Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

4:00PM IL: Hamas Confirms IAF Hit of Senior Hamas Leader

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

Hamas officials in Gaza are confirming that senior Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan in an air force targeted strike. Four members of the terrorist’s families were killed along with others Hamas officials report.

It appears that Rayyan left his bunker and decided to head home, permitting the air force to act on extremely accurate intelligence information. Hamas vows to retaliate in a painful fashion.

Earlier today, an unspecified number of Israelis received SMS text messages from Gaza telling them Hamas will wipe out Israel. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

3:40PM Update from Eretz Yisrael

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

Rockets landed in Ashdod and Ashkelon a few moments ago. No injuries.

15:15: Rockets fired at Beersheva and Netivot landed in an open area. No injuries.

The air force earlier on Wednesday afternoon, acting on accurate intelligence information, killed senior Gazan terrorist leader Nizar Rayyan, who is known for his outspoken calls to renew suicide bombing attacks against Israel. PA (Palestinian Authority) sources report a number of others were killed in the surgical strike as well. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

PHOTOS: War In Southern Israel (Day 3)

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

33.jpg(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) The IDF is “ready to go all the way,” Israel’s Air Force chief said Monday night, as operation “Cast Lead” entered its fourth day. IDF officials are waiting for the green light to embark on a ground incursion, which may be unavoidable in light of the latest escalation in fighting.

The Air Force attacked Palestinian targets across the Gaza Strip overnight, with eyewitnesses reporting that fighter jets dropped at least 16 bombs on Hamas government buildings and security compounds, destroying them completely. At least 10 people were reportedly killed in the strikes and more than 40 were injured.

As the IDF enters its fourth day of Operation Cast Lead, approximately 350 Palestinians have been killed, and close to 1000 injured in the IAF “shock-and-awe” bombing campaign which began on Shabbos.

PHOTO LINK: Click HERE to see photos [MANY OF THEM GRAPHIC IMAGES] taken during the third day of the “War in the South”.

Monday Evening News Briefs from Eretz Yisrael

Monday, December 29th, 2008

ywnisrael3.jpg*17:14: A rocket made a direct hit on a wall of a Sderot home. No injuries.

*17:40: PA sources are reporting that 12 terrorists were killed in an IAF attack on Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

*18:12: A truck carrying Grad Katyusha rockets was targeted successfully by the IAF in Jabalya.

*The Bank of Israel has lowered the interest rate by 0.75% to 1.75%, the lowest in the history of the state.

*Al-Jazeera reported the death toll has reached 323. Over 1,000 have been injured.

*18:39: A Kassam rocket struck an electric transformer in the Eshkol Regional Council leaving some residents without electricity.

*18:52: DM Barak is meeting in the Defense Ministry with the IDF chief of staff, senior advisors, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director and other officials as they review the operation in Gaza and assess the overall situation.

*19:40: Arabs protesting in Jaffa are blocking Yefet Street. 1,000 people taking part in the protest.

*19:45: Kassam attack in Sderot.

*The largest storage facility of Grad Katyusha rockets is located under Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF Spokesman on Monday released a statement denying plans to bomb the hospital, calling it Hamas propaganda.

*Ashkelon schools will remain closed on Tuesday. Schools in Gan Yavne will open following Chanukah vacation as per the IDF Homefront Command.

*UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Israel for using “excessive force” in Gaza.

*Israel Police prevented residents of the Jerusalem Arab neighborhood of Beit Haninah from setting up mourning tents for Gaza victims.

*Reports from Gaza: Hundreds of terrorists armed with advanced anti-tank weapons are waiting for the IDF incursion.

*20:11: Massive stone-throwing attacks on Highway 443 near Atarot.

*20:18: Kassam rockets fired at Sderot.

*20:24: Rockets heading to southern Israel.

*20:36: Gunfire directed at an Israeli vehicle near Kalkilye. No injuries.

*Stormy anti-Israel protest outside the Israeli Embassy in London on Monday night, the second in as many days. Most participants are Muslim. A number of Neturei Karta are taking part as well.

*20:55: Kassam lands near Gaza border. No injuries.

*21:00: Police Monday night arrested two youths in Nazareth for throwing rocks at vehicles.

*21:29: A firebomb was hurled at a rear door of Jerusalem’s Hadassah Mt. Scopus Hospital. No injuries or damage reported.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Shoe-Throwing Incident Brings a Flood of Orders for Manufacturer

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

bushoe11.jpgIt appears the style shoe that was thrown at US President George W. Bush at a Baghdad press conference by Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi has placed the shoe in the annals of history.

According to the Turkish shoe manufacturer, since the incident, he has made 15,000 pairs of that particular model and he is unable to keep up with demand.

According to a report in the British Guardian, Ramzan Baadan already received 300,000 orders from around the world, model 271, which is now referred to as the “Bush shoe”.  He has hired an additional 100 workers to meet orders.

Other Iraqi shoe manufacturers are working to get in on the deal but Baadan stated that he is the exclusive manufacturer of this model, one which he has been putting out for the past 10 years.

In the meantime, advertising in Turkey continues under the banner “Shalom Bush – Welcome Democracy”.

In a related matter, al-Zaidi is scheduled to stand trial on 31 December and if found guilty of all charges, may face 15 years imprisonment.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Rocket and Gunfire in S. Israel – 11:00AM IL

Friday, December 19th, 2008

Three Kassam rockets were fired into southern Israel earlier Friday morning. Baruch Hashem, there were no injuries.

A little later in the morning, terrorists opened fire at a vehicle transporting farm workers from a border agricultural community. Once again, chasdei Hashem there were no injuries. Security officials ordered a halt to farming work as a result. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Largest Israel Police Exercise in History Goes Bad – Dozens Injured

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

mish.jpgNo less than 6,000 members of Israel Police took part in what is being labeled the largest training event ever.

The event was held in the army’s Tzeilim training base on Thursday, simulating various law-enforcement scenarios, including civilian rioting and unrest. While there is a modicum of criticism due to the cost involved, NIS 20 million, police officials explain the event will not only test police, but other agencies as well, including the government’s office responsible for informing the public in the event of a national emergency and the National Emergency Authority. Police feel that members of the force from around the country taking part in the event will better prepare them for major disturbances, using the October 2000 riots in the Israeli Arab Triangle area as an example.

Meanwhile, approximately fifty Border Police and Israel Police officers were injured during the exercise.

Hospital officials said that the injuries included breaks, dislocations and eye injuries.

20 of the casualties were evacuated in light condition to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and most were discharged after preliminary treatment.

Another five injured police officers were taken to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, one of whom was suffering from chest pains.

The injuries were sustained when the police officers playing the role of security forces and their colleagues, who were imitating rioters, beat each other.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Rise of Bankruptcy Rate in NY Region Outpaces Rest of Nation

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

bankrupcy.jpgBankruptcy filings are accelerating in the New York metropolitan area at a faster pace than in the rest of the nation, according to figures released on Monday by the federal bankruptcy courts.

In the federal courts that serve the region, filings for bankruptcy protection — by individuals and businesses — were pouring in at the rate of about 175 per day in the three-month period that ended Sept. 30, the data showed. The filings in the city, New Jersey and Connecticut increased by more than 36 percent in the quarter, faster than the nationwide increase of 34 percent.

The statistics show that the rising tide of American bankruptcies that had already reached the surrounding areas of New Jersey and Connecticut has now rolled into the city. As unemployment rises, more consumers are falling behind on their debts and creditors have been increasing pressure on them to repay, bankruptcy lawyers said.

The two federal courts in the city — one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn — recorded about 36 percent more filings in the third quarter of 2008 than in the same period last year. In the second quarter, filings in those courts rose about 30 percent, slower than the nationwide pace.

As usual, the bulk of the filings were made by individuals under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy code, known as liquidations. For example, in the Eastern District Court in Brooklyn, nearly 75 percent of the 4,323 bankruptcy filings were personal Chapter 7 liquidations, while just 126, or 3 percent, of the filings were by businesses.

In Southern District Court in Manhattan, business filings made up about 8 percent of the 2,641 filings in the third quarter. But filings by businesses looking to reorganize their debts were rising at a fast rate, up about 45 percent in the quarter, compared with the same quarter of 2007. Among the biggest filings in the quarter were those of Lehman Brothers, the failed investment bank, and Steve & Barry’s, a chain of discount clothing stores.

Bankruptcies among businesses are likely to continue piling up for months, said Michael P. Richman, chairman of the bankruptcy practice group in the Manhattan office of Foley & Lardner, a law firm.

(Source: NY Times)

Israel: Disruptions in Cellular Service on Monday Morning [UPDATE 12:57PM IL]

Monday, December 8th, 2008

There are reports of disruptions in cellular telephone service in a number of areas on Monday morning to subscribers of Orange, Pelephone and MIRS. A reason for the interruption in service is not being reported.

In another matter, which may or may not be related, the Likud computer network for the primary elections in the Jerusalem Convention Center crashed on Monday morning. While this is not certain at this time, the system does appear to have some connection to the Pelephone Company.

UPDATE:The outage of cellular and some Internet services was attributed to a Mekorot Water Company tractor driver damaging a fiber optic cable in the Bet Shemesh area. The disruptions of service were repaired in a number of hours. Service outages also resulted in a late start in the voting in the Likud primaries in Bet Shemesh and other areas in the extended Jerusalem service perimeter. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

PHOTOS – Bet HaShalom Falls: Chevron Residents Evicted [UPDATED 11:15AM EST - 18:15 IL]

Thursday, December 4th, 2008

71.jpg8:03AM EST / 15:03 IL: (UPDATES & PHOTO LINK IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) IDF and border police forces a short time ago have begun the eviction of the residents of the Bet HaShalom in Chevron.

The army has sealed off the area, preventing any supporters from making their way to the building or Chevron. According to initial reports, at least 20 civilians and security forces have been injured.

Security forces are using teargas and other riot-control adjuncts to restore order.

UPDATE 8:12AM EST / 15:15 IL: At least one Chevron resident is reported in serious condition with a head injury. Most of the others appear to be in light condition.

The very large security force is operating and teargas is being used freely to evict Jews from the home. Only police seem to be actually removing Jews from Bet HaShalom, not soldiers.

MDA Emergency Medical Service officials report they have moved to a level 3 operating status in Yerushalayim, the organization’s highest, fearing widespread violence. At this time, the entrance to Jerusalem is being blocked at present by some 100 youths, who have entered the street, the entrance from the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway.

A MDA chopper is heading to Chevron to evacuate the wounded. A number of ambulances are trying to enter the area, but are being stopped by security forces hurling gas and stun grenades.

At present according to Baruch Marzel, the injured are not being cared for. EMS officials are being prevented from entering the area. Marzel adds that gunfire can be heard and it appears the move by security troops has signaled the Arabs to renew their attacks against Jews as well.

Marzel states the situation is considerably worse than Amona, “ten times worse” decrying the indiscriminate use of force by security forces, adding that he personally saw innocent Jewish girls “mishandled” by security troops as well as “murderous blows” delivered to unarmed civilians.

UPDATE 8:18AM EST / 15:18 IL: Chevron Arabs are responding to the security forces who are evicting Jews by force and have begun bombarding everyone in the area with rocks, standing on rooftops and pelting civilians and security forces below with rocks indiscriminately.

UPDATE 8:20AM EST / 15:20 IL: Despite pleas from the parents of the Holtzberg Kedoshim, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the brutal eviction of the residents of Bet HaShalom during the shiva. The parents asked that he avoid additional mourning while the nation is united over the attack in Mumbai.

Two helicopters are now responding to Chevron. It appears there are a number of people with head and suspected spinal injuries, in moderate or more serious condition.

Many of the hundreds of residents and supporters of Bet HaShalom have already been removed from Bet HaShalom while the operation continues.

From the eyewitness accounts received by YWN, security forces are acting with unprecedented brutal force against civilians, with total disregard to human rights and dignity.

UPDATE 8:37AM EST / 15:37 IL: Bet HaShalom in Chevron has been emptied of its residents and supporters and it is now in control of Yassam and other forces. Encounters are still ongoing outside the building between security forces and civilians. All roadways heading to Chevron have been closed.

Shas leader Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai condemned the move, accusing Barak of acting today, during the Labor Party primaries, to advance his position among party voters.

Settlement Council leader Danny Dayan lamented the use of brutal force, emphasizing if Barak would have been willing to listen, the evacuation could have been accomplished without the use of force.

UPDATE 8:45AM EST / 15:45 IL: MDA EMS technicians, Hatzolah medics and  IDF medical personnel are operating in Chevron to treat the wounded. At least some of the wounded are soldiers. At this stage, it appears most of the approximately 20 injured sustained light injuries only Baruch Hashem. It is not possible at this time to verify earlier reports that at least one person was seriously wounded.

In Jerusalem, the entrance to the city from Highway 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway, is blocked as about 100 protestors are intentionally blocking the roadway in a spontaneous reaction to the Chevron eviction. Arrests are being made at this time. At least six people are in custody. Police report that protestors are throwing rocks in the area.

The Bet HaShalom is indeed under control of security forces. They received the order to move in at about 2:32pm local time, completing the eviction in under one hour. According to preliminary reports, there were no weapons found in the building, discounting the ominous reports spread by Barak and others. An estimated 300 people were evicted from the building by about 1,000 security forces.

Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) is reporting one of the injured, in his 50s, was transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, reported in light condition.

UPDATE 8:51AM EST / 15:51 IL: Kiryat Arba’s newly elected mayor, Malachi Levinger, a son of Chevron’s modern day founder Rav Moshe Levinger Shlita, expressed anger and frustration over the expulsion, explaining that just yesterday he was speaking with Defense Ministry officials in the hope of preventing a violent scene like the one taking place today. He vowed that the residents and supporters will return to the building.

An MDA official told YWN-ISRAEL that one of the injured is listed in moderate condition, transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. A second victim was transported in an IDF chopper. His condition is unclear but one may assume it is more serious, hence the decision to deploy a chopper. MDA officials are presently evaluating the situation.

UPDATE 8:56AM EST / 15:56 IL: It appears that one person, a soldier or policeman, is in moderate-to-serious condition. According to unconfirmed reports, some type of caustic substance was thrown in his face/eye.

A civilian is also reported in serious condition with a head injury according to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio).

MK Prof. Aryeh Eldad decried the action, explaining that Barak acted solely to advance his own political considerations, seeking to save his failed political career.

Eldad explained that near Kiryat Arba there is a shul, Chazon Dovid, which the government regards an “illegal outpost”. He explains security forces removed it 35 times and Chevron residents rebuilt it 36 times. “Unless Barak plans to leave a regiment in the building, the residents and supporters will only return. It was pointless and wicked, to personally advance his agenda.” Eldad stressed Barak knows that an agreement would have been reached through dialogue but today’s actions served his own interests, prompting him to order the eviction.

UPDATE 9:10AM EST / 16:10 IL: Black acrid smoke may be seen in the valley between Chevron and Kiryat Arba, the result of burning tires as security forces attempt to restore order. Despite reports to the contrary, it does not appear that a soldier was injured in his face with acid Baruch Hashem. We can only hope this is the case.

According to officials in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital’s emergency room, they are treating one person from Chevron who is listed in moderate condition.

UPDATE 9:15AM EST / 16:10 IL: A number of paramedics wearing kippot (yarmulkes) have been prohibited from entering the confrontation area. Security officials report they feared the paramedics were imposters seeking to get in to assist.

In the meantime, Jews have returned to Bet Shapira, which was the targeted of a government eviction months ago, as well as entering a number of stores in the marketplace in Chevron. They entered Bet Shapira on Wednesday as well, but were ousted by security forces a short time later.

IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has declared all of Yehuda (Judea) a ‘closed military zone’ to prevent any and all non-residents from entering.

UPDATE (BRIEFS) 9:20AM EST / 16:20 IL: *10 protestors were arrested at the entrance to Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon. One policewoman lightly injured.

*Nadia Matar, the co-chairwoman of Women in Green, was lightly injured in the Bet HaShalom eviction and transported to a hospital.

*On his way to Chevron on Thursday afternoon, MK Uri Ariel tells he contacted DM Barak during the Bet HaShalom eviction and asked that he halt the violent action. He reports Barak refused. He told Barak that he will be personally responsible for the violence and injuries.

*Disturbances reported in Shomron at Maale Shomron, Karnei Shomron and Shilo Junction. Jews are reported to be blocking roads and throwing rocks at Arabs (Channel 10).

*Arabs in Shomron accuse Yishuv Yitzhar residents of attacking them following Bet HaShalom expulsion.

*A MDA ambulance was damaged in a rock-throwing attack by Arabs on its way to Chevron on Thursday afternoon.

*Chevron Police Commander Avshalom Peled stated the eviction was well thought out and planned out, boasting the building was evacuated in an expeditious fashion with only moderate force and six arrests. He states a total of seven people were injured, 5 settlers and 2 security personnel. He called the actions of occupants and supporters of the building during recent days “irresponsible and dangerous”.

*Arabs reporting a resident was seriously wounded by gunfire. No confirmation or additional details at this time.

*Daniela Weiss has been served with an administrative order barring her from entering Yehuda for one month’s time.

UPDATE 10:05AM EST / 17:05 IL: Police/IDF Bracing for Unrests Throughout Yehuda & Shomron

*Hadassah Hospital (Ein Kerem) – six injured included a border policeman who appears to have been hit in the face with flour, not a caustic substance. He is listed in light-to-moderate condition.

*Shaare Zedek Hospital: Nadia Matar and another person are being treated, both in light condition.

*Chevron has a large Arab population which is very pro-Hamas. Channel 10 news reports some community activists say “we are not afraid of the Jews any longer.

*An Arab home in Chevron was set ablaze. Two Arabs reported wounded by “settler gunfire” (unconfirmed).

*Police are concerned regarding possible widespread Islamic violence following Friday religious services in mosques, especially in Chevron.

*Despite a hospital report that the police officer was injured with flour and not a caustic substance,the mainstream media continues to report the brutal attack by settlers against security forces.

UPDATE 10:40AM EST / 17:40 IL: While reports are yet unconfirmed, security authorities are reporting approximately 10 Arabs homes are ablaze in Chevron and the immediate area.

In addition, there are reports of Arab gunfire against Jews in Chevron. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

In the Benjamin Regional Council area, near N’vei Tzuf, protestors opposing the expulsion have closed down an area road.

Security forces weld shut the doors to Bet HaShalom……

There are now reports of three injured people being treated in Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim with one listed in light-to-moderate condition. The others are in light condition.

Security forces are taking up position in the greater Chevron area in the hope of preventing a flare-up of attacks.

UPDATE 10:42 EST / 17:42 IL: Arabs fired at border police guarding Bet HaShalom. No injuries being reported.

UPDATE 10:52AM EST / 17:52 IL: Eretz Yisrael Faithful are blocking traffic at Shilat Jct. on Hwy 443 in the Modi’in area as protests to Bet Shalom eviction continue.

UPDATE 11:00AM EST / 18:00 IL: Soldiers use live gunfire above the head of Jews blocking the road near Kedumim in Shomron. 

UPDATE 11:03AM EST / 18:03 IL: A border policeman and IDF soldier were lightly injured by rocks thrown by Jews at Chawarah Junction in Shomron.

UPDATE 11:05AM EST / 18:05: PA: Father and son seriously wounded by gunfire in Chevron. No IDF confirmation at this time. 

PHOTO LINK: (Click HERE for photos taken at the eviction & click HERE for photos taken at the “Peace House” yesterday by Refael Ovadia / Boltshauser Images)

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Teen Seriously Injured in Rock-Attack in Chevron

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

14:06 IL: An 18-year-old is reported in serious condition after being struck in his head in an attack in Chevron a short time ago.

The victim is being transported at this time to the trauma unit of Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. No additional information at this time. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Security Forces Stepping-Up Presence in Chevron

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

11:40AM IL: Security forces are stepping-up their presence in Chevron on Tuesday morning, with an emphasis on the Machpelah area and in proximity of Bet HaShalom.

Disturbances and rock-throwing attacks are being reported. According to reports from Chevron, dozens of Jewish-owned vehicles were damaged in rock attacks near the Ma’aras HaMachpelah this morning. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Border Police Injured at Na’alin

Friday, November 28th, 2008

Two border policemen were injured at a violent anti-security fence protest at Na’alin on Friday afternoon. One may have sustained a fractured arm.

Rocket Attacks in S. Israel – Gunfire in Gaza

Friday, November 28th, 2008

A number of mortar shells were fired at southern Israel. No injuries or damage being reported.

IDF soldiers operating along the Gaza border detected armed gunmen. They opened fire. PA (Palestinian Authority) sources report a number of dead and wounded. There are no reports of causalities to IDF forces. IDF sources are not confirming the report at this time. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

DM Barak Offers Aid to Mumbai Forces

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday was in contact with Indian National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, offering Israeli assistance in counter-terror measures. He also offered Israeli humanitarian assistance.

Barak stated Israel understands all too well, explaining this is part of the growing global terror that is plaguing us all, offering his sympathy for the many fatalities and casualties. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Mumbai: Chabad House Terrorist Offers to Negotiate [UPDATED 14:49 IL]

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

UPDATE 6:27AM EST / 13:27PM IL: According to Israel Foreign Ministry officials, 10-15 Israelis are among the hostages in various locations in Mumbai. This number includes six in the Chabad House.There are an additional 20-25 Israeli who have yet to make contact with family members.

Foreign Ministry situation room officials are continuing to use all means at their disposal to contact the Israeli nationals in Mumbai. Senior Ministry official Amnon Kalmar explains they are having significant difficulty obtaining accurate information from local officials.

He adds that the Israel Embassy’s security officer is stationed near the Chabad House in an effort to provide accurate information.

Members of the Holtzberg family are expected to leave for Mumbai. MDA, ZAKA, and IDF Homefront teams are prepared to leave for Mumbai, awaiting a government decision regarding a plane carrying emergency teams and aid.

UPDATE 7:00AM EST / 14:00PM IL: A final assault is underway at the Taj and Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai. The first three floors of the Oberoi are cleared but there is a fire burning out of control on the fourth floor.

NSG forces are still “observing” the Nariman (Chabad) House, where Israel Foreign Ministry officials report six Israeli hostages are being held.

At 14:00, Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reported that Rabbi Gavriel Holtzman and his wife Rivka are among the hostages. No explanation is being given for the contradictory reports, which stated earlier that the rebbitzin escaped the scene hours ago.

NSG forces are preparing for a final assault at the Chabad House location. Six foreigners are reported dead according to Mumbai local media.

UPDATE 7:49AM EST / 14:49PM IL: There are now reports that one of the terrorists holed up in the Mumbai Chabad House has phoned a local television station offering to negotiate the release of hostages. He also decried abuses in Indian Kashmir.

The caller identified himself as Imram, and offered to engage in talks towards the release of the hostages.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Mother Of Skver Yeshiva Firebomber Sentenced To One-Year Probation

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

suspects1.jpgA woman who tried to help her son flee prosecution for the 2004 firebombing of the United Talmud Torah Elementary Skver school in Montreal was handed a one-year probation for her crime.

Quebec Court Judge Robert Marchi ruled in September that Rouba Elmerhebi Fahd was guilty of trying to arrange for her son to escape to Brazil to avoid prosecution for his crime.

However, the Crown asked for a sentence of community service, even though she could have faced up to seven years in prison.

Marchi decided against community service, citing Fahd’s lack of remorse, but also pointed out that he could see how a mother might act in such a way for their children.

Adam Atlas said on behalf of the Canadian Jewish Congress: “The judge, I think, was sensitive to that balance and taking into consideration all the factors, rendered a mild sentence.”

Moise Moghrabi of B’nai Brith Canada says it’s not even a slap on the wrist. “It tells the public there is no deterrent,” he said.

High Court Orders Bet HaShalom Evacuated Within 3 Days

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

court hammer3.jpgThe Supreme Court on Sunday rejected a petition filed by Chevron’s Jewish community seeking to prevent the eviction of residents of Bet HaShalom. The court denied the petition, clearing the way for the eviction of the tenants in the coming days.

Chevron officials have presented documents proving their legally purchased the home, in which 20 families moved about two years ago, but the Arab who made the sale now denies the legitimacy of the sale and accompanying documents.

The Chevron Jewish community was ordered to pay NIS 15,000 in court fees and the residents have three days to vacate before the state will be permitted to move in and remove them forcibly.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Israel: IDB Group Announces 25 Percent Cut

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

In addition to layoffs in a large security firm which targeted the lower wage earners, the IDF Group on Wednesday announced the four top wage earners (partners) will take a 25% wage reduction. Management also called on subordinates in affiliate groups to adopt a 10% salary cut and an 8% cut from management.

IDB controls companies including SuperSol, Israir and Cellcom, employing thousands. In the internal memo, company controllers are calling for fiscal prudence and cuts in spending wherever possible.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Ethiopian Immigrants Marching to the Capital

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

At least 200 immigrants from Ethiopia on Tuesday began a march from the Bet Alpha Absorption Center in Bet Shean to Yerushalayim, protesting their living and absorption conditions.

Last month a similar march was held as the community of Jews, immigrants from Ethiopia, continue efforts towards obtaining a larger share of the budgetary pie to meet the needs of their community, which has a disproportionate rate of unemployment, poor educational standards and other trends synonymous with the underprivileged.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)