 |
Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | January 3, 2011 |
 |
1. Largest Natural Gas Reserve Discovered In Israel 2. "Palestine is big" - Palestinians Say It Includes All of Israel 3. Recognition of Palestine Intensifies with Opening of Embassy in Brazil 4. Report: Breakthrough Achieved Towards Israel-Syria Talks 5. "The U.S. Will Be Transformed into an Islamic Republic" 6. Iranian Minister: US, Britain's Destiny Worse than Hitler's 7. Petrol Price In Israel - One Of Highest In World 8. 16% Increase In New Immigrants To Israel In 2010 9. Report: 3 out of 4 Israeli citizens are Jewish10. Hamas Operatives Planning Rocket Attacks at Jerusalem Stadium
1. Largest Natural Gas Reserve Discovered In Israel
A natural gas reserve worth an estimated US $95 billion has been discovered off the coast of Israel, it was announced yesterday by US company Noble Energy. The discovery, based on preliminary results of production tests received in the last few days, is the largest natural gas find ever made in Israel, and the largest made in the world in the last decade. According to the 3D seismic survey, over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas was discovered about 130 kilometers offshore of Haifa, and 29 kilometers from the earlier Tamar discovery. The results match estimates first announced in June, also based on a 3D seismic survey.
Noble Energy owns 39.66 % of the prospective discovery. Other partners include Israels Delek Group, Avner Oil and Gas, Delek Drilling (22.67% each) and Ration Oil Exploration (15%).
Last year, Israeli company Isramco announced that it had discovered reserves of natural gas worth US $15 billion at the Tamar 1 offshore drill site, 90 kilometers from Haifa. "Leviathan is the latest major discovery for Noble Energy and is easily the largest exploration discovery in our history," said Charles Davidson, CEO of Noble Energy. Yoram Turbowitz, CEO of Delek Group, warned that the find would require a huge investment in infrastructure, with state aid.
Noble Energy president and COO David L. Stover said: "This discovery has the potential to position Israel as a natural gas exporting nation. For nearly a year now, we have had a team evaluating market possibilities, which includes various pipeline and LNG options. Its our belief that the natural gas resources at Leviathan are sufficient to support one or more of the options being studied."
(By Israel 21c, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for providing for the energy needs of Israel.
Scripture
"The earth is the Lords, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1).
Noble Energy owns 39.66 % of the prospective discovery. Other partners include Israels Delek Group, Avner Oil and Gas, Delek Drilling (22.67% each) and Ration Oil Exploration (15%).
Last year, Israeli company Isramco announced that it had discovered reserves of natural gas worth US $15 billion at the Tamar 1 offshore drill site, 90 kilometers from Haifa. "Leviathan is the latest major discovery for Noble Energy and is easily the largest exploration discovery in our history," said Charles Davidson, CEO of Noble Energy. Yoram Turbowitz, CEO of Delek Group, warned that the find would require a huge investment in infrastructure, with state aid.
Noble Energy president and COO David L. Stover said: "This discovery has the potential to position Israel as a natural gas exporting nation. For nearly a year now, we have had a team evaluating market possibilities, which includes various pipeline and LNG options. Its our belief that the natural gas resources at Leviathan are sufficient to support one or more of the options being studied."
(By Israel 21c, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for providing for the energy needs of Israel.
Scripture
"The earth is the Lords, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1).
2. "Palestine is big" - Palestinians Say It Includes All of Israel
Contrary to the repeated statements by Palestinian Authority [PA] Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to foreign leaders that the PA recognizes Israel, the PA internally in Arabic continues to deny Israels existence and to present a world without Israel. The PA transmits the message to its people that it does not recognize Israels existence, describing all Israeli land, cities and regions as "Palestinian."
Palestinian TV is one tool among many used by the PA to disseminate this message. In three recent programs on PA TV, which is owned by the PA and operated under the auspices of Mahmoud Abbass office, Palestinians were presented with a world without Israel, which is the most explicit non-recognition.
1. The Israeli city of Tiberias was said to be "in northern Palestine, close to the Palestinian-Jordanian-Syrian border." - "Palestine" could not share a border with Syria unless Israel did not exist. Tiberias is in northern Israel and not "northern Palestine."
2. The coast of "Palestine" was said in an educational program to be 224 kilometers long, reaching Rosh Hanikra in northern Israel. - The coast of "Palestine" could not be 224 kilometers long unless there were no Israel, since the coast of the Gaza Strip is only 40 kilometers long.
3. "Palestine is big-27,000 sq. kilometers," said PA TV host. - The area of "Palestine" could not be 27,000 sq. kilometers unless Israel were to disappear, since the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and Gaza together are only about 6,000 sq. kilometers.
The following are the transcripts and context of the statements defining Israel as "Palestine":
1. Host: "In Palestine there are very beautiful historical sites and cultural and natural sites... The city of Tiberias is one such area, where history, nature and water come together."
Reporter: "The city of Tiberias is in northern Palestine, close to the Palestinian-Jordanian-Syrian border."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 23, 2010]
2. Question on PA TV quiz show The Stars for university students:
"The length of Palestines coast, along the Mediterranean Sea from Rosh Hanikra to Rafah is:
1. 152 km.
2. 224 km.
3. 375 km."
Representative from Bethlehem University answers: "224 km."
[His answer is confirmed correct.]
Note: Rosh Hanikra is Israels most northern coastal point, and the coast of "Palestine" would be 224 km. long only if Israel did not exist.
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 26, 2010]
3. Amal Daraghmeh, chairman of the committee planning the "Palestine Conference for Public Relations, Communications and Media" said on PA TV that he hopes to include as many Palestinians as possible in the conference. The PA TV host responded: "Palestine is big-27,000 sq. km."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 29, 2010]
(By Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, December 22, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God Almighty will make it clear to the Palestinians and the rest of the world that Israel exists by His plan and that He will continue to ensure her existence.
Scripture
"Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. The nations also will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore" (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
Palestinian TV is one tool among many used by the PA to disseminate this message. In three recent programs on PA TV, which is owned by the PA and operated under the auspices of Mahmoud Abbass office, Palestinians were presented with a world without Israel, which is the most explicit non-recognition.
1. The Israeli city of Tiberias was said to be "in northern Palestine, close to the Palestinian-Jordanian-Syrian border." - "Palestine" could not share a border with Syria unless Israel did not exist. Tiberias is in northern Israel and not "northern Palestine."
2. The coast of "Palestine" was said in an educational program to be 224 kilometers long, reaching Rosh Hanikra in northern Israel. - The coast of "Palestine" could not be 224 kilometers long unless there were no Israel, since the coast of the Gaza Strip is only 40 kilometers long.
3. "Palestine is big-27,000 sq. kilometers," said PA TV host. - The area of "Palestine" could not be 27,000 sq. kilometers unless Israel were to disappear, since the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and Gaza together are only about 6,000 sq. kilometers.
The following are the transcripts and context of the statements defining Israel as "Palestine":
1. Host: "In Palestine there are very beautiful historical sites and cultural and natural sites... The city of Tiberias is one such area, where history, nature and water come together."
Reporter: "The city of Tiberias is in northern Palestine, close to the Palestinian-Jordanian-Syrian border."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 23, 2010]
2. Question on PA TV quiz show The Stars for university students:
"The length of Palestines coast, along the Mediterranean Sea from Rosh Hanikra to Rafah is:
1. 152 km.
2. 224 km.
3. 375 km."
Representative from Bethlehem University answers: "224 km."
[His answer is confirmed correct.]
Note: Rosh Hanikra is Israels most northern coastal point, and the coast of "Palestine" would be 224 km. long only if Israel did not exist.
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 26, 2010]
3. Amal Daraghmeh, chairman of the committee planning the "Palestine Conference for Public Relations, Communications and Media" said on PA TV that he hopes to include as many Palestinians as possible in the conference. The PA TV host responded: "Palestine is big-27,000 sq. km."
[PA TV (Fatah), Nov. 29, 2010]
(By Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, December 22, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God Almighty will make it clear to the Palestinians and the rest of the world that Israel exists by His plan and that He will continue to ensure her existence.
Scripture
"Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. The nations also will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore" (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
3. Recognition of Palestine Intensifies with Opening of Embassy in Brazil
The standing of South America as the epicenter of international recognition of a Palestinian state intensifies with the laying of the cornerstone at what will be the Palestinian embassy in Brazil on Friday. Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas will do the honors. The trend of recognizing an independent Palestinian state has been criticized as "premature" by the United States which sees recognition as an impediment to the ongoing peace process Washington is brokering. Israel, too, has called it "regrettable," and Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has said that declaring a state without Israels assent will result in a "Mickey Mouse state" that is under occupation. Nevertheless, four South American nations have now declared recognition of the Palestinian state.
(By The Media Line, December 29, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that unilateral moves like this will not harm Israel. Pray that the Palestinian Authority will see the futility of such moves.
Scripture
"Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together" (Psalm 2:1-2a).
(By The Media Line, December 29, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that unilateral moves like this will not harm Israel. Pray that the Palestinian Authority will see the futility of such moves.
Scripture
"Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together" (Psalm 2:1-2a).
4. Report: Breakthrough Achieved Towards Israel-Syria Talks
A Kuwaiti newspaper reported Saturday that there is "unprecedented Syrian willingness" to enter back into negotiations with Israel. The report, which is based on US sources among others, stated that Washington is engaged in secret talks with Syrian senior officials regarding peace talks with Israel. The report has not been confirmed by any other source.
According to the report, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem signaled the US two weeks ago that "the Syrians are ready to reopen direct talks with Israel and achieve peace." Moallem is in close contact with US government official Dennis Ross.
US President Barack Obama believes, based on such sources, that peace between Israel and Syria would help advance the region. There are no further details regarding the Syrian messages to the US, however Ross has informed the administration that he has "discerned unprecedented Syrian willingness to distance itself from Iran, cool off relations with Hezbollah and Hamas and cooperate with the US on the war on terror." The report also noted that Israel has shown willingness to withdraw from the Golan Heights.
Getting Israeli green light : Several weeks ago, Ross visited Israel in what the report described as a visit aimed at securing an Israeli green light to negotiations. According to the newspaper, there is a strong link between the surprising breakthrough and the appointment of Robert Ford as the USs new ambassador to Syria. There has been no US ambassador in Damascus for the past five years since the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Congress is now in recess and cannot oppose the appointment.
The report quoted other sources which it described as conservative elements in Washington saying that economic sanctions were suffocating Iran and have led Syrian President Bashar Assad to pull himself out of the alliance with Iran. They were further quoted as saying that Assad believes that peace will protect his government from an international tribunal investigating Hariris murder. Nevertheless, the report was not supported by other sources.
Meanwhile, former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz addressed contacts with Damascus Saturday and said: "The meaning of peace with Syria will be overwhelming concessions in the Golan Heights, I dont know how far. One has to ask whether the public is ready for this. A leader who will take the lead and present an agreement to the public would have the peoples support. "
(By Roee Nahmias (Ilana Curiel contributed to this report), Ynet, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israels leaders will move slowly with great wisdom in any negotiations with Syria.
Scripture
"Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: even to your old age, I am He and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you" (Isaiah 46: 3-4).
According to the report, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem signaled the US two weeks ago that "the Syrians are ready to reopen direct talks with Israel and achieve peace." Moallem is in close contact with US government official Dennis Ross.
US President Barack Obama believes, based on such sources, that peace between Israel and Syria would help advance the region. There are no further details regarding the Syrian messages to the US, however Ross has informed the administration that he has "discerned unprecedented Syrian willingness to distance itself from Iran, cool off relations with Hezbollah and Hamas and cooperate with the US on the war on terror." The report also noted that Israel has shown willingness to withdraw from the Golan Heights.
Getting Israeli green light : Several weeks ago, Ross visited Israel in what the report described as a visit aimed at securing an Israeli green light to negotiations. According to the newspaper, there is a strong link between the surprising breakthrough and the appointment of Robert Ford as the USs new ambassador to Syria. There has been no US ambassador in Damascus for the past five years since the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Congress is now in recess and cannot oppose the appointment.
The report quoted other sources which it described as conservative elements in Washington saying that economic sanctions were suffocating Iran and have led Syrian President Bashar Assad to pull himself out of the alliance with Iran. They were further quoted as saying that Assad believes that peace will protect his government from an international tribunal investigating Hariris murder. Nevertheless, the report was not supported by other sources.
Meanwhile, former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz addressed contacts with Damascus Saturday and said: "The meaning of peace with Syria will be overwhelming concessions in the Golan Heights, I dont know how far. One has to ask whether the public is ready for this. A leader who will take the lead and present an agreement to the public would have the peoples support. "
(By Roee Nahmias (Ilana Curiel contributed to this report), Ynet, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israels leaders will move slowly with great wisdom in any negotiations with Syria.
Scripture
"Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: even to your old age, I am He and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you" (Isaiah 46: 3-4).
5. "The U.S. Will Be Transformed into an Islamic Republic"
In a recent TV interview, Egyptian journalist Ata Abd Al-Aal, said that ultimately "the U.S. [will] be transformed into an Islamic republic." Abd Al-Aal, an award winning journalist for the Al-Ahram government daily, speaking to the Egyptian Al-Rahma/Al-Rawdha TV, in an interview which aired on December 12, 2010, said that "the rate of converts to Islam in the U.S. is very high. This is of great alarm to the Zionist circles in the U.S., because this rate is rising on a daily basis. These converts adhere to Islam with total conviction. They become preachers themselves, and convince others to convert to Islam. You are more knowledgeable than me in this issue, and you know that many Americans convert to Islam every day."
Interviewer: "To conclude this show, let me ask: Even though Islam has a strong presence and deep roots among the Islamic communities in the U.S. and Europe, what is required of the dawa institutions in our countries?"
Ata Abd Al-Aal: "They should send religious guides, as the Americans call them, or preachers, who should put an end to the calls not to participate in the elections. Some of the sheiks who go to the U.S. during the month of Ramadan or on other religious occasions incite the Muslims living there not to take part in the elections, because they are living among infidels. This is very troubling, and runs counter to the rights of the Muslims in the U.S. "The Islamic institutions in the Islamic world should send preachers who are well versed in Islam, who know how to preach to the American mentality, and who are proficient in English and can communicate with the Americans. Over there, they must forsake their own material and personal interests, and must act for the sake of Allah."
"[Ultimately,] the U.S. will be transformed into an Islamic republic, as a sheik in the U.S. told me. He said that the most important place for the future of Islam, after Mecca and Medina, was the U.S. [...]"
(MEMRI special bulletin, December 29, 2010, www.memri.org)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the west will wake up and understand the strategies of the Islamic world.
Scripture
"Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established" (Proverbs 24:1-3).
Interviewer: "To conclude this show, let me ask: Even though Islam has a strong presence and deep roots among the Islamic communities in the U.S. and Europe, what is required of the dawa institutions in our countries?"
Ata Abd Al-Aal: "They should send religious guides, as the Americans call them, or preachers, who should put an end to the calls not to participate in the elections. Some of the sheiks who go to the U.S. during the month of Ramadan or on other religious occasions incite the Muslims living there not to take part in the elections, because they are living among infidels. This is very troubling, and runs counter to the rights of the Muslims in the U.S. "The Islamic institutions in the Islamic world should send preachers who are well versed in Islam, who know how to preach to the American mentality, and who are proficient in English and can communicate with the Americans. Over there, they must forsake their own material and personal interests, and must act for the sake of Allah."
"[Ultimately,] the U.S. will be transformed into an Islamic republic, as a sheik in the U.S. told me. He said that the most important place for the future of Islam, after Mecca and Medina, was the U.S. [...]"
(MEMRI special bulletin, December 29, 2010, www.memri.org)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the west will wake up and understand the strategies of the Islamic world.
Scripture
"Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established" (Proverbs 24:1-3).
6. Iranian Minister: US, Britain's Destiny Worse than Hitler's
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said on Tuesday that a fate worse than what Hitler experienced is waiting for the US and Britains warmongering leaders.
"The American, British and Zionist regimes are the three sides of the evil triangle of warmongering and terrorism in the world," Vahidi said, addressing senior military and law enforcement commanders in Irans Northern province of Alborz today.
He denounced the recent threatening remarks made by the US Defense Secretary and his British counterpart, and said, "The frequent visits paid to the region by the US military officials as well as their warmongering remarks are clear indications of their evil plots for looting the wealth and the riches of the regional nations."
Vahidi further viewed "nations belief in God, self-belief, insightfulness and resistance" as the main deterrents which can defuse the plots hatched by the aforementioned evil triangle, and said, "If the US and Britain do not seek to revise their policies and if they dont start fundamental changes in their approaches and strategies, a fate worse than those of Hitlers and Saddams will be waiting for them."
Last week, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, claimed that Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb, posing a threat to its neighbors, and the United States is "very ready" to counter Iran should it make a move.
"Were very ready," Mullen said, an acknowledgment that the United States has contingency plans to counter Iran. "There are real threats to peace and stability here, and weve made no secrets of our concerns about Iran." Also in an interview with FNA earlier today, Vahidi dismissed Mullens recent threats against Iran as "baseless" and an attempt to goad the regional states into purchasing US arms.
"The US threats are baseless and shaky," Vahidi reiterated. "Part of the remarks by the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff have been made in a move to find a new arms market to sell the weapons that they have in the region," Vahidi noted.
(Excerpts by Imra, www.imra.org.il, December 28, 2010)
"The American, British and Zionist regimes are the three sides of the evil triangle of warmongering and terrorism in the world," Vahidi said, addressing senior military and law enforcement commanders in Irans Northern province of Alborz today.
He denounced the recent threatening remarks made by the US Defense Secretary and his British counterpart, and said, "The frequent visits paid to the region by the US military officials as well as their warmongering remarks are clear indications of their evil plots for looting the wealth and the riches of the regional nations."
Vahidi further viewed "nations belief in God, self-belief, insightfulness and resistance" as the main deterrents which can defuse the plots hatched by the aforementioned evil triangle, and said, "If the US and Britain do not seek to revise their policies and if they dont start fundamental changes in their approaches and strategies, a fate worse than those of Hitlers and Saddams will be waiting for them."
Last week, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, claimed that Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb, posing a threat to its neighbors, and the United States is "very ready" to counter Iran should it make a move.
"Were very ready," Mullen said, an acknowledgment that the United States has contingency plans to counter Iran. "There are real threats to peace and stability here, and weve made no secrets of our concerns about Iran." Also in an interview with FNA earlier today, Vahidi dismissed Mullens recent threats against Iran as "baseless" and an attempt to goad the regional states into purchasing US arms.
"The US threats are baseless and shaky," Vahidi reiterated. "Part of the remarks by the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff have been made in a move to find a new arms market to sell the weapons that they have in the region," Vahidi noted.
(Excerpts by Imra, www.imra.org.il, December 28, 2010)
Prayer Focus
We pray that God will open the eyes of the western world to understand the dangers they are facing and to deal courageously with their enemies.
Scripture
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the rememberance of them fro the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34: 15-17).
7. Petrol Price In Israel - One Of Highest In World
Gasoline prices are slated to go up this week - the price for a liter of 95 octane fuel (regular unleaded) to reach approximately NIS 7.10 (about US $1.98).
Gasoline prices in Israel are among the highest in the world, and one of the reasons is the high taxes on fuel. Out of every New Israeli Shekel we pay the petrol companies in the gas station, some 56 agorot (100 agarot in a shekel) go directly to the State as a result of VAT payments and excise tax, which is the fixed tax imposed on fuel products.
The increase of excise tax on gasoline and petrol by 20 agorot per liter, which will take effect at the end of the week, is expected to yield some NIS 1.1 billion (about US $310 million) in taxes per annum, and double next year when taxes are raised once again.
The Knessets Finance Committee on Monday is slated to approve the excise tax increase as part of the governmnets Arrangements Act.
This is the second time in the past 18 months that the state has raised the excise tax, while publicly proclaiming that the aim is to boost tax revenues. Another tax increase of 20 agorot is slated for the beginning of 2012.
The Finance Ministry stated that environmental considerations were part of the reason behind the decision to bump up prices. As such, raising the prices is aimed at encouraging people to use their cars less.
The tax on petroleum varies from country to country. In 2008 the average petrol tax in OECD countries was approximately 55% of the price of gasoline, similarly to Israel.
Countries such as Germany, Finland, France, Britain and Holland pay petrol taxes of up to 68% of the price. In comparison, the excise tax in the United States is set on only 15% of the price.
(Excerpts from an article by Amir Ben-david, Ynet, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God will supply for the needs of the 25% of Israels population which lives under the poverty line.
Scripture
"They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them" (Isaiah 65:22-23).
Gasoline prices in Israel are among the highest in the world, and one of the reasons is the high taxes on fuel. Out of every New Israeli Shekel we pay the petrol companies in the gas station, some 56 agorot (100 agarot in a shekel) go directly to the State as a result of VAT payments and excise tax, which is the fixed tax imposed on fuel products.
The increase of excise tax on gasoline and petrol by 20 agorot per liter, which will take effect at the end of the week, is expected to yield some NIS 1.1 billion (about US $310 million) in taxes per annum, and double next year when taxes are raised once again.
The Knessets Finance Committee on Monday is slated to approve the excise tax increase as part of the governmnets Arrangements Act.
This is the second time in the past 18 months that the state has raised the excise tax, while publicly proclaiming that the aim is to boost tax revenues. Another tax increase of 20 agorot is slated for the beginning of 2012.
The Finance Ministry stated that environmental considerations were part of the reason behind the decision to bump up prices. As such, raising the prices is aimed at encouraging people to use their cars less.
The tax on petroleum varies from country to country. In 2008 the average petrol tax in OECD countries was approximately 55% of the price of gasoline, similarly to Israel.
Countries such as Germany, Finland, France, Britain and Holland pay petrol taxes of up to 68% of the price. In comparison, the excise tax in the United States is set on only 15% of the price.
(Excerpts from an article by Amir Ben-david, Ynet, December 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God will supply for the needs of the 25% of Israels population which lives under the poverty line.
Scripture
"They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them" (Isaiah 65:22-23).
8. 16% Increase In New Immigrants To Israel In 2010
More than 19,000 olim [Jewish immigrants] chose to make their home in Israel. There are significant increases in the numbers of olim from Latin America, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand, Switzerland and even India. According to figures from the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the year 2010 is expected to end with a 16% increase in the number of new immigrants. This is the second year in a row showing an increase in the number of new immigrants, following 10 years of declining numbers. By the end of December, the total number of olim this year from around the world will have reached 19,130. The total number in 2009 was 16,465 and in 2008 - 15,452.
Around 7,700 new immigrants, making up 40% of the total number of olim this year, came from the FSU (Former Soviet Union), Eastern Europe and Germany, as opposed to 7,133 last year (an increase of 8%). From North America, the number stands at 3,980, as compared to 3,767 last year (a 6% rise). The number of olim from Latin America is to reach 1,470, compared to 1,200 last year - this is a significant rise of 19%; France: 2,040 as opposed to 1,894 last year (8% increase); Great Britain: 760 (down from 853 last year). From Ethiopia the number stands at 1,650, the rate of immigration from there being set by the government; the number last year stood at 240.
A clear rise this year is seen in the numbers of olim from: Australia and New Zealand - 260 as opposed to 175 last year (48% rise); Belgium - 250 compared to 152 last year (a 63% increase); Switzerland: 120 as opposed to 94 last year (30% rise); Italy - 110 compared to 89 (25% increase); India -- 48 compared to 30 last year (a 60% increase). The country where we can see the most significant increase in aliyah numbers is Venezuela: 150 new immigrants came this year as opposed to 38 in 2009. This is an increase of 280%. Increased aliyah is also seen from Argentina (380 this year, 313 last year), Mexico (180 this year as opposed to 140 last year) and Peru (140 this year compared to 105 in 2009). New immigrants also came this year from: China (10), Monaco (4), Japan (3), Hong Kong (3), Honduras 93), Malawi (2) and Guadeloupe (2). Only one new immigrant came from the group of countries Malta, Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Rwanda.
Minister of Immigrant Absorption MK Sofa Landver: "Successful aliyah and absorption have always been and always will be the core of the Zionist enterprise and a guarantee of the growth of the Jewish state. I am happy that the trend changed over the last two years and the number of olim is rising. This was made possible by the fruitful cooperation among all the groups that deal with aliyah and absorption - the Jewish Agency, "Nativ", Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and others. Thanks to our joint efforts, we ran revolutionary projects, such as creating the link between the potential oleh and his/her Absorption Ministry coordinator while he/she is still abroad, providing new immigrants with their necessary documents, such as ID cards, as soon as they land, various aliyah promotion programs, etc.
For more information please contact:
Jewish Agency for Israel and MINISTRY OF IMMIGRANT ABSORPTION
28th December, 2010 www.jewishagency.org
Prayer Focus
Thank God that He continues to fulfill His prophetic promises to bring the Jewish people home from the diaspora. Pray for the new immigrants that they will quickly find jobs, learn Hebrew and become absorbed into the society of Israel.
Scripture
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:10).
Around 7,700 new immigrants, making up 40% of the total number of olim this year, came from the FSU (Former Soviet Union), Eastern Europe and Germany, as opposed to 7,133 last year (an increase of 8%). From North America, the number stands at 3,980, as compared to 3,767 last year (a 6% rise). The number of olim from Latin America is to reach 1,470, compared to 1,200 last year - this is a significant rise of 19%; France: 2,040 as opposed to 1,894 last year (8% increase); Great Britain: 760 (down from 853 last year). From Ethiopia the number stands at 1,650, the rate of immigration from there being set by the government; the number last year stood at 240.
A clear rise this year is seen in the numbers of olim from: Australia and New Zealand - 260 as opposed to 175 last year (48% rise); Belgium - 250 compared to 152 last year (a 63% increase); Switzerland: 120 as opposed to 94 last year (30% rise); Italy - 110 compared to 89 (25% increase); India -- 48 compared to 30 last year (a 60% increase). The country where we can see the most significant increase in aliyah numbers is Venezuela: 150 new immigrants came this year as opposed to 38 in 2009. This is an increase of 280%. Increased aliyah is also seen from Argentina (380 this year, 313 last year), Mexico (180 this year as opposed to 140 last year) and Peru (140 this year compared to 105 in 2009). New immigrants also came this year from: China (10), Monaco (4), Japan (3), Hong Kong (3), Honduras 93), Malawi (2) and Guadeloupe (2). Only one new immigrant came from the group of countries Malta, Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Rwanda.
Minister of Immigrant Absorption MK Sofa Landver: "Successful aliyah and absorption have always been and always will be the core of the Zionist enterprise and a guarantee of the growth of the Jewish state. I am happy that the trend changed over the last two years and the number of olim is rising. This was made possible by the fruitful cooperation among all the groups that deal with aliyah and absorption - the Jewish Agency, "Nativ", Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and others. Thanks to our joint efforts, we ran revolutionary projects, such as creating the link between the potential oleh and his/her Absorption Ministry coordinator while he/she is still abroad, providing new immigrants with their necessary documents, such as ID cards, as soon as they land, various aliyah promotion programs, etc.
For more information please contact:
Jewish Agency for Israel and MINISTRY OF IMMIGRANT ABSORPTION
28th December, 2010 www.jewishagency.org
Prayer Focus
Thank God that He continues to fulfill His prophetic promises to bring the Jewish people home from the diaspora. Pray for the new immigrants that they will quickly find jobs, learn Hebrew and become absorbed into the society of Israel.
Scripture
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:10).
9. Report: 3 out of 4 Israeli citizens are Jewish
The number of Israeli citizens has reached 7,695,000 this December, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported Wednesday.
According to the latest data, 5,802,000 (75.4%) of Israeli citizens are Jewish, 1,573,000 (20.4%) are Arab, and 320,000 are defined as other - non-Arab Christians and those with an unspecified religion.
The population has increased by 1.9% - 143,000 people - over the past year, consistent with the growth that has occurred over the past decade. Approximately 165,000 babies were born, while 40,000 people passed away.
(By Ynet, December 29, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God will increase the Jewish population of Israel through immigration and higher birth rates.
Scripture
"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase" (Jeremiah 23:3).
According to the latest data, 5,802,000 (75.4%) of Israeli citizens are Jewish, 1,573,000 (20.4%) are Arab, and 320,000 are defined as other - non-Arab Christians and those with an unspecified religion.
The population has increased by 1.9% - 143,000 people - over the past year, consistent with the growth that has occurred over the past decade. Approximately 165,000 babies were born, while 40,000 people passed away.
(By Ynet, December 29, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that God will increase the Jewish population of Israel through immigration and higher birth rates.
Scripture
"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase" (Jeremiah 23:3).
10. Hamas Operatives Planning Rocket Attacks at Jerusalem Stadium
The Israel Security Agency (ISA) recently revealed that a number of suspects involved in Hamas activity, including two planning a terror attack on the Teddy Stadium, a soccer stadium in Jerusalem, were arrested by the ISA and Jerusalem District Police during the month of November.
Musa Hamada from the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sur Bahr and his friend Bassem Omeri, an Israeli citizen from Beit Safafa, were indicted on Sunday (Jan. 2) for their plans to execute a terror attack. The two suspects activities included systematically checking how best to launch a rocket while the stadium was crowded with people during a game. The two visited a hillside across the stadium in order to survey the area for their attack.
According to the ISAs investigation, the two began planning the attack in response to Operation Cast Lead. One of the suspects, Omeri, even planned an attack against Israel Defense Forces [IDF] soldiers, possibly a kidnapping. The suspects also acquired a number of rifles from east Jerusalem neighborhoods Sur Bahar and Beit Hanina in order to carry out additional attacks.
The investigation revealed their connection to a larger terror network. Musa Hamada visited Saudi Arabia a number of times over the past two years, where he met up with a representative and member of the Muslim Brotherhood terror organization in order to get funding for his activities. In one of the meetings, the Saudi man gave Hamada money both to purchase the weaponry and acquire intelligence about different sites in Jerusalem. Other Hamas activity was discovered in the Jerusalem area, specifically at the Temple Mount (a religious site in the city).
In their indictment on Sunday (Jan. 2), the two were found guilty of membership and support of a terrorist organization, illegal use of weapons and their connection to crime. The suspects were accused of joining Hamas and working as its operatives at the Temple Mount over the past three years. Hamas activity at the Temple Mount includes funding maintenance and subsidizing school trips to mosques. The other suspects were indicted for helping the two acquire weaponry.
(IDF Website, January 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Thank God for the Israeli security teams who regularly catch terrorists before they are successful in their planned attacks.
Scripture
"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head" (Psalm 3:1,3).
Musa Hamada from the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sur Bahr and his friend Bassem Omeri, an Israeli citizen from Beit Safafa, were indicted on Sunday (Jan. 2) for their plans to execute a terror attack. The two suspects activities included systematically checking how best to launch a rocket while the stadium was crowded with people during a game. The two visited a hillside across the stadium in order to survey the area for their attack.
According to the ISAs investigation, the two began planning the attack in response to Operation Cast Lead. One of the suspects, Omeri, even planned an attack against Israel Defense Forces [IDF] soldiers, possibly a kidnapping. The suspects also acquired a number of rifles from east Jerusalem neighborhoods Sur Bahar and Beit Hanina in order to carry out additional attacks.
The investigation revealed their connection to a larger terror network. Musa Hamada visited Saudi Arabia a number of times over the past two years, where he met up with a representative and member of the Muslim Brotherhood terror organization in order to get funding for his activities. In one of the meetings, the Saudi man gave Hamada money both to purchase the weaponry and acquire intelligence about different sites in Jerusalem. Other Hamas activity was discovered in the Jerusalem area, specifically at the Temple Mount (a religious site in the city).
In their indictment on Sunday (Jan. 2), the two were found guilty of membership and support of a terrorist organization, illegal use of weapons and their connection to crime. The suspects were accused of joining Hamas and working as its operatives at the Temple Mount over the past three years. Hamas activity at the Temple Mount includes funding maintenance and subsidizing school trips to mosques. The other suspects were indicted for helping the two acquire weaponry.
(IDF Website, January 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Thank God for the Israeli security teams who regularly catch terrorists before they are successful in their planned attacks.
Scripture
"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head" (Psalm 3:1,3).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
Bridges for Peace - 24 Hour Prayer Calendar Free registration - Signup today ! Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. |
WHO ARE WE?
For those who are new to the list, Bridges for Peace is a Christian charitable organization, headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. Since 1977, we have been working to build Christian–Jewish understanding and support for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. We do this through 14 different aid projects, and by disseminating information about Israel and teaching Christians about the Hebraic roots of Christianity. We have national offices in Israel, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Our Spanish Resource Center is in Jerusalem, Israel.
To receive more information and our other publications, send your e-mail and postal mailing address to intl.office@bridgesforpeace.
We also invite you to visit our Web site at http://www.bridgesforpeace.com
WEEKLY UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Feel free to forward this update information to anyone on your e-mail list. To receive it, all they need to do is visit our Web site and click on “Subscribe Now!“ on the home page.
It is our goal to send you news items to help you more effectively pray for Israel in accordance with Psalm 122:6. Therefore, in addition to the news items, we add Prayer Focus, where applicable, so that you can pray along with us for Israel. We will also continue to intersperse positive news items so that our message is not just crisis-oriented. We don't want to be just another news-service provider, but to send an interpretative message ultimately focusing on prayer for Israel.
DONATIONS WELCOMED
Although this “Israel Current News Update with Prayer Focus“ is free and will remain so, subscribers who appreciate the bulletins and who can afford to do so are invited to help us cover our costs by sending a onetime or occasional gift, or a regular donation. To make a donation to Bridges for Peace, a nonprofit, charitable organization whose aid projects are funded by the generous gifts of Christian supporters of Israel, please make your check/money order payable to Bridges for Peace and mail it to the nearest Bridges for Peace office. Most credit cards are accepted.
AUSTRALIA: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 1785, Buderim, Queensland 4556, Australia. Tel: (61) 7-5453-7988
CANADA: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 21001, RPO Charleswood, Winnipeg MB R3R 3R2, Canada. Tel: (1) 204-489-3697
ISRAEL: Bridges for Peace International Headquarters, P.O. Box 1093, Jerusalem, Israel. Tel: (972) 2-624-5004
JAPAN: Bridges for Peace, Taihei Sakura Bldg. 5F, 4-13-2 Taihei, Sumida-Ku, Tokyo 130 0012, Japan. Tel: (81) 3-5637-5333
NEW ZEALAND: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 7159, Tikipunga, Whangarei 0144, New Zealand. Tel: (64) 09-437-5201
SOUTH AFRICA: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 1848, Durbanville 7551, Republic of South Africa. Tel: (27) 21-975-1941
UNITED KINGDOM: 18 Heol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate, Maesteg, Wales CF34 0BQ, Tel: 01656-739494
UNITED STATES: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 410037, Melbourne, FL 32941-0037, United States. Tel: (1) 800-566-1998
If you wish to make a bank transfer, the details follow:
Mercantile Discount Bank-Jerusalem
Account #28487
Swift Code: Bardilit
Branch #646
Address: 1 Agron Street, Jerusalem, Israel 91710
Telephone: (972) 2-625-1505
FAX: (972) 2-625-8785
Mercantile Discount Bank-Jerusalem
Account #28487
Swift Code: Bardilit
Branch #646
Address: 1 Agron Street, Jerusalem, Israel 91710
Telephone: (972) 2-625-1505
FAX: (972) 2-625-8785
A receipt will be sent for the amount, which is tax-deductible in the United States and Canada.
Editor-in-Chief: Rebecca J. Brimmer
Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
To subscribe: click here
No comments:
Post a Comment