News Updates from Israel - July 19

Midnight at the Muqata...signing off for now. A quiet night to all of Israel.

--Jameel

11:59 PM Video of IDF Artillery. See it here

11:47 PM AP article about the Israel Censor

JERUSALEM (AP) — Here's some news you may never hear about Israel's war against Hezbollah: a missile falls into the sea, a strategic military installation is hit, a Cabinet minister plans to visit the front lines.

All these topics are subject to review by Israel's chief military censor, who has — in her own words — "extraordinary power." She can silence a broadcaster, block information and put journalists in jail.

"I can, for example, publish an order that no material can be published. I can close a newspaper or shut down a station. I can do almost anything," Col. Sima Vaknin said Wednesday.

Israel believes that as a small country in a near constant state of conflict, having a say over what information gets out to the world is vital to its security. Critics say the policy is a slippery slope not fit for a democracy.

Read it all here.

11:35 PM Rally for Israel in Atlanta

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
and the Atlanta community
in support of Israel.

COMMUNITY RALLY
“WE STAND WITH ISRAEL”
Sunday, July 23
4:30 p.m.
Ahavath Achim Congregation
600 Peachtree Battle Avenue
Please email JFGA with any questions.

11:21 PM Another Reason why Israel will win this war.



(hat-tip - www.theyeshivaworld.com via Zevi F.)

11:18 PM Today in Numbers:

Over 250 bombing runs by the IAF into Lebanon
51 Katyusha Rocket attacks on Northern Israel
4 Killed - 2 soldiers, 2 civilians
74 Wounded.

Credit: INN

11:08 PM Report from Maalot, Northern Israel. Students in the Maalot Yeshivat Hesder are continuing their yeshiva studies from within bomb shelters...the yeshiva is not leaving Maalot. Link here.

11:02 PM Pictures of fallen IDF Soldiers:

Yotam Gilboa


Yonatan Hadasi


10:53 PM Earlier this evening, a fully armed IAF F16i fighter jet developed a technical problem after takeoff, requiring the 2 pilots to eject. The pilots ejected safely and the plane crashed in a uninhabited field. No injuries. (One plane is a heck of alot of Israel Bonds...)

10:50 PM Rockets landing in Nahariya area. No reports of injuries

10:45 PM News from the Front; IDF orders all South Lebanese residents to move north of the Litani River. IDF army radio estimates that this applies to 300,000 to 400,000 people. By causing this migration northwards it prepares the ground for an IDF incursion into South Lebanon, and puts pressure on the Lebanese government in Beirut.

10:43 PM JTA: Israel supporters rally in Washington

About 1,000 supporters of Israel attended a solidarity rally in Washington.

Pro-Israel supporters, including members of the U.S. Congress, braved intense heat Wednesday to express their solidarity with Israel in the current conflict with Hezbollah and call on the U.S. government to support the Jewish state.

Speakers condemned Hezbollah, Iran and Syria and called for the release of three captured Israeli soldiers.

Speakers at the rally included Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon; Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.); Maryland Gov. Robert Erlich; Rep. Ben Cardin (D-Md.); Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.); and the Rev. John Hagee, national chairman of Christians United for Israel.

The rally was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.

10:41 PM Rally for Israel in LA

Join us for a community rally in support of the people of Israel this Sunday, July 23, at 4:00 pm in front of the Jewish Federation Building - Goldsmith Center, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Please tell your family and friends to join us to express solidarity with Israel at this critical moment. Community rallies in support of the Israeli people are being held in cities throughout the country. Let's show the world that the distance between Los Angeles and Israel is not measured in miles but in heartbeats.

10:34 PM Rally for Israel in Columbus, Ohio (TONIGHT)

Dear Friends,
Due to the dangerous situation in Israel that has not been seen in recent times, many efforts are being taken by the Jewish community in the Diaspora to show support for our brothers and sisters. This evening, Wednesday, July 19, has been chosen by many national organizations as an opportunity for rally, study and prayer. Here in Columbus there are various programs that will take place this evening.

Here is the schedule:

7:30-8:30pm - a rally will take place at Congregation Agudas Achim, 2767 E. Broad Street, under the auspices of American Friends of the IDF men & women are invited)

9:00-10:00pm - Daf Yomi will be dedicated in the merit of the Northern residence of Israel and the IDF troops as they bravely face the onslaught of the Hezbollah terrorists

10:00-10:15pm - in conjunction with the Orthodox Union and Shuls across America, we will recite various tehillim and prayers (men & women are invited)



10:33 PM Heeeees back. (from shopping) Updates coming soon

7:20 PM Map of Israel showing Moshav Avivim:



7:11 PM BBC discussing the killing of 2 Israeli Arab civilians by the Hizbolla rocket attack on Natzrat. (hattip: Mordy from Portugal)

7:01 PM Muqata going off line for a few hours...going shopping.

6:53 PM Water outtage in Afula, due to Katyusha hit on main water line.


6:41 PM More Unity in Israel

Delek Group (TASE: DLEKG) owner Yitzhak Tshuva and his son Elad, 25, have rented dozens of expensive hotel rooms in Jerusalem to house impoverished families who fled the fighting in the north but cannot afford accommodation.

Dozens of families from Kiryat Shmona, Safed and Nahariya are being housed at the Tshuvas' expense at the Inbal hotel (formerly known as Laromme), the Sheraton Olive Tree Hotel, and the Plaza.

The billionaire, from real estate and energy,will also be donating money for air conditioning and televisions to be installed in bomb shelters up north.

The Tshuvas were moved by reports that dozens of families wanted to wait out the war in safer places, but lacked the wherewithal, including because businesses in trouble had not paid their salaries. The family is working with the municipal authorities and the press up north to locate needy families. (hat-tip LK)


6:31 PM Name of one of the killed IDF soldier released for publication: Staff Sergeant Yonatan Hadasi, 21.

6:30 PM Sorry for the delay...internet is slowing down.

5:59 PM: SandMonkey Blogger calls it as it is -- thoughts from an Egyptian blogger comparing the Israeli left to the Arab Left. (Hat-tip: Treppenwitz)

"But then I rememebrd that we- the majority of us anyway- don't want peace with Israel, and are not interested in any real dialogue with them. We weren't then and we are not now. The Entire peace process has always been about getting the land back, not establishing better relations. Even when we do get the land back, it's not enough. People in Egypt lament daily the Camp David treaty that prevents us from fighting. In Gaza they never stopped trying to attack Israel. In Lebanon Hezbollah continued attacking even after the Israeli withdrawel. And the people- the majority of the arab population- support it. Very few of us are really interested in having any lasting Peace or co-existance. I mean, if our left is asking for war, what do you think the rest of the population is thinking?

I think that the Israeli want peace with us because they don't want their lives disrupted. They don't want to have the IDF soldiers fighting in Gaza, rockets coming into their towns from Hamas or having to go to wars against Hezbollah to get their soldiers back. I think they want peace because they want their peace of mind. They view us as if we were a headache. We view them as if they are a cancer.

And this is why there will never really be any peace in the middle-east."

5:35 PM Two dead, not three as previously reported...and 12 lightly wounded in Natzrat.

5:34 PM Solidarity Rally In Phoenix, AZ (hat-tip Raquel from Phoenix)

Beth Joseph Congregation
will be joining shuls across the nation

for a night of united prayer and Torah learning in support of Israel
and our fellow Jews.

Wednesday, July 19th
6:55 PM
Beth Joseph Congregation
Phoenix, Arizona

"Responding to the urgent need of American Jews to do whatever they can in support of Israel and her people at this time, the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America, together with the National Council of Young Israel and the Young Israel Council of Rabbis, have announced the convening of a nationwide Night of Prayer and Torah Study this Wednesday, July 19. While many congregations are already adding extra tehillim to their regular services, Jewish tradition places great value in having an entire community raising their voices in unison. With the expectation that several hundred synagogues will participate, many, many thousands of Jews will be united in their prayers at this time. The program's second segment will be Torah study, also a key means of spiritual support, for which study materials on relevant topics such as the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim, rescuing captives, will be provided to the synagogues by the OU."

Please join us. May the merit of our prayers protect the Jewish people and our land.

5:19 PM Important Message from Jameel @ The Muqata:

Want to Help English Speaking IDF Soldiers?

Now's your chance!

Got a request through a blog friend to help keep English-speaking IDF soldiers in good cheer -- for those presently serving, and for those who just got called up with emergency call-up orders.

Whether you can get some kids in a school to write emails with warm wishes and encouragement, or if you want to write your own funny stories, jokes, or send pictures -- now is your chance to use your creativity to bring a smile to English speaking IDF soldiers.

While the original request is for one specific soldier from his wife -- if the quality is good enough, I could probably have it all printed into a booklet for a bunch of soldiers. Now's your chance - don't just use your creativity for blogging something entertaining -- go ahead and cheer up an IDF soldier!

Please send your submissions to me: muqata@gmail.com and please include in the Subject line, "For IDF Soldiers"

And...send this request on to other like-minded people, so we can create the most entertaining and worthwhile project done in the history of the jblogosphere.

Now's your chance to shine...and do a mitzva at the same time.

(And if this project works out well enough, I'll post the best stuff on a blog of its own)

Thank you all!

Tizku L'Miztvot -- may you merit other good deeds,

Jameel (I'm really getting sick of this name)

5:18 PM: Additional wounded in Natzrat...MDA stuck in traffic and having trouble reaching the wounded.

5:16 PM Katyusha Strike Update: Three killed in Natzrat Elite - direct hit on house. 2 of the killed are children.

5:14 PM Conflicting reports if killed and wounded are in Natzarat Elite or Afula. Update to follow.

5:12 PM Rockets continue to land...direct hit in Natzrat Elite with wounded. Rockets land in Afula. 3 killed. Updates to follow.

4:48 PM Military Censor is giving an interview on IDF army radio about what is permitted to be written...and reported.

4:36 PM Radio keeps avoiding the sky news report...claiming they have no idea whats really going on in Moshav Avivim. Meanwhile, rockets cotninue to fall up north.

4:05 PM IDF Army radio reports from the North - most difficult day of fighting and rockets fired in the past 7 days.

3:57 PM Sky News reports 2 IDF soldiers killed in firefights surrounding Moshav Avivim.

3:38 Two rockets land in Moshav Avivim -- large fire started...approaching homes. Firefight continues between IDF and Hizbolla next to Avivim.

3:35 PM Eli Bean (MDA General Manager) -- rockets all over the North in the past 30 minutes...no wounded except for shell shock victims.

3:33 PM Air Raid sirens in Haifa.

3:24 PM: IDF captures over 200 Palestinian Terrorists in Shechem -- at the Shechem Muqata. IDF D9 bulldozers have completely demolished the building. Palestinians are now rioting in Shechem. (fans of the muqata?)

3:16 PM AirRaid sirens in Haifa...no incoming missiles reported.

3:15 PM Direct hit on house in Carmiel and Tverya... MDA responding.

3:13 PM Report from Channel 2 TV news (Menachem Horowitz) - dozens of cows killed in Katyusha attack in direct hit near Kiryat Shmona.

3:10 PM Solidarity rally in United Kingdom

YES TO PEACE. NO TO TERROR.

Stand with the People of Israel

Solidarity rally and live video link to Northern Israel

Sunday 23rd July
5 pm - 6 pm
at JFS, The Mall, Kenton
United Kingdom

A communal event for all ages
(Banners and placards will be provided)

(Hat-tip to Marissa in Jerusalem)

3:06 PM Priceless. (click picture to see it clearly)

(hat-tip to a Lebanese blogger who does't like us very much...but this was still worth posting)

2:59 PM Police and IDF capture suicide bomber in Sharon region! Police opening up all roadblocks...

2:57 PM Additional Air Raid sirens in Teverya.

2:53 PM Firefight continues near Kibbutz Avivim. IAF gunships providing additional support to IDF ground troops. (IDF Army Radio)

2:49 PM Update from Stefanie in Pittsburgh:

United We Stand

Come and join us in a unity rally to show support

for the people and the State of Israel

When: Thursday, July 20 at 5:00 pm
Where: Community Day Sports Field*

This is an opportunity for Pittsburgh Jews to raise

our voices in a collective chorus in support of Israel.

For more information contact Sue Linzer at 412.992.5239 or slinzer@UJFpittsburgh.org

*Rain Option: Jewish Community Center, Levinson Hall
Check the website for updates on weather and location changes

2:45 PM Israel police distributing bottles of water to drivers stuck in traffic jams on central Israel's highways (due to roadblocks)

2:35 PM Katyusha lands in Maalot. No injuires

2:19 PM Pro Israel Rallies around the world:

If you go to any of these - please email me pics and I'll be happy to post them. (muqata@gmail.com)

DETROIT, MI

Date: Wednesday, July 19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Eleven Mile Road west of Lahser Road,
Southfield
Contact: 248-642-4260 - Rebecca Starr (ext. 531) or Dale Rubin (ext. 208)

CHERRY HILL, NJ

Date: Thursday, July 20
Time: TBD
Venue: TBD
Contact: JCRC of South NJ - 856-751-9500 x202 (Robin)

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Date: Monday July 24
Time: 12-2pm
Venue: Ritten House Square (by 18th & Chestnut)
Contact: 215-832-0549 (Asaf)

SEATTLE

Sunday, July 23rd
Downtown, 4:00 PM. More details needed.

DETROIT, MI

Date: Wednesday, July 19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Eleven Mile Road west of Lahser Road,
Southfield
Contact: 248-642-4260 - Rebecca Starr (ext. 531) or Dale Rubin (ext. 208)

CHERRY HILL, NJ

Date: Thursday, July 20
Time: TBD
Venue: TBD
Contact: JCRC of South NJ - 856-751-9500 x202 (Robin)

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Date: Monday July 24
Time: 12-2pm
Venue: Ritten House Square (by 18th & Chestnut)
Contact: 215-832-0549 (Asaf)

SEATTLE

Sunday, July 23rd
Downtown, 4:00 PM. More details needed.

Melbourne, AUSTRALIA -- Thursday, 20 July

Community Solidarity Tefillah -
The Rabbinical Council of Victoria and the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria invite the community to a gathering of prayer and solidarity for Israel in this time of crisis.
The service will take place at:
Caulfield Hebrew Congregation
572 Inkerman St, Caulfield
on Thursday, 20 July
commencing with Ma'ariv at 7.00pm (concluding by 8.00pm)

WASHINGTON

Wednesday July 19, Noon
Solidarity with Israel Rally
Freedom Plaza (Penn & 14th NW)
JCRC of Greater Washington


2:08 PM dozens of rockets fall in Northern Israel (Menachem Horowitz - on IDF radio)

2:08 PM Two fires blazing resulting from Katyusha strikes in open fields near Nahariya and Tzefat

2:06 PM IDF targets Hizbollah Money Military sources say warplanes attack structures in which Hizbullah stores its money; among targets hit were four el-Mal (Money house) buildings in Bint Jbeil, Nabatiyeh, Baalbek and Tyre area (YNET)

2:00 PM Correction: Javier Solana is the High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for the European Union, not the United Nations. He's still a bastard. (Thanks to Mordy from Portugal and Yalta for the correction)

1:55 PM Katyusha Rockets landing south east of Haifa...will not post location till announced on radio/published elsewhere...no reason to help out the Hizbolla target their next missiles.

1:50 PM Channel 2 TV reports Katysuha rocket strikes in Ramat Yishai and Kiryat Tivon.

1:44 PM Rockets land in Kiryat Shmona and Tzefat. No injuries reported.

1:37 PM The United Nations High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Javier Solana said during a press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni that the UN has no sufficient data to determine whether the Hizbullah can be included in the list of terror organizations. He also added that the issue at hand is legal, not ethical. (YNET-Ronny Sofer) I wish Solana's family many happy Katyusha exchanges with his non-terrorist friends, The Hizbolla.

1:31 PM Israel Army radio update Three Rockets land near Tzefat and Emek Yizrael...no injuries...ongoing manhunt for terrorists in Sharon region...Ongoing heavy fighting on the Northern border.

1:24 PM IDF currently destroying Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Interior building in Shechem (terrorists hiding out there)

1:23 PM Reported explosion on Highway #5 was not terror related...no injuries.

1:20 PM Four rockets land in Western Galil in open areas...no injuries. (Israel Army Radio)

1:02 PM Israel Army radio reports 17 Armed Palestinian Terrorists killed in the Muassi Camp area in Central Gaza - 5 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 seriously. Two Qassam rockets land in Southern Israel...no injuries.

12:58 PM Reported explosion on Highway #5 by Tzomet Morasha. MDA claiming no injuries.

12:46 PM IDF Homefront Command Updates - translated into English can be found here (hattip: Nikki)

12:45 PM The Muqata blog continues to welcome readers from around the globe. Hi to exsmegirl blogger from the UK (FYI: the 10:37 AM report was reposted at 12:03 PM)

12:34 PM Reports of 2 wounded IDF soliders near Avivim on Northern border. Fighting continues.

12:29 PM Reports of very heavy gunfire exchange near Kibbutz Avivim in the North.

12:27 PM Massive manhunt for terrorists throughout Central Israel (YNET story here) Includes car chases after 2 different cars.

12:09 PM Reports of helicopters between Hod HaSharon and Kfar Sava chasing after terrorist. (same terrorist as before...apparently, not captured yet) -- source: rotter.net

12:03 PM report from 10:37 AM Haaretz reports of the first Leftwing "conscientious objector" in the current war -- refusing IDF military callup. His callup as a tank commander to a unit in the West Bank would allow other tanks units to reposition themselves on the Lebanese border. Itzik Shabat, 28, a resident of Sderot has previously sat in jail for refusing to serve in the West Bank. (hat-tip for additional link, Steg!)

12:01 PM: Reports of gunfire exchange near Kibbutz Avivim in the North between IDF and Hizbolla terrorists.

12:00 PM: Unconfirmed reports that 1-2 terrorist captured in Kfar Sava area.

11:49 AM: Palestinians reporting that IDF forces killed 3 wanted terrorists in Shechem this evening, and are currently surrounding "The Muqata" in Shechem where there are apparently many wanted terrorists. Please be advised -- every major city has a "Muqata" (compound in Arabic) which is used by the Palestinian Authority for a variety of functions. Including harboring terrorists. (hattip: ynet and Rafi G)

11:43 AM: Police Reporting suspected IDF soldier abduction from Herzeliya area. Roadblocks setup up on Highway #2. Traffic jams throughout Tel-Aviv and the Sharon regions.

11:14 AM: Good morning to our readers including; Rafi G, The Sabra, and Ari Kinsberg. A special welcome to AirTime -- who made aliya 2 weeks ago, and writes there isn't any other place on earth he would rather be...than here. (He earns himself a place in the Muqata hall of fame for that line)

11:11 AM: IDF reports first Katyusha rocket launched from Gaza strip. Yesterday's missile strike in Kibbutz Brur Chayil in the Lachish region was not a Qassam, but a Katyshua rocket.

11:06 AM IAF targets and hits Mobile rocket launching truck in central Beirut

11:05 AM: Channel 2 TV reports the security forces coverging on suicide bomber in the vicinity of the major Shopping Mall in Kfar Sava. (I pray they get him first)

10:55 AM The Muqata says hi to loyal readers (and commenters) Sarah from Down-under and to Phishaliya over in New York. Glad to have you visiting us today...

10:53 AM: Reports of helicopters over Kfar Sava and large contingent of security forces hunting for suicide bomber.

10:42 AM Eli Bean, General Manager of Magen David Adom reports that 2 people were lightly wounded in the Katyusha attack on Haifa minutes ago. (Ch 2 Israel TV)

10:37 AM interesting report put on hold till I can find the source.

10:35 AM Bus Driver in Hafia wounded in Katyusha attack.

10:29 AM A sound out to our comment blog-friend Ozzie - YAWP! (leave a comment - maybe we'll mention you here :)

10:28 AM Immediate Terror threat in Kfar Sava -- Police roadblocks throughout the city and surrounding Sharon areas. Security Forces searching for suicide bomber.

10:27 AM Rocekt stirkes in Nahariya - MDA responding.

10:18 AM At least five Katushya Rockets land in Haifa - complaints of no air raid sirnes prior to rocket strikes (perhaps due to previously reported power outtages?)

10:11 AM Explosions heard in the Krayot (Haifa area). Air Raid Sirens in Akko - katyusha rockets land in Akko. Reports of many incoming rockets throughout the Western Galilee.

10:06 AM Electrical rolling blackouts through the entire country -- result of technical problem in Ashdod power station. The issue is purely technical, and not related to any missiles striking the electrical grid. Traffic lights are working sporadically through the country.

10:00 AM Good Morning Blogosphere! Updates coming soon.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael