Yeshiva World News

With Israel bashing remaining high on the world agenda, Turkey apparently cannot resist the opportunity to join in, returning to its leading anti-Israel role which it adopted following Operation Cast Lead.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan now came out against the decision in Jerusalem to build 1,600 housing units in Ramat Shlomo, stating such a move is simply unacceptable.

According to Erdogan, such a move indicates Israel’s intentions, to “wipe out the Palestinians one step at a time”.

Speaking with party members, the Turkish leader stated that there cannot be a resumption of normalized relations with Israel until the embargo is lifted from Gaza. He added that the United States and the United Nations oppose continued construction in “settlements” because such a move is a violation of agreements signed after 1967 Six Day War. He called upon Israel to remove restrictions on Har Habayis and to permit free access by Muslim worshipers, warning continued restrictions may have dire consequences regarding the future stability of the region.

Anti-Israel protests were seen in Istanbul on Friday following mosque services, and the participants burned Israeli flags while others carried photos of al-Aqsa Mosque.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is celebrating his victory, bringing the issue of the bones at the proposed site of the fortified emergency room of Barzilai Hospital to an end, at least this round.

The cabinet on Sunday voted to accept Litzman’s plan, to move the site to a nearby parking lot, a decision which he explains preserves the kedusha of the kevarim and permits the construction of the fortified hospital unit.

Opponents, including the hospital’s directorate, vow to fight the decision, claiming too much emphasis is being placed on “the dead while the pikuach nefesh issue for the living is being ignored”. They insist the new venue is unacceptable, too costly, and will delay the completion date by years. They also cite a number of logistical problems regarding the need to move patients from a distant fortified area to the main building during warfare.

Not everyone is pleased with the decision, and the director-general of the Health Ministry, Dr. Eitan Chai-Am, submitted his resignation in response to the change of venue of the new building.

Litzman in the coming weeks will be working with Atra Kadisha officials to make a final determination, if the bones are those of Jews or goyim. If nothing changes within a month, construction is set to begin on the new complex, at the new parking location.

In accordance to Litzman’s plan, the new building will be located about 400 meters from the main hospital complex, a project that will cost NIS 270 million.

It is not at all unlikely that opponents will bring the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the cabinet decision.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Following are Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s remarks at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting as conveyed by his media advisor.

“This evening I will leave for Washington to address the AIPAC Policy Conference, in the presence of many Senators and Congressmen.  I will also meet with the Congressional leadership.  I plan to speak about our policy – on both the peace and security issues, as well as about Iran and Jerusalem.

Our policy toward Jerusalem is the same policy of all Israeli governments in the past 42 years and it has not changed.  From our point-of-view, construction in Jerusalem is like construction in Tel Aviv.  These are the things which we have made very clear to the American administration.  We also made it clear that in the proximity talks with the Palestinians, while each side will be able to raise its positions on the issues in dispute, a tangible solution to the fundamental problems between us and the Palestinians will be achievable only in direct peace talks.  It cannot be otherwise.  Only if we sit together, discuss the issues together and reach joint solutions, will we be able to reach a genuine peace agreement.

I think that it is very important that these matters not be left subject to commentary and speculation; therefore, I initiated the letter that I sent to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton so that these issues would be very clear.  I must say that I sent the positions after consulting with my unanimous colleagues in the seven-member ministerial forum.  I think that Israel’s position is very clear and it will also be so during my visit to the American capital.

Today, the Cabinet will approve a multi-year plan for the economic development of the minority communities in Israel.  I would like to thank Minister Avishai Braverman for the hard work he put into formulating this plan.  In the first stage, we have chosen 12 Bedouin and Arab communities, with approximately 400,000 residents.  We will invest NIS 800 million in these communities in developing employment, housing solutions and strengthening human capital, and in boosting law enforcement and personal security.

It is important to us that alongside full civil equality before the law, which exists – of course – for all Israelis, that there be equality of economic opportunity in employment, infrastructures, education and quality of life, in the non-Jewish sector.  Our goal will be to expand the initial plan to many other communities.  I think that this is very important in our view of the State of Israel as a regional power and as a global technological power, that all of its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens be able to enjoy the benefits of internal prosperity and progress.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Jews returning from the Kosel and Har HaZeisim heading to the western capital came under attack in the Wadi Joz area on erev shabbos, the daily HaMevaser reports. They were targeted with a barrage of rocks by “blood-thirsty Arabs”.

In one case, a vehicle sustained significant damage, but as the occupants explained, B’chasdei Hashem they escaped unharmed.

One of the intended victims was Shmuel Minsky, who owns a Jerusalem embroidery shop, was returning from an event for people who contributed to the re-dedication of the Churva Shul. He explained the event in the Churva Shul ended about 1:30pm. He was accompanied by an employee who lives in Ramat Eshkol, who came with his 1-year-old infant. He traveled via Wadi Joz at the behest of the worker who parked his vehicle in that area.

Shmuel explains the mosques were emptying and acting on instinct; he shut his locks and began moving quicker to get out of the area. Suddenly, the rocks were flying and the vehicle’s windshield was smashed. “I saw one person holding a cinderblock in his hand heading towards us. I thought to myself if he strikes the driver, there will be three dead people. I sped up to save our lives. B’chasdei Shamayim we escaped with our lives”.

He made it to police manning a checkpoint, showing them what had occurred, “and they told me, ‘next time don’t enter the area’, instructing me to file a complaint”.

Shmuel went on to explain that when people saw the damage to his vehicle, they could not believe no one was killed.

In another incident in the same area, Har Nof resident Yoni Danan also sustained significant vehicular damage while fleeing for his life, once again, taking place inside the capital. He added, “If I would have gotten stuck, they would have lynched me!”

Yoni questioned police who did not prevent Jewish drivers from entering the area, not even warning him. He explained he passes the area weekly.

YWN-Israel learned of another incident, when a Jew was walking from Friday night tefillos at the Kosel, heading to Maale Zeitim. He was attacked on his way, struck in the head with stones, but Baruch Hashem, he was able to flee the scene despite his injuries.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Not too long ago, the governments of Israel announced policy decisions and acted on what appeared to be in line with national interests, at least most of the time.

Since the signing of the Oslo Agreement in Sept. 1993 things have changed and we continue on a downward spiral. Perhaps like a spoiled child who becomes accustomed to a parent’s allowance, Israel has ceased to exhibit an ability to say “no” to the United States, as if the nation’s existence is dependent on one president or another.

The latest venue of Arab violence is in the Tekoa area, in eastern Gush Etzion, where at least 100 Arabs clashed with security forces on Sunday morning, this time justifying their actions by pointing to the deaths of two Arab teens near Shechem on Saturday. The two were not killed walking to a public library or to a recreational activity, but during clashes with soldiers, who they attacked with rocks, bottles, firebombs and whatever was handy, with intentions to injure or kill. Soldiers fired teargas and eventually rubber bullets, and now an investigation has been launched amid PA allegations that live fire was used, as if that too is unjustified when soldiers are in a life-threatening situation.

Violence has basically spread throughout Yehuda, Shomron, much of the capital and the Bedouin community, as well as Israeli Arabs in Jaffa, as Arabs have received their cue from the White House and European Union, and not to forget the United Nation’s, that the world continues in the post-Cast Lead mode, depicting the victim as the oppressor, seeking to add an air of legitimacy to the Gaza terrorist regime and the Fatah administration in Ramallah, that has yet to recognize Israel’s right to exist and denounce terrorism as a legitimate means to achieve one’s goals.

Senior intelligence and military officials concur with the police chief, that there are no signs of a Third Intifada, opting to chalk up recent events to isolated tensions not indicative of an organized effort to once again use street terror and primitive weaponry to paint a picture of the oppressed residents of the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday leaves for North America, where he will deliver a key address to an AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) convention, an address that will undoubtedly by carefully monitored by the White House and State Department, an address that will carefully tip toe through the political minefield, not appearing too hawkish, thereby appeasing the American administration, but not totally committing to a policy of concessions, to appease the right-wing coalition partners back at home.

In essence, the prime minister has already sold out his constituents and we are now in the midst of another Arab uprising or a continuation of previous ones if you will, and yet another Israeli administration sets the stage for additional concessions, to avulse additional areas of Eretz HaKodesh, to hand them over to Israel’s sworn enemy to appease the world leaders.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

As was the case during his first term in office, and regarding the 10-month construction freeze, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remains the extraordinary orator, but in his case, that is all there is.

The ideologically void prime minister once again exhibits his true agenda, riding out the storm, remaining in office, maintaining a stable coalition at all cost, at the expense of Eretz Yisrael. From the many who handed Chevron to Israel’s enemies, who announced there would never recognize a Palestinian state and then accepted the two-state solution; we bring you the latest round of concessions.

Seeking to get back in the White House’s good graces, the prime minister agreed that upcoming talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) will include ‘core issues’, namely the division of Yerushalayim and construction in the capital, not to mention easing of the Gaza embargo. It appears that President Barak Obama and the prime minister forgot to mention Gilad Shalit in the equation.

Regarding construction, the prime minister promised the White House he will personally supervise all Jerusalem construction, translated to mean, reduced construction in Yerushalayim.

The prime minister succeeded in getting elected due to the lack of alternatives, not because of his integrity or ideology. Over the years he has capitalized on his flowering Likud past, the fact that his brother Yoni HY”D fell in the line of duty rescuing Israeli hostages in Entebbe in 1996, but in essence, he has done little more than speak and hand portions of Eretz Yisrael to our enemies.

Building throughout Yehuda and Shomron has come to a virtual standstill, a situation that did not exist even under previous administrations of Ehud Olmert and Ariel Sharon.

On the eve of his visit to Washington, Israel’s super statesman has caved-in again, and he will undoubtedly issue bold statements, clarifications to assure the public that he acquiescence is not tantamount to capitulation and compromise, but he will tell us to remain calm, that he is in control, and he will never compromise Israel’s strategic interests. Sadly, he already has.

Working towards expediting the process, US special envoy George Mitchell will be arriving in Israel on Sunday to begin laying the groundwork for renewed talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority), talks that are already sorely imbalanced in favor of the establishment of a terrorist state, another Hamastan as exists today in Gaza.

We can also expect to see another Israeli good-will gesture, the release of additional terrorists to strengthen the position of lame duck PA leader Abu Mazen, who merely holds a symbolic post until such time Hamas opts to topple him and inherit all of the good will and concession given by Israel.

According to a Sunday Times report, while in Washington to address an AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) event, the prime minister will request smart bunker-busting bombs from the US for a possible military assault against Iran.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Minister of National Infrastructure Dr. Uzi Landau and opposition leader Tzipi Livni will accompany the prime minister to Washington.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Ashkelon Mayor Benny Vaknin on Sunday stated Deputy Defense Minister Yaakov Litzman’s position opposing the transfer of kevarim at the proposed site of the fortified emergency room of Barzilai Hospital irresponsible, accusing him of abandoning 500,000 people who rely on Barzilai for medical care.

Speaking to Israel Radio on Sunday afternoon, the mayor explained the rockets are once again flying and the construction of the new fortified wing is a matter of “pikuach nefesh”. He stated that the alternative plan suggested by the minister is simply unacceptable, explaining it is too costly and will result in too many delays, stating every day that passes is criminal as the new unit should have been under construction a long time ago.

Vaknin spoke of the need for an MRI, additional beds and equipment, stating the situation is critical and during Operation Cast Lead, most of the patients had to be evacuated and today, the new unit could be close to completed if not for the delays surrounding the kevarim.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

According to a Kikar Shabbat report, a newspaper operating in Modi’in Illit under the vaad rabbonim was fined NIS 5,000 for printing an ad that is not in line with the hashkafa of the vaad.

The report states that the newspaper carried an ad regarding a shiur in chassidus being held in a Chabad library.

The head of the newspaper was summoned to a beis din, and the rabbonim contemplated removing its authorization for the paper to operate, but at the end, let him off easy, with a NIS 5,000 fine.

Local Chabad chassidim “are boiling and very angry over the incident”, rejecting such an ad is deemed unsuitable.

[CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO READ THE AD]

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)