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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | June 10, 2011 |
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1. Syria Accused of Backing Protesters Storming Israeli Border
2. Turkish Foreign Minister: Reconsider Gaza Flotilla
3. Iran Expands Submarine Fleet
4. Palestinians Plan Mass Fly-in
5. Palestinian Distortion: "If I Forget Thee, …" Was Crusader Expression
6. Egypt's Tantawi, Barak Discuss Shalit Deal
7. US Officials Meet with Negotiators in Efforts to Restart Peace Talks
8. World Jewish Congress Welcomes US Decision to Stay Away from "Durban III"
9. New Citrus Supplement Busts Cholesterol and Sugar
1. Syria Accused of Backing Protesters Storming Israeli Border
Three weeks exactly after protesters and rioters stormed Israel's northern borders, the Syrian border erupted again on Sunday [June 5] as rioters sought to infiltrate Israel's border to mark the anniversary of the Six-Day War, known in Arabic as the Naksa, or "setback," in which Israel in a war of self-defense defeated multiple Arab armies.
In an interview with Bridges for Peace on Sunday evening Israel time, [Israel Defense Forces] IDF spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich said protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers as well as Molotov cocktails or firebombs. Said Leibovich, "This was not a quiet and peaceful demonstration, they had one goal-to infiltrate into Israel, and this is something that we cannot allow, just like any other country that will not allow its borders to be breached, we are in the same situation." The Syrian regime was accused of backing the riots.
She said there was "no doubt" that the protesters made it to the border with the Syrian government's permission and help. She noted the regime could have blocked the roads to prevent the protesters from reaching the border if they had wanted, and they chose not to do so. Said Leibovich, "From our understanding, the Syrian regime gave a big blessing to these riots."
Furthermore, it appears at least some of the protesters may have been paid to march on the border, according to information presented by one Syrian group. The Reform Party of Syria (RPS), an opposition party based in the US seeking democratic reform in Syria, and one that wants a land-for-peace deal with Israel, claimed in a statement on their Web site that hundreds of impoverished Syrian farmers were paid US $1,000 apiece to arrive at the Syrian border. RPS also said that US $10,000 was to be paid to the families if any of the farmers should "succumb to Israeli fire."
As for the IDF response to the protesters, Leibovich said the IDF attempted to discourage the protesters from continuing to Israel's border by warning them in Arabic, firing warning shots and using crowd dispersal means before finally being forced to resort to some "selective fire"-aiming at the feet of selected threats to the border fence, with an intent to injure but not kill-in order to defend the border.
According to the IDF Twitter page, prior to the events on Sunday, the IDF attempted to prevent riots by sending warning messages to the Syrians through the United Nations. Leibovich said that while the IDF was controlling the situation, there were still protesters rioting "from time to time" in the border area as of the time of the interview.
The IDF Twitter page, based on an initial report on Sunday, said that four landmines on the Syrian side of the border exploded as a result of firebombs lobbed by Syrian protesters, although Leibovich could not confirm the report.
Leibovich said that during the day attempts were made to allow for a ceasefire for medical evacuations of the Syrian wounded, but that protesters took inappropriate advantage of Israel's restraint. She said Israel was asked to hold their fire for such evacuations on four separate occasions, and "of course we immediately agreed to this, but this was cynically used by the protesters themselves, who chose to take advantage of the moment and once again tried to breach the fence."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will hold Syria to account for their involvement in these tragic protests. Pray that any such violence on Israel's borders will come to an end.
Scripture
"Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war" (Psalm 140:1-2).
In an interview with Bridges for Peace on Sunday evening Israel time, [Israel Defense Forces] IDF spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich said protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers as well as Molotov cocktails or firebombs. Said Leibovich, "This was not a quiet and peaceful demonstration, they had one goal-to infiltrate into Israel, and this is something that we cannot allow, just like any other country that will not allow its borders to be breached, we are in the same situation." The Syrian regime was accused of backing the riots.
She said there was "no doubt" that the protesters made it to the border with the Syrian government's permission and help. She noted the regime could have blocked the roads to prevent the protesters from reaching the border if they had wanted, and they chose not to do so. Said Leibovich, "From our understanding, the Syrian regime gave a big blessing to these riots."
Furthermore, it appears at least some of the protesters may have been paid to march on the border, according to information presented by one Syrian group. The Reform Party of Syria (RPS), an opposition party based in the US seeking democratic reform in Syria, and one that wants a land-for-peace deal with Israel, claimed in a statement on their Web site that hundreds of impoverished Syrian farmers were paid US $1,000 apiece to arrive at the Syrian border. RPS also said that US $10,000 was to be paid to the families if any of the farmers should "succumb to Israeli fire."
As for the IDF response to the protesters, Leibovich said the IDF attempted to discourage the protesters from continuing to Israel's border by warning them in Arabic, firing warning shots and using crowd dispersal means before finally being forced to resort to some "selective fire"-aiming at the feet of selected threats to the border fence, with an intent to injure but not kill-in order to defend the border.
According to the IDF Twitter page, prior to the events on Sunday, the IDF attempted to prevent riots by sending warning messages to the Syrians through the United Nations. Leibovich said that while the IDF was controlling the situation, there were still protesters rioting "from time to time" in the border area as of the time of the interview.
The IDF Twitter page, based on an initial report on Sunday, said that four landmines on the Syrian side of the border exploded as a result of firebombs lobbed by Syrian protesters, although Leibovich could not confirm the report.
Leibovich said that during the day attempts were made to allow for a ceasefire for medical evacuations of the Syrian wounded, but that protesters took inappropriate advantage of Israel's restraint. She said Israel was asked to hold their fire for such evacuations on four separate occasions, and "of course we immediately agreed to this, but this was cynically used by the protesters themselves, who chose to take advantage of the moment and once again tried to breach the fence."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 6, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will hold Syria to account for their involvement in these tragic protests. Pray that any such violence on Israel's borders will come to an end.
Scripture
"Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war" (Psalm 140:1-2).
2. Turkish Foreign Minister: Reconsider Gaza Flotilla
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday [June 6] called on the organizers of the second Gaza flotilla to wait and see how the reopening of the Rafah crossing [at the Egyptian-Gaza border] will affect the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This is the first time that the Turkish foreign minister has called on the flotilla organizers, who were planning on setting sail at the end of June, to reconsider their plans.
Thus far Davutoglu has rejected requests from Israel and the US to try and stop the flotilla, claiming that it was a private civilian initiative, therefore beyond the government's purview. He insisted that the international community must work to lift the Gaza blockade instead of attempting to halt the flotilla.
In Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper on Monday, the foreign minister reiterated his statements claiming that Turkey cannot put a stop to the activities of a civilian organization. And yet, he said that the organization must wait to see whether the circumstances in Gaza change after Egypt opened the Rafah crossing and ahead of the establishment of a Palestinian unity government.
"In order to avoid a repeat of last year's tragedy, Israel must also do its part," he said, adding that "Israel must wait until after the new Palestinian government is in power and then remove the Gaza blockade."
In addition, the foreign minister said that he had recently spoken to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who noted that the new government would be formed within the next two to three weeks.
"What has Israel previously stated? Israel said that it wouldn't lift the Gaza blockade because it does not recognize Hamas," Davutoglu noted, "since there will no longer be a government in Gaza the moment a unity government is formed then we must first see how the new government functions."
(By Ynet, Ynetnews, June 6, 2011)
Editor's Note: While not recognized by Turkey, Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is intended to prevent weapons and resources from reaching terrorists.
Prayer Focus
Continue to pray that the organizers of this event will listen to the advice of the Turkish foreign minister and cancel the flotilla.
Scripture
"Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually" (Psalm 74:22-23).
Thus far Davutoglu has rejected requests from Israel and the US to try and stop the flotilla, claiming that it was a private civilian initiative, therefore beyond the government's purview. He insisted that the international community must work to lift the Gaza blockade instead of attempting to halt the flotilla.
In Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper on Monday, the foreign minister reiterated his statements claiming that Turkey cannot put a stop to the activities of a civilian organization. And yet, he said that the organization must wait to see whether the circumstances in Gaza change after Egypt opened the Rafah crossing and ahead of the establishment of a Palestinian unity government.
"In order to avoid a repeat of last year's tragedy, Israel must also do its part," he said, adding that "Israel must wait until after the new Palestinian government is in power and then remove the Gaza blockade."
In addition, the foreign minister said that he had recently spoken to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who noted that the new government would be formed within the next two to three weeks.
"What has Israel previously stated? Israel said that it wouldn't lift the Gaza blockade because it does not recognize Hamas," Davutoglu noted, "since there will no longer be a government in Gaza the moment a unity government is formed then we must first see how the new government functions."
(By Ynet, Ynetnews, June 6, 2011)
Editor's Note: While not recognized by Turkey, Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is intended to prevent weapons and resources from reaching terrorists.
Prayer Focus
Continue to pray that the organizers of this event will listen to the advice of the Turkish foreign minister and cancel the flotilla.
Scripture
"Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually" (Psalm 74:22-23).
3. Iran Expands Submarine Fleet
Iran is expanding their submarine fleet: Iranian Navy Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Seyed Mahmoud Moussavi said that the Islamic Republic will soon conduct test runs to examine new Iranian-made submarine models, Fars Iranian network reported on Thursday [June 0]. "The new submarines, built by the committed Iranian experts, will join the naval combat fleet," after being tested during upcoming military exercises, Moussavi said on Wednesday [June 8].
On Tuesday [June 7], it was reported that Iranian submarines were dispatched to the Red Sea in order to gather intelligence and keep surveillance over the movements of foreign fleets' submarines and vessels.
Iran announced last August that it had increased its fleet and now has a total of 11 submarines, which will be used to patrol the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Iran has dispatched battleships to distant waters such as the Red Sea and the Mediterranean in the past, but it is the first time it is sending submarines to the area.
(Excerpts of an article by Dudi Cohen, Ynetnews, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
God will confuse and confound Iran's attempts to increase its military capability, as He did in ancient times, protecting His chosen people.
Scripture
"Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men" (Psalm 59:1-2).
On Tuesday [June 7], it was reported that Iranian submarines were dispatched to the Red Sea in order to gather intelligence and keep surveillance over the movements of foreign fleets' submarines and vessels.
Iran announced last August that it had increased its fleet and now has a total of 11 submarines, which will be used to patrol the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Iran has dispatched battleships to distant waters such as the Red Sea and the Mediterranean in the past, but it is the first time it is sending submarines to the area.
(Excerpts of an article by Dudi Cohen, Ynetnews, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
God will confuse and confound Iran's attempts to increase its military capability, as He did in ancient times, protecting His chosen people.
Scripture
"Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men" (Psalm 59:1-2).
4. Palestinians Plan Mass Fly-in
Amid heightened tensions over the next Gaza-bound flotilla set to depart in June, pro-Palestinian elements are planning to send a large number of activists on commercial flights to the Ben-Gurion airport in the beginning of July, with the aim of showing solidarity with the Palestinians, embarrassing the Israeli government and raising awareness for the Palestinian right of return [a Palestinian belief in the "right" to return for millions of "refugees" and their descendants to territory in Israel].
A report published by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center claims the organizers of the event believe the "end the siege" convoys are "too limited" and broader actions are needed to "remove the blockade from the entire land of Palestine."
According to the organizers' Web site, the date of arrival to Ben-Gurion airport is set on July 8, because on July 9, 2004 the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the security fence erected by Israel is illegal [the fence was erected to help prevent suicide bombings, an effort that has been largely successful].
According to the organizers, 500 people have already booked their flights to Israel, including families and children hailing from Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa.
After holding a protest rally at Ben-Gurion Airport, the activists plan to travel to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] for solidarity meetings with local Palestinians.
Fifteen organizations, most of which are Palestinian, are behind the fly-in initiative, including the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), which "specializes" in disrupting IDF [Israel Defense Forces] activities in the West Bank.
(Excerpts of an article by Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, June 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this highly provocative event be cancelled and that Israel be saved from the extremely difficult and dangerous situation such a "fly-in" would create.
Scripture
"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings" (Psalm 61:1-4).
A report published by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center claims the organizers of the event believe the "end the siege" convoys are "too limited" and broader actions are needed to "remove the blockade from the entire land of Palestine."
According to the organizers' Web site, the date of arrival to Ben-Gurion airport is set on July 8, because on July 9, 2004 the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the security fence erected by Israel is illegal [the fence was erected to help prevent suicide bombings, an effort that has been largely successful].
According to the organizers, 500 people have already booked their flights to Israel, including families and children hailing from Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa.
After holding a protest rally at Ben-Gurion Airport, the activists plan to travel to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] for solidarity meetings with local Palestinians.
Fifteen organizations, most of which are Palestinian, are behind the fly-in initiative, including the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), which "specializes" in disrupting IDF [Israel Defense Forces] activities in the West Bank.
(Excerpts of an article by Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, June 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this highly provocative event be cancelled and that Israel be saved from the extremely difficult and dangerous situation such a "fly-in" would create.
Scripture
"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings" (Psalm 61:1-4).
5. Palestinian Distortion: "If I Forget Thee, …" Was Crusader Expression
As part of the continuing Palestinian denial of Jewish history in Jerusalem a Palestinian researcher and specialist on Jerusalem has claimed that the well-known verse of the Hebrew psalm, "If I forget thee, oh Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill," is not a Jewish source at all. He said that the words were uttered by a Christian crusader, and have only recently been "borrowed" by Jews and "falsified in the name of Zionism."
Palestinian Media Watch has documented the Palestinian Authority [PA] policy of denying Israel's history as the basis for its denial of Israel's right to exist. The PA often denies the existence of the Temple in Jerusalem, calling it "the alleged Temple."
The following are the words of Palestinian researcher Dr. Hayel Sanduqa on PA TV, claiming that the Hebrew Bible's psalm was actually first said by a Crusader:
"[The Israelis] have acted to change Jerusalem's character. Even the expression (Psalm 137:5) 'If I forget thee, oh Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, If I do not remember thee.'
This statement, said by the Frankish [crusader] ruler of Acre shortly before he left, was borrowed by the Zionist movement, which falsified it in the name of Zionism." [PA TV (Fatah), June 2, 2011]
(By Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook, Palestinian Media Watch, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray this and other such lies will be revealed for what they are: Palestinian attempts to rewrite history and deny Israel's ancient and therefore modern connection to the land of Israel.
Scripture
"For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You" (Psalm 5:9-10).
Palestinian Media Watch has documented the Palestinian Authority [PA] policy of denying Israel's history as the basis for its denial of Israel's right to exist. The PA often denies the existence of the Temple in Jerusalem, calling it "the alleged Temple."
The following are the words of Palestinian researcher Dr. Hayel Sanduqa on PA TV, claiming that the Hebrew Bible's psalm was actually first said by a Crusader:
"[The Israelis] have acted to change Jerusalem's character. Even the expression (Psalm 137:5) 'If I forget thee, oh Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, If I do not remember thee.'
This statement, said by the Frankish [crusader] ruler of Acre shortly before he left, was borrowed by the Zionist movement, which falsified it in the name of Zionism." [PA TV (Fatah), June 2, 2011]
(By Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook, Palestinian Media Watch, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray this and other such lies will be revealed for what they are: Palestinian attempts to rewrite history and deny Israel's ancient and therefore modern connection to the land of Israel.
Scripture
"For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You" (Psalm 5:9-10).
6. Egypt's Tantawi, Barak Discuss Shalit Deal
Defense Minister Ehud Barak held a phone conversation with Egypt's military leader Mohamed Tantawi Sunday [June 5] about a possible deal to release Gilad Shalit, an occurrence that suggests that real progress has been made in negotiations to release the captive soldier.
The Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that Barak and the head of Egypt's Higher Military Council discussed the need for an immediate release of Shalit, who has been held captive by Hamas for 1,806 days. They also spoke about maintaining the calm along the shared borders and other regional security issues.
According to the statement, Barak and Tantawi agreed that maintaining the peace accord between Israel and Egypt is of great importance-a pillar of stability in the region.
Political elements told Ynet that the Shalit deal is at a sensitive stage, but has finally been brought back to the negotiating table after a long period of silence. They said that Egypt has "gotten back in the game" after the protests in Cairo, and so the prisoner swap is back on the region's daily agenda.
It was reported Saturday [June 4] that Hamas Deputy Politburo Chief Moussa Abu Marzouk handed the Egyptian authorities the organization's final position on the Shalit deal. Abu Marzouk apparently submitted the final answer after speaking with the leader of the Hamas military wing, Ahmed Jabari.
Despite recent statements by Egypt's former ambassador to Israel and the Palestinian envoy to Moscow that the deal is on the verge of completion, a member of the Hamas politburo in Damascus, Izzat al-Rishq, denied that any progress has been made.
Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit, met with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe this past Thursday [June 2], but said that they "did not receive any news."
(By Attila Somfalvi, Hanan Greenberg contributed, Ynetnews, June 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that reasonable terms for Gilad Shalit's release will be reached. Pray that he will be released soon, protected from any emotional and physical effects of his long confinement.
Scripture
"Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound" (Isaiah 30:26).
The Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that Barak and the head of Egypt's Higher Military Council discussed the need for an immediate release of Shalit, who has been held captive by Hamas for 1,806 days. They also spoke about maintaining the calm along the shared borders and other regional security issues.
According to the statement, Barak and Tantawi agreed that maintaining the peace accord between Israel and Egypt is of great importance-a pillar of stability in the region.
Political elements told Ynet that the Shalit deal is at a sensitive stage, but has finally been brought back to the negotiating table after a long period of silence. They said that Egypt has "gotten back in the game" after the protests in Cairo, and so the prisoner swap is back on the region's daily agenda.
It was reported Saturday [June 4] that Hamas Deputy Politburo Chief Moussa Abu Marzouk handed the Egyptian authorities the organization's final position on the Shalit deal. Abu Marzouk apparently submitted the final answer after speaking with the leader of the Hamas military wing, Ahmed Jabari.
Despite recent statements by Egypt's former ambassador to Israel and the Palestinian envoy to Moscow that the deal is on the verge of completion, a member of the Hamas politburo in Damascus, Izzat al-Rishq, denied that any progress has been made.
Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit, met with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe this past Thursday [June 2], but said that they "did not receive any news."
(By Attila Somfalvi, Hanan Greenberg contributed, Ynetnews, June 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that reasonable terms for Gilad Shalit's release will be reached. Pray that he will be released soon, protected from any emotional and physical effects of his long confinement.
Scripture
"Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound" (Isaiah 30:26).
7. US Officials Meet with Negotiators in Efforts to Restart Peace Talks
The United States is actively at work to try and make headway in the Israel-Palestinian peace process, with Israeli and Palestinian representatives meeting separately this week in Washington with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. According to a US State Department official, speaking on background with Bridges for Peace, Clinton "had good, separate meetings" with the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, Isaac Molho and Saeb Erekat.
Acting US Mideast envoy David Hale and other officials have also had separate follow-up meetings with the negotiators. The US official told Bridges for Peace that the meetings are "part of ongoing consultations with the parties on how best to move beyond the current impasse." Despite the meetings, negotiations have not resumed yet.
Speaking on Monday [June 6] in a press conference with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, Secretary of State Clinton, in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, said that "there is no agreement that the parties will resume negotiations."
It remains to be seen if talks can be resumed as long as Palestinians continue to demand preconditions to negotiations. On Tuesday, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported Erekat as saying talks would resume once Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly accepts the 1967 lines as the basis for negotiations and halts all settlement activities. The 1967 lines would place the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip in Palestinian control.
Previously, in 2009-10 during Israel's unprecedented and significant 10-month restriction on construction in West Bank settlements, the Palestinians refused to return to direct negotiations for months, and then suspended the talks shortly after the moratorium ended.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that an Israeli source who recently returned from Washington said that US officials have encouraged US President Barack Obama to invite Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the US for negotiations that would be based on Obama's speech from last month.
In that speech, Obama called for talks to begin on the issues of security and borders, with the 1967 lines with agreed upon swaps as the basis for such talks. While the 1967-lines-with-swaps framework is not a new concept, it remains to be seen if Obama's personal endorsement and restatement of it as a starting point for territorial concessions will harm Israel's negotiations stance.
One of the hurdles that remains is the anticipated unity government between Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group. Clinton addressed that matter as well, noting that the US continues to have "serious concerns about the role, if any, that Hamas might play in a Palestinian government."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that a return to the negotiating table be based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish nation. Pray that undue pressure will not be placed on Israel to make dangerous concessions.
Scripture
"On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates'" (Genesis 15:18).
Acting US Mideast envoy David Hale and other officials have also had separate follow-up meetings with the negotiators. The US official told Bridges for Peace that the meetings are "part of ongoing consultations with the parties on how best to move beyond the current impasse." Despite the meetings, negotiations have not resumed yet.
Speaking on Monday [June 6] in a press conference with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, Secretary of State Clinton, in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, said that "there is no agreement that the parties will resume negotiations."
It remains to be seen if talks can be resumed as long as Palestinians continue to demand preconditions to negotiations. On Tuesday, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported Erekat as saying talks would resume once Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly accepts the 1967 lines as the basis for negotiations and halts all settlement activities. The 1967 lines would place the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip in Palestinian control.
Previously, in 2009-10 during Israel's unprecedented and significant 10-month restriction on construction in West Bank settlements, the Palestinians refused to return to direct negotiations for months, and then suspended the talks shortly after the moratorium ended.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that an Israeli source who recently returned from Washington said that US officials have encouraged US President Barack Obama to invite Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the US for negotiations that would be based on Obama's speech from last month.
In that speech, Obama called for talks to begin on the issues of security and borders, with the 1967 lines with agreed upon swaps as the basis for such talks. While the 1967-lines-with-swaps framework is not a new concept, it remains to be seen if Obama's personal endorsement and restatement of it as a starting point for territorial concessions will harm Israel's negotiations stance.
One of the hurdles that remains is the anticipated unity government between Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group. Clinton addressed that matter as well, noting that the US continues to have "serious concerns about the role, if any, that Hamas might play in a Palestinian government."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 9, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that a return to the negotiating table be based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish nation. Pray that undue pressure will not be placed on Israel to make dangerous concessions.
Scripture
"On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates'" (Genesis 15:18).
8. World Jewish Congress Welcomes US Decision to Stay Away from "Durban III"
The decision by the US administration not to take part in a United Nations event in September to mark the tenth anniversary of the controversial 2001 Durban conference on combating racism [which ended up being a very anti-Israel event] has been welcomed by the World Jewish Congress.
Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, praised the US' "determination to not participate in nor lend legitimacy to another international event that politicizes and undermines the battle against racism and discrimination by promoting anti-Israel canards. We call upon the other member states of the UN to join the US and Canada in not attending."
Lauder added: "It is our fervent hope that the international community will one day unite in a genuine effort to defeat all forms of racism and anti-Semitism in a United Nations that will be free of all influences that defeat its true purpose."
In a letter to New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, US State Department official Joseph Macmanus had stated that the US did not want to take part in an event which commemorated "ugly displays of intolerance and anti-Semitism." The World Conference Against Racism took place in Durban, South Africa in 2001. The event was criticized for descending into a forum to attack Israel, with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat denouncing Israel in a speech and an attempt to reintroduce the "Zionism equals racism" UN resolution of 1975.
The 2009 Durban Review Conference in Geneva caused a similar outcry after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was invited to make the opening-day address. In his speech he accused Israel of being the most racist country in the world. The United States, Israel and several other nations chose not to attend the event. Several Western delegations walked out of Ahmadinejad's speech, but most delegations as well as senior UN figures, including the UN human rights commissioner, remained seated.
Macmanus pointed out that in December, the US had voted against the resolution establishing the follow-up event because the original had "unfairly singled out Israel and included language inconsistent with US traditions of robust free speech."
He said: "We share your concern about the Durban commemoration's timing and venue as just days earlier we will have held solemn ten-year memorials for those murdered in the 11 September terrorist attacks."
The letter added: "The United States is fully committed to upholding the human rights of all people and to combating racial discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, and bigotry."
(By World Jewish Congress, June 3, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for America's stance on this issue. Pray that other nations of the world will follow suit.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, praised the US' "determination to not participate in nor lend legitimacy to another international event that politicizes and undermines the battle against racism and discrimination by promoting anti-Israel canards. We call upon the other member states of the UN to join the US and Canada in not attending."
Lauder added: "It is our fervent hope that the international community will one day unite in a genuine effort to defeat all forms of racism and anti-Semitism in a United Nations that will be free of all influences that defeat its true purpose."
In a letter to New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, US State Department official Joseph Macmanus had stated that the US did not want to take part in an event which commemorated "ugly displays of intolerance and anti-Semitism." The World Conference Against Racism took place in Durban, South Africa in 2001. The event was criticized for descending into a forum to attack Israel, with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat denouncing Israel in a speech and an attempt to reintroduce the "Zionism equals racism" UN resolution of 1975.
The 2009 Durban Review Conference in Geneva caused a similar outcry after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was invited to make the opening-day address. In his speech he accused Israel of being the most racist country in the world. The United States, Israel and several other nations chose not to attend the event. Several Western delegations walked out of Ahmadinejad's speech, but most delegations as well as senior UN figures, including the UN human rights commissioner, remained seated.
Macmanus pointed out that in December, the US had voted against the resolution establishing the follow-up event because the original had "unfairly singled out Israel and included language inconsistent with US traditions of robust free speech."
He said: "We share your concern about the Durban commemoration's timing and venue as just days earlier we will have held solemn ten-year memorials for those murdered in the 11 September terrorist attacks."
The letter added: "The United States is fully committed to upholding the human rights of all people and to combating racial discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, and bigotry."
(By World Jewish Congress, June 3, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for America's stance on this issue. Pray that other nations of the world will follow suit.
Scripture
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).
9. New Citrus Supplement Busts Cholesterol and Sugar
Imagine an ice-cream sundae topped by a special chocolate sauce that will never let that blessed moment on your lips stay forever on your hips, or a pizza topping that you sprinkle over the cheese like oregano, made from a secret ingredient that will help your body break down all the fat, so that it won't clog your arteries.
These are some of the very real possibilities coming out of a Hebrew University-Harvard University team working on extracting naringenin, a compound from grapefruit, and using nanotechnology to make it into a complex absorbed 11-times better than normal. This may forever change the way our metabolisms deal with fatty and sugary food.
The research on this citrus extract is led by Dr. Yaakov Nahmias from the Benin School of Engineering and Computer Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Maria Shulman, his graduate student. They have isolated the molecule that creates the bitter taste in grapefruits, and have strong clinical evidence that if developed as a dietary supplement, it could change the way our bodies deal with fat and sugar.
The studies hold significant implications for the drug market, particularly in relation to diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis and even hepatitis C, Nahmias tells ISRAEL21c while bouncing his new baby on his knee.
In his study reported in the scientific journal PLoS One, he explained how under regular conditions the absorption of the fat-and sugar-busting molecule naringenin is quite low. You'd have to ingest a lot of grapefruits for it to work-probably more than you'd ever want to eat.
To improve absorption capabilities, the researchers applied new tools from nanotechnology and engineered a form of naringenin that includes an extra ring of sugar attached to the molecule. It is this extra ring that improves the absorption of naringenin and turns its bitter taste to sweet.
According to the researchers, this is the world's first dietary supplement that affects our body in a positive way as it reacts with the food we eat. The new complex is not a difficult pill to swallow; Nahmias predicts it could best be applied directly to food before it hits the market.
But as a pill, it could potentially wipe a few other leading drug formulations off pharmacy shelves. It could be taken as a natural preventative measure against the buildup of lipids before cholesterol levels get high. Based on clinical studies now underway in Massachusetts General Hospital, it could even revolutionize the approach to the hepatitis C virus.
As Nahmias explains, "Type II diabetes patients need to take drugs to make their body more sensitive to insulin. They also have problems with elevated lipids. Our clinical trial is for hepatitis C, which assembles on the LDL triglycerides. We've found [our molecule] can block the production of the virus."
In earlier studies, the scientists found that one dose of their new molecule given to rats before a high-sugar and high-fat meal reduced the creation of "bad" cholesterol, or very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), by 42%.
"Instead of treating the symptoms, we are treating the cause. The cause is food. It all starts and ends with food, and the way our body reacts to it."
(By Karin Kloosterman, Israel21c, June 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for this amazing discovery. Pray that it will move quickly through testing and into use improving the quality of life for those suffering from diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis and hepatitis C.
Scripture
"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God" (Psalm 40:17).
These are some of the very real possibilities coming out of a Hebrew University-Harvard University team working on extracting naringenin, a compound from grapefruit, and using nanotechnology to make it into a complex absorbed 11-times better than normal. This may forever change the way our metabolisms deal with fatty and sugary food.
The research on this citrus extract is led by Dr. Yaakov Nahmias from the Benin School of Engineering and Computer Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Maria Shulman, his graduate student. They have isolated the molecule that creates the bitter taste in grapefruits, and have strong clinical evidence that if developed as a dietary supplement, it could change the way our bodies deal with fat and sugar.
The studies hold significant implications for the drug market, particularly in relation to diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis and even hepatitis C, Nahmias tells ISRAEL21c while bouncing his new baby on his knee.
In his study reported in the scientific journal PLoS One, he explained how under regular conditions the absorption of the fat-and sugar-busting molecule naringenin is quite low. You'd have to ingest a lot of grapefruits for it to work-probably more than you'd ever want to eat.
To improve absorption capabilities, the researchers applied new tools from nanotechnology and engineered a form of naringenin that includes an extra ring of sugar attached to the molecule. It is this extra ring that improves the absorption of naringenin and turns its bitter taste to sweet.
According to the researchers, this is the world's first dietary supplement that affects our body in a positive way as it reacts with the food we eat. The new complex is not a difficult pill to swallow; Nahmias predicts it could best be applied directly to food before it hits the market.
But as a pill, it could potentially wipe a few other leading drug formulations off pharmacy shelves. It could be taken as a natural preventative measure against the buildup of lipids before cholesterol levels get high. Based on clinical studies now underway in Massachusetts General Hospital, it could even revolutionize the approach to the hepatitis C virus.
As Nahmias explains, "Type II diabetes patients need to take drugs to make their body more sensitive to insulin. They also have problems with elevated lipids. Our clinical trial is for hepatitis C, which assembles on the LDL triglycerides. We've found [our molecule] can block the production of the virus."
In earlier studies, the scientists found that one dose of their new molecule given to rats before a high-sugar and high-fat meal reduced the creation of "bad" cholesterol, or very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), by 42%.
"Instead of treating the symptoms, we are treating the cause. The cause is food. It all starts and ends with food, and the way our body reacts to it."
(By Karin Kloosterman, Israel21c, June 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for this amazing discovery. Pray that it will move quickly through testing and into use improving the quality of life for those suffering from diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis and hepatitis C.
Scripture
"But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God" (Psalm 40:17).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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