A7News: Iran: We didn't hack Zionists phones

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Wednesday, Mar. 20 '19, י"ג באדר ב תשע"ט





HEADLINES:
1. IRAN: WE DIDN'T HACK ZIONISTS PHONES
2. POMPEO ON MIDDLE EAST TOUR TO COUNTER IRAN, BOOST NETANYAHU
3. IDF CELEBRATES PURIM WITH HEARTWARMING INDUCTION CEREMONY
4. RABBI FINKEL'S RECOMMENDATION FOR ABUNDANCE
5. LOOKING AFTER BEREAVED FAMILY OF MURDERED RABBI
6. ARIEL TERRORIST NEUTRALIZED
7. POLICE RAID YESHIVA ESTABLISHED AT SCENE OF ATTACK
8. OLD BATTERIES SPARK FIRE IN JERUSALEM APARTMENT


1. IRAN: WE DIDN'T HACK ZIONISTS PHONES
by Arutz Sheva Staff

A spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry denied that the Iranian regime hacked Israeli officials' cellular phones, Iran's IRNA news agency reported.

IRNA quoted Bahram Qasemi as saying that the "Zionist officials" are "playing the blame game and promoting hype...out of hostility, malice and to promote Iranophobia, the Zionist regime of Israel and the US officials are after imposing most pressures against Iran by raising such claims."

The site also quoted Qasemi as calling Israel's election candidates "unprofessional" and claiming that they are "taking advantage of advertising tools" encourage hostility towards Iran, and reiterating his belief that Israel engages in "psychological warfare."

Earlier this month, a report claimed that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz's cellular phone was hacked by Iranians. The report noted that it is possible the Iranians did not break into the phone themselves but bought the information from foreign hackers who carried out the actual breakout, according to the report.

Gantz has promised that the hack "does not interfere" with his functioning, and claimed that nothing which could compromise security was discovered in the hack.


2. POMPEO ON MIDDLE EAST TOUR TO COUNTER IRAN, BOOST NETANYAHU
by AFP, Arutz Sheva Staff

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought Wednesday to bolster a united front against Iran during a Middle East tour that will include talks with key ally Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's April 9 elections.

Pompeo kicked off his regional tour in Kuwait, where he met Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the first stop of a trip that will also take him to Israel and Lebanon.

Pompeo told reporters on the flight from the United States that he would discuss "strategic dialogue" and the need to combat "the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran" with leaders in the region.

He will also push for a greater role for the Middle East Strategic Alliance, a US-sponsored Arab NATO aimed at uniting Washington's Arab allies against Tehran.

After Kuwait Pompeo will fly to Israel where an election campaign is in its final weeks with Netanyahu locked in a close battle with centrist rivals.

While Washington insists it is not interfering in Israeli politics, his visit is seen as a sign of support for Netanyahu, who is struggling to keep his grip on power as he faces allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust ahead of the April 9 polls.

"I'm going to Israel because of the important relationship we have," Pompeo said. "Leaders will change in both countries over time. That relationship matters no matter who the leaders are."

Israel is one of the most outspoken members of the anti-Iranian grouping assembled by the US, and Iran is sure to be a central focus of Pompeo's talks in Jerusalem.

No meetings with Netanyahu's opponents are scheduled, and the secretary of state will not meet with representatives of the Palestinian Authority.

"They'd have to want to talk to us," Pompeo said of the Palestinian officials. "That'd be a good start."

Pompeo's two-day visit to Jerusalem also includes a symbolic stop at the new US embassy, which was transferred from Tel Aviv on Trump's orders last year.

Netanyahu will travel to Washington in the last week of March for the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), an event sponsored by the influential lobbying group that draws thousands each year.

While a meeting has not been officially confirmed, the Israeli premier hopes to use the opportunity of his Washington visit to meet with Trump.


3. IDF CELEBRATES PURIM WITH HEARTWARMING INDUCTION CEREMONY
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/260637

After a full year of volunteering for the IDF on the Palmachim Air Base in the framework of Special in Uniform, Shachak Shriki, Liron Nathan, Liel Katzav and Roi Kaufman, all of whom are youth with assorted physical and mental deficiencies, became full-fledged soldiers in the IDF.

Special in Uniform, a joint project of the IDF, Lend-a-Hand to a Special Child, and JNF-USA, integrates youth with physical disabilities into the IDF, imbuing them with pride in themselves and their abilities and enabling them to function independently and contribute positively to society.

Four adolescents with special needs received their teudat hoger (soldier identification cards) today. These young people enlisted in the IDF via the framework of Special in Uniform, a groundbreaking initiative which incorporates young people with disabilities into the military and helps them integrate long-term into society and the workforce.

A red carpet was rolled out opposite the Mesubim Gate in the Bakum, and to the sound of trumpets playing, Shachak Shriki, Liron Nathan, Liel Katzav and Roi Kaufman fell into their parents' arms, proudly showing off their very own Soldier's ID that they've yearned and worked for so long to attain. In the framework of the Special in Uniform program, members volunteer for one year in the army, train and learn important skills before they graduate to become full-fledged soldiers.

Deb Kaufman, Roi's mom, relates: "Roi is 22 years old and suffers from VCF syndrome which is often expressed in heart defects, a cleft palate, anomalies in the skull, and most obvious to all, ADD and slight retardation. He is capable of functioning normally, but he needs to be coached and trained as if he were a child of 11."

"Roi is very verbal," she adds. "He's spent the last year on Palmachim Airbase working for information systems, cleaning knives, kitchen duty, and deliveries. His lifelong dream was to be a soldier, to know that he could contribute to society like everyone else. Until last year, his life took the typical route of kids in the special educational system. He followed a very specific educational program in school and in a remedial afternoon program.

"When he graduated twelfth grade, his high school in Ness Ziona, Tomer, offered assorted options for the future, one of which was to volunteer in the army. Due to his disabilities, Roi had received an automatic exemption, but that wasn't enough to deter him. He was determined to volunteer for the army, and after a year, [his superiors], who recognized and appreciated his skills and capabilities recruited him to their ranks.

"For me, this is an awesome victory, a miracle! It's so meaningful to me that people appreciate Roi for who he is and that he is able to contribute to society like all others. Personally, I see tremendous improvement in his self-esteem and confidence; he's changed completely. He's become more diligent; he can solve much more complex problems than before he started volunteering. Yet the cherry on top is seeing his relationship with his girlfriend. The two were placed in the same army track, and now he's a regular guy!"

Special in Uniform is internationally acclaimed for its unique, experiential and effective programs in which participants undergo evaluation and assessment by a professional team, followed by a three-month course teaching life and occupational skills. One of the major goals of the project is to imbue young people with disabilities with pride in themselves and their abilities, to function independently, and contribute positively to society.

Today, the brand-new soldiers stood with shining eyes on a raised platform built especially for them. Chairman of Lend a Hand to a Special Child Lt. Col. (Res.) Gabi Ophir distributed the caps and dog tags together with the President of Special in Uniform and Afcon Chairman Israel Reif.

Another new soldier, Shachak Shriki, 18, of Kiryat Ono is on the autistic spectrum, and he's earned the title of Special in Uniform Progenitor. With shining eyes, he related his story and vividly describes his adjustment to life in the army. He laughingly recounts that he did not tell a single friend about his disability, as he was eager to start a fresh life, without any stigmas...

"That I already done!" shares Shriki. "Now I'm on my way to realizing new and more ambitious dreams!"

Yossi Kahana of JNF-USA, which co-sponsors Special in Uniform, expresses: "Purim is a time of joy, of celebration and miracles, a time when our nation was united. Special in Uniform is a phenomenal initiative, unmatched anywhere else in the world, and it highlights the exceptional unity and compassion of our nation. For all us here today, this is a very special and joyous occasion. The fact that these kids are standing here today, full-fledged soldiers in the IDF, is nothing short of a Purim miracle!"

Special soldiers join the IDF
Special in uniform



4. RABBI FINKEL'S RECOMMENDATION FOR ABUNDANCE
by Sponsored Content

Moishy* was just 13 year old when his parents passed away in a car crash. The young boy was at a friend's house when they received the news. From that point on, he became responsible for his own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of his siblings. Working whichever odd jobs he could find, Moishy began to save up. He could not dismiss, however, his late father's legacy:

The boy's father had wanted for his son to have the opportunity to learn Torah. And so, in his father's memory, Moishy spends his days in the beis midrash, and his nights in the yeshiva kitchen. Long after the rest of the bochurim have gone to bed, the young man cooks for the following day.

Recently, in a simcha tinged with sadness, Moishy became engaged. With very limited savings, and no family to help him make a wedding or establish a home, he has already begun to experience humiliation.

There is, however, some hope: Moishy and his kallah applied to the Kupat Ha'Ir orphan wedding campaign, and were approved.

If this month's campaign is successful, this hard-working chassan and others like him will have the opportunity start their married lives with some financial security.

For years, respected rabbanim such as Rav Kanievsky, Rav Shimon Galai and more have put their stamp of approval on the Kupat Ha'Ir orphan campaigns, often giving specific blessings to donors.

This month's bracha is from Rav Binyamin Finkel shlit"a, who blesses those who contribute with "spiritual and material abundance for him and his descendants.'"

The campaign's goal is to raise $1,000 for each couple, a package which would enable them to cover many basic expenses including simple wedding hall costs, and second-hand furniture. Donations are being accepted here for a limited time.

*Details do not belong to any one particular orphan - they are the amalgam of multiple cases, intended to illustrate the pain of an orphan chosson and kallah.


5. LOOKING AFTER BEREAVED FAMILY OF MURDERED RABBI
by Arutz Sheva Staff

A fundraising drive for the future of the children of Rabbi Achiad Ettinger was launched Tuesday by friends of the Ettinger family from the town of Eli.

The initiators of the drive explained: "We invite you to be partners and look after the future of the Ettinger family. In such situations, the State thank G-d knows how to look after the present; we want to look after the future."

"We want to make sure that when Tamar wants to marry them off, she won't ask herself, 'How will I afford it?'

"Join with us in looking after all of their futures: 12 children, 12 weddings, 12 more homes in our beautiful country. Be our partners!"

For the donations page click here.

Following media reports yesterday and today, the family reported: "In light of conflicting media reports, we want to clarify: At first we refused to accept donations as was originally published."

"But after a conversation with the rabbi of the community, Rabbi Avraham Schiller, we decided to accept the public's assistance and to receive the donations that will come through a charitable and benevolent fund to ensure a strong financial future for the children of Rabbi Achiad."


6. ARIEL TERRORIST NEUTRALIZED
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/260608

The terrorist who murdered 2 Israelis in a shooting and stabbing attack in Samaria on Sunday has been neutralized after engaging in a shootout with security forces near Ramalllah.

Heavy fire has been reported in the area.

The Shin Bet reportedly located the building in which the terrorist, Omar Abu Lila, was hiding. A SWAT team was sent to capture Lila, who engaged the forces.

The terrorist was killed in the firefight

According to Arab media, the IDF blew up the house in which the terrorist was hiding, and that 11 Arabs were injured as a result of exchanges of fire with the terrorist.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/260608


7. POLICE RAID YESHIVA ESTABLISHED AT SCENE OF ATTACK
by Yoni Kempinski

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/260603

On Tuesday afternoon, large police forces raided the Beit Midrash that was built at the scene of the combined attack at Ariel Junction.

Police forces tried to detain boys who were in the area and to check others. The raid took place during Rabbi Dov Lior's shiur.

Rabbi Lior gives class at place of attack
Eitan Shiober



8. OLD BATTERIES SPARK FIRE IN JERUSALEM APARTMENT
by Eliran Aharon

Firefighting teams were called to extinguish a fire which had broken out in a Jerusalem home early Tuesday morning.

Several teams of firefighters arrived at the team and shortly thereafter succeeded in breaking through the apartment's front door, searching for victims while working to extinguish the flames and ventilate the apartment and building.

A search of the apartment revealed that no one was present at the time of the fire.

Initial investigations revealed that the fire started due to a pile of old toys stored in bags together with a large number of old batteries and placed near the entrance to the apartment.

At some point, the tips of the batteries touched each other, causing sparks and heat and eventually sparking a fire near the door.

Fire chief Eli Edri, who commanded the operation, said, "We were called during the morning hours to the Ma'alot Dafna neighborhood, after someone reported a significant fire in an apartment in the neighborhood. We arrived at the scene and saw a thick plume of smoke rising from an apartment on the second floor of a four-story building. We were also concerned people might be trapped in the apartment."

"We broke into the apartment, and behind the door we saw a huge fire. A search of the apartment revealed that no one was trapped. Luckily, the parents and their eight children were spending the night at their grandmother's. The source of the fire was near the door and the flames blocked the entrance, so if they had not spent the night at their grandmother's, they would have been trapped in the burning apartment.

"We are happy that this fire ended with no injuries and a Purim miracle for the family."

The burned apartment Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Services