Day 5 of the War, Dec 31 2008

Day 5 of the Gaza war, Wednesday Dec. 31 2008 -- Daily sticky post, constantly updated.

More liveblogging at IsraellyCool and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/muqata Keyword #GazaWar

Additional New posts from today can be found below this post.

As a general rule we will try and keep operational details to a minimum, that includes troop movements and the exact location of rocket hits. If items are reported in the Main Stream Israeli Media we will report them as well.

11:59 PM None injured in rocket attack on Beer Sheva.

This concludes Day 5 of Gaza's War on Israel. LiveBlogging will resume early tomorrow morning or earlier, depending on the severity or news-worthiness of what's going on.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Muqata Staff who has been tirelessly updating the blog and twitter feeds (and to our families who put up with this).

Thanks to all those who have sent heart-warming emails, expressing your support for Israel. We can be reached at muqata @ gmail . com

Wishing you all a good night from Israel,

Jameel @ Crew
The Muqata

11:56 PM Rescue personnel continue the search for wounded in Beer Sheva...after several rocekt strikes.

11:43 PM While some Israeli news sites are reporting exact locations of where rockets land, the Muqata blog will continue to only provide approximate locations of actual rocket strikes. Palestinians are monitoring the Israeli websites to determine exactly where the rockets have landed, to help calibrate their next launches.

11:42 PM Reports of 3-4 explosions in Beer Sheva and surrounding areas.

11:41 PM Explosion heard in Beer Sheva. Emergency Forces Responding.

11:39 PM Air Raid Sirens in Western Negev and Beer Sheva.

11:37 PM No injuries reported in Western Negev (from 11:29 PM report)

11:31 PM Gazan Leader Issmael Haneeyeh announces on Hamas TV tonight: "The Palestinian Victory over Israel is closer than you think." Reminds me of the Iraqi Information Minister (AKA 'Baghdad Bob'). [Source, Haaretz in Hebrew]

11:30 PM Explosion heard in Ashdod was New Year "fireworks" -- no injuries/damage.

11:29 PM Explosions heard in Ashdod and Western Negev. Emergency Personnel resonding.

11:19 PM Gazans report that IAF warplanes have been destroying targets in Gaza over the past hour, hitting rocket manufacturing buildings in Han Yunis, Jebaliya, and Beit Lahiya.

11:18 PM Palestinians throw molotov cocktail at Jewish motorist in Shomron/West Bank. The car caught fire and is going up in flames. The motorist managed to escape his car before it was consumed by fire.

Jameel adds: That could have been me -- I drove past that exact location an hour ago.

11:01 PM Cost Analysis. Since the war started 5 days ago, over 300 claims have been filed by Israelis for reparations from the Israeli government for damages caused by Palestinian Rockets. The Israel Tax Authority's initial estimate of damage is 35 Million Shekel (9.25 Million Dollars) for the first 5 days of fighting. Israel reimburses its citizens for damages caused by acts of war or terror. (sourced from YNET in Hebrew)

10:45 PM IDF Spokesman releases video of the mosque bombing a few hours earlier.



10:44 PMOngoing rockets landing in Netivot, Nachal Oz, Ashkelon, Sederot and Beer Sheva over the past hour. No reports of injuries -- the vast majority of the rockets landed in open areas.

9:59 PM Rockets fall in Be'er Sheva

8:57 PM Security sources claim that word of a ground attack on Friday is pure speculation.

8:55 PM Reports that IDF has hit 25 strategic targets in Gaza since this morning.

8:54 PM Command center of the People's Front terror group destroy by Air Force.

8:19 PM Channel 2 News reports that ground troops will go in on Friday.

7:38 PM Channel 1 Israel TV reports that an IDF Gunboat opened fire on 2 suspicious rubber dinghies near Taba (Egypt), Red Sea (Eilat).

7:28 PM Molotov cocktail thrown at Jewish motorist in the Shomron (West Bank area). No injuries.

7:19 PM Destroyed Gazan smuggling tunnel (courtesy of an IAF jet...)



7:13 PM Rockets land in fields. No damage, no injuries

7:09 PM Air Raid Sirens in Western Negev communities.

7:04 PM Gaza war goes global. Arabs shoot Israelis in a Denmark shopping mall -2 wounded. Most reports are indicating that the shooters were Palestinians.

6:47 PM IDF spokesman announces that the Gazan Mosque which was attacked today was also used as a launching site for rockets against Israel.


(credit WWW.YOFFNER.COM)

6:42 PM War Update - Day 5.

Al Jazeera reports Gazan casualties as follows:

393 Dead
2000 Wounded

Other Arab sources state:

401 dead (of those, 62 civilians)
1950 wounded (of those, 210 seriously wounded)

6:22 PM Rockets hit Ashkelon, no reports of damage or injuries

6:02 PM Air Raid Sirens in the Northern 40 kilometer zone.

5:50 PM IDF Tank solider at Gaza's border takes a quick break to pray.


(source: Independent)

5:46 PM Sirens in Western Negev communities (first 10 kilometer region)

5:42 PM Reports that IAF jets bomb a Gaza Mosque. Reports of wounded. The mosque was used for storing Rockets to be used against Israel.

5:30 PM Watch this short 15 second video clip. 15 seconds is all you have from the start of the "Code Red" or air raid siren if you're in the 10 kilometer zone around Gaza...to run to a bomb shelter.



(petition if you want, is here.)
5:23 PM Jameel's updated map (In English) of the different danger zones around Gaza.
5:14PM Sirens in Be'er Sheva.

5:05PM Israeli family shot at by Palestinian in Denmark. Reports of 1-2 injured.

4:57PM Sirens in Sderot.

4:50PM In a surprising turn of events, major Pro-Israel protest at Tel-Aviv University, not known for its nationalist sympathies.

4:41PM Rockets fired in the direction of Ashkelon.

4:37 PM Unconfirmed rumors that Israel is giving large rewards to Gaza residents that give information that leads to the assassination of Hamas commanders.

4:29 PM Rocket lands in open areas in the Eshkol region.

4:23 PM Yuval Diskin, head of the G.S.S.(Shabak) claims Hamas terrorists are dressing up as doctors.

4:15 PM Reports coming in that Hamas is ready to hear options for a cease fire.

4:14 PM A total of 45 rockets today.

3:41PM Head of Egyptian Intelligence supported the operation in Gaza as a way to get Hamas out and "end the suffering in Gaza".

3:38 PM 4 rockets in the Eshkol Region, no injuries.

3:37PM Rocket falls near S'dot Negev, no injuries.

3:34 PM Air Force attacking the center of Gaza.

3:32 PM Arabs throwing rocks on the 443 road near the Makkabim Junction

3:12 PM More rockets on the way.

Mada (Magen David Adom) has raised its alert level countrywide. This is the first time ever in the history of the country.

2:30 PM IDF helicopters carry out targeted strike (assasination)

2:27 PM 4 Rockets hitting Ofakim.

2:01 PM Jerusalem Post has publicized that one of the rockets earlier today hit Route 6. (On a lighter note, Hamas may go bankrupt once Derech Eretz starts fining them for littering on their highway).

1:58 PM Police arrest 2 individuals in Jerusalem's Old City trying to force Arab vendors to stay closed as part of a Gaza protest.

1:37 PM Kasam rocket lands in S'dot Negev, damage reported but no injuries.

1:35 PM 2 Palestinian infants injured serious in Gaza brought into Israel for medical care.

1:34 PM Schools in Gaza area closed tomorrow also, most likely for the rest of the week.

1:33 PM 2 rockets over Netivot.

1:25PM BREAKING Rockets landing in Israel are of Chinese manufacture, transported by Iran, via Egypt/Sinai through tunnels under the Rafiach crossing into Gaza. (Confirmed by Army spokesman)
Additionally rockets are packed with ball bearings that spread up to 100M from rocket strike.

12:35PM The Security forces are claiming they have totally destroyed all the laboratories for the construction of rockets.

12:34 PM Rockets and mortar fire over Sha'ar HaNegev and Sderot, also to the North of the Strip.

12:27 PM Reports that Hezbollah is trying to get larger longer range missiles to Gaza. The Air Force has succeeded in destroying some in tunnels under Rafiach.

12:23 PM Sirens in Ashkelon. At least 2-3 explosions heard.

12:19 PM Destruction of smuggling tunnels by Rafiach causing serious damage to Hamas's abilities in Gaza (Arutz 10)

12:09 PM Reports of rockets over Ofakim.

12:07 PM Home Front command has forbidden all gatherings in Be'er Sheva.

12:05 PM Head of General Security Services (ShaBaK) states that Hamas terrorists are hiding in hospitals in Gaza, a clear violation of the Geneva convention.

12:00 PM A total of 30 rockets fired this morning. 2 lightly wounded.

11:57 AM Some analysis of the situation:

1. Bret Stephens - Hamas Knows One Big Thing - WSJ
2. Barry Rubin - Understanding the Gaza War - Pajamasmedia
3. Phyllis Chesler - Israel's Morality vs. Hamas's Morality - Pajamasmedia
4. Shannon Love - Diplomacy and Terrorism - Chicago Boyz
5. Palestinian Propaganda 101 - LAHawk
6. Michael Ledeen - The Battle of Gaza and the Real War - Pajamasmedia
7. JoeSettler - The War is Over - The Muqata Network


11:56 AM No injuries reported from 11:52 barrage.

11:55 AM Sirens in Western Negev Communities.

11:52 AM Rockets land in Western Negev area and Sederot.

11:49 AM IDF reports that Palestinians have started firing their longer range missiles from within heavily populated areas in Gaza, making it more challenging for IAF helicopters to hit them. Gedera area gets hit by Grad missile. No reports of injuries.

11:39 AM Alarms in Be'er Sheva.

11:37 AM Reports of rocket fire over Ofakim.

11:32 AM President Peres was in Ashkelon at the time of rocket hits, spent it in one of the bunkers in the city.

11:20 AM We reported yesterday about the pet dog of a firefighter wounded in a rocket attack in Sderot. Unfortunately the dog has died.


11:15 AM Pictures of the roof of high school hit by Grad/Katyusha rocket. The class room was empty due to school cancellation.

11:13 AM Two women being treated for shock in Ashkelon.

11:04 AM A second wounded individual in Ashkelon. Another rocket lands in area.

11:02 AM Unconfirmed reports of rocket near Gedera.

11:01 AM Reports of rocket landing in Yavneh. Update: Mayor of Yavneh denies this.

10:54 AM Rocket strikes #6 road. (Arutz 2)

10:53 AM Any discussion of a cease fire or break is baseless. (Army sources)

10:51 AM Another explosion heard near Ashkelon.

10:50 AM Rocket lands in Ashdod area.

10:47AM One woman injured lightly in Ashkelon. 3 rockets.

10:45 AM Under pouring rain, Sirens in Sderot and Ashkelon.

10:35 AM 2 rockets reported in Ashkelon.

10:33 AM Sirens in Ashkelon. 8 people treated for shock in Be'er Sheva.

10:16 AM Fire breaks out from rocket hit on hotel in Be'er Sheva. No injuries. UPDATE: The fire unrelated to rocket.

10:13 AM 40 Hamas sites hit over night in Gaza. Operations against the tunnel network under the Philadelphia route.

10:12 AM A total of 20 rockets fired into Israel this morning so far.

10:09 AM Grad/Katyusha lands in Be'er Sheva, no report of injuries.

10:06 AM Sirens at this moment in Be'er Sheva.

10:00 AM Rocket lands North East of Lachish in the Yoav region, ~40 Km. from Gaza.

9:57 AM Sirens in S'derot.

9:56 AM Problems with sirens in Be'er Sheva.

9:52 AM Helicopters hunting rocket launching sites over Gaza. Navy firing artillery at launch sites.

9:50 AM 1 of the Grad/Katyusha rockets in Be'er Sheva exploded in an empty classroom.

9:49 AM Office of Ismail Haniyah hit by Air Force.

9:46 AM Barrage of rockets over Be'er Sheva, reports of 4 rockets falling in the city. Also Chof Ashkelon and Eshkol.

9:42 AM Sirens also in Kiryat Gat.

9:40 AM A rocket that fell earlier in the Eshkol region caused damaged to cars in the area, no injuries.

9:33 AM 3 Rockets land in and around Ofakim. Sirens in Yavneh.

9:30 AM Alarms in Ofakim and Be'er Sheva. At least one rocket landed in Ofakim, no reports of injuries.

8:30 AM Rockets land in Be'er Sheva.

Brother of Shas Minister of Religious Affairs Yitzchak Cohen injured in rocket attack in Ashkelon.

Defense Minister Barak weighing cease fire. PM Olmert against.

7:17 AM Intenationl Children's Welfare Organization "UNICEF" issues statement of concern for children in Gaza, yet blatently ignores the situation for Israeli children (how about the Hamas rocket attack on a kindergarten in Beer Sheva yesterday?)

"UNICEF is deeply concerned about the impact of the current violence in
Gaza on children"

Its disappointing that they share no concern for the impact of the current violence in Southern Israel on children. (UNICEF)

6:04 AM (IsraelNN.com) Classes in Be'er Sheva, nearby Kibbutz Hatzerim and at Ben Gurion University have been cancelled for Wednesday following Tuesday night's Grad Katyusha attacks in the Negev capital.

5:45 AM Israel strikes smuggling tunnels and Hamas office.

5:43 AM A quiet night in Israel, but not so much in Gaza. Air Force and Navy units hit multiple targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Reports of hits on houses of Hamas leaders, government buildings and the Gaza Port. Olmert rejects any chance for a cease fire at this point.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day 4 of the War, Dec 30 2008

Day 4 of the Gaza war, Tuesday, Dec 30th 2008 -- Daily sticky post, constantly updated.


For Day 5 of the war go to: Day 5 of the War, Dec 31 2008


More liveblogging at IsraellyCool and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/muqata Keyword #GazaWar

Additional New posts from today can be found below this post.

As a general rule we will try and keep operational details to a minimum, that includes troop movements and the exact location of rocket hits. If items are reported in the Main Stream Israeli Media we will report them as well.


12:03 AM Jameel here signing off. Thanks again to the wonderful Muqata staff who has been liveblogging around the clock. We hope to continue early tomorrow morning (or during the night if things get crazy).

This is Jameel @ The Muqata, reporting from somewhere in the hills of Samaria -- wishing safety and security to our IDF soldiers and Israel's civilians.

Good Night.

"When you sleep with a missile, sometimes you may not wake up." (Dan Gillerman, past Israeli Ambassador to the UN)

11:44 PM Tonight, a tourist from Chicago was attacked by an Arab mob in Nazereth -- they mistakenly assumed he was "Jewish". Police rescused the tourist who did not require medical assistance. (source in Hebrew) The police have opened an investigation to locate the attackers.

11:33 PM IAF warplanes destroy underground Grad/Katyusha launcher in Gaza which was used for tonight's rocket launch against Be'er Sheva.

11:29 PM Released for publication: One of the wounded tonight in a rocket attack in Ashkelon is the brother of Israeli Goverment Minister, Yitzchak Cohen [Shas]. His brother was lightly wounded. (Channel 2 Israel TV)

11:24 PM Over 34 shock victims tonight as a result of the Grad Missile (Katysuha) that hit a Beer Sheva kindergarten tonight. Two Kassam rockets launched at Western Negev -- no injuries or damage.

11:14 PM Jameel here for a bit more -- thanks Litvshe for some awesome reporting today! Many of the Jewish residents from Gaza who were removed by the Israeli Government during the "Disengagement" were relocated to temporary housing in Nitzan (3 years in temporary housing with no solution is another issue).

The problem is their temporary housing is made totally of sheetrock, and there are no shelters or concrete walls in case of the falling rockets from Gaza.

Today, the IDF Homefront command brought in concrete sewage pipes as a temporary measure...

11:00 PM This is Litvshe signing off for the night. I'll be back in the morning.

10:50 PM The cell that launched the rockets at Be'er Sheva has been hit by Air Force fire.

10:41 PM Fatah giving Israel intel to help pinpoint attacks. (h/t Instapundit)


10:32 PM United Hatzolah paramedic seriously wounded in yesterday's terrorist attack in Kiryat Sefer has taken a turn for the worse. (His name is Aryeh ben Varda)

10:28 PM One person lightly wounded by shrapnel in Ashkelon.

10:18 PM Reshet B radio reports 9 people treated for shock in Be'er Sheva, once child taken to hospital.

10:15 PM Several cars damaged in Ashkelon several cars damaged from rocket fire, 2 people treated for shock.

9:50 PM President Bush: "There is no point in a ceasefire just for the sake of having a ceasefire".

9:48 PM Unconfirmed reports of an explosion near Yavneh.

9:45 PM Reports of rockets falling in Be'er Sheva and Ashkelon.

9:42 PM Another barrage of rockets on its way. Sirens in Ashkelon and Ofakim.

9:33 PM Mortar fire reported over the Sha'ar HaNegev region.

9:30 PM 2,500 more reservists called up.

9:25 PM The rockets that landed in Be'er Sheva were Grad/Katuyshas. One hit an empty kindergarten.

9:22PM 3 rockets fall in Be'er Sheva. No injuries reported.

9:20 PM Sorry about the lack of posting, but Bezek in their infinite wisdom have mucked up my DSL line. (Litvshe)

7:47 PM IDF angrily reacts to Defense Ministry recommendation (from the French Foreign Minister Berner Kushner...how shocking) for a "48 hour cease fire".

IDF: "We are waiting for the order for the ground offensive to take over Gaza!" (source in Hebrew)

7:43 PM Channel 2 (Israel) TV Polled Israelis: What needs to be done now in Gaza?

61% Continue the attack
24% Ground Invasion
11% Cease fire
4% Don't Know



7:16 PM Politically-Uber-Correct YouTube Video service deletes IDF Spokesperson military video channel. LiveLeak is more than happy to pick up the traffic. Noah Pollak states:

This was apparently too much for YouTube, which moments ago removed several videos from the IDF’s channel, including the most-watched video, which showed a group of Hamas goons being blown up in an air strike as they loaded Katyusha missiles onto a truck. The point of such footage, as if it needed to be said, is not to revel in violence — it is to show the legitimacy of Israeli self-defense.

(hat-tip, Israel Matzav)

7:00 PM Palestinian Girl places blame for the war fully on Hamas.





I hope she stays safe...an outburst like that usually ends up with "dis-honor killings"...

6:52 PM Despite many Israeli media outlets (YNET, Haaretz newsflash at 5:11, NRG, and others) announcing that the IDF is recommending a 48 hour cease fire, the IDF Spokesman has firmly come out against the stories:

"The IDF Spokesman's Unit denied Tuesday's media reports suggesting the defense establishment recommended the National Security Cabinet explore a ceasefire in Gaza. "These statements are untrue and were not corroborated prior to their publication," said the military."

This goes hand in hand with the report below that the IDF is chastising Israel's media for attempting to dictate IDF military action.

6:43 PM Massive air strike on the Philadelphia strip at this moment.

6:35 PM YNET reports that Hamas has rejects a 48 hour cease-fire proposal by Israel. Hamas: "We will hold fire only when it suits us"

6:31 PM Rockets land in Ashdod, Ashkelon and Netivot. No injuries reported. IAF starts another bombing run on Gaza. IDF critically states that Israel's TV channels are attempting to dictate IDF policy.

6:20 PM Reports that the Gazan rocket which landed today north of Beer Sheva has a 60 kilometer maximum range. This could add a whole new dimension to the war...


6:00 PM There will be a short break in coverage as we move to our next undisclosedsed location.

5:31 PM Protests around the world. (h/t AtlasShrugs)

5:29 PM IDF YouTube channel showing hits on rocket launchers.

5:10 PM A total of 7 rockets launched in the last hour. 3 near Ashkelon, 1 S'derot, 3 near Gaza.

5:03 PM Two rockets land in open areas in the Eshkol region.

4:51 PM 3 year old child injured by stone thrown near the Zif Junction near Hevron.

4:46 PM More sirens going off in Sderot.

4:26 PM A female soldier was attacked near the Huwara junction by Schem. No injuries reported.

4:24 PM More sirens in Ashdod.

4:17 PM Rocket lands in the "Big" mall in Kastina near Kiryat Malachi, reports of injuries.

4:08 PM The range of various rockets and what they can hit.


4:04 PM 4 rocket launchers and a truck transporting Grad/Katyusha rockets struck by Air Force.

4:02 PM Rockets also near Kiryat Gat.

3:54 PM Reports that IAF has hit more then 95% of their targets.

3:41 PM Rockets in Be'er Sheva area.

3:40 PM Long range rockets fired over the Lachish Region, sirens in Kiryat Malachi.

3:31 PM A total of 14 rockets fired from Gaza today.

3:29 PM Rocket lands south of Rahat.

3:17 PM Army radio reports that it seems the Air Force is out of targets to hit.

3:15 PM Sirens in S'derot, explosions reported. More information as it comes in. Update: House of Chabad representative hit, he and family are currently in Kfar Chabad.

2:37 PM Terrorist stopped with explosive device at the Beit Iva checkpoint.

2:36 PM Motorist injured from rock attack near the Yitzhar settlement.

2:20 PM Rocket lands in the Western Negev. No injuries.

2:19 PM More pictures from today around Southern Israel:

IDF Soldier affixes flag to his tank (AP Ariel Schalit)

An IDF soldier in prayer (Reuters)

Taking Cover from a Gazan Rocket in Ashkelon (TSAFRIR ABAYOV)

Rocket Damage in Ashkelon (Bernat Armangue)

1:58 PM Protesting the war on Gaza (not sure against who though)


1:36 PM Critically wounded Palestinians from Gaza being transported to Egypt for treatment.

1:31 PM Arab rioter at Kalandia checkpoint shot while throwing Molotov Cocktail, in serious condition.

1:26 PM Rockets land in Western Negev region, no injuries.

1:08 PM More sirens heard in S'derot.

12:52 PM From one mission to the next. F-16 pilots returning from missions over Gaza, instead of taking time off are spending their time in S'derot and Netivot distributing toys to children in bunkers.

12:46 PM Czech FM has also set the blame directly on the shoulders of Hamas, claiming that their firing of rockets is unacceptable. The Czech republic takes over as President of the EU on Thursday.

12:42 PM Tanks have been used for the first time in the conflict, opening fire on targets in the strip.

1 2:21 PM Al-Jazeera are reporting a total of 380 killed and 1700 wounded.

12:12 PM 1 lightly wounded, 2 suffering shock from 3 rockets in S'derot. One of the rockets hit the house of a firefighter who was out on call. His pet dog was wounded seriously.

12:11 PM Hamas denies any contact with Senegal about a cease fires.

12:03 PM Israel spreading pamphlets to residents of Rafiach in Gaza to leave their houses.

11:49 AM A house hit in S'derot. No reports of injuries.

11:28 AM General Naveh of the IDF has stated the three ways that the situation can continue:
1. Cease fire - Hamas forced to request a cease fire.
2. Continuation of airborne attacks - Though there is a lack of targets.
3. Airborne and Ground based attacks continuing to bring the fight to Hamas
He is recommending the third option even though it will end in more casualties. The goals are to return to a cease fire, return to negotiations and the return of Gilad Shalit.

11:09 AM Corrections services vehicle stoned on the 443 road near the Ofer Prison.

11:04 AM The funeral of Irit Shitrit will take place at 2:00 PM in the Ashdod Cemetery. Staff-Sgt. Lutfi Nasraldin will be buried at 3:00 PM in the Usafiah military cemetery.

10:58 AM Some shots from of rocket hit sites in Ofakim. (source rotter.net)

10:33 AM A number of explosions heard in Gaza, reports of a car hit. Reports of 1 killed and two wounded.

10:20 AM Israel moving 100 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

10:19 AM "Color Red" alarm sounded in Ashdod.

10:01 AM Names of those killed in last nights attacks released. Staff Sergant Lutfi Nasraldin from Galil village Dalyat el Carmel and Irit Shitrit from Ashdod.

9:56 AM Israeli Government goes high tech and will hold a Twitter press conference. Key word #AskIsrael

9:53 AM Turkey and Egypt warn Israel that a ground war might well induce Hizbullah into joining the war. (source Ynet Hebrew)

9:32 AM Boats trying to deliver aid to Gaza have been turned back by Israeli Naval forces.

9:20 AM 107 Arab rioters arrested so far since the beginning of the Cast Lead operation. 94 are still in custody.

9:18 AM IDF forces hit rocket launch sites near Chan Yunis.

9:15 AM Thanks to JoeSettler and others who have kept this up while Jameel and Litvshe have been offline. And thanks to Bezek for choosing the opportune time to muck up my aDSL connection at home. (Litvshe)

9:00 AM Schools within 30 Kilometers of Gaza border have been ordered closed today (their has been no school this past week for the Chanukah holiday).

8:30 AM The Consulate General of Israel in York will be holding an online press conference today on Tuesday on Twitter, at http://www.twitter.com/IsraelConsulate between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. New York time.

ISM/Anarchist's ship carrying unknown cargo attempting to enter the Gaza war zone was just stopped. ISM reports that their ship was rammed by IDF navy.

IDF overrode the signal on Hamas radio this morning and warned all Gaza residents to stay away from ammunition bunkers as they will be blown up today.

2:10 AM Updates from the past few hours...

Rockets hit Ofakim and Yavneh. House in Ofakim hit.

Terrorist shoot at Border Policeman in Jerusalem. No injuries reported.

Stone throwing on 443 near Atarot. IDF dispersed the throwers. I was just there, but didn't see any signs of violence, though there were a lot of stones on the highway Monday morning.

Carmella Menashe of Israel Radio is reporting that IDF ground troops have begun entering Gaza at around midnight. No secondary sources are confirming/reporting this. Second time that this report has gone out in the past 6 hours.

Terrorist attack in Kedumim. Israeli man stabbed in the head by Palestinian.

Molotov cocktail was hurled at the back entrance of the Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Municipality offering major discounts to Southern residents on shows and hotels for those visiting the capital.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Round ups about Gaza

It is Jack here.

While our esteemed wafflemaster catches some much needed sleep I want to let you know that I have been putting together a round up of posts and news about Gaza. It should serve as a good resource in addition to the valuable news you are receiving here.

Gaza Round Up Part One

Gaza Round Up Part Two


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

How you can help Israel

-- Advertisement --

Many of you are visiting us at the Muqata blog in search of more information on Israel's current war with Hamas/Gaza.

Some (perhaps all) of you may be interested in how you can help the people of Israel.

There is a Jerusalem organization called Warm the Needy that does wonderful work.

Every winter Warm the Needy helps thousands of poor Israeli families make it through the cold winter by supplying them with heaters/radiators and subsidizing their electric bills.

If you are looking to help the People of Israel, then Warm the Needy is definitely a good place to start.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

MESSAGE FROM SF VOICE FOR ISRAEL

Cross-posting here in the hopes some of you can forward this to your people in the SF Bay Area.
Thank you.



What: Counter Protest in Support of Israel
Where: Israeli Consulate – 456 Montgomery Street, San Francisco
When: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 - 4:45pm


Dear Friends,

Israel is taking care of business in Gaza, and it is upon us to watch her back, here, on the streets of San Francisco. As we have seen from recent events in the region, PR war is a big part of this conflict, and "the streets" is where it’s fought, and no one will fight it but us.


Under the camouflage of "Peace Movement", the haters and the misguided will be holding a demonstration in front of the Israeli Consulate to protest the "Holocaust in Gaza". We ask, where were they for 3 years to "stand for peace" when Israelis were being bombed, killed and injured? We ask why are the fair-minded supporters of Palestinians not outraged by Hamas’s continuous provocations which clearly led to this defensive action, by its human shields tactics, and by its complete disregard for human life, both Israeli and Palestinian? We ask, what would United States, Turkey, Russia or China do, if 750,000 of its citizens were under constant cross-border shelling? We ask the questions that are at the heart of this conflict, the ones that no-one will ask if we are not there!

So be there, with your own questions and answers, and flags and energy, to show by our solid presence our unwavering solidarity with the Jewish State.

For signs to support Israel, please go to:
http://www.standwithus.com/SIGNS/?type=focus&wc=39
And
http://www.standwithus.com/SIGNS/?type=focus&wc=21

These posters are ready to send to your local printer. Please bring your own flags and signs, we have limited resources for this event.

Be the San Francisco Voice for Israel!


As always, feel free to make your own signs but please no signs or graphics offensive to any racial or ethnic group including but not limited to Arabs, Islam, or Palestinians. Signs in violation of our policies will not be allowed.

----------------------------------------

Guest-posted by ATBOTH.
12/29/08
http://atthebackofthehill.blogspot.com/


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day 3, 8th of Chanuka, Monday 12-29-08

Day 3 of the Gaza war -- Daily sticky post -- constantly updated.

More liveblogging at IsraellyCool


Tuesday's (Day 4) News can be found here
Wednesday's (Day 5) News can be found here


11:47 PM Good night. This concludes today's liveblogging coverage from the Muqata staff. Sending condolecnes to the families of those who died today, and a speedy recovery to Israel's wounded civilians.

Wishing success and safety to our IDF soldiers, and hoping that the outcome of this war is a safer Israel.

Regards,

Jameel & Crew.
The Muqata Blog.

Hoping to return to liveblogging early Tuesday morning.

11:45 PM Another rocket falls in the vicinity of Netivot. No reports of injuries or damage.

11:43 PM An IDF Soldier's mother collects her thoughts on her son serving in the war. I echo her sentiments, precisely.

11:39 PM Color Red warning in Sederot.

Belz and Gur Hasidic Yeshivas relocate their students from Ashdod to the center of Israel due to the ongoing rocket strikes in Ashdod.

11:34 PM Two Israelis wounded (1 light, 1 moderate) in Ofakim from 3 rocket strikes.

11:22 PM IDF concerned that Katyusha are getting closer to Rechovot (having already hit Ashdod, and northwards in the Yavneh vicinity)

11:19 PM Israel Government Minister Eli Yishai (Shas) scrambles to the ground for cover during Ashdod rocekt attack this evening.





11:06 PM Two Rockets fall in the vicinity of Yavneh, reports of a rocket in Kiryat Gat area as well.

11:01 PM AirRaid Sirens in Ashdod and Ashkelon.

11:00 PM Updated status on casualties (10:48 report) 3 Israelis killed today by Gaza rockets.

10:53 PM IAF launches fresh air assault on Gaza targets.

10:48 PM Channel 1 Israel TV reports that 3 people were killed in from Katyusha attacks against Israel today. 1 in Ashdod, 1 in Ashkelon, 1 in Nachal Oz.

10:38 PM Additional Katyusha (Grad) rocket lands in Ashdod. (Channel 10 Israel TV reporting)
10:26 PM No reports of rockets in the second Ashdod alert tonight.

10:24 PM 6 wounded, 1 killed by rocket attack in the Nachal Oz area.

10:19 PM Air Raid sirens again in Ashdod. Color Red Warning system in Sederot. Molotov Cocktail thrown at Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem. No injuries or damage in the firebomb attack.

9:42 PM Additional 2-3 wounded in Ashkelon rocket attack.

9:36 PM Reports of 2 seriously wounded in Ashdod rocket attack, and 15 with minor injuries.

9:35 PM MDA transporting 1 wounded person from a stabbing terror attack in Kedumim.

9:33 PM Reports of a barrage of Rockets to the Ashkelon to Ashdod region

9:30 PM Initial reports of 2 wounded in Ashdod rocket attack.

9:28 PM Reports of Rockets landing in Ashdod. Updates as they become available. Additional reports of a terrorist on the loose in the Kedumim settlement in the Shomron (West Bank)

9:05 PM Disappointing. PM Olmert's representatives announce that the goal of the IDF operation in Gaza does not include toppling Gaza's Hamas government. (source)

9:03 PM Israel's Channel 10 TV reports a massive explosion in Northern Gaza.

9:02 PM IDF decides it wasn't gunfire at their jeep, but rock throwing.

8:38 PM Shooting at IDF jeep in the Shomron (West Bank) between Revava and Ariel. No injuries.

8:22 PM Al-Jazeera reports that since Saturday, IDF forces have killed over 350 Palestinians in Gaza, and wounded 1600. Today alone, 35 were killed and 250 wounded.

8:18 PM In a rather odd broadcast, Israel's channel 10 TV news discloses that the 2 brigades scheduled to fight in Gaza are Givati and Tzanchanim (paratrooper).

8:16 PM Hamas TV once again off-air. Only a black screen can be seen in their broadcast.

8:14 PM Rocks thrown on Modi'in-Jerusalem highway, 443 by Atarot industrial park. Police officially advising motorists for now to avoid #443 near Atarot. (this warning is a shout out to my friends and relatives in Modi'in)

8:12 PM Photos from last night at the Gaza Border crossing, as Chabad-Lubavitch representatives bring jelly donuts to soldiers and light Chanuka candles.





















(source, Chabad On Line)

8:04 PM At 7:48, Gaza launches rockets toward Sederot. Shells misfire and land in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Channel 2 Israel TV reports that in their opinion, the ground assault will begin tonight.

7:41 PM IDF Spokesperson officially denies the report about Shifa hospital. I don't think we've heard the last of this.

7:32 PM Interesting. Apparently, IDF Intellignce believes (based on the sources I've gleaned) that the largest Hamas Grad Missile bunker in Gaza is located...directly beneath the Gaza Shifa Hospital. Israel's Channel 1 TV reports that the IDF has demanded the hospital be evacuated. Hamas, with its own "win-win" agenda is parading out the patients and dead (from the hospital's morgue). From their standpoint, a bombed out hospital is just as much a PR victory, as shooting dozens of grad missiles at Israel. We'll see how this plays out. (developing story)

6:15PM Pictures from Jabalyiah and Rafiach in Gaza (in Hebrew)

6:13 PM IAF destorys truck carrying Grad rockets in the Strip.

6:11 PM Arab claim that a strike on Beit Chanon kills 12 terrorists.

5:22 PM Hamas in the Gaza Strip is denying reports that the group has contacted Senegal and spoken about a cease fire.

5:16 PM A tunnel between Gaza and Israel was collapsed earlier in the day, trapping and killing 3-4 terrorists making their way to Israel to attempt a terror attack.

5:11 PM Sirens once more in Ashkalon.

5:07 PM Reports of 6 killed in attack on Northern Gaza Strip. The target was the house of Maier Zakut, a commander of the Iz-Adeem Al Kassam brigade.

5:03 PM Rocket hits empty house in S'derot. At least 70 rockets so far today.

4:40 PM 5 rockets fall in Sha'ar HaNegev, S'dot Negev and Chof Ashkalon region. No injuries reported.

4:38 PM Israeli Navy once more in action, with gunboats firing rockets on coastal positions. Arab sources claim several killed and wounded including terrorists hiding in a mosque.

4:37 PM Wide spread power outages in the Eshkol region near Gaza.

4:27 PM Rockets land in Sederot region. No injuries.

4:17 PM No reports of missiles launched or landed in Lachish region.

4:06 PM Air-raid sirens in Lachish Region (North-East of Gaza)

4:02 PM Carmel hospital in Haifa goes on alert status. (NRG) Despite Hizbollah's claim that they would not attack Israel in this war, Pro-Palestinian groups in South Lebanon might try to do so.

3:53 PM Two Israeli Arabs arrested for arson of trees in a Jerusalem area forest near Nabi Samuel.

3:48 PM IAF has once more attacked the Islamic University in Gaza. Additionally 2 rockets have fallen in the Eshkol region, no injuries or damage.

3:41 PM Reports that IDF has implemented a total closure on all Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

3:39 PM Reports coming in that Hamas 2nd in command Muhammad Abu Tir has been killed (source: Army Radio). CORRECTION: Ziad Abu Tir, one of the commander in the Islamic Jihad and not Muhammad Abu Tir.

3:35 PM Another rocket has landed in the Sha'ar HaNegev region, no injuries reported.

3:33 PM Targets in the North end of the Gaza strip are currently being hit by IDF fire.

3:25 PM 400,000 protest against Israel in Beirut.

3:24 PM German leader, Angela Merkel has also lain the blame at the feet of Hamas for the current crisis.

3:04 PM Photos -- Fresh from the front at Gaza. (source)










3:02 PM SMS messages fly throughout Israel stating that the ground offensive has started, including requests to pray for the safety and welfare of IDF soldiers. There is no corroborating evidence from Israeli sources, though Arab press reports that special units have been operating in Israel since the morning.

2:58 PM East Jerusalem Israeli Arabs riot and express support for Gaza terrorists. (Israel Channel 10 TV)






2:53 PM Sirens in Eshkol Region. Explosions heard (while posting this). No injuries or damage [they landed in an empty field]

2:52 PM Remains of the Islamic University in Gaza. (hat-tip)


2:32 PM IDF Home front command (pikud HaOref) starting to evacuate Israeli elderly and sick from the Gaza vicinity area, as it appears that the ground offensive is imminent. The IDF is concerned the ground offensive will lead to an increase in rocket attacks (there have already been twice as many today as yesterday, over 40 so far) (Walla News)

Volunteer United Hatzala EMT in serious condition after this morning's terror attack in Kiryat Sefer. As Jameel is an EMT in the same organization, he notes there is going to be a nationwide prayer service for his fellow medic at 3:30 PM, Israel time. Please add Aryeh ben Varda to your prayers (as well as for the safety and security of IDF soldiers, going into battle in Gaza). Donations can be made to United Hatzala here.

2:01 PM Rockets land in fields near S'dot Negev.

2:00 PM Fights breaking out at universities across the country between those supporting and those opposing the action in Gaza.

1:57 PM Reports in the Arab press that IDF ground troops are already active in Gaza.

1:29 PM Grad rocket hit the Municipal Stadium in Ashkalon.

1:15 PM Rocket launching teams in Gaza targeted by IAF. Hamas operative killed in Beit Hanoun.

12:52 PM Rocks thrown on the 443 road near Bir Naballah.

12:46 PM Video of rocket damage in Ashkalon.





12:44 PM Palestinians reported to be killing suspected collaborators.

12:15 PM Rockets currently falling in S'derot. Direct hit on yard in front of house. Massive damage done to house, no injuries, people suffering from shock. (Thanks to SderotMedia.com for the pictures)

12:09 AM Constant rocket fire on Ashkalon and S'derot over the last hour and half. A total of 20 rockets.

12:05 PM Palestinians claim bombs fall on hospital in Gaza. IDF denies aiming near hospital. Group that fired the Grad rocket that fell in Ashkalon hit by IDF fire.

11:53 AM Sirens in Ashkalon and S'derot. Rockets fall about 10 minutes ago in the Sha'ar HaNegev region.

11:51 AM Report of attack in Kiryat Sefer, a child was lightly injured from rocks thrown at him. The police forces in the area have lowered their readiness level.

11:48 AM Reports that Khalid Mesha'al, leader of Hamas in Damascus is requesting a cease fire.

11:44 AM Unconfirmed reports of another stabbing victim in Kiryat Sefer. Large forces of police are active in the area. Reports of an attack in a kindergarten have been proven to be false at this point.

11:40 AM Road 232 in the south has been closed by military order. Only army and local residents allowed to travel.

11:31 AM Jameel reports from an undisclosed location: constant sirens and rocket attacks ongoing in Ashkalon and S'derot. Rockets fall in Industrial Area and South Ashkalon. No injuries reported.

11:26 AM Defense Minister Barak now addressing the Knesset. M.K. A'sana ejected.

11:24 AM The worker killed in Ashkalon, a Bedouin from Rahat.

11:23 AM More reports of rockets fired at Ashkalon.

11:18 AM One of the Kasam rockets in Ashkalon has started a fire in the area.

11:09 AM 3 rockets land in Ashkalon in the last minute. Landed in open areas in the industrial area.

11:07 AM Another siren in Ashkalon. Reports of explosions in Mosques in Jibalya, with wounded.
11:04 AM 6 rockets in S'derot one on a house, several people being treated for shock.

10:58 AM Pipe bomb thrown at Rachel's Tomb, rioting in the area. About 100 Palestinians are taking part, throwing rocks, Molotov Cocktails and at least one explosive device.

10:57 AM 3 rockets have just fallen in S'derot. More information as it comes in.

10:56 AM The border crossings at Kerem Shalom have been opened and 80 trucks of humanitarian aid have passed through.

10:49 AM Element of surprise and how it was guarded.

10:45 AM Total of 8 rockets have fallen in the area around Gaza mostly in open areas, 3 near Netivot, excluding the 4 in Ashkalon.

10:42 AM Hamas also takes responsibility for Grad attack on Ashkalon. Also call for Arabs to leave population centers due to impending attacks.

10:35 AM Continuing sirens in Ashkalon heard at this moment. No injuries reported.

10:34 AM Update from Kiryat Sefer. 2 workers who were doing home improvements attacked the head of the household they were working on, attacking him with work tools. The critically wounded individual is a paramedic from the Ichud Hatzalah unit. Donations can be made at their site.

10:30 AM The Popular Front terrorist group has taken responsibility for the rocket attack in Ashkalon.

10:28 AM The area around Gaza has been declared a Closed Army Area and it is forbidden for civilians to enter the area.

10:27 AM Molotov Cocktail thrown on Road #6.

10:22 AM Pictures from rocket site in Ashkalon:





10:18 AM Total of 8 rockets in Ashkalon during the last 30 minutes. Reports of one wounded, but currently unconfirmed.

10:10 AM Update: Total 12-15 wounded in Ashkalon. Reports of rockets falling in Ashkalon and Sderot. No injuries. Rockets fell in open areas, though one was in a residential neighborhood.

10:07 AM More pictures from Kiryat Sefer including the weapon used in the attack. Screen shots from Channel 10 news.




10:03 AM Sirens in Ashkalon once more. 2 explosions heard.

9:51 AM Killed and injured in Ashkalon were workers from Kfar Manda.

9:50 AM Pictures from attack in Kiryat Sefer (source)

9:45 AM Report from the field: Jamaal calls in to report seeing large numbers of tanks being transported South.

9:30 AM Reports of rocket hit at building site in Ashkalon. 8 wounded, 1 killed. Update from IDF Radio: 1 Dead, 4 serious, 3 Medium, 4 Lightly wounded. Apparently a GRAD missle, destroying a building with a heavy roof.

9:27 AM Terror Attack Update Another victim located. Totals : 2 serious, 2 medium, 1 light. The attack took place in the Brachtfeld neighborhood. From two seperate attacks. One terrorist shot by the rapid response team and in custody. The second terrorist still at large.

9:24 AM Color Red sirens have gone of in Ashkalon, 2 rockets fall.

9:05 AM France 24 has reported that Israel has destroyed 50% of Hamas rocket arsenal.

9:02 AM The Navy has joined the fighting, shelling Hamas positions.

9:01 AM 4 rockets have fallen in the last hour in the Sha'ar HaNegev region. One mortar in the Nachal Oz area. No injuries.

8:54 AM Massive explosion seen in Gaza city. Exact target not yet known. UPDATE: Seems to be the Foreign Ministry building, though this is not confirmed.

8:48 AM Reports that terrorists have opened fire at IDF positions near the Kisufim crossing.

8:42 AM One terrorist shot and apprehended. Reports of an additional terrorist in the neighborhood of Kiryat Sefer. Large IDF, Police and CTU forces are combing the streets and buildings. Residents are urged to lock their doors and report anything suspicous to to Police (Phone number: 100)

8:35 AM More reactions from around the world. Canada lays the blame directly at the feet of the Hamas, while calling for calm. "The fact that Hamas is striking at civilian population centers in Israel, in a premeditated and continuing fashion is THE reason for the current situation." (translated from the Hebrew source.) Even the Arab press, while certainly condemning Israel in very strong terms, comes out very strongly against Hamas saying they should bear the responsibility for the situation and Israel's reaction. (source)

8:34 AM Terror Attack Roundup: 2 seriously wounded from Rasbi St. (men who just finished morning prayers). 1 moderately wounded on Yehuda HaNasi St. Shooting attack on Road leading to Kiryat Sefer from Carfeld neighborhood. Additional report of another person stabbed in a home on Yehuda HaNasi St. Ongoing confusion.

8:32 AM: Terror Attack Update: The terrorist is Palestinian Arab -- Air Conditioning technician and the wounded were just finishing their morning prayers.

8:29 AM: Terror Attack Update: The stabbing attack took place on Rashbi St.One of the wounded is in serious condition, both are in transport to the hospital. Sirens can be heard everywhere. Reports of shots fired at the terrorist a block away on Hillel and Shamai Street.

8:19 AM Update on terror attack. 2 people have been wounded by a terrorist in Kiryat Sefer -- stab wounds to the neck. The terrorist is currently at large - Police, IDF and Counter Terror Units are searching for the terrorist, still at large. Residents of Kiryat Sefer are being told to stay indoors and lock their homes.

8:17 AM Terror Attack in Kiryat Sefer/Modi'in Elit. A terrorist is rampaging through the streets in Kiryat Sefer, stabbing people. Reports of 3 wounded so far.

8:10 AM Around 6:55 AM today, 2 Gaza launched rockets landed in the Negev, Eshkol region (east of Gaza). No injuries or damage was reported.

8:09 AM NRG (Maariv) reports that IAF jets bombed the Hamas Interior Ministryin Gaza this past evening. (sourced from NRG in Hebrew)

8:02 AM Egyptian and Hamas sources state that IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, kidnapped and held by Hamas in Gaza for over 900 days, was wounded by IAF attacks on Gaza. IDF sources report that news of this sort is psychological warfare against Israel and "manipulation of the news." (source in Hebrew)

5:35 AM During the night Israeli Air Force jets hit multiple sites in Gaza including rocket labs at the Islamic University and near the house of Ismail Hani'ah, the head of Hamas.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day 2, 7th of Chanuka, Sunday 12-28-08

Monday's News can be found here

9:26 PM Gaza rockets fall in a Kibbutz, east of Gaza. Damage to cow barn, no injuries. Note: As opposed to when I previously blogged about the Second Lebanon War, I will not be giving specific locations of where rockets land (unless there are serious injuries and the military censor has already permitted it). During the last war, Israeli Arabs used "google earth" to pinpoint Katyusha strikes in Israel to help Hizbolla calibrate their targeting. We will not help the Palestinians (though why they still have internet access, VIA ISRAEL is a mystery to me).

And now...I'm going to try and go to sleep, and will only post very urgent items till early morning. I'm on a Magen David Ambulance shift tonight (EMT, and driver), so I need to try and get some sleep. See you in the AM.

--Jameel @ The Muqata, and crew.

8:56 PM IDF targets Gaza tunnels -- Israeli air strike destroys 40 smuggling tunnels near Rafah crossing, Philadelphi Route in less than four minutes; Palestinians say two people killed, 25 injured. Another Gazan reportedly shot dead while trying to cross into Egypt. (YNET)

8:47 PM Israeli Arabs rioting on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Police on their way. Israeli Arabs from Kafr Kassem are throwing rocks at Jewish motorists on Road 5, only 5 minutes away from Petach Tikva and Rosh Haayin. 3 Jewish motorists wounded lightly near Lod, by Israeli Arabs throwing rocks. One Jewish motorist wounded lightly by rocks on road 65 (Wadi Arah). As of 8:47 PM, 22 Qassam rockets (including Grad missiles) were launched at Israel today from Gaza. One of the Grad missiles landed in "Gan Yavneh", north of Ashdod. Raod 55 in the Shomron had many rock throwing incidents by Palestinians at Jewish motorists; by Azzoun, Laqif, and Nabi Alias. No injuries reported, but damage was done to cars.

4:16 PM A 9 year old's "Rocket estimation table"





Translated from INN. 9 year old "Shir" wrote a list for herself in case of rocket attacks on her home in Southern Israel. This way she knows how long it takes to run to the bomb shelter from everywhere in her home, from the time she hears the air raid siren.

From the living room -- 10 seconds to run to the bomb shelter.
From Or's bedroom -- 10 seconds to run to the bomb shelter.
From the dining room -- 6 seconds to run to the bomb shelter.
From Shir's Bedroom -- 13 seconds to run to the bomb shelter
From my parents bedroom -- 10 seconds to run to the bomb shetler.
From the hall bathroom -- 10 seconds to run to the bomb shleter.


4:00 PM All sorts of things going on. Rockets just landed in the Eshkol region (east of Gaza). No reports of injuries. Over 150 Arabs rioting at the Kalandia Checkpoint in NorthEast Jerusalem. The Naharia (northern Israel) Hospital just opened its underground command center and emergency bunker provisions. MDA has brought it's Ambulance-MediVac Helicopter to Kiryat Gat (Southern Israel) to help deal with the ongoing rocket attacks. Rock Attack in the Galil -- Northern Israel against Israeli Jewish motorists by Israeli Arabs (outside the village of Dir Al-Assad) on Raod 85. No injuries -- there are reports of damage to cars.

3:59 PM Jameel's back. Just had to deal with a car accident outside our settlement. Car flipped over -- all occupants walked out. Simply a mind-boggling miracle.

3:38 PM I'm not sure about the text, but some graphic pictures of what's happening on the ground in Gaza. (Litvshe)

2:49 PM Rockets land in open areas east of Gaza. No injuries.

2:43 PM Last night, while the IAF/IDF "Bor" Primary Command Center in the Tel Aviv "Hakirya" neighboorhood was on full alert, Chabad-Lubavtich representatives arrived to deliver jelly-donuts and light Chanuka candles. (Source, Chabad-On-Line)

2:37 PM Furious Israeli Arabs riot over IDF Gaza Raid. Protestors force the closure of Northern road 77 next to Beit Rimon. Israeli Police responding.

2:32 PM Israeli Government Approves call up of 6,700 reservists. (Jameel notes, I wonder if that will include me...how will I keep liveblogging?!)

YNET Reports: The government on Sunday approved Defense Minister Ehud Barak's demand to operate a national economy emergency system in the Gaza vicinity communities and draft about 6,700 Israel Defense Forces reserve soldiers.

The reservists will be called up ahead of the possibility of expanding the military operation in the Gaza Strip, subject to the approval of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. A national economy emergency system was not operated during the Second Lebanon War.

2:28 PM Hamas declares victory over Israel in an official leaflet -- overcoming the IDF blockade on Gaza. The "proof" of their victory is that they hit Ashdod with 2 "GRAD" missiles.




2:20 PM Walla News reports that over 30 Fatah terrorists were killed this morning by an IAF raid in Gaza (the jail they were in was hit by an IAF bomb). Additionally, the Gush Etzion - Hevron road is temporarily closed because of rock throwing.

2:15 PM Israel Radio (Reshet Bet/Channel B) Reports of a young (Jewish) infant who was lightly to moderately wounded by rock throwing Palestinians at Tzomet Zif near Hebron. The infant was wounded when rocks crashed through the car's windows. Additional rock throwing has been reported in Beit Omar (also in the Hevron district).

2:13 PM Air Raid Sirens and "Color Red" warning system acitvated to the East of Gaza strip in the Eshkol region. Reports of one Qassam landed with no damage or injury.

2:11 PM Israel National News reports that Ashkelon's Barzilai hospital has evacuated the top (5th) floor out of concern for additional rocket attacks. The "Elder of Zion blog is keeping good track of all the incoming rockets -- see his December Rocket Calendar, here.

12:34 PM No wounded in the past 5 minute rocket attack on Ashkelon.

12:33 PM 3 explosions heard in Ashkelon...ongoing Sirens and "Color Red" warning system in Southern Israel communities.

12:29 PM Explosions heard in Ashkelon -- probable Rocket hits. MDA and emergency forces responding.

12:27 Air Raid Siren in Ashkelon. Incoming Missiles expected.

11:21 PM (Off topic from the war) Last year, I managed to get to Kever Yosef (Joseph's Tomb) in the city of Shechem (Nabulus), and I posted a video of the night time event (including live gunfire). A few days ago, more people rededicated the tomb and cleaned it up. Pictures here

11:12 AM IAF continues to pound Gaza terror targets. Reports of Hamas casualties in Rafiah (Southern Gaza). Reports from Israelies that IAF aircraft are partoling Israel's Northern border to send a clear message to Hizbollah, not to attack.

Video from earlier this morning in Gaza:







10:56 AM Reminder from the last Gaza Op. Israeli IDF bulldozers left some grafitti, permanently bulldozed into the Yassir Arafat Gaza airport's runway. You can see it for yourself via google maps/google earth here: 31.237564, 34.271239‎
(+31° 14' 15.23", +34° 16' 16.46").

...or see the picture here:





(source)

10:53 AM Hamas announces via Jihad Radio: We will soon hit the Zionist enemy with a new type of rocket that they are not expecting. (sourced by Islamic Jihad Radio, via rotter.net).

10:48 AM Fellow Blogger Aussie Dave is also Liveblogging the war. Check him out here. YNET reports that Two additional Qassam rockets have landed in open areas in the Eshkol Regional Council.

Eleven rockets have been launched from the Gaza Strip since Sunday morning. No injuries were reported, but several buildings sustained damage.

10:42 AM Earlier this morning, rockets landing East of Ashdod, over 40 kilometers from Gaza. Sirens have been heard this morning in Yavneh. (YNET)

10:37 AM Al Jazeera reports that IDF armored columns approaching Gaza. Reshet Bet (IBA Channel 2 Radio) confirms IDF tanks at Gaza's borders.

Blueye reports that Gaza residents are receiving "telemarkteting" style phone messages from the IDF advising them that an attack is imminent.

8:24 AM Over 60 factories and 500 small businesses will be closed today due to security considerations in Israel's Gaza enevelope area. School is not in session due to the Chanuka vacation.


8:16 AM BBC cites reason for war: Obama and upcoming Israeli elections.

Gazans document IAF airstrikes - video and pictures.














Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

12:39 AM As Israel's southern communities continue to get hit by rockets, the IDF is moving tanks and ground forces into position for the upcoming (probably) ground assault into Gaza. This evening, the Homefront Command (Pikud Ha'Oref) announced the reccomendations for tomorrow. People within 20-30 kilomters of Gaza, including Ahsdod, Kiryat Gat, Rahat, Gedera, Yad Binyamin, etc. should be in areas where they can get to a bomb shelter within 45 seconds of hearing an air-raid siren. 10-20 Kilometers of Gaza (Netivot) within 30 seconds. 0-10 kilomters (Sederot, Ashkelon) within 15 seconds.

So far, over 228 Palestinians killed in Gaza, most of them were wearing Hamas uniforms. Over 750 wounded.

One Israeli has been killed in Netivot by a Qassam rocket, 10 wounded, 1 seriously.

"The IDF has also begun mobilizing tanks and reinforcement infantry troops to the Gaza region in the event a ground incursion is ordered. In an interview with the British SKY network, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that ground forces would indeed enter the Strip if the move was deemed necessary by Jerusalem. " (YNET)

Israel's Leftwing made sure to get their message out as well:

Around 300 activists took part in the protest, in order to condemn what they
called Israel's "genocide and war crimes". The demonstrators
marched through the streets of Tel Aviv until they reached the ministry's
headquarters.

Many cried slogans such as "No to war – yes to peace", and carried signs saying
"Israel's government is committing war crimes", "Negotiation instead of
slaughter", and "Lift the siege from Gaza". (YNET)

Exclusive Photos: High Quality Targets destroyed by IAF fighters on Saturday in Gaza.

Translations by Muqata. Sourced from rotter.net in Hebrew, here.

Video of precision IAF Attacks on Gaza today.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

What they're saying (Litvshe)

It's been a while since I posted here, but it seems that whenever things get hot I show up again. So here goes...

What is the world saying about Israel's action in Gaza?

Well, the usual suspects have been saying the usual things.
The UN, via General Secretary Ban-Ki Moon decry Israel's use of excessive force, while acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense. I'd ask what isn't excessive force? Dropping bombs in open areas, that do nothing? I get the feeling that anything that actually might have some effect would be considered excessive.

The various Arab groups are calling it "war crimes" and the Iranian Foreign Ministry claim that those killed have been "murdered".

Interestingly enough Abbas, while calling the action a "massacre" has laid the blame on Hamas. Even the Egyptian FM has been critical of Hamas.

Asked who was to blame for the dire situation in Gaza, the foreign minister replied: "Ask the party that controls Gaza."

At least the US, while calling for restraint, only requesting Israel avoid civilians.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Chanuka War Begins Today (Shabbat)

The Chanuka War Begins Today (Shabbat)

(MORE UPDATES AT THE END OF THE POST)

12:33 PM Shabbat Lunch; Magen David Adom (MDA) sends out nationwide pager message that due to escalation down south, MDA is raising the warning level.

1:15 PM Middle of Mincha shamona esreh; IDF raises alert levels in Yehuda v'Shomron

2:19 PM MDA raises alert status to highest level.

3:37 PM MDA requests ambulance drivers and EMT volunteers to prepare to go to Ashdod and southwards to help out in 24 hour round the clock shifts.

This afternoon, IDF forces attacked Gaza, with over 60 IAF fighters dropping bombs on Gaza terror targets, reports of over 300 wounded. Gaza was caught totally by surprise. (We heard jets overhead in the Shomron around 1:30 PM).

Gaza retaliates, with dozens of missile launches at Israel from Ashdod and Ashkelon to Netivot. One Israel killed, 1 seriously wounded.

Israeli Arabs slamming the defensive IDF operation, took to the streets in Um Al Fahm, Nazereth, Haifa and elsewhere, screaming "With blood and fire, we will redeem you, Oh Gaza". An Israeli Egged bus was stoned this evening outside of the Shechem Gate of Jerusalem's old city.

Shavua tov, Chodesh Tov, Chanuka Sameach (All this from a post at 6:20 PM, after Shabbat)

--Jameel.

MORE UPDATES BELOW (JoeSettler here with more updates)

7:00 PM Baby injured near Beitar Ilit from Arab stone throwing on the road. Massive rock throwing is being reported in that area.

Policeman run over outside of the Old City of Jerusalem by Arab driver.

Rock throwing reported all along Route 443.

7:23 PM Rock throwing at French Hill (near the Gas Station).

8:30 PM Hundred of Left-wingers protesting the Gaza strike at the Defense Ministry. Jaffa Residents set up Gaza mourning tent. A thousand visitors reported so far.

More Kassam strikes against Israel reported. More Air Force strikes against Hamas reported.
Due to stricter enforcement, we can't report exactly where the Kassam are falling (though we here at the Muqata know exactly where they hit).

FROM UNNAMED MILITARY SOURCES:
The opening strike was as Graduating Ceremony for Hamas Officers. Almost all officers and attendees were killed or severely wounded.

10:08 PM More Kassams fall in pre-67 Israel borders. Location
Individual lightly injured from a Molotov Cocktail thrown near Shuafat.

12:20 AM Ground troops and tanks being positioned outside of Gaza borders for possible (but not definite) entry of ground forces.

No news yet as to what the actual goal of this attack actually is.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The origins of Hanukah

A guest post by Lurker:

[Cross-posted at DovBear]

Recently, DovBear invited us to have a look at this interesting article by Lawrence Keleman about the true origins of Christmas. Keleman argues that if Jews inclined to celebrate that holiday were aware of these origins, then they might be dissuaded from celebrating it. Keleman points out – quite correctly – that the early Christians did not choose December 25th because of any existing tradition that Jesus had been born on that day. Rather, they picked it because that was the concluding date of the Greco-Roman festival of Saturnalia, which commemorated the Winter Solstice. In other words, "Christmas" was already around for a very long time, in a somewhat different form, long before the Christians came along.

This, in turn, brings to mind the question of the origins of Hanukah. Interestingly, Hanukah also coincides with the Winter Solstice period. More significantly, it is eight days long – just like Saturnalia was. Was this a historical accident, or is there more significance to the time and length of this holiday? Were the Christians the only ones to adapt Saturnalia to their own needs? Or Does Hanukah, too, bear a connection to this ancient Solstice festival? DovBear says that there is indeed such a connection. Is he right?

Needless to say, many reasons have been offered over the years for Hanukah's date and length. Regarding the date (the 25th of Kislev): I Maccabees (1:59, 4:52-59) and II Maccabees (10:5-8) seem to suggest that this date was chosen deliberately for the rededication, since it was on that very date that Antiochus had desecrated the altar three years earlier. Others find a connection in the book of Hagai, which says that the foundation of the Second Temple was laid on the 24th of Kislev (or the 25th; see sources in Further information, below) (Hagai 2:10-19). And a midrash in the Yalkut Shimoni (I Melakhim 184) says that work on the Mishkan was completed on the 25th of Kislev, although the dedication ceremony was delayed until the 1st of Nisan.

As to why Hanukah is 8 days long: II Maccabees (1:9, 1:18, 10:5-8) says that Hanukah was intended to commemorate Sukkot – the holiday that the Greeks had recently prevented the Jews from celebrating – and which is 8 days long (when you include Shemini Atzeret). According to Pesikta Rabbati (ch. 2), the Hashmonaim, upon entering the liberated Temple, found 8 iron spears, which they thrust into the ground and made into an impromptu candelabra. And of course, there is the very famous (but historically questionable) story from the Talmud (TB Shabbat 21b) of the miraculous oil that burned for 8 days. But one is forced to wonder: Do any of these reasons really explain the establishment of an 8-day-long holiday? Megillat Taanit lists a great many days that were celebrated as holidays in early Second Temple times – and they are all just one day long, except for one: Hanukah. Let us assume for a moment that the miracle of the oil is the reason why Hanukah was established. Why does this justify the establishment of an 8-day-long holiday? Suppose the oil had burned for 50 days – would Hanukah then be 50 days long? It is reasonable to wonder whether there was already a pre-existing 8-day-long holiday, which was simply conflated with the new holiday of Hanukah.

The answer may be found in in the Gemara (TB Avodah Zarah 8a), which strongly suggests that the actual origin of Hanukah dates back to antiquity, long before the period of the Hashmonaim:

אמר רב חנן בר רבא: קלנדא ח' ימים אחר תקופה; סטרנורא ח' ימים לפני תקופה. וסימנך: "אחור וקדם צרתני", וגו' (תהילים קל"ט:ה').
ת"ר: לפי שראה אדם הראשון יום שמתמעט והולך, אמר: "אוי לי, שמא בשביל שסרחתי, עולם חשוך בעדי וחוזר לתוהו ובוהו, וזו היא מיתה שנקנסה עלי מן השמים!" עמד וישב ח' ימים בתענית [ובתפלה]. כיון שראה תקופת טבת, וראה יום שמאריך והולך, אמר: "מנהגו של עולם הוא". הלך ועשה שמונה ימים טובים. לשנה האחרת עשאן לאלו ולאלו ימים טובים. הוא קבעם לשם שמים, והם קבעום לשם עבודה זרה.

R. Hanan b. Rabba said: [The festival of] the Kalends [Roman New Year] is observed on the eight days following the [Winter] Solstice; [the festival of] Saturnalia on the eight days preceding the Solstice. As a mnemonic, use "From the back and the front you have afflicted me", etc. (Tehillim 139:5).
Our Rabbis taught [in a braita]: When Adam HaRishon observed the days getting increasingly shorter, he said, "Woe is me, perhaps because I have sinned, the world is darkening and returning to its state of chaos and confusion; and this is the death to which I have been sentenced from heaven!" He stopped, and sat for eight days engaged in fasting [and prayer]. But when he observed the Winter Solstice, and observed the days getting increasingly longer, he said, "This is the nature of the universe". He [therefore] went and celebrated eight festival days. In the following year he made both [of these eight-day holidays into permanent] festivals. He [Adam] established them for the sake of heaven, but they [of later generations] established them for the sake of idolatry.

One can hardly fail to recognize the obvious connection with Hanukah. The Gemara tells us that Adam HaRishon established an eight-day holiday (two, in fact) to be observed at the time of the Solstice, in celebration of the restoration of light. Furthermore, it tells us, these were the very holidays that eventually became known as the Greco-Roman festivals of Saturnalia and the Kalends. The Gemara is thus saying that the holiday we now know as Hanukah actually existed long before the Maccabees, for many centuries, as a Winter Solstice festival – the same Winter Solstice festival that was celebrated by the Greeks and Romans as Saturnalia.

The Hashmonaim later appropriated this holiday, and recast it for their own purposes as a celebration of their defeat of the Greeks and their rededication of the Temple. Significantly, the motif of "casting out darkness" and "restoring light" was retained. Perhaps, by appropriating a Greek holiday and turning it into a celebration of the Temple's rededication, the Hashmonaim were trying to express their victory over Hellenism. Or perhaps they simply recognized the fact that much of the assimilated Jewish populace would go on celebrating Saturnalia whether they liked it or not, and thus tried to co-opt the pagan holiday into a Jewish one.

In conclusion: The Gemara in Avodah Zarah shows us that the Hashmonaim "borrowed" the ancient Winter Solstice festival as a branch upon which to graft their own holiday – just as the Christians did a few centuries later.

Don't get me wrong – I certainly don't think a self-respecting Jew ought to celebrate Christmas. But I wouldn't tell a Jew not to celebrate it on account of its connection with Saturnalia. After all, Hanukah is clearly connected with it, too.

Further information:

For more information on the origins of Hanukah, I highly recommend the following excellent shiurim and articles. They all relate to the topic of this post, and considerably more, as well:

• The Origins of Hanukah (Hebrew)
  by R. Uri Cherki
  Merkaz Ourim
  [hattip: Jameel]
  
• The Day the Foundation of God's Temple was Laid
  (According to the Prophecies of Hagai and Zekhariah) (Hebrew)
  by R. Yoel bin-Nun
  Megadim, Vol. XII (Tishrei 5751)
  [hattip: Avrohom Shimon Tendler]
  
• Hanukah of the Generations (Hebrew)
  by Dr. Gavriel H. Cohen
  Bar Ilan University, Bible Department
  
• Chanuka - Its Biblical Roots (English)
  by R. Menachem Leibtag
  The Tanach Study Center

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From the Modi'in HANGLO email list

Actually, I wasn't sure whether to inlclude in this post's title "CRANGLO" (ChRristian ANGLOs) or HANGLO, Hellinist ANGLOs. (both based on the "JANGLO" -- Jerusalem Anglo list)

This morning, I was working on a post about the good news that 95% of Jewish Israeli households light Chanuka candles according to a recent Gesher survey. I was going to write about R' Shmuel Eliyahu's article this past Shabbat that "Secular Israelis are Not Hellinists"…and then, I got the following email thread from the Modi'in "anglo" email list.

You know, Modi'in, named for Ancient Modi'in, the place of origin of the Jewish Hasmonean dynasty that ruled Judea in the first and second centuries BCE, and it is where the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Greeks started? THAT Modi'in.

So what was so baffling about this email thread? People on this email list were pining for Christmas Carols to be sung in the Modi'in park -- not by Christians, but by Jews, Anglo-Israelis!

Makes you wonder why a Jew would move from the US to Israel, just to sing Christmas "just to enjoy beautiful" Carols?

Wishing you all a Happy Chanuka, in which we celebrate the affirmation of our Jewish heritage over assimilation with foreign cultures and religions.

--Jameel

PS: To all our friends in Modi'in who want to carol away the night, here's something worthwhile to read as background information on your joyous holiday caroling. (hat-tip, DovBear)

(names changed and email addresses removed to prevent lawsuits)

Email #1

CG wrote:

Hi List!

My wife's hairdresser told her that there will be a Christmas carol service in Park Anabe [in Modi'in] on Wednesday night. Does anyone know what time it starts ?

Happy Holidays Y'all


Email #2:

On Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 8:43 PM, YG wrote:

Unbelievable!

Email #3:

On Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 9:17 AM, JB wrote:

What's so unbelievable? I'm curious. Is it so outrageous that someone might want to listen to Christmas carols here in Israel? Perhaps it's equally outrageous that a Jew living in the US might want to light candles on Chanukkah. If it really is being planned, I think it's a wonderful idea!

-JB

Email #4:

Hi

I did not hear of any positive confirmation of christmas carols taking place in park anabe this week

however as there is such an obvious popular demand for christmas carols in modiin, why dont we do an impromtu carols sing along in a park in modiin this wednesday night - any ideas ?

here is a list of carols to get everyone in the mood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christmas_carols

chag sameach to everyone

Email #5:

Hi,

How many Christians are there in Modi'in to make up a choir? And Xmas carols are not exactly Rudolph and Jingle Bells, they are praises to Jesus the Lord. Modi'in has been created as a Jewish city as most of the cities in Israel. And most of the cities in Israel that were set up in 1948, when the State of Israel was declared as a Jewish country, Ben Gurion and the other secular members of that government declared all the religious and national holidays to be the Jewish holidays. That is so that we would not be like other countries, but a Jewish country. Modi'in, also created as a Jewish city is not comparable to the US or any other city or country in the world. I don't think that singing dreidel songs in Catholic countries like a piazza in an Italian city, or a Spanish city would be appropriate either.

Of course we have Christian and other non-Jewish groups in Israel and they get budgets from the Misrad Hadatot just as synagogues get budgets. If anyone is really interested in hearing Xmas carols, or the midnite mass, my suggestion is to go to Yafo, Nazareth, J'lem or Latrun where there are concentrations of Christians and proper churches, and listen to an authentic rendition.

IMHO, it is not appropriate to have a public singing of Xmas carols right smack in the center of Modi'in. How many of the foreign workers are Christian, and how many of those will actually come?

G.

Email #6:

I beg to differ. Singing dreidel songs in Italy or anywhere else is just as appropriate as caroling in Israel. Modiin is just another city, with people like you that might not want to here carols and are there welcome to stay at home or go to a restaurant and support local businesses, or read a book, etc. There are other people, like me, Jewish, not afraid of other religions, do not believe in the message, just enjoying the beautiful songs. You don't like it, don't show up, it's that simple and it's called freedom of assembly.

S

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The Man Drawer

This video is pretty funny, but I will be the first to say I have more than one "man drawer"...and have a pile of clothes as well.



What do you have in your man drawer?

Sort of gives a whole new perspective to "megirot"...


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Gifts or Gelt

I was discussing this with Jameel last night.

Do you give Presents or Chanukah Gelt?

I'm not actually sure where either tradition began, so if someone can fill me in...

Anyway, growing up we usually got both (plus chocolate coins), but I think the presents had a bigger impact, after all, there was always that element of surprise and trying to figure out where your parents hid the gifts (plus in good years, there were 8 days of presents).

Jameel feels that the whole presents think is too Xmasy, and he only does the Gelt.

My kids are getting presents (toys, books, and puzzles).

And we all eat Latkes!

What do you do?

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Trumping Santa

Chanuka Sameach!


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Israel preparing additional cities for rocket attacks

"My Family's Preparations...for rocket attacks"

If it weren't so sad, it would be almost black-humor. These booklets are now being distributed in Kiryat Gat, Be'er Sheva, Ashdod...As rockets continue to rain down on Israel's south, Israel's Shabak head tells the government today: Hamas can reach Be'er Sheva. Yet lacking any strategic direction (except for the upcoming elections), Prime Minister Olmert stated that a "responsible government is not eager to fight"

The cabinet discussed the ongoing escalation in southern Israel on Sunday, following the lull's official end, as Defense Minister Ehud Barak urged Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to call on the ministers to "calm down and act responsibly."

"We cannot accept the situation manifesting in Gaza. I've instructed the IDF and the defense establishment to offer contingencies as to what can be done. We are guided by the need for a successful operation," he told his fellow ministers.

"We feel the pain of Sderot's residents, who are faced with daily trials, but all the harsh criticism is uncalled for and damages our deterrence."

Who was it that said Israel would spend this Chanuka in bomb shelters?

Oh right, that was debunked. Guess things will be safe after all.




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Nuclear Iran

Two black targets appear on the computer monitors in the operator's cubicle.

The warning siren in the Israeli Air Force base wails -- no one can mistake it. Within seconds, the operators are at their stations, communication headsets in place, as the cubicle officer's directives and information are disseminated. The complex radar and missile tracking system spews data at a frightening pace. Direction and height leave no room for doubt as to the target of the two "Shahab-3" Iranian ballistic missiles: within 10 minutes, they will enter Israel's airspace.

The battery commander computes the remaining time till impact.

In the "Bor", the Pit -- Israel 's military underground command post located deep beneath the Defense Ministry complex in Tel Aviv, people chew on their fingernails. Everyone knows that if one of those missiles would hit Israel, the State of Israel will never be the same as it once was.

Israel's media erupts in a frenzy with breaking news stories as residents run for cover to bomb shelters, while some crazies go to the rooftops and wait to get a glimpse of the end-of-the-world mushroom cloud. All of Israel's "Arrow Missile interceptors" are simultaneously launched.

In all the exercises over the past few years, the Arrow has successfully destroyed the oncoming missile, yet no one knows if this will really happen in real-life... (Makor Rishon, The Day of the Bomb, 12.12.08, translation, The Muqata)

The above scenario was written by Yoaz Hendel, a reporter for the Makor Rishon newspaper, as the preface to an article describing Israel's Defense establishment's preparations for a nuclear Iran.

"The one responsible for providing solutions to Iranian ballstic missiles is Israel's Air Force, and within them, the anti-aircraft [J@TM: which includes anti-missile] and satellite division. Within the IDF satellite command center, soldiers and young officers carefully scan large plasma screens -- for every object that rises to a particular height and a specific speed.

This information the relayed through closed circuit communications to the Kiriya's "Bor", to the human minds that control the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system."

I found this article rather sobering, in light of the book I'm currently reading; Former IDF Chief of Staff, Moshe Ya'alon's "The Longer Shorter Road" [Hebrew]. While he focuses much of his book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran is a major part of the book.

Excerpted from Caroline Glick's review of the book:

Last week Ya’alon published a book called The Longer Shorter Road in Hebrew. Ya’alon, whose tour of duty as Chief of Staff was unceremoniously cut short by former prime minister Ariel Sharon in June 2005 due to his trenchant opposition to Sharon’s planned withdrawal of IDF forces and Israeli civilians from the Gaza Strip, has written a book that sets out the facts of life clearly, credibly and passionately.

The book’s title is derived from a speech that Ya’alon’s commander, Yoram Ya’ir, gave to his officers during the First Lebanon War. Ya’ir explained that short-cuts are not necessarily better than long roads. In fact, it is often better to take the longest route. As Ya’ir put it, “There is a long road that is short and there are short roads that are long.”

Ya’alon uses Ya’ir’s point to demonstrate that the Israeli Left’s insistence on peace “now” and a solution to the Arab-Israel conflict “now” has placed Israel on a strategic trajectory that has brought it, and will continue to bring it only bloodshed and danger. Israel’s enemies in the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Syria and Iran view Israel’s insistence on finding immediate solutions to the threats it faces as a sign that Israeli society is collapsing.

As a consequence, every step that Israel has made toward appeasing its neighbors - from recognizing the PLO and bringing Arafat and his legions into Judea, Samaria and Gaza; to retreating from Lebanon in 2000 and Gaza in 2005; to failing to properly prosecute the Second Lebanon War in 2006; to doing nothing to combat Hamas’s regime in Gaza since 2007; to embracing the false paradigm of peace at Annapolis last November - has strengthened their conviction that Israel can and will be destroyed.

Ya’alon also dwells on the moral collapse of Israel’s political and media elite and that collapse’s adverse impact on the senior command echelons of the IDF. The abandonment of Zionist values and public and private integrity by our politicians and media has cast and kept Israel on a path of self-delusion, where the only thing that matters is immediate gratification. Politicians promise the public “hope” based on illusions of peace-around-the-corner to win their votes. The media support the politicians’ lies both because of the media’s post-Zionist ideological uniformity and due to their refusal to acknowledge that their populist demands for peace “now” have brought Israel only war and danger.

In exposing himself, his values and his beliefs to the public, and juxtaposing his own leadership experience and personal integrity with the corruption and weakness of our political and intellectual leaders, Ya’alon is telling the public in a very clear way that there is an alternative to defeatism and self-delusion, and that he - and we the public - represent that alternative, that “longer shorter road.”

With Palestinian Qassam rockets hitting Israel all weekend in the South, a Nuclear Iran waiting in the wings to the East, and Iran's proxy, Hizbolla arming itself to the North, I wish we had the leadership that could direct us through these turbulent times.

Unfortuantely, I don't see many.

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The Borg

You read it here first (on JoeSettler and the Muqata).

Dozens of Israeli policemen were seriously injured today during a training exercise.

The exercise was a simulation of a riot situation where the police were sent in to regain calm.

Some policemen apparently were unable to differentiate between the real world where they are told to savagely beat protesters and a training exercise against their fellow policemen where they are not supposed to hurt anybody.

Anyway, dozens of policemen found themselves on the receiving end of typical police violence commonly reserved just for settlers.

Dozens of policemen (possibly as high as 54) are being treated for concussions and possibly broken bones after their fellow overenthusiastic policemen confused their training partners with settlers and beat them mercilessly. (source, JPost published after Muqata's and JoeSettler's exclusive update)

Also during the exercise another policeman fell asleep at the wheel while driving, injuring over 30 other policemen.

Do you think there is a problem in the police force?

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Urbamba Legend

As if Israel doesn't have enough problems to worry about -- from Qassam rockets to tragic bus accidents, a new worry is plaguing parents of young children; a spate of mysterious deaths among infants and young toddlers.

Haaretz Reports:

The Health Ministry has launched an investigation into the sudden deaths in the past month of four toddlers and the severe illness of two others.

The cases, some of which were reported to the ministry in recent weeks by hospitals, including Schneider Children's Medical Center and the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, involved serious neurological and cardiac damage to the babies, but in most of the cases, no reason has been determined as yet for the illnesses or the deaths.

The initial ministry probe has turned up no connection among all six cases, although the ministry is still seeking one. The Health Ministry released a statement to the press yesterday that Schneider Children's had reported three recent cases of unusual illness among young children in the past three weeks. Of these, a 14-month-old girl, Ella Hanina, of Even Yehuda, died of unknown causes.

The child arrived at the hospital with extreme brain damage that led to her death. Her parents donated her organs.

Doctors believe Hanina had contracted the common intestinal virus Coxsackie B, which doctors say can cause severe damage in rare cases. However, physicians at Schneider are not sure the virus was the cause of the child's death.

Today, a spam mail flew around Israel connecting the unfortunate deaths to...the quintessional Israeli children's snack: Bamba.

Bamba's manufacturer Osem was less than impressed, and the Ministry of Health issued a statement that Bamba has not been linked to the deaths. Osem's stock fell 6% on Israel's stock exchange, and Osem has filed charges with Israel's police to find the person responsible for the urban legend spam email...and is intending to sue them as well. (source in Hebrew)

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Dreams 101

I had a very odd dream last night -- I was transported back [in time?] to Yeshiva College, and was required to attend a course in English Composition.

I was unsure why I had to take the course as it seemed apparent to that I had already fulfilled the requirement for graduation. I raised all sorts of issues to the professor who replied "those are advanced topics, we won't be discussing those in the framework of this course." The dream seemed to drag on and on, and I found the whole experience rather weird.

It could be that Yeshiva College has been on my mind because of the largest fraud in the history of the universe, committed by Bernard Madoff (trustee of Yeshiva University and Chairman of YU's business school) -- and the involvement of J. Ezra Merkin -- the scion of a philanthropic family known for its support of Modern Orthodox causes and also a YU trustee and chairman of YU's investment committee. The email letter I received (in triplicate) from YU's president, Richard Joel was reassuring about YU's financial future (depsite someone on YC's campus rumor-mongering that tuition would be raised to $50K/year for undergraduates.)

Maybe it had to do with my free-food post last week about YU (which I'm sure Madoff would appreciate these days).

Any dream analysts out there?

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Tragic Bus Accident near Elat

MDA (Magen David Adom emergency medical and rescue)received the first report at 3:00 PM of a bus accident, 12 kilometers north of Elat on highway 12 (the road that goes north-south along the Israel-Egyptian border)

As of 4:21 -- there are reports of at least 24 dead, and 32 wounded, many of them seriously. The bus was transporting European tourists who had just landed an hour earlier at the Ovda landing strip airport, and the bus flipped over 60 meters (250 feet) off the road into a wadi below.

So far over 34 ambulances, 5 Mobile ICUs, 1 mass casualty mobile unit, and 5 medivac helicopters have been dispatched to the scene to offer emergency services and transport to Eilat's Yoseftal hospital and others.

The Yoseftal hospital has announced a general call up for all doctors in the Eilat and Negev region to please come to the Yoseftal hospital to offer medical assistance.

(More here on ynetnews in English)


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Go North Revisited

This is not really an ad for Nefesh B'Nefesh's Go North program. I was reading YNET and there was an article about what NBN is offering to Olim that join the Go North program.

"New Anglo olim settling in northern Israel will receive a NIS 100,000 ($25,000) grant and a car for a two-year period, as part of Nefesh B'Nefesh's new 'Go North' initiative, aimed at encouraging the immigration of English speaking Jews to Israel's northern communities.

"Some $10 million were allocated towards the project.

"Nefesh B'Nefesh sources believe most of the families would prefer jeeps or pickup trucks that are more suited for the northern terrain.

"And if that's not enough, each immigrant child will immediately upon landing in Israel be given intensive private Hebrew lessons – free of charge

OK, if that isn't enough financial incentive to make Aliya with the Nefesh B'Nefesh Go North program, especially with the US (and US Jewry's) economy in such trouble, then I don't know what is.

It's like winning the lottery.

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Feiglin: The Devil Incarnate

(courtesy, Shay Charka, Makor Rishon)

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Put Down Your Waffles

Friends, it is time to put down your waffles and click here to read the latest edition of Haveil Havalim. It is issue number 196 and it is chock full of nifty stuff.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Start Fresh

--Advertisement--

The advertiser I going to tell you about is StartFresh.

StartFresh is an online Kosher diet plan. You sign up with them, tell them your current weight, your desired weight, and they present you with 3 daily meal plans (full meals with recipes plus midday snacks) for you to eat your way to a healthier you (I know I heard that phrase somewhere, must be some commercial).

Batya, over at me-ander is actually trying the StartFresh diet and keeping a daily journal with pictures of her meals. You can go to her blog and check it out!

Anyhoo, I don't really need it myself, but I took a look at the "Sneak Peeks" on their site and I liked the recipe for Oriental Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry, it came out quite good.

This clearly isn't some boring food diet, but one where you eat tasty stuff, but in the right portions and with the right balance.

The site has a recipe library for members as well as holiday (Shabbat, Chanukah, etc.) related recipes.

So with Chanukah coming up (with all those jelly doughnuts and latkas), you want to look good in front of that shiny Menorah. Check out StartFresh.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Go to the StartFresh website and send them your email address. They will send you (free) the recipe for their Baked Sufganiot (Jelly Doughnuts).

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Israel Flyover on Friday evening

Two spectacular events this Friday evening:

1. Tonight's full Moon is the biggest of the year, as much as 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser Moons earlier in 2008. An astronomer would say this is a "perigee Moon" because it occurs at perigee, the side of the Moon's elliptical orbit closest to Earth for the next 15 years.

Go outside tonight and soak up some moonlight. (source)

2. This evening --(Friday, around Maariv time), starting at 5:03 PM, the International Space Station AND the Hubble Telescope will be visible above Israel.

5:03 PM -- appears from the west

5:07 PM -- highest point, 47 degrees south

5:11 PM -- disappears to the east/south east.

Credit: Israel Astronomy Association

Shabbat Shalom!

כשם שאני רוקד כנגדך ואיני יכול לנגוע בך כך לא יוכלו כל אויבי לנגוע בי לרעה

--Jameel

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Feiglin - the leader

Feiglin has just showed that he is so much bigger than Bibi.

Feiglin was interviewed on Mabat (Channel 1) and this is what he said.



To begin with Feiglin said he has no intention of taking his case to the Supreme Court - even though legally he should win.

First of all, because the Supreme Court is simply Left and he has no faith in it, secondly and more important, because he plans to enter the Knesset because of a large Likud and the will of the voters, and not because of some win in court.

Furthermore, he said Bibi is just shooting himself in the leg. He compared him to Sharon, who also went against the will of the voters. He said Bibi acted anti-democratically.

Feiglin has chosen to not rip apart the Likud in a legal battle. He has shown that he is the leader that Bibi is not.

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Israel's Left/Right to Visit Each Other

Israel's extreme Left wing will be visiting Hevron this coming Shabbat.

The visitors will include Gush Shalom, Women's Coalition for Peace, Israel's Organization against house demolition, Ta'yush, Yesh Gvul, and others -- with the intent of "meeting with families that were wounded by settlers from the destruction of the "Peace House'"...and "touring around different places in Hevron" (source)

Not to be outdone, Israel's extreme right plans an Israeli flag march through the Israeli Arab town of Umm al-Fahm. The flag march, labeled by the media as an "incitement rally" was approved by Israel's Supreme Court.

Despite the ruling, a number of groups including Meretz, the Kibbutz Movement, Peace Now have called for the cancellation of the rightist rally in the city.

"Chairman of the forum of regional heads in Wadi Ara Ilan Sade said, "The rightists' rally is dynamite that could drag the region and the whole country into violent clashes. We must not allow a handful of extremists to ruin the harmony we have in the region." (source)

Prediction; The visit to Hevron will take place, the flag march in Umm al-Fahm will not.

Would it be nice if we could all just visit each other?

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Go North

-- Advertisement --

Nefesh B'Nefesh is at it again, and this time even Olim already in Israel are eligible.

What am I talking about?

NBN is pushing Olim to Go North. NBN is offering serious grants and assistance for Olim (new or older), who would go live in communities in Israel's North.

What is interesting is that unlike other NBN grants, this one is also open to Olim already in Israel!

The program offers 2 tracks, one for people looking to integrate into an all Israeli community, and the other if someone wants to join a Garin of English speakers in a more mixed community.

Both tracks come with significant financial incentives and support.

Something for everyone. So Go North with Nefesh B'Nefesh.

I wonder if I can convince my wife to move to a settlement on the Golan Heights.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Food Lure at YU: Preparation for Life

Nostalgia.

Probably one of the first words that comes to mind to the alumni of any college, as good memories usually wash over the challenging or difficult events experienced as a student. My Yeshiva College experience is no different, and I routinely chuckle and smile fondly back at events that transpired almost 2 decades ago.

Yeshiva College helps reinforce nostalgia through their "keep in touch" email list, and I occasionally scan through their emails to see what's going on.

Yesterday's email from YU to their alumni was a "back to the future" moment:

Dear Alumni,

The Yeshiva University Office of Alumni Affairs and the Career Development Center are hosting a free Speed Networking event on January 12th, 2009 7:00pm at 245 Lexington, New York City.

Speed networking is a networking event with an accelerated twist. It is a way to improve your business networking techniques and grow your business by expanding your contacts and building relationships with other people. In this structured environment you will interact with many individuals with whom you may have never otherwise had the chance to network.

During speed networking you will have the ability to:

• Reunite with your former classmates and meet fellow alumni
• Make more business contacts in one night than most make in a month
• Network face-to-face while perfecting your "30-second" pitch
• Find a mentor / become a mentor to others
• Meet YU's Career Development Center (CDC) team
• Eat free food sponsored by YU

We are in tough times. If you aren't personally feeling it affect your life I assume you know someone who could use a helping hand. Whether you just graduated or are 20 years out of college you have the power to help someone else and benefit from meeting people who could help you achieve what you want

Wow -- Free Food!

Nothing ever changes at YU...

A cursory search of the Yeshiva College student newspaper, The Commentator revealed:

4/10/03

Many times people go to YSU events just for the free food and then leave. This is not the goal of the events. I would like to have free food, but I would also like to hire entertainment that will do just that: ENTERTAIN !!

10/29/03

Students enjoyed free food and live music, while browsing through Israeli vendures.

12/27/04

A formula to pique the interest of its students to partake in Chanukah festivities: some sort of music or promise of faculty embarrassment coupled with the advertisement of free food. So it came to pass that during this past Hanukah, aside from the daily jelly doughnuts and latkes sold in the cafeteria, this formula was applied repeatedly in SOY's (Student Organization of Yeshiva) "Eight Crazy Nights."

Many students showed up on the unseasonably warm, first night of Chanukah for a Kumzits and free Dougies in the Morg lounge. An early gorging of the famous Dougies Buffalo Wings by those that were punctual left little or none for latecomers, so the music of Yacov Young, who led the intimate Kumzits with slower, Carlebach type singing, was the only treat left for those who stayed.

And then I gave up copy/pasting.

Were we all so famished, that the siren song of "free food" caused us to drop everything, and swoon over doughnuts, french-fries, wings, or latkes? (or were we just poor?)

Getting an email from YU offering free-food just makes me laugh.

It's not like it's a hot-fleishiks-kiddush...


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Weiss Leading Rebel Army?

(IsraelNN.com) Efraim Sneh, formerly a Labor \Knesset member, called Monday for Defense Minister Ehud Barak to jail Land of Israel activist Daniella Weiss. Weiss is “leading a rebel force,” he said.

Sneh accused Weiss and fellow activists of carrying out “pogroms” and “threatening to ignite all of Judea and Samaria.” Weiss “leads people to rebel and openly incites against the state of Israel,” Sneh alleged. “It cannot be that someone who stands at the head of armed, anti-state forces and threatens soldiers will be allowed to walk freely and spread poison openly, in front of television cameras, as if there was no law in Israel,” he said.

He called on Barak to charge Weiss with incitement to violence, violating an IDF order, disrupting soldiers as they carried out an order, sedition, and “many other crimes”.

Helmeted Yassamniks arrest Weiss in Beit HaShalom. A few moments later, Ephraim Sneh enters, dressed in black and breathing heavily.

Weiss: Lord Sneh, I should have known. Only you could be so bold. The Knesset will not sit for this, when they hear you've attacked an official –

Sneh: Don't play games with me, Your Highness. You weren't on any mercy mission this time. You passed directly through a closed military zone. (Picks up Weiss' confiscated cell phone) Several calls were made to this phone by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you.

Weiss: I don't know what you're talking about. I'm a member of the Kedumim Local Council on an official mission to Hevron –

Sneh: You're a part of the Rebel Alliance, and a traitor. Take her away!

Afterward, Sneh and Barak threaten to destroy "illegal outposts" as Weiss is force to watch, unless she reveals to them the location of the secret Rebel base...

(courtesy of Lurker)

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Defending Settlers from knee-jerk reactionaries

Last week, the Hevron "Peace House" evacuation was the news of the day. The only thing the media could write about was the "settler violence". Ehud Olmert called it a pogrom against the Palestinians, BTselem offered a video of a settler allegedly shooting a Palestinian for no apparent reason, except demonstrate that "settlers are racists", and the final straw was the call to demand swift action against the settler.

Since then, some cooler heads seem to have emerged (surprisingly).

Public Security Minister Dichter announced "We know what a pogrom is" and added that the Prime Minister's use of the word was totally unsuitable. "There was no pogrom of Jews on Arabs in Hebron, and anyone who uses the term 'pogrom' plans to degrade," he added. "Hevron is not on fire; there is no Jewish intifada." (source)

The settler from the video was "swiftly" arrested (after he turned himself in).

During the hearing Brauda's lawyer Ariel Atari said his client, who has never been involved in any violent incidents, had gone to the wadi to keep his son away from the disputed house, when he was surrounded by Arabs carrying large stones and feared for his life.

The judge decided to let Brauda free, and is only under "house arrest" despite the police's recommendation, State Prosecutor's direct involvement:

Before issuing her decision, Jerusalem Magistrate's Court's Judge Malka Aviv harshly criticized the police. "The police are being extremely lenient towards the behavior of the Palestinian residents in that incident… We cannot play a part in such outright double standards."

The judge pointed out that none of the other people involved in the serious incident were arrested by the police and no proceedings were opened against them, when it was clear that Brauda was being lynched. (source)

The judge made it amply clear that Brauda was clearly in a life-or-death situation, yet that didn't stop the media or Ehud Barak from immediately painting the settler as the devil's spawn.

I predict Brauda will be exonerated, and can gaurantee you that the State will appeal.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Netanyahu's Challenge

Despite the echelons and media of Israel who outright bemoan that "right wing" people make up the Likud's list for the upcoming elections, Israel's public seems impervious to the lambasting criticism. In fact, in national polls done after the Likud election results were announced, the Likud has either stayed the same in terms of electoral seats in the Knesset, or even gained a seat.

It's clear that the people of Israel want a right-wing government, a right-wing Likud, or at a minimum, they aren't scared off by leftist yollering that the country is doomed if Moshe Feiglin and those who rejected Sharon's Disengagement plan are in the Knesset.

The problem is Netanyahu.

Instead of bothering to read the Likud's pro-Eretz Yisrael platform, or respect the will of the Likud membership, he is trying every dirty trick possible to ensure Moshe Feiglin is evicted from the Likud's list -- or at least relegated to a spot where his Knesset entry would be unlikely.

If Netanyahu, G-d forbid, succeeds in removing Feiglin from the #20 spot on the Likud's list, my prediction for the Likud is dire.

Right now, the Likud has an excellent list of candidates. Were Netanyahu to continue to his attempts to oust Feiglin, I predict he will lose support to the tune of the Likud's majority over Labor and Kadima.

Netanyahu: Just accept the fact that Feiglin's #20 on your list, and join forces to win the election. Pandering to the left and the media will seriously backfire.

Additional Links to ponder:

Ben-Chorin's post primaries analysis and how Netanyahu will try to force Feiglin off the list.
Netanyahu attempts to oust Feiglin at all costs. (YNET)

Lastly, this sycophantic op-ed article from Efrat Shapira-Rosenberg (Stop the Occupation).

If we go back a few decades, we'll see that the members of religious Zionism were raised on the principle of "integration." Most of us, who grew up in mixed cities, in religious high schools and in the Bnei Akiva youth movement, were brought up to study a profession and assimilate into the state's institutions: The army, the legal system, academia, various commercial companies, etc. To integrate out of a desire to be part of the Zionist project called the State of Israel.

We were not sent on a jihadist mission to make a point to someone or to spread a message. But simply to fit in, to be equal-right partners, to build something together and to bring to this "togetherness" our own special ingredients.

What Shapira-Rosenberg fails to realize is that the "religious Zionist" movement in Israel is not seen as an equal partner (nor has it ever been). While she may like to naively believe that religious Zionism is accepted as equal right partners, the fact of the mater is totally the opposite. Religious Zionist schools in Israel cost a fortune compared to regular Israeli -- both secular public schools and Chareidi Ultra Orthodox schools. Only the "religious Zionists" are politely not given the same funding (despite paying equal taxes as secular, working parents, and despite serving in the IDF).

In fact, if Shapira-Rosenberg thought about Feiglin in the Likud for more than a knee-jerk reactionary second, she would realize that the ideal place for national-religious politicians is IN the Likud! Where else can we help lead the country? Shape the country's future? From a NRP Beni Akiva snif in Givat Shmuel?

We are not embarrassed to say we want to lead Israel.

Shapira-Rosenberg's scary diatribe against us is a result of shame and programming that religious Zionists are not meant to lead, but be led.

PS: For those of you who want to read more about Moshe Feiglin's actual answers to questions -- its all here at ynetnews (and in English). On the Hebrew ynet article, there are over 700 talkbacks, the vast majority of them are positive.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Likud's Rebirth

It is with gratitude to G-d and a deep satisfaction that I write these words this morning -- after years of hard work, the Likud had the potential this morning to have made a significant return to its commitment to a nationalistic platform, a commitment to the land of Israel, and an awareness of the unique Jewish character of the State of Israel.

The Likud's new list from the primaries is comprised of mostly decent people, many of whom rejected the Disenagegment under the Sharon government, inclduing many open to the acceptance of the manhigut yehudit, Jewish leadership faction. Moshe Feiglin (#20) and his supporters reached realstic spots -- and many of those I urged people to vote for are in excellent spots.

The list is as follows, with those I recommended in orange. (Those in plain bold, I didn't actievly endorse, but are good as well)

1) Binyamin Netanyahu
2) Gideon Sa'ar (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
3) Gilad Erdan (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
4) Reuven Rivlin (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
5) Bennie Begin (Right wing)
6) Moshe Kahlon (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
7) Silvan Shalom (Refused to criticize Manhigut Yehudit, not a Netanyahu Yes-man)
8) Moshe Ya'alon (IDF Chief of Staff, Fired by Sharon for not wanting to carry out Disengagement)
9) Yuval Steinitz (Voted for the Disengagement under the Sharon government, yet acknowledges it was a mistake)
10) Leah Nass (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
11) Yisrael Katz (Mostly voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
12) Yuli Edelstein (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
13) Limor Livnat (Pushed to second woman's spot by Leah Ness, a better candidate)
14) Haim Katz
15)Yossi Peled
16) Michael Eitan (Our best chance for real judicial reform -- could offset Dan Meridor by having a better showing, which is why I voted for him)
17) Dan Meridor (Our biggest danger in the Likud)
18) Tzipi Hotobeli (Excellent new candiadate)
19) Gila Gamliel
20) Moshe Feiglin (Head of the Jewish Leadership, Manhigut yedhudit faction, in a realisitc spot)
21) Ze'ev Elkin
22) Yariv Levine
23) Tzion Piyan
24) Michael Ratzon (Voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
25) Ayoub Kara (Right wing Druze MK - aligned directly with Manhigut Yehudit)
26) Danny Dannon
27) Carmel Shama
28) Ophir Akoonis
29) Ehud Yatom (Mostly voted against Disengagement under the Sharon government)
30) Alali Adamso
31) Yitzhak Danino
32) David Eventzur
33) Keti Sheetrit
34) Miri Regev
35)Sagiv Asulin Manhigut Yehudit Representative
36) Boaz Ha'etzni Manhigut Yehudit Representative for "YESHA" district
37) Guy Yifrach
38) Asaf Hefetz Thank G-d he was relegated to spot #38. Police Chief who was extremely anti-right wing.
39) Yehiel Leiter
40) Keren Barak
41) Danny Benlulu
42) Uzi Dayan Best news of the day. Bibi's ultra leftist who actively supported and helped architect the Oslo Accords -- gets pushed to an unrealistic spot.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Kosher Quandary: YU Event on Tuesday, Dec. 9!

The event will be LIVE-STREAMED here. (7 PM on December 9)

RABBIS OF ALL MAJOR ORTHODOX ORGANIZATIONS TO ADDRESS THE "KOSHER QUANDARY: ETHICS AND KASHRUT" IN LIGHT OF AGRIPROCESSORS SCANDAL TUESDAY, DEC. 9 AT YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

In light of the ongoing Agriprocessors scandal that has rocked the kosher meat industry and the Orthodox community, Rabbi Avi Shafran, director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America, Rabbi Menachem Genack, rabbinic administrator and CEO of the Orthodox Union's Kashrut Division and rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Rabbi Basil Herring, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America, and Shmuly Yanklowitz, co-founder and director of Uri L'Tzedek, will engage in a candid conversation on the interplay between ethics and kashrut at a program on Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m. in Weissberg Commons on Yeshiva University's main campus, 2495 Amsterdam Ave. at 184th St., New York.

The program – "The Kosher Quandary: Ethics and Kashrut" – serves as the launch event for the new student-run organization at YU called TEIQU, A Torah Exploration of Ideas, Questions, and Understanding. The organization is devoted to nurturing intellectual dialogue on campus surrounding Jewish matters of import.

The panelists will explain their views and insights on the kosher quandary, address recent developments and share their prescriptions for action.

Who: Rabbis of All Major Orthodox Organizations
What: "The Kosher Quandary: Ethics and Kashrut
When: Tuesday, December 9, 2008; 7 p.m.
Where: Weissberg Commons, Yeshiva University
2495 Amsterdam Ave. at 184th St.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Technical Troubles Plague Jerusalem

11:31 AM Jerusalem, ISRAEL

A Jerusalem tractor cut through 2 of Bezeq's fiber optic lines this morning causing severe technical problems for cell phones, internet and land line usage, as well as the Likud Primaries digital elections.

Not only is the Jerusalem voting location, "Binyanei HaUma" currently "offline", but surrounding areas Mivasseret Zion and Bet Shemesh are affected as well.

I think its time to ban tractors from Jerusalem, period

(anonymous tractor responsible for "accidental" fiber optical cable cut pictured above)


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Final Recommendation List (for now)

The Manhigut Yehudit Website has the following list (which is also listed below)
My recommendations/additions are in Orange.

Every voter MUST vote for 12 candidates on the general roster plus 2 olim on the olim list and one district candidate. Ballots with additional or fewer names will not be counted. Each candidate has a number that will appear on the voting screen. Please vote for the following:

General List

1. Moshe Feiglin (151)
2. Sagiv Asulin (106)
3. Gilad Ardan (107) <--- not my personal favorite, but voted against the disengagement
4. Benny Begin (109)
5. Gila Gamliel (116)
6. Moshe Kachlon (135) <--- not my personal favorite, but voted against the disengagement
7. Osnat Mark (141)
8. Gidon Sa'ar (147) <--- not my personal favorite, but voted against the disengagement
9. Ruby Rivlin (163)

To complete your vote for the General List, you must add another 3 names. Please add names from the recommended candidates list below. If you prefer to replace Begin, Rivlin, Sa'ar, Ardan or Kachlon - all of whom will get in anyway - with other worthwhile candidates, please use the list of recommended candidates below:

Efraim Even (102)	David Menna (143)
Yuli Edelstein (103)	Bilhah Nissenson (145)
Miriam Erez (108)	Leah Ness (146)
Daniel Benlulu (112)	Nazia Abdallah (150)
Eli Gabbai (115)	Nurit Koren (156)
Zeev Jabotinsky (120)	Michael Kleiner (157)
Tzippy Chotobeli (125)	Ayub Kara (158)
Ehud Yatom (133)	Michael Ratzon (164)
Michael Kafri (136)	Zalman Shoval (166)
Moshe Moskal (142)	Etti Talmi (170)

Jameel adds: In addition to the above, I am adding:

Miki Eitan (104)
Moshe Yaalon (132)

In addition, please vote for the following two "house" candidates for the Olim list.

Olim List
Shmuel Sackett (211)
Asya Entov (203)

District Voting
Boaz Haetzni (358) Yesha District [or Yossi Fuchs 359)
Keti Shitrit (357) PLEASE VOTE FOR THE BEST CANDIDATE: FRED MONCHARSH (355) Jerusalem District
Emanuel Vizer (333) Tel Aviv District
Alon Siso (346) Haifa and Krayot District
Danny Danon (320) Coastal District
Yariv Levin (304) Shfela

Postscript: Jeffrey adds that Zeev Jabotinsky is a good vote. I won't disgree. You could also choose to support any of the anti-Disengagment MKs: (Gidon Sar, Gilad Ardan). If you think that Benny Begin will help us...than he's also a possibility. I haven't finalized my exact list, but till post it around 5 PM.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Likud Primaries Recommendations

Tomorrow, Monday Dec 8th marks a very important milestone in Israeli politics.

Likud members will be voting to create the "list" of who will be running on the Likud party's list in the upcoming national election.

I joined the Likud over 13 years ago through the Manhigut Yehudit faction within the Likud, out of the conviction that to lead the country, you need to be in a party that has the potential to lead. Coming from the United States, one can be a liberal Republican, a conservative Democrat, and expect that the majority party (or President from a specific party) will need to represent the entire country. In Israel, we still have a far way to go -- I recall Yitzchak Rabin's infamous comment that he is only the Prime Minister of 98% of the country -- directly implying that the settlers (and their security) were not his responsibility, nor did he view any connection to them.

The Likud should be a large party which can represent a majority of Israel's interests. Perhaps it's naive, but so should any ruling party. There should be no need for splinter self-interest groups representing "religious" or "chareidi" or "Sephardi" or "Worker" rights -- but they should be able to find a willing niche in any large party.

The smaller parties only view to influence policy, and worry about their own narrow minded self-interests, but are myopic when it comes to the "big" picture and leading the country.

With this in mind, I wanted to help be a part of leading Israel, not just "influencing".

In tomorrow's vote, you can pick 12 candidates running in the "national" slot, 2 candidates for the "immigrant" spot, and 1 candidate for a regional spot (based on your region).

Unfortunately, I can't list a total of 12 worthy candidates who would stand on their own merit -- from a political, rightwing point of view, as well as being intelligent, responsible law-makers.

Nevertheless, my list is as follows:

For the 12 "National list" candiates:

151 Moshe Feiglin. Moshe has been spearheading the Jewish leadership campaign within the Likud over the past 14 years, and I believe that this election will be a test of whether "Mahigut Yehudit" (MY) is going in the direction we hope it will.

103 Yuli Edelstein

146 Leah Ness

125 Zipi Hutabeli (comments from the Ben-Bayit blogger indicate she's a Bibi yes man. Waiting for anything to substantiate this...otherwise, many indicate she's a good choice).

106 Sagiv Asulin The MY candidate. Can't say he is the inculcation of MY's ideology, but he is running with MY's support.

163 Rubi Rivlin

142 Moshe Muskal

132 Moshe Yaalon Yaalon will get in -- the point is he needs to be ranked much higher than Dan Meridor so he can help pull Bibi rightwards away from Meridor.

104 Miki Eitan Yes, he supported the Disengagement. So did Gila Gamliel who is currently being touted by the MY list. I'd prefer Eitan (who I know personally), because I would much rather see him as Justice Minister than Meridor. Again, anything than will lower Meridor's chance of being Justice Minister is important. Miki's one of the few ariticulate and intelligent parlimentarians in the Knesset, and he does realize the mistakes of the Disengagement. (And unlike others, he really cares about helping those thrown out of their homes)

I can't bring myself to list some of the others (yet). While they did vote against the Disengagement, I can't see myself voting for some of these people.

I will not vote for knee-jerk Netanyahu yes men, even if they are religious Jews living in Yesha...which is why I'm waiting for more feedback about Tzipi Hutabili.

For the 2 Olim Spot: (the following are the MY choices)

203 Asia Antov
211 Shmuel Sackett

For the Yesha spot (if you are a Yesha resident) -- both of the following are excellent choices. I'm highlighting Hetzni, simply because he's the MY choice.

358 Boaz Haetzni (The MY candidate)
359 Yossi Fuchs

For the Jerusalem Spot (if you are a Jerusalem resident), I fully support

355 Fred Moncharsh One of the most dedicated MY supporters and a real mover/shaker for the Likud. I know Fred personally, and endorse him in the warmest of terms.


I'm open to change a bit...will be back later.

Jameel

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Muqata's Guide to Voting in the Likud Primaries

On second thought, I will have a separate post. Coming up soon.


Coming soon with recommendations for tomorrow's primaries.

In the meantime, this is mandatory reading

Here's everything you need to know about the Likud primaries, which are scheduled for December 8.

One person's take on Manhigut Yehudit and The Likud

Matot Arim's -- Recommendations (note, these are not mine...yet...coming up soon) Of the list below that I endorse 100%, I have highlighted in orange.

Where do we vote?? Click here: http://www.likudnik.co.il/page.aspx?pageID=24. Bring your teudat zehut or if you can't find it -- your driving license. You don't need to vote where you live -- vote at any convenient station on the above list. It's from 9 AM to 11 PM, but better to go early.

What are the rules? You must vote for 12 general candidates, 2 olim and 1 regional candidate (total: 15). The computer does not accept your vote until you do.

Recommended candidates (firmly against Palestinian state in word thought and deed, as per our written records and research):

Olim: first vote -- Asya Entov 203. Second vote -- Shmuel Sacket 211 or Ariel Bulstein 210.

Regional (you can only vote for ONE of these -- according to your city of residence): In Shfela (Rehovot, Ashdod, Rishon, etc.) : Yariv Levin 304 or Dr. Gabi Avital 301 (both great). In Gush Dan: 324 Tali Argaman. In Haifa: 345 Yonatan Goldblatt. In Coastal Plain: 320 Danny Danon. In Galilee, 310 Davidi Harmelin. In Tel-Aviv: 333 Emanuel Veiser. In Yesha 359 Yossi Fuchs or 358 Boaz Haetzni, both excellent. In Jerusalem, 351 Dudu (David) Golan. (Shmuel Slavin 356 and Kati Shitrit 357 are more realistic albeit less good). In Regional Councils, Moshe Tayar 362. In the Negev, Eli Malca 340.

Choose your 12 general candidates from the following who are firmly against Palestinian state in word thought and deed, as per our written records and research:

Ayub Kara 158, Michi Ratzon 164, Ehud Yatom 133, Leah Nes 146, Daniel Benlulu 112, Moshe Feiglin 151, Zipi Hutabeli 125, Sagiv Asulin 106, Haim Katz 137, Yuli Edelstein 103, Rubi Rivlin 163, Michael Kleiner 157, Moshe Cahlon 135, Gilad Erdan 107, Gideon Saar 147, Gila Gamliel 116.

(Benny Begin and Bugi Yaelon are good too, but since they are definitely going to get in with or without your vote, it's better to use your vote to generate that crucial parliamentary majority against Palestinian state).

Fred Monchars 355 (Jerusalem Area)

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Haveil Havalim #194

It is the 194th edition of the Jewish/Israeli Blogosphere blog carnival. Go check it out over here.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

A Letter from Nadia Matar

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank the tens of people who called and sent emails to ask how I was doing. Thank G-d I feel better and returned home after having been in the hospital.

The many beatings by the expulsion forces dressed in black who kicked us and
beat us with their clubs during yesterday's expulsion from Bet Hashalom,
paralyzed me completely and the paramedics feared my neck and spine had been hurt. I was rushed to the Shaarei Tzedek hospital. Thank G-d, after different tests in the hospital all tests were shown to be ok.My body obviously hurts very much but that will pass in the next few days.My fighting spirit on the other hand has only increased and was strengthened after I had the honor to spend the entire last week, together with thousands of others, in Bet Hashalom.

We had the honor to get to know the 14 wonderful families who have been living in Bet Hashalom for the past year and eight months and the many other activists from Kiryat Arba Hebron. I am telling you, there are not enough words to describe those wonderful Jews. They gave us the most incredible lesson in hospitality and in love and total devotion to the Land of Israel. In addition, I want to salute the wonderful hundreds of youth who came to Bet Hashalom and strengthen them.

I would like to address the lies and disinformation coming out of Ehud Barak's office and being spread by the media. We are being told that the expulsion from Bet Hashalom went by "smoothly and was done within an hour".

It is important to announce that this is a complete lie . The truth is that against all expectations, the expulsion from Bet Hashalom took them at least four and a half days. As you recall, many expulsion troops already arrived in the area on Monday and it was clear that they planned to do it Monday night.

But thanks to the thousands of loyal Jews who came and stayed in Bet Hashalom, and thanks to the hundreds of youth who did not stay indifferent to the attacks by the Arabs, the planned expulsion was prevented and postponed.

This lasted till Thursday. Every day over a thousand people stayed in bet Hashalom and the government, understanding that this is not going to be as simple as they thought, just added more and more troops to the area.

In addition, the government did not expect that the planned expulsion would start such fierce demonstrations all over the country. There were daily protests all over the country by hundreds of jews outraged at the thought of the upcoming crime.

I am convinced that had we managed to keep over a thousand people in bet Hashalom also on Thursday, the expulsion would not have taken place and may this be a lesson for us in the future.

In addition, it is hard to say that the expulsion is over with. Yes, they managed to take us out temporarily from Bet Hashalom but since the expulsion there are demonstrations and disorder by loyal Jews protesting all over the country and hopefully this will just be the beginning. We must make sure that the government pays a heavy price for the expulsion of Jews so that in the future they will think twice if this is worth it for them. The message is clear: If it took so many days and so many forces to expel Jews from just one house-don't even think you will ever again be able to uproot Jews from an entire community. In addition to the protests all over the country, the bet Hashalom residents have already announced that they plan to go back to Bet Hashalom today, even if it means living in tents in the vicinity.

I am writing those words the day after the expulsion from Bet Hashalom. I am sure that in the next few days we will have many more conclusions and thought about what happened here so we can learn for the future struggles.

In conclusion, the expulsion forces who behaved like brutal violent monsters indeed managed to bruise our bodies but we are the ones who please G-d will give them the final blow. Our main revenge will please G-d come on February 10, election day, when the people of Israel will expel this anti-zionist, anti jewish bolchevic regime and will bring to power a national government. Let's just hope that this time, the new elected leaders will not disappoint us and will really be loyal to the Land of Israel, the People of Israel and the Torah of Israel.

Shabbat Shalom



Nadia Matar, co-chair of Women in Green and member of the Committee for the Struggle for Bet Hashalom
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Possesion is 9/10ths of the law...unless you are a Jew in Hevron

(scroll down for updates)

Despite calls for mediation, despite having been in the house for almost a year, despite hills of evidence of ownership and sale, Defense Minister Ehud Barak is trying to boost the Labor Party's standing, and has ordered a particularly violent, forced evacuation of the Peace House in Hevron. (3:01 PM)

Initial reports speak of large quantities of tear gas being used against the Jewish residents of the building, and the Police are preventing medial personnel from arriving at the scene. 4 MDA ambulances are being held up from from arriving.

Shock grenades are being used now as well.

More reports as they become available.

3:06 PM Reports of over 14 wounded by Black-uniformed YASAM policemen; their mission code name is "The Italian Job".

3:08 PM Channel 2 reports that a Jewish resident of the house was seriously wounded in his head by a policeman's bat.

3:10 PM Walla news reports 21 wounded. Pictures below from Channel 10 news.

3:13 PM Channel 2 reports over 30 shock, smoke and tear gas grenades were used against the Jews in Hevron. Reports of over 50 Ambulances on standby. A girl being administered oxygen and emergency breathing support can be seen on Channel 10.

Channel 2 reports that the "operation" is almost complete.

3:20 PM Hevron Spokesperson Noam Arnon reports that 5 are seriously wounded; an IAF medivac helicopter is about to evacuate one of the seriously wounded now, and there are dozens of lightly and moderately wounded Jews at the scene.

Ehud Barak chose the day of the Labor's Primaries to ensure Jews should not legally own property in Hevron.

The fires in hell are being stoked now for when he arrives at age 120.

5:30 Reliable Reports from inside Hevron report that there are hospitalized infants from tear-gas inhalation....and that the numbers being broadcast of less than 10 wounded overall, are simply media spin.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Expulsion

The police have begun violently evacuating the Peace House.

The Prosecutors office just closed one of the files against Olmert ("for lack of evidence").

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Will Injustice be served on Shabbat?

(picture added by Jameel...from today's Yediot Achronot, page 3)

Olmert began his term with "Convergence". He would expel Jews left and right from Judea and Samaria and "converge" them all elsewhere, today he said he would dump us all in the Negev.

But Olmert's convergence isn't what is really going on these days.

The Labor party is all but dead and his real plan is to pull a Meimad. All Barak touches he destroys with his ego and incompetence. You can get away with that unseen in the army, but in politics you can also get away with it, but everyone sees it.

He probably plans to merge Labor into Kadima.

Why?

Because he wants to continue to be Defense Minister, a position he has proven to be worse at than Amir Peretz.

The merging of Labor into Kadima is the first convergence.

The second convergence is the merging of Kadima/Labor into the Likud.

Netanyahu seems to be saying that he wants a National Unity Government. That only means he brings Kadima into his government (he's already bringing back some of their members to his list).

So you vote Likud, and we're back again with the same losers we just tried to kick out.

But that isn't the point of this post.

The point is that certain elements in the army and police have been trying to find a way out of expelling the owners and residents of the Peace House. But Barak has made it clear that that won't be happening, and if he has his way, injustice will be served.

Barak can't win against Hamas, Iran, Fatah or Hizbollah, so he must have at least one victory before elections to prove he is qualified to be Defense Minister, and if the only enemy he can fight and perhaps win against are Jewish teenagers in a house - so be it. A medal is a medal, and in the army no one else actually knows what your missions actually were to get you all those decorations on your chest.

To him the lessons must be clear.

If they are going to have any chance at this expulsion and him remaining Defense Minister he must do it in a way where the rest of the country (particularly the settlers) won't be getting in the way.

He will probably choose to publicly desecrate the Shabbat (alongside desecrating Truth and Justice) and have the expulsion when supporters from all over the country won't be able to hear of and arrive to fight his evil act.

We really need a true electoral reform to get rid of all these players that need to be once and for all kicked out of politics.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Hilltop Youth

I want to write about the so-called “Hilltop Youth” (as they are called). The Peace House is full of them as they converge onto the site for the expected showdown.

The media likes to portray them rather monolithically, as wild kids, disrespecting all authority (including the Rabbis), as weeds and dangers to society (sort of like they should portray Left-wing anarchists, but never do). As kids living outside of any societal framework, just wandering the fields. One leftist MK recently proposed they all be gathered up and put into reeducation centers.

Since the Gush Katif expulsion I’ve had the opportunity to get occasional (but insightful) glimpses into their world and their philosophy of the disenfranchised (from and by the State).

It turns out there are two groups of Hilltop Youth and they are very, very different.

The differences lie in their actions, their thoughts, and their origins.

The majority are good kids, healthy kids, good Jews, and simply good people. These are the ones that were sitting last night in the Ulam and learning Torah. That was nearly all of them.

These kids have a framework.

It may not be your typical conventional framework in any sense of the word, but it is definitely a positive framework. They learn Torah. They have Rabbis they talk with and follow. They debate the issues. They philosophize. They will fight for what they believe in. They explore our country and build small new communities. They believe and follow the Torah.

In short they are kids who are using their time positively to learn, create, grow, protect and build.

The second set is the small but highly publicized minority.

These are clearly troubled kids in their very early teens (12 - 15). They are not in any framework whatsoever except for the one that they are designing among themselves. They have no respect for any authority except themselves. They don’t explore the countryside, they wander it.

More interesting, apparently not only did many of these kids not grow up in the settlements, but just as likely, not even in a religious environment. These kids are imports from the cities where they could perhaps have just as easily ended up as druggies in Kikar Hamedina as they could have now as the local media darlings.

The origins are also different.

The first group was disenfranchised by the State, so they have given up on the state in return. But they haven’t given up their Jewish values or education.

The second group are typical problem kids that have found an outlet and escape in the hills of Judea and Samaria. But most did not start in strong framework (society, family, educational, religious) and are not in one now.

The first group of Hilltop Youth (the majority) are going to grow up and take various leadership roles in Jewish society.

The second set (the small minority)?

Without some sort of intervention (and that doesn’t mean reeducation centers) I don’t see them turning out well at all.

But who should take responsibility for them?

Avri Ran is one person who has, on his organic farm. But perhaps what is needed are social workers from within the community they've chosen to align themselves with. They would need government support, but not government intervention to make that happen.

Your thoughts?



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Holtzberg's

I left work for 30 minutes yesterday to pay my respects to the Chabad couple, Rabbi Gabi and Rivke Holtzberg, who were tortured and brutally murdered in Mumbai, India last week by Muslim terrorists. I drove to Beit Orot neat Har HaZeitim, put on my MDA EMT vest, took my equipment of of my car, and waited at the corner for the procession to pass. Loud Arab music erupted from the corner, so I went to the policeman and told him about it. He seemed unimpressed. I told him that it wass totally disrespectful for music to be blasting as a funeral procession was about to pass, and he had better do something about it.

I think my MDA vest helped, because he actually took me seriously, and forcefully told the Arabs to shut off their music. When they refused, he called over another police car to deal with them; the music ceased and the Arabs dispersed.

A minute later the procession came by. Police cars, MDA ambulances and Hatzala ambucycles led the way, followed by the black vans of the Chevra Kadisha, carrying the bodies of Gaby and Rivkie.

I walked along the sidewalk beside them, thinking about the terror attack. 20 seconds later they were gone, on their way for burial at Har HaZeitim.

Drove back to work, wondering why in every single generation, our enemies continue to pursue us.

May G-d Avenge their deaths - Hashem Yikom Damam.

**see this link about the Holtzberg's.


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Bulldozers in Hebron

Reports are coming in that the army is pulling into Hebron right now with Bulldozers.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Peace (House) in our time?

I just got back from the Peace House and I am trying to reach some conclusions.

I watched the “Hilltop Youth” today sitting in the main hall learning Gemorah, where just yesterday they were defending this stronghold and our right to be in Hebron - and Israel itself.

Some younger kids were acting up violently on the road outside, until the adults put an end to their shenanigans.

This evening was calm (though a friend of mine was arrested this morning in another event in Hebron – I happened to actually see that on a video on the internet).

I don’t think the police or the army were ready for yesterday at the Peace House. I suspect they figured that at worst it would be like Amona, where for the most part they got to break Jewish heads freely.

I suspect the police and army understand that if they continue in the direction Barak is forcing them to take, there will be a civil war long before Barak has a chance to lose any more seats than he has already.

I think it’s safe to assume that responsible leadership on both sides spoke today and decided to have the government forces back off before something irreversible happens. I am sure that a unilateral decision like that annoyed Barak, as something irreversible is exactly what he is hoping for.

Will the expulsion actually happen?

Based on yesterday I would say it is slightly less likely.

This won’t be a Gush Katif or Amona. The price for the Peace House is now far higher than the responsible members of the police and IDF are probably willing to pay. But then again, you have irresponsible politicians like Barak, who see this as a way to win Brownie Points from their dwindling number of constituents.

And then you also have members of the police that would be murderous sociopaths today if they hadn’t gotten a uniform which make certain actions socially acceptable. Clearly if one of those is in charge, we can still expect bad things.

A lot remains to be seen before I can draw some proper conclusions which I may try to do in another post another time.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Jews Murdered in Mumbai Arrive Home for Burial

The bodies of the murdered Jews in Mumbai arrived home in Israel last night at 11:00 PM. The funerals are scheduled for different times today -- the funeral for Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM in Kfar Chabad.

There has been much noise that the coffins were draped with Israeli flags due to a request from one of the families, and they insisted a tallit be placed on the coffin instead.

The coffins were all draped with flags and tallitot.

The family of slain Hasid Aryeh Leib Teitelbaum has informed the government that it would like the State not to intervene with his funeral.

According to a family member, "Holding a Zionist funeral for Teitelbaum, who was a Satmar Hasid, would desecrate the dead man's honor." The family demanded not to have a government representative at the funeral and that the casket, which will be flown into Israel today, would not be covered with the Israeli flag.

They also asked that Teitelbaum's body would be released immediately upon the plane's arrival, so that they would be able to hold an intimate funeral for him as soon as possible.

Shmuel Pfenheim of the Haredi Community anti-Zionist stream told Ynet: "I'm sending a message from the family. We don't want the State to meddle in our grief. Suddenly Israel has an interest to show the world that it is also a victim of global jihad, so it decides to throw a big ceremony with a coffin wrapped in a flag. We object to this. It pains us and offends our values."

Pfenheim, who attended the same yeshiva as Teitelbaum, added: "He wasn't killed as an envoy of the State or as a Zionist person. He simply went there as a kashrut supervisor on behalf of an American kashrut system. He himself was an American citizen, and although he was a resident in Israel he wasn't an Israeli national.

"The mere fact that he was living here, in a closed congregation, doesn't give the country permission to exploit his death."

Despite their protest, sources in the Haredi Community stressed that they did not plan to create havoc over the matter. "We are not like Neturei Karta. We conduct our struggles peacefully, and are simply begging the minister in charge and the police – the man has suffered enough. He's been there for almost a week. Let us bury him according to the family's will." (YNET)

While people may criticize Teitelbaum's family, they did raise $125,000 to fly his body back to Israel privately without waiting for the IAF plane, yet Israel forcibly insisted that all the bodies be flown back together, with flags and a State sponsored funeral. In his lifetime, Aryeh Leib Teitelbaum led his life according to strict Satmar ideals, and did not accept bituach leumi or government aid -- and he worked in India to support his family.

The bottom line is, "sources in the Haredi Community stressed that they did not plan to create havoc over the matter."

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Peace House in Hebron

Things are heating up at the Peace House in Hebron. Hundreds of Jews from all over are converging at the location, as the city is filling up with Yassam and Magav soldiers/policemen.

Extreme police violence is expected.

11:25 Police on loudspeakers are shouting orders.

12:02 Police shooting teargas, rocks being thrown, Arabs throwing rocks.

12:24 Police not doing anything right now. The local army base is packed with forces.

2:30AM Police reinforcements arrive.

3:00AM Police shoot rock grenades and tear gas.

It's a regular war zone.

Cameraman catches on film a policeman beating up a settler boy.

Generally assumed that the police did not go in to evacuate the house was due to the resistance they met outside.

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Eyewitness Account of a Shabbat in Hevron's "Beit HaShalom"

The following email was received from a friend about his personal experience this past Shabbat, at the "Beit HaShalom" -- the "home of peace" in Hevron which Ehud Barak and Tzippi Livni are doing their best -- to evict all the Jews from this legally purchased home.

This eyewitness account is a scary example of what's really going on in Hevron, and why its important for people not to rely only on the avowedly anti-settler MSM websites.

Jameel,

Ibrihim here.

My family and I were fortunate to spend Shabbat Toldot in Bet Hashalom. While trying to take my Shabbat nap (always a challenge in the sleep challenged ibn-Ibrihim family), I was woken up to the sound of shooting. No just one or two bullets, but repeated shooting. Making sure that the ibn-Ibrihim's who were in the room (we later found out that two were in Kiryat Arba visiting a friend, and so, missed a lot of the "fun"), away from the windows, I went out of the apartment we were staying in, in order to see what was happening, and to see who was shooting at who, and in which direction.

While I am sure that you know the geography of Hebron, Bet HaShalom, and Kiryat Arba, for the benefit of your readers, allow me to explain. Bet Hashalom is at the top of a hill going into Hebron. It overlooks a wadi (a valley). On the other side of the wadi is Yeshivat Nir and Kiryat Arba. In the Wadi are houses occupied by Arabs.

When I went out to the balcony outside our apartment, the wadi was filled with Jewish youths, Israel Border Police, regular police, and soldiers. The police and soldiers were chasing the Jewish youths and shooting in the air. At some point a group of Arabs became involved too. That was my first impression.

The next thing I noticed is that wherever the Arabs were, there were video camera men there, no doubt from Pallywood. You can be sure that the lenses of those cameras were very selective about what they were shooting.

Since I didn't know where the missing ibn-Ibrihims were, I went down to the street level (overlooking the wadi), and started asking. While I was there, I noticed an Arab teenager on the roof of his house throwing stones down on -- well, I couldn't see who, because the house was in the way, but I'd bet that whoever was receiving the stones had did not have names like Jameel and Ibrihim, but more like Gamliel and Avraham, but that is just a guess…

At any rate, I grabbed a soldier who was next to me, and pointed him at our young peace partner (the one throwing stones). The soldier said to me, "Yes, I see him too." That was the end of that story. No doubt, had the youth been Jewish, that story might have ended in the Hebron police station. (Then you wonder why people on the right wing of the Israeli political spectrum become extreme in their views?)

Then about 10 border policemen ran by, each one carrying 4 billy-clubs (I guess they were afraid that some would break).

After that I began to find out what had happened. It seems that Ateret Levinger, the wife of Malachi, the recently elected mayor of Kiryat Arba, was crossing the wadi. 2 Border policemen stopped her and told her that she was not allowed to cross through the wadi. Since that wadi is used all the time by people going back and forth between Kiryat Arba and Hebron, she had the temerity to ask why. One of the policemen grabbed her, and began pushing her. When she tried to get away from them, one of the policemen gave chase, and pushed her to the ground. He kicked her, and when she stood up , he cocked his gun and pointed it at her.

Since R. Uzi Sharbouf shlit"a (Ateret Levinger's brother in law) saw all of this from his window, he let the youth at Bet Hashalom know what was happening, and they ran to try to save her from the Policeman. When the Arabs from the house under Yeshivat Nir saw a policeman attacking Mrs. Levinger, they came out, followed by 10s of cameramen, and began stoning the Jews.

As I said, I saw large portions of what I write above -- the rest was told to me by other eye witnesses.

For the record, the policeman who started this, was suspended from duty and confined to base, so even the Army seems to agree with a version of events close to what I reported.
(see link in Hebrew: http://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/182233)

Thanks,
Ibrihim ibn Ibrihim

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