Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Tuesday, May. 14 '19, ט' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. MADONNA REFUSES CALLS TO BACK OUT OF APPEARANCE IN ISRAEL
2. 'ARAB SECTOR HOUSING CRISIS IS REAL - BUT SOLVABLE'
3. TLAIB ACCUSES CRITICS OF 'TWISTING HER WORDS FOR RACIST AGENDA'
4. ISRAELI TEEN ACCUSED OF KILLING ARAB WOMAN FREED TO HOUSE ARREST
5. US EMBASSY IN ISRAEL ISSUES SECURITY ALERT
6. MAN ASKS FOR KOSHER FOOD - AND AIRLINE SAYS HE CAN'T FLY
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
8. TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS TO AUSTRIA
1. MADONNA REFUSES CALLS TO BACK OUT OF APPEARANCE IN ISRAEL
by David Rosenberg
American pop music star Madonna is refusing to cancel her planned appearance in Israel for the Eurovision song competition, despite pressure from the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
"I'll never stop playing music to suit someone's political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," Madonna told Reuters on Tuesday.
"My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace."
The BDS movement, which has called for the cultural, academic, and economic isolation of Israel to force the Jewish state to withdraw from Judea and Samaria, has urged performing artists invited to the Eurovision competition in Tel Aviv not to attend.
Madonna has visited Israel repeatedly in the past, however, including performances in 2009 and 2012. She is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday on the private plane of Israeli-Canadian philanthropist Silvan Adams.
The 60-year-old pop singer is expected to perform two songs from her new album at the Eurovision in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263126
2. 'ARAB SECTOR HOUSING CRISIS IS REAL - BUT SOLVABLE'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
The Regavim Movement, a non-government organization dedicated to protecting Israel's land resources and battling illegal construction, reacted to the State Comptroller's recently-released report on the Arab sector's housing crisis:
"The State Comptroller's report is clear and unequivocal: Despite the State of Israel's concerted efforts and massive investment in planning, zoning, and marketing state land in Arab communities, the housing shortage in the Arab sector continues to deepen. However, the overcrowding in Israel's Arab sector is not the result of discriminatory land-allotment policy; it is the result of improper implementation of local development plans, failure to enforce the law against illegal construction which obstructs implementation of municipal plans, and the unwillingness of this sector to undergo a gradual process of urbanization.
"The Israeli government is often accused of deliberately orchestrating a housing crisis in the Arab sector by creating a bottleneck of approved municipal master-plans. However, an analysis of the data, which is readily available to the public on the government's website, indicates that in the overwhelming majority of non-Jewish communities in the Haifa-North Region, there is a complete, up-to-date inventory of approved statutory plans for the construction of hundreds, even thousands of housing units in each community – in full compliance with the law and with standard and accepted procedure.
"The real culprit is not some imaginary discriminatory land-allocation policy. The wrench in the works is illegal construction, which obstructs the implementation of these approved plans and thus exacerbates the housing crisis – and this rampant, disruptive construction is a direct result of the policy of non-enforcement that has characterized the State of Israel's relationship with the Arab sector for decades.
"Another factor is the Arab sector's continued rejection of urban-style construction, with the oft-repeated claim that high-rise living is 'not suitable for Arabs.' Nonetheless, 20 and 30-storey buildings are not a rarity in the Arab cities of Ramallah, Nablus, and Gaza. The new city of Rawabi near Ramallah is a shining example of a modern urban center, built in accordance with a construction concept based on high-saturation housing that conserves valuable land resources.
The State of Israel must step up marketing of state-owned land in Arab settlements -exclusively for urban, high-saturation construction projects.
The Arab sector's leaders and laypeople must be accept the facts: The resolution of their perpetual housing crisis, and the way to improve planning, construction and infrastructure in Arab communities is through meticulous enforcement of construction and planning laws, coupled with high-saturation urban design."
3. TLAIB ACCUSES CRITICS OF 'TWISTING HER WORDS FOR RACIST AGENDA'
by David Rosenberg
Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib hit back at critics Monday, claiming that her comments regarding Palestinian Arab treatment of Jews after the Holocaust had been 'twisted' in an effort to push a "racist and hateful agenda".
Following a flurry of condemnation from Republicans, including President Trump, and at least one Israeli lawmaker, Tlaib tweeted that her critics were 'policing' her words and distorting her comments to push their own "racist" agenda.
"Policing my words, twisting & turning them to ignite vile attacks on me will not work. All of you who are trying to silence me will fail miserably. I will never allow you to take my words out of context to push your racist and hateful agenda. The truth will always win."
Tlaib said in an interview with Yahoo!'s Skullduggery podcast program that she felt pride in the fact that her "ancestors, Palestinians" provided Jews with a haven after the Holocaust.
"Let me tell you, I mean, for me, just two weeks ago or so, we celebrated, but just took a moment I think in our country to remember the Holocaust," said Tlaib.
"There's always kind of a calming feeling when I think of the tragedy of the Holocaust," Tlaib continued, "that it was my ancestors, Palestinians, who lost their land and some lost their lives, their livelihood, their human dignity, their existence, in many ways, has been wiped out … in the name of trying to create a safe haven for Jews, post-Holocaust, post-tragedy and the horrific persecution of Jews across the world at that time. And I love the fact that it was my ancestors that provided that in many ways."
Senior Democratic leaders defended Tlaib, accusing Republicans of "misrepresenting" her statements.
"Republicans' desperate attempts to smear @RepRashida & misrepresent her comments are outrageous. President @realDonaldTrump & House GOP should apologize to Rep. Tlaib & the American people for their gross misrepresentations," tweeted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi's comments came after House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) came to Tlaib's defense and asserted that the Republicans were twisting her words in criticizing them as anti-Semitic.
"If you read Rep. Tlaib's comments, it is clear that President Trump and Congressional Republicans are taking them out of context," Hoyer said in a brief email. "They must stop, and they owe her an apology."
4. ISRAELI TEEN ACCUSED OF KILLING ARAB WOMAN FREED TO HOUSE ARREST
by Arutz Sheva Staff
The Lod District Court on Tuesday decided to send to house arrest with electronic shackles the Jewish youth accused of killing an Arab woman in an alleged stone-throwing incident.
The court delayed the release of the boy until tomorrow, in order to enable the state to decide whether to appeal to the Supreme Court against the release.
Arab woman Aisha A-Rabi was allegedly killed by a stone thrown at the vehicle in which she was traveling near the Samaria community of Rehelim in October 2018.
This morning's hearing was held in light of an opinion submitted by the director of the National Center of Forensic Medicine, Dr. Chen Kugel, according to which the injuries found on the head of the Arab woman do not correspond to the scenario of a blow from a stone.
"Two doctors supported me, claiming that the injuries to the deceased's skull were consistent with damage caused by very high energy, and not from one blow of a stone," Kugel noted in the opinion published on the Walla website. "One of these doctors also supported my view that there appear to be at least two focal points of impact."
Dr. Kugel wrote that "Two other doctors believed that, based on the data presented to us, the quality of the imperfect images and the relatively undetailed description in the opinion, it is impossible to decide either way. I should mention that there are known cases in which people were killed by a head injury due to a stone thrown at them while driving in a vehicle."
"This is a known phenomenon that has happened in the past. The argument is not whether it is possible to die as a result of a blow to the head, but as noted earlier - the fit of the injuries to the system that were found."
"A search of professional literature that I undertook did not reveal any cases in which such extensive damage to the bones of the skull was caused by a stone." Dr. Kugel concluded: "In the end, I am the signatory to the opinion and stand with quiet conscience behind what is written there."
5. US EMBASSY IN ISRAEL ISSUES SECURITY ALERT
by Ben Ariel
The US Embassy in Israel on Monday issued a security alert to American citizens in Israel ahead of the anniversary of the US Embassy opening in Jerusalem, which is on Tuesday, May 14.
"Terrorist groups may choose the anniversary, which coincides with the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv (May 14-18), or Nakba Day (May 15), to conduct violent protests or an attack," the advisory said.
"Security incidents can occur well beyond Gaza and its periphery and at any time, as demonstrated by the May 3-5 rocket attacks in southern Israel, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Be'er Sheva, and the March 14 and March 25 rocket attacks in Central Israel," it added.
The alert encouraged US citizens in Israel "to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, a Red Alert siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters."
Nakba Day, meaning the day of the catastrophe, is marked by Arabs on the date on which the State of Israel was founded in 1948, and is often used for violent protests.
On Sunday, the national and Islamic forces in the Ramallah area, the supreme coordination framework of the Palestinian Arab organizations, called on the Palestinian public to participate in mass events marking Nakba Day.
The main event marking Nakba Day will begin on Wednesday in front of the grave of Yasser Arafat in Ramallah and from there the participants will march towards the center of Ramallah carrying signs against the so-called "Deal of the Century" (the US peace initiative) and in favor of adherence to the Palestinian basic principles, first and foremost the "right of return".
6. MAN ASKS FOR KOSHER FOOD - AND AIRLINE SAYS HE CAN'T FLY
by Arutz Sheva Staff
The Lawfare Project has announced that it has filed a new case against Kuwait Airways in Germany, over the airline's policy of anti-Semitic discrimination on its flights. The case is being brought by a Frankfurt based Israeli businessman who booked a flight from Munich to Sri Lanka in November last year, only to be denied the right to travel.
This is the second case in which The Lawfare Project has represented Israelis barred from travelling in Germany by Kuwait Airways. A previous case originally brought in 2017 involving the same discriminatory policy triggered outcry in Germany and remains under review by Germany's Constitutional High Court.
The plaintiff in the new case, known as Shmuel M, booked business class tickets from Munich to Colombo, which was the quickest flight to Sri Lanka available from that airport. When Shmuel M asked about the availability of kosher food on the flight the airline asked whether he held an Israeli passport. When he confirmed that he did, he was told that he would be unable to travel and would need to speak to the airline's lawyers for further information.
As a result, Shmuel M is suing Kuwait Airways with The Lawfare Project providing his legal representation. The case has been filed at the Landshut District Court, which has jurisdiction over Munich International Airport. Kuwait Airways is yet to reply to the claims writ. It is likely that a hearing will take place later this year.
Kuwait Airways has previously justified its discrimination by citing a decades old Kuwaiti law that bans all Kuwaiti citizens and companies from doing any business with citizens of the Jewish state.
On past occasions legal pressure by The Lawfare Project against Kuwait Airways in the US and Switzerland led to the airline cancelling its NYC-London flights, and all its inter-European flights, rather than compromise its discriminatory practices.
Brooke Goldstein, the Executive Director of The Lawfare Project, the legal think-tank and litigation fund representing the plaintiff, said: "Time and again Kuwait Airways has shown itself to be a bigoted airline with a bigoted policy that should have no place in a modern liberal democracy. An airline that kicks Israelis off planes should be kicked out of Germany."
"When a Jewish passenger is denied the right to travel after requesting a kosher meal, in Germany of all places, then anyone who respects the values of equality, fairness and the rule of law should be appalled."
Nathan Gelbart, The Lawfare Project's German counsel, said: "If Kuwait Airways wishes to continue operating in Germany then the message should be clear: carry everyone or carry no one. There can be no discrimination against Jews on German soil. As long as we permit an airline to advertise flights for everyone except Israelis it is a stain on the moral fabric of our country."
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
by David Rosenberg
A Democratic lawmaker came under fire over the weekend, after she claimed that Palestinian Arabs living in the British Mandate prior to the establishment of the State of Israel "provided" a safe haven to Jews after the Holocaust.
Rashida Tlaib, a freshman Democrat representing Michigan in the US House of Representatives, said in an interview with Yahoo!'s Skullduggery podcast program Saturday that she felt pride in the fact that her "ancestors, Palestinians" provided Jews with a haven after the Holocaust.
"Let me tell you, I mean, for me, just two weeks ago or so, we celebrated, but just took a moment I think in our country to remember the Holocaust."
"There's always kind of a calming feeling when I think of the tragedy of the Holocaust," Tlaib said, "that it was my ancestors, Palestinians, who lost their land and some lost their lives, their livelihood, their human dignity, their existence, in many ways, has been wiped out … in the name of trying to create a safe haven for Jews, post-Holocaust, post-tragedy and the horrific persecution of Jews across the world at that time. And I love the fact that it was my ancestors that provided that in many ways."
During the 56-minute interview on Skullduggery, Tlaib lashed out at both Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, accusing Netanyahu of oppression and calling for Trump's impeachment.
"We can smell it from far away that, no, you don't want to look at my grandmother in the eye, Netanyahu, and say 'You are equal to me. You are as human as I am to you,'" Tlaib said of the recently reelected Israeli premier.
Regarding her support for a one-state solution, Tlaib said the Israeli government's policies had made a two-state solution non-viable.
"The Israeli government gave it up," Tlaib said of the two-state solution. "It's not me to decide. It's the will of the people. If Netanyahu got up tomorrow and said, 'You know what? I'm going to take down the walls, I'm not gonna expand settlements, enough is enough. I really want to push towards a two-state solution – he has every power, ever power to do that. And then people like myself and others would truly believe in that."
She also accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of working to "segregate communities" in Judea and Samaria.
"When I think about one state, I think: Why can't we do it in a better way? I don't want people to do it in the name of Judaism just like I don't want people to use Islam in that way. It has to be done in a way of values around equality, around the fact that you shouldn't oppress others. So that you can feel free and safe. Why can't we all be free and safe together?"
Touching on domestic politics, Tlaib called for president Trump's impeachment, calling President Trump's "foreign and domestic" investments a "conflict of interest".
"This is the first President, all 44 before him, divested in their foreign and domestic investments...We have a corporation running our government right now…We set a precedent when we don't say to someone that this is conflict of interest, this is a corridor to power, this is the most powerful position in the world and you got an upgraded version of pay to play...This will not be the last CEO that runs for President of the United States and if we don't hold this President accountable to the rule of law, you say is that impeachable, obviously it is."
Earlier this month, Tlaib also sparked controversy when she commented on news coverage of rocket attacks by Gaza-based terrorist groups on Israel, calling the news stories "dehumanizing" to Palestinian Arabs, and writing the hashtag "Free Palestine".
When will the world stop dehumanizing our Palestinian people who just want to be free? Headlines like this & framing it in this way just feeds into the continued lack of responsibility on Israel who unjustly oppress & target Palestinian children and families," Tlaib tweeted, adding "#FreePalestine."
On Saturday, Tlaib retweeted a call for the "liberation" of Palestine.
"First Friday prayer this #Ramadan in #Palestine, mashAllah. Praying for your liberation, your freedom, and your protection— my people. Ameen Ameen."
8. TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS TO AUSTRIA
by Mordechai Sones
Following the wave of Muslim immigration to Austria and the fact that many of the immigrants did not integrate into Austrian society, Austrian government heads intend to formulate a Ten Commandments-like list of social prerequisites that immigrants will be required to comply with if they wish to immigrate to the country, German newspaper Welt reported.
According to reports in the Austrian media, the ten new rules will include: Learn German, obey Austrian law, adopt "Austrian values" and raise children accordingly, resolve conflicts nonviolently, respect religious freedom, prevent "unnecessary" suffering to animals, and express thanks and appreciation to Austria.
Austria's Parliament building in Vienna
iStock
The new standards of behavior will be distributed to those wishing to immigrate to Austria in the courses they will need to pass, which will be given in 15 languages. Austria will even require immigrants to sign the new rules to obtain permission to emigrate to the country.
If they meet their obligations, they will be presented with a document to serve as a constant reminder of the ten rules they are obliged to obey, together with their new Austrian residence permits.
The initiative to issue the "Ten Rules for an Immigrant" came from the Austrian Freedom Party that takes a very tough line against immigration to the country and opposes opening the gates to immigrants. Immigration and Asylum Policy Minister Gottfried Waldhäusl had previously set up a detention facility for immigrants near the Czech border that was severely criticized for its conditions and was subsequently closed.
Austria
iStock
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Monday, May 13, 2019
A7News: Justice officials warn court reform will 'end Israeli democracy'
Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Monday, May. 13 '19, ח' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. JUSTICE OFFICIALS WARN COURT REFORM WILL 'END ISRAELI DEMOCRACY'
2. PRO-BDS IMAM WHO COMPARED ISRAEL TO NAZIS INVITED TO CONGRESS
3. ISRAELI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AT SITE OF EUROVISION CONTEST
4. HOT, DRY, WEATHER HITS ISRAEL
5. US-BOUND SAUDI OIL TANKERS 'HEAVILY DAMAGED' IN ATTACKS
6. IRANIAN COMMANDER: US FORCES MUST LEAVE THE REGION
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
8. ROAD RAGE SHOOTING SPARKS PANIC AT KOSHER RESTAURANT IN FLORIDA
1. JUSTICE OFFICIALS WARN COURT REFORM WILL 'END ISRAELI DEMOCRACY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Senior justice officials on Monday excoriated plans to curtail the Israeli judiciary, warning that the judicial reform program proposed by the Likud would threaten Israel's democratic system of government.
"We're on the verge of losing democracy," the officials said, according to a report by Channel 13. "There is a clear link between the indictment of Netanyahu and his plan to crush the supreme court."
The senior officials went on to warn that if the Israeli judiciary is weakened, Israel would suffer a precipitous decline in global prestige.
"We'll become pariahs in the eyes of the world. Netanyahu is willing to destroy everything in order to avoid going to trial. Someone in the political system has to wake up, and fast."
The comments come following reports Monday morning carried by Haaretz and Israel Hayom regarding plans by the Likud regarding the continuation of the judicial reform efforts initiated by former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
The plans for the next coalition, drawn up by Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) – who is widely expected to be tapped as the next Justice Minister – at Netanyahu's behest, include passage of a bill which would drastically limit the ability of the Supreme Court to strike down not only laws passed by the Knesset, but even administrative actions by the Israeli government, the cabinet, and the Knesset.
According to the reports, the bill would enable the Knesset to override a court decision stripping Netanyahu of his immunity, thus preventing him from being prosecuted while he remains in office.
In February, Attorney General Avichai Mandeblit announced that he had approved recommendations to indict Netanyahu on charges of breach of trust and fraud in connection with the Case 1000 and Case 2000 investigations, and would likely indict Netanyahu in the Case 4000 investigation on bribery charges – the most serious of the allegations against the Prime Minister – after a hearing with Netanyahu this summer.
The Likud responded to the reports Monday, as well as the comments by senior justice officials, saying that some of the claims regarding plans for the next government had been "sensationalized", without denying any specific details of the reports.
"In the course of coalition talks many proposals have been made by the Likud's coalition partners, particularly with regard to the Sabbath, and the balance of power between the legislature and the judiciary," the Likud party said in a statement.
"The sensationalized coverage in the media has included some proposals which haven't been discussed, as well as biased and misleading commentary aimed at blocking any attempt to restore balance between the democratically-elected legislature and the judiciary. The Likud will continue to defend the idea of having strong, independent courts, but that does not mean that the courts must be supreme."
2. PRO-BDS IMAM WHO COMPARED ISRAEL TO NAZIS INVITED TO CONGRESS
by Ron Kampeas, JTA
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263027
An imam who has wished for the end of Zionism, called for a third Intifada and likened Israel to Nazi-era Germany delivered the opening prayer for a session of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.
Omar Suleiman, the founder and president of the Dallas-based Yaqeen Institute, an organization that describes itself as a resource about Islam, referred to recent attacks on houses of worship — which has included synagogues in the United States — in his opening remarks.
"Let us not be deterred by the hatred that has claimed the lives of innocent worshippers across the world, but emboldened by the love that gathered them together to remember you and gathered us together to remember them," Suleiman said in a short prayer after being introduced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Suleiman has a long record of incendiary social media statements about Israel, as compiled two years ago by Petra Marquardt-Bigman, a researcher, and posted on the Algeimeiner Jewish news site. He has on multiple occasions wished for a third Intifada, or uprising, likened Israeli troops to Nazis, and has wished for the end of Zionism, calling Zionists "the enemies of God." He is a backer of the boycott Israel movement.
Suleiman's congresswoman, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, invited him to deliver the prayer through a standard form on the web page of the Office of the Chaplain of the House, according to a congressional official.
Pelosi's office is looking into how and why Johnson invited Suleiman, an official told The Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., who is Jewish, said in a statement that inviting Suleiman to deliver the opening prayer was a "terribly bad call."
Suleiman in 2016 was at the scene of an anti-police shooting, in which five policemen were slain. He delivered a prayer at a memorial service a week later appearing on a stage with Texas' two Republican senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, then-President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush.
3. ISRAELI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AT SITE OF EUROVISION CONTEST
by Yoni Kempinski
An Israeli man in his 60s was seriously injured Monday in an accident at the Tel Aviv Expo center, during preparations for the upcoming Eurovision song contest.
The incident occurred while the worker was helping to unload equipment at the expo center's parking lot.
A piece of lighting equipment fell on the worker while it was being unloaded, seriously injuring him. The worker was treated at the scene by MDA emergency first responders, before being evacuated to Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Police identified the injured man as a 66-year-old resident of the central Israeli town of Pardes Hannah.
The Eurovision is lasted to hold its first general dress rehearsal Monday night at 10:00 p.m., with the live semi-finals beginning Tuesday evening at 10:00 p.m. Seventeen nations will compete for a place in the May 18th finals.
4. HOT, DRY, WEATHER HITS ISRAEL
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Eurovision attendees may get a chance to experience a true Israeli summer, as forecasters predict Israel's temperatures to reach 29 degrees Celsius (84.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tel Aviv and 33 (91.4) in Jerusalem.
Monday will be clear, hot, and dry, with a rise in temperatures. During the afternoon hours, strong northern winds will blow along the coast. Monday night will be clear.
Tuesday will be clear with a slight rise in temperatures. The weather will be hot and dry, especially inland and in the mountainous regions. During the afternoon, strong northern winds will blow along the coast.
Wednesday will be mostly clear. Temperatures will remain above seasonal average and the weather will be hot and dry, especially inland and in the mountainous regions. Temperatures will drop slightly along the coast.
Thursday will be mostly clear and warmer than seasonal average. There will be a slight drop in temperatures in the mountainous regions.
5. US-BOUND SAUDI OIL TANKERS 'HEAVILY DAMAGED' IN ATTACKS
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Two Saudi oil tankers en route to the United States were attacked Sunday, a senior Saudi Arabian official said according to SPA.
Khalid al-Falih, the kingdom's minister of energy, industry, and mineral resources, said Monday that two Saudi oil tankers were hit Sunday in "a sabotage attack" off the United Arab Emirate's coast near the port city of Fujairah, causing "significant damage" to the ships.
No casualties were reported in the attacks, and no oil spills caused as a result of the damage to the two ships.
One of the ships hit in the sabotage attack, al-Falih said, was set to be loaded with crude oil at Ras Tanura, bound for the Saudi-owned Aramco company in the US.
"One of the two vessels was on its way to be loaded with Saudi crude oil from the port of Ras Tanura, to be delivered to Saudi Aramco's customers in the United States," al-Falih said. "Fortunately, the attack didn't lead to any casualties or oil spill; however, it caused significant damage to the structures of the two vessels."
The United Arab Emirates also complained of "sabotage operations" in the area, saying four shipping vessels were damaged.
Just hours before the Saudi ships were hit, Iranian and Lebanese outlets, including the pro-Iranian Lebanese TV channel Al-Mayadeen, published false reports claiming that explosions had been heard at the port of Fujairah, near the location of the sabotaged ships, AP reported.
The incidents come after the US issued a warning suggesting that Iran and its allies could target shipping in the region.
Last week, the US military deployed an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.
6. IRANIAN COMMANDER: US FORCES MUST LEAVE THE REGION
by Elad Benari
Iranian navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi on Sunday called on the US forces in the Persian Gulf to leave, Reuters reported, citing the ISNA news agency.
"The presence of the Americans in the Persian Gulf region has reached its end and they must leave the region," Khanzadi said.
In addition, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the US military presence in the Gulf used to be a serious threat but now represents a target.
"An aircraft carrier that has at least 40 to 50 planes on it and 6,000 forces gathered within it was a serious threat for us in the past but now it is a target and the threats have switched to opportunities," said Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division, according to Reuters.
"If (the Americans) make a move, we will hit them in the head," he warned.
Last week, the US military deployed an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.
The move has escalated the tensions between the US and Iran, which began to increase after President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
The US has since imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran, the latest of which went into effect in early November. Those sanctions aim to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero in a bid to curb the Islamic Republic's missile program and regional influence.
In addition, Trump recently designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization.
On Friday, the deputy leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' political bureau stressed that Iran will not engage in talks with the US and added that the United States would never "dare" to attack the Islamic Republic.
"We will not negotiate. There will be no negotiations on any issue with the US and the US will not dare to attack Iran," said the senior leader, Yadollah Javani.
Later on Friday, a senior Iranian cleric warned that the US navy fleet deployed to the region could be "destroyed with one missile".
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained last week that the US deployments came in response to intelligence about potential Iranian attacks and aimed both to deter them and to be able to respond if necessary.
He later threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
by David Rosenberg
A Democratic lawmaker came under fire over the weekend, after she claimed that Palestinian Arabs living in the British Mandate prior to the establishment of the State of Israel "provided" a safe haven to Jews after the Holocaust.
Rashida Tlaib, a freshman Democrat representing Michigan in the US House of Representatives, said in an interview with Yahoo!'s Skullduggery podcast program Saturday that she felt pride in the fact that her "ancestors, Palestinians" provided Jews with a haven after the Holocaust.
"Let me tell you, I mean, for me, just two weeks ago or so, we celebrated, but just took a moment I think in our country to remember the Holocaust."
"There's always kind of a calming feeling when I think of the tragedy of the Holocaust," Tlaib said, "that it was my ancestors, Palestinians, who lost their land and some lost their lives, their livelihood, their human dignity, their existence, in many ways, has been wiped out … in the name of trying to create a safe haven for Jews, post-Holocaust, post-tragedy and the horrific persecution of Jews across the world at that time. And I love the fact that it was my ancestors that provided that in many ways."
During the 56-minute interview on Skullduggery, Tlaib lashed out at both Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, accusing Netanyahu of oppression and calling for Trump's impeachment.
"We can smell it from far away that, no, you don't want to look at my grandmother in the eye, Netanyahu, and say 'You are equal to me. You are as human as I am to you,'" Tlaib said of the recently reelected Israeli premier.
Regarding her support for a one-state solution, Tlaib said the Israeli government's policies had made a two-state solution non-viable.
"The Israeli government gave it up," Tlaib said of the two-state solution. "It's not me to decide. It's the will of the people. If Netanyahu got up tomorrow and said, 'You know what? I'm going to take down the walls, I'm not gonna expand settlements, enough is enough. I really want to push towards a two-state solution – he has every power, ever power to do that. And then people like myself and others would truly believe in that."
She also accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of working to "segregate communities" in Judea and Samaria.
"When I think about one state, I think: Why can't we do it in a better way? I don't want people to do it in the name of Judaism just like I don't want people to use Islam in that way. It has to be done in a way of values around equality, around the fact that you shouldn't oppress others. So that you can feel free and safe. Why can't we all be free and safe together?"
Touching on domestic politics, Tlaib called for president Trump's impeachment, calling President Trump's "foreign and domestic" investments a "conflict of interest".
"This is the first President, all 44 before him, divested in their foreign and domestic investments...We have a corporation running our government right now…We set a precedent when we don't say to someone that this is conflict of interest, this is a corridor to power, this is the most powerful position in the world and you got an upgraded version of pay to play...This will not be the last CEO that runs for President of the United States and if we don't hold this President accountable to the rule of law, you say is that impeachable, obviously it is."
Earlier this month, Tlaib also sparked controversy when she commented on news coverage of rocket attacks by Gaza-based terrorist groups on Israel, calling the news stories "dehumanizing" to Palestinian Arabs, and writing the hashtag "Free Palestine".
When will the world stop dehumanizing our Palestinian people who just want to be free? Headlines like this & framing it in this way just feeds into the continued lack of responsibility on Israel who unjustly oppress & target Palestinian children and families," Tlaib tweeted, adding "#FreePalestine."
On Saturday, Tlaib retweeted a call for the "liberation" of Palestine.
"First Friday prayer this #Ramadan in #Palestine, mashAllah. Praying for your liberation, your freedom, and your protection— my people. Ameen Ameen."
8. ROAD RAGE SHOOTING SPARKS PANIC AT KOSHER RESTAURANT IN FLORIDA
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263038
A shooting outside of Trump International Beach Resort in Florida near a kosher restaurant left diners in a panic, in what initial reports suggest is a road rage incident.
Early reports claimed shots were fired at the Mozart Café, a kosher establishment in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, north of Miami, Sunday, fueling speculation the incident was an attack on the local Jewish community.
But local news outlets later described the shooting as a "road rage" incident, which took place outside of a car rental business not far from the café.
Some customers dove under tables for cover during the shooting, while others ran out of the café in a panic.
The shooting reportedly took place outside of a nearby Alamo Rent-A-Car on Collins Avenue.
Three people are said to have been wounded in the shooting.
Police forces have been deployed to the scene of the incident, and two people are reportedly in custody, with a third possible suspect wanted by authorities.
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Monday, May. 13 '19, ח' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. JUSTICE OFFICIALS WARN COURT REFORM WILL 'END ISRAELI DEMOCRACY'
2. PRO-BDS IMAM WHO COMPARED ISRAEL TO NAZIS INVITED TO CONGRESS
3. ISRAELI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AT SITE OF EUROVISION CONTEST
4. HOT, DRY, WEATHER HITS ISRAEL
5. US-BOUND SAUDI OIL TANKERS 'HEAVILY DAMAGED' IN ATTACKS
6. IRANIAN COMMANDER: US FORCES MUST LEAVE THE REGION
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
8. ROAD RAGE SHOOTING SPARKS PANIC AT KOSHER RESTAURANT IN FLORIDA
1. JUSTICE OFFICIALS WARN COURT REFORM WILL 'END ISRAELI DEMOCRACY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Senior justice officials on Monday excoriated plans to curtail the Israeli judiciary, warning that the judicial reform program proposed by the Likud would threaten Israel's democratic system of government.
"We're on the verge of losing democracy," the officials said, according to a report by Channel 13. "There is a clear link between the indictment of Netanyahu and his plan to crush the supreme court."
The senior officials went on to warn that if the Israeli judiciary is weakened, Israel would suffer a precipitous decline in global prestige.
"We'll become pariahs in the eyes of the world. Netanyahu is willing to destroy everything in order to avoid going to trial. Someone in the political system has to wake up, and fast."
The comments come following reports Monday morning carried by Haaretz and Israel Hayom regarding plans by the Likud regarding the continuation of the judicial reform efforts initiated by former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
The plans for the next coalition, drawn up by Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) – who is widely expected to be tapped as the next Justice Minister – at Netanyahu's behest, include passage of a bill which would drastically limit the ability of the Supreme Court to strike down not only laws passed by the Knesset, but even administrative actions by the Israeli government, the cabinet, and the Knesset.
According to the reports, the bill would enable the Knesset to override a court decision stripping Netanyahu of his immunity, thus preventing him from being prosecuted while he remains in office.
In February, Attorney General Avichai Mandeblit announced that he had approved recommendations to indict Netanyahu on charges of breach of trust and fraud in connection with the Case 1000 and Case 2000 investigations, and would likely indict Netanyahu in the Case 4000 investigation on bribery charges – the most serious of the allegations against the Prime Minister – after a hearing with Netanyahu this summer.
The Likud responded to the reports Monday, as well as the comments by senior justice officials, saying that some of the claims regarding plans for the next government had been "sensationalized", without denying any specific details of the reports.
"In the course of coalition talks many proposals have been made by the Likud's coalition partners, particularly with regard to the Sabbath, and the balance of power between the legislature and the judiciary," the Likud party said in a statement.
"The sensationalized coverage in the media has included some proposals which haven't been discussed, as well as biased and misleading commentary aimed at blocking any attempt to restore balance between the democratically-elected legislature and the judiciary. The Likud will continue to defend the idea of having strong, independent courts, but that does not mean that the courts must be supreme."
2. PRO-BDS IMAM WHO COMPARED ISRAEL TO NAZIS INVITED TO CONGRESS
by Ron Kampeas, JTA
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263027
An imam who has wished for the end of Zionism, called for a third Intifada and likened Israel to Nazi-era Germany delivered the opening prayer for a session of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.
Omar Suleiman, the founder and president of the Dallas-based Yaqeen Institute, an organization that describes itself as a resource about Islam, referred to recent attacks on houses of worship — which has included synagogues in the United States — in his opening remarks.
"Let us not be deterred by the hatred that has claimed the lives of innocent worshippers across the world, but emboldened by the love that gathered them together to remember you and gathered us together to remember them," Suleiman said in a short prayer after being introduced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Suleiman has a long record of incendiary social media statements about Israel, as compiled two years ago by Petra Marquardt-Bigman, a researcher, and posted on the Algeimeiner Jewish news site. He has on multiple occasions wished for a third Intifada, or uprising, likened Israeli troops to Nazis, and has wished for the end of Zionism, calling Zionists "the enemies of God." He is a backer of the boycott Israel movement.
Suleiman's congresswoman, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, invited him to deliver the prayer through a standard form on the web page of the Office of the Chaplain of the House, according to a congressional official.
Pelosi's office is looking into how and why Johnson invited Suleiman, an official told The Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., who is Jewish, said in a statement that inviting Suleiman to deliver the opening prayer was a "terribly bad call."
Suleiman in 2016 was at the scene of an anti-police shooting, in which five policemen were slain. He delivered a prayer at a memorial service a week later appearing on a stage with Texas' two Republican senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, then-President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush.
3. ISRAELI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AT SITE OF EUROVISION CONTEST
by Yoni Kempinski
An Israeli man in his 60s was seriously injured Monday in an accident at the Tel Aviv Expo center, during preparations for the upcoming Eurovision song contest.
The incident occurred while the worker was helping to unload equipment at the expo center's parking lot.
A piece of lighting equipment fell on the worker while it was being unloaded, seriously injuring him. The worker was treated at the scene by MDA emergency first responders, before being evacuated to Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Police identified the injured man as a 66-year-old resident of the central Israeli town of Pardes Hannah.
The Eurovision is lasted to hold its first general dress rehearsal Monday night at 10:00 p.m., with the live semi-finals beginning Tuesday evening at 10:00 p.m. Seventeen nations will compete for a place in the May 18th finals.
4. HOT, DRY, WEATHER HITS ISRAEL
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Eurovision attendees may get a chance to experience a true Israeli summer, as forecasters predict Israel's temperatures to reach 29 degrees Celsius (84.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tel Aviv and 33 (91.4) in Jerusalem.
Monday will be clear, hot, and dry, with a rise in temperatures. During the afternoon hours, strong northern winds will blow along the coast. Monday night will be clear.
Tuesday will be clear with a slight rise in temperatures. The weather will be hot and dry, especially inland and in the mountainous regions. During the afternoon, strong northern winds will blow along the coast.
Wednesday will be mostly clear. Temperatures will remain above seasonal average and the weather will be hot and dry, especially inland and in the mountainous regions. Temperatures will drop slightly along the coast.
Thursday will be mostly clear and warmer than seasonal average. There will be a slight drop in temperatures in the mountainous regions.
5. US-BOUND SAUDI OIL TANKERS 'HEAVILY DAMAGED' IN ATTACKS
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Two Saudi oil tankers en route to the United States were attacked Sunday, a senior Saudi Arabian official said according to SPA.
Khalid al-Falih, the kingdom's minister of energy, industry, and mineral resources, said Monday that two Saudi oil tankers were hit Sunday in "a sabotage attack" off the United Arab Emirate's coast near the port city of Fujairah, causing "significant damage" to the ships.
No casualties were reported in the attacks, and no oil spills caused as a result of the damage to the two ships.
One of the ships hit in the sabotage attack, al-Falih said, was set to be loaded with crude oil at Ras Tanura, bound for the Saudi-owned Aramco company in the US.
"One of the two vessels was on its way to be loaded with Saudi crude oil from the port of Ras Tanura, to be delivered to Saudi Aramco's customers in the United States," al-Falih said. "Fortunately, the attack didn't lead to any casualties or oil spill; however, it caused significant damage to the structures of the two vessels."
The United Arab Emirates also complained of "sabotage operations" in the area, saying four shipping vessels were damaged.
Just hours before the Saudi ships were hit, Iranian and Lebanese outlets, including the pro-Iranian Lebanese TV channel Al-Mayadeen, published false reports claiming that explosions had been heard at the port of Fujairah, near the location of the sabotaged ships, AP reported.
The incidents come after the US issued a warning suggesting that Iran and its allies could target shipping in the region.
Last week, the US military deployed an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.
6. IRANIAN COMMANDER: US FORCES MUST LEAVE THE REGION
by Elad Benari
Iranian navy commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi on Sunday called on the US forces in the Persian Gulf to leave, Reuters reported, citing the ISNA news agency.
"The presence of the Americans in the Persian Gulf region has reached its end and they must leave the region," Khanzadi said.
In addition, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the US military presence in the Gulf used to be a serious threat but now represents a target.
"An aircraft carrier that has at least 40 to 50 planes on it and 6,000 forces gathered within it was a serious threat for us in the past but now it is a target and the threats have switched to opportunities," said Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division, according to Reuters.
"If (the Americans) make a move, we will hit them in the head," he warned.
Last week, the US military deployed an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.
The move has escalated the tensions between the US and Iran, which began to increase after President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
The US has since imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran, the latest of which went into effect in early November. Those sanctions aim to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero in a bid to curb the Islamic Republic's missile program and regional influence.
In addition, Trump recently designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization.
On Friday, the deputy leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' political bureau stressed that Iran will not engage in talks with the US and added that the United States would never "dare" to attack the Islamic Republic.
"We will not negotiate. There will be no negotiations on any issue with the US and the US will not dare to attack Iran," said the senior leader, Yadollah Javani.
Later on Friday, a senior Iranian cleric warned that the US navy fleet deployed to the region could be "destroyed with one missile".
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained last week that the US deployments came in response to intelligence about potential Iranian attacks and aimed both to deter them and to be able to respond if necessary.
He later threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
7. RASHIDA TLAIB: WE PALESTINIANS PROVIDED SAFE HAVEN FOR JEWS
by David Rosenberg
A Democratic lawmaker came under fire over the weekend, after she claimed that Palestinian Arabs living in the British Mandate prior to the establishment of the State of Israel "provided" a safe haven to Jews after the Holocaust.
Rashida Tlaib, a freshman Democrat representing Michigan in the US House of Representatives, said in an interview with Yahoo!'s Skullduggery podcast program Saturday that she felt pride in the fact that her "ancestors, Palestinians" provided Jews with a haven after the Holocaust.
"Let me tell you, I mean, for me, just two weeks ago or so, we celebrated, but just took a moment I think in our country to remember the Holocaust."
"There's always kind of a calming feeling when I think of the tragedy of the Holocaust," Tlaib said, "that it was my ancestors, Palestinians, who lost their land and some lost their lives, their livelihood, their human dignity, their existence, in many ways, has been wiped out … in the name of trying to create a safe haven for Jews, post-Holocaust, post-tragedy and the horrific persecution of Jews across the world at that time. And I love the fact that it was my ancestors that provided that in many ways."
During the 56-minute interview on Skullduggery, Tlaib lashed out at both Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, accusing Netanyahu of oppression and calling for Trump's impeachment.
"We can smell it from far away that, no, you don't want to look at my grandmother in the eye, Netanyahu, and say 'You are equal to me. You are as human as I am to you,'" Tlaib said of the recently reelected Israeli premier.
Regarding her support for a one-state solution, Tlaib said the Israeli government's policies had made a two-state solution non-viable.
"The Israeli government gave it up," Tlaib said of the two-state solution. "It's not me to decide. It's the will of the people. If Netanyahu got up tomorrow and said, 'You know what? I'm going to take down the walls, I'm not gonna expand settlements, enough is enough. I really want to push towards a two-state solution – he has every power, ever power to do that. And then people like myself and others would truly believe in that."
She also accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of working to "segregate communities" in Judea and Samaria.
"When I think about one state, I think: Why can't we do it in a better way? I don't want people to do it in the name of Judaism just like I don't want people to use Islam in that way. It has to be done in a way of values around equality, around the fact that you shouldn't oppress others. So that you can feel free and safe. Why can't we all be free and safe together?"
Touching on domestic politics, Tlaib called for president Trump's impeachment, calling President Trump's "foreign and domestic" investments a "conflict of interest".
"This is the first President, all 44 before him, divested in their foreign and domestic investments...We have a corporation running our government right now…We set a precedent when we don't say to someone that this is conflict of interest, this is a corridor to power, this is the most powerful position in the world and you got an upgraded version of pay to play...This will not be the last CEO that runs for President of the United States and if we don't hold this President accountable to the rule of law, you say is that impeachable, obviously it is."
Earlier this month, Tlaib also sparked controversy when she commented on news coverage of rocket attacks by Gaza-based terrorist groups on Israel, calling the news stories "dehumanizing" to Palestinian Arabs, and writing the hashtag "Free Palestine".
When will the world stop dehumanizing our Palestinian people who just want to be free? Headlines like this & framing it in this way just feeds into the continued lack of responsibility on Israel who unjustly oppress & target Palestinian children and families," Tlaib tweeted, adding "#FreePalestine."
On Saturday, Tlaib retweeted a call for the "liberation" of Palestine.
"First Friday prayer this #Ramadan in #Palestine, mashAllah. Praying for your liberation, your freedom, and your protection— my people. Ameen Ameen."
8. ROAD RAGE SHOOTING SPARKS PANIC AT KOSHER RESTAURANT IN FLORIDA
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263038
A shooting outside of Trump International Beach Resort in Florida near a kosher restaurant left diners in a panic, in what initial reports suggest is a road rage incident.
Early reports claimed shots were fired at the Mozart Café, a kosher establishment in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, north of Miami, Sunday, fueling speculation the incident was an attack on the local Jewish community.
But local news outlets later described the shooting as a "road rage" incident, which took place outside of a car rental business not far from the café.
Some customers dove under tables for cover during the shooting, while others ran out of the café in a panic.
The shooting reportedly took place outside of a nearby Alamo Rent-A-Car on Collins Avenue.
Three people are said to have been wounded in the shooting.
Police forces have been deployed to the scene of the incident, and two people are reportedly in custody, with a third possible suspect wanted by authorities.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
A7News: 'We have found a spot for community named after Trump'
Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Sunday, May. 12 '19, ז' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'WE HAVE FOUND A SPOT FOR COMMUNITY NAMED AFTER TRUMP'
2. 'ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE, B'TSELEM SLANDER ISRAEL AS ROCKETS FALL
4. 'NETANYAHU HAS ABANDONED THE SOUTH'
5. SYNAGOGUE IN CENTRAL ISRAEL VANDALIZED AND TORCHED
6. 5-YEAR-OLD HOSPITALIZED WITH WOODEN BOARD ATTACHED TO HIS HAND
7. WATCH: CROATION EUROVISION COMPOSER SINGS JEWISH MUSIC HIT
8. 754 CLAIMS OF DAMAGES FROM ROCKET ATTACKS
1. 'WE HAVE FOUND A SPOT FOR COMMUNITY NAMED AFTER TRUMP'
by Hezki Baruch
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the weekly cabinet meeting this morning with an explanation of his intention to ask the president of the state for an extension to form the government.
"This is not only acceptable, but is also necessary, due to the constraints of the timetable that resulted from the multiplicity of events this time - the intermediate days of Passover, Holocaust Martyrs 'and Heroes' Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and the security events around the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu explained.
"This week we mark the first anniversary of the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. The official residence of the US ambassador is also moving to Jerusalem, thus effectively implementing the resolution of Congress. We greatly appreciate this historic decision by President Trump, just as we greatly appreciate his historic decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights."
"I promised that we will establish a community named after President Trump. I am notifying you that we have already located a spot on the Golan where this new community will be established, and we have begun the process of establishing it. I will bring the decision for official approval by the new government when it is formed."
"We are facing another event, which is the opening of the Eurovision festivities today in Israel. So first of all I wish all the participants great success, and of course the best will win, and of course it will be Koby Merimi," Netanyahu said, referring to the Israeli contestant.
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263017
2. 'ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman published an article in Israel Hayom Sunday morning on the occasion of the anniversary of the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
"On May 14, 2018, the United States finally opened its Embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem. In making the courageous decision to take this historic step, President Trump not only fulfilled a 23-year-old mandate from the United States Congress, but he also recognized a 3,000-year-old truth that Israel's enemies have long sought to erase."
He continued: "America has been fascinated by Jerusalem since the early days of our republic. In 1844, Warder Cresson, the first Consul General, announced after his appointment by the Secretary of State that the United States was thereby extending its protection to the Jews of Jerusalem. The first permanent consular presence opened just inside the Jaffa Gate in 1857, and diplomatic presence has remained constant in and around the Old City ever since. President Lincoln, just before his death, told his wife how he longed to visit Jerusalem. And President Ulysses Grant and Mark Twain both visited Jerusalem in the mid-19th century and wrote extensively about their experiences."
"Neither Grant nor Twain were all that impressed with Jerusalem in those days. It was poor, inhospitable and undeveloped. The Old City of Jerusalem remained that way well into the 20th Century, whether under the rule of the Ottoman Empire until 1917, the British Mandate until 1948, or the Kingdom of Jordan until 1967.
"In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as a single city under Israeli rule. Almost immediately, Jerusalem began to bloom, to flourish and to become, for the first time in its history, a free city open to the worshipers of all three Abrahamic faiths. Many in the United States took notice and, in 1995, Congress, by overwhelming majority votes, passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and requiring the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
"Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama all found reasons to avoid the implementation of this law. All in all, more than 40 presidential waivers were signed delaying the move of the Embassy. And then came President Donald Trump.
"President Trump recognized the truth – that Jerusalem was, is and will always be the capital of Israel. He saw the dishonest and shameful efforts of UNESCO and the United Nations Security Council to deny Israel's biblical, historical and practical connection to Jerusalem. And he refused to pursue a foreign policy based upon anything short of the truth. President Trump, like other Republican and Democratic candidates before him, had promised during his campaign to move the Embassy. Unlike his predecessors, President Trump kept his promise."
He concluded: "The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has now been open a full year. We have a beautiful campus in the Arnona and magnificent facilities on Agron Street in downtown Jerusalem. Well more than 100 American diplomats come to work every day, working hand in hand with Israelis and Palestinians, and American and foreign tourists visit every day just to take a picture or say a prayer. Contrary to all the negative predictions, the Jerusalem Embassy has been an extraordinary success, advancing peaceful coexistence, bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between and among Israelis, Palestinians and Americans."
"Most of all, the United States Embassy in Jerusalem stands for the truth – the bedrock of all successful policies. Moving our Embassy places the United States firmly on the right side of history."
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE, B'TSELEM SLANDER ISRAEL AS ROCKETS FALL
by Arutz Sheva Staff
While Israel endured some 700 rockets fired from Gaza, four were killed and 138 wounded, three senior left-wing activists participated in a conference in South Africa in which harsh criticism was voiced against Israel, Yisrael Hayom reported.
According to the report, the conference was held by the Jewish Democratic Initiative (JDI), a South African Jewish organization whose goal is to create international pressure on Israel. Breaking the Silence director Avner Gvaryahu, the director of B'Tselem, Hagai Elad, and the director of the New Israel Fund, Mickey Gitzin, spoke at the conference in Cape Town, where dozens of members of the Jewish community were present. For two hours they talked about the "occupation" and the suffering of the Palestinian Arabs. They also compared Israeli policy with the Apartheid regime that existed in South Africa.
The newspaper cited persons present who said that the Israeli spokesmen did not mention the suffering of Israeli citizens, who at that very moment were hiding in shelters as Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired hundreds of rockets from Gaza. Ben Shwartz, chairman of the Jewish Federation of South Africa, said: "JDI does declare that they oppose BDS but are also working to encourage boycotts against Israel. What worries me is that I do not hear from them about the terrorism that Israeli citizens are dealing with. Just criticism."
Hagai Elad explained during the conference that the strategy of B'Tselem is to apply international pressure to achieve political goals. "We should try to open the door to international implications for Israel through a detailed description of the grim reality in Gaza, as well."
Regarding the Apartheid charge, Elad said: "The level of injustice we are doing to the Palestinians is the same level of injustice (compared to Apartheid in South Africa) and should be rejected with the same commitment."
JDI said in response: "We do not support BDS, and we are sad to hear such accusations from our Jewish partners. Respect for human rights is a central goal for us as Jews."
Breaking the Silence said: "We were happy to meet South African Jews who told us about the price of the struggle against Apartheid and how their government censured them in the press when they spoke publicly against its destructive policy."
No response was received from B'Tselem and the New Israel Fund.
4. 'NETANYAHU HAS ABANDONED THE SOUTH'
by Hezki Baruch
Blue and White MK Ofer Shelah slammed Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the Immunity Law, which will prevent a sitting prime minister from being indicted.
The law, if passed, would not help Netanyahu, since Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has already decided to indict him.
At a Shabbatarbut (political and cultural forums that take place on the Sabbath) event in the central city of Rishon Lezion, Shelah said, "Netanyahu acts as if the results of the election are proof that the nation allows everything. He sees nothing as unworthy in his attempt to avoid being brought to justice."
"We will fight this with every parliamentary tool, but we won't just use those: This fight will include both the Knesset and the street, and it will reach the courts as well.
"In the coalition, and in the Likud itself, there are a lot of honest people, who know what is at stake. They also know that Netanyahu doesn't care about them, and will give power to extremist coalition partners, who in turn will provide him with immunity. I call on them to act according to their conscience - at any rate, they have nothing to lose.
Regarding the recent rocket attacks on southern Israel, Shelah said, "Netanyahu is weak when it comes to exerting force, and he's afraid of a change in the situation. Almost five years have passed since Operation Protective Edge, and he refuses to do what's necessary in order to change the situation in a real way."
"He needs to stand in front of the residents of the south and tell them straight out that he's abandoning them on purpose, in order to excuse his lack of action or in order to support Hamas [in its argument with] the Palestinian Authority. Those are the only two explanations for his lack of action. And I don't know which of them is worse."
5. SYNAGOGUE IN CENTRAL ISRAEL VANDALIZED AND TORCHED
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262975
A synagogue and cemetery in a central Israeli town were the targets of arson and vandalism Friday, Israel Police said.
Fires were set inside a synagogue and cemetery in Bnei Ayish, near Gedera, Friday. Both the synagogue and cemetery were also vandalized, with graffiti spray-painted.
Police have opened an investigation into the incidents, and have detained a suspect for questioning in connection with the arsons.
"We take these kind of incidents very seriously," said a police spokesperson Friday, "and we will work to complete the investigation and remove those involved from the public sphere."
[album:open:11106]
6. 5-YEAR-OLD HOSPITALIZED WITH WOODEN BOARD ATTACHED TO HIS HAND
by Arutz Sheva Staff
A five-and-a-half-year-old boy from Bnei Brak arrived at the Emergency Medicine Department at the Schneider Children's Medical Center with a wooden board attached to his palm.
The boy was gathering planks for a Lag BaOmer bonfire when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hand. A rusty nail in one of the planks had stuck in the back of the hand and came out the other side.
The boy's parents rushed him to the Emergency Medicine Department at Schneider Children's, where Schneider's experts removed the nail from his hand and treated it for potential infections such as tetanus shots and antibiotics.
The mother of the child said, "I ask parents to look after the little children while collecting planks and warn them against such situations."
Prof. Yehezkel Weissman, director of the Emergency Medicine Department at Schneider Children's, warned that when collecting planks, it is important not to collect planks with metal and nails in them so that such cases do not occur.
7. WATCH: CROATION EUROVISION COMPOSER SINGS JEWISH MUSIC HIT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263012
8. 754 CLAIMS OF DAMAGES FROM ROCKET ATTACKS
by Uzi Baruch
The Tax Authority's compensation fund published this morning, Sunday, updated figures on the extent of direct damage claims filed following the latest series from rocket attacks a week ago.
As of this morning, 6 teams of the compensation fund (employees of the fund and appraisers / engineers) are deployed in affected areas to deal with damages and provide a response to citizens whose property has been damaged.
About 95% of the damages have already been examined by the compensation fund staff and are in the process of being dealt with.
The 10 families who were evacuated to hotels financed by the fund returned to their homes or moved to alternative housing.
As of this morning, 754 claims were submitted to the fund for damage to buildings (522 claims), motor vehicles (207 claims), agriculture (15 claims) and additional damages (10 claims).
The city in which the largest number of claims was filed was Ashdod, in which 261 claims were filed. In Ashkelon, 234 claims were filed, 28 in Kiryat Gat, and 25 in Sderot. 206 claims were filed by residents of smaller communities in the Gaza perimeter.
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Sunday, May. 12 '19, ז' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'WE HAVE FOUND A SPOT FOR COMMUNITY NAMED AFTER TRUMP'
2. 'ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE, B'TSELEM SLANDER ISRAEL AS ROCKETS FALL
4. 'NETANYAHU HAS ABANDONED THE SOUTH'
5. SYNAGOGUE IN CENTRAL ISRAEL VANDALIZED AND TORCHED
6. 5-YEAR-OLD HOSPITALIZED WITH WOODEN BOARD ATTACHED TO HIS HAND
7. WATCH: CROATION EUROVISION COMPOSER SINGS JEWISH MUSIC HIT
8. 754 CLAIMS OF DAMAGES FROM ROCKET ATTACKS
1. 'WE HAVE FOUND A SPOT FOR COMMUNITY NAMED AFTER TRUMP'
by Hezki Baruch
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the weekly cabinet meeting this morning with an explanation of his intention to ask the president of the state for an extension to form the government.
"This is not only acceptable, but is also necessary, due to the constraints of the timetable that resulted from the multiplicity of events this time - the intermediate days of Passover, Holocaust Martyrs 'and Heroes' Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and the security events around the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu explained.
"This week we mark the first anniversary of the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. The official residence of the US ambassador is also moving to Jerusalem, thus effectively implementing the resolution of Congress. We greatly appreciate this historic decision by President Trump, just as we greatly appreciate his historic decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights."
"I promised that we will establish a community named after President Trump. I am notifying you that we have already located a spot on the Golan where this new community will be established, and we have begun the process of establishing it. I will bring the decision for official approval by the new government when it is formed."
"We are facing another event, which is the opening of the Eurovision festivities today in Israel. So first of all I wish all the participants great success, and of course the best will win, and of course it will be Koby Merimi," Netanyahu said, referring to the Israeli contestant.
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263017
2. 'ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman published an article in Israel Hayom Sunday morning on the occasion of the anniversary of the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
"On May 14, 2018, the United States finally opened its Embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem. In making the courageous decision to take this historic step, President Trump not only fulfilled a 23-year-old mandate from the United States Congress, but he also recognized a 3,000-year-old truth that Israel's enemies have long sought to erase."
He continued: "America has been fascinated by Jerusalem since the early days of our republic. In 1844, Warder Cresson, the first Consul General, announced after his appointment by the Secretary of State that the United States was thereby extending its protection to the Jews of Jerusalem. The first permanent consular presence opened just inside the Jaffa Gate in 1857, and diplomatic presence has remained constant in and around the Old City ever since. President Lincoln, just before his death, told his wife how he longed to visit Jerusalem. And President Ulysses Grant and Mark Twain both visited Jerusalem in the mid-19th century and wrote extensively about their experiences."
"Neither Grant nor Twain were all that impressed with Jerusalem in those days. It was poor, inhospitable and undeveloped. The Old City of Jerusalem remained that way well into the 20th Century, whether under the rule of the Ottoman Empire until 1917, the British Mandate until 1948, or the Kingdom of Jordan until 1967.
"In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as a single city under Israeli rule. Almost immediately, Jerusalem began to bloom, to flourish and to become, for the first time in its history, a free city open to the worshipers of all three Abrahamic faiths. Many in the United States took notice and, in 1995, Congress, by overwhelming majority votes, passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and requiring the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
"Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama all found reasons to avoid the implementation of this law. All in all, more than 40 presidential waivers were signed delaying the move of the Embassy. And then came President Donald Trump.
"President Trump recognized the truth – that Jerusalem was, is and will always be the capital of Israel. He saw the dishonest and shameful efforts of UNESCO and the United Nations Security Council to deny Israel's biblical, historical and practical connection to Jerusalem. And he refused to pursue a foreign policy based upon anything short of the truth. President Trump, like other Republican and Democratic candidates before him, had promised during his campaign to move the Embassy. Unlike his predecessors, President Trump kept his promise."
He concluded: "The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has now been open a full year. We have a beautiful campus in the Arnona and magnificent facilities on Agron Street in downtown Jerusalem. Well more than 100 American diplomats come to work every day, working hand in hand with Israelis and Palestinians, and American and foreign tourists visit every day just to take a picture or say a prayer. Contrary to all the negative predictions, the Jerusalem Embassy has been an extraordinary success, advancing peaceful coexistence, bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between and among Israelis, Palestinians and Americans."
"Most of all, the United States Embassy in Jerusalem stands for the truth – the bedrock of all successful policies. Moving our Embassy places the United States firmly on the right side of history."
3. BREAKING THE SILENCE, B'TSELEM SLANDER ISRAEL AS ROCKETS FALL
by Arutz Sheva Staff
While Israel endured some 700 rockets fired from Gaza, four were killed and 138 wounded, three senior left-wing activists participated in a conference in South Africa in which harsh criticism was voiced against Israel, Yisrael Hayom reported.
According to the report, the conference was held by the Jewish Democratic Initiative (JDI), a South African Jewish organization whose goal is to create international pressure on Israel. Breaking the Silence director Avner Gvaryahu, the director of B'Tselem, Hagai Elad, and the director of the New Israel Fund, Mickey Gitzin, spoke at the conference in Cape Town, where dozens of members of the Jewish community were present. For two hours they talked about the "occupation" and the suffering of the Palestinian Arabs. They also compared Israeli policy with the Apartheid regime that existed in South Africa.
The newspaper cited persons present who said that the Israeli spokesmen did not mention the suffering of Israeli citizens, who at that very moment were hiding in shelters as Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired hundreds of rockets from Gaza. Ben Shwartz, chairman of the Jewish Federation of South Africa, said: "JDI does declare that they oppose BDS but are also working to encourage boycotts against Israel. What worries me is that I do not hear from them about the terrorism that Israeli citizens are dealing with. Just criticism."
Hagai Elad explained during the conference that the strategy of B'Tselem is to apply international pressure to achieve political goals. "We should try to open the door to international implications for Israel through a detailed description of the grim reality in Gaza, as well."
Regarding the Apartheid charge, Elad said: "The level of injustice we are doing to the Palestinians is the same level of injustice (compared to Apartheid in South Africa) and should be rejected with the same commitment."
JDI said in response: "We do not support BDS, and we are sad to hear such accusations from our Jewish partners. Respect for human rights is a central goal for us as Jews."
Breaking the Silence said: "We were happy to meet South African Jews who told us about the price of the struggle against Apartheid and how their government censured them in the press when they spoke publicly against its destructive policy."
No response was received from B'Tselem and the New Israel Fund.
4. 'NETANYAHU HAS ABANDONED THE SOUTH'
by Hezki Baruch
Blue and White MK Ofer Shelah slammed Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the Immunity Law, which will prevent a sitting prime minister from being indicted.
The law, if passed, would not help Netanyahu, since Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has already decided to indict him.
At a Shabbatarbut (political and cultural forums that take place on the Sabbath) event in the central city of Rishon Lezion, Shelah said, "Netanyahu acts as if the results of the election are proof that the nation allows everything. He sees nothing as unworthy in his attempt to avoid being brought to justice."
"We will fight this with every parliamentary tool, but we won't just use those: This fight will include both the Knesset and the street, and it will reach the courts as well.
"In the coalition, and in the Likud itself, there are a lot of honest people, who know what is at stake. They also know that Netanyahu doesn't care about them, and will give power to extremist coalition partners, who in turn will provide him with immunity. I call on them to act according to their conscience - at any rate, they have nothing to lose.
Regarding the recent rocket attacks on southern Israel, Shelah said, "Netanyahu is weak when it comes to exerting force, and he's afraid of a change in the situation. Almost five years have passed since Operation Protective Edge, and he refuses to do what's necessary in order to change the situation in a real way."
"He needs to stand in front of the residents of the south and tell them straight out that he's abandoning them on purpose, in order to excuse his lack of action or in order to support Hamas [in its argument with] the Palestinian Authority. Those are the only two explanations for his lack of action. And I don't know which of them is worse."
5. SYNAGOGUE IN CENTRAL ISRAEL VANDALIZED AND TORCHED
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262975
A synagogue and cemetery in a central Israeli town were the targets of arson and vandalism Friday, Israel Police said.
Fires were set inside a synagogue and cemetery in Bnei Ayish, near Gedera, Friday. Both the synagogue and cemetery were also vandalized, with graffiti spray-painted.
Police have opened an investigation into the incidents, and have detained a suspect for questioning in connection with the arsons.
"We take these kind of incidents very seriously," said a police spokesperson Friday, "and we will work to complete the investigation and remove those involved from the public sphere."
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6. 5-YEAR-OLD HOSPITALIZED WITH WOODEN BOARD ATTACHED TO HIS HAND
by Arutz Sheva Staff
A five-and-a-half-year-old boy from Bnei Brak arrived at the Emergency Medicine Department at the Schneider Children's Medical Center with a wooden board attached to his palm.
The boy was gathering planks for a Lag BaOmer bonfire when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hand. A rusty nail in one of the planks had stuck in the back of the hand and came out the other side.
The boy's parents rushed him to the Emergency Medicine Department at Schneider Children's, where Schneider's experts removed the nail from his hand and treated it for potential infections such as tetanus shots and antibiotics.
The mother of the child said, "I ask parents to look after the little children while collecting planks and warn them against such situations."
Prof. Yehezkel Weissman, director of the Emergency Medicine Department at Schneider Children's, warned that when collecting planks, it is important not to collect planks with metal and nails in them so that such cases do not occur.
7. WATCH: CROATION EUROVISION COMPOSER SINGS JEWISH MUSIC HIT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263012
8. 754 CLAIMS OF DAMAGES FROM ROCKET ATTACKS
by Uzi Baruch
The Tax Authority's compensation fund published this morning, Sunday, updated figures on the extent of direct damage claims filed following the latest series from rocket attacks a week ago.
As of this morning, 6 teams of the compensation fund (employees of the fund and appraisers / engineers) are deployed in affected areas to deal with damages and provide a response to citizens whose property has been damaged.
About 95% of the damages have already been examined by the compensation fund staff and are in the process of being dealt with.
The 10 families who were evacuated to hotels financed by the fund returned to their homes or moved to alternative housing.
As of this morning, 754 claims were submitted to the fund for damage to buildings (522 claims), motor vehicles (207 claims), agriculture (15 claims) and additional damages (10 claims).
The city in which the largest number of claims was filed was Ashdod, in which 261 claims were filed. In Ashkelon, 234 claims were filed, 28 in Kiryat Gat, and 25 in Sderot. 206 claims were filed by residents of smaller communities in the Gaza perimeter.
Friday, May 10, 2019
A7News: 'US won't dare attack Iran'
Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Friday, May. 10 '19, ה' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'US WON'T DARE ATTACK IRAN'
2. BERLIN: ISRAELI CLARINET PLAYER BEATEN AT ANTI-ISRAEL EVENT
3. FARRAKHAN TALKS OF 'SATANIC JEWS' AT CATHOLIC CHURCH ADDRESS
4. DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER 4 KILLED IN CRASH NEAR MODIIN
5. POMPEO VOWS 'DECISIVE' RESPONSE TO ATTACK BY IRAN
6. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
7. RACHELLE FRAENKEL: TRAGEDY AND UNITY
8. INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE IDF
1. 'US WON'T DARE ATTACK IRAN'
by David Rosenberg
Iran will not engage in talks with the US, a senior Iranian official said Friday, adding that the United States would never "dare" to attack the Islamic republic.
Yadollah Javani, the deputy leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' political bureau, told the Iranian Tasnim outlet that Iran will not negotiate with the US, according to a report released Friday.
"We will not negotiate. There will be no negotiations on any issue with the US," Javani said, adding "and the US will not dare to attack Iran."
"We will not surrender."
Javani went on to say that Iran was not suffering the kind of "internal disarray" he suggested the US believed would set in following its restoration of sanctions on Tehran.
"With the new sanctions and pressures imposed by the United States… Trump thought that Iran would face a kind of internal disarray and would eventually negotiate with the United States, but in practice it did not happen."
"In 2018, the Trump administration was confident that Iran would be in turmoil, and would be forced to negotiate with the US… but in practice this did not happen."
Javani's comments came after President Donald Trump urged the Iranian regime to agree to talks with the US aimed at ending its nuclear program – while hinting that the US could use military force against Iran.
At an impromptu news conference at the White House, Trump declined to say what prompted him to deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the region over what was described as unspecified threats.
"We have information that you don't want to know about. They were very threatening and we have to have great security for this country and many other places," he said, according to Reuters.
Trump was then asked whether there was a risk of military confrontation with the American military presence in the area.
"I guess you could say that always, right? I don't want to say no, but hopefully that won't happen. We have one of the most powerful ships in the world that is loaded up and we don't want to do anything," he replied.
On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
"The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement quoted by AFP.
"Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he made clear.
2. BERLIN: ISRAELI CLARINET PLAYER BEATEN AT ANTI-ISRAEL EVENT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262972
An Israeli musician studying in Germany was attacked by a mob of Arabs at an anti-Israel event in Berlin last week.
As can be seen in footage of the incident which surfaced Thursday, an Israeli man, later identified as 27-year-old Daniel Gurfinkel, was beaten by a group of Arab men at a pro-BDS, anti-Israel event held in Berlin's Hermann Square.
Gurfinkel, a clarinet player, is studying music, along with his twin brother, at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler music conservatory in Berlin.
The incident occurred last Saturday, as Gurfinkel was passing through the square, when he noticed the anti-Israel demonstration which was being held there to protest the upcoming Eurovision competition in Tel Aviv.
When Gurfinkel called out "Israel" in response to the anti-Israel demonstration, he was immediately attacked by a group of Arab men.
"Immediately, right after the first word I tried to get out to defend Israel, they already started to attack me," Gurfinkel said, according to Israel Hayom.
Police officers at the scene were slow to respond, Gurfinkel said, initially choosing to ignore the attack.
"They beat me over the head, and the police who were passing by responded with indifference."
Only after five minutes or so did the police intervene, Gurfinkel said.
"I've been living in Berlin for about four years now, and I never imagined that something like this would happen."
Despite the violent attack, Gurfinkel said he would "continue to defend by country."
There are no reports of arrests.
3. FARRAKHAN TALKS OF 'SATANIC JEWS' AT CATHOLIC CHURCH ADDRESS
by David Rosenberg
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262970
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan spoke at a Catholic church in Chicago Thursday night, decrying social media outlets for banning his account, while denying accusations of anti-Semitism and racism.
Farrakhan was invited to speak at the St. Sabina Church in Chicago by the congregation's controversial spiritual leader, Michael Pfleger.
Pfleger, who has in the past invited controversial figures in the past, including Al Sharpton and Jeremiah Wright, offered Farrakhan an opportunity to speak out at St. Sabina a week after Facebook and its subsidiary, Instagram, banned the Nation of Islam leader.
During his roughly hour-and-a-half address at St. Sabina, Farrakhan denied having ever used hateful or bigoted rhetoric, despite a long history of racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, and black supremacist comments.
"I have not said one word of hate. I do not hate Jewish people. Not one that is with me has ever committed a crime against the Jewish people, black people, white people. As long as you don't attack us, we won't bother you."
"The enemy is so hateful of me. I have never been arrested. No drunken driving. What have I done that you hate me like that?"
Farrakhan again referenced "Satanic Jews", a phrase he has used for decades, drawing nationwide criticism, but said he did not believe all Jews fell into this category.
"I'm here to separate the good Jews from the Satanic Jews."
Pfleger, who introduced Farrakhan at the event, said he had received a wave of hate mail and angry phone calls over his decision to host Farrakhan, going on to call the Nation of Islam leader a "bold voice against injustice done against black people".
"This past week, I have been cursed at, received an overwhelming amount of hate calls, emails, hateful Facebook postings. It is interesting to me that those who accuse him of hate have been so hateful this past week. Oh, the hypocrisy."
The 85-year-old Farrakhan has sparked numerous controversies since the 1980s, drawing criticism for his attacks on Jews, whites, and homosexuals.
In 1984, Farrakhan was unanimously censured by the US Senate after he called Judaism a "gutter religion", while comparing himself to Adolf Hitler.
Over the years, Farrakhan has blamed Jews for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and American slavery, accused American Jews of being part of the "Synagogue of Satan", compared Jews to termites, warned of the eventual annihilation of whites, claimed that white people were artificially created by a mad scientist and calling them only "potential humans", accused "the Jews" of helping Adolf Hitler "get the Third Reich on the road".
"Rabbis and historians have given to us an undeniable record of Jewish anti-Black behavior, starting with the horror of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, plantation slavery, Jim Crow, sharecropping, the labor movement of the North and South, the unions and the misuse of our people that continues to this very moment," Farrakhan said in 2010.
In 1990, Farrakhan claimed "the Jews got a stranglehold on the Congress". Six years later, he called American Jews the "wicked deceivers of the American people," saying Jews have "sucked their blood" and "wrapped your tentacles around the US government."
Last year, he called the Talmud "filthy, so filthy," and "ugly", while deriding Jews as "Satanic people".
Farrakhan also blamed Jews for homosexuality, and claimed that white people were unnatural and that the white race would be coming to "an end".
Earlier this year Farrakhan led a chant of "Death to Israel, Death to America" during a visit to Tehran.
In October 2018, Facebook removed a video uploaded by Farrakhan's account in which he called Jews termites.
"I'm not an anti-Semite. I'm anti-termite," the Nation of Islam leader said.
4. DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER 4 KILLED IN CRASH NEAR MODIIN
by Reut Hadar
Israeli police have arrested the driver involved in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon near the city of Modiin.
The driver, a 44-year-old Arab resident of the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, was arrested Thursday night in connection with the crash. On Friday morning, the suspect was brought before the Petah Tikva Magistrates Court, which extended his arrest. Police say the driver is being held on suspicion of negligence resulting in death, reckless driving, and deviating from the lanes designated for driving.
Four passengers of the minibus the suspect was driving were killed and nine more injured when the vehicle crashed into a security barrier on the side of the road on Route 443. One of the injured was listed in moderate condition, the eight others in light condition.
The passengers were recently released convicts who had been paroled and released to a halfway house in Jerusalem. The parolees had been out of the halfway house on a day trip in honor of Independence Day Thursday, and were on their way back to Jerusalem when the minibus crashed.
MDA emergency first responders treated the victims at the scene before evacuating them to Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Assaf Harofe in Tzirfin, and Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem.
5. POMPEO VOWS 'DECISIVE' RESPONSE TO ATTACK BY IRAN
by Elad Benari
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
"The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement quoted by AFP.
"Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he made clear.
At the same time, he stressed, "We do not seek war."
"But Iran's 40 years of killing American soldiers, attacking American facilities, and taking American hostages is a constant reminder that we must defend ourselves," said Pompeo, referencing the 1979 Islamic revolution that transformed Iran from close US ally to sworn foe.
The statement comes several days after the US announced it would deploy a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Middle East.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan later said he approved the deployment because of "indications of a credible threat" by Iran.
In addition, Iran announced on Wednesday it would reduce some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal but would not withdraw from it completely, in response to the US withdrawal from the deal.
Following that announcement, Pompeo blasted Iran and said, "The Iranian regime's announcement that it intends to expand its nuclear program defies international norms and is a blatant attempt to hold the world hostage."
He called on the international community "to hold Iran's regime accountable for its threat to expand its nuclear program."
6. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262881
7. RACHELLE FRAENKEL: TRAGEDY AND UNITY
by Judy Simon
[audio:2036471]
What really happened on that terrible summer of 2014?
The country heard the news of three teenage boys who had gone missing, and people of all ages and walks of life sprang to action, in prayer, in activism, and in comforting each other and the families of the boys.
How did this affect the families themselves? How did they react to the kidnapping? To the news of the murder? How did they decide to bury the boys together instead of in three separate home towns?
One brave mother, a Torah and Talmud scholar herself (more about this on the show), shares her personal experience. Rachelle Fraenkel speaks about her own whirlwind of emotions, her coping techniques, her connection with G-d through it all, the Kaddish prayer which she recited aloud at the funeral, and mostly, of the embrace that she and the other families felt from Jews in Israel and around the world. Rachelle tells of the projects that the families have initiated in the wake of the tragedy, of the feeling of togetherness and unity despite existential differences of opinion, and of experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions without becoming those emotions.
Tune in to get to know a truly inspirational woman. A must listen!
[קישורים:4:Radio]
8. INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE IDF
by Mordechai Sones
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262939
Israel's Independence Day: About 302,000 people visited the Tel Nof Air Force Base, Ramat David, the Haifa Air Force Base, and the Israel Air Force Museum in Hatzerim.
The Air Force flew over dozens of cities and towns, with 62 air crews and 36 IAF aircraft.
At the Navy base at the Red Sea, a flotilla was held in honor of Independence Day along the coasts, where four vessels of the 915 company passed the shores of the city of Eilat.
The Armored Corps in Latrun presented a large-scale display of ground forces, armor, artillery, combat engineering, and combat collection. The display included a variety of ground-based weapons such as tanks, bulldozers, armored personnel carriers, and cannons.
In the army exhibitions in Judea and Samaria there were various military vehicles, including tanks and engineering tools, arms depots of sector battalions, engineering and sappers, and camouflage teams of the Nitzan combat unit and other security forces.
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http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Friday, May. 10 '19, ה' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'US WON'T DARE ATTACK IRAN'
2. BERLIN: ISRAELI CLARINET PLAYER BEATEN AT ANTI-ISRAEL EVENT
3. FARRAKHAN TALKS OF 'SATANIC JEWS' AT CATHOLIC CHURCH ADDRESS
4. DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER 4 KILLED IN CRASH NEAR MODIIN
5. POMPEO VOWS 'DECISIVE' RESPONSE TO ATTACK BY IRAN
6. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
7. RACHELLE FRAENKEL: TRAGEDY AND UNITY
8. INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE IDF
1. 'US WON'T DARE ATTACK IRAN'
by David Rosenberg
Iran will not engage in talks with the US, a senior Iranian official said Friday, adding that the United States would never "dare" to attack the Islamic republic.
Yadollah Javani, the deputy leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' political bureau, told the Iranian Tasnim outlet that Iran will not negotiate with the US, according to a report released Friday.
"We will not negotiate. There will be no negotiations on any issue with the US," Javani said, adding "and the US will not dare to attack Iran."
"We will not surrender."
Javani went on to say that Iran was not suffering the kind of "internal disarray" he suggested the US believed would set in following its restoration of sanctions on Tehran.
"With the new sanctions and pressures imposed by the United States… Trump thought that Iran would face a kind of internal disarray and would eventually negotiate with the United States, but in practice it did not happen."
"In 2018, the Trump administration was confident that Iran would be in turmoil, and would be forced to negotiate with the US… but in practice this did not happen."
Javani's comments came after President Donald Trump urged the Iranian regime to agree to talks with the US aimed at ending its nuclear program – while hinting that the US could use military force against Iran.
At an impromptu news conference at the White House, Trump declined to say what prompted him to deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the region over what was described as unspecified threats.
"We have information that you don't want to know about. They were very threatening and we have to have great security for this country and many other places," he said, according to Reuters.
Trump was then asked whether there was a risk of military confrontation with the American military presence in the area.
"I guess you could say that always, right? I don't want to say no, but hopefully that won't happen. We have one of the most powerful ships in the world that is loaded up and we don't want to do anything," he replied.
On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
"The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement quoted by AFP.
"Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he made clear.
2. BERLIN: ISRAELI CLARINET PLAYER BEATEN AT ANTI-ISRAEL EVENT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262972
An Israeli musician studying in Germany was attacked by a mob of Arabs at an anti-Israel event in Berlin last week.
As can be seen in footage of the incident which surfaced Thursday, an Israeli man, later identified as 27-year-old Daniel Gurfinkel, was beaten by a group of Arab men at a pro-BDS, anti-Israel event held in Berlin's Hermann Square.
Gurfinkel, a clarinet player, is studying music, along with his twin brother, at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler music conservatory in Berlin.
The incident occurred last Saturday, as Gurfinkel was passing through the square, when he noticed the anti-Israel demonstration which was being held there to protest the upcoming Eurovision competition in Tel Aviv.
When Gurfinkel called out "Israel" in response to the anti-Israel demonstration, he was immediately attacked by a group of Arab men.
"Immediately, right after the first word I tried to get out to defend Israel, they already started to attack me," Gurfinkel said, according to Israel Hayom.
Police officers at the scene were slow to respond, Gurfinkel said, initially choosing to ignore the attack.
"They beat me over the head, and the police who were passing by responded with indifference."
Only after five minutes or so did the police intervene, Gurfinkel said.
"I've been living in Berlin for about four years now, and I never imagined that something like this would happen."
Despite the violent attack, Gurfinkel said he would "continue to defend by country."
There are no reports of arrests.
3. FARRAKHAN TALKS OF 'SATANIC JEWS' AT CATHOLIC CHURCH ADDRESS
by David Rosenberg
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262970
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan spoke at a Catholic church in Chicago Thursday night, decrying social media outlets for banning his account, while denying accusations of anti-Semitism and racism.
Farrakhan was invited to speak at the St. Sabina Church in Chicago by the congregation's controversial spiritual leader, Michael Pfleger.
Pfleger, who has in the past invited controversial figures in the past, including Al Sharpton and Jeremiah Wright, offered Farrakhan an opportunity to speak out at St. Sabina a week after Facebook and its subsidiary, Instagram, banned the Nation of Islam leader.
During his roughly hour-and-a-half address at St. Sabina, Farrakhan denied having ever used hateful or bigoted rhetoric, despite a long history of racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, and black supremacist comments.
"I have not said one word of hate. I do not hate Jewish people. Not one that is with me has ever committed a crime against the Jewish people, black people, white people. As long as you don't attack us, we won't bother you."
"The enemy is so hateful of me. I have never been arrested. No drunken driving. What have I done that you hate me like that?"
Farrakhan again referenced "Satanic Jews", a phrase he has used for decades, drawing nationwide criticism, but said he did not believe all Jews fell into this category.
"I'm here to separate the good Jews from the Satanic Jews."
Pfleger, who introduced Farrakhan at the event, said he had received a wave of hate mail and angry phone calls over his decision to host Farrakhan, going on to call the Nation of Islam leader a "bold voice against injustice done against black people".
"This past week, I have been cursed at, received an overwhelming amount of hate calls, emails, hateful Facebook postings. It is interesting to me that those who accuse him of hate have been so hateful this past week. Oh, the hypocrisy."
The 85-year-old Farrakhan has sparked numerous controversies since the 1980s, drawing criticism for his attacks on Jews, whites, and homosexuals.
In 1984, Farrakhan was unanimously censured by the US Senate after he called Judaism a "gutter religion", while comparing himself to Adolf Hitler.
Over the years, Farrakhan has blamed Jews for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and American slavery, accused American Jews of being part of the "Synagogue of Satan", compared Jews to termites, warned of the eventual annihilation of whites, claimed that white people were artificially created by a mad scientist and calling them only "potential humans", accused "the Jews" of helping Adolf Hitler "get the Third Reich on the road".
"Rabbis and historians have given to us an undeniable record of Jewish anti-Black behavior, starting with the horror of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, plantation slavery, Jim Crow, sharecropping, the labor movement of the North and South, the unions and the misuse of our people that continues to this very moment," Farrakhan said in 2010.
In 1990, Farrakhan claimed "the Jews got a stranglehold on the Congress". Six years later, he called American Jews the "wicked deceivers of the American people," saying Jews have "sucked their blood" and "wrapped your tentacles around the US government."
Last year, he called the Talmud "filthy, so filthy," and "ugly", while deriding Jews as "Satanic people".
Farrakhan also blamed Jews for homosexuality, and claimed that white people were unnatural and that the white race would be coming to "an end".
Earlier this year Farrakhan led a chant of "Death to Israel, Death to America" during a visit to Tehran.
In October 2018, Facebook removed a video uploaded by Farrakhan's account in which he called Jews termites.
"I'm not an anti-Semite. I'm anti-termite," the Nation of Islam leader said.
4. DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER 4 KILLED IN CRASH NEAR MODIIN
by Reut Hadar
Israeli police have arrested the driver involved in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon near the city of Modiin.
The driver, a 44-year-old Arab resident of the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, was arrested Thursday night in connection with the crash. On Friday morning, the suspect was brought before the Petah Tikva Magistrates Court, which extended his arrest. Police say the driver is being held on suspicion of negligence resulting in death, reckless driving, and deviating from the lanes designated for driving.
Four passengers of the minibus the suspect was driving were killed and nine more injured when the vehicle crashed into a security barrier on the side of the road on Route 443. One of the injured was listed in moderate condition, the eight others in light condition.
The passengers were recently released convicts who had been paroled and released to a halfway house in Jerusalem. The parolees had been out of the halfway house on a day trip in honor of Independence Day Thursday, and were on their way back to Jerusalem when the minibus crashed.
MDA emergency first responders treated the victims at the scene before evacuating them to Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Assaf Harofe in Tzirfin, and Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem.
5. POMPEO VOWS 'DECISIVE' RESPONSE TO ATTACK BY IRAN
by Elad Benari
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran.
"The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement quoted by AFP.
"Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he made clear.
At the same time, he stressed, "We do not seek war."
"But Iran's 40 years of killing American soldiers, attacking American facilities, and taking American hostages is a constant reminder that we must defend ourselves," said Pompeo, referencing the 1979 Islamic revolution that transformed Iran from close US ally to sworn foe.
The statement comes several days after the US announced it would deploy a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Middle East.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan later said he approved the deployment because of "indications of a credible threat" by Iran.
In addition, Iran announced on Wednesday it would reduce some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal but would not withdraw from it completely, in response to the US withdrawal from the deal.
Following that announcement, Pompeo blasted Iran and said, "The Iranian regime's announcement that it intends to expand its nuclear program defies international norms and is a blatant attempt to hold the world hostage."
He called on the international community "to hold Iran's regime accountable for its threat to expand its nuclear program."
6. LIVE: INDEPENDENCE DAY TORCH-LIGHTING CEREMONY
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262881
7. RACHELLE FRAENKEL: TRAGEDY AND UNITY
by Judy Simon
[audio:2036471]
What really happened on that terrible summer of 2014?
The country heard the news of three teenage boys who had gone missing, and people of all ages and walks of life sprang to action, in prayer, in activism, and in comforting each other and the families of the boys.
How did this affect the families themselves? How did they react to the kidnapping? To the news of the murder? How did they decide to bury the boys together instead of in three separate home towns?
One brave mother, a Torah and Talmud scholar herself (more about this on the show), shares her personal experience. Rachelle Fraenkel speaks about her own whirlwind of emotions, her coping techniques, her connection with G-d through it all, the Kaddish prayer which she recited aloud at the funeral, and mostly, of the embrace that she and the other families felt from Jews in Israel and around the world. Rachelle tells of the projects that the families have initiated in the wake of the tragedy, of the feeling of togetherness and unity despite existential differences of opinion, and of experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions without becoming those emotions.
Tune in to get to know a truly inspirational woman. A must listen!
[קישורים:4:Radio]
8. INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE IDF
by Mordechai Sones
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262939
Israel's Independence Day: About 302,000 people visited the Tel Nof Air Force Base, Ramat David, the Haifa Air Force Base, and the Israel Air Force Museum in Hatzerim.
The Air Force flew over dozens of cities and towns, with 62 air crews and 36 IAF aircraft.
At the Navy base at the Red Sea, a flotilla was held in honor of Independence Day along the coasts, where four vessels of the 915 company passed the shores of the city of Eilat.
The Armored Corps in Latrun presented a large-scale display of ground forces, armor, artillery, combat engineering, and combat collection. The display included a variety of ground-based weapons such as tanks, bulldozers, armored personnel carriers, and cannons.
In the army exhibitions in Judea and Samaria there were various military vehicles, including tanks and engineering tools, arms depots of sector battalions, engineering and sappers, and camouflage teams of the Nitzan combat unit and other security forces.
[album:open:11104]
Thursday, May 9, 2019
A7News: Winner of Bible quiz: Yonatan Weissman of Israel
Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
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.
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
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.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
A7News: 'Israel won't let Iran get nuclear weapons'
Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
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Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Wednesday, May. 08 '19, ג' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'ISRAEL WON'T LET IRAN GET NUCLEAR WEAPONS'
2. REMEMBERING THE LONE SOLDIER FROM CALIFORNIA WHO DIED FOR ISRAEL
3. VICTIMS OF US ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS CENTER OF YOM HAZIKARON EVENT
4. SWASTIKA BROUGHT TO ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY UNIVERSITY EVENT
5. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CALLS ISRAEL A 'RACIST REGIME'
6. ISRAEL HONORS ITS FALLEN AT YOM HAZIKARON MEMORIAL IN JERUSALEM
7. WATCH: MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY IN ENGLISH
8. WAS ISRAEL TOO QUICK TO SEEK A CEASEFIRE WITH HAMAS?
1. 'ISRAEL WON'T LET IRAN GET NUCLEAR WEAPONS'
by David Rosenberg
Israel will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday in Jerusalem.
The Prime Minister made the comments during his address at the annual Yom HaZikaron Israeli memorial day ceremony at the central military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem Wednesday morning.
"This morning, on my way here, I heard that Iran intends to pursue its nuclear program," Netanyahu said. "We will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weaponry. We will continue to fight those who would kill us."
Netanyahu's comments came after Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said Tuesday that his country would reduce some "voluntary" commitments within its nuclear deal.
"The European Union and others ... did not have the power to resist US pressure, therefore Iran ... will not carry out some voluntary commitments," Zarif said.
Zarif's comments come after Iranian media reported on Monday that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will announce on Wednesday that Iran will begin to renege on its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262864
2. REMEMBERING THE LONE SOLDIER FROM CALIFORNIA WHO DIED FOR ISRAEL
by Yoni Kempinski
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262868
On Wednesday, Israelis from across the country visited cemeteries and participated in memorial services remembering friends and loved ones who died defending Israel, or who were victims of terrorist attacks.
Among those remembering the dead, however, were some visitors from abroad.
Stuart Steinberg, an attorney from the southern California town of Woodland Hills, joined those gathering at Mount Herzl Wednesday, to remember his own son, Max, who died at the age of 24 nearly five years ago.
Max, who left California to enlist in the IDF as a lone soldier a few months after a Birthright trip to Israel in 2013, served as a sniper in the Golani Brigade for less than a year, before he was killed when his armored personnel carrier was destroyed by Hamas bombs in July 2014.
Speaking with Arutz Sheva, Max's father, Stuart, discussed the ways he and his family have kept their son's memory alive – and how they've worked to help other lone soldiers who, like their son, moved on their own to Israel to enlist in the IDF.
"This is my second time here at this time of year," said Steinberg of his visit to Israel during the week of Yom HaZikaron (Israeli memorial day) and Israeli Independence Day.
"This year is exceptionally special because we came from Poland and Auschwitz, we brought his Sefer Torah [Torah Scroll], brought it back to Israel. And we're going to be marching with the March of the Living one more time, from City Hall to the Kotel [Western Wall]."
"As a bereaved parent and seeing this and experiencing this and having an opportunity to just be embraced and loved by so many people is the best."
Stuart recalled the outpouring of support when some 30,000 people showed up to his son's funeral in July 2014.
"At his funeral there were, I'm told, 30,000 people. To me it was a blur, but to have that kind of appreciation and respect for a lone soldier is a beautiful thing."
"Once Max was killed, our lives were turned upside down. It will never be the same. We are very involved in Jewish causes. We're on the board of directors of an organization called the Families of Lone Soldiers, which supports families like ours, both bereaved as well as…families of soldiers that are here and their parents are in the United States and in other countries."
"We get strength by doing good. Max did good, and we felt that we needed to do something more."
3. VICTIMS OF US ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS CENTER OF YOM HAZIKARON EVENT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Tributes to the 12 Jews killed in the synagogue shootings of October 2018 in Pittsburgh and April 2019 in the San Diego-area city of Poway took center stage today during The Jewish Agency for Israel's memorial service for Yom HaZikaron, Israel's annual day of remembrance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.
The special guests from Pittsburgh at Wednesday morning's ceremony at the Jewish Agency Courtyard in Jerusalem included Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Jeff Finkelstein; and Marnie Fienberg, the daughter-in-law of Joyce Fienberg, who was murdered in the Pittsburgh synagogue attack. Fienberg lit a memorial torch together with Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel Isaac Herzog, who personally invited her to attend the service.
"On this day, the Jews of the Diaspora unite in grief with all the residents of the State of Israel. And here, too, in Israel, we are united in grief with the Jewish families in the Diaspora, those who lost loved ones in terrorist acts and those whose children chose to wear their olive uniforms and gave their lives, protecting Israel," said Herzog at the ceremony. "Zionism and our shared fate have been sanctified with their blood. Lone soldiers, Jewish volunteers from all over the world, and new immigrants who sacrificed their lives and fought shoulder to shoulder since the beginning of Israel's independence. Their beating heart is in each and every one of us, whether a citizen of the state or a Jew in the Diaspora."
According to The Jewish Agency, more than 200 Jews have been murdered in anti-Semitic incidents and terrorist attacks across the Diaspora since the State of Israel achieved independence in 1948, with the 11 victims of the shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue and the victim of the shooting at Chabad of Poway joining that list this year.
"The anti-Semites don't care about our labels, to them we're all Jews," said Finkelstein. "And to all of us, the work we do with the Jewish Agency and Federations has to be focused on building Jewish unity, because together we can defeat evil. Am Yisrael Chai."
The Jewish Agency broadcast the memorial service live on Facebook both in Hebrew and English, making it possible for Diaspora Jews to take part in the ceremony from afar. Other dignitaries in attendance included Aryeh Lightstone, Senior Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Avraham Duvdevani, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America Rebecca Caspi, CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA Yossi Tanuri, Director of Legacy and Endowments at Keren Hayesod Dani Viterbo, and Vice Chair of the KKL-JNF Fund Executive Yair Lootsteen.
"During this tragedy, during these awful times, something amazing has happened. At our lowest point, we weren't alone. There was support, love, and strength from all over the world, not just from our friends, from Jews everywhere…we felt that love, and love is what gets us through every single day," said Fienberg. "We are inspired by you Israelis - proud Israeli soldiers and citizens. You never back away from a fight and we aren't going to either. We are stronger together, in Pittsburgh, in the United States, and here in Israel."
4. SWASTIKA BROUGHT TO ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY UNIVERSITY EVENT
by Marcy Oster/JTA
A man brought a swastika sign to an event celebrating Israel's independence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
About 250 students attended the daylong event held by the Students Supporting Israel campus group and the campus Hillel.
Students confronted the man carrying the sign, who identified himself as Chris, the local ABC affiliate WISN reported. It identified him as a student.
He told the news channel that he brought the swastika sign because he knew it would draw attention at such a gathering and allow him to talk to the media about issues such as the rise in single mother homes, the opioid addiction and the high number of abortions.
One of the event's organizers, junior Sarah Berry called the campus police. They said they couldn't do anything about the sign.
The university said the swastika was protected by free speech.
"As a public university, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee respects everyone's right to free speech, even when it is speech that we disagree with," the school said in a statement Monday afternoon.
"I worked hard for this event and wanted everyone to celebrate, and to see someone come up with a swastika was really disappointing and frustrating," Berry said.
The event was held outside the Golda Meir Library, named for the late Israeli prime minister who grew up in Milwaukee.
5. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CALLS ISRAEL A 'RACIST REGIME'
by David Rosenberg
With 22 declared candidates now running for the Democratic party's presidential nomination for 2020, candidates are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd.
One decidedly long-shot candidate did just that this week, staking out an unabashedly anti-Israel position, calling the Israeli government a "racist regime", accusing the Jewish state of "ethnic cleansing", and calling for Israel to be changed from a Jewish state into a binational one.
Eighty-eight-year-old Mike Gravel, a former US Senator who represented Alaska from 1969 to 1981, joined the crowded Democratic field in April, making his second bid for his party's presidential nod. Gravel ran for the 2008 presidential nomination, coming in seventh place behind Joe Biden and just ahead of Christopher Dodd.
In a tweet published Monday, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel ending two days of rocket attacks and Israeli retaliations, Gravel accused Israel of "ethnic cleansing" and warned that the "bloodshed… will not cease" until a binational state is established in "Palestine and Israel".
"The bloodshed in Palestine and Israel will not cease until the fundamentally unjust existing structure is jettisoned. We cannot support a right-wing racist regime committed to annexation and gradual ethnic cleansing. There must be a binational state with equal rights for all."
A few Democratic presidential hopefuls offered support for Israel, while most refrained from commenting on the two days of Hamas rocket attacks which left four Israelis dead and a hundred more injured.
"The random rocket fire by Hamas into Israel must stop," said former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. "My heart goes out to the families of the Israelis killed, and those wounded in these grievous attacks. I call on all parties to show restraint and de-escalate this situation immediately."
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker said he supported "Israel's right to defend itself, full stop," condemning Hamas as a "terrorist organization that actually suppresses its own people".
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet also backed Israel's "right to self-defense against terror groups inside Gaza. Launching rocket attacks against innocent civilians is unacceptable and we mourn the lives lost."
This week wasn't the first time Gravel has condemned Israel.
In a 2011 article for the far-left organization CodePink, Gravel accused Israel of "ethnic cleansing" and accused American Jews of supporting "organizations and candidates upholding Israeli discrimination".
"Israel continues to build on the ethnic cleansing it perpetrated in 1948. The colonization effort in occupied Palestinian territory is thriving under Netanyahu."
In a 2007 Democratic presidential debate, Gravel chided then-senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for their criticism of Iran's funding Hezbollah and Hamas.
"I want to touch something that they're all giving license to, that there's something wrong with Iran supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. These are two elected organizations, and — and why can't they give support to those organizations? Israel doesn't want it, so why do they buy hook, line and sinker that they can't give aid to Hamas and Hezbollah? We give unlimited aid to Israel. These people are fighting for their rights."
In subsequent comments, Gravel said the terrorist groups "wanted their country back, and are fighting for it," comparing Hamas and Hezbollah to American Revolutionary soldiers.
"Were the American Revolutionaries at Concord and Lexington, were they terrorists?"
6. ISRAEL HONORS ITS FALLEN AT YOM HAZIKARON MEMORIAL IN JERUSALEM
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262863
The State of Israel honored its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism on Wednesday, sounding a two-minute siren nationwide in their memory at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately after the siren was sounded, the main national ceremony in the honor of the fallen began at the Israeli military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Supreme Court chief justice Ester Hayut, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and Israel's chief of police Motti Cohen were among the senior Israeli officials in attendance.
The memorial candle at the event was lit by Yonat Meshoulami, the widow of Staff Sergeant Ami Meshoulami, who was killed on August 12th, 2006 during the Second Lebanon war. Professor Meir Shalit, the father of Omer Shalit, who was killed in the military helicopter disaster of 1997, was tapped to recite the Kaddish mourner's prayer for the dead.
A total of 23,741 people died in the service of the State of Israel, and in the protection of the pre-state Jewish community in the Land of Israel. Ninety-six new names, including 56 people killed and forty people who were disabled and later died of wounds sustained during their service, were added to the list over the past year.
7. 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."
8. WAS ISRAEL TOO QUICK TO SEEK A CEASEFIRE WITH HAMAS?
by The Land Of Israel Network
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262791
Josh Hasten talks about the last terror attack with over 700 rockets were fired at Israel over the weekend resulting in the death of four Israelis.
Could Prime Minister Netanyahu be looking for quiet as Israel gets ready to host Eurovision?
Also on the show, Marc Prowisor, Director of Security for the One Israel Fund, reports from down south where he is busy providing necessary equipment to the security chiefs and medics in full anticipation that this "ceasefire" won't last long.
[קישורים:4:Radio]
http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com
------------------------------------------------
Delivered Daily via Email, Sunday thru Friday
Wednesday, May. 08 '19, ג' באייר תשע"ט
HEADLINES:
1. 'ISRAEL WON'T LET IRAN GET NUCLEAR WEAPONS'
2. REMEMBERING THE LONE SOLDIER FROM CALIFORNIA WHO DIED FOR ISRAEL
3. VICTIMS OF US ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS CENTER OF YOM HAZIKARON EVENT
4. SWASTIKA BROUGHT TO ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY UNIVERSITY EVENT
5. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CALLS ISRAEL A 'RACIST REGIME'
6. ISRAEL HONORS ITS FALLEN AT YOM HAZIKARON MEMORIAL IN JERUSALEM
7. WATCH: MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY IN ENGLISH
8. WAS ISRAEL TOO QUICK TO SEEK A CEASEFIRE WITH HAMAS?
1. 'ISRAEL WON'T LET IRAN GET NUCLEAR WEAPONS'
by David Rosenberg
Israel will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday in Jerusalem.
The Prime Minister made the comments during his address at the annual Yom HaZikaron Israeli memorial day ceremony at the central military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem Wednesday morning.
"This morning, on my way here, I heard that Iran intends to pursue its nuclear program," Netanyahu said. "We will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weaponry. We will continue to fight those who would kill us."
Netanyahu's comments came after Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said Tuesday that his country would reduce some "voluntary" commitments within its nuclear deal.
"The European Union and others ... did not have the power to resist US pressure, therefore Iran ... will not carry out some voluntary commitments," Zarif said.
Zarif's comments come after Iranian media reported on Monday that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will announce on Wednesday that Iran will begin to renege on its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262864
2. REMEMBERING THE LONE SOLDIER FROM CALIFORNIA WHO DIED FOR ISRAEL
by Yoni Kempinski
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262868
On Wednesday, Israelis from across the country visited cemeteries and participated in memorial services remembering friends and loved ones who died defending Israel, or who were victims of terrorist attacks.
Among those remembering the dead, however, were some visitors from abroad.
Stuart Steinberg, an attorney from the southern California town of Woodland Hills, joined those gathering at Mount Herzl Wednesday, to remember his own son, Max, who died at the age of 24 nearly five years ago.
Max, who left California to enlist in the IDF as a lone soldier a few months after a Birthright trip to Israel in 2013, served as a sniper in the Golani Brigade for less than a year, before he was killed when his armored personnel carrier was destroyed by Hamas bombs in July 2014.
Speaking with Arutz Sheva, Max's father, Stuart, discussed the ways he and his family have kept their son's memory alive – and how they've worked to help other lone soldiers who, like their son, moved on their own to Israel to enlist in the IDF.
"This is my second time here at this time of year," said Steinberg of his visit to Israel during the week of Yom HaZikaron (Israeli memorial day) and Israeli Independence Day.
"This year is exceptionally special because we came from Poland and Auschwitz, we brought his Sefer Torah [Torah Scroll], brought it back to Israel. And we're going to be marching with the March of the Living one more time, from City Hall to the Kotel [Western Wall]."
"As a bereaved parent and seeing this and experiencing this and having an opportunity to just be embraced and loved by so many people is the best."
Stuart recalled the outpouring of support when some 30,000 people showed up to his son's funeral in July 2014.
"At his funeral there were, I'm told, 30,000 people. To me it was a blur, but to have that kind of appreciation and respect for a lone soldier is a beautiful thing."
"Once Max was killed, our lives were turned upside down. It will never be the same. We are very involved in Jewish causes. We're on the board of directors of an organization called the Families of Lone Soldiers, which supports families like ours, both bereaved as well as…families of soldiers that are here and their parents are in the United States and in other countries."
"We get strength by doing good. Max did good, and we felt that we needed to do something more."
3. VICTIMS OF US ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS CENTER OF YOM HAZIKARON EVENT
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Tributes to the 12 Jews killed in the synagogue shootings of October 2018 in Pittsburgh and April 2019 in the San Diego-area city of Poway took center stage today during The Jewish Agency for Israel's memorial service for Yom HaZikaron, Israel's annual day of remembrance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.
The special guests from Pittsburgh at Wednesday morning's ceremony at the Jewish Agency Courtyard in Jerusalem included Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Jeff Finkelstein; and Marnie Fienberg, the daughter-in-law of Joyce Fienberg, who was murdered in the Pittsburgh synagogue attack. Fienberg lit a memorial torch together with Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel Isaac Herzog, who personally invited her to attend the service.
"On this day, the Jews of the Diaspora unite in grief with all the residents of the State of Israel. And here, too, in Israel, we are united in grief with the Jewish families in the Diaspora, those who lost loved ones in terrorist acts and those whose children chose to wear their olive uniforms and gave their lives, protecting Israel," said Herzog at the ceremony. "Zionism and our shared fate have been sanctified with their blood. Lone soldiers, Jewish volunteers from all over the world, and new immigrants who sacrificed their lives and fought shoulder to shoulder since the beginning of Israel's independence. Their beating heart is in each and every one of us, whether a citizen of the state or a Jew in the Diaspora."
According to The Jewish Agency, more than 200 Jews have been murdered in anti-Semitic incidents and terrorist attacks across the Diaspora since the State of Israel achieved independence in 1948, with the 11 victims of the shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue and the victim of the shooting at Chabad of Poway joining that list this year.
"The anti-Semites don't care about our labels, to them we're all Jews," said Finkelstein. "And to all of us, the work we do with the Jewish Agency and Federations has to be focused on building Jewish unity, because together we can defeat evil. Am Yisrael Chai."
The Jewish Agency broadcast the memorial service live on Facebook both in Hebrew and English, making it possible for Diaspora Jews to take part in the ceremony from afar. Other dignitaries in attendance included Aryeh Lightstone, Senior Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Avraham Duvdevani, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America Rebecca Caspi, CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA Yossi Tanuri, Director of Legacy and Endowments at Keren Hayesod Dani Viterbo, and Vice Chair of the KKL-JNF Fund Executive Yair Lootsteen.
"During this tragedy, during these awful times, something amazing has happened. At our lowest point, we weren't alone. There was support, love, and strength from all over the world, not just from our friends, from Jews everywhere…we felt that love, and love is what gets us through every single day," said Fienberg. "We are inspired by you Israelis - proud Israeli soldiers and citizens. You never back away from a fight and we aren't going to either. We are stronger together, in Pittsburgh, in the United States, and here in Israel."
4. SWASTIKA BROUGHT TO ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY UNIVERSITY EVENT
by Marcy Oster/JTA
A man brought a swastika sign to an event celebrating Israel's independence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
About 250 students attended the daylong event held by the Students Supporting Israel campus group and the campus Hillel.
Students confronted the man carrying the sign, who identified himself as Chris, the local ABC affiliate WISN reported. It identified him as a student.
He told the news channel that he brought the swastika sign because he knew it would draw attention at such a gathering and allow him to talk to the media about issues such as the rise in single mother homes, the opioid addiction and the high number of abortions.
One of the event's organizers, junior Sarah Berry called the campus police. They said they couldn't do anything about the sign.
The university said the swastika was protected by free speech.
"As a public university, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee respects everyone's right to free speech, even when it is speech that we disagree with," the school said in a statement Monday afternoon.
"I worked hard for this event and wanted everyone to celebrate, and to see someone come up with a swastika was really disappointing and frustrating," Berry said.
The event was held outside the Golda Meir Library, named for the late Israeli prime minister who grew up in Milwaukee.
5. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CALLS ISRAEL A 'RACIST REGIME'
by David Rosenberg
With 22 declared candidates now running for the Democratic party's presidential nomination for 2020, candidates are looking for a way to stand out from the crowd.
One decidedly long-shot candidate did just that this week, staking out an unabashedly anti-Israel position, calling the Israeli government a "racist regime", accusing the Jewish state of "ethnic cleansing", and calling for Israel to be changed from a Jewish state into a binational one.
Eighty-eight-year-old Mike Gravel, a former US Senator who represented Alaska from 1969 to 1981, joined the crowded Democratic field in April, making his second bid for his party's presidential nod. Gravel ran for the 2008 presidential nomination, coming in seventh place behind Joe Biden and just ahead of Christopher Dodd.
In a tweet published Monday, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel ending two days of rocket attacks and Israeli retaliations, Gravel accused Israel of "ethnic cleansing" and warned that the "bloodshed… will not cease" until a binational state is established in "Palestine and Israel".
"The bloodshed in Palestine and Israel will not cease until the fundamentally unjust existing structure is jettisoned. We cannot support a right-wing racist regime committed to annexation and gradual ethnic cleansing. There must be a binational state with equal rights for all."
A few Democratic presidential hopefuls offered support for Israel, while most refrained from commenting on the two days of Hamas rocket attacks which left four Israelis dead and a hundred more injured.
"The random rocket fire by Hamas into Israel must stop," said former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. "My heart goes out to the families of the Israelis killed, and those wounded in these grievous attacks. I call on all parties to show restraint and de-escalate this situation immediately."
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker said he supported "Israel's right to defend itself, full stop," condemning Hamas as a "terrorist organization that actually suppresses its own people".
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet also backed Israel's "right to self-defense against terror groups inside Gaza. Launching rocket attacks against innocent civilians is unacceptable and we mourn the lives lost."
This week wasn't the first time Gravel has condemned Israel.
In a 2011 article for the far-left organization CodePink, Gravel accused Israel of "ethnic cleansing" and accused American Jews of supporting "organizations and candidates upholding Israeli discrimination".
"Israel continues to build on the ethnic cleansing it perpetrated in 1948. The colonization effort in occupied Palestinian territory is thriving under Netanyahu."
In a 2007 Democratic presidential debate, Gravel chided then-senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for their criticism of Iran's funding Hezbollah and Hamas.
"I want to touch something that they're all giving license to, that there's something wrong with Iran supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. These are two elected organizations, and — and why can't they give support to those organizations? Israel doesn't want it, so why do they buy hook, line and sinker that they can't give aid to Hamas and Hezbollah? We give unlimited aid to Israel. These people are fighting for their rights."
In subsequent comments, Gravel said the terrorist groups "wanted their country back, and are fighting for it," comparing Hamas and Hezbollah to American Revolutionary soldiers.
"Were the American Revolutionaries at Concord and Lexington, were they terrorists?"
6. ISRAEL HONORS ITS FALLEN AT YOM HAZIKARON MEMORIAL IN JERUSALEM
by Arutz Sheva Staff
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262863
The State of Israel honored its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism on Wednesday, sounding a two-minute siren nationwide in their memory at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately after the siren was sounded, the main national ceremony in the honor of the fallen began at the Israeli military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Supreme Court chief justice Ester Hayut, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and Israel's chief of police Motti Cohen were among the senior Israeli officials in attendance.
The memorial candle at the event was lit by Yonat Meshoulami, the widow of Staff Sergeant Ami Meshoulami, who was killed on August 12th, 2006 during the Second Lebanon war. Professor Meir Shalit, the father of Omer Shalit, who was killed in the military helicopter disaster of 1997, was tapped to recite the Kaddish mourner's prayer for the dead.
A total of 23,741 people died in the service of the State of Israel, and in the protection of the pre-state Jewish community in the Land of Israel. Ninety-six new names, including 56 people killed and forty people who were disabled and later died of wounds sustained during their service, were added to the list over the past year.
7. 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."
8. WAS ISRAEL TOO QUICK TO SEEK A CEASEFIRE WITH HAMAS?
by The Land Of Israel Network
📹 To watch the video: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262791
Josh Hasten talks about the last terror attack with over 700 rockets were fired at Israel over the weekend resulting in the death of four Israelis.
Could Prime Minister Netanyahu be looking for quiet as Israel gets ready to host Eurovision?
Also on the show, Marc Prowisor, Director of Security for the One Israel Fund, reports from down south where he is busy providing necessary equipment to the security chiefs and medics in full anticipation that this "ceasefire" won't last long.
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