A7News: Winner of Bible quiz: Yonatan Weissman of Israel

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Thursday, May. 09 '19, ד' באייר תשע"ט





HEADLINES:
1. WINNER OF BIBLE QUIZ: YONATAN WEISSMAN OF ISRAEL
2. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY AIR SHOW
3. THOUSANDS CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OU ISRAEL IN JERUSALEM
4. RIVLIN TO OUTSTANDING SOLDIERS: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT
5. WATCH: RIVLIN'S INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS
6. WATCH: MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY IN ENGLISH
7. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
8. POMPEO: NO MORE WAIVERS


1. WINNER OF BIBLE QUIZ: YONATAN WEISSMAN OF ISRAEL
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262916

The winner of the 2019 International Bible Quiz for Jewish Youth is Yonatan Weissman, 18, a resident of Jerusalem from the Degel Yerushalayim Yeshiva in Nachalim. Benjamin Colchamiro, 15, a New Jersey resident from the Kushner Yeshiva in Livingston, United States, came in second.

The event took place at the Jerusalem Theater in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog.

The quiz took place this year for the 56th year, and this time it was held under the theme of "preserving unity, maintaining uniqueness".

This year's candidates include Adar Geller of Israel, Netanel Weiner of the United States, David Abedi of Panama, Margie Trunjan of Mexico, Lilia Spielwitz of Belarus, Yechiel Shulman of the United States, Yonatan Weissman of Israel, Naomi Paur of Argentina, Benjamin Colchamiro of the United States, Emmanuel Kohavi of Australia, Eliyahu Mizrachi from Mexico, Aaron Widman from Canada, Matan Kaplan from South Africa, Yarin Bar from Israel, Rafael Katan from Mexico, Itay Shtober from Israel.


2. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY AIR SHOW
by Arutz Sheva Staff




3. THOUSANDS CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OU ISRAEL IN JERUSALEM
by Arutz Sheva Staff

Thousands of people gathered at First Station in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening to celebrate Israel's 71st Independence Day in a special event organized by the Orthodox Union (OU) Israel. Most of the participants were recent immigrants to Israel and many were celebrating their first Independence Day in Israel.

The celebration was the first in a series of events to mark the 40th year of the Orthodox Union's presence and contributions to the State of Israel. A special prayer and a selection of moving songs were led by the educator and musician Rabbi Shlomo Katz.

"As one who celebrated Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Independence Day) for many years in America, there simply is no comparison to the utter joy, and gratitude to celebrate here in Jerusalem," David, a recent immigrant from New Jersey, said. "There's so much joy and energy felt here, and deep connection to the State of Israel and the Jewish People. I am so overwhelmingly grateful to have merited to come to live my life in the one and only Jewish State."

"The decision to come on aliya was one of the most complicated decisions of my life," said Simon, another recent immigrant from Montreal. "I lived in a wonderful community, I had a very successful career but it was clear to me that I needed to live my life here in Israel. This is my home, here with my people. Some of my family remains in Canada and every once in a while we go to visit them. But I am a Jew, and this is my State, and I pray that the rest of my family will one day soon join us here."

"It's so incredible to celebrate this 71st Yom Ha'Atzmaut together with thousands of our Jewish brothers and sisters here in Jerusalem," said OU Israel's Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman. "New immigrants alongside native Israelis, all gathered to thank G-d for the miracle that is our incredible State of Israel. We have the greatest country in the entire world- with a sophisticated military, a stable economy, burgeoning infrastructure, and the most incredible people in the entire world."

"We also thank G-d for forty years of the Orthodox Union's presence and contributions here in Israel. The OU has merited to serve as a source of inspiration and support for tens of thousands of new immigrants, for youth, for individuals with special needs, and all segments of Israeli society. My wish for all of us is that the State of Israel should continue to blossom and flourish."

Other prominent rabbinic leaders present included Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, founder and CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh, Rabbi Kenneth Brander, president and head of Ohr Torah Stone, former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman, former president of the Rabbinical Council of America and OU Israel faculty member Rabbi Shmuel Goldin and Jerusalem Council member Arieh King.


4. RIVLIN TO OUTSTANDING SOLDIERS: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT
by Arutz Sheva Staff

President Reuven Rivlin hosted "All Israel From Jerusalem" and the traditional ceremony honoring 120 outstanding IDF soldiers for the fifth time from the gardens of Beit HaNasi in Jerusalem. Israel's 71st Independence Day, Thursday 9 May / 4 Iyyar, was attended Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Aviv Kochavi and current and former members of the IDF General Staff.

The morning began with a fly-past in honor of the outstanding soldiers, who represent all branches of the IDF. The lead pilot of the fly-pass greeted the president and the soldiers as he flew over Beit HaNasi, saying "Mr President, Chief of Staff, we the pilots of the Israel Air Force greet you on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces with our best wishes for a Yom Haatzmaut Sameach – Happy Independence Day." The president replied, saluting: "on behalf of the people of Israel I wish you Yom Haatzmaut Sameach – to you, the pilots of the IAF, soldiers of the IDF and their commanders in the air, on land and on the sea. Happy Independence Day, Israel!"

Immediately after the fly-past, the president and chief of staff reviewed and honor guard of the 120 outstanding solders, who were chosen on the recommendation of their commanders to receive the President's Award for Excellence for their service and outstanding contribution to the IDF and the State of Israel.

Following the honor guard, the "All Israel from Jerusalem" event will be held on the lawns of Beit HaNasi – a festive salute to the spirit of Israel for Independence Day with songs and dancers from all across the country. During the event, a special video filmed with singer Boaz Sharabi and dozens of choirs and singing groups from across the country, kindergartners, gymnastic groups and dancers. Hundreds of people, a human mosaic of Israeli society, sang the song "Halevai / If Only", composed by Boaz Sharabi with words by Ehud Manor.

The festivities were emceed this year by Rotem Abuhab, and included new and special arrangements of Israeli songs sung by Shimon Buskila, Maya Buskila and the Hebrews of Dimona. Tzipi Shavit surprised the president during his speech. The IDF's singing groups also appeared, perfoming a medley of the songs of Yigal Bashan ז"ל as a special tribute.

"Dear citizens of Israel, I am proud to celebrate the State of Israel's 71st birthday with you today! We have been here for 71 years, doing the unbelievable and overcoming together all the obstacles and building a home, Jewish and democratic, in the land of our ancestors, said the president at the beginning of his remarks.

He also noted that we are celebrating Yom Haatzmaut on the day victory over Nazi Germany is being celebrated: "Last week, we marked Holocaust Heroes' and Martyrs' Memorial Day, the victory of the spirit over human evil. Today, we mark together the triumph of good over bad, the liberation of the world from evil, and the right of the Jewish people to live in freedom in its land. Some of the heroes, the veterans who fought on the eastern front in Europe, 74 years ago, were able to make their home here in Israel in their old age and to make their homes here. Today, their children and grandchildren serve in the IDF, the strongest and most professional army in the region (and some might say in the world). Thanks to you, dear veterans, the soldiers who fought then, and thanks to the outstanding soldiers who defend us today – we are here, celebrating 71 years of success and growth. We are gathered here today to thank you."

The president added "I would like to recognize the representatives of the bereaved families and the families of the soldiers missing in action who are honoring us with their presence today. Thanks to you, to the spirit, love of the country and dedication you imparted to your children, we can gather here today and to celebrate the existence of the State of Israel in safety. Even today, as the grief of loss is mixed with the joy of independence, I would like to say to you – we remember. We are committed. Committed to do everything to bring home every soldier, every son and daughter who served the State of Israel and its citizens."

"I would like to send a message of strength and love to the residents of the south, who just this week dealt heroically with the atrocious attacks on them. I would also like to send our appreciation to the IDF soldiers and security forces who are at this moment doing their utmost to keep Israel secure on all its borders."

Addressing the outstanding soldiers, the president said, "Rotem, our wonderful emcee, badgered you about the Hebrew language, so I decided to speak a bit differently, which I think is more 'Israeli'. I can see here that we have 'tznefim' (slang for paratroopers) and 'shironairim' (artillery), 'golanchikim' (Golani) and 'nachlawim' (Nachal), 'mohandesim' (engineers) and 'shushuistim' (intelligence), green (land forces), white (navy), blue (air force) and berets of all colors of the rainbow, from purple to orange. And so, to all those who at the induction base grabbed their kitbags with fire in their eyes and who got through basic training with close shaves and gleaming boots, to those who never ache to finish their time, never suffer from tiredness, who never tick off a countdown to their release, who never skipped guard duty, and never let staying on base for the weekend get to them, who get up early on Sunday, go out in their dress uniforms and don't give in to army blues, who never complain that they've been badly done by, to those never slack off and who are full of fight because pride in the unit and mutual responsibility are the best way to be together, to those who have shown force of will and dedication (not just with the snacks at the canteen), who lent a hand – and sometimes two – to reach the goal, to protect the country, to get to the top, to be worthy of the President's Award: you, who are not afraid of challenges, who are ready for the unexpected, who pull harder and stronger than anyone, you are Israel's hope and spirit that beats within us, that leads us. You are here for us, serving and volunteering, and today it is our turn to give to you just a little something to brighten up your uniforms. On behalf of the citizens of Israel, and personally, I would like to thank you and salute you. Thank you for your spirit, for your commitment. Happy Independence Day to the IDF! Happy Independence Day, Israel! Chag Sameach!"

IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Aviv Kochavi: "Every day, these soldiers and tens of thousands like them, guard our borders. The State of Israel is a fact, and to keep it safe the IDF works day and night. Excellence is to be found in locked rooms and on dark hilltops. It requires hours and days of hard work and begins with the most basic things – thorough orders, disciplined organization of a position, repeated exercises to improve skills and insistence on carrying out missions to the highest level.

This is personal example at its finest: emulating those who excel! This is leadership, and that is what we have come to appreciate and give thanks for. This morning is about personal excellence, but excellence must be the organizational heartbeat that drives every unit, command and branch. The families who are with us here today are the ground from which you grew, who gave you values and an example of excellence. Reality changes at a dizzying pace, and we must continue to adapt. That is why we have adopted the principle of readiness and adaptability. We will do all we can to improve readiness, including with exercises, supplies and emergency stocks. And we will do what we can to fit ourselves to the challenges of today's battlefield, to the challenges of the future and to improve the IDF's offensive capability. Tens of thousands of soldiers come from the people each year and join the IDF, work for the state and return to the people as better and more committed citizens. I saw them during the recent fighting – as snipers on the borders, in the cockpit, in the battery command post and in the intelligence units. They work around the clock. They do security. I am proud of the soldiers of the IDF and of its officers, and proud of you, outstanding soldiers. Happy Independence Day!"
The event ended with the traditional photo of the 120 outstanding soldiers the president, the prime minister and minister of defence, the chief of staff and the members of the IDF General Staff.


5. WATCH: RIVLIN'S INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262882

President Reuven Rivlin issued the following greeting in honor of Israel's 71st Independence Day.

"Dear friends at home here in Israel and around the world. Happy Independence Day! Chag Sameach! Israel is seventy-one years old. Who would have believed seventy-one years ago that we would build cities from the swamps? That roads and railways would cross the sands? Who could have imagined then the wonder that is the State of Israel?

We came from the four corners of the earth: from Europe and from Jerusalem, from North Africa and from Tzfat, from Yemen and from South America to build a home here. All of us together, including the Jewish communities around the world, have built this wonder and, as it is written 'this is an exceedingly good land.'

My dear friends, when I was a boy we were not allowed to fly our flag. But I dreamed that one day I would see it flying in Jerusalem. Today, the Israeli flag flies everywhere, and even visited space recently.

We give thanks to those who gave their lives for our country. Because of them we can celebrate here today. This year, after years of pain and hard work we were able to bring home IDF soldier Zachary Baumel ז"ל. The State of Israel will not cease until all our missing soldiers are brought home. That is our duty.

Amos Oz, my school friend from Jerusalem who recently left us, reduced all the commandments to one: "do not cause pain". This year may we all try harder to not cause pain. Israeli society needs it. We all need it.
Let me finish with a prayer and a wish for our country to go with it for at least another seventy-one years: עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל ואמרו אמן


6. WATCH: MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY IN ENGLISH
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262829

On the eve of Yom Hazikaron, a day of remembrance in Israel for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, Masa Israel Journey is hosting a memorial ceremony in Latrun. This is the only English-language ceremony in Israel and is broadcast to thousands of Jews in communities and schools in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Uraguay, Ukraine, France, Germany, Australia, and England, as well as on Masa's Facebook page. It is also being translated into French, Spanish, and Russian.

Attendees include 4,000 Masa participants; 1,000 global Jewish community leaders from Federations, synagogues, and schools; government officials; and families of fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
Past Masa participants have described the organization's Yom Hazikaron ceremony as one of the most impactful and profound experiences during their time in Israel.

This year, the stories of Alejandro Hoffman, Sean Carmeli, Jordan Ben Simon and others, olim who were killed while in the IDF or in a terror attacks, are highlighted through videos and anecdotes from their families and friends. IDF Captain Yair Alkalai is also speaking.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs and Minister of Information, and also Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Isaac (Bougie) Herzog are attending and speaking at the event as Masa's guests of honor.

"The ceremony allows the Young Diaspora to be true partners on a day that has tremendous weight in the life of Israeli society. The ceremony has become an important way for Diaspora Jews to mourn the loss of soldiers and victims of terror alongside Israelis," said Masa Israel Journey CEO Liran Avisar Ben Horin.

"Masa brings thousands of participants from dozens of countries all over the world to experience the Israeli reality during the impactful times of Yom Hazikaron, and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). These events continue to strengthen the connection of the Diaspora with the State of Israel."


7. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
by Arutz Sheva Staff

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262881


8. POMPEO: NO MORE WAIVERS
by Nitzan Keidar

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued an official statement Wednesday afternoon that the United States would no longer sign the order suspending the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem.

"On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem officially opened for business. Now, as we near the first anniversary of that momentous event, I am pleased to report that I have provided my determination to Congress that the relevant elements of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 have been addressed. Accordingly, no further Presidential waiver of the funding restriction under the Act is necessary."

He added that "The Jerusalem Embassy Act called on the Department of State to open in Jerusalem not just the offices of the U.S. diplomatic mission to Israel, but also a chief of mission residence for our Ambassador to Israel. In March 2019, in consultation with the Government of Israel, we established a chief of mission residence in Jerusalem. I have therefore determined that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, including the chief of mission residence, is officially open, consistent with the Act."

"Twenty-three years ago, Congress overwhelmingly voted in support of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Successive administrations refused to move the embassy, and instead exercised Presidential waivers to avoid the Act's restrictions. On December 6, 2017, the President boldly decided to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and instructed the Department of State to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. We proudly continue to implement that decision today," concluded Pompeo.

📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262873

A senior US embassy official explained to Arutz Sheva why Trump has so far been forced to sign the order every six months: "The administration is proud to have opened the US embassy in Jerusalem on May 14. But the required definition includes the transfer of the offices of the diplomatic mission and relocation of the residence of the head of the diplomatic team - the ambassador. "

"The document signed by the president essentially keeps the financing of the law as required until the technical stage in which the ambassador himself lives in Jerusalem is completed," the official added.

As stated, this is a technical procedure, but one that creates an absurdity - on one hand the embassy is already operating in Jerusalem and, on the other hand, the president continues to sign a decision that ostensibly delays the transfer.