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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | May 20, 2011 |
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1. Obama Calls for 1967 Lines as Basis for Borders, Israel Objects
2. Syrian, Lebanese Protesters Storm Israeli Borders for Nakba Day
3. Netanyahu to US: Israel Wants Peace, Palestinians Must Too
4. Palestinians Planning Legal Assault against Israel
5. Suspected Terror Attack in Tel Aviv; 1 Dead
6. Western Elites Skeptical Arab Spring Will Bring Democracy
7. Berlusconi Rules Out Recognition of Unilateral Palestinian Statehood
8. The Artificial Nose that Can Detect Cancer
1. Obama Calls for 1967 Lines as Basis for Borders, Israel Objects
US President Barack Obama on Thursday [May 19] said that peace cannot be imposed on Israel and the Palestinians and then proceeded to lay out the outline of what he believes should be in the deal.
In a transcript of the speech posted on the White House Web site, Obama described what he called the "foundation for negotiations"-including the Palestinian demand that borders be "based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps," which would effectively grant the Palestinians the entire West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel expressed some strong concerns to the speech.
Regarding the 1967 lines as borders matter, a statement posted on the Israeli Prime Minister's Office Web site said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of US commitments made to Israel in 2004" during the administration of former President George W. Bush.
The statement said that part of those commitments "relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines which are both indefensible and which would leave major Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria beyond those lines." There are presently hundreds of thousands of Israelis who could lose their homes in a withdrawal if not included in those "agreed upon" land swaps.
Israel's statement notes that the Bush-era commitments were "overwhelmingly supported" by Congress [US legislature], where Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech next week following his meeting with Obama on Friday [May 20].
Despite highlighting his general position on borders, Obama barely mentioned Jerusalem and did not call for it to be divided. Instead, he spoke about other "core issues" of the conflict, including effective security arrangements for Israel. The speech implied Obama sees potential for progress to be made on those two matters specifically-borders and security-while saving the "wrenching and emotional issues" of Jerusalem's status and that of Palestinian refugees for later in the process.
Regarding that matter, Obama hinted that the bulk of Palestinian refugees should end up in a hypothetical Palestinian state as the "homeland" for Palestinians and not in Israel. Even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has in the past admitted to the absurdity of demanding most of the refugees going to Israel behind closed doors. According to comments unearthed by Al Jazeera and published in The Guardian, Abbas said at the time that letting in a million or more Palestinians into Israel would so impact the demographics that it would be "the end of Israel."
However, Obama's lack of clarity on this point was a disappointment to Israel. The statement noted that Bush's commitments "also ensure Israel's well-being as a Jewish state by making clear that Palestinian refugees will settle in a future Palestinian state rather than in Israel.
"Without a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem outside the borders of Israel, no territorial concession will bring peace."
Obama did say that Israel should be "a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people" while citing the need for the vague "mutual recognition" between the sides-a key demand by Israel. However, the Israeli statement noted that "the Palestinians, and not just the United States, must recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, and any peace agreement with them must end all claims against Israel."
Despite Israel's concerns, they did express appreciation for Obama's "commitment to peace."
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that President Obama and other world leaders would be able to see and understand Israel's concerns about concessions to the Palestinians. Most of all, pray that world leaders would adhere strictly to God's vision for the region.
Scripture
"Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 26:2-4).
In a transcript of the speech posted on the White House Web site, Obama described what he called the "foundation for negotiations"-including the Palestinian demand that borders be "based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps," which would effectively grant the Palestinians the entire West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel expressed some strong concerns to the speech.
Regarding the 1967 lines as borders matter, a statement posted on the Israeli Prime Minister's Office Web site said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of US commitments made to Israel in 2004" during the administration of former President George W. Bush.
The statement said that part of those commitments "relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines which are both indefensible and which would leave major Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria beyond those lines." There are presently hundreds of thousands of Israelis who could lose their homes in a withdrawal if not included in those "agreed upon" land swaps.
Israel's statement notes that the Bush-era commitments were "overwhelmingly supported" by Congress [US legislature], where Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech next week following his meeting with Obama on Friday [May 20].
Despite highlighting his general position on borders, Obama barely mentioned Jerusalem and did not call for it to be divided. Instead, he spoke about other "core issues" of the conflict, including effective security arrangements for Israel. The speech implied Obama sees potential for progress to be made on those two matters specifically-borders and security-while saving the "wrenching and emotional issues" of Jerusalem's status and that of Palestinian refugees for later in the process.
Regarding that matter, Obama hinted that the bulk of Palestinian refugees should end up in a hypothetical Palestinian state as the "homeland" for Palestinians and not in Israel. Even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has in the past admitted to the absurdity of demanding most of the refugees going to Israel behind closed doors. According to comments unearthed by Al Jazeera and published in The Guardian, Abbas said at the time that letting in a million or more Palestinians into Israel would so impact the demographics that it would be "the end of Israel."
However, Obama's lack of clarity on this point was a disappointment to Israel. The statement noted that Bush's commitments "also ensure Israel's well-being as a Jewish state by making clear that Palestinian refugees will settle in a future Palestinian state rather than in Israel.
"Without a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem outside the borders of Israel, no territorial concession will bring peace."
Obama did say that Israel should be "a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people" while citing the need for the vague "mutual recognition" between the sides-a key demand by Israel. However, the Israeli statement noted that "the Palestinians, and not just the United States, must recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, and any peace agreement with them must end all claims against Israel."
Despite Israel's concerns, they did express appreciation for Obama's "commitment to peace."
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that President Obama and other world leaders would be able to see and understand Israel's concerns about concessions to the Palestinians. Most of all, pray that world leaders would adhere strictly to God's vision for the region.
Scripture
"Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 26:2-4).
2. Syrian, Lebanese Protesters Storm Israeli Borders for Nakba Day
Scores of Syrian protesters stormed the border in an attempt to infiltrate Israel on Sunday [May 15] during protests of the annual Nakba (catastrophe) Day, in which Arabs mourn the creation of the State of Israel and the Palestinian "refugee" situation. Incidents also occurred with the borders of Lebanon, the security fence separating Israel and the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria].
According to an [Israel Defense Forces] IDF press release, 13 IDF soldiers were injured in the northern incidents. In one of the most serious situations, the IDF said that hundreds of Syrian rioters were involved in the incident at the northern Israeli city of Majdal Shams and "violently rioted" against IDF soldiers.
IDF spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich, speaking with Bridges for Peace, said that hundreds of protesters ran to the border fence, with dozens of Syrians managing to initially infiltrate Israel.
"I think it's very serious, it's very severe," said Leibovich of the day's border incidents. "These were not peace-lovers or NGOs [non-governmental organizations] or human rights supporters. These were violent people that were sent to infiltrate Israel, and it's very severe."
While the IDF was equipped with tear gas, Leibovich said, "this is not effective when we are talking about a mob of thousands." As a result, the IDF had to use "selective fire," but only on protesters Leibovich said would "endanger lives" or "ones that would serve a threat to the security infrastructure."
As of Sunday evening Israel time, Leibovich knew of two Syrian fatalities that had been recovered and returned to Syria as a result of the incident. Dozens were wounded. Leibovich noted that "selective fire" was used to cause as minimum a number of casualties as possible.
Leibovich pointed the finger at the Syrian government for allowing the protesters to storm the border, noting that "never in the past were they allowed by the Syrian authorities to reach so close to the border fence." In light of that, Leibovich said that "it seems like they had the back-up" of the Bashar al-Assad regime, which is currently facing its own anti-government protests.
Contrasted with Syria was Lebanon, where Leibovich said that the Lebanese military did forcefully try and contain the protesters there in at least one incident, including the use of live fire. In a separate Lebanese border situation, where protesters also tried to infiltrate the border, the IDF also had to use "selective fire."
Gaza was also not immune from incidents. The IDF said a suspect was identified trying to place an explosive device along the security fence separating Israel from Gaza, with the IDF firing at him and identifying a hit. Protests and attempted infiltrations were also recorded at that security fence at the humanitarian Erez crossing with Israel.
Overall, the IDF said that hundreds of Gaza protesters threw rocks at IDF forces, as well as causing damage to the Erez crossing structures. In response, the statement said that "soldiers fired in a controlled manner in the direction, and towards the legs of the leading rioters, in order to disperse them and prevent them from entering Israeli territory. A number of rioters were injured as a result."
In the West Bank in Qalandiya, which is south of Ramallah, Leibovich said there were hundreds of rioters throwing rocks and fire bombs, while the IDF used riot dispersal means, such as tear gas.
As of Sunday evening, things had calmed down.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 15, 2011)
Editor's Note: Ynet has reported that more protests may be coming.
Prayer Focus
Pray that protesters would stop their violence against Israel and that the Jewish state would have perfect wisdom on how to prevent assaults on their borders. Pray the border riots would not become a new way to attack Israel.
Scripture
"And he said: 'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence'" (2 Samuel 22:2-3).
According to an [Israel Defense Forces] IDF press release, 13 IDF soldiers were injured in the northern incidents. In one of the most serious situations, the IDF said that hundreds of Syrian rioters were involved in the incident at the northern Israeli city of Majdal Shams and "violently rioted" against IDF soldiers.
IDF spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich, speaking with Bridges for Peace, said that hundreds of protesters ran to the border fence, with dozens of Syrians managing to initially infiltrate Israel.
"I think it's very serious, it's very severe," said Leibovich of the day's border incidents. "These were not peace-lovers or NGOs [non-governmental organizations] or human rights supporters. These were violent people that were sent to infiltrate Israel, and it's very severe."
While the IDF was equipped with tear gas, Leibovich said, "this is not effective when we are talking about a mob of thousands." As a result, the IDF had to use "selective fire," but only on protesters Leibovich said would "endanger lives" or "ones that would serve a threat to the security infrastructure."
As of Sunday evening Israel time, Leibovich knew of two Syrian fatalities that had been recovered and returned to Syria as a result of the incident. Dozens were wounded. Leibovich noted that "selective fire" was used to cause as minimum a number of casualties as possible.
Leibovich pointed the finger at the Syrian government for allowing the protesters to storm the border, noting that "never in the past were they allowed by the Syrian authorities to reach so close to the border fence." In light of that, Leibovich said that "it seems like they had the back-up" of the Bashar al-Assad regime, which is currently facing its own anti-government protests.
Contrasted with Syria was Lebanon, where Leibovich said that the Lebanese military did forcefully try and contain the protesters there in at least one incident, including the use of live fire. In a separate Lebanese border situation, where protesters also tried to infiltrate the border, the IDF also had to use "selective fire."
Gaza was also not immune from incidents. The IDF said a suspect was identified trying to place an explosive device along the security fence separating Israel from Gaza, with the IDF firing at him and identifying a hit. Protests and attempted infiltrations were also recorded at that security fence at the humanitarian Erez crossing with Israel.
Overall, the IDF said that hundreds of Gaza protesters threw rocks at IDF forces, as well as causing damage to the Erez crossing structures. In response, the statement said that "soldiers fired in a controlled manner in the direction, and towards the legs of the leading rioters, in order to disperse them and prevent them from entering Israeli territory. A number of rioters were injured as a result."
In the West Bank in Qalandiya, which is south of Ramallah, Leibovich said there were hundreds of rioters throwing rocks and fire bombs, while the IDF used riot dispersal means, such as tear gas.
As of Sunday evening, things had calmed down.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 15, 2011)
Editor's Note: Ynet has reported that more protests may be coming.
Prayer Focus
Pray that protesters would stop their violence against Israel and that the Jewish state would have perfect wisdom on how to prevent assaults on their borders. Pray the border riots would not become a new way to attack Israel.
Scripture
"And he said: 'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence'" (2 Samuel 22:2-3).
3. Netanyahu to US: Israel Wants Peace, Palestinians Must Too
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to arrive in the US at the end of this week, and he plans to present a clear choice for the Palestinians: choose peace with Israel or extremism with Hamas. Prime Minister's Office spokesman Mark Regev, speaking with Bridges for Peace on Tuesday [May 17], said, "I think what we're going to be saying, as the Prime Minister said in his speech in the Knesset [Israeli parliament], [is] that for real peace, Israel is wiling to take very painful decisions… but we have to see a partner on the Palestinian side who is serious about peace too."
Regev cited the reconciliation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group as a move that is incompatible with peace. He termed the Fatah relationship with the extremist group that justifies the murder of Israeli civilians a "litmus test" of the Palestinians' seriousness for peace. Regev therefore called upon Abbas to annul the alliance with Hamas.
There are potential ramifications, including withholding of financial aid, for the Palestinian Authority as they form a new interim government with Hamas, although it remains to be seen what the international community will do if the next cabinet is filled with independent technocrats jointly selected by Hamas and Fatah.
Regev said Israel wants the world to make that choice of peace with Israel or peace with Hamas, and its consequences, clear to the Palestinians.
"We think the message from the international community to the Palestinian leadership has to be crystal clear: That if they choose the path of peace, they will be supported, they will get diplomatic and political and economic support…
"But if they choose the path of Hamas, if they persist with this alliance with the most extreme elements, then we believe that the international community has to send a very clear message to the Palestinians that 'no longer business as usual,' that for these sort of decisions, the Palestinians have to understand there are consequences."
While Hamas has implied a willingness to accept a long-term truce with Israel alongside a Palestinian state, Regev said the terror group does not accept actual peace and Israel does not believe there's any chance Hamas will moderate following their reconciliation with Fatah.
Said Regev. "They just said this week Israel has no right to exist, that they will never accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state. In fact they say if you give us a state on the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], we will use that as a platform to continue the struggle against Israel… From their perspective as Hamas it's peace without Israel, not peace with Israel."
Netanyahu is set to meet with President Barack Obama on Friday [May 20]. Next week, Netanyahu will address a joint session of both bodies of Congress [the US legislature].
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 18, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu to have Heavenly wisdom, understanding and discernment for his trip to the US. Pray that he would speak only what God would have him say and that the US government would listen and accept those words.
Scripture
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
Regev cited the reconciliation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group as a move that is incompatible with peace. He termed the Fatah relationship with the extremist group that justifies the murder of Israeli civilians a "litmus test" of the Palestinians' seriousness for peace. Regev therefore called upon Abbas to annul the alliance with Hamas.
There are potential ramifications, including withholding of financial aid, for the Palestinian Authority as they form a new interim government with Hamas, although it remains to be seen what the international community will do if the next cabinet is filled with independent technocrats jointly selected by Hamas and Fatah.
Regev said Israel wants the world to make that choice of peace with Israel or peace with Hamas, and its consequences, clear to the Palestinians.
"We think the message from the international community to the Palestinian leadership has to be crystal clear: That if they choose the path of peace, they will be supported, they will get diplomatic and political and economic support…
"But if they choose the path of Hamas, if they persist with this alliance with the most extreme elements, then we believe that the international community has to send a very clear message to the Palestinians that 'no longer business as usual,' that for these sort of decisions, the Palestinians have to understand there are consequences."
While Hamas has implied a willingness to accept a long-term truce with Israel alongside a Palestinian state, Regev said the terror group does not accept actual peace and Israel does not believe there's any chance Hamas will moderate following their reconciliation with Fatah.
Said Regev. "They just said this week Israel has no right to exist, that they will never accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state. In fact they say if you give us a state on the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], we will use that as a platform to continue the struggle against Israel… From their perspective as Hamas it's peace without Israel, not peace with Israel."
Netanyahu is set to meet with President Barack Obama on Friday [May 20]. Next week, Netanyahu will address a joint session of both bodies of Congress [the US legislature].
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 18, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu to have Heavenly wisdom, understanding and discernment for his trip to the US. Pray that he would speak only what God would have him say and that the US government would listen and accept those words.
Scripture
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
4. Palestinians Planning Legal Assault against Israel
Four months before their plans to seek statehood recognition from the United Nations with or without a peace deal with Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed their UN approach in an editorial in The New York Times published on Tuesday [May 17]. Abbas said that going to the UN would help them bring a legal offensive against Israel in their fight for statehood.
"Palestine's admission to the United Nations would pave the way for the internationalization of the conflict as a legal matter, not only a political one," wrote Abbas. "It would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Court of Justice."
While saying the hypothetical state of Palestine plans to be "peace-loving," adhere to the "rule of law" and the UN Charter's principles and would be set to negotiate "all core issues of the conflict with Israel" even after the UN grants statehood recognition, nowhere in the article does Abbas promise recognition of Israel as the state for the Jewish people.
That's a key Israeli demand as essential to promoting true peace among the Palestinian people and Israel. Such a declaration that the current Israel is here to stay would help to discourage rogue attacks or attempts to destroy Israel from within.
Furthermore, in the editorial Abbas twice refers to all of Israel as part of the Palestinian homeland-by implication denying any Jewish historical claims to the land. He also claims that the Arab armies who intended to wipe out Israel at its founding were actually intervening to protect the Palestinians from Israel.
In a statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Abbas' claims. "This is a gross distortion of well-known and -documented historical facts. It was the Palestinians who rejected the partition plan for two states while the Jewish leadership accepted it," said Netanyahu. "It was the armies of Arab countries-assisted by Palestinian forces-that attacked the Jewish state in order to destroy it. None of this is mentioned in the article.
"Moreover, one could conclude from the article that the Palestinian leadership views the establishment of a Palestinian state as a means to continue the conflict with Israel instead of ending it."
The Israel-Palestinian peace process has been stalled since last year, after the Palestinians suspended negotiations with Israel after the 10-month Israeli settlement construction freeze ended. Israel has since repeatedly called for a resumption of talks, while Abbas' Fatah party recently reconciled with the Hamas terrorist group and the Palestinians continue to engage in incitement against Israel.
The Palestinians have repeatedly cited settlement construction as a reason for the negotiations' deadlock, although they delayed for months to enter direct talks with Israel during the construction freeze. The freeze was unprecedented on Israel's part, but deemed insufficient by the Palestinians.
Noting that negotiations "remain our first option" for achieving statehood, Abbas said that due to the failure of the talks they intend to seek international involvement.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 17, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Palestinians would change their minds and decide not to attack Israel in a legal manner. Pray that Israel would have perfect wisdom on how to respond and that the international community would have Heavenly discernment to reject legal charades against Israel.
Scripture
"The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:10-11).
"Palestine's admission to the United Nations would pave the way for the internationalization of the conflict as a legal matter, not only a political one," wrote Abbas. "It would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Court of Justice."
While saying the hypothetical state of Palestine plans to be "peace-loving," adhere to the "rule of law" and the UN Charter's principles and would be set to negotiate "all core issues of the conflict with Israel" even after the UN grants statehood recognition, nowhere in the article does Abbas promise recognition of Israel as the state for the Jewish people.
That's a key Israeli demand as essential to promoting true peace among the Palestinian people and Israel. Such a declaration that the current Israel is here to stay would help to discourage rogue attacks or attempts to destroy Israel from within.
Furthermore, in the editorial Abbas twice refers to all of Israel as part of the Palestinian homeland-by implication denying any Jewish historical claims to the land. He also claims that the Arab armies who intended to wipe out Israel at its founding were actually intervening to protect the Palestinians from Israel.
In a statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Abbas' claims. "This is a gross distortion of well-known and -documented historical facts. It was the Palestinians who rejected the partition plan for two states while the Jewish leadership accepted it," said Netanyahu. "It was the armies of Arab countries-assisted by Palestinian forces-that attacked the Jewish state in order to destroy it. None of this is mentioned in the article.
"Moreover, one could conclude from the article that the Palestinian leadership views the establishment of a Palestinian state as a means to continue the conflict with Israel instead of ending it."
The Israel-Palestinian peace process has been stalled since last year, after the Palestinians suspended negotiations with Israel after the 10-month Israeli settlement construction freeze ended. Israel has since repeatedly called for a resumption of talks, while Abbas' Fatah party recently reconciled with the Hamas terrorist group and the Palestinians continue to engage in incitement against Israel.
The Palestinians have repeatedly cited settlement construction as a reason for the negotiations' deadlock, although they delayed for months to enter direct talks with Israel during the construction freeze. The freeze was unprecedented on Israel's part, but deemed insufficient by the Palestinians.
Noting that negotiations "remain our first option" for achieving statehood, Abbas said that due to the failure of the talks they intend to seek international involvement.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, May 17, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Palestinians would change their minds and decide not to attack Israel in a legal manner. Pray that Israel would have perfect wisdom on how to respond and that the international community would have Heavenly discernment to reject legal charades against Israel.
Scripture
"The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:10-11).
5. Suspected Terror Attack in Tel Aviv; 1 Dead
Terror in Tel Aviv? One man died and 17 people were injured in what police suspect was a terror attack in Tel Aviv Sunday [May 15] morning, after a truck driving along Bar-Lev street hit and ran over several vehicles. The fatality in the incident was identified as Aviv Morag, 29, from Givatayim.
The truck driver, 22-year-old Aslam Ibrahim Isa, from Kfar Kassem, was arrested and taken in for questioning, where he vehemently claimed that he did not set out to perform a terror attack, but rather simply lost control of the vehicle, after one of its tires blew. The Dan Subdistrict Police formed a special task force to investigate the morning's events.
Initial findings suggest that the attack was not premeditated and that Isa was not tasked to perform it by any individual or organization. Numerous ambulances rushed to the scene of the event Sunday morning and evacuated 17 victims to hospital. Most of the injured sustained light wounds.
The rampage began at the Mesubim junction along two kilometers of the Bar-Lev Road. Vehicles were smashed, traffic lights knocked over and security rails destroyed. Several buses were apparently hit. The truck eventually came to a halt near a school while many students and parents were present. Police officials said a total of 15 vehicles were hit during the rampage.
"There are many question marks; this whole story is being investigated by all security agencies," Tel Aviv District Police Commander Aharon Aksol said. "I don't want to unequivocally say whether it was an attack or an accident. The facts will become clear with time."
An eyewitness told Ynet, "A truck driver was driving like a madman. At first I thought it was an accident or a driver who lost control of his vehicle, but based on the speed and insane manner in which he was driving, it was clearly an attack. It's scary that these things happen here. We yelled at him to stop, but he kept on going," she said.
Sunday afternoon saw the police search Isa's home for any inciting materials. The suspect, who owns the truck used in the rampage, has no known criminal record and has never been involved in any events of criminal or nationalistic nature.
(Excerpts of an article by Yoaz Zitun, Meital Yasur-Beit Or and Boaz Fyler contributed, Ynetnews, May 15, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for healing for those hurt and injured and for wisdom for the police to determine the true nature of this incident. Pray for comfort for the friends and families of the man tragically killed. Pray that true peace, forgiveness and reconciliation would take hold in the Middle East and that the Palestinians and Arabs would repent of their hatred and rejection of Israel.
Scripture
"Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant" (Psalm 119:76).
The truck driver, 22-year-old Aslam Ibrahim Isa, from Kfar Kassem, was arrested and taken in for questioning, where he vehemently claimed that he did not set out to perform a terror attack, but rather simply lost control of the vehicle, after one of its tires blew. The Dan Subdistrict Police formed a special task force to investigate the morning's events.
Initial findings suggest that the attack was not premeditated and that Isa was not tasked to perform it by any individual or organization. Numerous ambulances rushed to the scene of the event Sunday morning and evacuated 17 victims to hospital. Most of the injured sustained light wounds.
The rampage began at the Mesubim junction along two kilometers of the Bar-Lev Road. Vehicles were smashed, traffic lights knocked over and security rails destroyed. Several buses were apparently hit. The truck eventually came to a halt near a school while many students and parents were present. Police officials said a total of 15 vehicles were hit during the rampage.
"There are many question marks; this whole story is being investigated by all security agencies," Tel Aviv District Police Commander Aharon Aksol said. "I don't want to unequivocally say whether it was an attack or an accident. The facts will become clear with time."
An eyewitness told Ynet, "A truck driver was driving like a madman. At first I thought it was an accident or a driver who lost control of his vehicle, but based on the speed and insane manner in which he was driving, it was clearly an attack. It's scary that these things happen here. We yelled at him to stop, but he kept on going," she said.
Sunday afternoon saw the police search Isa's home for any inciting materials. The suspect, who owns the truck used in the rampage, has no known criminal record and has never been involved in any events of criminal or nationalistic nature.
(Excerpts of an article by Yoaz Zitun, Meital Yasur-Beit Or and Boaz Fyler contributed, Ynetnews, May 15, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for healing for those hurt and injured and for wisdom for the police to determine the true nature of this incident. Pray for comfort for the friends and families of the man tragically killed. Pray that true peace, forgiveness and reconciliation would take hold in the Middle East and that the Palestinians and Arabs would repent of their hatred and rejection of Israel.
Scripture
"Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant" (Psalm 119:76).
6. Western Elites Skeptical Arab Spring Will Bring Democracy
Opinion leaders in the US and Europe believe the mass protests of the Arab Spring are animated by a genuine desire for democracy and freedom, but they are skeptical about their prospects being achieved, according to an unusual poll that surveyed the view of leading figures in government, the media, law, academia, and non-government organizations.
About three quarters of the 343 opinion leaders surveyed said that anti-government protestors were motivated by "democratic aspirations" rather than "religious influence," and shared the same democratic aspirations of other people around the world. But asked whether they regarded the revolutions risk being "captured by the familiar forces of authoritarianism," some 56% said they agreed strongly or somewhat.
The poll, taken by APCO Insight and released on Tuesday [May 17], comes as the US and Europe struggle to cast a coherent policy toward the upheavals in the Middle East that have struck both allies and enemies. A key element in crafting a new policy is the level of confidence leaders have that the turmoil will lead to freer, more prosperous and more pro-Western societies.
Slightly more than 70% of the opinion leaders polled by APCO said Arab governments would be more democratic in the wake of the revolutions, but when asked what specific achievements they foresaw coming, they were more doubtful.
While 60% saw the turmoil as acting to "accelerate economic and social development," fewer expected women to enjoy any gains (54%), for rule of law to be more widely respected (52%) or that less violent, more tolerant societies would emerge (44%), the APCO survey found.
"It is clear that while there may be concern about who emerges in power, characterizing events as an indictment of Arab society is not persuasive," Ma'moon Sbeih, managing director of APCO's Arab Region office in Dubai, said.
The view of Western leaders stands in contrast to how the Arab world views the revolutions, according to a second poll, conducted by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, and released on Tuesday. It found that the Arab public is optimistic about the impact of the revolutions.
As he seeks to recast US Middle East policy, [US President Barack] Obama has an uphill battle to fight for Arab public opinion. The Pew survey, taken March 21-April 26, found that the US is looked upon less favorably now than in 2009 in most of the Arab world while confidence in Obama has fallen. In the five Mideast countries included in the poll, unfavorable views of the US ranged from a low of 49% in Lebanon to a high of 84% in Jordan.
(Excerpts of an article by David Rosenberg, The Media Line, May 18, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the "Arab Spring" protests would lead to true democracy in peace-loving, just societies that support Israel and Biblical values. Pray that extremists would not be able to increase their power.
Scripture
"But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24).
About three quarters of the 343 opinion leaders surveyed said that anti-government protestors were motivated by "democratic aspirations" rather than "religious influence," and shared the same democratic aspirations of other people around the world. But asked whether they regarded the revolutions risk being "captured by the familiar forces of authoritarianism," some 56% said they agreed strongly or somewhat.
The poll, taken by APCO Insight and released on Tuesday [May 17], comes as the US and Europe struggle to cast a coherent policy toward the upheavals in the Middle East that have struck both allies and enemies. A key element in crafting a new policy is the level of confidence leaders have that the turmoil will lead to freer, more prosperous and more pro-Western societies.
Slightly more than 70% of the opinion leaders polled by APCO said Arab governments would be more democratic in the wake of the revolutions, but when asked what specific achievements they foresaw coming, they were more doubtful.
While 60% saw the turmoil as acting to "accelerate economic and social development," fewer expected women to enjoy any gains (54%), for rule of law to be more widely respected (52%) or that less violent, more tolerant societies would emerge (44%), the APCO survey found.
"It is clear that while there may be concern about who emerges in power, characterizing events as an indictment of Arab society is not persuasive," Ma'moon Sbeih, managing director of APCO's Arab Region office in Dubai, said.
The view of Western leaders stands in contrast to how the Arab world views the revolutions, according to a second poll, conducted by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, and released on Tuesday. It found that the Arab public is optimistic about the impact of the revolutions.
As he seeks to recast US Middle East policy, [US President Barack] Obama has an uphill battle to fight for Arab public opinion. The Pew survey, taken March 21-April 26, found that the US is looked upon less favorably now than in 2009 in most of the Arab world while confidence in Obama has fallen. In the five Mideast countries included in the poll, unfavorable views of the US ranged from a low of 49% in Lebanon to a high of 84% in Jordan.
(Excerpts of an article by David Rosenberg, The Media Line, May 18, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the "Arab Spring" protests would lead to true democracy in peace-loving, just societies that support Israel and Biblical values. Pray that extremists would not be able to increase their power.
Scripture
"But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24).
7. Berlusconi Rules Out Recognition of Unilateral Palestinian Statehood
Italy will not recognize a unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has said. At a celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut [Israeli Independence Day] in Rome, he praised the Jewish state as the only democracy in the Middle East. He was the guest of honor at an Israeli reception hosted by Ambassador Gideon Meir. "No, absolutely not," he was quoted as telling reporters when asked whether Italy would recognize a unilaterally declared Palestinian state.
"I think that there is no other course other than an agreement between the two states," Berlusconi added. "Our policy has always gone in this direction, and it is also the policy of the European Union," he pointed out.
(Excerpts of an article by World Jewish Congress, May 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for another nation that is unwilling to support Palestinian unilateralism. Pray that more nations would oppose it openly so as to discourage the Palestinians from trying.
Scripture
"So the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth Your glory" (Psalm 102:15).
"I think that there is no other course other than an agreement between the two states," Berlusconi added. "Our policy has always gone in this direction, and it is also the policy of the European Union," he pointed out.
(Excerpts of an article by World Jewish Congress, May 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God for another nation that is unwilling to support Palestinian unilateralism. Pray that more nations would oppose it openly so as to discourage the Palestinians from trying.
Scripture
"So the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth Your glory" (Psalm 102:15).
8. The Artificial Nose that Can Detect Cancer
One of the most exciting advances in non-invasive diagnostic tools for cancer and kidney disease is the invention of Israeli-Arab chemical engineer Hossam Haick. A professor at the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haick's unique specialty is using breath analysis to detect disease.
Born and raised in the Christian Arab enclave of Nazareth, Haick is hardly the only non-Jew to have graduated from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (1998) and the Technion in Haifa (2002). However, few people of any ethnicity have achieved on par with this 35-year-old former Fulbright Fellow.
In 2007, Haick appeared on the Yedioth Aharonot lists of 50 leading Israelis and four saluted Israeli scientists; and in 2008, on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's [MIT] Technology Review list of 35 leading young scientists.
"Throughout my educational career, many good people encouraged me to proceed beyond my personal limits and capabilities," Haick tells ISRAEL21c.
Nearly a quarter of the Technion student population is of Arab ethnicity, and although Haick is one of just a handful of Arab faculty members, he stresses that it is a very supportive environment.
"Borders between Arabs and Jews cannot be felt here at the Technion," he states. "The only condition is to excel in science, and you will find your place."
Haick developed an inexpensive "nano-artificial nose" (NA-NOSE) that detects disease biomarkers passing from the bloodstream to the lungs and out through the breath.
Haick works on the project "more than full time," though it could take three or four years for NA-NOSE to reach the huge market that eagerly awaits it.
In the last two years, the device has proven effective in distinguishing between lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer, says Haick, "and we have shown an ability to distinguish between head and neck cancers and lung cancers," he adds. And all this without blood tests or biopsies.
(Excerpts of an article by Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c, May 16, 2011)
Born and raised in the Christian Arab enclave of Nazareth, Haick is hardly the only non-Jew to have graduated from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (1998) and the Technion in Haifa (2002). However, few people of any ethnicity have achieved on par with this 35-year-old former Fulbright Fellow.
In 2007, Haick appeared on the Yedioth Aharonot lists of 50 leading Israelis and four saluted Israeli scientists; and in 2008, on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's [MIT] Technology Review list of 35 leading young scientists.
"Throughout my educational career, many good people encouraged me to proceed beyond my personal limits and capabilities," Haick tells ISRAEL21c.
Nearly a quarter of the Technion student population is of Arab ethnicity, and although Haick is one of just a handful of Arab faculty members, he stresses that it is a very supportive environment.
"Borders between Arabs and Jews cannot be felt here at the Technion," he states. "The only condition is to excel in science, and you will find your place."
Haick developed an inexpensive "nano-artificial nose" (NA-NOSE) that detects disease biomarkers passing from the bloodstream to the lungs and out through the breath.
Haick works on the project "more than full time," though it could take three or four years for NA-NOSE to reach the huge market that eagerly awaits it.
In the last two years, the device has proven effective in distinguishing between lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer, says Haick, "and we have shown an ability to distinguish between head and neck cancers and lung cancers," he adds. And all this without blood tests or biopsies.
(Excerpts of an article by Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c, May 16, 2011)
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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