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1. Ahmadinejad Says Killing of Bin-Laden was Part of U.S. Cover-Up2. PA Vows to Palestinians to Complete Its Statehood Bid at the UN3. International Community Legitimizes Palestinian Terror4. Netanyahu Asks Abbas to Join Marathon Talks from New York to Ramallah 5. Palestinians Appear to Lack Majority in Security Council6. UN Secretary-General Slams Syrian Violence; Calls for Mideast Peace7. Police Commissioner Sees No Plans for Violence in September8. Jewish Al-Jazeera Going on the Air9. After 38 Years of Closure, Israel Reopens Embassy in Ghana
1. Ahmadinejad Says Killing of Bin-Laden was Part of U.S. Cover-Up
2. PA Vows to Palestinians to Complete Its Statehood Bid at the UN
3. International Community Legitimizes Palestinian Terror
4. Netanyahu Asks Abbas to Join Marathon Talks from New York to Ramallah
5. Palestinians Appear to Lack Majority in Security Council
6. UN Secretary-General Slams Syrian Violence; Calls for Mideast Peace
7. Police Commissioner Sees No Plans for Violence in September
8. Jewish Al-Jazeera Going on the Air
9. After 38 Years of Closure, Israel Reopens Embassy in Ghana
United Nations - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday [September 22] said the United States, the West and "Zionists" were responsible for all of the world's ills and suggested that the killing of Osama bin Laden was part of a cover-up to prevent the truth about the 9/11 attacks from emerging.
At his annual address to the United Nations General Assembly, Ahmadinejad built on his 2010 speech in which he alleged that the United States had orchestrated the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which killed almost 3,000 people, to create a pretext for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Instead of assigning a fact-finding team [to investigate the 9/11 attacks], they killed the main perpetrator and threw his body into the sea," Ahmadinejad said, referring to the raid in May that killed bin Laden in his hideout in Pakistan. Ahmadinejad said the United States should have brought him to trial so that the truth about 9/11 could emerge. He alleged those who had encouraged setting up an independent inquiry had been subjected to U.S. threats.
Many delegations - including those of the United States, Britain, France, Germany and several other nations - walked out of the chamber as the President of the Islamic Republic spoke. The Canadian delegation left their seats empty throughout the speech. "We are refusing to give Ahmadinejad an audience. He does not deserve one," said a senior Canadian official.
Outside the building, hundreds of people protested against Iranian human rights abuses. Ahmadinejad himself made no mention of the suppression of Iran's Green movement, or its own record of abuses. Ahmadinejad, who has often denied the Holocaust and believes Israel should be destroyed, has a long record of outrageous statements to the United Nations.
In 2008, playing off classic anti-Semitic themes, he accused Israel of manipulating the US presidential race, suggesting that "a small but deceitful minority of Zionists are playing with the American public."
In his speech [on Thursday], Ahmadinejad blamed the United States and the West for the world economic crisis, poverty and inequality. Historically, he said the West was responsible for slavery, colonialism, World War I, World War II as well as the wars in Korea and Vietnam. He accused the United States of using atomic weapons against "defenseless people."
(By The Israel Project, September 22, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God that no enemy is greater than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Praise God for the nations that courageously showed their disapproval of Ahmadinejad's words and presence at the UN.
Scripture
"They devise iniquities: 'We have perfected a shrewd scheme'…But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;…So He will make them stumble over their own tongue…" (Psalm 64: 6-8).
At his annual address to the United Nations General Assembly, Ahmadinejad built on his 2010 speech in which he alleged that the United States had orchestrated the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which killed almost 3,000 people, to create a pretext for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Instead of assigning a fact-finding team [to investigate the 9/11 attacks], they killed the main perpetrator and threw his body into the sea," Ahmadinejad said, referring to the raid in May that killed bin Laden in his hideout in Pakistan. Ahmadinejad said the United States should have brought him to trial so that the truth about 9/11 could emerge. He alleged those who had encouraged setting up an independent inquiry had been subjected to U.S. threats.
Many delegations - including those of the United States, Britain, France, Germany and several other nations - walked out of the chamber as the President of the Islamic Republic spoke. The Canadian delegation left their seats empty throughout the speech. "We are refusing to give Ahmadinejad an audience. He does not deserve one," said a senior Canadian official.
Outside the building, hundreds of people protested against Iranian human rights abuses. Ahmadinejad himself made no mention of the suppression of Iran's Green movement, or its own record of abuses. Ahmadinejad, who has often denied the Holocaust and believes Israel should be destroyed, has a long record of outrageous statements to the United Nations.
In 2008, playing off classic anti-Semitic themes, he accused Israel of manipulating the US presidential race, suggesting that "a small but deceitful minority of Zionists are playing with the American public."
In his speech [on Thursday], Ahmadinejad blamed the United States and the West for the world economic crisis, poverty and inequality. Historically, he said the West was responsible for slavery, colonialism, World War I, World War II as well as the wars in Korea and Vietnam. He accused the United States of using atomic weapons against "defenseless people."
(By The Israel Project, September 22, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise God that no enemy is greater than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Praise God for the nations that courageously showed their disapproval of Ahmadinejad's words and presence at the UN.
Scripture
"They devise iniquities: 'We have perfected a shrewd scheme'…But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;…So He will make them stumble over their own tongue…" (Psalm 64: 6-8).
2. PA Vows to Palestinians to Complete Its Statehood Bid at the UN
The Palestinian Authority [PA] has done its utmost to promise its population that the PA leadership will follow through with its request for Palestinian statehood at the UN this week. The PA has stressed that it will not be deterred by the possibility of an American veto nor by the danger of losing foreign funding.
For the past month, Palestinian media has been expanding the number of news articles, ads and TV spots highlighting the Palestinian UN request, which by now is an all-encompassing campaign - "Palestine-the 194th state" national campaign.
For example, on September 18, the official PA daily published on pages 1-16 approximately 75 news articles out of which 43 were about the UN bid, many of them documenting expressions of support from the region and around the world.
The PA campaign logo along with the words appearing in English "UN - Palestine state 194" and in Arabic: "The State of Palestine" is in the corner on top of every page of the PA daily every day. The front page of the daily on September 19 included seven ads of support. No expressions of opposition to PA request for statehood at the UN have been published in the official PA media. PA TV talk shows have been exclusively focused on the PA campaign, and PA TV has broadcast numerous clips extolling it.
The Voice of Palestine radio has had spots in different languages, including Hebrew, calling for recognition of the Palestinian state, and public events have been dedicated to the UN statehood campaign.
Palestinian Media Watch has collected some of these TV spots showing examples of the anticipation of the PA statehood request. Declare "the State of Palestine" song: a song praising the statehood bid and PA Chairman Abbas. Excerpts of the song:
"We're coming, we're coming
To declare our state, Palestine
We will not forget, we will not forget
Your land and [our] yearning for you
We came to say out loud
[We want] to live with dignity or die
Wherever you want [us], we will be
Mahmoud Abbas, you are great
Oh, Mahmoud Abbas, the elder
The nation is behind you no matter what"
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, September 19, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this attempt to manipulate the Palestinian people will backfire. Pray that strong support will emerge for negotiations rather than unilateral declarations.
Scripture
"Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. 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. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance" (Psalm 33:8-12).
For the past month, Palestinian media has been expanding the number of news articles, ads and TV spots highlighting the Palestinian UN request, which by now is an all-encompassing campaign - "Palestine-the 194th state" national campaign.
For example, on September 18, the official PA daily published on pages 1-16 approximately 75 news articles out of which 43 were about the UN bid, many of them documenting expressions of support from the region and around the world.
The PA campaign logo along with the words appearing in English "UN - Palestine state 194" and in Arabic: "The State of Palestine" is in the corner on top of every page of the PA daily every day. The front page of the daily on September 19 included seven ads of support. No expressions of opposition to PA request for statehood at the UN have been published in the official PA media. PA TV talk shows have been exclusively focused on the PA campaign, and PA TV has broadcast numerous clips extolling it.
The Voice of Palestine radio has had spots in different languages, including Hebrew, calling for recognition of the Palestinian state, and public events have been dedicated to the UN statehood campaign.
Palestinian Media Watch has collected some of these TV spots showing examples of the anticipation of the PA statehood request. Declare "the State of Palestine" song: a song praising the statehood bid and PA Chairman Abbas. Excerpts of the song:
"We're coming, we're coming
To declare our state, Palestine
We will not forget, we will not forget
Your land and [our] yearning for you
We came to say out loud
[We want] to live with dignity or die
Wherever you want [us], we will be
Mahmoud Abbas, you are great
Oh, Mahmoud Abbas, the elder
The nation is behind you no matter what"
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, September 19, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this attempt to manipulate the Palestinian people will backfire. Pray that strong support will emerge for negotiations rather than unilateral declarations.
Scripture
"Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. 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. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance" (Psalm 33:8-12).
3. International Community Legitimizes Palestinian Terror
The Palestinian Authority [PA] Minister of Prisoners' Affairs says that the PA will interpret international recognition of a Palestinian state as international legitimization of Palestinian prisoners' acts of violence for which they are imprisoned. Minister Issa Karake:
"The recognition of the state means recognition of the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle that the Palestinian nation fought, in the search for freedom and independence. In addition, it [recognition of a state] indicates that the struggles of the prisoners are legitimized and legal according to UN Resolutions..."
The PA has claimed for many years that all its terror, including murder of civilians by suicide bombings, is justified by UN resolution 3236, which "recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to regain its rights by all means in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations."
According to this PA justification of terror, all Palestinian prisoners responsible for killing Israeli civilians are turned into role models by the PA. This PA ideology makes heroes out of terrorists like Ahlam Tamimi, serving 16 life sentences for assisting a suicide bomber who killed 7 children and 8 adults; Anas Jaradat, who headed the Islamic Jihad in Jenin and was responsible for 3 car bombings in Israel, causing the death of dozens; and Salim Hajja, serving 16 life sentences for involvement in three suicide bombings, killing more than 51 and wounding hundreds.
Palestinian Media Watch has documented that all of these terrorists were honored by the PA in the last month (see also PMW report "From Terrorist to Role Model"). Now, PA Minister Karake says that international recognition of a Palestinian state will be interpreted by the PA as international support for the PA position that killing Israelis is a Palestinian right.
PA leaders and officials have legitimized Palestinian violence by quoting UN resolution 3236 which "recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to regain its rights by all means." The PA interprets "all means" as including violence against civilians, but has chosen to ignore the continuation of the resolution which states that the use of "all means" should be "in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations..."
The UN Charter prohibits targeting civilians, even in war. Chapter 1, Article 1, opens by saying that the "international disputes" should be resolved "by peaceful means." The following are some examples:
"Abbas Zaki, member of the Fatah Central Committee, does not believe that a Palestinian-Israeli agreement will be achieved in the shadow of the extreme right-wing [Israeli] government, but he leaves the door open to a 'return to [UN] Resolution 181 and to all forms of the struggle, including the armed struggle, if the negotiations fail... In addition, [there will be] a return to UN Resolution 3236, which grants the Palestinian people the right to all forms of the struggle, including the armed struggle...'
"He called for 'a gathering that will bring together the Fatah and Hamas leadership, under Mahmoud Abbas' ... and added: 'We are in favor of anyone who defends the homeland and bears arms in order to defend it, because he supports the idea of Fatah and of the resistance." [Al-Ghad (Jordan), May 22, 2010]
PA Representative in Lebanon Abbas Zaki: "We have [U.N.] General Assembly Resolution 3236, [which permits us] to use all means of struggle, including armed struggle." [PA TV, July 18, 2009]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, September 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that there will be an international outcry against these outrageous remarks legitimizing terror in the name of the nations of the world.
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).
"The recognition of the state means recognition of the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle that the Palestinian nation fought, in the search for freedom and independence. In addition, it [recognition of a state] indicates that the struggles of the prisoners are legitimized and legal according to UN Resolutions..."
The PA has claimed for many years that all its terror, including murder of civilians by suicide bombings, is justified by UN resolution 3236, which "recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to regain its rights by all means in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations."
According to this PA justification of terror, all Palestinian prisoners responsible for killing Israeli civilians are turned into role models by the PA. This PA ideology makes heroes out of terrorists like Ahlam Tamimi, serving 16 life sentences for assisting a suicide bomber who killed 7 children and 8 adults; Anas Jaradat, who headed the Islamic Jihad in Jenin and was responsible for 3 car bombings in Israel, causing the death of dozens; and Salim Hajja, serving 16 life sentences for involvement in three suicide bombings, killing more than 51 and wounding hundreds.
Palestinian Media Watch has documented that all of these terrorists were honored by the PA in the last month (see also PMW report "From Terrorist to Role Model"). Now, PA Minister Karake says that international recognition of a Palestinian state will be interpreted by the PA as international support for the PA position that killing Israelis is a Palestinian right.
PA leaders and officials have legitimized Palestinian violence by quoting UN resolution 3236 which "recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to regain its rights by all means." The PA interprets "all means" as including violence against civilians, but has chosen to ignore the continuation of the resolution which states that the use of "all means" should be "in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations..."
The UN Charter prohibits targeting civilians, even in war. Chapter 1, Article 1, opens by saying that the "international disputes" should be resolved "by peaceful means." The following are some examples:
"Abbas Zaki, member of the Fatah Central Committee, does not believe that a Palestinian-Israeli agreement will be achieved in the shadow of the extreme right-wing [Israeli] government, but he leaves the door open to a 'return to [UN] Resolution 181 and to all forms of the struggle, including the armed struggle, if the negotiations fail... In addition, [there will be] a return to UN Resolution 3236, which grants the Palestinian people the right to all forms of the struggle, including the armed struggle...'
"He called for 'a gathering that will bring together the Fatah and Hamas leadership, under Mahmoud Abbas' ... and added: 'We are in favor of anyone who defends the homeland and bears arms in order to defend it, because he supports the idea of Fatah and of the resistance." [Al-Ghad (Jordan), May 22, 2010]
PA Representative in Lebanon Abbas Zaki: "We have [U.N.] General Assembly Resolution 3236, [which permits us] to use all means of struggle, including armed struggle." [PA TV, July 18, 2009]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, September 20, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that there will be an international outcry against these outrageous remarks legitimizing terror in the name of the nations of the world.
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).
4. Netanyahu Asks Abbas to Join Marathon Talks from New York to Ramallah
Facing apparent certainty that the Palestinian Authority [PA] will pursue recognition and membership at the United Nations this week, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took a last shot at convincing PA head Mahmoud Abbas to instead join him for face-to-face marathon talks that would begin in New York and move to Jerusalem and Ramallah.
Netanyahu said, "I am offering President Abbas the chance to launch peace negotiations instead of wasting time on futile unilateral steps." For his part, Abbas was willing but doubtful. He told the Fox News network in New York that he would meet with Israeli officials "at any time" but that he saw no tangible solutions in the offing.
On Friday [September 23] following his speech to the General Assembly, Abbas will formally present his request for membership to Ban, who will deliver it to the Security Council for a vote.
(Excerpts of an article by The Media Line, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that international and UN pressure will force a resumption of negotiations based on Palestinian recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
Scripture
"Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously" (1 Chronicles 17:9).
Netanyahu said, "I am offering President Abbas the chance to launch peace negotiations instead of wasting time on futile unilateral steps." For his part, Abbas was willing but doubtful. He told the Fox News network in New York that he would meet with Israeli officials "at any time" but that he saw no tangible solutions in the offing.
On Friday [September 23] following his speech to the General Assembly, Abbas will formally present his request for membership to Ban, who will deliver it to the Security Council for a vote.
(Excerpts of an article by The Media Line, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that international and UN pressure will force a resumption of negotiations based on Palestinian recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
Scripture
"Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously" (1 Chronicles 17:9).
5. Palestinians Appear to Lack Majority in Security Council
UNITED NATIONS - The Palestinian bid for full United Nations membership could be at risk before it even is launched, as they may not have the nine "yes" votes needed to pass a full membership resolution in the UN Security Council. The US has veto powers in the Council and has said they will veto the bid if it passes otherwise, but a lack of sufficient votes would be a huge blow to Palestinian efforts to win a symbolic diplomatic victory.
An anonymous Israeli official, speaking by phone with The Mideast Update on Wednesday [September 21], said, "At the moment I think the Palestinians are under a lot of pressure because it's not clear that they have the numbers to pass what they want in the Security Council."
He said that the Palestinian plan in the past was to force a US veto, amidst at least nine yes votes in the Council, "and it's like the whole international community stands united against Israel and the United States."
While noting that the situation is "still fluid," the official said that the Palestinians have "seen now that they don't have the numbers, and that making an American veto superfluous - this appears to be the situation - and therefore they're under pressure. Because if they can't even get a majority on the Council, they're exposed that there's not actually international support for what they're saying."
The official's comments came following US President Barack Obama's speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he said that UN resolutions could not bring peace to the conflict, but that the parties had to resolve it themselves. The Israeli official noted that's the sentiment they're seeing outside the US as well.
"And this is actually very interesting, because, for many years the United Nations has been a difficult place for Israel, with their automatic majorities against Israel, and obviously we are gratified by the fact that it appears that [the Palestinians] can't get the votes that they require, and the United States will not have to veto."
Speaking with reporters prior to his meeting with Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [said] that other world leaders are "under enormous pressure" over the Palestinian matter. Nonetheless, Netanyahu said that "my hope is that there will be other leaders in the world, responsible leaders, who will heed your call, Mr. President, and oppose this effort to shortcut peace negotiations - in fact, to avoid them. Because I think that avoiding these negotiations is bad for Israel, bad for the Palestinians, and bad for peace."
The Israeli official, in his comments to The Mideast Update, noted the Israelis were "very encouraged" by Obama's UN speech. "It was a good speech. It was a speech that we could identify with; it was a speech that we could agree with.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this unilateral bid for statehood will fail. Pray that the nations of the world will follow the lead of the United States who outspokenly support Israel and oppose such an action of the Palestinians.
Scripture
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise…There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health…Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy" (Proverbs 12:15, 18, 20).
An anonymous Israeli official, speaking by phone with The Mideast Update on Wednesday [September 21], said, "At the moment I think the Palestinians are under a lot of pressure because it's not clear that they have the numbers to pass what they want in the Security Council."
He said that the Palestinian plan in the past was to force a US veto, amidst at least nine yes votes in the Council, "and it's like the whole international community stands united against Israel and the United States."
While noting that the situation is "still fluid," the official said that the Palestinians have "seen now that they don't have the numbers, and that making an American veto superfluous - this appears to be the situation - and therefore they're under pressure. Because if they can't even get a majority on the Council, they're exposed that there's not actually international support for what they're saying."
The official's comments came following US President Barack Obama's speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he said that UN resolutions could not bring peace to the conflict, but that the parties had to resolve it themselves. The Israeli official noted that's the sentiment they're seeing outside the US as well.
"And this is actually very interesting, because, for many years the United Nations has been a difficult place for Israel, with their automatic majorities against Israel, and obviously we are gratified by the fact that it appears that [the Palestinians] can't get the votes that they require, and the United States will not have to veto."
Speaking with reporters prior to his meeting with Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [said] that other world leaders are "under enormous pressure" over the Palestinian matter. Nonetheless, Netanyahu said that "my hope is that there will be other leaders in the world, responsible leaders, who will heed your call, Mr. President, and oppose this effort to shortcut peace negotiations - in fact, to avoid them. Because I think that avoiding these negotiations is bad for Israel, bad for the Palestinians, and bad for peace."
The Israeli official, in his comments to The Mideast Update, noted the Israelis were "very encouraged" by Obama's UN speech. "It was a good speech. It was a speech that we could identify with; it was a speech that we could agree with.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this unilateral bid for statehood will fail. Pray that the nations of the world will follow the lead of the United States who outspokenly support Israel and oppose such an action of the Palestinians.
Scripture
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise…There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health…Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy" (Proverbs 12:15, 18, 20).
6. UN Secretary-General Slams Syrian Violence; Calls for Mideast Peace
UNITED NATIONS - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the end of violence in Syria and for a negotiated settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday [September 21].
Speaking to heads of state and delegations from around the world, Ban said, "In the Middle East, we must break the stalemate…We pledge our unrelenting efforts to help achieve that peace through a negotiated settlement." Aside from the Israeli-Palestinian matter, Ban also expressed strong concerns regarding the situation in Syria, where the government has continued to brutally repress the Syrian protesters challenging the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Said Ban, "Syria is a special concern. For six months, we have seen escalating violence and repression. The government has repeatedly pledged to undertake reforms and listen to its people. It has not done so. The moment to act is now. The violence must stop." The US and Europe have sanctioned the Syria regime over their actions, but the UN Security Council has yet to pass similar measures.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the nations of the world will pressure Syria to end the violence and brutal repression of protestors, improving Israel's security situation and helping to reestablish stability in the region.
Scripture
"Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. Destruction is in its midst; oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets…As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me" (Psalm 55:9-11, 16).
Speaking to heads of state and delegations from around the world, Ban said, "In the Middle East, we must break the stalemate…We pledge our unrelenting efforts to help achieve that peace through a negotiated settlement." Aside from the Israeli-Palestinian matter, Ban also expressed strong concerns regarding the situation in Syria, where the government has continued to brutally repress the Syrian protesters challenging the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Said Ban, "Syria is a special concern. For six months, we have seen escalating violence and repression. The government has repeatedly pledged to undertake reforms and listen to its people. It has not done so. The moment to act is now. The violence must stop." The US and Europe have sanctioned the Syria regime over their actions, but the UN Security Council has yet to pass similar measures.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 21, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the nations of the world will pressure Syria to end the violence and brutal repression of protestors, improving Israel's security situation and helping to reestablish stability in the region.
Scripture
"Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. Destruction is in its midst; oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets…As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me" (Psalm 55:9-11, 16).
7. Police Commissioner Sees No Plans for Violence in September
[Israel] Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino addressed preparations for the Palestinian UN bid on Sunday [September 18] stating that unusual events will not necessarily take place. "We do not see plans for violence in September," he told reporters. "But as far as the Palestinians are concerned, this is a seminal event, and we are gearing up for any scenario."
Danino stressed that there have been many alerts over the past few months, but that no significant rise was recorded as the deadline approaches. "We see solidarity among Arab-Israelis, i.e. legitimate protest, but no plans for any riots," he said. "The Palestinian Authority has also announced it will not tolerate violence, and we have seen in recent times that it is indeed capable of preventing violence."
Nevertheless, the police chief admitted there was still a big question mark surrounding events on the ground. "Experience over the past year has taught us to be prepared for any outburst," he said. Danino said that the most problematic scenario will see mass protests spiraling out of control. To this end, the police have purchased new equipment and trained the forces with it.
The police will reinforce deployment this Friday [September 23] when the Palestinians are set to submit their recognition bid before the UN. The decision was made based on the belief that the combination of the UN events and Friday morning prayers is of an explosive nature.
The head of the police's Operations Department Commander Nissim Mor added that "As there is not enough intel on possible riots that could deteriorate, we are preparing for the worst kind of events, the 'minefield' of events that can continue for up to 21 days."
(Excerpts of an article by Omri Efraim, Ynetnews, September 18, 2011)
Editor's Note: Please check our Web site for the latest update on this situation.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the September violence anticipated by many will not come to pass. Pray that the preparations being made by Israeli defense forces will not have to be used.
Scripture
"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" (Jeremiah 15:21).
Danino stressed that there have been many alerts over the past few months, but that no significant rise was recorded as the deadline approaches. "We see solidarity among Arab-Israelis, i.e. legitimate protest, but no plans for any riots," he said. "The Palestinian Authority has also announced it will not tolerate violence, and we have seen in recent times that it is indeed capable of preventing violence."
Nevertheless, the police chief admitted there was still a big question mark surrounding events on the ground. "Experience over the past year has taught us to be prepared for any outburst," he said. Danino said that the most problematic scenario will see mass protests spiraling out of control. To this end, the police have purchased new equipment and trained the forces with it.
The police will reinforce deployment this Friday [September 23] when the Palestinians are set to submit their recognition bid before the UN. The decision was made based on the belief that the combination of the UN events and Friday morning prayers is of an explosive nature.
The head of the police's Operations Department Commander Nissim Mor added that "As there is not enough intel on possible riots that could deteriorate, we are preparing for the worst kind of events, the 'minefield' of events that can continue for up to 21 days."
(Excerpts of an article by Omri Efraim, Ynetnews, September 18, 2011)
Editor's Note: Please check our Web site for the latest update on this situation.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the September violence anticipated by many will not come to pass. Pray that the preparations being made by Israeli defense forces will not have to be used.
Scripture
"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" (Jeremiah 15:21).
8. Jewish Al-Jazeera Going on the Air
Jews of the world, prepare your remote controls: The first-ever Jewish news network will begin broadcasts this Wednesday [September 21]. Jewish News 1 (JN1) was born as an alternative to the world's leading news networks: CNN, Fox News and Sky News. But its main goal is to serve as the Jewish version of al-Jazeera, which has won the hearts of tens of millions of Arab viewers over the past 15 years.
According to the Makor Rishon newspaper, the channel will be broadcast via satellite to Europe, North America and the Middle East. In Israel, it will be offered by the Yes satellite company.
"Jewish News 1" will broadcast news from Israel and the world 24/7. The network has already set up studios in Tel Aviv, Brussels and Kiev, and additional studios will be opened in Washington, Paris and London in the coming months. The network has 12 correspondents, all foreigners, who are currently deployed in six countries. The casting of reporters to cover the news in Israel, Europe and Russia will be completed in the coming days.
The network will begin its broadcasts in English, but its managers seek to offer news in seven additional languages, including Hebrew, French, Italian, Russian and German. "We'll broadcast everything that is newsworthy," says Alexander Zanzer, the channel's editor-in-chief in Brussels, where the station is based.
"Alongside general news, we'll offer economic and cultural items, as well as a peek into educational projects. Everything you can see on other global news channels, you'll be able to see on our channel as well."
So what is the new channel's added value? Its emphasis is on Judaism. According to the station's managers, it will focus on issues the Israeli and Jewish news consumer is interested in, mostly from a secular-cultural angle. For example, Zanzer reveals, the network will air an exclusive interview with famous American Jewish director Steven Spielberg, who will be visiting Belgium next month.
"We are first and foremost a Jewish channel, which offers news about Jews and about issues that interest Jews," says the editor-in-chief. "A large part of the reports will focus on Israel."
The channel's owners are businessmen Igor Kolomoisky and Vadim Rabinovich, the president and vice president of the European Jewish Union. So far, they have invested US $5 million in its foundation. Sources in the new station stressed Sunday that it would enjoy freedom of the press and will not be committed to any organization, party or religious stream.
"If [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu or [Foreign Minister] Avigdor Lieberman does something which is perceived negatively, we will report it, because we're a news network," Zanzer explains. "On the other hand, of course, we'll seek to broadcast positive things about Israel and the Diaspora Jewry."
By Akiva Novick, Ynetnews, September 19, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for this development among international news outlets. Pray that Jewish News 1 will be successful in telling Israel's story and swaying public opinion.
Scripture
"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:7-8).
According to the Makor Rishon newspaper, the channel will be broadcast via satellite to Europe, North America and the Middle East. In Israel, it will be offered by the Yes satellite company.
"Jewish News 1" will broadcast news from Israel and the world 24/7. The network has already set up studios in Tel Aviv, Brussels and Kiev, and additional studios will be opened in Washington, Paris and London in the coming months. The network has 12 correspondents, all foreigners, who are currently deployed in six countries. The casting of reporters to cover the news in Israel, Europe and Russia will be completed in the coming days.
The network will begin its broadcasts in English, but its managers seek to offer news in seven additional languages, including Hebrew, French, Italian, Russian and German. "We'll broadcast everything that is newsworthy," says Alexander Zanzer, the channel's editor-in-chief in Brussels, where the station is based.
"Alongside general news, we'll offer economic and cultural items, as well as a peek into educational projects. Everything you can see on other global news channels, you'll be able to see on our channel as well."
So what is the new channel's added value? Its emphasis is on Judaism. According to the station's managers, it will focus on issues the Israeli and Jewish news consumer is interested in, mostly from a secular-cultural angle. For example, Zanzer reveals, the network will air an exclusive interview with famous American Jewish director Steven Spielberg, who will be visiting Belgium next month.
"We are first and foremost a Jewish channel, which offers news about Jews and about issues that interest Jews," says the editor-in-chief. "A large part of the reports will focus on Israel."
The channel's owners are businessmen Igor Kolomoisky and Vadim Rabinovich, the president and vice president of the European Jewish Union. So far, they have invested US $5 million in its foundation. Sources in the new station stressed Sunday that it would enjoy freedom of the press and will not be committed to any organization, party or religious stream.
"If [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu or [Foreign Minister] Avigdor Lieberman does something which is perceived negatively, we will report it, because we're a news network," Zanzer explains. "On the other hand, of course, we'll seek to broadcast positive things about Israel and the Diaspora Jewry."
By Akiva Novick, Ynetnews, September 19, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for this development among international news outlets. Pray that Jewish News 1 will be successful in telling Israel's story and swaying public opinion.
Scripture
"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:7-8).
9. After 38 Years of Closure, Israel Reopens Embassy in Ghana
At a time when Israel's diplomatic activities have grown increasingly intense, Jerusalem was able to enjoy some good news in the foreign relations front recently with the reopening of the Israeli embassy in the African nation of Ghana. Israel's Ambassador to Ghana, Sharon Bar-Li, in a phone interview with The Mideast Update, said they hope the diplomatic move will open the door to more interaction and cooperation between the two nations, which have a number of ties already.
The embassy had been closed following the severing of diplomatic relations between the two nations as part of a step taken by a number of African nations after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Later some contacts were renewed, with a reinstatement of diplomatic relations in 1994. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the African nation in 2009 and reassured Ghana of Israel's intention to officially reopen the embassy. Previously the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria covered Ghana.
"I think this is very important to Israel and very important to Ghana as well," said Ambassador Bar-Li. She said it highlights the Israeli understanding "of the importance of Africa, which is now an arriving continent, and Ghana specifically."
She points out that Ghana is experiencing "enhanced economic development" - an expected13% growth rate in 2011 - has begun oil production, has gold and is number two in the world in cocoa bean exports.
Their prestige has reached the world stage diplomatically as well: US President Barack Obama visited Ghana in 2009. "Ghana is actually becoming a gateway to all of western Africa," said Bar-Li.
While she is excited about the reopening of the embassy on the national level, Bar-Li notes it's exciting for her personally. "Having the opportunity to be the ambassador who will reopen a resident embassy of Israel in the Republic of Ghana after 38 years of absence, I think is a great thing," said Bar-Li.
"It's a great opportunity, both for me personally and for both countries…Being an official representative of the State of Israel, and being a woman I must say, is received here [by the Ghanaians] as if I'm following the giant footsteps of our legendary foreign minister [Golda Meir]. And this is of course heart-warming."
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord for Israel's growing level of relationships with African nations. Pray that the Lord will richly bless those countries that are standing with Israel.
Scripture
"Now the LORD had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed'" (Genesis 12:1-3).
The embassy had been closed following the severing of diplomatic relations between the two nations as part of a step taken by a number of African nations after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Later some contacts were renewed, with a reinstatement of diplomatic relations in 1994. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the African nation in 2009 and reassured Ghana of Israel's intention to officially reopen the embassy. Previously the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria covered Ghana.
"I think this is very important to Israel and very important to Ghana as well," said Ambassador Bar-Li. She said it highlights the Israeli understanding "of the importance of Africa, which is now an arriving continent, and Ghana specifically."
She points out that Ghana is experiencing "enhanced economic development" - an expected13% growth rate in 2011 - has begun oil production, has gold and is number two in the world in cocoa bean exports.
Their prestige has reached the world stage diplomatically as well: US President Barack Obama visited Ghana in 2009. "Ghana is actually becoming a gateway to all of western Africa," said Bar-Li.
While she is excited about the reopening of the embassy on the national level, Bar-Li notes it's exciting for her personally. "Having the opportunity to be the ambassador who will reopen a resident embassy of Israel in the Republic of Ghana after 38 years of absence, I think is a great thing," said Bar-Li.
"It's a great opportunity, both for me personally and for both countries…Being an official representative of the State of Israel, and being a woman I must say, is received here [by the Ghanaians] as if I'm following the giant footsteps of our legendary foreign minister [Golda Meir]. And this is of course heart-warming."
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 16, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord for Israel's growing level of relationships with African nations. Pray that the Lord will richly bless those countries that are standing with Israel.
Scripture
"Now the LORD had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed'" (Genesis 12:1-3).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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