Late yesterday, December 5th, Israeli authorities said that they had finally gained control of a raging four-day wildfire in the Carmel Forest near the city of Haifa, Israel. The fire was the worst in Israel's history, consuming about 10,000 acres of forest and about four million trees. Israeli responders were helped by an international fleet of more than 30 firefighting aircraft and ground personnel from more than 16 countries. At least 42 people were killed and more than 17,000 residents evacuated. Two suspects have now been arrested and stand accused of negligently setting the blaze. Collected here are images from the recent wildfires around Haifa, and those caught up in the disaster. (35 photos total)
Warning! The pictures can be sometimes very painful.
To see these pictures click:
Wildfire in Israel - The Big Picture - Boston.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Beyond the Freeze Deal: A New Agenda for U.S. Efforts on the Peace Process
December 9, 2010
The recent announcement that the Obama administration has ended efforts to negotiate a ninety-day extension of Israel's moratorium on West Bank settlement construction is more opportunity than embarrassment. After twenty-two months of near-fruitless efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian negotiations conditioned on a total cessation of Israeli settlement activity, the administration can finally focus its efforts on the substance of its diplomatic mission -- to test the tantalizing proposition that the current Israeli and Palestinian leaderships may be closer to agreement on the core issues at contention than is commonly recognized.
Read the whole article on: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abbas supports Sudanese president accused of Darfur genocide
by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has expressed his personal support for the president of Sudan, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, who is accused of being responsible for the genocide in Darfur. In a letter to the Sudanese president, Abbas wrote that he and Palestinians "have complete faith in the wisdom of President Omar Al-Bashir."
In 2008, evidence was presented in the International Criminal Court of Justice that showed that "Al-Bashir committed the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur." The crimes against humanity include "murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape." [http://www.icc-cpi.int accessed Dec. 8, 2010] Warrants for his arrest have been issued by the International Criminal Court.
PA TV News reports that a member of the Fatah Central Committee, Azzam Al-Ahmad, was sent by Abbas to deliver a personal letter to the Sudanese president. In it, Abbas wrote that the Palestinian people "stand side by side with the brother country Sudan." The Palestinians, wrote Abbas, "emphasize" their "complete willingness to stand with Sudan in everything it wants and in the way it wants."
Read the whole article on: PMW
ADL: Israeli Rabbis' Petition Against Non-Jews Is "Blatant Discrimination"
Jerusalem, December 7, 2010 � Calling it a "perversion of Jewish and democratic values," the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned a petition signed by dozens of rabbis in Israel prohibiting their followers from renting homes to gentiles.
ADL's Israel Office issued the following statement:
Read the whole article on: ADLIt is outrageous and unacceptable that rabbis across Israel are promoting blatant discrimination against non-Jews. The State of Israel was established in the wake of the most horrific expression of hatred to be a Jewish and democratic state. All citizens of Israel are equal under the law and should be treated with respect by their fellow citizens.
BFP-UPDATE Israel Current News with Prayer Focus December 10, 2010
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1. Carmel Fire May Cost More than US $82 Million 2. Hamas Is Willing to Accept Palestinian Referendum on Deal with Israel 3. IDF: Hizbullah to Take Over Lebanon, Dozens Will Die 4. PA Minister: Israel Deliberately Slow in Saving Palestinians from Fire 5. US Not to Push Israel for New Settlement Building Moratorium Any Longer 6. Israeli Wounded in Mortar Attack on Negev 7. South American Nations Recognize Palestinian State 8. Egypt Votes in Second Round of Elections without Opposition Candidates 9. Gulf States, Embarrassed by WikiLeaks, Emphasize Diplomacy10. Israeli Companies Meet the GE Challenge
1. Carmel Fire May Cost More than US $82 MillionCabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser on Sunday [December 5] presented the government's plan of dealing with damages caused by the Carmel wildfire and the estimated aid to be given to those whose property was destroyed. Speaking at the Haifa command post, Hauser said that the four communities that sustained the most serious damages were Nir Etzion, Ein Hod, Ein Hawd and Yemin Orde.
He added that some 250 housing units sustained heavy damage and will probably have to be rebuilt. Hauser noted that in places that do not receive immediate aid, the government will supply residents with temporary mobile homes.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed us to remove these mobile homes within 60 days, so that they do not become permanent housing solutions," he said. The cabinet secretary added that governmental teams will be in charge of mapping the scope of the damage. "Some of those whose property was damaged are covered by insurance companies, while others are not.
"We need to help all those who have suffered as a result of the fire in terms of lost property, but on the other hand, we cannot allow this to harm the insurance market and the model that is employed in Israel. It is a complex matter," he explained.
Hauser said that according to preliminary estimates, renovating the communities will cost between NIS 125 million and NIS150 million (about US $34-$41 million), and rehabilitating the forests and roads will cost an additional NIS 150 million.
"I assume that within a week, we'll have more accurate figures," he said, adding that Netanyahu instructed to "keep bureaucracy to the bare minimum" and find creative solutions, because we are dealing with people.
Hauser also noted that a special team will be appointed to take care of the population and reinforce the welfare apparatus. The team was instructed to present a plan of action …within seven days. Another team…will be in charge of rehabilitating the Carmel Forest. The team will have 21 days to present a plan of action, due to the longer amount of time it will take to estimate the scope of the damage.
"This is quite a vast area; we're talking about some 50,000 dunams (about 12,500 acres). We need to examine ways to restore the nature to its previous condition, and it will take a long time," concluded Hauser.
(Excerpts of an article by Yoav Zitun, Ynetnews, December 6, 2010)
Editor's Note: If you would like to help the victims of the Carmel fire overcome this tragedy, you can make a donation to Israel's Greatest Need at this link: http://www.bridgesforpeace.
Prayer Focus
Pray for the victims of this horrific disaster. Pray that the government will move swiftly to bring them relief and restore them to proper housing.
Scripture
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
2. Hamas Is Willing to Accept Palestinian Referendum on Deal with IsraelIn a dramatic change of policy, Hamas is willing to accept the results of a referendum by the Palestinian people regarding a peace deal with Israel. Speaking to reporters in Gaza City on Wednesday [December 1], Hamas head Isma'il Haniyya said his group is willing to "accept a Palestinian state on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem as its capital, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the resolution of the issue of refugees." More significantly, Haniyya said that Hamas will, "respect the results [of a referendum] regardless of whether it differs with its ideology and principles."
The new policy is significant because it veers away from the Hamas charter which lays claim to all land, including that which is the state of Israel, and because it appears to be a major step toward reconciliation with Fatah.
Ending the bifurcation between the Hamas-controlled Gaza and Fatah-controlled West Bank [Judea and Samaria] is seen as a priority in preparing for statehood. Hamas' acceptance of the basic tenets of the peace process-even if it comes only after a referendum-arguably satisfies the preconditions of western nations in order to accept Hamas as a partner in a Palestinian government.
(The Media Line, December 2, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will protect Israel from any increasing security risk that might result from this change in Hamas policy. Pray that the leaders involved would have the wisdom of Solomon in recognizing any deceit that might exist in these discussions.
Scripture
"The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords" (Psalm 55:21).
3. IDF: Hizbullah to Take Over Lebanon, Dozens Will DieThe tensions in Lebanon are growing as the release of recommendations by the international tribunal tasked with probing the Hariri murder nears. Hizbullah has already made it clear that indications that it was involved in the murder would not go unanswered, leading military intelligence officials to express concerns on Tuesday [December 7] that the group might seize control of Lebanese government institutions.
In a Knesset [Israeli parliament] Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee debate, senior military intelligence official Colonel Yossi Adler estimated that there is a small chance that the tensions will affect Israel. He noted that Hizbullah continues to arm itself with weapons that threaten central Israel.
Adler presented a possible scenario of Lebanon the day after the report was published: "Dozens will be killed when Hizbullah uses force and takes over government institutions. In this case, there is a chance that the tensions would trickle in Israel's direction. Even though it has been four years since the end of the last war, the organization has a score to settle with Israel following the murder of Hizbullah commander Imad Mughniyeh."
As an alternative to that harsh scenario, Adler presented another less extreme assessment. According to this scenario, Hizbullah will pressure [current] Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the more moderate of the Arab nations to try and reach a compromise. Hizbullah, Adler warned, continues to build up its strength through cooperation with Syria and Iran and has advanced arms that can reach central Israel.
As for the relative quiet in the Gaza Strip, Adler warned that Hamas "continues to examine options for carrying out kidnappings from areas which include Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]." He also noted that in spite of the disastrous consequences of the Turkish flotilla, additional flotillas are still in the cards, but in his estimation, the motivation to dispatch such flotillas was lower than in the past.
(Excerpts of an article by Roni Sofer, Ynetnews, December 7, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will protect Lebanon from such a violent take-over and further protect Israel from the ongoing threat of terrorism and military attack.
Scripture
"For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But you have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us" (Psalm 44:6-8).
4. PA Minister: Israel Deliberately Slow in Saving Palestinians from FireOn the day of the outbreak of the Carmel forest fire in northern Israel, 40 Israelis rushing to evacuate the prisoners [which included Palestinians] in the Damon prison were burned to death in the fire. After this was announced, the PA [Palestinian Authority] Deputy Minister of Prisoners, Ziyad Abu Ein, accused Israel of not being concerned about saving the lives of the Palestinian prisoners and being intentionally slow in moving them away from the fire zone.
The following is the interview broadcast on PA TV with Ziyad Abu Ein, PA Deputy Minister of Prisoners' Affairs:
PA TV host: "Do you have information about the response speed of the Israeli Prison Service in transferring the female prisoners from the Israeli prison, or did they take their time and create a lag?"
Minister Abu Ein: "Yes, they created a lag and our [Palestinian] prisoners were endangered. Had there not been Israeli criminals or Jewish prisoners in this particular prison, it would have been even slower...If, heaven forbid, this fire had been in the Negev, Nafha or Be'er Sheva prisons [for Palestinian security prisoners only, -ed.], there would have been an even greater danger, but the presence of hundreds of Israeli prisoners in this prison [Damon] spurred the ending [of the fire] and the evacuation of the prisoners. But still it was very slow." [PA TV (Fatah), Dec. 2, 2010]
(By Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, December 7, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this vicious lie will be exposed as the evil propaganda that it actually is. Pray that the fact that "all" prisoners were delivered to safety will be made clear and that the Lord will protect Israel from any such attempts to use the fire as a means to demonize the nation.
Scripture
"They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble" (Psalm 140:3-4).
5. US Not to Push Israel for New Settlement Building Moratorium Any LongerThe Obama administration has reportedly abandoned efforts to persuade Israel to renew a freeze on settlement building in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. Washington had been negotiating with Israel to try to meet Palestinian conditions for restarting direct talks.
The Palestinians suspended talks in September after a ten-month building moratorium expired. Washington said it would continue to explore ways to bring the two sides together. The peace talks resumed in September after a break of almost two years but were suspended when the Israeli government decided not to extend the ban on settlement building in the West Bank.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said talks with the Americans had been postponed [before the US announced they were changing plans] because Washington was distracted by the fallout from the release of secret documents by the whistle-blowing Web site WikiLeaks and the crisis over North Korea. However, State Department spokesman PJ Crowley denied this was the case.
"There is not a change in strategy [in pursuing a peace deal]; there may well be a change in tactics," he said. "We have been pursuing a moratorium as a means to create conditions for a return to meaningful and sustained negotiations. After a considerable effort, we have concluded that this does not create a firm basis to work towards our shared goal of a framework agreement. We will have further conversations on the substance with the parties, and we will continue to try to find ways to create the kind of confidence that will eventually, we hope, allow them to engage directly," he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had offered to renew the freeze if the Palestinians recognized Israel as a Jewish state, but the Palestinian Authority dismissed the idea. Palestinian and Israeli negotiators will be in Washington next week and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make a speech about the Middle East on Friday [December 10].
(By World Jewish Congress, December 8, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord that Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood solidly in his demand for recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen him and lead him in the right direction.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
6. Israeli Wounded in Mortar Attack on NegevAn Israeli man sustained light wounds Wednesday night [December 8] when a mortar fired from northern Gaza exploded in the western Negev's Eshkol Regional Council. The man was evacuated to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba with injuries to his upper body after he was treated by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) forces at the scene. Council officials said a total of five shells were launched from the Hamas-ruled territory, adding that residents in the area were instructed to enter secure rooms. The mortar attack occurred at around 11 pm.
A resident living in one of the communities hit by the mortar shells said: "We were in the middle of watching 'Big Brother' when suddenly the mortar shells hit. We couldn't tell where they'd hit exactly, so we starting making phone calls. That's when we realized the head of security was injured. Now the entire community is on lockdown; the residents are in fortified rooms. We're not too stirred up by all of this, but on the other hand, we're not taking this lightly. We know it's dangerous. No one expected the shooting will end. We can still hear shots."
Head of Eshkol Regional Council Chaim Yalin said: "The shooting doesn't surprise anyone. With all the peace and quiet the government promises Palestinian communities-this is what we get." Earlier Wednesday, a mortar fired from Gaza landed near a kibbutz in the western Negev, damaging a home. There were no reports of injury.
(Excerpts of an article by Ynet reporters, Ilana Curiel and Hanan Greenberg contributed, Ynetnews, December 9, 2010)
Editor's Note: If you have a heart to help those in Israel who are victimized by terror and war, give to our Victims of War Fund, click here: http://www.bridgesforpeace.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will protect the citizens of Israel's beleaguered southern region, both physically and emotionally. Pray for an international outcry demanding that these attacks come to an end.
Scripture
"Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:3-4).
7. South American Nations Recognize Palestinian StateBrazil and Argentina have both decided to recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, and more South American nations may follow suit. Israel and the US have criticized the moves. According to a press release posted on the Brazilian foreign ministry's Web site, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas requested the move in a letter in November, with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressing his nation''s affirmative decision in a return letter on December 1.
The Brazilians somewhat downplayed the significance of the gesture by noting that more than 100 other nations have recognized the Palestinian state, while also claiming it is in line with United Nations resolutions calling for an independent Palestinian state. They also reaffirmed their support for peace negotiations.
Despite the fact that Palestinians have threatened to go to the United Nations for statehood recognition outside of peace talks with Israel, the Brazilians do not think their recognition showed opposition to a negotiated deal. Said the press statement, "The conviction that negotiations between Israel and Palestine are vital for the achievement of mutual concessions on the main issues of the conflict has not been abandoned with this decision."
Argentina's recognition was similar to Brazil's and noted their support for peace negotiations, while also pointing out the "state of deep frustration," as the Oslo peace process has not yet achieved its goals. Israeli Prime Minister's Office Spokesman Mark Regev, in an interview with Bridges for Peace, thought the moves are "largely symbolic, but they're symbolic in the wrong direction."
"The effort today has to be to encourage the resumption of direct peace talks," said Regev. "Because ultimately only [by] sitting around the same table-Palestinians and Israelis eyeball-to-eyeball-can we negotiate the very tough issues that need to be negotiated in order to establish peace. And I think it would be much more beneficial if foreign governments were calling on the Palestinians to return to negotiations."
The United States also critiqued the move. In comments to the press, spokesman Philip Crowley said, "We don't think that we should be distracted from the fact that the only way to resolve the core issues within the process is through direct negotiations. That remains our focus. And we do not favor that course of action [willingness to recognize a Palestinian state]. As we've said many, many times, any unilateral action, we believe, is counterproductive."
Whether it was intended or not by the South American nations, some Palestinians appear to be getting the perception that the outside will do it for them. The Jerusalem Post reported the Palestinians were pleased with the steps taken by Brazil and Argentina, with some Palestinian officials noting the recognition is a positive indicator should the Palestinians turn to the UN Security Council. It remains unclear if this reflects the official intention of the Palestinian leadership.
A PA Foreign Ministry source told The Jerusalem Post more South American nations have shown willingness towards recognizing a Palestinian state. Abbas is also seeking recognition from European states and Canada.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, December 7, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move to prevent unilateral action on the part of the Palestinians, focusing all involved on the need for direct negotiations to deal face-to-face with hard issues.
Scripture
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure" (Psalm 2:2-5).
8. Egypt Votes in Second Round of Elections without Opposition CandidatesEgyptian President Hosni Mubarak will have the support of a parliament virtually devoid of opposition after Sunday's [December 5] second round of parliamentary elections. Following the first round, opposition candidates dropped out of the race, claiming the balloting was rigged and that the Mubarak-controlled system makes it impossible for opposing voices to be heard.
Observers say Mubarak's National Democratic Party (NDP) will own the parliament with the exception of a few meaningless seats. The parliamentary sweep sets up Mubarak for re-election to the presidency in 2011 despite his advanced age (82) and health problems. It is commonly believed that Mubarak will establish his 46-year old son Gamal as his heir-apparent.
Many who had believed the Muslim Brotherhood candidates would win at least some seats were surprised by the NDP sweep. Egyptians who looked to the United States to pressure Mubarak into liberalizing the election and making strides toward democracy were disappointed with the weak statement of "dismay" from Washington. Contested seats in Sunday's run-off elections will feature two candidates, both from Mubarak's party.
(The Media Line, December 5, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Israel's relationship with Egypt, though strained at times, is critical for stability in the region. Pray that the Lord will move to install the leader of His choice in this important election.
Scripture
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).
9. Gulf States, Embarrassed by WikiLeaks, Emphasize DiplomacyArab Gulf states, some of whom were exposed by the WikiLeaks release of US State Department cables as privately urging an American military strike against Iran, are now publicly calling for a diplomatic approach to stifle their neighbor's nuclear aspirations. American diplomatic correspondence leaked last week described repeated appeals to the United States by Saudi King Abdullah to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.
In a 2008 meeting with US General David Petraeus, the king reportedly asked the Americans to "cut off the head of the snake." Bahrain and Jordan were also cited as advocating a termination of the Iranian nuclear program "by any means necessary."
But at the opening of the 31st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Abu-Dhabi on Monday [December 6], Kuwaiti Emir Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah advocated words rather than deeds when dealing with Iran. "We call for the resolution of the Iranian nuclear crisis through dialogue and peaceful means," Al-Sabah told the assembly. "This will allow for a peaceful resolution of the issue and provide security and stability to the region."
Created in 1981, in part as a response to the Islamic revolution in Iran two years earlier, the GCC is a political and economic body uniting six oil-rich Gulf States: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCC countries occupy the Gulf coast opposite Iran, but relations are tense amid concerns that Tehran's Shi'ite government aims for dominance in the Gulf, where the Arab states are ruled by Sunni Muslims.
"The council followed developments in the Iranian nuclear file with the utmost concern and stresses again the importance of commitment to the principles of international legitimacy and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means," a communiqué from the GCC declared.
Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Center in Qatar, said some Gulf States more strongly advocated a military solution to the Iran problem than others, but that the GCC meeting's emphasis on dialogue was a direct result of the embarrassing WikiLeaks revelations.
Shaikh said the GCC leaders were also probably influenced by a new round of nuclear talks this week between Iran and a group of nations led by the US, feeling that they cannot be seen taking a harder line on Iran than the US and Europe. Although they officially welcomed the talks, the GCC countries didn't hide their anger at being excluded from them.
"Any solution with Iran should come from the region, and the GCC countries should have a role in these negotiations," UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahayan told the conference. A further round of negotiations with Iran is now scheduled for early next year.
Another issue on the GCC's agenda was terrorism, about which the WikiLeaks documents also created some discomfort for Gulf governments. The cables revealed that US officials accused Saudi Arabia of being a source of terror funding, including a 2009 assessment by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton naming donors in Saudi Arabia as "the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide." The cables cited Qatar and Kuwait as being notably lax in pursuing terror finance cases.
At the GCC meeting, however, Sheikh Khalifah Ben Zayid Al-Nahyan, president of Abu-Dhabi, the biggest of the UAE countries, pointedly commended the Saudi efforts in fighting terrorism on Saudi soil. Sheikh Al-Sabah of Kuwait echoed the praise of his Emirati counterpart. "We are closely following Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat terrorism," Al-Sabah said. "We express support for the kingdom and the international community in their fight against terrorism in all its forms."
(Excerpts of an article by David E. Miller, The Media Line, December 7, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the WikiLeaks release of confidential documents will have a minimal effect on diplomatic relations between these governments and the West, particularly in relation to Iran. Pray that the nuclear threat will be eliminated through whatever means necessary.
Scripture
"The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" (Deuteronomy 28:7).
10. Israeli Companies Meet the GE ChallengeThousands of entries poured in from entrepreneurs in 150 countries when General Electric announced its US $200 million GE Ecomagination Challenge last July. Ten weeks later, judges announced five winners: three from the United States and two from Israel. Each received US $100,000, no strings attached, to develop their ideas for creating a smarter, cleaner, more efficient power grid and global energy transformation through open collaboration.
The two Israeli awardees are GridON of Givatayim, whose "Keeper" fault-current limiter protects the electric grid from disruptions and power outages and WinFlex of Kiryat Yam, whose wind turbine rotors made from light, flexible and inexpensive composite fabric, reduce installation costs by at least half.
[GridON's] product keeps fault currents from spreading through the power grid, enabling uninterrupted service and protecting capital equipment from damage. The Keeper is expected to save grid operators millions of dollars by avoiding regulatory penalties, lowering operating costs and increasing the lifespan of costly infrastructure.
Though the company is less than three years old, the technology behind WinFlex, a start-up that develops and implements a unique wind turbine technology for manufacturing wind turbines and licensing its technology for mass production, was developed by Dr. Vladimir Kliatzkin some 30 years ago. His 29-year-old son, Eliezer, took the initiative to bring the product to market.
He gathered a team of 15 engineers who had worked together previously, mostly immigrants from the Former Soviet Union like his father. "At the R&D stage, the entrepreneur hears 'no' many times and 'yes' only a few times. When the 'yes' comes from an authority like GE, I believe it will have an impact," Kliatzkin declares. Recognition from a major player like GE makes it clear that we are for real. Secondly, it opens a door for us to the financial resources available for a project like this."
(Excerpts of an article by Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c, December 6, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for another example of Israeli innovation.
Scripture
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:2-3).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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Declaration of Independence of the Jewish state * Napoleon Bonaparte
Declaration of Independence of the Jewish state *Napoleon Bonaparteץ
from: מראה
First we give the Hebrew followed by a translation in English
הצהרת העצמאות של מדינת היהודים*
נפוליאון בונפארטה
ב-20 באפריל 1799, במהלך הטלת המצור על עכו, סבר נפוליאון כי הוא מרוחק מהלך יום מירושלים, וצפה כי עם כיבושה, הוא יכריז על עצמאותה של מדינת היהודים. לפיכך, הוא חיבר הצהרה, בהנחה שהוא אכן יוכל להכריז ביום המחרת על המדינה היהודית, בירושלים. אלא שהאנגלים עצרו את התקדמותו של נפוליאון, שנאלץ לסגת. הצהרת נפוליאון לא הוכרזה מעולם, והיא נגנזה בארכיונים הצרפתים.
להלן נוסחה המקורי של ההצהרה:
הכרזה אל האומה היהודית, המטה הכללי ירושלים, ה-20 באפריל 1799, השנה ה-VII לרפובליקה הצרפתית
מאת: נפוליאון בונפארטה, המפקד הראשי של הצבאות הצרפתים באפריקה ובאסיה
אל: היורשים החוקיים של פלסטינה –בני ישראל, בני אומה ייחודית אשר במשך אלפי שנים הצליחו הכיבושים והעריצות לגזול מהם את אדמתם, אבל לא את שמם ולא את קיומם הלאומי.
הבוחנים בקפידה וללא משוא פנים את גורל האומות, אפילו אם הם חסרים את היכולת הנבואית של ישראל ושל הנביא יואל, מסיקים את האמת שבדברי הנבואות של הנביאים הגדולים, אשר ערב חורבן ציון ניבאו כי ילדיו של האל יחזרו למולדתם בשירה וברינה וכי העצב והאנחות ייעלמו לעד.
קומו ברינה, הגולים!
מלחמה זו שאין לה אח ורע בהיסטוריה כולה, נערכה כמלחמת הגנה עצמית על ידי אומה שאויביה ראו באדמותיה המוּרָשות שלל שיש לחלוק אותו. כעת, מתנקמת אומה זו על אלפיים שנות ביזיון. אף על פי שנדמה כאילו התקופה והנסיבות אינן הולמות את ההצהרה ואפילו את עצם הביטוי של דרישותיכם, מלחמה זו מציעה לכם כיום, בניגוד לכל צפי, את מורשתכם הישראלית.
ההשגחה העליונה שלחה אותי לכאן עם צבא צעיר, המודרך על ידי הצדק והמלווה בניצחון. המטה הכללי שלי הוא בירושלים, ובעוד כמה ימים אהיה בדמשק, שקירבתה שוב אינה מהווה סכנה לעיר דוד.
היורשים החוקיים של פלסטינה!
האומה הגדולה אינה עוסקת במקח וממכר של בני אדם ושל ארצות כדוגמת אלה שמכרו את אבותיכם לכל האומות, והיא אינה קוראת לכם לכבוש את ירושתכם. לא, כל שהיא מבקשת הוא ליטול ממנה את מה שהיא כבר כבשה, כשהיא תומכת בכם ומתירה לכם להמשיך ולהיות הבעלים על הארץ הזו ולשמור עליה למרות כל היריבים.
קומו!
הוכיחו כי כל העוצמה של מדכאיכם לא הצליחה לקטול את אומץ ליבם של צאצאי הגיבורים שהיו מביאים כבוד לספרטה ולרומא.
הוכיחו כי אלפיים שנות עבדות לא הצליחו לחנוק את האומץ הזה.
הזדרזו!
זהו הרגע, שייתכן כי לא יחזור שוב במשך אלף שנה, כדי לדרוש את החזרת זכויות האזרח שלכם, את השבת מקומכם בקרב עמי העולם. יש לכם מלוא הזכות לקיום פוליטי כאומה בקרב האומות האחרות. יש לכם הזכות לעבוד את אלוהיכם בהתאם לדתכם.
*תרגמה מצרפתית: ציונה בודנסקי
נפוליאון בונפארטה
ב-20 באפריל 1799, במהלך הטלת המצור על עכו, סבר נפוליאון כי הוא מרוחק מהלך יום מירושלים, וצפה כי עם כיבושה, הוא יכריז על עצמאותה של מדינת היהודים. לפיכך, הוא חיבר הצהרה, בהנחה שהוא אכן יוכל להכריז ביום המחרת על המדינה היהודית, בירושלים. אלא שהאנגלים עצרו את התקדמותו של נפוליאון, שנאלץ לסגת. הצהרת נפוליאון לא הוכרזה מעולם, והיא נגנזה בארכיונים הצרפתים.
להלן נוסחה המקורי של ההצהרה:
הכרזה אל האומה היהודית, המטה הכללי ירושלים, ה-20 באפריל 1799, השנה ה-VII לרפובליקה הצרפתית
מאת: נפוליאון בונפארטה, המפקד הראשי של הצבאות הצרפתים באפריקה ובאסיה
אל: היורשים החוקיים של פלסטינה –בני ישראל, בני אומה ייחודית אשר במשך אלפי שנים הצליחו הכיבושים והעריצות לגזול מהם את אדמתם, אבל לא את שמם ולא את קיומם הלאומי.
הבוחנים בקפידה וללא משוא פנים את גורל האומות, אפילו אם הם חסרים את היכולת הנבואית של ישראל ושל הנביא יואל, מסיקים את האמת שבדברי הנבואות של הנביאים הגדולים, אשר ערב חורבן ציון ניבאו כי ילדיו של האל יחזרו למולדתם בשירה וברינה וכי העצב והאנחות ייעלמו לעד.
קומו ברינה, הגולים!
מלחמה זו שאין לה אח ורע בהיסטוריה כולה, נערכה כמלחמת הגנה עצמית על ידי אומה שאויביה ראו באדמותיה המוּרָשות שלל שיש לחלוק אותו. כעת, מתנקמת אומה זו על אלפיים שנות ביזיון. אף על פי שנדמה כאילו התקופה והנסיבות אינן הולמות את ההצהרה ואפילו את עצם הביטוי של דרישותיכם, מלחמה זו מציעה לכם כיום, בניגוד לכל צפי, את מורשתכם הישראלית.
ההשגחה העליונה שלחה אותי לכאן עם צבא צעיר, המודרך על ידי הצדק והמלווה בניצחון. המטה הכללי שלי הוא בירושלים, ובעוד כמה ימים אהיה בדמשק, שקירבתה שוב אינה מהווה סכנה לעיר דוד.
היורשים החוקיים של פלסטינה!
האומה הגדולה אינה עוסקת במקח וממכר של בני אדם ושל ארצות כדוגמת אלה שמכרו את אבותיכם לכל האומות, והיא אינה קוראת לכם לכבוש את ירושתכם. לא, כל שהיא מבקשת הוא ליטול ממנה את מה שהיא כבר כבשה, כשהיא תומכת בכם ומתירה לכם להמשיך ולהיות הבעלים על הארץ הזו ולשמור עליה למרות כל היריבים.
קומו!
הוכיחו כי כל העוצמה של מדכאיכם לא הצליחה לקטול את אומץ ליבם של צאצאי הגיבורים שהיו מביאים כבוד לספרטה ולרומא.
הוכיחו כי אלפיים שנות עבדות לא הצליחו לחנוק את האומץ הזה.
הזדרזו!
זהו הרגע, שייתכן כי לא יחזור שוב במשך אלף שנה, כדי לדרוש את החזרת זכויות האזרח שלכם, את השבת מקומכם בקרב עמי העולם. יש לכם מלוא הזכות לקיום פוליטי כאומה בקרב האומות האחרות. יש לכם הזכות לעבוד את אלוהיכם בהתאם לדתכם.
*תרגמה מצרפתית: ציונה בודנסקי
From Google:
Hebrew to English translation
Declaration of Independence of the Jewish state *Napoleon Bonaparte
On April 20, 1799, during the siege of Acre, Napoleon believed that he was walking away from Jerusalem Day, and watched that with the occupation, he will declare the independence of the Jewish state. Accordingly, he composed a statement, assuming it could indeed declare the next day on the Jewish state, in Jerusalem. But the English stopped the advance of Napoleon, who had to withdraw. Napoleon's statement had not been declared, the French archives and it has been shelved.
Following the declaration's original formula:
Announcement to the Jewish nation, the Jerusalem headquarters, the 20th April 1799, the year the French Republic VII
By: Napoleon Bonaparte, commander in chief of the French armies in Africa and Asia
To: the legal heirs of Palestine - the children of Israel, the unique nation that for thousands of years of conquest and tyranny were able to rob them of their lands, but not their names and the national existence.
Examine carefully and without bias the fate of nations, even if they lack the ability to Israel's prophecy and the prophet Joel, conclude the truth according to the prophecy of the great prophets who predicted the eve of the destruction of Zion that God's children return to their homeland that Rina singing sorrow sighs will disappear forever.
Como Marina, exiles!
This war has no precedent in history as a whole, was a war of self defense by a nation that saw its lands authorized enemies that share the booty. Now, taking revenge on this nation two thousand years of disgrace. Although it seems as if time and circumstances are not appropriate the statement and even the very expression of your requirements, this war offers today, against all expectations, the Israeli Morsatchma.
Providence sent me here with a young army, guided by justice and lender victory. My headquarters is in Jerusalem, and in a few days I will be in Damascus, proximity is no longer a threat to the city of David.
Legal heirs of Palestine!
Great nation is not engaged in trade of people and countries such as those who sold your ancestors to all nations, and she does not call for you to conquer the Aroshatchma. No, all she wants is to take away what she has been captured, she supports you and allows you to continue to be the owner of this land and keep it in spite of all opponents.
Arise!
Showed that all the power of Madachaichm could not slay the courage of the descendants of the heroes who bring honor to Sparta and Rome.
Showed that two thousand years of slavery could not choke the courage.
Hurry!
This is the moment, you may not return again for a thousand years, to demand the return of your civil rights, the Sabbath a place among the nations of the world. You have every right to political existence as a nation among other nations. You have the right to worship your God according to religion.
* Translated from French: Ziona Budansky
On April 20, 1799, during the siege of Acre, Napoleon believed that he was walking away from Jerusalem Day, and watched that with the occupation, he will declare the independence of the Jewish state. Accordingly, he composed a statement, assuming it could indeed declare the next day on the Jewish state, in Jerusalem. But the English stopped the advance of Napoleon, who had to withdraw. Napoleon's statement had not been declared, the French archives and it has been shelved.
Following the declaration's original formula:
Announcement to the Jewish nation, the Jerusalem headquarters, the 20th April 1799, the year the French Republic VII
By: Napoleon Bonaparte, commander in chief of the French armies in Africa and Asia
To: the legal heirs of Palestine - the children of Israel, the unique nation that for thousands of years of conquest and tyranny were able to rob them of their lands, but not their names and the national existence.
Examine carefully and without bias the fate of nations, even if they lack the ability to Israel's prophecy and the prophet Joel, conclude the truth according to the prophecy of the great prophets who predicted the eve of the destruction of Zion that God's children return to their homeland that Rina singing sorrow sighs will disappear forever.
Como Marina, exiles!
This war has no precedent in history as a whole, was a war of self defense by a nation that saw its lands authorized enemies that share the booty. Now, taking revenge on this nation two thousand years of disgrace. Although it seems as if time and circumstances are not appropriate the statement and even the very expression of your requirements, this war offers today, against all expectations, the Israeli Morsatchma.
Providence sent me here with a young army, guided by justice and lender victory. My headquarters is in Jerusalem, and in a few days I will be in Damascus, proximity is no longer a threat to the city of David.
Legal heirs of Palestine!
Great nation is not engaged in trade of people and countries such as those who sold your ancestors to all nations, and she does not call for you to conquer the Aroshatchma. No, all she wants is to take away what she has been captured, she supports you and allows you to continue to be the owner of this land and keep it in spite of all opponents.
Arise!
Showed that all the power of Madachaichm could not slay the courage of the descendants of the heroes who bring honor to Sparta and Rome.
Showed that two thousand years of slavery could not choke the courage.
Hurry!
This is the moment, you may not return again for a thousand years, to demand the return of your civil rights, the Sabbath a place among the nations of the world. You have every right to political existence as a nation among other nations. You have the right to worship your God according to religion.
* Translated from French: Ziona Budansky
Hilary White Report tracks growing trend of anti-Christian incidents in Europe
- Thu Dec 09, 2010 15:43 EST
- VIENNA, December 9, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A report issued by a Vienna-based human rights watchdog group has tracked five years of anti-Christian incidents across Europe and says that there is a growing recognition at the institutional level of discrimination and intolerance towards believing Christians.
The report focused on the conclusion of a 2009 meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), that said, “What came out clearly from this meeting is that intolerance and discrimination against Christians is manifested in various forms across the OSCE area.”
Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, said, “Meeting participants discussed several aspects of intolerance and discrimination against and among Christians, including violent attacks against persons, property and places of worship, as well as restrictions to the right to freedom of religion or belief. Participants also highlighted inaccurate portrayals of Christian identity and values in the media and political discourse, leading to misunderstandings and prejudice.”
Report tracks growing trend of anti-Christian incidents in Europe | LifeSiteNews.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Attorney General to check if rabbis' statements were legal
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein on Thursday stated that his office would check if the behavior of state-employed rabbis, who signed a letter against renting to non-Jews, was "criminal."
Weinstein's comments came in a letter to Meretz MK Ilan Gilon who had called on the rabbis to be ousted from their positions.
If you like to read the whole article click:
Attorney General to check if rabbis' statements were legal
Weinstein's comments came in a letter to Meretz MK Ilan Gilon who had called on the rabbis to be ousted from their positions.
If you like to read the whole article click:
Attorney General to check if rabbis' statements were legal
Wikileaks exposes Arab fear
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Mortar Shells Fired at Negev, One Person Wounded
by Elad Benari
At least four mortar shells were fired from Gaza towards Israel on Wednesday evening. The mortars exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council. One person was moderately wounded and had to be taken for treatment at the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. The area's residents were asked to stay in protected areas in their homes.
Mortar Shells Fired at Negev, One Person Wounded - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
At least four mortar shells were fired from Gaza towards Israel on Wednesday evening. The mortars exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council. One person was moderately wounded and had to be taken for treatment at the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. The area's residents were asked to stay in protected areas in their homes.
Earlier on Wednesday a mortar shell exploded near a kibbutz in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. Damage was caused to one of the houses in the kibbutz, but nobody was hurt.
According to statistics published by the ISA earlier this week, in November there was a slight increase in the number of attacks by terrorists compared to October. In November there were 52 attacks, while 44 were recorded in October.
If you like to read the whole article click:Mortar Shells Fired at Negev, One Person Wounded - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Poll: 88% of Israelis say political parties are corrupt
Transparency International - Israel released a poll on Thursday, which showed that Israelis think that political parties are the most corrupt institution in the country.
Nearly 90 percent of Israelis said that parties were corrupt, giving them a score of 4.5 out of five possible corruption points. The Knesset was ranked as the second-most corrupt institution, with a score of four. The IDF was in last place, with 2.6 out of five points.
Nearly 90 percent of Israelis said that parties were corrupt, giving them a score of 4.5 out of five possible corruption points. The Knesset was ranked as the second-most corrupt institution, with a score of four. The IDF was in last place, with 2.6 out of five points.
If you like to read the whole article click:
Hundreds Homeless in Carmel, Govt. Promises Speedy Aid
by Maayana Miskin
More than 200 people were left homeless by the fire that raged in northern Israel beginning on Thursday of last week. Homes were destroyed in Ein Hod, Nir Etzion, and the youth village of Yemin Orde, which is both a school and home to hundreds of teenagers, most of them immigrants to Israel.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has ordered the government to give NIS 2,500 immediately to each person whose home was destroyed, in order to help them buy clothing and other necessities.
He has also committed to cutting back on bureaucracy to allow families to rebuild their homes as quickly as possible. A special committee will serve as the address for those whose homes or property was destroyed.
If you like to read the rest of the story click:
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Kinneret water levels expected to reach the black line
Smallest amount of water ever recorded enters Kinneret in November; further pumping could cause permanent damage to water supply.
Despite predictions of an upcoming stormy weekend, Israel will probably have to manage its water economy with various reservoirs reaching the black line, at which point further pumping could cause permanent damage to the quality of Israel's water, according to the Mekorot water company.
Mekorot's chief hydrologist, Dr. Yossi Guttman, says the conclusions are based on the expected amount of rainfall in the coming rainy season and the fact that no additional desalination plant is scheduled to go into operation this year to counter the effects of the drought.
Read the whole story on: Ha'artz
Lindenstrauss: 'Fire readiness falls on Yishai's shoulders'
Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services are the “weak link” in emergency readiness and the ministerial responsibility for that fact falls on Interior Minister Eli Yishai’s shoulders, a scathing report by State Comptroller Micha revealed Wednesday afternoon. Although initially intended to be part of a larger follow-up report about the failures discovered regarding home front readiness after the Second Lebanon War, Lindenstrauss’s report on the fire services gained new significance after the Carmel fire killed 42 people and caused what is estimated to be billions of shekels of damage.
Lindenstrauss himself described the document as “a very serious report that testifies as well as 100 witnesses on completely unacceptable management, especially on the part of government-level decision-makers.”
Lindenstrauss himself described the document as “a very serious report that testifies as well as 100 witnesses on completely unacceptable management, especially on the part of government-level decision-makers.”
If you like to read the whole story click:
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