeli Cabinet minister, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a massive Internet campaign were only some of the measures used to pressure the popular social networking site into removing the page, which promoted violence against Jews in Israel.
But the story doesn't end there, because angry Palestinian Authority sponsors of the page ensured the fight would continue.
A Muslim page similarly entitled "Subscribe now to the Palestinian Intifada," on its logo but which is innocuously entitled "Make the Prophet Number One on Facebook" on the heading is listed under Non-profit Organizations.
Easily the largest and most popular Muslim page on Facebook, it espouses peace and offers myriad beneficent comments about Allah and Islam's founder, the Prophet Muhammed. But the Rassoul Allaah page also directs readers to directs readers to a wealth of links to other pages promoting the Third Intifada and a massive attempt to carry out the destruction of the State of Israel.
By Wednesday afternoon, the page had garnered more than three million -- 3,293,252 -- votes of support from Facebook members around the world.
Organizers have summoned millions of Arabs from across the Middle East to march into Israel and forcibly attempt to implement a de facto “Right of Return,” the Arab euphenism for the mass immigration of several million Arabs.
The date for this march has been set for May 15 – the anniversary of what the Arabs refer to as the “Nakba” or “Tragedy“ -- the date of the establishment of the State of Israel.
Although some of the pages promoting this campaign have warned its readers to maintain a peaceful demeanor, others do not bother with such niceties.
At least one is a complete re-creation of the original Third Palestinian Intifada page that was removed.
Third Palestinian Uprising – Persian Gulf
Within 24 hours, organizers created the same page under a new name: Third Palestinian uprising – the Persian Gulf answer join our mosque.
The page, written entirely in Arabic and listed under the Political Party category, was created at approximately 11:00 a.m. Jerusalem time.
“This page has been created after the Facebook page was closed after the uprising, the number of logged-in page to 350,000, at the request of Israel. Accordingly we set up a number of pages to spread news of the uprising. All pages have been created to spread news of the uprising in case the main page is closed once again...”
Under “Likes and Interests” on the page, organizers wrote, “One billion Muslims for the destruction of Israel. Billion Muslim to Exterminate Israel, a campaign one million pro-Aqsa Mosque, a campaign to write the date of the third Palestinian Intifada on the Egyptian currency... the historic march toward Palestine, 15.05.2011 – I am the first volunteer in the United Arab army in the event of a declaration of war on Israel and 5 more...”
Posted on the page are various messages, including the notice by the “Million campaign to advocate for the al Aqsa Mosque,” which tells readers, “Save al-Aqsa mosque from injustice, and aggression is our goal.”
Arab Revolt for Liberation of Palestine
Another notice was posted by the Arab Revolt for the Liberation of Palestine (listed under “Cause”).
It announced its “primary goal is to liberate our land, Arab Filistine (Palestine -ed.) and the defeat of the occupation in every inch of the land of Palestine, pure and simple. We call upon the Arab masses...
“This day will be a dawn of freedom for the liberated Arab peoples. Free Palestine and we will be released...” This page alone has garnered 27,379 “Likes.”
A number of other pages, all posted in Arabic, have also been created on the popular social networking site.
Two pages, Maseera 2011 and Palatora, are non-violent but nevertheless threatening to the Jewish State, supporting the call for a mass invasion by millions of Arabs. By noon Wednesday, Maseera 2011 had garnered 7,209 “Likes.”
Maseera 2011
Written in Arabic, a statement on the page announced, “Our goal is to carry out the march of the Right of Return in both word and deed to Palestine on May 15 2011 from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in order to penetrate the borders of Palestine and return to the homeland and validate the right of return in word and deed,” proclaims a statement on the page.
“This step is the first towards achievement of Resolution 194, to be followed by other steps such as recognition of the rights of returnees and compensation...
“If you are a refugee who wants to return, or you support the right of refugees to return, we hope that you publish this page everywhere on the Internet, in Facebook, Twitter, forums, email groups and all possible locations,” organizers wrote. “Copy our link and put it in your profile and publish it on all the pictures and videos and pages and everywhere... 63 years; it is time to return.”
Revolution for Palestinian Refugees - Palatora
The Revolution for Palestinian Refugees page – Palatora – is categorized under Media/News/Publishing and by Wednesday late morning had collected 5,805 “Likes.”
Organizers describe themselves as “sons of exiles” and vow to carry out a “March of Return” on May 15 to “restore our right to our land... we will not be denied and will not go back to where we were at all costs of blood or money, nor with a white flag. We will be flying the flag of Palestine... and we will stand with our heads held high.”
Also written completely in Arabic, one posting on this page vows enthusiastically, “We will enter Palestine in the millions!”
Another reminds readers, “March 30... Earth Day – Palestinians strong in our land and win!”
March to Palestine
The March to Palestine page, listed under the category of Political Party, proclaims the slogan, “May 15 is the date to march around historic Palestine.” As of Wednesday morning, 8,080 people had expressed their support for the page.
“Ready and on standby for the Liberation of Jerusalem,” wrote Mahmoued Abd Elwahed.
“O Jerusalem, coming, coming,” wrote Ala'a Yousef.
“Allah will chastise them at your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them...” promised Ghassan M. Ka'awach, who posted in response to a photo of a PA Arab woman hurling a rock, presumably at a Jew.
One of the posts on this page is a link to a page that is aimed at Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is Jewish.
Hatred Hurled at Zuckerberg
A new page was started as soon as Facebook removed the Third Palestinian Intifada to express the disappointment and in many cases, hatred of Facebook's Arab readers at being stymied. The page, Mark Zuckerberg is the next dictator to Go, proclaims as its slogan, “Reopen the Third Palestinian Intifada Page now!”
On that page, more than a few readers have issued ultimatums and warnings of their own.
“Do not be like the Israelis criminals,” wrote Mustafa Hashem Safi. “The state of Israel was built on the blood and the skulls of the innocent Palestinian people since 1948 .. Israelis stole our land and killed out sons and drove us out of our country under duress, a fact that Israel .. And you know that your money and billions of dollars owned are not worth a drop of blood for our son Palestinian.”
“Message to staff in the Department of facebook: You have 48 hours to return the official page Third of the Palestinian uprising, or boycott the province on facebook will be Thursday, 31/03/2011” wrote one.
“...you are a moron serving the Zionists...”
“Dear Mark... you can remove the page but the third intifada has already begun. Its the awakening of the global consciousness to the crimes of the zionist entity... its BDS.. You caved in to the ADL....your a puppet...”
Taunted another, “Why did you remove the page? ARE YOU AFRAID? :)”
Marching Through the Desert 'A Thirsty Trek'
Any march from surrounding Arab countries is likely to entail a thirsty trek through kilometers of desert wasteland, one Israeli tour guide told Israel National News in an exclusive interview Wednesday afternoon, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Such a march could easily take days, if not weeks of walking in the blistering Negev sun, with complex logistics for organizing an ongoing supply of fresh water and food.
Although the Negev Bedouin are experienced and adept at living under such conditions, the region's Palestinian Authority Arabs and their foreign-born descendants are unlikely to have similar expertise, he said.
Comment on this story
2. Violent Police Raid on Outpost, 5 Arrested
by Elad Benari
At least five people were arrested on Tuesday night during a violent police raid on the Samaria outpost of Givat Ronen (Ronen Hill).
The raid occurred just before midnight when plainclothes police detectives arrived at the outpost wanting to arrest a reserves officer who lived there.
The residents demanded that the detectives show them badges and in response, the detectives alerted Yasam (Special Patrol Unit) forces who mercilessly beat residents and entered their homes through the windows.
Givat Ronen residents told Arutz Sheva’s Hebrew site that the police detective vehicle was damaged by residents who were protesting the violence used by police during the raid. The police forces subsequently threw stun grenades, broke into houses and arrested five men. Three residents were injured during the violence.
The reason for the arrests remains unclear, but according to residents, the police used tear gas. “It looked like a battleground,” said one of them.
Last July, dozens of special Yassam and Border Guard policemen, accompanied by Civil Administration personnel, swooped down on Givat Ronen and demolished a large house as well as a goat pen and a caravan. Four Jews were injured during the violent raid, including one in serious condition.
A month ago police raided the Samaria outpost of Havat Gilad (Gilad Farm) in order to demolish an “illegal” home. The forces wounded 15 of the outpost’s residents when they used plastic bullets during the raid.
MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) responded to the violence used by police in Givat Ronen on Tuesday and said: “The police conduct in Givat Ronen is reminiscent of the days of dark regimes. [Internal Security Minister] Aharonovitch must remember that he is not Qaddafi and that any regime which exercises violent behavior towards its citizens – its days are numbered.”
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
At least five people were arrested on Tuesday night during a violent police raid on the Samaria outpost of Givat Ronen (Ronen Hill).
The raid occurred just before midnight when plainclothes police detectives arrived at the outpost wanting to arrest a reserves officer who lived there.
The residents demanded that the detectives show them badges and in response, the detectives alerted Yasam (Special Patrol Unit) forces who mercilessly beat residents and entered their homes through the windows.
Givat Ronen residents told Arutz Sheva’s Hebrew site that the police detective vehicle was damaged by residents who were protesting the violence used by police during the raid. The police forces subsequently threw stun grenades, broke into houses and arrested five men. Three residents were injured during the violence.
The reason for the arrests remains unclear, but according to residents, the police used tear gas. “It looked like a battleground,” said one of them.
Last July, dozens of special Yassam and Border Guard policemen, accompanied by Civil Administration personnel, swooped down on Givat Ronen and demolished a large house as well as a goat pen and a caravan. Four Jews were injured during the violent raid, including one in serious condition.
A month ago police raided the Samaria outpost of Havat Gilad (Gilad Farm) in order to demolish an “illegal” home. The forces wounded 15 of the outpost’s residents when they used plastic bullets during the raid.
MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) responded to the violence used by police in Givat Ronen on Tuesday and said: “The police conduct in Givat Ronen is reminiscent of the days of dark regimes. [Internal Security Minister] Aharonovitch must remember that he is not Qaddafi and that any regime which exercises violent behavior towards its citizens – its days are numbered.”
Comment on this story
3. Pre-Passover Miracle Prices: Chickens for 13 Cents a Pound
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Pre-Passover shoppers will have a chance to buy chickens and matzoh for only one shekel a kilogram – 13 cents a pound – as a supermarket chain cuts prices.
The rock-bottom prices will be offered by the Rami Levi supermarkets, according to Globes, but customers will be limited to buying two chickens, packages of matzoh as well as other products included in the one-shekel sale. The purchases are conditioned on buying other products at regular prices.
Half a kilogram (1.1 pounds) of matzoh flour, tomato juice in one-liter cans and chocolate spread will be offered next week for one shekel each, the supermarket chain said, and Globes reported that the shekel-a-chicken sale will be held for five days before the Passover holiday begins on the evening of April 18.
The Passover holiday often sparks price wars as customers stock up on kosher for Passover food and other products for pre-Passover cleaning and cooking. The holiday lasts seven days in Israel and eight days outside the country.
The chain’s principle shareholder Rami Levi has said he is not an observant Jew, but he has been active in the National Religious community. He recently saved a Jewish housing project from falling into Arab hands by buying the failing company that was about to sell out to an American Arab with Israeli origins.
He also visited the surviving members of the massacre of the Fogel family three weeks ago, stocked the shelves with food and promised to continue doing so until the youngest survivor, two years old, reaches his 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, competitors plan to cut prices also, according to Globes. Supersol, Israel’s largest supermarket chain, is selling fish at half-price and plans to meet all of its competitor’s price cuts.
It also is offering “surprise” sales, such as fruit and vegetables this week for two shekels a kilogram, or approximately 26 cents a pound.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Pre-Passover shoppers will have a chance to buy chickens and matzoh for only one shekel a kilogram – 13 cents a pound – as a supermarket chain cuts prices.
The rock-bottom prices will be offered by the Rami Levi supermarkets, according to Globes, but customers will be limited to buying two chickens, packages of matzoh as well as other products included in the one-shekel sale. The purchases are conditioned on buying other products at regular prices.
Half a kilogram (1.1 pounds) of matzoh flour, tomato juice in one-liter cans and chocolate spread will be offered next week for one shekel each, the supermarket chain said, and Globes reported that the shekel-a-chicken sale will be held for five days before the Passover holiday begins on the evening of April 18.
The Passover holiday often sparks price wars as customers stock up on kosher for Passover food and other products for pre-Passover cleaning and cooking. The holiday lasts seven days in Israel and eight days outside the country.
The chain’s principle shareholder Rami Levi has said he is not an observant Jew, but he has been active in the National Religious community. He recently saved a Jewish housing project from falling into Arab hands by buying the failing company that was about to sell out to an American Arab with Israeli origins.
He also visited the surviving members of the massacre of the Fogel family three weeks ago, stocked the shelves with food and promised to continue doing so until the youngest survivor, two years old, reaches his 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, competitors plan to cut prices also, according to Globes. Supersol, Israel’s largest supermarket chain, is selling fish at half-price and plans to meet all of its competitor’s price cuts.
It also is offering “surprise” sales, such as fruit and vegetables this week for two shekels a kilogram, or approximately 26 cents a pound.
Comment on this story
4. Air Force Kills Rocket Terrorist after Kassam Launch
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel continued its policy of ”zero tolerance” for rocket attacks Wednesday morning, killing one Gaza terrorist and seriously wounding another after their cell launched a Kassam towards the Negev. Earlier in the morning, a retaliatory operation destroyed a smuggling tunnel in southern Gaza.
The Air Force spotted the Islamic Jihad operatives on bicycles following the firing of the rocket, which apparently landed on the Gaza side of the separation/security fence. Islamic Jihad claimed that the terrorists were on their way to a mosque for early morning prayers.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made it clear earlier in the week that although Israel is not interested in escalating the battle against Gaza terror, “We will not hesitate to activate the strength of the IDF.”
Last week, the Air Force targeted rocket launchers in northern Gaza, where a long range Grad Katyusha missile was fired at Ashdod, a port city that is home to 200,000 residents. Another Grad was fired at Be’er Sheva, the “capital of the Negev,” causing extensive damage.
Following extensive IDF retaliatory attacks on Hamas and allied terrorists, Hamas said it would declare a ceasefire if Israel did not take any more military actions against them. Previous truce declarations have been broken, sometimes almost immediately.
The Islamic Jihad and five other terrorist organizations said they would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, where Hamas has been responsible for all terrorist activity since ousting the rival Fatah movement four years and establishing a de facto government.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel continued its policy of ”zero tolerance” for rocket attacks Wednesday morning, killing one Gaza terrorist and seriously wounding another after their cell launched a Kassam towards the Negev. Earlier in the morning, a retaliatory operation destroyed a smuggling tunnel in southern Gaza.
The Air Force spotted the Islamic Jihad operatives on bicycles following the firing of the rocket, which apparently landed on the Gaza side of the separation/security fence. Islamic Jihad claimed that the terrorists were on their way to a mosque for early morning prayers.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made it clear earlier in the week that although Israel is not interested in escalating the battle against Gaza terror, “We will not hesitate to activate the strength of the IDF.”
Last week, the Air Force targeted rocket launchers in northern Gaza, where a long range Grad Katyusha missile was fired at Ashdod, a port city that is home to 200,000 residents. Another Grad was fired at Be’er Sheva, the “capital of the Negev,” causing extensive damage.
Following extensive IDF retaliatory attacks on Hamas and allied terrorists, Hamas said it would declare a ceasefire if Israel did not take any more military actions against them. Previous truce declarations have been broken, sometimes almost immediately.
The Islamic Jihad and five other terrorist organizations said they would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, where Hamas has been responsible for all terrorist activity since ousting the rival Fatah movement four years and establishing a de facto government.
Comment on this story
5. BDS Movement Calls for Global Day of Action on Wednesday
by Elad Benari
The boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, an umbrella network operating worldwide to boycott Israel as part of a delegitimization campaign, has called on anti-Israeli activists around the world to hold solidarity activities with the Arab “Land Day” which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Land Day marks the anniversary of the massive Arab riots in March 1976 over the confiscation of land near Arab villages, during which six protesters were killed.
The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center reported on its website that the theme for the planned activities is “The Global BDS Day of Action,” and said that the notice was issued by the Ramallah-based BNC (BDS National Committee), which directs BDS activities around the world.
The notice calls on “people of conscience” to join the boycott of Israel, which is represented in the notice as an apartheid, colonial, occupying state which stole the lands of the Palestinians. It also calls for boycotting Israel products, trying Israelis for so-called “war crimes” and imposing cultural and academic boycotts on Israel.
The report noted that BDS activities began on March 26 and will continue until April 2. Citing the BDS movement’s website, the report notes that the activities planned include events in Britain, the United States, Sweden, and Germany.
In Britain the events focus on London and are being organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, one of the organizations working to delegitimize Israel. Activities planned include protests over the sale of Israeli products, a protest in the London Zoo and another in south London.
U.S. events focus on Washington, DC, but are also expected to be held in Seattle and at the University of Arizona, where a model of the Israeli security fence (which organizers term “the apartheid wall”) will be erected. The general theme will be a call to boycott Israeli products.
The report notes that while BDS “Land Day” solidarity events were held in previous years, this year’s notice stressed that the activities were inspired by the recent “popular uprisings” in Egypt and Tunisia. According to the notice, these uprisings manifest “courage, dignity, civility and determination” for “self determination, freedom, democracy, social justice and equality.”
An analysis by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center suggests that the primary objective in the comparison to Egypt and Tunisia is “to exploit Western sympathy for the popular uprisings in the Arab-Muslim world in order to promote the delegitimization campaign and the struggle for the ‘rights of the Palestinians.’ That is done by representing the anti-Israeli campaign as manifesting the same values of justice and freedom demonstrated by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.”
The center also notes that the BDS notice may indicate that those directing the anti-Israel campaign fear it might lose momentum because world attention is being diverted from the Israeli-PA issue to the dramatic events currently unfolding in the Middle East.
“Thus, the ‘Israeli apartheid week,’ one of whose major organizers was BDS, did not have the effect in the West its organizers were hoping for,” reads the analysis. “It is our initial impression that ‘Land Day’ events, which are still under way, have so far not been well-attended and have had only minimal media impact.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of Arab Israelis protested on Tuesday in advance of “Land Day”. The protests, under the banner, “Our martyrs and our land are in our hearts,” condemned Israel for demolishing illegally built Arab homes in Yafo and Lod.
During the Lod protest, protesters burnt pictures of Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman. Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party angered Arab MKs this week by passing a bill that would strip those who spy on Israel or assist terrorists of their citizenship.
The Land of Israel Legal Forum subsequently called on the Attorney General to investigate the matter. “These acts show extreme incitement against a minister in the Israeli government, and call to harm him in the clearest possible manner,” said Legal Forum head Attorney Nachi Eyal.
Click here for an op-ed on the BDS movement.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
The boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, an umbrella network operating worldwide to boycott Israel as part of a delegitimization campaign, has called on anti-Israeli activists around the world to hold solidarity activities with the Arab “Land Day” which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Land Day marks the anniversary of the massive Arab riots in March 1976 over the confiscation of land near Arab villages, during which six protesters were killed.
The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center reported on its website that the theme for the planned activities is “The Global BDS Day of Action,” and said that the notice was issued by the Ramallah-based BNC (BDS National Committee), which directs BDS activities around the world.
The notice calls on “people of conscience” to join the boycott of Israel, which is represented in the notice as an apartheid, colonial, occupying state which stole the lands of the Palestinians. It also calls for boycotting Israel products, trying Israelis for so-called “war crimes” and imposing cultural and academic boycotts on Israel.
The report noted that BDS activities began on March 26 and will continue until April 2. Citing the BDS movement’s website, the report notes that the activities planned include events in Britain, the United States, Sweden, and Germany.
In Britain the events focus on London and are being organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, one of the organizations working to delegitimize Israel. Activities planned include protests over the sale of Israeli products, a protest in the London Zoo and another in south London.
U.S. events focus on Washington, DC, but are also expected to be held in Seattle and at the University of Arizona, where a model of the Israeli security fence (which organizers term “the apartheid wall”) will be erected. The general theme will be a call to boycott Israeli products.
The report notes that while BDS “Land Day” solidarity events were held in previous years, this year’s notice stressed that the activities were inspired by the recent “popular uprisings” in Egypt and Tunisia. According to the notice, these uprisings manifest “courage, dignity, civility and determination” for “self determination, freedom, democracy, social justice and equality.”
An analysis by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center suggests that the primary objective in the comparison to Egypt and Tunisia is “to exploit Western sympathy for the popular uprisings in the Arab-Muslim world in order to promote the delegitimization campaign and the struggle for the ‘rights of the Palestinians.’ That is done by representing the anti-Israeli campaign as manifesting the same values of justice and freedom demonstrated by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.”
The center also notes that the BDS notice may indicate that those directing the anti-Israel campaign fear it might lose momentum because world attention is being diverted from the Israeli-PA issue to the dramatic events currently unfolding in the Middle East.
“Thus, the ‘Israeli apartheid week,’ one of whose major organizers was BDS, did not have the effect in the West its organizers were hoping for,” reads the analysis. “It is our initial impression that ‘Land Day’ events, which are still under way, have so far not been well-attended and have had only minimal media impact.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of Arab Israelis protested on Tuesday in advance of “Land Day”. The protests, under the banner, “Our martyrs and our land are in our hearts,” condemned Israel for demolishing illegally built Arab homes in Yafo and Lod.
During the Lod protest, protesters burnt pictures of Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman. Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party angered Arab MKs this week by passing a bill that would strip those who spy on Israel or assist terrorists of their citizenship.
The Land of Israel Legal Forum subsequently called on the Attorney General to investigate the matter. “These acts show extreme incitement against a minister in the Israeli government, and call to harm him in the clearest possible manner,” said Legal Forum head Attorney Nachi Eyal.
Click here for an op-ed on the BDS movement.
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6. Israel and PA Discuss Man-Made Gaza Island for Air and Seaports
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel and the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority have discussed building air and seaports on a man-made island off Gaza which would exclude Hamas, according to Israel television Channel 2. The government has not commented on the report.
The idea has been discussed for the past two months among senior officials and has won wide support, Channel 2 added. The proposed two-acre man-made island would give PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas complete control over land and sea imports and exports, while keeping Hamas-controlled Gaza out of the picture. How that control would be defended was not mentioned.
The idea of man-made islands in the Mediterranean Sea was proposed by President Shimon Peres four years ago.
“We must invest in the sea, and stretch our western border in that direction by building artificial islands,” he said at a 2007 conference.
Separate ideas proposed by other officials were to build an international airport a quarter-mile offshore from north Tel Aviv and to build between one and five islands along the central Israel coast between Bat Yam and Netanya as a way of alleviating central Israel's land shortage problem.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel and the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority have discussed building air and seaports on a man-made island off Gaza which would exclude Hamas, according to Israel television Channel 2. The government has not commented on the report.
The idea has been discussed for the past two months among senior officials and has won wide support, Channel 2 added. The proposed two-acre man-made island would give PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas complete control over land and sea imports and exports, while keeping Hamas-controlled Gaza out of the picture. How that control would be defended was not mentioned.
The idea of man-made islands in the Mediterranean Sea was proposed by President Shimon Peres four years ago.
“We must invest in the sea, and stretch our western border in that direction by building artificial islands,” he said at a 2007 conference.
Separate ideas proposed by other officials were to build an international airport a quarter-mile offshore from north Tel Aviv and to build between one and five islands along the central Israel coast between Bat Yam and Netanya as a way of alleviating central Israel's land shortage problem.
Comment on this story
7. IDF Arrests 60 Arabs for DNA Tests in Fogel Massacre Probe
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel soldiers and security forces Monday night arrested 60 more Arabs, including a deputy mayor, for DNA testing in the search for the murderers who massacred the Fogel family at Itamar two weeks ago.
The search has focused around the village of Awarta, which is located within view of Itamar. The latest arrests bring the number of Arabs questioned to approximately 100 since the brutal stabbings of Rabbi Udi and Ruth Fogel and three of their six young children, including a three-month-old baby.
Israel has imposed a gag order on the investigation, but it is known that approximately 40 Arabs still are in custody.
Awarta mayor Qayas Awad, told the Bethlehem-based Ma'an news agency, "They took samples for DNA tests and all were fingerprinted before being interrogated. Some were released, but more are being kept in custody.” One of those questioned is his deputy.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has said that he is sure Palestinian Authority Arabs were not involved in the Friday night slaughter, which most foreign media barely reported, concentrating instead on the building that Netanyahu authorized in response, while some news agencies stated that the killers were ”intruders.” None of the foreign reports referred to “terrorists,” a word usually reserved for attacks in news agencies’ native countries. The Fatah- connected El-Aksa Brigades first claimed responsibility for the barbaric muders, but withdrew the claim later on.
Another leading PA leader said that the killers were foreign workers employed by the Fogels, although Israel National News' investigation discovered that no foreign workers are or were employed in the entire community of Itamar, making this allegation patently false.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Israel soldiers and security forces Monday night arrested 60 more Arabs, including a deputy mayor, for DNA testing in the search for the murderers who massacred the Fogel family at Itamar two weeks ago.
The search has focused around the village of Awarta, which is located within view of Itamar. The latest arrests bring the number of Arabs questioned to approximately 100 since the brutal stabbings of Rabbi Udi and Ruth Fogel and three of their six young children, including a three-month-old baby.
Israel has imposed a gag order on the investigation, but it is known that approximately 40 Arabs still are in custody.
Awarta mayor Qayas Awad, told the Bethlehem-based Ma'an news agency, "They took samples for DNA tests and all were fingerprinted before being interrogated. Some were released, but more are being kept in custody.” One of those questioned is his deputy.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has said that he is sure Palestinian Authority Arabs were not involved in the Friday night slaughter, which most foreign media barely reported, concentrating instead on the building that Netanyahu authorized in response, while some news agencies stated that the killers were ”intruders.” None of the foreign reports referred to “terrorists,” a word usually reserved for attacks in news agencies’ native countries. The Fatah- connected El-Aksa Brigades first claimed responsibility for the barbaric muders, but withdrew the claim later on.
Another leading PA leader said that the killers were foreign workers employed by the Fogels, although Israel National News' investigation discovered that no foreign workers are or were employed in the entire community of Itamar, making this allegation patently false.
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8. Analysis: Obama Speech on Libya Policy Avoids Both Extremes
by Amiel Ungar
U.S. president Barack Obama was able to please conflicting audiences with his Monday night speech at the National Defense University explaining U.S. policy in Libya.
Neo-conservatives, such as William Kristol and Robert Kagan, were quick to welcome Obama as one of their own. In their responses, the two seemed to be implying that a Republican president is unnecessary if Obama is selling their policy.
Kagan called the Obama speech "Kennedy-esque" for recognizing America's special role in the world and extolling American exceptionalism and defense of universal values. Even on multilateralism, according to Kagan, such multilateral efforts could only be galvanized by American leadership and Obama appeared to realize this in his address.
Kristol welcomed the "you've come a long way, baby" Obama address as an "unapologetic, freedom-agenda-embracing" speech.
Others were happy that Obama had to reverse some of his previously enunciated positions,such as those in his 2008 campaign, when he stated in his campaign book "The Audacity of Hope" that the US needed "a well articulated strategy that the public supports and the world understands". Why was invading Iraq correct and not North Korea or Burma, then-candidate Obama asked. Now he is asked "why Libya and not Syria" by Republican presidential aspirant Tim Pawlenty.
Like any good politician, Obama strove for the center ground and portrayed his actions as the judicious avoidance of the two extremes.
One is the extreme that questions why America should intervene at all. since "there are many places in the world where innocent civilians face brutal violence."
The other extreme tends to ignore American limitations and the need to "measure our interests against the need for action."
The latter view was on display in the regime change that the US attempted in Iraq, but, said Obama, "regime change there took 8 years, thousands of American and Iraqi lives and nearly $1 trillion. That is not something we can afford to repeat in Libya." While his speech pleased the neoconservatives, Obama had to throw in that line to convince his constituency that he had not morphed into George Bush.
What Obama is trying to build is a doctrine that is not doctrinaire, one that allows America diplomatic flexibility. An immediate threat to the United States would be countered immediately, even by unilateral American action. "I've made it clear that I will never hesitate to use our military swiftly, decisively and unilaterally when necessary to defend our people, our homeland, our allies and core interests," he said.
Issues that do not fall under that heading will require favorable conditions, such as a coalition of forces that would spare the United States the necessity of carrying costs alone. Presumably it would also have to have international legitimacy such as UN sanction.
It would be unfair to Obama to swoop down on inconsistencies. Any policy approach is going to be riddled by inconsistency. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson, who characterized consistency as the hobgoblin of little minds. There will always be a trade-off between flexibility and clarity.
However, there was also sleight-of-hand in the address, in the emphasis that NATO was going to assume leadership of the operation, as if by this name change the United States would be spared the lion's share of the operation's burden.
It is very well for Obama to criticize how the regime change came about in Iraq and to avoid an extended commitment. However, he has said from the outset that Qaddafi must go. If Qadaffi remains in power or if a stalemate develops in Libya, the tyrant will be transformed into the hero who stood up to America, as Nasser was after Suez.
Obama's UN Ambassador talks of arming the insurgents. Therefore it is clear that Obama is going for regime change in Libya. If Qaddafi is ejected, who is going to run Libya? Who is going to make sure it does not turn into a failed state on the Mediterranean within a short distance of Italy? Iraq has shown that toppling a regime is the easy part while building a replacement is the harder task.
The United States has the power and the will to defend its national interests. But what does that term mean? Responding to a missile attack on Chicago is an obvious decision, but what happens if China decides to invade Taiwan?
If the United States, for example, decides that it cannot act in Iran or Syria in the same way that it acted in Libya, will it at least brand these countries as part of an axis of evil and seek their isolation? Or will it try to engage them?
Will it try to beautify the situation as Hillary Clinton did when she labeled Bashar Assad a reformer?
These are only some of the questions that arise. Some of them have no answer, even from the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Comment on this story
by Amiel Ungar
U.S. president Barack Obama was able to please conflicting audiences with his Monday night speech at the National Defense University explaining U.S. policy in Libya.
Neo-conservatives, such as William Kristol and Robert Kagan, were quick to welcome Obama as one of their own. In their responses, the two seemed to be implying that a Republican president is unnecessary if Obama is selling their policy.
Kagan called the Obama speech "Kennedy-esque" for recognizing America's special role in the world and extolling American exceptionalism and defense of universal values. Even on multilateralism, according to Kagan, such multilateral efforts could only be galvanized by American leadership and Obama appeared to realize this in his address.
Kristol welcomed the "you've come a long way, baby" Obama address as an "unapologetic, freedom-agenda-embracing" speech.
Others were happy that Obama had to reverse some of his previously enunciated positions,such as those in his 2008 campaign, when he stated in his campaign book "The Audacity of Hope" that the US needed "a well articulated strategy that the public supports and the world understands". Why was invading Iraq correct and not North Korea or Burma, then-candidate Obama asked. Now he is asked "why Libya and not Syria" by Republican presidential aspirant Tim Pawlenty.
Like any good politician, Obama strove for the center ground and portrayed his actions as the judicious avoidance of the two extremes.
One is the extreme that questions why America should intervene at all. since "there are many places in the world where innocent civilians face brutal violence."
The other extreme tends to ignore American limitations and the need to "measure our interests against the need for action."
The latter view was on display in the regime change that the US attempted in Iraq, but, said Obama, "regime change there took 8 years, thousands of American and Iraqi lives and nearly $1 trillion. That is not something we can afford to repeat in Libya." While his speech pleased the neoconservatives, Obama had to throw in that line to convince his constituency that he had not morphed into George Bush.
What Obama is trying to build is a doctrine that is not doctrinaire, one that allows America diplomatic flexibility. An immediate threat to the United States would be countered immediately, even by unilateral American action. "I've made it clear that I will never hesitate to use our military swiftly, decisively and unilaterally when necessary to defend our people, our homeland, our allies and core interests," he said.
Issues that do not fall under that heading will require favorable conditions, such as a coalition of forces that would spare the United States the necessity of carrying costs alone. Presumably it would also have to have international legitimacy such as UN sanction.
It would be unfair to Obama to swoop down on inconsistencies. Any policy approach is going to be riddled by inconsistency. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson, who characterized consistency as the hobgoblin of little minds. There will always be a trade-off between flexibility and clarity.
However, there was also sleight-of-hand in the address, in the emphasis that NATO was going to assume leadership of the operation, as if by this name change the United States would be spared the lion's share of the operation's burden.
It is very well for Obama to criticize how the regime change came about in Iraq and to avoid an extended commitment. However, he has said from the outset that Qaddafi must go. If Qadaffi remains in power or if a stalemate develops in Libya, the tyrant will be transformed into the hero who stood up to America, as Nasser was after Suez.
Obama's UN Ambassador talks of arming the insurgents. Therefore it is clear that Obama is going for regime change in Libya. If Qaddafi is ejected, who is going to run Libya? Who is going to make sure it does not turn into a failed state on the Mediterranean within a short distance of Italy? Iraq has shown that toppling a regime is the easy part while building a replacement is the harder task.
The United States has the power and the will to defend its national interests. But what does that term mean? Responding to a missile attack on Chicago is an obvious decision, but what happens if China decides to invade Taiwan?
If the United States, for example, decides that it cannot act in Iran or Syria in the same way that it acted in Libya, will it at least brand these countries as part of an axis of evil and seek their isolation? Or will it try to engage them?
Will it try to beautify the situation as Hillary Clinton did when she labeled Bashar Assad a reformer?
These are only some of the questions that arise. Some of them have no answer, even from the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Comment on this story
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