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1. Assad’s Lethal Weapon: The Big Lie
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Syrian President Bashar Assad’s tanks and helicopters attacked the northern city of Jisr al-Shugur Sunday under the protection of the government’s Big Lie: Protesters are terrorists. Defectors are martyrs, and protesters against the Assad regime actually are rallying in his support, according to the government spin.
Assad has used SANA, the official government news agency, to try to fight against YouTube videos and text messages secreted out of the country, where foreign media have been banned since the protest movement began nine weeks ago.
Before Sunday’s onslaught, the death toll in the city reached 120, all of whom SANA claimed were soldiers who were murdered by supposed “armed groups.”
State television told citizens that the army entered the city, near the border with Turkey, to "cleanse the national hospital from the elements of the armed gangs after disabling the explosives and the various TNT devices that these gangs planted on the bridges and roads."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned Syria's brutality, saying that “the Syrian authorities have an obligation to protect their people and respect their rights. The use of military force against civilians is unacceptable.”
His pleas, like those from Western leaders, fell on deaf ears. Assad has been avoiding calls from Ban. U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said that Ban tried to reach Assad several times, but he would not come to the phone, according the Reform Party of Syria.
“The Secretary General has been keen to speak to Assad. He tried to place a call yesterday but unfortunately the president was not available,” Nesirky said Friday evening. “He tried to place the call more than one time but he was not available.”
More than 5,000 refugees have fled to Turkey, including soldiers who defected rather than continuing gunning down unarmed civilians. Several loyal soldiers used cows and livestock for target practice during the assault.
However, SANA repeated the government line that reports of defectors are part of media conspiracy against Assad, and members of “terrorist groups” target “the army, people and media correspondents.”
Despite the supposed attack “at the entrance of Jisr al-Shughour by the armed terrorist groups which opened heavy fire on them,” the journalists somehow escaped injury, SANA reported. It stated, “All the correspondents and photographers are fine and no casualties among them were reported.”
It also quoted a police officer who told Syrian TV, "My friends called me saying that some TV channels gave my name as defected and that I was killed by security forces… The purpose of such media reports is incitement… We call upon our citizens not to watch or believe these channels".
The govern-run media also is leaning on its ally Russia, which is bucking all efforts by the United Nations to condemn Assad and slap sanctions on the country.
“The Russian Pravda newspaper condemned the west and America' continuous efforts to interfere in Syria's internal affairs, launching a large-scale incitement campaign and taking unjust procedures against it,” SANA reported.
“America and Israel worked together to put more pressure on Syria through taking unjust procedures against it and providing financial and media support to the so-called Syrian opposition with the aim of defamation and increasing internal tension,” SANA added.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Syrian President Bashar Assad’s tanks and helicopters attacked the northern city of Jisr al-Shugur Sunday under the protection of the government’s Big Lie: Protesters are terrorists. Defectors are martyrs, and protesters against the Assad regime actually are rallying in his support, according to the government spin.
Assad has used SANA, the official government news agency, to try to fight against YouTube videos and text messages secreted out of the country, where foreign media have been banned since the protest movement began nine weeks ago.
Before Sunday’s onslaught, the death toll in the city reached 120, all of whom SANA claimed were soldiers who were murdered by supposed “armed groups.”
State television told citizens that the army entered the city, near the border with Turkey, to "cleanse the national hospital from the elements of the armed gangs after disabling the explosives and the various TNT devices that these gangs planted on the bridges and roads."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned Syria's brutality, saying that “the Syrian authorities have an obligation to protect their people and respect their rights. The use of military force against civilians is unacceptable.”
His pleas, like those from Western leaders, fell on deaf ears. Assad has been avoiding calls from Ban. U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said that Ban tried to reach Assad several times, but he would not come to the phone, according the Reform Party of Syria.
“The Secretary General has been keen to speak to Assad. He tried to place a call yesterday but unfortunately the president was not available,” Nesirky said Friday evening. “He tried to place the call more than one time but he was not available.”
More than 5,000 refugees have fled to Turkey, including soldiers who defected rather than continuing gunning down unarmed civilians. Several loyal soldiers used cows and livestock for target practice during the assault.
However, SANA repeated the government line that reports of defectors are part of media conspiracy against Assad, and members of “terrorist groups” target “the army, people and media correspondents.”
Despite the supposed attack “at the entrance of Jisr al-Shughour by the armed terrorist groups which opened heavy fire on them,” the journalists somehow escaped injury, SANA reported. It stated, “All the correspondents and photographers are fine and no casualties among them were reported.”
It also quoted a police officer who told Syrian TV, "My friends called me saying that some TV channels gave my name as defected and that I was killed by security forces… The purpose of such media reports is incitement… We call upon our citizens not to watch or believe these channels".
The govern-run media also is leaning on its ally Russia, which is bucking all efforts by the United Nations to condemn Assad and slap sanctions on the country.
“The Russian Pravda newspaper condemned the west and America' continuous efforts to interfere in Syria's internal affairs, launching a large-scale incitement campaign and taking unjust procedures against it,” SANA reported.
“America and Israel worked together to put more pressure on Syria through taking unjust procedures against it and providing financial and media support to the so-called Syrian opposition with the aim of defamation and increasing internal tension,” SANA added.
Comment on this story
2. Leftist Professor: ‘Break the Necks’ of Right-wing ’Scoundrels’
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A senior Ben Gurion U. professor urges people to “break the necks of right-wing scoundrels,” but the university blocked protests on its website.
Chemistry Professor Eyal Nir wrote on his Facebook page, "I call on the world to come and help break these scoundrels' necks," and he described right-wing, Israeli flag-bearing marchers on Jerusalem Day as "gangs of bandits swarming in our country.”
He was outraged at Israelis who waved Israeli flags in the Jewish-Arab neighborhood Shimon Hatzaddik (Sheik Jarrah) in Jerusalem. "During the Jerusalem Day march, a gang of a few dozen bullies walked through the city's Arab streets calling death to Arabs, death to leftists, [and] burn their villages," he wrote.
Prof. Nir justified his remarks by arguing that “the response of any reasonable, peaceful and just individual should be that they [nationalists] must be prevented from acting out their threats such as in terrorist activities dubbed 'price tag.’” The `price tag` motto is that of a small group who claim they will see to it that Arabs pay an immediate price for anti-Jewish activity by taking the law into their own hands, as Professor Nir would like the world to do against Jews, but have yet to be caught acting on that premise.
The university’s spokesperson said there is no connection between the professor’s political views and those of Ben Gurion. After the My Israel movement began a Facebook campaign on the university website against its stand and Prof. Nir’s statements, Ben Gurion University blocked the website. An official suggested that if anyone has complaints, he should go to the police.
National Union Knesset Member Dr. Michael Ben-Ari appealed to government prosecutor Shai Nitzan to launch an investigation into the remarks of Prof. Nir, who is also a leftist activist.
“It is known that the prosecutor practices discrimination and treats leftist inciters with silk gloves, but this incident crosses a red line that cannot be ignored," the MK wrote Nitzan. “If a right-wing activist had called to break the necks of leftists or of government prosecutors, there is no doubt than he would forget what daylight looks like” after the government arrested him.
My Israel chairwoman Ayelet Shaked noted that Ben Gurion University previously has dismissed a lecturer who expressed opposition against homosexuals and lesbians, but ”when a leftist lecturer incites murder of people on the right, the university denies any responsibility for his remarks.”
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
A senior Ben Gurion U. professor urges people to “break the necks of right-wing scoundrels,” but the university blocked protests on its website.
Chemistry Professor Eyal Nir wrote on his Facebook page, "I call on the world to come and help break these scoundrels' necks," and he described right-wing, Israeli flag-bearing marchers on Jerusalem Day as "gangs of bandits swarming in our country.”
He was outraged at Israelis who waved Israeli flags in the Jewish-Arab neighborhood Shimon Hatzaddik (Sheik Jarrah) in Jerusalem. "During the Jerusalem Day march, a gang of a few dozen bullies walked through the city's Arab streets calling death to Arabs, death to leftists, [and] burn their villages," he wrote.
Prof. Nir justified his remarks by arguing that “the response of any reasonable, peaceful and just individual should be that they [nationalists] must be prevented from acting out their threats such as in terrorist activities dubbed 'price tag.’” The `price tag` motto is that of a small group who claim they will see to it that Arabs pay an immediate price for anti-Jewish activity by taking the law into their own hands, as Professor Nir would like the world to do against Jews, but have yet to be caught acting on that premise.
The university’s spokesperson said there is no connection between the professor’s political views and those of Ben Gurion. After the My Israel movement began a Facebook campaign on the university website against its stand and Prof. Nir’s statements, Ben Gurion University blocked the website. An official suggested that if anyone has complaints, he should go to the police.
National Union Knesset Member Dr. Michael Ben-Ari appealed to government prosecutor Shai Nitzan to launch an investigation into the remarks of Prof. Nir, who is also a leftist activist.
“It is known that the prosecutor practices discrimination and treats leftist inciters with silk gloves, but this incident crosses a red line that cannot be ignored," the MK wrote Nitzan. “If a right-wing activist had called to break the necks of leftists or of government prosecutors, there is no doubt than he would forget what daylight looks like” after the government arrested him.
My Israel chairwoman Ayelet Shaked noted that Ben Gurion University previously has dismissed a lecturer who expressed opposition against homosexuals and lesbians, but ”when a leftist lecturer incites murder of people on the right, the university denies any responsibility for his remarks.”
Comment on this story
3. Bank Governor Stanley Fischer Running to Head IMF
by Chana Ya'ar
Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer has officially announced his candidacy in the race to head the International Money Fund after mulling the matter for nearly two weeks.
Fischer, who served for seven years as the deputy chairman the fund, will still first need to get special approval to run due to his age – 67 – which is two years beyond the ceiling set by the organization's bylaws.
A second problem is his occupational, religious and ethnic background: as the Jewish head of Israel's central bank, it could be nigh impossible for Fischer to win the support of the numerous Arab and other Muslim nations who contribute to the fund.
A statement released Saturday night by the Bank of Israel said Fischer had informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz. “A unique, unplanned and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has arisen to run for the head of the International Money Fund,” he said he told the prime minister, “which after consideration I decided I wanted to pursue.”
The job is vacant following the resignation of former IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested last month in New York City and charged with sexually assaulting a chamber maid in a hotel.
Fischer is running as a dark horse, with the current favorite considered to be French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde. But Israel's candidate may have a chance due to indications of support beyond the region as well as his track record at the organization. Fischer also has solid ties with top officials in the Palestinian Authority banking system, according to the Wall Street Journal. He received a special vote of confidence from George Abed, former head of the Palestine Monetary Authority, who called him “the most qualified candidate” he had seen mentioned.
Lagarde, who enjoys wide support in Europe – with 35 percent of the IMF vote – may not be able to garner much beyond that region. The same may hold true for Mexican Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens, a third candidate in the race.
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer has officially announced his candidacy in the race to head the International Money Fund after mulling the matter for nearly two weeks.
Fischer, who served for seven years as the deputy chairman the fund, will still first need to get special approval to run due to his age – 67 – which is two years beyond the ceiling set by the organization's bylaws.
A second problem is his occupational, religious and ethnic background: as the Jewish head of Israel's central bank, it could be nigh impossible for Fischer to win the support of the numerous Arab and other Muslim nations who contribute to the fund.
A statement released Saturday night by the Bank of Israel said Fischer had informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz. “A unique, unplanned and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has arisen to run for the head of the International Money Fund,” he said he told the prime minister, “which after consideration I decided I wanted to pursue.”
The job is vacant following the resignation of former IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested last month in New York City and charged with sexually assaulting a chamber maid in a hotel.
Fischer is running as a dark horse, with the current favorite considered to be French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde. But Israel's candidate may have a chance due to indications of support beyond the region as well as his track record at the organization. Fischer also has solid ties with top officials in the Palestinian Authority banking system, according to the Wall Street Journal. He received a special vote of confidence from George Abed, former head of the Palestine Monetary Authority, who called him “the most qualified candidate” he had seen mentioned.
Lagarde, who enjoys wide support in Europe – with 35 percent of the IMF vote – may not be able to garner much beyond that region. The same may hold true for Mexican Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens, a third candidate in the race.
Comment on this story
4. Erekat: USA Would Cut Funding if We Declare a State
by Gil Ronen
The United States Administration has made clear to the Palestinian Authority that a unilateral declaration of statehood by the PA is not an option, PA negotiator Saeb Erekat said. He spoke on Israel Channel 2 television’s Meet the Press.
Having freshly returned from a trip to the US, Erekat said that he understood from the Americans that in case of a unilateral declaration of statehood coupled with a plea for United Nations recognition, US funding of the PA might be cut.
“We do not come to the UN to unilaterally declare statehood,” Erekat said. “We do not come to the UN to request recognition. We come to request acceptance. We want the UN to accept a Palestinian state within ’67 borders that will live in peace and security side-by-side with Israel. But the Americans said that the UN is not an option. Following that, we told them that our option is negotiation.”
“Netanyahu succeeded in driving us away from the negotiation room,” the veteran negotiator said. “We want to go back to negotiation. This is [PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s] option. If Mr. Netanyahu refuses to say ‘two states along 1967 lines’ – he can say it in English, Russian, Hebrew, Latin or any language he chooses – if he continues to build settlements, if the US chooses to veto the proposal to accept us into the UN and if the US Congress decides to cut us off and stop our aid, then Netanyahu can invite both houses of Congress to the settlement of Beit El. I think he will be the only leader between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean.”
Erekat appeared to hint that unless Israel accepts the 1949 Armistice lines, the PA will adopt an even tougher stance. “In September, if Netanyahu chooses settlements over peace, if he chooses PR over reality, if he chooses the past over the future, we will have to tell the Palestinians, ‘yes, we gave him a chance, we did the best we could, we recognized the state of Israel, but we failed!’”
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
The United States Administration has made clear to the Palestinian Authority that a unilateral declaration of statehood by the PA is not an option, PA negotiator Saeb Erekat said. He spoke on Israel Channel 2 television’s Meet the Press.
Having freshly returned from a trip to the US, Erekat said that he understood from the Americans that in case of a unilateral declaration of statehood coupled with a plea for United Nations recognition, US funding of the PA might be cut.
“We do not come to the UN to unilaterally declare statehood,” Erekat said. “We do not come to the UN to request recognition. We come to request acceptance. We want the UN to accept a Palestinian state within ’67 borders that will live in peace and security side-by-side with Israel. But the Americans said that the UN is not an option. Following that, we told them that our option is negotiation.”
“Netanyahu succeeded in driving us away from the negotiation room,” the veteran negotiator said. “We want to go back to negotiation. This is [PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s] option. If Mr. Netanyahu refuses to say ‘two states along 1967 lines’ – he can say it in English, Russian, Hebrew, Latin or any language he chooses – if he continues to build settlements, if the US chooses to veto the proposal to accept us into the UN and if the US Congress decides to cut us off and stop our aid, then Netanyahu can invite both houses of Congress to the settlement of Beit El. I think he will be the only leader between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean.”
Erekat appeared to hint that unless Israel accepts the 1949 Armistice lines, the PA will adopt an even tougher stance. “In September, if Netanyahu chooses settlements over peace, if he chooses PR over reality, if he chooses the past over the future, we will have to tell the Palestinians, ‘yes, we gave him a chance, we did the best we could, we recognized the state of Israel, but we failed!’”
Comment on this story
5. Blame Israel: Erdogan Charges ‘Israeli-Backed’ Media Against Him
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns an “anti-democratic, pro-Israeli conspiracy” as backers of an opposition party in Sunday’s election in Turkey.
“The international media, because they are backed by Israel, wouldn't be happy with the continuation of the AK Party government," he said, according to the state-run Anatolian news agency. "The international media, because they are backed by Israel, wouldn't be happy with the continuation of the AK Party government.”
Turkey’s European Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis alleged that the foreign media are part of “mafia-like organizations” run by “international dark elites.”
Erdogan and his supporters railed against Israel because of an editorial in the British Economist, considered far from being pro-Israel, that encouraged Turkish voter to cast ballots for the opposition Republican People’s Party. Voting against Erdogan’s party would be the “best way for Turks to promote democracy,” the editorial stated.
Erdogan has changed the laws to give him more power over the judiciary and military, moves which represent his “autocratic instincts,” according to the Economist.
His AK party, which has been linked with the IHH terrorist organization, is expected to score a comfortable victory, largely because of Turkey’s solid economy. Erdogan is predicted to win more than 50 percent of the votes, but it is not certain he will win the needed two-thirds majority to pass amendments to the constitution without a referendum.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns an “anti-democratic, pro-Israeli conspiracy” as backers of an opposition party in Sunday’s election in Turkey.
“The international media, because they are backed by Israel, wouldn't be happy with the continuation of the AK Party government," he said, according to the state-run Anatolian news agency. "The international media, because they are backed by Israel, wouldn't be happy with the continuation of the AK Party government.”
Turkey’s European Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis alleged that the foreign media are part of “mafia-like organizations” run by “international dark elites.”
Erdogan and his supporters railed against Israel because of an editorial in the British Economist, considered far from being pro-Israel, that encouraged Turkish voter to cast ballots for the opposition Republican People’s Party. Voting against Erdogan’s party would be the “best way for Turks to promote democracy,” the editorial stated.
Erdogan has changed the laws to give him more power over the judiciary and military, moves which represent his “autocratic instincts,” according to the Economist.
His AK party, which has been linked with the IHH terrorist organization, is expected to score a comfortable victory, largely because of Turkey’s solid economy. Erdogan is predicted to win more than 50 percent of the votes, but it is not certain he will win the needed two-thirds majority to pass amendments to the constitution without a referendum.
Comment on this story
6. UNHRC Gave Assad, Other Dictators a Free Pass, Study Shows
by Gil Ronen
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has turned a blind eye to most of the world’s worst abusers, UN Watch has found.
In an exhaustive study, the watchdog group examined all statements by Pillay published on the UN website between September 2008 and June 2010. The findings show “a questionable sense of priorities,” the group reported. “Ms. Pillay turned a blind eye to most of the world’s worst abusers… She failed to voice any concern for victims in 34 countries rated ‘Not Free’ by Freedom House—meaning those with the worst records, and the most needy victims.”
Syria was among the nations that received no criticism from Pillay. In July 2010, two renowned Syrian human rights lawyers, Haytham al-Maleh and Muhanad al-Hasani, were convicted for criticizing the Syrian authorities. In March 2010, Syrian military detained journalists, bloggers and writers for exposing government abuse and corruption. However, the High Commissioner did not respond to any of these events, and over the course of her tenure, did not make any public comments about the state of human rights in Syria.
Pillay only woke up to the problematic regime in Syria last Thursday when she called on it to stop "its aggression against its people," and urged Syria to allow an UNHRC fact-finding mission to investigate the violence, including the killing of 120 security personnel at Jisr a-Shugour.
Pilllay said in a statement: "This is very unfortunate that the government tries to force its people into submission using tanks, artillery and snipers. I urge the government to stop this assault on basic human rights of its people."
Among the countries not criticized between September 2008 and June 2010 despite severe human rights abuses: Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mauritania, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
There were 21 statements on countries in the Middle East and North Africa. However, of these, nine were on Israel, the only democracy in the region.
UN Watch slammed the UNCHR earlier this year for its hypocrisy regarding mass murder of rebels in Libya.
Ms. Pillay failed to issue any public statement in response to the well-documented violence against demonstrators in Iran following the June 2009 presidential elections. Her first comment appeared three months after initial reports and video evidence of government-backed paramilitary forces arbitrarily arresting, beating and killing protestors were released. She called on Iran to respect human rights in her traditional opening speech at the UNHRC session in September 2009 but did not give a press conference and chose not to issue a statement on the matter.
The UNHRC is the body that commissioned the now-discredited Goldstone report that slammed Israel for alleged war crimes in Operation Cast Lead against Gaza terrorists.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has turned a blind eye to most of the world’s worst abusers, UN Watch has found.
In an exhaustive study, the watchdog group examined all statements by Pillay published on the UN website between September 2008 and June 2010. The findings show “a questionable sense of priorities,” the group reported. “Ms. Pillay turned a blind eye to most of the world’s worst abusers… She failed to voice any concern for victims in 34 countries rated ‘Not Free’ by Freedom House—meaning those with the worst records, and the most needy victims.”
Syria was among the nations that received no criticism from Pillay. In July 2010, two renowned Syrian human rights lawyers, Haytham al-Maleh and Muhanad al-Hasani, were convicted for criticizing the Syrian authorities. In March 2010, Syrian military detained journalists, bloggers and writers for exposing government abuse and corruption. However, the High Commissioner did not respond to any of these events, and over the course of her tenure, did not make any public comments about the state of human rights in Syria.
Pillay only woke up to the problematic regime in Syria last Thursday when she called on it to stop "its aggression against its people," and urged Syria to allow an UNHRC fact-finding mission to investigate the violence, including the killing of 120 security personnel at Jisr a-Shugour.
Pilllay said in a statement: "This is very unfortunate that the government tries to force its people into submission using tanks, artillery and snipers. I urge the government to stop this assault on basic human rights of its people."
Among the countries not criticized between September 2008 and June 2010 despite severe human rights abuses: Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mauritania, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
There were 21 statements on countries in the Middle East and North Africa. However, of these, nine were on Israel, the only democracy in the region.
UN Watch slammed the UNCHR earlier this year for its hypocrisy regarding mass murder of rebels in Libya.
Ms. Pillay failed to issue any public statement in response to the well-documented violence against demonstrators in Iran following the June 2009 presidential elections. Her first comment appeared three months after initial reports and video evidence of government-backed paramilitary forces arbitrarily arresting, beating and killing protestors were released. She called on Iran to respect human rights in her traditional opening speech at the UNHRC session in September 2009 but did not give a press conference and chose not to issue a statement on the matter.
The UNHRC is the body that commissioned the now-discredited Goldstone report that slammed Israel for alleged war crimes in Operation Cast Lead against Gaza terrorists.
Comment on this story
7. ‘Father of IAF’ Al Schwimmer Dies at 94
by Gil Ronen
Al Schwimmer, 94, hero of Israel`s fight for independence, has died. Schwimmer, originally an American citizen, was the first director of the Israel Aerospace Industry. He sat at the cockpit of the IAI for 24 years.
He was among the founders of the Aeronautics Department of the Technion technological college and served two terms as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Technology and Industry.
He received the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement on Independence Day in 2006.
Schwimmer was convicted in 1950 of violating the US Neutrality Act for smuggling aircraft into Israel during the War of Independence. He was pardoned in 2000 by then US President Bill Clinton.
Schwimmer had enlisted the aid of his friend, businessman Charles Winters, who had bought decommissioned military cargo planes to transport fruits and vegetables. The two managed to smuggle three B-17 bombers to Israel, flying them from Miami, to Puerto Rico, then over the Azores to Czechoslovakia.
The three bombers were the only heavy bombers in the Israeli Air Force during the war, and were reportedly essential in turning the tide of war in Israel's favor.
Winters was subsequently prosecuted by the U.S. for violating the Neutrality Act of 1939. He was found guilty and spent 18 months in prison. Another man in the operation, Herman Greenspun, was convicted but received no prison time, and was pardoned in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.
A significant portion of IDF forces during Israel's 1948 War of Independence, like Schwimmer and Winters, were Jewish volunteers hailing from English-speaking countries.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
Al Schwimmer, 94, hero of Israel`s fight for independence, has died. Schwimmer, originally an American citizen, was the first director of the Israel Aerospace Industry. He sat at the cockpit of the IAI for 24 years.
He was among the founders of the Aeronautics Department of the Technion technological college and served two terms as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Technology and Industry.
He received the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement on Independence Day in 2006.
Schwimmer was convicted in 1950 of violating the US Neutrality Act for smuggling aircraft into Israel during the War of Independence. He was pardoned in 2000 by then US President Bill Clinton.
Schwimmer had enlisted the aid of his friend, businessman Charles Winters, who had bought decommissioned military cargo planes to transport fruits and vegetables. The two managed to smuggle three B-17 bombers to Israel, flying them from Miami, to Puerto Rico, then over the Azores to Czechoslovakia.
The three bombers were the only heavy bombers in the Israeli Air Force during the war, and were reportedly essential in turning the tide of war in Israel's favor.
Winters was subsequently prosecuted by the U.S. for violating the Neutrality Act of 1939. He was found guilty and spent 18 months in prison. Another man in the operation, Herman Greenspun, was convicted but received no prison time, and was pardoned in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.
A significant portion of IDF forces during Israel's 1948 War of Independence, like Schwimmer and Winters, were Jewish volunteers hailing from English-speaking countries.
Comment on this story
8. Soldiers Literally Give their Blood for Israel
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The expression of soldiers giving their blood for a country never is truer than in Israel, where troops contribute 25 percent of blood bank donations.
IDF soldiers every year contribute 72,000 units of blood, according to the military. The total amount of donations to the nation’s blood bank every year is nearly 200,000 units.
Every soldier who meets the criteria set by the Health Ministry can contribute once every six months, when the IDF operates mandatory twice-yearly blood donation centers for soldiers.
Blood donated by IDF soldiers ends up being used both for soldiers and members of the general public. Almost 100 percent of blood donations are given through Magen David Adom (MDA).
Israelis donate on the average 1.3 times a year. Women account for only 25 percent of the blood donors, with anemia being cited as one of the reasons for the relatively low rate compared with men.
"The percentage of donors required to assure that there will be enough blood to meet the needs of the medical system in Israel is approaching the 5 percent limit, much higher than in most other countries.
However, “It is not enough, although we are definitely in a good place in the middle", explains Prof. Eilat Shinar, Director of Blood Services. "The donor rate in the United States fluctuates between 3-4 percent and likewise can be found in some countries in Europe.”
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The expression of soldiers giving their blood for a country never is truer than in Israel, where troops contribute 25 percent of blood bank donations.
IDF soldiers every year contribute 72,000 units of blood, according to the military. The total amount of donations to the nation’s blood bank every year is nearly 200,000 units.
Every soldier who meets the criteria set by the Health Ministry can contribute once every six months, when the IDF operates mandatory twice-yearly blood donation centers for soldiers.
Blood donated by IDF soldiers ends up being used both for soldiers and members of the general public. Almost 100 percent of blood donations are given through Magen David Adom (MDA).
Israelis donate on the average 1.3 times a year. Women account for only 25 percent of the blood donors, with anemia being cited as one of the reasons for the relatively low rate compared with men.
"The percentage of donors required to assure that there will be enough blood to meet the needs of the medical system in Israel is approaching the 5 percent limit, much higher than in most other countries.
However, “It is not enough, although we are definitely in a good place in the middle", explains Prof. Eilat Shinar, Director of Blood Services. "The donor rate in the United States fluctuates between 3-4 percent and likewise can be found in some countries in Europe.”
Comment on this story
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