Breaking News: Terror attack between Israel, Egyptian Border

Daily updates continue here: www.muqata.com

Massive multiple terror attacks in South Israel. Details below.
(Click Refresh/F5 to see new updates)

TO DONATE BLOOD TO MDA, CALL: 03-5300400

Photo of the second bus hit with either a missile or roadside bomb. Photo: Ariel Chermoni

9:04 PM 2 Arabs with knives apprehended by Eilon Moreh community in Shomron.

Iron dome knocks out 2 Kassam rockets launched at Ashkelon.

7:40 PM Arab with knife caught on the way to terror attack near Sh'ar Sh'chem (Jerusalem).

7:08 PM 2 terrorist leaders of "Popular Resistance" in Gaza killed in IAF strike.

6:55 PM The shooting was another terrorist attack. 1 seriously wounded 300 meters from press conference held by DM Ehud Barak, the IDF Chief of Staff, and Southern Region Commander - while Ehud Barak was saying that Eilat residents should feel safe!

The gunfire was from the Egyptian side of the border.

6:49 PM Shooting still going on down South! In press conference, Ehud Barak said the IDF is still running additional cleanup operation as gunshots were heard.

6:03 PM Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu will conduct a press conference and issue a statement on today's terror attack at 7:15 PM this evening (1 hour, 12 minutes from now)

5:49 PM IDF: Situation is not final; Civilians should avoid the area; roads 10 and 12 are under military closure, reports of 40 wounded, not 30 as previously stated. Israel's Counter Terror Agency (part of the PM's office) warns Israelis not to visit Sinai.

5:41 PM Palestinians Rejoice at the killing of Jews. Elder of Ziyon reports:

Palestine Press Agency, which is a Fatah-leaning site, has commenters saying

"God praise the [Hamas] Al-Qassam Brigades" (they have not taken responsibility)

"Our Lord is with the heroes"

"[I] call for resistance in the Gaza with rocket fire and suicide bombings and the Glory of God and His Messenger"

"Tribute to the Heroes of each attack and no matter what their affiliation"

"God is great and victory is coming"

By far the most popular comment in the Hamas-oriented PalTimes is "God is great."

Firas Press has a number of "God is Great" comments as well as one referring to the victims as "monkeys."

5:27 PM It is taking more time than usual to deal with the bodies of the terrorists, since they are apparently booby-trapped with explosive belts.

4:58 PM A collection of talkbacks from the readers of the "pro-Israel" newspaper, Haaretz, who reported the terror attack today.

"Security forces are investigating whether the incident was a terrorist attack." That's Israel for you. Blame all your troubles on so-called "terrorists."

And what is is called when Israeli's randomly attack palestinian civilians? The IDF's job, security operation, collateral damage? but never 'terror'. Its not hard to see when you read Israeli rhetoric that 'terror' is something that only happens to Israeli's.

Just what the doctor ordered---Israel will try anything to get back the "Victim" status. Anything

it is possible a few radicals amongst the Hamas crowd did this--however--Hamas has agreed to hold this activity until after the UN vote--Israel ias desperate to prevent a Palestinian state and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Killing a few Israel,s is a small price in their minds to pay.

It is Israel's "safety" and "security" that causes these "terrorist" actions!

...so according to Israeli logic this should not be called a terrorist attack, this is a legal attack in a state of war, by militants against organized militants. What goes around comes around Bnei Yisrael!

Israeli officials and the media have talked about an offensive on the Palestinian's statehood bid. The stakes are huge from Israel's point of view. The land they are stealing is worth many tens of billions to them. Lately, Hamas and the other militants have not provided reliable violence. Israel had to take matters into their own hands.

Sevaral dead... The price of occupation, colonization and settling another people's land........

4:56 PM There will be MDA blood donation stations in Jerusalem (Central Bus Station and at the Mashbir in the center of town) from 9 am tomorrow, and at Modiin (at Yishpero Center next to Mega Bul and Aeroflex) from 8 am tomorrow (Friday morning.)

4:54 PM MDA confirms that the death toll from today's attacks has risen to 7.

Additionally, Two of the murdered are children, aged 4 and 6 who were in a civilian car, targeted by a terrorist-fired RPG.

3:59 PM Reports that today's terror attack included an attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers. Unconfirmed reports that mortars are being fired from Gaza at the Kissufim area.

3:48 PM IDF declares terror area in Southern Israel as "closed military zone"

3:46 PM UN removes all personnel from Gaza, anticipating Israeli military operation. Egypt has closed the Rafiah border crossing to Gaza.

3:43 PM Hamas in Gaza warns Israel not to retaliate. Hamas terror leaders have gone under-ground anticipating IDF retaliation.

3:40 PM Reports that IDF initiates "lockdown" -- forbidding all soldiers in Southern Israel from leaving their bases due to ongoing terror threat, except for those involved in combat-related, counter terror or necessary ongoing/operational security related tasks.

3:33 PM Reports that children are among the casualties in today's attacks. Channel 2 Israel TV is reporting that the "Popular Resistance" terrorist organization in Gaza is claiming credit for today's attack and that 20 terrorists participated. The Popular Resistance organization is aligned with Hizbollah and is also a "terror contractor" for Hamas.

3:26 PM Soroka hospital in Beersheva has opened an emergency hotline: 1255-177

3:24 PM Israel Channel 2 TV reports that 7 terrorists have been killed by IDF and Police forces today in today's terror attacks.

3:19 PM Official Statement from IDF Spokesman's Unit:

Combined Terrorist Attacks in Southern Israel

Combined terrorist attacks are currently taking place on Israeli territory, near the Israel- Egypt border, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city of Eilat.

Nine people were injured when terrorist opened fire at an Israeli bus approximately two hours ago. The injured were evacuated to receive medical care at a nearby hospital.

Several people were injured as a result of an explosive device, detonated on an IDF force that arrived at the scene and drove over it.

Crossfire between IDF forces, led by the Commander of the 80^th Division, Brigadier General Tamir Yadi and the cell of terrorists is currently underway. Additional IDF and rescue forces are arriving at the scene.

IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant – General Benny Gantz arrived at the Division a short while ago and is currently holding an initial situation assessment.

The IDF calls on the public to avoid the area and allow security and rescue forces to carry out their tasks.

3:18 PM The YAMAM, special counter-terror forces of the Israeli police which responded to the attack today, were reservists from the Eilat area, who were called in as counter-terrorist first responders. At least one rocket was fired by terrorists at IDF Apache gunships who engaged the terrorists.

3:14 PM In addition to the IDF Chief of Staff and South Regional Command, the Chief of Israel's police has also arrived in Southern Israel to participate in the ongoing counter terrorism activity. Eilat's Yoseftal and Beersheva's Sororka Hospitals have been "freed" from the nationwide doctor's union strike, and all medical personnel are currently responding to work.

3:12 PM MDA is urging everyone who is able, to please donate blood. This morning prior to the attack, MDA was already requesting blood donations, yet in light of the 30 wounded, your donation is now needed urgently.

3:02 PM As of now, official reports are of 6 Israelis killed (including soldiers/policemen) and 30 wounded. 7 wounded were sent by helicopter to Beersheva's Soroka Hospital Trauma Unit. One of the attacks involved a bomb going off underneath or next to an IDF vehicle, one of the attacks involved an RPG being shot at a Israeli bus from across the Egyptian border. The alleged attack near Rosh Haayin/Elad occurred at the Rantis junction on road 465. The only wounded in that attack was a Palestinian suspect, shot by IDF forces. IDF current investigating shooting sounds heard on the border between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights next to the Druze town of Majdal Shams.

2:49 PM Shooting heard on Israel-Syria border. No additional information yet.

2:42 PM Update: 6 killed. 30 wounded in multiple terror attacks today.

2:39 PM Report of shooting attack near Elad (Rosh Haayin). Arab terrorist killed.

2:37 PM IDF Chief of Staff on his way down South

2:36 PM Unconfirmed reports of new shooting attack from Egypt at 2:15o PM.

2:33 PM Police say no attack occurred in Beer Sheva.

2:25 PM Driver of the first attacked bus (and other witnesses) says terrorists were wearing Egyptian Army uniforms.

2:18 PM MDA volunteers trapped by gun battle, can't get out.

2:03 PM IDF expecting rocket attacks from Gaza.

1:55 PM There are still wounded trapped in the firefight unable to get help!
MDA asking for blood donations.

1:50 PM Eilat Airport closed. Missile may have been fired from Egypt.

1:45 PM Manhunt underway for white car with terrorists in it down south.

1:41 PM Israel radio says no explosion in Beer Sheva. Possibly gunfire.

1:36 PM Possible explosion in Beer Sheva. Awaiting confirmation or report.

1:34 PM Unconfirmed: 4 of the 5 dead are IDF soldiers.

1:28 PM Police set up roadblocks around Beer Sheva.
2 dead terrorists confirmed near Eilat.

1:26 PM Attacked bus number was #392.

1:23 PM Apparently 3 (maybe 4) attacks, Anti-tank missiles, mortars, guns and roadside bombs used.

1:19 PM Route 12 closed to all traffic.

1:19 PM Roadside bomb blew up at Philadelphia Zone (Gaza).

1:14 PM Mortars fired at forces dealing with southern terror attack!

1:13 PM MADA in full emergency mode for multiple casualties near Eilat.

1:11 PM Update: 2 children now brought to hospital from attacked car.

1:09 PM Car full of wounded children arrive at IDF roadblock.

1:08 PM Unconfirmed reports of 5 dead in attack.



12:55 PM In a second attack -- a bus is now on fire, at least one person is in serious condition, and IDF forces and emergency medical forces are responding.

12:54 PM Reports of another attacks on a bus with 9 wounded.

12:52 PM Reports of another terror attack in the area. Details to be provided soon.

12:48 PM Unconfirmed Reports on gun battle between terrorists and IDF helicopters. Israel Police has set up road blocks throughout the Southern Area of Israel.

12:38 PM Two IDF Warship Helicopters hunting for car with terrorists along highway 12.

12:35 PM Reports of 7 wounded, 5 moderate 2 light. Three terrorists shot at an Egged bus full of IDF soldliers. The terrorists were in a car, and are still within Israel at this time.

12:32 PM MDA reports that all the wounded are in moderate condition from gunshot wounds.

12:30 PM At 12:15 PM today, terrorists opened fire on an Egged bus, traveling on Road 12, North of Eilat. Reports of 6 wounded.

Update coming shortly.


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Terror Attack near Beit Shemesh

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8:51 AM Body of missing American terror victim, Christine Logan, found.

7:05 AM Kaye Susan Wilson (46), Olah ('91) from England, named as first victim in Beit Shemesh terror attack. Currently hospitalized. No information released yet regarding second missing woman.

8:37 PM Attempted terror attack near Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital. Terrorist (recently freed from jail) tried to stab woman. Woman got away. Terrorist caught.

7:11PM Mada reports that the stabbed girl is 26. No additional details on terror attack are being released at the moment due to censor.

6:19 PM Conflicting reports on some details of the terror victims.

Attack occurred in the Matah Forest (near Beit Shemesh). New reports the victims were 2 Israeli women in their 20s. One victim is still missing. The stabbed woman is in "Matzav Kasheh" (very badly wounded).

6:14 PM A terror attack has been reported near Beit Shemesh. A 46 year old woman was found with her hands tied and multiple stab wounds. Who friend still hasn't been found and is believed to have been killed. Police and IDF are looking for 2 Arabs.

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Terror Attack near Hebron (updated)

LATEST UPDATES AT TOP OF POST. Updates on Muqata Twitter.

Celebrations in Gaza (popular support of the people)

----
Terror victims

Kochavia Even-Haim (with daughter)

Avishai Shindler (with wife)

Talia and Yitchak Imus (with family)

(More photos: JR)


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Boilerplate condemnations from Palestinian Authority:
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said "the attack was in contradiction with the national interests of the Palestinians and the PA's strategic vision".

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said "condemns all acts that target Palestinian and Israeli civilians." and the attack in the Hebron attack was designed to "disrupt the peace process. and can't be regarded as an act of resistance."

Not one word from them that it was actually terror and morally wrong.

By the way, anyone see any Palestinian civilians murdered by terrorists last night that Abbas is condemning that act?

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Avishai Shindler: Today was his 1st wedding anniversary.

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Talia and Yitzchak Aimes left behind 6 orphans (ages 1.5 - 19). Kochavia Even-Chaim left behind a daughter (age 8).

Victims names: Yitzchak (47) and Tali (45) Aimes, Kochavia Even-Haim (37) and Avishai Shindler (24).

One of the victims (Shindler) was originally from Elad. He moved to Beit Chagai after he recently got married.
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ZAKA volunteer who went to the terror attack to assist, discovered that his wife was one of the murdered victims.
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Hamas says that this is the first in a series of attacks.
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Ehud Barak: "The terrorists wanted to hurt our government's policies" (sounds like a variation of "the price of peace" and "victims of peace").

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10:42 PM Victims were a couple, and 2 hitchhikers.
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Both Hamas and Al Aska Brigade (Fatah - PA Abu Mazen's personal terror force) claim responsibility for attack. Update: Credit given to Hamas.
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9: 20 PM. Just received an update from a participant in an IDF spokesman's conference call regarding the attack (thanks S who was stood in for us during the meeting which we couldn't participate in).

Conflicting reports from the IDF.

IDF spokesman says there were no specific alerts, despite peace talks, and this entire road was clear of roadblocks and checkpoints.

Yet, Channel 1 TV reports that Chief of Staff Gen. Ashkenazi was in Judea/Samaria command headquarters this past Sunday, and warned all commanders that this region was "on fire" due to peace talks and Islamic Jihad and Hamas wanting to derail talks.

IDF SP says massive amount of gunfire used to attack vehicle.
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Security is raised throughout country in concern for a 'wave of terror' attacks due to "peace talks".

Meanwhile, reports are that the terrorists are still in the field.
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IDF has captured 3 suspected terrorists, but new reports say they aren't sure these are the terrorists. UPDATE: Not the right terrorists.
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The terrorists shot up the car. When the car stopped, the terrorists approached the vehicle and individually shot each victim to "confirm their kill".
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4 people were just killed in a car by Palestinian terrorists. 1 of the dead includes a pregnant woman. 2 men, 2 women, ages 25 and 40. They were residents of Beit Hagai.
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Fatah claims responsibility for (443) Modiin-Jerusalem Shooting Attack

Around 8 PM last night (Tuesday), Palestinian terrorists opened fire on an IDF position adjacent to the Modiin-Jerusalem highway (also know as road 443).

Overlooking road 443, the IDF "pillbox" sits only 5 miles from Modi'in, and is located at the entrance to the Arab village Beit Ur El Tachta.

The Palestinian Authority's terror-wing, Fatah, claimed responsibility in last night's attack -- in which 20 bullets were fired at the IDF position from automatic assault rifles.

I took the following photos of the IDF position this morning. Sorry they are a bit blurry, but I took them while driving past.



Dorit Beinish, Israel's Ivory Tower Chief Justice recently ruled that 443 must be opened to complete Palestinian traffic, despite the risks of terror attacks.

Meanwhile, Knesset Members are introducing legislation to bypass Her Highness, and annex highway 443 to Israel, so that the IDF can continue to provide security on the highway.

Terror Attack Credit: Arabs48/Fatah website.


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YNET: Terrorists don't kill Jews, Shrapnel does

Yesterday morning, (Monday / Shushan Purim), a Jewish security guard patrolling the "City of David" neighborhood just outside the walled Old City of Jerusalem was shot at 6 times and wounded in his leg by terrorists.

He was shot near the Jewish home "Beit Yehonatan".

And how did YNET headline this story?

Security guard lightly injured from shrapnel in Silwan

Can you imagine for a second what the YNET headline would have been if a PA policeman had been shot in the Jewish area of Hevron?

YNET will claim their headline was factually correct...and that it was in fact, shrapnel that wounded the guard, regardless of the terrorist who shot the bullets.

This reminds me of the Microsoft technical support joke.

Except in the joke, Microsoft's support is technically correct, but completely useless.

Here, YNET is technically correct, but completely biased.

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Memorial Service for Terror attack @ Merkaz HaRav/Yashlatz

Tonight (Thursday, Feb 11th) at the Yeshurun Shul in Jerusalem @ 8:30pm will be the annual memorial service marking 2 years since the Palestinian terror attack at the Merkaz HaRav / Yashlatz Yeshiva High school.

May G-d Avenge their deaths.

Click here to download a factsheet about the attack.

About the 8 Kedoshim Murdered in the terror attack

הקדוש נריה בן יצחק הכהן כהן הי"ד
Neriya (ben HaRav Yitzchak HaCohen) Cohen HY”D, 15, of Jerusalem, a 9th Grader at Yashlatz who was described as “full of boundless joy, enthusiastic about Torah and life, and forever asking questions, striving to understand a sugya to its depth “.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Neriya

הקדוש שגב פניאל בן אלישיב אביחיל הי"ד
Segev Peniel (ben HaRav Elyashiv) Avichail HY”D, 15, of Neve Daniel, a 10th Grader at Yashlatz who was described as “sensitive, serious and diligent, a real Talmid Chacham who was completely devoted to his family and friends”.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Segev

הקדוש יונתן יצחק בן דרור שמואל אלדר הי"ד
Yonatan Yitzchak (ben Dror) Eldar HY”D, 16, of Shilo, a 10th Grader at Yashlatz who was described as “having an incredible love for Torah and especially Halacha, and often the last person to leave the Bet Midrash“.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Yonatan

הקדוש אברהם דוד בן נפתלי מוזס הי"ד
Avraham David (ben Naftali) Moses HY”D, 16, of Efrat, a 10th Grader at Yashlatz who was described as “blessed with a pure neshama, totally honest and with an unparalleled level of scholarship and devotion to his Torah studies“.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Avraham David

הקדוש יוחאי בן טוביה ליפשיץ הי"ד
Yochai (ben HaRav Tuvya) Lifshitz HY”D, 18, of Jerusalem, a 12th Grader at Yashlatz who was described as “incredibly perseverant, diligent and organized who never wasted a second of his day”.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Yochai

הקדוש רועי אהרן בן יעקב רוט הי"ד
Roei Aharon (ben Yaakov) Roth HY”D, 18, of Elkana, in his first year at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, who was described as “someone truly humble, whose prayer was so devout and genuine that it taught and inspired everyone”.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Roei

הקדוש יונדב חיים בן צמח יהודה הירשפלד הי"ד
Yonadav Chaim (ben Tzemach) Hirshfeld HY”D, 19 of Kochav Hashachar, an alumnus of Yashlatz and in his first year at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, who was described as “always happy, a ball of energy, extremely intelligent and everyone’s best friend”.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Yonadav

הקדוש דורון בן מקוננט מהרטה הי"ד
Doron (ben Mekonent) Meherete HY”D, 26, of Ashdod, in his tenth year at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, who was described as “having a tremendous desire to succeed in Torah, someone with a large heart who loved helping others, and who never got angry”.

Click here to view a short memorial video of Doron

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Newsflash; Terror attack in Gush Etzion

4:20 PM Photo posted of Shlomo Nativ. Funeral scheduled for 5 PM at Bat Ayin, Gush Etzion.

4:06 PM Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen's Fatah party and Islamic Jihad take credit for terrorist attack today in Bat Ayin, in which 14 year old Shlomo Nativ was killed and a 7 year old was seriously injured. (source)

3:11 PM Name released of victim of axe attack today, 14 year old Shlomo Nativ.

2:27 PM Reports that the IDF is surrounding a house in the village of Tzurif where the terrorist may be hiding.

2:23 PM IDF reports that the axe terrorist entered the Bat Ayin community by dressing up as a "settler"

2:07 PM Conflicting reports if a location of a fallen rocket was found. The Municipal Hotline operator from a northern community stated it landed in the Even Menachem area. Police are stating they have no information that a rocket strike location has been identified.

2:03 PM The funeral for the boy killed in today's terror attack in Bat Ayin will take place at 5:00 PM at Bat Ayin.

2:00 PM Reports that the axe terrorist was apprehended. The alleged terrorist was stripped and interrogated, and it is now clear the terrorist is still at large. IDF confirms they have not yet captured the axe terrorist.

1:54 PM At 1:15 PM today air raid sirens went off in Northern Israel, specifically in the Nahariya, Shlomi, and Maalot area.

A Hizbollah rocket was just discovered as having hit an open field in the "Even Menachem" area, in Northern Israel. (source here and here)

1:44 PM The 7 year old is now classified as being in moderate condition. Terrorist still at large, Gush Etzion communities still on alert. JoeSettler called up as part of his community's counter terror unit.

12:56 PM The community of Bat Ayin is requesting prayers on behalf of the very seriously wounded 7 year old, Shlomo ben Revital Yair ben Michal.

12:51 PM All Gush Etizion communities on heightened terror alert following terror attack in Bat Ayin (and also since the terrorist has not been captured)

12:49 PM Reshet Bet (Channel B Radio) Reports a 13 year old was killed in the attack. The 7 year old is in serious condition and has been transported to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem (Jerusalem)

12:42 PM NRG reports that it was a 16 year old killed in the attack, and the 7 year old is in very serious condition with a head wound. The terrorist is still at large, manhunt continuing.

12:39 PM Reports that the victims of the terror attack are residents of the Bat Ayin community in Gush Etzion.

12:37 PM IDF Army radio (Galei Tzahal) reports that both the seriously wounded 7 year old and and murdered child/teenager were both attacked by the axe wielding terrorist. Ongoing manhunt for the terrorist.

12:35 PM Update: One child/teenager has been killed, the 7 year old is in serious condition.

12:33 PM Channel 2 reports that 2-3 people are wounded in the attack. An IDF helicopter is now searching the area for the fleeing terrorist.

12:31 PM Unconfirmed reports that the child attacked, has died.

12:28 PM Reports that the terrorist has escaped and is fleeing the community towards the Arab village of Tzurif. Large IDF and Police manhunt underway.

12:24 PM MDA reports 7 year old in very serious condition with head wound from an axe. Gunfire towards Palestinian terrorist. Unsure if the second wounded is the terrorist or someone else.

12:20 PM Reports of a 7-year old in serious condition after being wounded by Palestinian terrorist's axe in Bat Ayin attack. Child en-route to Jerusalem hospital.

12:17 PM Reports of 2 wounded, a child and adult, from shooting and from use of an axe by the terrorist. Large forces converging on location.

12:15 PM Report of Palestinian terrorist shooting attack within the Bat Ayin community in Gush Etzion.

Updates as they become available.

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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."

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Kol Yisrael Areivim. Terror in India

24 hours later....12:56 PM The ZAKA organization volunteers who flew to India from Israel have been asked to enter the Beit Chabad building. The operation has not finished, and the fate of Chabad's Shaliach Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg is still unknown.

Pictures and Videos of the India CounterTerror Unit going into the Beit Chabad, here.

Israel Radio Channel 2 Miki Gourdus reports that he has heard from India reports that Gavriel and Rivka are still alive. Let's hope he's right! (1:19 PM)

Shabbat Shalom...

Jameel.




Update: 2:51 PM Reports from India are conflicting. Sky News reports the terrorists are demanding to negotiate with the Indian government over the release of hostages. Mumbai's a mess.

Update: 1:40 PM. :-(

Update: 12:07 India Counter Terror Unit operating in the Taj Mahal hotel, with over 100 hostages, including Israeli diamond merchants. Explosions heard in the hotel...

11:37 AM As I write this, the India counter terror unit is operating inside the Beit Chabad in Mumbai (Bombay) India, trying to free the hostages, including 6 Israelies (unsure if this number "6" includes the Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg).

Initial reports say that the Gavriel and Rivka are unconscious, but alive, and therefore, they really need Chasdei Shamayim to pull through.

Your good thoughts, prayers and tehillim can help.

YNET: Report: 6 Israelis held hostage in Mumbai

(Video) Terrorists seize Chabad offices in Indian city, reportedly hold six Israelis hostage. Ultra-Orthodox organization officials say emissary, his wife unconscious. Local commando unit reports one gunman killed, four remain in building. Rabbi's son, nanny seen leaving place safely. At least 10 sites attacked overnight; 101 people killed, 314 injured

India News reports over 900 hospitalized.

Reports indicate that the "official" numbers are much worse than being reported; While YNET writes about 314 injured, the real number is much higher.

CNN reports that this is the largest Jihad terror attack since 9/11.


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Call it coincidence, or is that just Jewish Geography?

Yes, after yesterday's terror attack at Kikar Tzahal, everyone was asking, "who is connected to who?"

Well, of course the terrorist came from the same neighborhood as the previous Jerusalem terrorists: Jabel Mukhaber.

And the IDF officer that killed him?

Hold on to your chairs.

Lt. Elad Amar who killed the terrorist is a graduate of the Pirchei Aaron Yeshiva High School in Haifa, and his former commander in the Paratrooper unit where he served before moving over to artillery was none other than... David Shapira - the hero of Mercaz Harav.

Source

Lurker adds:

For those not familiar with the details behind the last four major terror attacks in Jerusalem, the incredible nature of the coincidence that Joe is describing might not be entirely obvious. In each one of these four incidents, the bloodshed was ended by the brave action of a quick-thinking person who happened to be present at the scene of the attack. And in each case, the hero was a dati leumi (religious Zionist) person. That itself is a statistical improbabilty. But the full proportions the improbabilities here only start to become clear once one realizes the direct, single degree-of-separation connections beween each of these four people. Here is a brief connect-the-dots guide:

• David Shapira was a passer-by who, along with Yitzhak Dadon, shot the terrorist in the Merkaz HaRav massacre in Jerusalem on the night of March 6.
  
  
• Moshe Plesser, the passer-by who shot the first bulldozer terrorist in Jerusalem on July 2, is David Shapira's brother-in-law.
  
  
• Yakki Asa-el, the passer-by who shot the second bulldozer terrorist in Jerusalem on July 22, was Moshe Plesser's yeshiva high school teacher.
  
  
• And today, we find out that Elad Amar, who shot the terrorist in the attack last night, served in the Paratrooper unit commanded by David Shapira.
  

I'm not going to attempt to present an explanation of this incredible triple confluence. I will simply note the obvious: That the likelihood of it being random has got to be infintessimally miniscule.

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

Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem

Will update this as information becomes available.

Terrorist attack in Kikar Tzahal in Jerusalem. 15-20 17 Wounded. Two seriously.


Arab terrorist drives through crowd of people.

Many Most of the injured are soldiers that were touring the Old City before Slichot.

Terrorist killed by first shot by armed civilian on Shivtei Yisrael Street, and then killed by soldiers an IDF Officer from the unit, and (perhaps) police.


---

IDF Soldier may lose his eye after a Palestinian terrorist threw acid at him today.

The terrorist passed through the Shchem (Nablus) checkpoint humanitarian lane (which is meant for those in need of immediate medical attention, and bypasses the normal line) bypassing the normal security check. Upon reaching the soldier, she threw the acid at him and fled back to where she came from.

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

Olmert's Pogrom Against the Settlers

Shabbat Morning, 7:50 AM.

I was rudely awakened by my pager's buzzing, as an incoming message from the IDF spelled out that a terror attack just took place not from from us in the settlement of Yitzhar. A Palestinian terrorist infiltrated the Shalhevet Yam neighborhood of Yitzhar, set fire to a building, and stabbed a nine year old boy. The terrorist fled and was not apprehended. Security should be tightened in the surrounding areas.

Additional details came in ... the terrorist tried burning down a second home as well, and the 9 year old discovered the attack and started yelling for help. It was then the terrorist stabbed him 5 times in the back until the knife broke....he then threw him off the balcony of a caravan -- a 12 foot drop.

What we all found out on Saturday night was that the terror attack against the 9 year old was a minor detail -- the big story was the settler reprisal against the village that hosted the terrorist.

The IDF's inaction of not chasing after the terrorist infuriated the residents of Yitzhar -- this terror attack came on the heels of their fields routinely burnt down by Palestinians. Yes, the settlers reacted, took the law into their own hand and went into the village. Were their actions a beacon of democracy and good will towards their Palestinian neighbors? Nope. Should the IDF have done their job? Yes. Should the police have done their job? Yes.

No one did their job except for the Palestinian terrorist.

Yitzhar's community spokesman reported the following:

The stabbing attack and torching of an empty home in the settlement marked the "climax of the abuse perpetrated by Arab residents of the nearby village," Yitzhar Spokesman Yigal Amitai told Ynet. He also slammed the IDF conduct earlier in the day, referring to the army's failure to identify or capture the terrorist behind the attack.

"It's clear to everyone that this incident could have ended disastrously," Amitai said. "A whole family would have been butchered and burned. Yitzhar residents said that in recent months Arabs set seven fires in the settlement's wheat fields.

"To our regret, in all those incidents no real deterrent activity was conducted by the military and army," Amitai said.

The settlement spokesman also slammed the reactions issued by leftist Knesset members and groups during the Shabbat.

"They knew well that because of the sanctity of Shabbat we won't be able to respond in the media, and therefore took advantage of it," he said. Meanwhile, members of the Jewish National Front said that "the time has come for the Arabs to realize that Judea and Samaria residents aren't suckers…it would be better for the IDF and police to address Arabs who stab a nine-year-old Jewish boy, rather than target those who seek to defend themselves." (YNET)

The media pogrom against the settlers was swift and brutal, everyone conveniently refusing to condemn or acknowledge the severity of the terror attack that triggered yesterday's events.

MK Ahmed Tibi: referred to the settlers as "two-legged animals" following the riots. (ynet)

MK Zahava Gal-on: It's impossible to have a situation whereby the army is doing nothing while this is going on... the time has come to end the policy of inaction vis-à-vis the settlers." (ynet)

Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheim: "The settlers do not miss any opportunity to hurt Palestinians and endanger human life" (ynet)

But the best is reserved for Ehud Olmert to comment:

"There will be no pogroms against non-Jewish residents in the State of Israel -- a terror attack took place over the weekend in northern Samaria against a Yitzhar resident. A terrorist entered the community, a young boy was injured and there was an attempt to carry out a more severe attack. This is a serious and grave matter." (YNET)

It's much more serious and grave to Ehud Olmert that the Yitzhar residents should be upset at the torching of 2 buildings, upset at the IDF's inaction against terrorists, upset at the terror attack against a 9 year old -- and then they overturn a car and charge through the village which harbors terrorists....all that is much more grave and serious than the terrorist attack against a nine year old.

Yet let's take a step back. Can you imagine what the Arabs would do when there's an attack against them by a Jew? I'm sure they are the epitome of calm, and coldly calculated reasoned action. And if they would lose their cool, they would be soundly criticized by Ehud Olmert and the MKs of the left...?

Let's examine an actual case study from 2005.

Situation; Four people were killed and at least six others were wounded after army deserter Eden Natan Zada opened fire aboard a bus in the Arab town of Shfaram, in northern Israel.

Eyewitnesses said angry locals, or possibly bus passengers, managed to storm the bus following the attack and killed the shooter. Police reportedly had trouble retrieving the body, which was lying on the stairs of the bus, as a result of the angry Arab mob gathered at the scene.

Reaction against the terrorist: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued a special statement following the Shfaram shooting saying, “This is a vile act by a blood-thirsty Jewish terrorist who aimed to hurt innocent citizens.” “Terror by citizens against citizens is the most dangerous thing regarding Israel’s future and its democratic character,” the statement said

What happened to the blood thirsty Palestinian terrorist this past Shabbat that tried killed a 9 year old? Did anyone dare call him a vile, blood thirsty terrorist?

At the scene in Shfaram, a lynch mob disarmed the Jewish terrorist, and then rioted, taking the law into their own hands, and killed Eden Zada. In response to the possibility of charges being brought against those who took the law into their own hands MK Barakeh said, "We will take action to break any hand that is raised against us."

Balad chairman, MK Jamal Zahalka slammed the Haifa prosecution's decision to subpoena the Shfaram residents in the case: "This is an act of provocation. The police failed to find out who was assisting Zada and who sent him, and are blaming the victims. If they indict they will have riots on their hands"

Any comments from MK Tibi about the 2 legged animals in Shfaram?

Any comment from MK Zehava Gal-on the impossibility of a situation whereby the police is doing nothing while this is going on -- or has he time has come to end the policy of inaction vis-à-vis the Arabs?"

I don't recall Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheim saying the "The arabs do not miss any opportunity to hurt Jews and endanger human life"

And of course, Olmert was uncharacteristically silent then too.

It seems that its settler season again.

I was reminded of the painful artistic expression on road 60 near Beit-El, 10 years ago after many terror attacks on the roads.

A congregation of benevolent, smart and wise
gave guns to the foxes.
And as the days grew, the era of peace they hallucinated
turned [us] to a flock of ducks.






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

Attack in Jerusalem

Just got back from the terror attack in Jerusalem.

A tractor (driven by an Israeli Arab, resident of Tzur-Bacher, Jerusalem) went on a killing spree, smashing into cars and passer-byers. The rampage started on Sarei Yisrael street and making a left onto Yaffo st., where it also rammed 2 buses.

Updated Video: See the blue shirted 19 year old soldier, on leave from the army kill the terrorist with 3 shots. (starts at 2:35...)



About 30 wounded; 2 very seriously, 6 moderate, and about 30 less seriously.

Reports now of 5 3 dead, and about 50 wounded. The numbers keep wavering now...down to 3? Perhaps they discounted the terrorist as one of the dead.

See BBC video of the tractor smashing cars, and the the soldier taking out the terrorist.

The YouTube copy above is not bad.

Update: A 19 year old soldier, Moshe Plesser, jumped onto the tractor. Grabbing a pistol from a shell shocked YASAM policeman civilian security guard who was struggling to subdue the terrorist, Plesser shot the terrorist to death. Plesser is the nephew brother-in-law of David Shapira -- the soldier who killed the terrorist in the Merkaz Harav attack before Purim a few months ago.

Now that's a family!

(You can read Plesser's first-hand description of what happened here.)

The aftermath.

Its now a few hours later since the attack, and I wanted to compose my thoughts a bit.

At 11:55 the tractor started its journey of death, smashing into cars left and right. Around 1 minute later, I got a call from a neighbor who was listening to his Hatzala radio's Jerusalem frequency and he heard alot of intense chatter about "something going on."

He called me and told me get going...and I grabbed a co-worker (also a medic), and we ran to my car. Putting on the red strobe light, we flew out of our parking lot listening for directions where to go -- and then the picture became crystal clear.

Our Magen David Adom beepers went off simultaneously, announcing "ARAN, ARAN, ARAN" -- mass casulty attack in Jerusalem, near Yaffo street and Sarei Yisrael street. Flying low, we honked our way through traffic (most cars even go out of the way for us) as the Hatzala radio mentioned 2, maybe 3 different attack locations (many cars had been smashed, each with victims in it), plus buses...

I parked illegally on the sidewalk near the Israel Broadcasting Agency in Romema, putting my MDA sign on my car's dashboard, threw on my emergency vest, grabbed my gear and ran.

I waved to the security guard of the IBA, so he knew the car was "friendly" and he wouldn't try to tow it...ticket it...or have it blown up by police sappers.

Running down the street, towards the sires, the fire trucks, and the crowd, we passed smashed cars. Curious onlookers ran towards the scene, some were quietly on the sides of the street, others running away in panic -- and police and medical teams converged on Yaffo street.

Ducking under the crime scene tape, we ran towards the ambulances, and started helping treat the wounded and load them onto ambulances.

One woman cried and moaned, as we placed her into an ambulance, as someone (no idea if it was a relative, friend, or just someone helping out) held the injured woman's crying toddler. The ambulance sped off, and we looked for more people to help.

A policeman with a bomb sniffing dog scoured the area -- another policeman complete in bomb disposal body armor gingerly picked through bags of construction sand near one of the smashed cars, as he looked for a bomb.

35 minutes later, from the time we left, we returned back to the office.

Peeling off my gloves, my hands still shook a bit.

10 unanswered calls on my cellphone.

Time to get back to work.


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