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Dear Friends of Arutz Sheva
Every year at this time, Arutz Sheva takes upon itself the funding
of the Passover seder for the Ethiopian Jewish community in Yaffo.
south Tel Aviv.We understand that this is the largest seder in Israel, and has been over the years, a momentous occasion for our Ethiopian Jews, in so many ways.
This year, over fourteen hundred Jews are expected to attend, G-d willing.
We take this opportunity of asking you to participate by way of a monetary gift.
In the event that you would like to support this effort with us, then kindly e - mail me at. Jonathan@arutzsheva.org or click here
We shall need your telephone numbers, so please include these, I shall ensure that one of our staff here at Arutz Sheva call you within a few hours to collect your gift.
With thanks.
חג פסח כשר ושמח
Happy Pesach
Yonatan Boofty
Arutz Sheva
Bet El
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1. As Expected – Land Day Turns Violent
by Gabe Kahn
Land Day turned violent Friday when Arabs began hurling Molotov cocktails and stones at soldiers near the Kalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem.
The riots began after Friday afternoon Muslim prayers – often a starting point for violence – when dozens of masked Arab youths began rioting at the checkpoint.
Soldiers responded with teargas and deployed the "Skunk" – a vehicle loaded with canons spraying a noxious-smelling liquid. A machine that transmits high frequency sound waves was also employed.
Israel Radio reported several protesters were lightly injured in the clashes and taken to the hosptial. Hamas parliament member Ahmed Atoun was lightly injured when he was struck in the head by a stone hurled by the rioters.
A video uploaded to the IDF Spokesperson's YouTube channel showed rioters in Bethlehem hurling stones and firebombs at an IDF watchtower.
Hundreds of Arabs gathered near the Nablus Gate in Jerusalem in an attempt to stage an illegal march, but were stopped by police. Numerous arrests were reported.
Some 200 people attended a parade marking Land Day in Kafr Kanna near Nazareth, where no violence was reported.
Meanwhile, Jordanian news sites reported some 20,000 people are gathering in order to take part in the massive march towards the Israeli border. According to reports, 4 rabbis from the extreme anti-Zionist Neturei Karta sect were marching with them.
The stridently pro-Hizbullah Lebanese newspaper As-Safir reported 120 Hamas-provided buses will be transporting protesters to the Israeli border to participate in the “Global March on Jerusalem.”
Friday’s violence was widely expected by security officials who deployed on Thursday thousands of additional troops and police officers in anticipation of trouble.
Palestinian Authority enclaves in Judea and Samaria were also cordoned off.
IDF chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Israel Police commissioner Yochanan Danino on Friday personally toured potential hotspots to make first hand security assessments.
At least 15 people were killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers when they tried to cross the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel in May protests over Israel’s creation in 1948.
In June, Israeli troops killed 23 infiltrators who crossed into the no-man’s land between Israel and Syria as a part of violent protests against Israel's presence in the Golan Heights since 1967.
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
Land Day turned violent Friday when Arabs began hurling Molotov cocktails and stones at soldiers near the Kalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem.
The riots began after Friday afternoon Muslim prayers – often a starting point for violence – when dozens of masked Arab youths began rioting at the checkpoint.
Soldiers responded with teargas and deployed the "Skunk" – a vehicle loaded with canons spraying a noxious-smelling liquid. A machine that transmits high frequency sound waves was also employed.
Israel Radio reported several protesters were lightly injured in the clashes and taken to the hosptial. Hamas parliament member Ahmed Atoun was lightly injured when he was struck in the head by a stone hurled by the rioters.
A video uploaded to the IDF Spokesperson's YouTube channel showed rioters in Bethlehem hurling stones and firebombs at an IDF watchtower.
Hundreds of Arabs gathered near the Nablus Gate in Jerusalem in an attempt to stage an illegal march, but were stopped by police. Numerous arrests were reported.
Some 200 people attended a parade marking Land Day in Kafr Kanna near Nazareth, where no violence was reported.
Meanwhile, Jordanian news sites reported some 20,000 people are gathering in order to take part in the massive march towards the Israeli border. According to reports, 4 rabbis from the extreme anti-Zionist Neturei Karta sect were marching with them.
The stridently pro-Hizbullah Lebanese newspaper As-Safir reported 120 Hamas-provided buses will be transporting protesters to the Israeli border to participate in the “Global March on Jerusalem.”
Friday’s violence was widely expected by security officials who deployed on Thursday thousands of additional troops and police officers in anticipation of trouble.
Palestinian Authority enclaves in Judea and Samaria were also cordoned off.
IDF chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Israel Police commissioner Yochanan Danino on Friday personally toured potential hotspots to make first hand security assessments.
At least 15 people were killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers when they tried to cross the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel in May protests over Israel’s creation in 1948.
In June, Israeli troops killed 23 infiltrators who crossed into the no-man’s land between Israel and Syria as a part of violent protests against Israel's presence in the Golan Heights since 1967.
More on this topic
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2. Security Chiefs 'Hands On' for Land Day
by Gabe Kahn
Israel's security chiefs are taking a hands on approach in managing Friday's planned Arab protests and a "Global March to Jerusalem" from neighboring countries.
Thousands of additional police and troops were deployed across Israel and along the Jewish state's borders in anticipation of violence.
Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza today are marking Land Day, an annual protest against what they say are discriminatory Israeli land policies.
On Friday, thousands of Arabs set out from the Lower Galilee city of Sakhnin to Arraba The central observance is scheduled for the afternoon in Deir Hana in coordination with police.
Friday prayers on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where violence has repeatedly erupted in recent months, started amid concern over Land Day disturbances upon their conclusion.
Police Commissioner Yochanan Danino held a security assessment at the Western Wall Plaza with senior commanders.
As part of preparations, police said they would limit the access of Muslim worshipers to the Temple Mount for Friday prayers. Only men over the age of 40 in possession of a blue Israeli identity card and women will be given access to the Temple Mount.
Elsewhere, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz toured the northern border and the Central Command's domain, Friday, and held security assessments with generals and brigade commanders.
Gantz directed the forces to be vigilant while exercising discretion to protect Israeli sovereignty for Land Day, as observed by Israeli Arabs, and the "March on Jerusalem" being undertaken by Palestinian Authority Arabs in Judea and Samaria - and groups of Arabs and other Muslims on Israel's international borders.
Organizers claim protests will be peaceful, but have failed to deliver on similar pledges in recent years resulting in deadly violence.
At least 15 people were killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers when they tried to cross the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel in May protests over Israel’s creation in 1948.
In June, Israeli troops killed 23 infiltrators who crossed into the no-man’s land between Israel and Syria as a part of a violent protests against Israel's presence in the Golan Heights since 1967.
Despite the increased deployments, Israeli officials say they hope to avoid direct confrontations and will avoid entering Arab areas unless circumstances demand it.
"The guidelines are to allow everyone to mark Land Day quietly... We will keep a low profile," Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch told Israel Radio.
Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said the biggest deployments were around Arab towns in northern Israel and in Jerusalem, where protests routinely turn into riots. .
"We’re hoping there won’t be any major incidents," he said. "If there are . . . obviously the police will respond and deal with them."
The IDF said it was "prepared for any eventuality and will do whatever is necessary to protect Israeli borders and residents." It gave no further details.
Photos courtesy of the IDF Spokesperson's Office
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
Israel's security chiefs are taking a hands on approach in managing Friday's planned Arab protests and a "Global March to Jerusalem" from neighboring countries.
Thousands of additional police and troops were deployed across Israel and along the Jewish state's borders in anticipation of violence.
Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza today are marking Land Day, an annual protest against what they say are discriminatory Israeli land policies.
On Friday, thousands of Arabs set out from the Lower Galilee city of Sakhnin to Arraba The central observance is scheduled for the afternoon in Deir Hana in coordination with police.
Friday prayers on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where violence has repeatedly erupted in recent months, started amid concern over Land Day disturbances upon their conclusion.
Police Commissioner Yochanan Danino held a security assessment at the Western Wall Plaza with senior commanders.
As part of preparations, police said they would limit the access of Muslim worshipers to the Temple Mount for Friday prayers. Only men over the age of 40 in possession of a blue Israeli identity card and women will be given access to the Temple Mount.
Elsewhere, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz toured the northern border and the Central Command's domain, Friday, and held security assessments with generals and brigade commanders.
Gantz directed the forces to be vigilant while exercising discretion to protect Israeli sovereignty for Land Day, as observed by Israeli Arabs, and the "March on Jerusalem" being undertaken by Palestinian Authority Arabs in Judea and Samaria - and groups of Arabs and other Muslims on Israel's international borders.
Organizers claim protests will be peaceful, but have failed to deliver on similar pledges in recent years resulting in deadly violence.
At least 15 people were killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers when they tried to cross the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel in May protests over Israel’s creation in 1948.
In June, Israeli troops killed 23 infiltrators who crossed into the no-man’s land between Israel and Syria as a part of a violent protests against Israel's presence in the Golan Heights since 1967.
Despite the increased deployments, Israeli officials say they hope to avoid direct confrontations and will avoid entering Arab areas unless circumstances demand it.
"The guidelines are to allow everyone to mark Land Day quietly... We will keep a low profile," Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch told Israel Radio.
Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said the biggest deployments were around Arab towns in northern Israel and in Jerusalem, where protests routinely turn into riots. .
"We’re hoping there won’t be any major incidents," he said. "If there are . . . obviously the police will respond and deal with them."
The IDF said it was "prepared for any eventuality and will do whatever is necessary to protect Israeli borders and residents." It gave no further details.
Photos courtesy of the IDF Spokesperson's Office
Tags: Benny Gantz ,Yochanan Danino ,Land Day ,IDF ,Israel Police
More on this topic
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3. Hebrew University: Murder Just a Matter of Time
by Maayana Miskin
Arab men threw Molotov cocktails at a bus on Thursday near the Hebrew University campus in French Hill in northern Jerusalem. The bus sustained damage, but the makeshift bombs failed to break the windows and the dozens of passengers escaped without injury.
Driver Alon said the Molotov cocktails ignited on impact. “It’s a miracle that they did not burn the bus,” he told Yediot Aharonot.
The passengers on the bus were members of a family who had just celebrated a bar mitzvah, he said. They were terrified, Alon recalled, “We were afraid we would die.”
Itai Gotler, head of the Student Union at Hebrew University-French Hill, warned that the attack “is yet another proof that [terrorist] murder on the campus area is just a matter of time.” Hebrew University students have complained that local Arabs routinely harass them.
Hebrew University has been the site of terrorism before, most notably in the bombing in 2002 of one of the school’s cafeterias. Nine people were murdered in the attack. A terrorist involved in the bombing was recently released in the terrorist exchange deal that freed Gilad Shalit..
Police responded to Thursday’s firebombing, but have yet to apprehend suspects.
A second firebomb attack was carried out Thursday night near the city of Beitar Illit, a short distance from Jerusalem. Attackers targeted an Israeli bus, but failed to cause injury or damage.
The day before, a groom about to get married was wounded in a rock attack as he went to pray at his grandfatherf's grave at Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives cemetery.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
Arab men threw Molotov cocktails at a bus on Thursday near the Hebrew University campus in French Hill in northern Jerusalem. The bus sustained damage, but the makeshift bombs failed to break the windows and the dozens of passengers escaped without injury.
Driver Alon said the Molotov cocktails ignited on impact. “It’s a miracle that they did not burn the bus,” he told Yediot Aharonot.
The passengers on the bus were members of a family who had just celebrated a bar mitzvah, he said. They were terrified, Alon recalled, “We were afraid we would die.”
Itai Gotler, head of the Student Union at Hebrew University-French Hill, warned that the attack “is yet another proof that [terrorist] murder on the campus area is just a matter of time.” Hebrew University students have complained that local Arabs routinely harass them.
Hebrew University has been the site of terrorism before, most notably in the bombing in 2002 of one of the school’s cafeterias. Nine people were murdered in the attack. A terrorist involved in the bombing was recently released in the terrorist exchange deal that freed Gilad Shalit..
Police responded to Thursday’s firebombing, but have yet to apprehend suspects.
A second firebomb attack was carried out Thursday night near the city of Beitar Illit, a short distance from Jerusalem. Attackers targeted an Israeli bus, but failed to cause injury or damage.
The day before, a groom about to get married was wounded in a rock attack as he went to pray at his grandfatherf's grave at Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives cemetery.
More on this topic
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4. State to Demolish Bereaved Family’s Farm
by Maayana Miskin
The state has decided to demolish a Jewish-owned farm in the Judean hills owned by Mordechai Deutsch. The Deutsch family farm is the sole source of food and income for Mordechai, his wife and their 10 children.
Mordechai’s brother Yeshayahu Deutsch, also a farmer, was murdered by a terrorist at his farm in Gush Katif.
State representatives announced that the farm would be demolished after a Palestinian Authority Arab family filed a petition to the Supreme Court.
Avidan Ofir is a neighbor of the Deutsch family in Mitzpeh Yair, near the town of Susiya in the Hevron region. “The lawsuit is full of lies,” Ofir told Arutz Sheva. “They accused him of burning and stealing Arab property. They accused him of building illegal buildings. It’s all lies. This is one of the most moral families I know.”
The claim of “illegal building” is ridiculous, Ofir said. “The ‘greenhouses’ are metal arches that aren’t even connected to the ground. Since when do you need a permit for something like that?” Accusations that Mordechai Deutsch set up a woodworking shop specializing in illegal buildings are equally absurd, he continued, “This is a farmer who has never once worked as a woodworker.”
The Arab plaintiffs accused Deutsch of burning Arab property in their appeal to the Supreme Court, but had never filed a police complaint over the alleged offenses – which, Deutsch said, never occurred.
“It’s all tall tales and stories with zero connection to the truth, and the court accepted it,” Ofir concluded.
The Deutsch family “does everything alone,” Ofir added. “No workers, only Mordechai and his wife work on the farm.” That fact makes the planned demolition particularly upsetting, he said, “The state is uprooting its citizens, destroying a family that lives from farming like in the old days.”
The story, as related by Ofir, is reminiscent of the legal troubles facing Migron. The Jewish community of Migron, like the Deutsch family farm, stood for many years before suddenly facing a lawsuit from PA Arabs. The Arab plaintiffs similarly brought their accusations straight to the Supreme Court, without filing complaints with police.
Justice Ministry officials told Arutz Sheva that the Supreme Court had ruled structures at the farm to be illegal, stating that even makeshift greenhouses require a building permit. The demolition order remains in force, they said.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
The state has decided to demolish a Jewish-owned farm in the Judean hills owned by Mordechai Deutsch. The Deutsch family farm is the sole source of food and income for Mordechai, his wife and their 10 children.
Mordechai’s brother Yeshayahu Deutsch, also a farmer, was murdered by a terrorist at his farm in Gush Katif.
State representatives announced that the farm would be demolished after a Palestinian Authority Arab family filed a petition to the Supreme Court.
Avidan Ofir is a neighbor of the Deutsch family in Mitzpeh Yair, near the town of Susiya in the Hevron region. “The lawsuit is full of lies,” Ofir told Arutz Sheva. “They accused him of burning and stealing Arab property. They accused him of building illegal buildings. It’s all lies. This is one of the most moral families I know.”
The claim of “illegal building” is ridiculous, Ofir said. “The ‘greenhouses’ are metal arches that aren’t even connected to the ground. Since when do you need a permit for something like that?” Accusations that Mordechai Deutsch set up a woodworking shop specializing in illegal buildings are equally absurd, he continued, “This is a farmer who has never once worked as a woodworker.”
The Arab plaintiffs accused Deutsch of burning Arab property in their appeal to the Supreme Court, but had never filed a police complaint over the alleged offenses – which, Deutsch said, never occurred.
“It’s all tall tales and stories with zero connection to the truth, and the court accepted it,” Ofir concluded.
The Deutsch family “does everything alone,” Ofir added. “No workers, only Mordechai and his wife work on the farm.” That fact makes the planned demolition particularly upsetting, he said, “The state is uprooting its citizens, destroying a family that lives from farming like in the old days.”
The story, as related by Ofir, is reminiscent of the legal troubles facing Migron. The Jewish community of Migron, like the Deutsch family farm, stood for many years before suddenly facing a lawsuit from PA Arabs. The Arab plaintiffs similarly brought their accusations straight to the Supreme Court, without filing complaints with police.
Justice Ministry officials told Arutz Sheva that the Supreme Court had ruled structures at the farm to be illegal, stating that even makeshift greenhouses require a building permit. The demolition order remains in force, they said.
Tags: demolition ,Demolition Orders ,Susya ,Supreme Court
More on this topic
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5. Jewish Residents Protest Removal of Road Blockade
by Elad Benari
Residents of the northwestern Shomron Jewish community of Avnei Hefetz demonstrated on Thursday against the removal of a roadblock which prevented residents of the neighboring Arab village of Shufa from crossing the highway.
Tzvi Dardik from the secretariat of Avnei Hefetz said during the demonstration, “The IDF decided to remove the barrier despite having promised not to do so until the road is adjusted to accommodate the large masses of residents of Shechem who will travel through it. We once again warn that if no changes are made, including widening the road and adding lighting - the road will become a death trap. The road is not built to accommodate the great mass of Arabs who will pass through if the barrier comes down.
The opening of the road comes after on Wednesday, the road between Beit Furik and Elon Moreh was opened for the first time in 12 years.
The road, which is known as the Madison Route, connects to the Samaria Brigade base, passes through the entrance to Itamar and ends at the community of Elon Moreh.
The road was closed to vehicles with the onset of the Second Intifada, also known as the Oslo War, in 2000. Since then, the IDF has prohibited Arab residents of the area to drive through the road, after terrorists carried out a number of shooting attacks directed against Israeli vehicles.
On Wednesday, residents of Elon Moreh protested against the opening of Madison Route and prevented Arabs from passing through.
“This road has known quite a few shooting attacks,” said Benny Katzover, a resident of Elon Moreh and chairman of the Samaria Residents’ Committee. “If the security situation is so good, why aren’t the other traffic routes opened to Jews? And why are we not discussing a Jewish return to Joseph's Tomb?”
Katzover added, “Opening the road will make it easier for the Arabs to ‘accidentally’ enter Elon Moreh or Itamar. This will give them a wide range of options to hurt us.”
He noted that a number of stabbings have recently been prevented in the area added, “Opening the road to Arabs will be life threatening for us.”
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
Residents of the northwestern Shomron Jewish community of Avnei Hefetz demonstrated on Thursday against the removal of a roadblock which prevented residents of the neighboring Arab village of Shufa from crossing the highway.
Tzvi Dardik from the secretariat of Avnei Hefetz said during the demonstration, “The IDF decided to remove the barrier despite having promised not to do so until the road is adjusted to accommodate the large masses of residents of Shechem who will travel through it. We once again warn that if no changes are made, including widening the road and adding lighting - the road will become a death trap. The road is not built to accommodate the great mass of Arabs who will pass through if the barrier comes down.
The opening of the road comes after on Wednesday, the road between Beit Furik and Elon Moreh was opened for the first time in 12 years.
The road, which is known as the Madison Route, connects to the Samaria Brigade base, passes through the entrance to Itamar and ends at the community of Elon Moreh.
The road was closed to vehicles with the onset of the Second Intifada, also known as the Oslo War, in 2000. Since then, the IDF has prohibited Arab residents of the area to drive through the road, after terrorists carried out a number of shooting attacks directed against Israeli vehicles.
On Wednesday, residents of Elon Moreh protested against the opening of Madison Route and prevented Arabs from passing through.
“This road has known quite a few shooting attacks,” said Benny Katzover, a resident of Elon Moreh and chairman of the Samaria Residents’ Committee. “If the security situation is so good, why aren’t the other traffic routes opened to Jews? And why are we not discussing a Jewish return to Joseph's Tomb?”
Katzover added, “Opening the road will make it easier for the Arabs to ‘accidentally’ enter Elon Moreh or Itamar. This will give them a wide range of options to hurt us.”
He noted that a number of stabbings have recently been prevented in the area added, “Opening the road to Arabs will be life threatening for us.”
Tags: Avnei Hefetz ,roadblocks ,roadblock removal
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6. 69% of Israelis Support US-Israeli Attack on Iran
by Gil Ronen
Sixty-nine percent of Israelis support a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear installations, according to a poll conducted for the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
Forty-two percent of Israelis support a strike if Israel has to act alone.
The poll found that 73% of Israelis and 85% of Palestinian Authority Arabs believe that a regional war will break out f Israel attacks Iran.
The poll shows higher support for an Iran strike than a previous poll, conducted by Shibley Telhami of the Brookings Institute and the Dahaf polling firm.
If the Israeli survey included Arab respondents, who make up about 20% of Israeli citizens – that could mean that an even larger percentage of Jewish Israelis support an Iran strike.
The New York Times published an analysis piece Tuesday in which it claimed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are not sharing the decision making process on Iran with others.
"A top Israeli official who works closely with both leaders and spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the cabinet had not talked lately about Iran, but noted that detailed and long-standing preparation had gone into the possibility of a military strike," the NYT reported. "Of the two men, he said: 'One views himself as a savior, the other lives for a good operation. They’re a strange pair who have come to appreciate each other. Together they control this issue.'"
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
Sixty-nine percent of Israelis support a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear installations, according to a poll conducted for the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
Forty-two percent of Israelis support a strike if Israel has to act alone.
The poll found that 73% of Israelis and 85% of Palestinian Authority Arabs believe that a regional war will break out f Israel attacks Iran.
The poll shows higher support for an Iran strike than a previous poll, conducted by Shibley Telhami of the Brookings Institute and the Dahaf polling firm.
If the Israeli survey included Arab respondents, who make up about 20% of Israeli citizens – that could mean that an even larger percentage of Jewish Israelis support an Iran strike.
The New York Times published an analysis piece Tuesday in which it claimed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are not sharing the decision making process on Iran with others.
"A top Israeli official who works closely with both leaders and spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the cabinet had not talked lately about Iran, but noted that detailed and long-standing preparation had gone into the possibility of a military strike," the NYT reported. "Of the two men, he said: 'One views himself as a savior, the other lives for a good operation. They’re a strange pair who have come to appreciate each other. Together they control this issue.'"
Tags: Iran Strike ,poll ,Iran Nuclear threat
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Report: Israel Buys Azeri Air Field on Iran's Northern Border -
Report: Iran's Centrifuge Workshops Are Well Hidden
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'Prepare for Ops You Read About in Books' -- Paratroopers Told
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Obama: U.S. Pushing for World Without Nuclear Weapons
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Obama Omits Deadline on 'Diplomatic Window' for Iran
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Poll: Israelis Against Iran Strike but Satisfied with Netanyahu
Comment on this story
7. Controversy Over Civics Text That Claims Left is ‘More Humane’
by Maayana Miskin
A civics book in use in hundreds of 11th and 12th-grade classrooms has created controversy with passages that appear to praise the political left and condemn the right. The passages, from “Yotzim L’derech Ezrachit” (On the Road to Civics) were publicized Friday by Yisrael Hayom.
“The Right is generally more cynical, and supports military solutions as important to national security,” the book states. “The Left is generally more humane, and believes in negotiations as the best way to solve conflicts.”
At another point, the book discusses the Nakba Law, which blocks state funding for groups that mourn the creation of the state. “Representatives from the Association for Civil Rights in Israel believe the law impinges on the rights of the Arab minority,” the book reads. “There are also other proposed laws that, if accepted, are likely to harm the Arab minority in Israel, such as the oath of loyalty to the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
In yet another controversial passage, the book tells students, “The Right attaches great importance to the nation and to national heritage… The Right tends to prefer those of the same nation over those of other nationalities and exalts values connected to nationality, and the Left is more supportive of humanism.”
MK Alex Miller, head of the Knesset’s Education Committee – and the initiator of the Nakba Law – criticized the textbook. “It is inappropriate for the Education Ministry to create a book for Israeli students that gives commentary on laws that were debated and approved in Knesset,” he said.
The inaccuracies in the book undermine the stated goals of the course, argued Dr. Efraim Podoksik of Hebrew University, who serves on the professional committee for Civics. “The only way for education to good citizenship is through truth and knowledge,” he said. “Values cannot be based on half truths.”
Dr. Podoksik saw the book only after it was approved by the Education Ministry. “It is full of serious mistakes and misleading statements,” he said.
Education Ministry officials admitted that the book contains inaccurate statements. “The book in question has problems,” an official said. The ministry is looking into the matter, and “decisions will be made soon,” she added.
Comment on this story
by Maayana Miskin
A civics book in use in hundreds of 11th and 12th-grade classrooms has created controversy with passages that appear to praise the political left and condemn the right. The passages, from “Yotzim L’derech Ezrachit” (On the Road to Civics) were publicized Friday by Yisrael Hayom.
“The Right is generally more cynical, and supports military solutions as important to national security,” the book states. “The Left is generally more humane, and believes in negotiations as the best way to solve conflicts.”
At another point, the book discusses the Nakba Law, which blocks state funding for groups that mourn the creation of the state. “Representatives from the Association for Civil Rights in Israel believe the law impinges on the rights of the Arab minority,” the book reads. “There are also other proposed laws that, if accepted, are likely to harm the Arab minority in Israel, such as the oath of loyalty to the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
In yet another controversial passage, the book tells students, “The Right attaches great importance to the nation and to national heritage… The Right tends to prefer those of the same nation over those of other nationalities and exalts values connected to nationality, and the Left is more supportive of humanism.”
MK Alex Miller, head of the Knesset’s Education Committee – and the initiator of the Nakba Law – criticized the textbook. “It is inappropriate for the Education Ministry to create a book for Israeli students that gives commentary on laws that were debated and approved in Knesset,” he said.
The inaccuracies in the book undermine the stated goals of the course, argued Dr. Efraim Podoksik of Hebrew University, who serves on the professional committee for Civics. “The only way for education to good citizenship is through truth and knowledge,” he said. “Values cannot be based on half truths.”
Dr. Podoksik saw the book only after it was approved by the Education Ministry. “It is full of serious mistakes and misleading statements,” he said.
Education Ministry officials admitted that the book contains inaccurate statements. “The book in question has problems,” an official said. The ministry is looking into the matter, and “decisions will be made soon,” she added.
Tags: Education ,Education Ministry ,civics
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Holocaust Education: Prevalent and Relevant
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IDF Visits Schools on Safe Internet Drive
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8. French Police Arrest 19 Islamic Extremists
by Gabe Kahn
French police on Friday detained 19 people in a crackdown on Islamist extremists with more raids to come, according to the president.
Nicolas Sarkozy gave no details about the arrests, which were a part of an operation by France's principal intelligence agency, the DCRI.
"It's in connection with a form of Islamist radicalism," Sarkozy told Europe-1 radio.
He added he did not know if those arrested were a part of a particular network.
A police investigator told The Associated Press the arrests did not stem from the inquiry into the Toulouse murders.
Mohamed Merah, a 23-year-old Frenchman, claimed responsibility for three shootings that left seven dead in and around the city of Toulouse in recent weeks.
Merah, a member of a radical Islamist group who said he had links to al-Qaeda, was killed by a police sniper last week as he leapt from a window while firing at onrushing police seeking to end a 32-hour standoff.
Officers were wounded in the initial exchange of fire that precipitated the siege on Merah’s hideout.
The shootings in Toulouse and nearby Montauban resulted in the deaths of three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi, and three paratroopers of Arab extraction.
French media reports have described the murders as the worst terrorist attacks in France in more than a decade, and have revived concerns about domestic Islamic terrorists.
French leaders have urged the public not to equate Islam with terrorism, but public anxiety about radical Islam is running high.
"There will be other operations that will continue and that will allow us to expel from our national territory a certain number of people who have no reason to be here," Sarkozy promised.
Sarkozy, who is fighting for his political life in a tough re-election campaign, added: "It's our duty to guarantee the security of the French people. We have no choice."
Sarkozy promised a crackdown on Islamic extremism immediately after Merah’s murders. Friday’s raids are seen as a high profile show of force.
Earlier this week, France blocked the entry of a number of radical Islamic clerics who wished to visit Paris.
Comment on this story
by Gabe Kahn
French police on Friday detained 19 people in a crackdown on Islamist extremists with more raids to come, according to the president.
Nicolas Sarkozy gave no details about the arrests, which were a part of an operation by France's principal intelligence agency, the DCRI.
"It's in connection with a form of Islamist radicalism," Sarkozy told Europe-1 radio.
He added he did not know if those arrested were a part of a particular network.
A police investigator told The Associated Press the arrests did not stem from the inquiry into the Toulouse murders.
Mohamed Merah, a 23-year-old Frenchman, claimed responsibility for three shootings that left seven dead in and around the city of Toulouse in recent weeks.
Merah, a member of a radical Islamist group who said he had links to al-Qaeda, was killed by a police sniper last week as he leapt from a window while firing at onrushing police seeking to end a 32-hour standoff.
Officers were wounded in the initial exchange of fire that precipitated the siege on Merah’s hideout.
The shootings in Toulouse and nearby Montauban resulted in the deaths of three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi, and three paratroopers of Arab extraction.
French media reports have described the murders as the worst terrorist attacks in France in more than a decade, and have revived concerns about domestic Islamic terrorists.
French leaders have urged the public not to equate Islam with terrorism, but public anxiety about radical Islam is running high.
"There will be other operations that will continue and that will allow us to expel from our national territory a certain number of people who have no reason to be here," Sarkozy promised.
Sarkozy, who is fighting for his political life in a tough re-election campaign, added: "It's our duty to guarantee the security of the French people. We have no choice."
Sarkozy promised a crackdown on Islamic extremism immediately after Merah’s murders. Friday’s raids are seen as a high profile show of force.
Earlier this week, France blocked the entry of a number of radical Islamic clerics who wished to visit Paris.
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