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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | June 17, 2011 |
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1. Official: Netanyahu Fears Third Intifada
2. Reports of Arms from Libya Smuggled into Gaza; Egypt Gas Flow Restored
3. Hamas-Fatah at Odds over Future Premiership
4. Iran Plans to Triple Research-level Nuclear Fuel Production
5. Refugees Flee to Turkey in Response to Brutal Syrian Crackdown
6. Shin Bet Nabs Gaza Terrorist
7. Alleged Israeli Spy in Egypt a US Citizen
8. Israel Sets Tourist Record for Month of May
1. Official: Netanyahu Fears Third Intifada
Jerusalem officials told Ynet Wednesday [June 15] that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears a third intifada this summer ahead of a planned Palestinian declaration of statehood in September. "Netanyahu fears he will not be able to stop [what will happen in] September," a top official told Ynet.
"The prime minister is making an effort to convince European states that if riots begin after the declaration of statehood, responsibility will not fall on Israel." The defense establishment presented decision-makers with a number of possible summer scenarios recently. Officials say that violent clashes may take place between security forces and Arabs and Palestinians.
"There is one scenario in which many thousands, or possibly tens of thousands, begin a march that becomes riots and serious conflicts with the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]," the official said. "The fear is that Israeli-Arabs will also join the riots, leading to internal and external instability at this sensitive time."
Israel also fears the possibility that the Palestinian declaration will cause the 250,000 Jewish people living in Jerusalem neighborhoods defined as outside the 1967 lines-such as Gilo, Ramot, and Har Homa-[to] lose their legitimacy to live there.
"It's a very serious problem, and it remains unclear how we will handle it," the official said, adding that the upcoming Gaza flotilla was also a sensitive matter that must be properly dealt with.
Meanwhile Netanyahu is planning a trip to Eastern Europe soon to visit Poland, Romania, and Hungary in an attempt to convince leaders to oppose the Palestinian declaration. No specific details are available as of yet, but sources say Netanyahu's goal is to enlist at least 20 opposing states.
Officials add that the US is still attempting to convince France to change its stance and oppose the move. "France is a major player, but we cannot know how it will act at this stage," one source said.
(By Attila Somfalvi, Ynetnews, June 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the prime minister will be successful in gaining the support needed from nations who will oppose the planned declaration of Palestinian statehood. Pray that the Lord will intervene to keep violence from erupting prior to or following the UN decision in September.
Scripture
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7).
"The prime minister is making an effort to convince European states that if riots begin after the declaration of statehood, responsibility will not fall on Israel." The defense establishment presented decision-makers with a number of possible summer scenarios recently. Officials say that violent clashes may take place between security forces and Arabs and Palestinians.
"There is one scenario in which many thousands, or possibly tens of thousands, begin a march that becomes riots and serious conflicts with the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]," the official said. "The fear is that Israeli-Arabs will also join the riots, leading to internal and external instability at this sensitive time."
Israel also fears the possibility that the Palestinian declaration will cause the 250,000 Jewish people living in Jerusalem neighborhoods defined as outside the 1967 lines-such as Gilo, Ramot, and Har Homa-[to] lose their legitimacy to live there.
"It's a very serious problem, and it remains unclear how we will handle it," the official said, adding that the upcoming Gaza flotilla was also a sensitive matter that must be properly dealt with.
Meanwhile Netanyahu is planning a trip to Eastern Europe soon to visit Poland, Romania, and Hungary in an attempt to convince leaders to oppose the Palestinian declaration. No specific details are available as of yet, but sources say Netanyahu's goal is to enlist at least 20 opposing states.
Officials add that the US is still attempting to convince France to change its stance and oppose the move. "France is a major player, but we cannot know how it will act at this stage," one source said.
(By Attila Somfalvi, Ynetnews, June 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the prime minister will be successful in gaining the support needed from nations who will oppose the planned declaration of Palestinian statehood. Pray that the Lord will intervene to keep violence from erupting prior to or following the UN decision in September.
Scripture
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7).
2. Reports of Arms from Libya Smuggled into Gaza; Egypt Gas Flow Restored
Weapons, including Grad rockets with a range of 60-70 kilometers (35 - 45 miles), are being smuggled into the Gaza Strip through Egypt according to a report in the Israeli daily Maariv. The Palestinian Ma'an News Agency reported that Egyptian officials denied that new smuggling routes through Egypt and into Gaza have been established since the fall of [former President] Hosni Mubarak.
The opening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza caused Israeli security officials to fear a marked increase in the quantity of arms being shipped to Hamas in Gaza. Under Mubarak, Egypt cooperated with American and Israeli security concerns and despite pressure from Arab sources, kept the crossing point closed.
Meanwhile, the flow of natural gas from Egypt to Israel resumed on Friday [June 10] after a six-week interruption caused by a terrorist blast on the pipeline. It was the second time that the pipeline had been hit.
But the interruption of the flow of gas, which represents 40% of Israel's gas needs, was being carefully watched to see whether it would resume at all under the post-Mubarak regime.
Since Mubarak's downfall, relations with Israel have deteriorated and there has been talk in Egypt of re-negotiating the [gas] deal to obtain terms more advantageous to the Egyptians. The former interior minister who negotiated the deal has since been sentenced to 12-years in jail. The actual charge was illicitly enriching himself while in office, believed to be a reference to the Egypt-Israel gas deal.
(By The Media Line, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move to keep Israel's relationship with the "new Egypt" cooperative enough to keep the flow of natural gas open, the treaty intact, and the smuggling through the Rafah crossing brought to an end.
Scripture
"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 60:11-12).
The opening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza caused Israeli security officials to fear a marked increase in the quantity of arms being shipped to Hamas in Gaza. Under Mubarak, Egypt cooperated with American and Israeli security concerns and despite pressure from Arab sources, kept the crossing point closed.
Meanwhile, the flow of natural gas from Egypt to Israel resumed on Friday [June 10] after a six-week interruption caused by a terrorist blast on the pipeline. It was the second time that the pipeline had been hit.
But the interruption of the flow of gas, which represents 40% of Israel's gas needs, was being carefully watched to see whether it would resume at all under the post-Mubarak regime.
Since Mubarak's downfall, relations with Israel have deteriorated and there has been talk in Egypt of re-negotiating the [gas] deal to obtain terms more advantageous to the Egyptians. The former interior minister who negotiated the deal has since been sentenced to 12-years in jail. The actual charge was illicitly enriching himself while in office, believed to be a reference to the Egypt-Israel gas deal.
(By The Media Line, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move to keep Israel's relationship with the "new Egypt" cooperative enough to keep the flow of natural gas open, the treaty intact, and the smuggling through the Rafah crossing brought to an end.
Scripture
"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 60:11-12).
3. Hamas-Fatah at Odds over Future Premiership
Fatah's [Palestinian political faction] expressed wish to see current Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad continue as head of future Hamas-Fatah unity government, is said to be the cause for a new rift between the factions, just weeks after signing what was called a historic reconciliation.
Hamas official Dr. Salah Bardawil said Sunday [June 12] that the movement will oppose such a move by Fatah: "We will not hand over the unity government to Fayyad, who has driven the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] into debt," he said.
The Palestinian factions are set to meet on Tuesday [June 14] and discuss the future premiership further. Fayyad, who enjoys a somewhat international consensus as a statesman, is the preferred choice by many, as his appointment is likely to appease the West, which is wary of Fatah's newfound unity with Hamas. The latter appears on the global terror watch list of all Western nations.
Fayyad has skillfully used his status to bolster Palestinian Authority institutions, but Hamas sees him as a pawn of the West.
(By Elior Levy, Ynet's Palestinian affairs correspondent, Ynetnews, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene to keep this unity government from ever coming into being.
Scripture
"'…Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding'" (Daniel 2:20-21).
Hamas official Dr. Salah Bardawil said Sunday [June 12] that the movement will oppose such a move by Fatah: "We will not hand over the unity government to Fayyad, who has driven the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] into debt," he said.
The Palestinian factions are set to meet on Tuesday [June 14] and discuss the future premiership further. Fayyad, who enjoys a somewhat international consensus as a statesman, is the preferred choice by many, as his appointment is likely to appease the West, which is wary of Fatah's newfound unity with Hamas. The latter appears on the global terror watch list of all Western nations.
Fayyad has skillfully used his status to bolster Palestinian Authority institutions, but Hamas sees him as a pawn of the West.
(By Elior Levy, Ynet's Palestinian affairs correspondent, Ynetnews, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene to keep this unity government from ever coming into being.
Scripture
"'…Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding'" (Daniel 2:20-21).
4. Iran Plans to Triple Research-level Nuclear Fuel Production
Iran has announced plans this year to triple their research-level enrichment of nuclear fuel, a step that moves them closer to potentially building nuclear weapons while still making the claim that the work is for peaceful purposes. According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, the Islamic Republic announced on June 8 that they intend to triple their production of 19.75% enriched uranium.
That's a level needed for some medical research and higher than what's needed for electricity, but still shy of the more than 90% enrichment that is used for nuclear weapons. The plans nonetheless raise concerns about their implications for the potential that Iran could eventually seek to produce nuclear bombs.
In the process of enriching uranium to 3.5% for electrical use and then to 19.75%, "a majority of the work is already done," for enriching the nuclear fuel to weapon's grade, according to Paul Brannan, senior analyst at the Institute for Science and International Security, a US-based think tank that focuses on nuclear weapons issues.
Brannan, speaking with Bridges for Peace on June 9, expressed some doubt about the Iranian claims that the production of research-grade uranium is for the country's research reactor for medicinal purposes. He noted their effort in making the actual fuel for the research reactor isn't matching how much enriched uranium they are producing.
"Essentially Iran's making more 19.75% material than is justified by the amount of work that they're putting into figuring out how to actually make the fuel for the [research] reactor," said Brannan. "So the concern is that they're stockpiling this 19.75% [enriched uranium], and now in making this material at a higher rate-three times as much according to Iran-it essentially means that they'll be stockpiling this material at three times the rate."
Fars reported that Iran has announced plans to deploy advanced centrifuges, which would improve Iran's speed in enriching uranium and could possibly be part of those tripled production plans. Brannan expressed concern about their plans to place advanced centrifuges in Fordo.
"Iran has said that they want to deploy advanced centrifuges for some time now. This recent statement, and the fact that it's so detailed, may indicate that they eventually will do it, time will tell," said Brannan.
Another concern is that Iran is trying to slowly make their program advancement-in this case 19.75% uranium enrichment using advanced centrifuges at the Fordo plant-acceptable in the international arena.
Meanwhile, in separate but related Iran news, a blog by Julian Borger for the UK's The Guardian newspaper reported that a Web site run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards posted an article in April portraying the normality of a hypothetical "day after" Iran tests a nuclear bomb.
Written as the day after the hypothetical underground nuclear test, the Web site, according to a translation of the text provided by the Guardian blog, said, "The strength of the explosion was not so great as to cause severe damage to the region nor so weak that Iranian scientists face any problems in running their tests. Today is a normal day like any other…
The Web site said the local media would "offer many congratulations" to the nation's leader and to the "Hidden Imam," referring to the Shia Muslim hero figure linked in Shia end times beliefs to global apocalypse and subsequent Islamic utopia.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will finally grasp the horrendous threat that this nuclear capability would pose to the rest of the world and will act accordingly to bring it to an end.
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).
That's a level needed for some medical research and higher than what's needed for electricity, but still shy of the more than 90% enrichment that is used for nuclear weapons. The plans nonetheless raise concerns about their implications for the potential that Iran could eventually seek to produce nuclear bombs.
In the process of enriching uranium to 3.5% for electrical use and then to 19.75%, "a majority of the work is already done," for enriching the nuclear fuel to weapon's grade, according to Paul Brannan, senior analyst at the Institute for Science and International Security, a US-based think tank that focuses on nuclear weapons issues.
Brannan, speaking with Bridges for Peace on June 9, expressed some doubt about the Iranian claims that the production of research-grade uranium is for the country's research reactor for medicinal purposes. He noted their effort in making the actual fuel for the research reactor isn't matching how much enriched uranium they are producing.
"Essentially Iran's making more 19.75% material than is justified by the amount of work that they're putting into figuring out how to actually make the fuel for the [research] reactor," said Brannan. "So the concern is that they're stockpiling this 19.75% [enriched uranium], and now in making this material at a higher rate-three times as much according to Iran-it essentially means that they'll be stockpiling this material at three times the rate."
Fars reported that Iran has announced plans to deploy advanced centrifuges, which would improve Iran's speed in enriching uranium and could possibly be part of those tripled production plans. Brannan expressed concern about their plans to place advanced centrifuges in Fordo.
"Iran has said that they want to deploy advanced centrifuges for some time now. This recent statement, and the fact that it's so detailed, may indicate that they eventually will do it, time will tell," said Brannan.
Another concern is that Iran is trying to slowly make their program advancement-in this case 19.75% uranium enrichment using advanced centrifuges at the Fordo plant-acceptable in the international arena.
Meanwhile, in separate but related Iran news, a blog by Julian Borger for the UK's The Guardian newspaper reported that a Web site run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards posted an article in April portraying the normality of a hypothetical "day after" Iran tests a nuclear bomb.
Written as the day after the hypothetical underground nuclear test, the Web site, according to a translation of the text provided by the Guardian blog, said, "The strength of the explosion was not so great as to cause severe damage to the region nor so weak that Iranian scientists face any problems in running their tests. Today is a normal day like any other…
The Web site said the local media would "offer many congratulations" to the nation's leader and to the "Hidden Imam," referring to the Shia Muslim hero figure linked in Shia end times beliefs to global apocalypse and subsequent Islamic utopia.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will finally grasp the horrendous threat that this nuclear capability would pose to the rest of the world and will act accordingly to bring it to an end.
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).
5. Refugees Flee to Turkey in Response to Brutal Syrian Crackdown
The brutal and vicious handling of anti-government protesters in Syria has led to thousands of Syrians fleeing to Turkey as refugees. Voice of America reported on Monday [June 13] that activists said about 7,000 Syrians had sought refuge by crossing into Turkey.
Syrian opposition activists are also saying that 1,300 civilians have been killed in the government's repression of the protests. Overall, the three-month old violence has reportedly caused more than 10,000 people to flee Syria, according to United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos.
Speaking in a press statement on Monday, Amos said she was "deeply concerned" about the violence and called upon the Syrian government to "respect and protect civilians, and to refrain from the use of force against peaceful demonstrators."
The refugee news comes as Syrian troops, backed with tanks and helicopters, have sought to crush opposition in a northern Syrian town. According to Voice of America, residents of the town of Jisr al-Shugour who fled to Turkey said that the Syrian military destroyed houses, burned fields and killed cattle. Voice of America noted that Syrian government TV claimed that the troops had taken the city from "armed gangs," which they accused of killing security personnel.
Amos expressed appreciation for the nations helping the Syrian refugees. Said Amos, "I commend the neighboring states for keeping their borders open and appreciate the assistance they have given. I underscore the readiness of the United Nations to help with this in any way necessary, particularly in light of the recent increase in the numbers of new arrivals."
The United States has also expressed willingness to help. The US State Department mentioned some of the numbers of Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey during a press briefing on Friday [June 10], noting a dramatic rise in Syrian refugees fleeing to Turkey even then.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the Syrian people who are being brutally oppressed by their own government. Pray that the Lord will move to restore stability to the region.
Scripture
"LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more" (Psalm 10:17-18).
Syrian opposition activists are also saying that 1,300 civilians have been killed in the government's repression of the protests. Overall, the three-month old violence has reportedly caused more than 10,000 people to flee Syria, according to United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos.
Speaking in a press statement on Monday, Amos said she was "deeply concerned" about the violence and called upon the Syrian government to "respect and protect civilians, and to refrain from the use of force against peaceful demonstrators."
The refugee news comes as Syrian troops, backed with tanks and helicopters, have sought to crush opposition in a northern Syrian town. According to Voice of America, residents of the town of Jisr al-Shugour who fled to Turkey said that the Syrian military destroyed houses, burned fields and killed cattle. Voice of America noted that Syrian government TV claimed that the troops had taken the city from "armed gangs," which they accused of killing security personnel.
Amos expressed appreciation for the nations helping the Syrian refugees. Said Amos, "I commend the neighboring states for keeping their borders open and appreciate the assistance they have given. I underscore the readiness of the United Nations to help with this in any way necessary, particularly in light of the recent increase in the numbers of new arrivals."
The United States has also expressed willingness to help. The US State Department mentioned some of the numbers of Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey during a press briefing on Friday [June 10], noting a dramatic rise in Syrian refugees fleeing to Turkey even then.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray for the Syrian people who are being brutally oppressed by their own government. Pray that the Lord will move to restore stability to the region.
Scripture
"LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more" (Psalm 10:17-18).
6. Shin Bet Nabs Gaza Terrorist
Cleared for publication: Shin Bet officers [Israel's internal security] operating in Gaza Strip in May arrested Ayub Azam abu-Karim, 22, a wanted terror suspect linked to dozens of attacks in Israel. Karim is a member of the "Defenders of al-Aqsa," a Hamas offshoot dedicated to carrying out terror attacks against Israeli targets in manners which will not implicate its parent-organization.
Both the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the Shin Bet conduct periodic sweeps near the Gaza border, according to relevant intelligence. Karim's arrest was another indication of the existence of smaller terror entities in Gaza, which follow Hamas' orders without officially declaring their affiliation with it.
The indictment against Karim, filed recently with the Beersheba District Court, is comprised of 32 counts including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, affiliation with an illegal entity, contacting a foreign agent, servicing an illegal entity, conspiracy to violate national security and breaching national security by giving information to an enemy agent; as well as a slew of contrabands and arms charges.
Karim told interrogators he joined Hamas in 2007 and served as a dispatcher in its "operations center," relaying information to Hamas troops fighting IDF soldiers in real-time. He later graduated to reconnaissance and "actual" fieldwork and was involved in dozens of attacks against Israeli targets, including placing explosives, shooting attacks and firing rockets and mortar shells.
Karim claimed he was recruited for "Defenders of al-Aqsa" by the head of the organization, a known Jabalya-based terrorist. The investigation also uncovered the fact that the offshoot enjoyed funding directed by no other than Fathi Hamad-Hamas interior minister in Gaza-who is known to be closely affiliated with the group's military wing.
(By Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, June 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will continue to protect and guide Israel's various security organizations, giving them wisdom to apprehend and prosecute those would bring harm to the Jewish people.
Scripture
"but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).
Both the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the Shin Bet conduct periodic sweeps near the Gaza border, according to relevant intelligence. Karim's arrest was another indication of the existence of smaller terror entities in Gaza, which follow Hamas' orders without officially declaring their affiliation with it.
The indictment against Karim, filed recently with the Beersheba District Court, is comprised of 32 counts including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, affiliation with an illegal entity, contacting a foreign agent, servicing an illegal entity, conspiracy to violate national security and breaching national security by giving information to an enemy agent; as well as a slew of contrabands and arms charges.
Karim told interrogators he joined Hamas in 2007 and served as a dispatcher in its "operations center," relaying information to Hamas troops fighting IDF soldiers in real-time. He later graduated to reconnaissance and "actual" fieldwork and was involved in dozens of attacks against Israeli targets, including placing explosives, shooting attacks and firing rockets and mortar shells.
Karim claimed he was recruited for "Defenders of al-Aqsa" by the head of the organization, a known Jabalya-based terrorist. The investigation also uncovered the fact that the offshoot enjoyed funding directed by no other than Fathi Hamad-Hamas interior minister in Gaza-who is known to be closely affiliated with the group's military wing.
(By Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews, June 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will continue to protect and guide Israel's various security organizations, giving them wisdom to apprehend and prosecute those would bring harm to the Jewish people.
Scripture
"but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).
7. Alleged Israeli Spy in Egypt a US Citizen
The United States consul to Cairo met Monday [June 14] with Ilan Grapel, the Israeli man arrested on suspicion of espionage in Egypt. The Egyptian authorities involved Washington in the matter, due to the fact that Grapel entered Egypt with his US passport.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was informed of the meeting by Washington: "We are in touch with the Egyptians and Americans, making sure Grapel's rights are observed. We hope he will be released soon," a ministry official stated. With the consul's mediation, Grapel was permitted to speak to his parents. [Israeli] diplomatic sources said the charges against him were "utter nonsense."
Grapel immigrated to Israel from the United States and joined the [Israel Defense Forces] IDF in March 2005. He served as a lone soldier in the Paratroopers' 101st Battalion and was injured during the Second Lebanon War.
One of the man's acquaintances told Ynet that he is an American who had made aliyah several years ago in order to serve in the IDF. "When Ilan arrived (in Israel) he studied Arabic and went around Arab villages to learn the language," he added. "There was nothing unusual about him, he's a very nice guy, clever with a sense of humor."
"Ilan wasn't sent by anyone, not by the Mossad, not by the Foreign Ministry and not by the Interior Ministry. All the stories suggesting he's a Mossad agent are not true," Garpel's father Daniel told Ynet on Monday.
The father, who resides in New York, said that his son was in Egypt as part of his law studies in the Emory University. "They have an assignment. Every year they go to a different country, and this year he was sent to Cairo. He left on May 9 and arrived via Europe the following day. He arrived after the revolution, so the claims he incited the protests are lies."
The father confirmed Grapel had spent time in Israel but claimed that "90% of the other claims are untrue. He lived in a student hotel, not far from Tahrir Square. All the stories of him being a Mossad agent are untrue." After Grapel was discharged from the army he went to law school. "He was sent to Egypt because he speaks Arabic."
"A consular official did visit Mr. Grapel on June 13th at the prosecutor's office. That was in New Cairo. We've confirmed that he was in good health. Mr. Grapel's family is aware of his arrest. And I refer you to the government of Egypt for details on the charges against him."
(Excerpts of an article by Ronen Medzini, Aviel Magnezi, Attila Somfalvi and Yitzhak Benhorin in Washington contributed, Ynetnews, June 14, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel and the US will be able to quickly negotiate the release of this young man. Pray that, in the interim, he will be treated humanely and respectfully.
Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the LORD. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible'" (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was informed of the meeting by Washington: "We are in touch with the Egyptians and Americans, making sure Grapel's rights are observed. We hope he will be released soon," a ministry official stated. With the consul's mediation, Grapel was permitted to speak to his parents. [Israeli] diplomatic sources said the charges against him were "utter nonsense."
Grapel immigrated to Israel from the United States and joined the [Israel Defense Forces] IDF in March 2005. He served as a lone soldier in the Paratroopers' 101st Battalion and was injured during the Second Lebanon War.
One of the man's acquaintances told Ynet that he is an American who had made aliyah several years ago in order to serve in the IDF. "When Ilan arrived (in Israel) he studied Arabic and went around Arab villages to learn the language," he added. "There was nothing unusual about him, he's a very nice guy, clever with a sense of humor."
"Ilan wasn't sent by anyone, not by the Mossad, not by the Foreign Ministry and not by the Interior Ministry. All the stories suggesting he's a Mossad agent are not true," Garpel's father Daniel told Ynet on Monday.
The father, who resides in New York, said that his son was in Egypt as part of his law studies in the Emory University. "They have an assignment. Every year they go to a different country, and this year he was sent to Cairo. He left on May 9 and arrived via Europe the following day. He arrived after the revolution, so the claims he incited the protests are lies."
The father confirmed Grapel had spent time in Israel but claimed that "90% of the other claims are untrue. He lived in a student hotel, not far from Tahrir Square. All the stories of him being a Mossad agent are untrue." After Grapel was discharged from the army he went to law school. "He was sent to Egypt because he speaks Arabic."
"A consular official did visit Mr. Grapel on June 13th at the prosecutor's office. That was in New Cairo. We've confirmed that he was in good health. Mr. Grapel's family is aware of his arrest. And I refer you to the government of Egypt for details on the charges against him."
(Excerpts of an article by Ronen Medzini, Aviel Magnezi, Attila Somfalvi and Yitzhak Benhorin in Washington contributed, Ynetnews, June 14, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel and the US will be able to quickly negotiate the release of this young man. Pray that, in the interim, he will be treated humanely and respectfully.
Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the LORD. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible'" (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
8. Israel Sets Tourist Record for Month of May
Tourism to Israel set a record for the month of May for visitors staying more than one night, with 268,000 such visitors, according to an Israel Tourism Ministry press release, citing the Central Bureau of Statistics. That figure represents a 5% increase over May of last year.
Overall, 308,000 visitors arrived in Israel during May 2011, a similar total visiting figure to the record-setting May 2010, which was initially reported to have had 309,000 visitors. May 2011 also doubled the number of one-day visitors arriving on cruise ships from the previous May.
The first five months of 2011 have seen a 4% increase in tourists staying more than one night over the same period last year, although January-May 2011 have seen a 2% decrease in overall visitors from the record-setting stretch in 2010. Nonetheless, considering the upheaval in Arab nations in the Middle East and how that's affecting the region's image, Israel's Tourism Ministry is happy with their efforts in stabilizing tourism to Israel.
Said Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov in the press release, "The success of the Tourism Ministry in stabilizing incoming tourism to Israel, given the geopolitical situation in the region that is affecting the image of the region and Israel within it, is both impressive and important. We will continue in these efforts in the coming months.
"This is the time to exploit opportunities, to be flexible and respond swiftly and, at the same time, to maintain ongoing market analysis. We will work to maximize the marketing investment and to significantly shorten the period of recovery."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that people continue to visit Israel despite the unrest in the region. Pray that many more will come, and each one will return home as a committed advocate for the nation and people of Israel.
Scripture
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2).
Overall, 308,000 visitors arrived in Israel during May 2011, a similar total visiting figure to the record-setting May 2010, which was initially reported to have had 309,000 visitors. May 2011 also doubled the number of one-day visitors arriving on cruise ships from the previous May.
The first five months of 2011 have seen a 4% increase in tourists staying more than one night over the same period last year, although January-May 2011 have seen a 2% decrease in overall visitors from the record-setting stretch in 2010. Nonetheless, considering the upheaval in Arab nations in the Middle East and how that's affecting the region's image, Israel's Tourism Ministry is happy with their efforts in stabilizing tourism to Israel.
Said Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov in the press release, "The success of the Tourism Ministry in stabilizing incoming tourism to Israel, given the geopolitical situation in the region that is affecting the image of the region and Israel within it, is both impressive and important. We will continue in these efforts in the coming months.
"This is the time to exploit opportunities, to be flexible and respond swiftly and, at the same time, to maintain ongoing market analysis. We will work to maximize the marketing investment and to significantly shorten the period of recovery."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that people continue to visit Israel despite the unrest in the region. Pray that many more will come, and each one will return home as a committed advocate for the nation and people of Israel.
Scripture
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2).
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. |
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Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
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