| TOPMELDUNGEN |
| PANORAMA |
| WIRTSCHAFT |
| POLITIK |
| UNISPIEGEL UND SCHULSPIEGEL |
| WISSENSCHAFT |
| SPORT |
| KULTUR |
| NETZWELT |
| EINESTAGES |
| REISE |
| AUTO |
------------------------------------------------------------------------ A REVOLUTION FOR RENEWABLES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Germany Approves End to the Nuclear Era It's official: Germany's "Energy Revolution" has begun. The country's parliament on Thursday passed a series of laws that will push forward the phase-out of nuclear plants and promote renewable energies. The world's fourth-largest industrial nation is scheduled to be nuclear-free by 2022, but will its reliance on fossil fuels increase? http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,771646,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEAL IN SIGHT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ German Banks Agree to Billions in Greek Debt Relief German banks have reached a voluntary agreement to contribute 3.2 billion euros to the next Greek bailout package through bond roll-overs. But a far greater sum will still be needed in order to rescue the country, which is being crushed by 300 billion euros in debt. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,771656,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ YEMEN'S REVOLUTIONARIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Tent-Dwellers of Sana'a While President Salih licks his wounds abroad, Yemen's protest movement is establishing its presence in the capital city, hoping to bridge the country's divide. The revolutionaries -- for now -- live in tents. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,771350,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE WORLD FROM BERLIN ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greek Reforms 'Like Putting a Band-Aid on a Mortal Wound' Greece may have averted the worst by passing an austerity package on Wednesday, but the government of Georgios Papandreou will continue to face massive public resistance to its course. German commentators warn that Athens isn't out of the woods yet. http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,771534,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPINION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ World Cup Will Not Help Women's Fight for Equality The Women's Football World Cup, which is currently being held in Germany, is massively overhyped. Despite the media's best efforts, there is no real enthusiasm among the general public. The event shows just how far women have to go in their fight for equal rights. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,771619,00.html#ref=nlint -------------------- Soccer World Cup 2011: Live Results http://www.spiegel.de/flash/0,5532,26299,00.html#tab=0&ref=nlint Special: Soccer World Cup 2011 http://www.spiegel.de/flash/flash-26299.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FUMING OVER THE PHASE-OUT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Energy Shift Deeply Divides German Companies Chancellor Angela Merkel's nuclear phase-out is causing deep divisions in the German business community. The only issue where there seems to be any agreement across industry lines is that more government subsidies are going to be needed as the price of electricity rises. http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,771309,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 'STEALING LIKE MAGPIES' ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spike in Metal Theft Imperils German Railways As metal prices continue to climb, theft along Germany's railways has reached record levels. The missing parts are not only dangerous, the delays and cancellations they cause are damaging Deutsche Bahn's reputation. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,770870,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GRASSROOTS POLITICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Police Find Cannabis Plants at Green Party Office The Green Party is in the weeds when it comes to scandals this week. Not only have police reportedly found cannabis plants at a regional party office in Thuringia, but a Greens campaign manager was fired following his arrest for drunk driving and assaulting a police officer in Berlin. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,771568,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A FORMAL CHOICE FOR TOURISTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ There's Plenty to Sie and Du in Bavarian Village A tourist office in a Bavarian village plans to offer German-speaking visitors the choice of being addressed by the formal "Sie" or the informal "du" form. Tourists can vote with their feet by going to the right counter. Is this a sign that the language's rigid rules on the matter are starting to be relaxed? http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,771609,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SERPENT SENSATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name Contest Held for Two-Headed Snake A python in Germany has slithered its way into the spotlight thanks to a rare anatomical anomaly: It has two heads. The snake just might be Germany's next animal superstar, but first it needs a name. The owner is holding a contest to find the perfect moniker on social networking sites. http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,771610,00.html#ref=nlint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PICTURE THIS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Box of Light http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,771532,00.html#ref=nlint
| MP3 Radio | Website News Briefs: | |||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
1. Hundreds of Students Charge to Defend Rabbi Ya’acov Yosef
by David ben Yacov
A border patrol vehicle was stationed this morning (Thursday) under the residence of Rabbi Ya’acov Yosef, in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Shmuel HaNavi. The vehicle startled hundreds of local yeshiva students, who rushed to the rabbi’s home, despite his absence at the time.
Sources close to the rabbi were concerned that security forces had arrived to arrest the rabbi for approbating the Torat Hamelech ["The King's Torah", ed.] halakhic work authored by rabbi Yitzchak Shapira of Yitzhar.
Aides to the rabbi rejected yesterday’s Channel 2 report stating that Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, the leading Sephardic Torah authority, did not approve of ‘The King’s Torah’. “The report is a lie. The rabbi never expressed disapproval of the book.”
This morning, a group of journalists accompanied Rabbi Ya’acov Yosef from his home to the tomb of Shimon HaTzaddik. The rabbi requested that they put on tefillin, and they agreed. The rabbi was delighted when one of them said that it was his first time wearing tefillin.
In a police debriefing, the police reported that Rabbi Yosef was respectfully questioned, and he was not taken into custody.
Last Monday, the police apprehended Rabbi Dov Lior, the rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron on his way to Migron by way of Jerusalem. “They could have tapped his phone in order to track and ambush him,” said the rabbi’s wife.
“The King’s Torah” presents a Torah-law perspective on the question of civilian casualties during wartime. The laws pertaining to kings are the topics under which war is discussed in many halakhic works, including Maimonides, as the king led the army to war in biblical times The book brings the opinion that it is required to protect the lives of Jewish soldiers even at the expense of the lives of enemy civilians.
Comment on this story
by David ben Yacov
A border patrol vehicle was stationed this morning (Thursday) under the residence of Rabbi Ya’acov Yosef, in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Shmuel HaNavi. The vehicle startled hundreds of local yeshiva students, who rushed to the rabbi’s home, despite his absence at the time.
Sources close to the rabbi were concerned that security forces had arrived to arrest the rabbi for approbating the Torat Hamelech ["The King's Torah", ed.] halakhic work authored by rabbi Yitzchak Shapira of Yitzhar.
Aides to the rabbi rejected yesterday’s Channel 2 report stating that Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, the leading Sephardic Torah authority, did not approve of ‘The King’s Torah’. “The report is a lie. The rabbi never expressed disapproval of the book.”
This morning, a group of journalists accompanied Rabbi Ya’acov Yosef from his home to the tomb of Shimon HaTzaddik. The rabbi requested that they put on tefillin, and they agreed. The rabbi was delighted when one of them said that it was his first time wearing tefillin.
In a police debriefing, the police reported that Rabbi Yosef was respectfully questioned, and he was not taken into custody.
Last Monday, the police apprehended Rabbi Dov Lior, the rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron on his way to Migron by way of Jerusalem. “They could have tapped his phone in order to track and ambush him,” said the rabbi’s wife.
“The King’s Torah” presents a Torah-law perspective on the question of civilian casualties during wartime. The laws pertaining to kings are the topics under which war is discussed in many halakhic works, including Maimonides, as the king led the army to war in biblical times The book brings the opinion that it is required to protect the lives of Jewish soldiers even at the expense of the lives of enemy civilians.
Comment on this story
2. 4 Hizbullah Terrorists Indicted for Hariri Murder in Lebanon
by David Lev
Four top Hizbullah terrorists have been indicted by the Hague-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon for the murder of former President Rafik al-Hariri, a Lebanese television station said Thursday. The indictments were issued minutes after the conclusion of a meeting between Lebanese officials and members of the Special Tribunal.
The four were named as Assad Sabra, Hassan Issa, Salim Ayache and Moustaf Badredin, all top terrorists in Hizbullah's Lebanese organization. They are currently in hiding, and security officials are on the lookout for them. Security has also been increased at the offices of Lebanon's Prosecutor General, Sayyed Merza, whose office issued the indictments.
Hizbullah had no official comment, but in the past has threatened heavy violence in the event any of its members were indicted for the February 2005 murder of Hariri, who was killed when a large bomb exploded near the car he was riding in during a motorcade near the city's waterfront.
Rafik Hariri's son, Saad, who is a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, praised the indictments, saying that they “offer a new chapter of truth. After long years of patience, waiting and continued national struggle, the indictment in the assassination crime of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions was announced today. Today, we witness together a distinctive historic moment in the political, judicial, security and moral life of Lebanon.” He called for a swift arrest and trial, and urged the government to continue cooperating with the tribunal, “and not to evade pursuing the accused and handing them over to justice, which is a guarantee of democracy and stability.”
Meanwhile, Samir Geagea, who was an ally of Hariri's and represents many of the country's Christians, called for calm. “We need to look at the accused as a person rather than link them with their party, sect, or country that he belongs to. I ask leaders… to act wisely, calmly and quietly away from any tensions and overreactions and merely follow the developments of the tribunal.”
Lebanon's government will issue an official statement on the indictments Friday, a government source said.
Syrian strongman Bashar Assad has warned against blaming Hizbullah for the assassination of Hariri.
Comment on this story
by David Lev
Four top Hizbullah terrorists have been indicted by the Hague-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon for the murder of former President Rafik al-Hariri, a Lebanese television station said Thursday. The indictments were issued minutes after the conclusion of a meeting between Lebanese officials and members of the Special Tribunal.
The four were named as Assad Sabra, Hassan Issa, Salim Ayache and Moustaf Badredin, all top terrorists in Hizbullah's Lebanese organization. They are currently in hiding, and security officials are on the lookout for them. Security has also been increased at the offices of Lebanon's Prosecutor General, Sayyed Merza, whose office issued the indictments.
Hizbullah had no official comment, but in the past has threatened heavy violence in the event any of its members were indicted for the February 2005 murder of Hariri, who was killed when a large bomb exploded near the car he was riding in during a motorcade near the city's waterfront.
Rafik Hariri's son, Saad, who is a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, praised the indictments, saying that they “offer a new chapter of truth. After long years of patience, waiting and continued national struggle, the indictment in the assassination crime of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions was announced today. Today, we witness together a distinctive historic moment in the political, judicial, security and moral life of Lebanon.” He called for a swift arrest and trial, and urged the government to continue cooperating with the tribunal, “and not to evade pursuing the accused and handing them over to justice, which is a guarantee of democracy and stability.”
Meanwhile, Samir Geagea, who was an ally of Hariri's and represents many of the country's Christians, called for calm. “We need to look at the accused as a person rather than link them with their party, sect, or country that he belongs to. I ask leaders… to act wisely, calmly and quietly away from any tensions and overreactions and merely follow the developments of the tribunal.”
Lebanon's government will issue an official statement on the indictments Friday, a government source said.
Syrian strongman Bashar Assad has warned against blaming Hizbullah for the assassination of Hariri.
Comment on this story
3. Nationalist Critics: Mayor Nir Barkat has Turned to the Left
by David ben Yacov
The Chairman of the East Jerusalem Public Complaints Bureau, Aryeh King, affiliated with the National Union-National Religious Party, castigated the decision of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to appoint left-wing Meretz party council member Meir Margalit to handle the ultra-sensitive East Jerusalem file in the municipality.
“It has become clear that the Mayor is a dangerous left-wing supporter. This disproves any attempts to 'paint him orange' [the color theme of the secular and religious activity against the Gush Katif expulsion, ed.] or associate him with the right-wing. Anyone who appoints a Meretz representative is not in the right-wing.”
King warns that Barkat may yet endanger the city. “He is of the dangerous type, like Olmert and Sharon, like those who pose as innocent. Barkat has swerved to the left, and has therefore appointed a Meretz rep.”
According to King, Barkat acts on behalf of the Arabs in Jerusalem:
”Barkat will not sign East Jerusalem demolition orders against illegal construction. He refuses to allocate funds to bring tourists to the Mount of Olives. The Mayor cancels construction plans at the North Jerusalem Atarot industrial zone. The system is helmed in by the [now] left activist, Nir Barkat. He belongs to the Peace Now camp, and wants to divide the city with the Palestinians. It’s time we learn from getting constantly slapped in the face, and stop believing leaders who don a skullcap before elections and embrace rabbis.”
Aryeh King has recently opposed the legalizationof 95% of some 200 illegal Arab structures in the East Jerusalem Silwan neighborhood. he has also opposed the construction of a commercial center on the Mount of Olives, in the heart of biblical Jerusalem, and the construction of a large mosque near the gravesite of the late PM Menachem Begin which has been suspended as a result.
Municipal Council member, lawyer Yair Gabbai, and the Jerusalem municipality representative on the Planning and Zoning District Committee, calls upon the city’s religious Zionist voters to boycott Barkat after his decision:
”He has broken all of his pre-election promises. This appointment was to go to right-wing rep Yakir Segev, but Barkat signed a coalition deal with Meretz and intends to appoint Dr. Meir Margalit to the position instead.”
Gabbai claims that Margalit belongs to the extreme left-wing:
“He leads the Committee against the Demolishing of Homes, an organization that supports a boycott of Israel, and rebuilds East Jerusalem court-order demolished homes. He will be in a position to approve or deny demolishing in East Jerusalem, and this is a severe conflict of interests. From now on, the municipality representative on any possible forum will be a Meretz man in favor of the division of the city. He has been defaming the State of Israel for years, and will now decide on East Jerusalem projects. The Mayor has made a ‘left turn’, and the public should relate to him accordingly.”
The Meretz left-wing party that Dr. Meir Margalit belongs to, supports a Palestinian state, the dismantling of most of the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, and the division of Jerusalem.
The Mayor has defended the unity of Jerusalem in the past, especially with regard to the building freeze insisted upon by US President Obama. The Mayor’s office has not yet issued a response to the council members critique.
Comment on this story
by David ben Yacov
The Chairman of the East Jerusalem Public Complaints Bureau, Aryeh King, affiliated with the National Union-National Religious Party, castigated the decision of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to appoint left-wing Meretz party council member Meir Margalit to handle the ultra-sensitive East Jerusalem file in the municipality.
“It has become clear that the Mayor is a dangerous left-wing supporter. This disproves any attempts to 'paint him orange' [the color theme of the secular and religious activity against the Gush Katif expulsion, ed.] or associate him with the right-wing. Anyone who appoints a Meretz representative is not in the right-wing.”
King warns that Barkat may yet endanger the city. “He is of the dangerous type, like Olmert and Sharon, like those who pose as innocent. Barkat has swerved to the left, and has therefore appointed a Meretz rep.”
According to King, Barkat acts on behalf of the Arabs in Jerusalem:
”Barkat will not sign East Jerusalem demolition orders against illegal construction. He refuses to allocate funds to bring tourists to the Mount of Olives. The Mayor cancels construction plans at the North Jerusalem Atarot industrial zone. The system is helmed in by the [now] left activist, Nir Barkat. He belongs to the Peace Now camp, and wants to divide the city with the Palestinians. It’s time we learn from getting constantly slapped in the face, and stop believing leaders who don a skullcap before elections and embrace rabbis.”
Aryeh King has recently opposed the legalizationof 95% of some 200 illegal Arab structures in the East Jerusalem Silwan neighborhood. he has also opposed the construction of a commercial center on the Mount of Olives, in the heart of biblical Jerusalem, and the construction of a large mosque near the gravesite of the late PM Menachem Begin which has been suspended as a result.
Municipal Council member, lawyer Yair Gabbai, and the Jerusalem municipality representative on the Planning and Zoning District Committee, calls upon the city’s religious Zionist voters to boycott Barkat after his decision:
”He has broken all of his pre-election promises. This appointment was to go to right-wing rep Yakir Segev, but Barkat signed a coalition deal with Meretz and intends to appoint Dr. Meir Margalit to the position instead.”
Gabbai claims that Margalit belongs to the extreme left-wing:
“He leads the Committee against the Demolishing of Homes, an organization that supports a boycott of Israel, and rebuilds East Jerusalem court-order demolished homes. He will be in a position to approve or deny demolishing in East Jerusalem, and this is a severe conflict of interests. From now on, the municipality representative on any possible forum will be a Meretz man in favor of the division of the city. He has been defaming the State of Israel for years, and will now decide on East Jerusalem projects. The Mayor has made a ‘left turn’, and the public should relate to him accordingly.”
The Meretz left-wing party that Dr. Meir Margalit belongs to, supports a Palestinian state, the dismantling of most of the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, and the division of Jerusalem.
The Mayor has defended the unity of Jerusalem in the past, especially with regard to the building freeze insisted upon by US President Obama. The Mayor’s office has not yet issued a response to the council members critique.
Comment on this story
4. Rabbi Chaim Stein of Telshe Yeshiva Passes On
by Hana Levi Julian
Rabbi Chaim Stein, Rosh Yeshiva of the famed Telshe Yeshiva of Cleveland and the oldest director of a rabbinical institution in America, has died after one year of illness.
One of the yeshiva world's strongest remaining links to pre-war Europe, Rabbi Stein was 98 years old. He has been unwell for some time.
In October 1940, Rabbi Stein led a group of students who escaped from war-torn Lithuania just as it was overrun by the Nazis, fleeing the country on the Sabbath. Although travel on the Sabbath is prohibited on Jewish law, it is permitted in times of great peril in order to save one's life.
Rabbi Stein and the students he accompanied headed via the Trans-Siberian Railroad to the Far East, having aquired visas from the famous Chiune Sugihara, who risked his life to save Jews fleeing the Nazis.
Eventually the little group landed in Brisbane, Australia, where the local Jewish community welcomed them warmly.
A few months later, in 1941, Rabbi Stein and most of the other students made their way to the United States and were reunited with their rabbinic mentors. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio.
Telshe Yeshiva, which had been a famous Eastern European institute of rabbinical learning, was founded in Lithuania. After World War II, the school relocated to Ohio and officially became the Rabbinical College of Telshe – Telshe Yeshiva. Today it is one of the most prominent rabbinical institutions in the United States.
Two funerals are to be held for the venerated rabbi in the United States. The first was set to begin today (Thursday June 30) at 9:00 a.m. local time at the Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland.
A few hours later, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, the second funeral is scheduled in Lakewood, another major American geographic center of Torah learning, at BMG.
Rabbi Stein's body will then be flown in the evening to Israel, where burial will take place at Har HaMenuchot.
Comment on this story
by Hana Levi Julian
Rabbi Chaim Stein, Rosh Yeshiva of the famed Telshe Yeshiva of Cleveland and the oldest director of a rabbinical institution in America, has died after one year of illness.
One of the yeshiva world's strongest remaining links to pre-war Europe, Rabbi Stein was 98 years old. He has been unwell for some time.
In October 1940, Rabbi Stein led a group of students who escaped from war-torn Lithuania just as it was overrun by the Nazis, fleeing the country on the Sabbath. Although travel on the Sabbath is prohibited on Jewish law, it is permitted in times of great peril in order to save one's life.
Rabbi Stein and the students he accompanied headed via the Trans-Siberian Railroad to the Far East, having aquired visas from the famous Chiune Sugihara, who risked his life to save Jews fleeing the Nazis.
Eventually the little group landed in Brisbane, Australia, where the local Jewish community welcomed them warmly.
A few months later, in 1941, Rabbi Stein and most of the other students made their way to the United States and were reunited with their rabbinic mentors. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio.
Telshe Yeshiva, which had been a famous Eastern European institute of rabbinical learning, was founded in Lithuania. After World War II, the school relocated to Ohio and officially became the Rabbinical College of Telshe – Telshe Yeshiva. Today it is one of the most prominent rabbinical institutions in the United States.
Two funerals are to be held for the venerated rabbi in the United States. The first was set to begin today (Thursday June 30) at 9:00 a.m. local time at the Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland.
A few hours later, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, the second funeral is scheduled in Lakewood, another major American geographic center of Torah learning, at BMG.
Rabbi Stein's body will then be flown in the evening to Israel, where burial will take place at Har HaMenuchot.
Comment on this story
5. Yitzhar resident Robbed in Shomron
by David ben Yacov
A resident of the Jewish town of Yitzhar was robbed by two Arabs armed with knives after midnight, on her way home from work. Around one a.m. a white van pushed up dangerously against her vehicle and blinded her with its headlights.
After the Tapuach junction, the van passed her vehicle and began zigzagging wildly. The woman tried to evade the van, and even rammed it in an attempt to scare her assailants. Eventually, the Arabs blocked the road and extracted the woman from her car at knifepoint. They drove off with her car and cellphone, along with professional gear with an estimated value of thousands of shekels, but did her no bodily harm.
The woman began walking back to Tapuach junction. A vehicle with a Jewish family stopped for her, at which point she made contact with her husband and with the Yitzhar security officer. Following the event, border patrolmen were stationed at the entrance to Yitzhar to take the ID of any passers-by, to prevent a response of the Yitzhar residents.
The woman was interrogated by the IDF at Tapuach junction. The police arrived an hour later, and took her deposition. This morning, she lodged a complaint with the Shomron police.
The Samaria-Judea police said to Arutz Sheva's Hebrew news site that these robberies are common. “Taxis from central Israel are ordered, and then ambushed and robbed. There have been numerous events like this in the last few months. Fortunately there haven’t been kidnappings or murders.”
Three weeks ago a potential victim fought off assailants with an axe he had is his car, near the town of Eli, in Binyamin. A year-and-a-half ago, another victim was run over and injured resisting Arab muggers at the Eli gas station.
The residents of Eli went out in protest this morning (Thursday) at Hawara junction to castigate the free reign given to Arabs. “It could have ended with a kidnapping,” they said. “Why focus on the possible response of local Jewish residents, instead of on the apprehension of the perpetrators? What about priorities?”
The Samaria-Judea police district spokeswoman verified the event and said that, “The police took the woman’s deposition, and is investigating.”
Comment on this story
by David ben Yacov
A resident of the Jewish town of Yitzhar was robbed by two Arabs armed with knives after midnight, on her way home from work. Around one a.m. a white van pushed up dangerously against her vehicle and blinded her with its headlights.
After the Tapuach junction, the van passed her vehicle and began zigzagging wildly. The woman tried to evade the van, and even rammed it in an attempt to scare her assailants. Eventually, the Arabs blocked the road and extracted the woman from her car at knifepoint. They drove off with her car and cellphone, along with professional gear with an estimated value of thousands of shekels, but did her no bodily harm.
The woman began walking back to Tapuach junction. A vehicle with a Jewish family stopped for her, at which point she made contact with her husband and with the Yitzhar security officer. Following the event, border patrolmen were stationed at the entrance to Yitzhar to take the ID of any passers-by, to prevent a response of the Yitzhar residents.
The woman was interrogated by the IDF at Tapuach junction. The police arrived an hour later, and took her deposition. This morning, she lodged a complaint with the Shomron police.
The Samaria-Judea police said to Arutz Sheva's Hebrew news site that these robberies are common. “Taxis from central Israel are ordered, and then ambushed and robbed. There have been numerous events like this in the last few months. Fortunately there haven’t been kidnappings or murders.”
Three weeks ago a potential victim fought off assailants with an axe he had is his car, near the town of Eli, in Binyamin. A year-and-a-half ago, another victim was run over and injured resisting Arab muggers at the Eli gas station.
The residents of Eli went out in protest this morning (Thursday) at Hawara junction to castigate the free reign given to Arabs. “It could have ended with a kidnapping,” they said. “Why focus on the possible response of local Jewish residents, instead of on the apprehension of the perpetrators? What about priorities?”
The Samaria-Judea police district spokeswoman verified the event and said that, “The police took the woman’s deposition, and is investigating.”
Comment on this story
6. Bedouin Attack Jews with Daggers Near Town of Cochav HaShachar
by David ben Yacov
The ‘Honenu’ organization reports that Bedouins have attacked Jews near the Jewish community of Kochav HaShachar.
Wednesday morning, a group of Bedouin climbed up the Geon HaYarden hill near the town of Kochav HaShachar in eastern Binyamin
Local residents came down to confront them and prevent their coming closer to the community. During the confrontation, two of the Bedouin produced daggers and attempted to stab the Jewish residents.
One of the Binyamin Regional Council security personnel who arrived on the scene successfully arrested the attackers and handed them over to the police.
One of the residents attempted to file a complaint at the Binyamin Police station, but was arrested for ‘entering a closed military firing zone’. He was released after interrogation.
Comment on this story
by David ben Yacov
The ‘Honenu’ organization reports that Bedouins have attacked Jews near the Jewish community of Kochav HaShachar.
Wednesday morning, a group of Bedouin climbed up the Geon HaYarden hill near the town of Kochav HaShachar in eastern Binyamin
Local residents came down to confront them and prevent their coming closer to the community. During the confrontation, two of the Bedouin produced daggers and attempted to stab the Jewish residents.
One of the Binyamin Regional Council security personnel who arrived on the scene successfully arrested the attackers and handed them over to the police.
One of the residents attempted to file a complaint at the Binyamin Police station, but was arrested for ‘entering a closed military firing zone’. He was released after interrogation.
Comment on this story
7. Beware of PA Leaders Bearing Gifts?
by David ben Yacov
A member of the Palestinian Authority recently placed a surprising order at a retail outlet of the ‘Hatzorfim’ silver Judaica ornament factory, according to Arutz Sheva Hebrew site..
He requested two prestigious gifts of silver and crystal, saying that one was chosen as a farewell gift to ex-ISA (Israel Security Agency) head Yuval Diskin, and one as a welcoming gift for the new ISA head Yoram Cohen, courtesy of PA Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas.
The PA purchaser added dedications to the gifts, thanking Diskin for his cooperation, and looking forward to future cooperation with Cohen.
The ISA told Arutz Sheva in response that ”Since the ISA does not divulge details of agency relations with foreign entities, we cannot relate to the issue.”
Relating to the gifts, the ISA said, “The agency is acting in accordance with the Public Service Law on Gifts -1979”
Cohen assumed the position of ISA head six weeks ago. He was assistant ISA head between 2005-2008, and is the first religious head of the ISA. He was born in 1960, and is married with 5 children. He has been a resident of Jerusalem since 1983, and was raised and educated in Tel Aviv. He studied at the ‘Medrashiat Noam’ Yeshiva High school in Pardes Chana, and served in the IDF in the Golani brigade.
Yuval Diskin, born 1956, began his career at the ISA in 1978. He was responsible for security coordination over a number of years, is deeply acquainted with the heads of the Palestinian security services, and has been responsible for an uncompromising war against terror and terrorist infrastructures throughout Judea and Samaria.
During the worst years of terrorism, he headed the operational region responsible for destroying Hamas military infrastructure throughout Judea and Samaria. He was appointed head of the ISA in February 2005.
Comment on this story
by David ben Yacov
A member of the Palestinian Authority recently placed a surprising order at a retail outlet of the ‘Hatzorfim’ silver Judaica ornament factory, according to Arutz Sheva Hebrew site..
He requested two prestigious gifts of silver and crystal, saying that one was chosen as a farewell gift to ex-ISA (Israel Security Agency) head Yuval Diskin, and one as a welcoming gift for the new ISA head Yoram Cohen, courtesy of PA Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas.
The PA purchaser added dedications to the gifts, thanking Diskin for his cooperation, and looking forward to future cooperation with Cohen.
The ISA told Arutz Sheva in response that ”Since the ISA does not divulge details of agency relations with foreign entities, we cannot relate to the issue.”
Relating to the gifts, the ISA said, “The agency is acting in accordance with the Public Service Law on Gifts -1979”
Cohen assumed the position of ISA head six weeks ago. He was assistant ISA head between 2005-2008, and is the first religious head of the ISA. He was born in 1960, and is married with 5 children. He has been a resident of Jerusalem since 1983, and was raised and educated in Tel Aviv. He studied at the ‘Medrashiat Noam’ Yeshiva High school in Pardes Chana, and served in the IDF in the Golani brigade.
Yuval Diskin, born 1956, began his career at the ISA in 1978. He was responsible for security coordination over a number of years, is deeply acquainted with the heads of the Palestinian security services, and has been responsible for an uncompromising war against terror and terrorist infrastructures throughout Judea and Samaria.
During the worst years of terrorism, he headed the operational region responsible for destroying Hamas military infrastructure throughout Judea and Samaria. He was appointed head of the ISA in February 2005.
Comment on this story
8. Second ‘Sabotaged’ Ship Bows Out of Flotilla
by Gil Ronen
An Irish ship, the MV Saoirse, will not take part in the planned flotilla in support of the murderous and rapacious Hamas regime in Gaza. The ship has been sabotaged, according to one of its intended passengers.
Speaking with the Irish Times last night from the Turkish port of Göcek, Fintan Lane of Irish Ship to Gaza organization said that the ship could not sail because it had been “dangerously sabotaged.”
He said that the ship’s captain noticed that there was something wrong with it Monday. Divers subsequently found that a piece was missing from one of the propeller shafts.
“This was the type of sabotage that endangered human life,” Lane told the Times. “They put divers under the boat who cut a piece out of the propeller shaft. That means that the damage would have happened gradually and what would have happened eventually is that the propeller would have come up through the bottom of the boat, caused a flood in the engine room and would have caused the boat to sink.”
Six of the 20-plus crew who had been due to set sail on the boat intend to join an Italian-based vessel instead. These include Lane, former Ireland rugby player Trevor Hogan, Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy, Libyan-born Irish citizen Hussein Hamed and Derry-based Sinn Féin councilor Gerry MacLochlainn.
Lane said the damage to the ship was similar to that caused to the Swedish ship the Juliano, which flotilla organizers claim was sabotaged in the Greek port of Piraeus by “hostile divers.”
There are eight other vessels that plan to sail to Gaza in the flotilla, which claims to be humanitarian in its outlook but which, in fact, supports the right of Hamas child-killers to import arms without Israeli interference.
According to the organizers, the Italian ship Stefano Chiarim will carry the most passengers with 65 people; Canadian ship Tahrir will carry 48 passengers and an American vessel, which is currently detained in Greece, will carry 40 passengers.
An additional five ships are expected to depart from Spain, France, Greece, Sweden and Norway. Organizers expect 292 participants and 36 members of the press.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
An Irish ship, the MV Saoirse, will not take part in the planned flotilla in support of the murderous and rapacious Hamas regime in Gaza. The ship has been sabotaged, according to one of its intended passengers.
Speaking with the Irish Times last night from the Turkish port of Göcek, Fintan Lane of Irish Ship to Gaza organization said that the ship could not sail because it had been “dangerously sabotaged.”
He said that the ship’s captain noticed that there was something wrong with it Monday. Divers subsequently found that a piece was missing from one of the propeller shafts.
“This was the type of sabotage that endangered human life,” Lane told the Times. “They put divers under the boat who cut a piece out of the propeller shaft. That means that the damage would have happened gradually and what would have happened eventually is that the propeller would have come up through the bottom of the boat, caused a flood in the engine room and would have caused the boat to sink.”
Six of the 20-plus crew who had been due to set sail on the boat intend to join an Italian-based vessel instead. These include Lane, former Ireland rugby player Trevor Hogan, Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy, Libyan-born Irish citizen Hussein Hamed and Derry-based Sinn Féin councilor Gerry MacLochlainn.
Lane said the damage to the ship was similar to that caused to the Swedish ship the Juliano, which flotilla organizers claim was sabotaged in the Greek port of Piraeus by “hostile divers.”
There are eight other vessels that plan to sail to Gaza in the flotilla, which claims to be humanitarian in its outlook but which, in fact, supports the right of Hamas child-killers to import arms without Israeli interference.
According to the organizers, the Italian ship Stefano Chiarim will carry the most passengers with 65 people; Canadian ship Tahrir will carry 48 passengers and an American vessel, which is currently detained in Greece, will carry 40 passengers.
An additional five ships are expected to depart from Spain, France, Greece, Sweden and Norway. Organizers expect 292 participants and 36 members of the press.
Comment on this story
More Website News:
 |
Justice Minister Attacked Verbally at Cave of Patriarchs  |
|
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed: Why Rabbis Refused Police Summons |
|
Five Golani T-Shirt Protest Soldiers Pardoned |
|
GE and Partners Invest in Israeli Water Tech Company |
|
Memorial Plaque to Iasi Jews Finds Permanent Home |
Regardless of what happens with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's current
illness, the nation's oil industry faces some serious challenges.
This weekly Portfolio video series is part of our members-only content. We hope you enjoy this exclusive chance to access this video free.
This weekly Portfolio video series is part of our members-only content. We hope you enjoy this exclusive chance to access this video free.
Portfolio: Chavez, Politics, and the Venezuelan Oil Industry
Vice President of Analysis Peter Zeihan examines the challenges faced by the
Venezuelan oil industry regardless of who holds political power in
Caracas.
Click here to view.
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
Subscribe
| Via Smartphone |
June 30, 2011
In-Depth Issues:
Britain Accuses Iran of Secretly Testing Nuclear-Capable Missiles (VOA News)
British Foreign Secretary William Hague told Parliament on Wednesday that Iran has conducted secret tests of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Hague said secret Iranian tests of nuclear-capable missiles contravene UN Security Council Resolution 1929.
He also accused Iran of engaging in covert experiments with rocket launchers.
Saudis Will Build Nuclear Weapons If Iran Gets Them - Jason Burke (Guardian-UK)
Prince Turki al-Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to Washington, warned senior NATO military officials earlier this month that if Iran comes close to developing a nuclear weapon, the existence of such a device "would compel Saudi Arabia...to pursue policies which could lead to untold and possibly dramatic consequences."
A senior official in Riyadh who is close to the prince said on Tuesday, "We cannot live in a situation where Iran has nuclear weapons and we don't....If Iran develops a nuclear weapon, that will be unacceptable to us and we will have to follow suit."
See also Saudi Forces Withdrawing from Bahrain - Nada Bakri (New York Times)
Saudi Arabia will withdraw most of its 1,200 troops from neighboring Bahrain by next week after a three-month mission to quell an uprising against the monarchy there, a Saudi official said on Tuesday.
Syria Tank Assault Kills 11 Near Turkish Border - Khaled Yacoub Oweis (Reuters)
Syrian troops shot dead 11 villagers on Wednesday in Jabal al-Zawya, residents said, as authorities pressed on with a tank-led assault that has driven thousands of refugees across the border with Turkey.
1,000 Injured as Protesters, Police Clash in Cairo - Leila Fadel, Muhammad Mansour and William Branigin (Washington Post)
Protesters clashed with Egyptian security forces for a second day Wednesday over the pace of police brutality prosecutions and other grievances, after more than 1,000 people were injured in clashes which erupted outside the Interior Ministry on Tuesday.
Riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets and birdshot to defend the Interior Ministry, which oversees the Egyptian police, from protesters who attacked with rocks and gasoline bombs.
Hardline Arab-Israeli Imam Held in Britain - Joseph Eid (AFP)
Controversial Arab-Israeli Islamist leader Sheikh Raed Saleh has been arrested in London after entering Britain in defiance of a government ban, Home Secretary Theresa May said Wednesday.
British authorities have begun arrangements to deport Saleh, who is the head of the radical northern wing of the Islamic Movement, and have launched an investigation into how he managed to enter the country, she said.
Daily Alert Blog
Search
Key Links
Media Contacts
Back Issues
Fair Use/Privacy
- U.S. Senate Opposes Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian Statehood
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday that threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to seek a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. The resolution also reaffirmed U.S. opposition to any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless the group renounces terrorism and is willing to make peace with Israel. Led by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), the resolution had 88 co-sponsors.
"The Senate has delivered a clear message to the international community that United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state at this time does not further the peace process," Cardin said. "A permanent and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations." A similar measure is under consideration in the House of Representatives. (JTA)
See also below Observations: Resolution Reaffirming the U.S. Commitment to a Negotiated Settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (U.S. Senate) - U.S. to Resume Formal Muslim Brotherhood Contacts - Arshad Mohammed
The U.S. has decided to resume formal contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. "It is in our interests to engage with all of the parties that are competing for parliament or the presidency," said the senior official.
There is no U.S. legal prohibition against dealing with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is not regarded by Washington as a foreign terrorist organization. But other sympathetic groups, such as Hamas, which identifies the Brotherhood as its spiritual guide, have not disavowed violence against Israel.
Elliott Abrams, a deputy national security adviser handling Middle East affairs under former President George W. Bush, said he favored dropping the ban on formal contacts - but approaching any actual dealings with great caution. Abrams said positions espoused by some Brotherhood members - such as favoring religious tests for public office, questioning the rights of women and limiting freedom of religion or speech - were "anathema" to the U.S. Noting that there are splits among Brotherhood members, Abrams said, "We have to think about whether we can use meetings to deepen those splits and to help, quietly, those who are trying to moderate the positions of the Brotherhood." (Reuters)
See also Egypt's Pro-Democracy Activists Feel Their Grip Slipping - Jeffrey Fleishman
Sensing the revolution that overthrew President Hosni Mubarak is slipping from their grasp, activists and opposition groups are pressuring the ruling military council to postpone Egypt's elections in September amid fears that Islamists and members of the former regime will gain too much power. This coincides with a renewed push to draft a new constitution before the parliamentary elections so that no political bloc, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, will have unchecked influence to set the laws of the land. (Los Angeles Times) - U.S. Lawmakers Say Americans in Gaza Flotilla May Be Prosecuted - Calev Ben-David
Two members of Congress said U.S. citizens who join a flotilla planning to break Israel's embargo of Gaza should face prosecution. "Israel's blockade of terrorist territory is absolutely legal," Congressman Gary Ackerman said during a visit to Jerusalem Tuesday with a fellow Democratic representative from New York, Nita Lowey. "And the people who would run an international legal blockade are subject to the legal ramifications of all countries, including the United States."
Americans taking part in the flotilla may "violate U.S. civil and criminal statutes" against "conspiring to deliver material support" to terrorist organizations, the State Department said last week. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S. and the EU. (Bloomberg)
See also Texas Governor Urges U.S. Attorney General to Act Against American Pro-Palestinian Flotilla Protesters (AP-Washington Post)
- Israel Seeks Deal with Europe, U.S. on Palestinian Statehood Bid - Attila Somfalvi
Government sources on Wednesday confirmed that Israeli and American officials are continuing their efforts to jump-start negotiations with the Palestinians, while Jerusalem is hoping to secure France and Britain's objection at a UN vote on the declaration of a Palestinian state. Germany and Italy have already announced that they will object to a unilateral declaration of statehood. (Ynet News) - Report: Jordan to Oppose PA Statehood Bid - Roee Nahmias
A senior Jordanian official says the Hashemite kingdom will vote against a Palestinian statehood bid scheduled to be put before the UN General Assembly in September. "Jordan's top national interests will be in danger if the Palestinian Authority declares statehood unilaterally - especially in everything related to the issue of refugees, water, Jerusalem, and the borders," the UAE-based al-Bayan quoted a Jordanian state official as saying. The report says Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit publicly expressed this opinion in a speech two months ago. (Ynet News) - Israel Hopes Gaza Flotilla Delay Will Reduce Participation - Herb Keinon and Yaakov Katz
Bureaucratic delays, strikes at Greek ports and damaged ships continue to delay the Gaza-bound flotilla, which was originally scheduled to set sail at mid-week. Huwaida Arraf, one of the heads of the Free Gaza Movement, said Wednesday that the flotilla will likely not set sail for a number of days. (Jerusalem Post) - Video: Gaza Receives Thousands of Tons of Goods and Materials Daily
Despite the naval blockade on Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces ensures the daily transfer of nearly 6,000 tons of goods and roughly 260 truckloads via Kerem Shalom, an Israel-Gaza land crossing. Lawfully enforcing the naval blockade on Gaza allows the Israeli Navy to limit rocket and missile attacks into Israel by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations. (Israel Defense Forces)
- Who Is Behind the Second Gaza Flotilla? - Ehud Rosen
The second flotilla is coordinated by Muhammad Sawalha, a senior UK-based Muslim Brotherhood figure connected to Hamas. Many of the participating organizations can be directly linked with the Union of Good (UoG), a coalition of European charities affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which in 2008 was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Treasury for transferring funds to Hamas. The UoG was initiated by Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood on a global scale, in 2000.
Other main organizers include the anti-Israel International Solidarity Movement (ISM), as well as far-left socialists from Europe and the U.S. Many of the flotilla's main organizers have stated that its prime aim is to create provocations and harm Israel's image.
Thus, far from being a peaceful, humanitarian effort to support the Palestinians in Gaza, the flotilla should be seen as a major, pro-Hamas effort to delegitimize Israel by a "red-green alliance" of leftists and Islamists. (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) - Assad Deserves a Swift Trip to The Hague - Madeleine Albright and Marwan Muasher
It is time for the international community to take a stand against Syria's use of violence against its citizens. The UN Security Council should direct the International Criminal Court in The Hague to investigate whether Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is guilty of crimes against humanity. Initiating an ICC investigation in Syria now would create a powerful incentive for Mr. Assad to choose reform over further repression. Madeleine Albright was U.S. secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. Marwan Muasher was foreign minister of Jordan from 2002 to 2004. (Financial Times-UK)
Excerpts from S. Res. 185, approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday:
- Whereas a true and lasting peace between the people of Israel and the Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties;
- Whereas Hamas, an organization responsible for the death of more than 500 innocent civilians, including two dozen United States citizens, has been designated by the United States Government as a foreign terrorist organization;
- Whereas, on April 22, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated, "We will not deal with nor in any way fund a Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless and until Hamas has renounced violence, recognized Israel and agreed to follow the previous obligations of the Palestinian Authority."
- Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Senate--
- Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition;
- Reiterates its strong opposition to any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between leaders in Israel and the Palestinians;
- Calls upon the President to announce that the United States will veto any resolution on Palestinian statehood that comes before the United Nations Security Council which is not a result of agreements reached between the Government of Israel and the Palestinians;
- Will consider restrictions on aid to the Palestinian Authority should it persist in efforts to circumvent direct negotiations by turning to the United Nations or other international bodies.
