The High Court of Justice has authorized the Education Ministry’s plan to grant a request by parents of girls studying in an Emanuel school’s to open an independent educational establishment which will not be funded by the State.
The judges nevertheless noted that the ministry should monitor the institute and oversee its activity. They also warned the Education Ministry of perpetuating discrimination and inequality.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: Ynet)
If Republicans sweep the House and win key Senate seats in November, it’s not just elected Democrats who will be unemployed — more than 1,500 Democratic staffers could lose their jobs, with layoffs stretching from low-wage staff assistants to six-figure committee aides.
While turnover and job loss is a fact of life for those who serve in Congress, a change in party control can be dramatic as committee funding is slashed for the party falling out of power and hundreds of high-salary jobs switch hands.
The layoffs start with election losers. Each House office employs about 18 people, and each Senate office employs about 34. But the heaviest job loss happens in committees, which employ hundreds of highly paid experts and attorneys. In the House, the majority controls 66 percent of the committee budget, meaning if Democrats shift to the minority, they would control only about one-third of committee funds, potentially leaving hundreds of committee staffers unemployed if Republicans sweep the House.
While there are no signs yet of a Hill-wide stampede, some Democratic aides say they are bracing for the worst.
LegiStorm, which tracks congressional salaries and staffing, estimates there are 1,500 people employed by House committees, and 1,000 of those currently work for Democrats. If the Democrats lose 40 seats and control of the House, it would shrink the party’s committee staffing percentage levels by half, eliminating roughly 500 jobs. POLITICO did not estimate committee numbers for the Senate because the Senate is not expected to change power.
When party control has changed in both chambers, the job casualties were brutal. In 2006, when Democrats won the House and Senate, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Republican aides lost their jobs. And in 1994, when Republicans gained control, a few thousand Democratic aides — many who had spent careers on the Hill — were forced into unemployment.
Overall, there are roughly 18,000 workers on Capitol Hill, including those in nonpolitical support positions.
Meanwhile, Republicans who have been on the sidelines for the past four years are brushing up résumés for a return to the Hill. Bush-era GOP aides are slowly returning, in some cases taking lower-level jobs as place holders, hoping for the field to open in November.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Read More: Politico)
The National Transportation Safety Board is set to release its findings today into last summer’s deadly mid-air collision over the Hudson River.
Nine people were killed when a small plane and a tour helicopter collided last August.
Investigators are expected to answer questions such as whether the air traffic controller who cleared the plane for takeoff could have prevented the accident if he had been paying closer attention. Transcripts show the controller made a personal call and remained on the phone while directing air traffic until the accident.
The Federal Aviation Administration has since divided the airspace over the Hudson to put more room between planes, helicopters, seaplanes and sightseeing aircraft.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: NY1)
Even as Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the man behind the proposed Ground Zero mosque, attempts to redefine his image as an ordinary American, he is reportedly being assailed in his private life by Union City officials as a “terrible landlord.”
The Star-Ledger reports the new city lawsuit seeks to place two apartment buildings owned by Rauf into receivership on charges he failed to address ordinance violations and dozens of tenants complaints.
The lawsuit is the latest jab at the imam’s public image.
However, when it comes to winning over critics of his project, some of the wounds could be perceived as self-inflicted.
“We are exploring all options. Everything is on the table,” he said. “I vote in elections. I pay taxes. I pledge allegiance to the flag. I am a Giants fan.”
Rauf Monday disputed the widely-held notion that the Islamic center’s proposed location on Park Place was hallowed ground.
“Let’s clarify that misperception,” he said. “It is absolutely disingenuous as many have said, that that block is hallowed ground. With clubs (edit) around the corner, with betting parlors.”
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: WCBSTV)
Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar said the security of Jewish sites in Kyrgyzstan must be guaranteed.
“Berel Lazar has sent an urgent letter to the Kyrgyz government, requesting that Jewish centers be protected,” the rabbi’s spokesman Andrey Glotser told Interfax-Religion.
Lazar’s letter, which was in reaction to a synagogue explosion in Bishkek, says that attempts were made to attack Jewish establishments during the unrest in Kyrgyzstan. Police pledged then that the buildings, accommodating these establishments, be strongly protected.
A bomb, filled with shrapnel, was hurled on Thursday into the window of a synagogue in Bishkek. No one was harmed. The bomb exploded shortly before people started converging in the Shul for Davening on Rosh Hashanah. The synagogue was seriously damaged.
“The territory adjacent to the Bishkek synagogue is being guarded by security personnel. The local police started an investigation, while the Jewish community is following the investigation,” Glotser said.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: Interfax)
Uprising. Revolt. Judgment day. These are the words on the lips of aspiring insurgent candidates across New York, Republicans and Democrats alike, who have campaigned for months on hopes that a wave of voter anger will carry them to victory and upend the entrenched political establishment in Albany.
Yet on the eve of the first major statewide election in four years, many voters are striking a markedly different chord. They are not bursting with rage, but spent with exhaustion. Disappointed and hopeless, many are disdainful of Albany’s would-be white knights and skeptical of the rhetoric of change.
Advertisement:
“All they’re doing is musical chairs,” Michael Alton, 59, a registered Democrat, said Monday as he walked his dog along Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx. “There’s no reason to vote. State government isn’t up to the challenge.”
Unlike past election years, this one has genuinely competitive primaries. On the Republican side, there is a fierce battle between former Representative Rick A. Lazio and Carl P. Paladino, a wealthy real estate developer from Buffalo, for the party’s nomination for governor. Democrats have five choices for attorney general. Incumbent lawmakers of both parties face tough races from Long Island to the Hudson Valley to Buffalo.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Read More: NY Times)
With tension mounting over plans to build a mosque and Islamic community center near Ground Zero, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the project’s prime mover, said yesterday he’s considering delaying the venture over the controversy.
“Our advisers have been looking at every option, including that,” Rauf said during an appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations on the Upper East Side, where he delivered a speech and took questions from the think tank’s audience.
Rauf’s statement was in response to a question from audience member Kathwari M. Farooq, chairman of the Ethan Allen furniture company, who asked if it wasn’t a good idea to put the project on hold to allow for more discussion.
“We are exploring all options as we speak right now, and we are working through what will be a solution, God willing, that will resolve this crisis, defuse it and not create any unforeseen or untoward circumstances that we do not want to see happen,” he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the developers of the Park51 project yesterday responded to a report in The Post revealing that another imam who partnered with Rauf to form one of his advocacy groups believes that 9/11 was an “inside job.”
“Park51 had no knowledge of the insensitive and misguided views that Faiz Khan holds about those who were responsible for 9/11,” the spokesman said, adding, “Khan will no longer be invited back to lead prayers at the mosque.”
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: NY Post)
He’s served in Congress for almost 40 years, but Tuesday’s primary in New York will be unlike any other for Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel.
The 80-year-old Rangel is fighting five challengers and an ethics trial in the House later this month on 13 alleged violations.
In years past, his re-election has been a slam dunk. While he is expected to win again, Rangel’s taking nothing for granted.
On the eve of the primary, robocalls using former President Bill Clinton’s voice went out telling voters: “We need Charlie to go back to Washington, to work with President Obama to say, ‘Yes.’ ”
In July, Obama called the allegations against Rangel troubling and said in a CBS interview that he hoped the embattled congressman could end his career in dignity.
Of Rangel’s five opponents, Adam Clayton Powell IV has the biggest name recognition. He is the son of the late U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, who served from 1945 to 1971 and was defeated by Rangel after a scandal-plagued career.
Despite Powell’s recognition, The New York Times editorial board said the assemblyman has done little in Albany and instead endorsed Joyce Johnson, a former business executive and educator who has run for state offices.
Other contenders include Vince Morgan, a onetime Rangel staffer, and regular campaigners Jonathan Tasini and Ruben Vargas.
As other candidates seized on the ethics cloud hanging over him, Rangel has remained defiant, declaring nothing “will stop me from clearing my name from these vile and vicious charges.”
Those charges include alleged income tax and financial disclosure violations and using his influence to solicit donations for a college policy center bearing his name from corporate heads and others before the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rangel chaired the committee before being forced to step aside because of the accusations.
As Rangel fights against the allegations, he’s counting on support from voters in New York’s 15th Congressional District who think he’s being unfairly treated.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: CNN)
Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, the man accused of trying to blow up a plane last X-mas, said in court Monday that he no longer wants to be represented by federal defenders and would act as his own attorney.
Judge Nancy Edmunds granted his request and appointed standby counsel for him. She also asked him a series of questions about his knowledge of law, the case and the charges he faces.
AbdulMutallab, the British-educated son of a Nigerian bank executive, is accused of trying to set off a bomb hidden in his underwear aboard a plane from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Detroit, Michigan, on December 25.
Monday, he spoke softly but clearly about what he wanted.
“I prefer to represent myself,” AbdulMutallab told the court. “I don’t feel any representation I get would suit — would represent me in a way that is in my best interest.”
At various points during the roughly 30-minute proceeding, Edmunds pressed AbdulMutallab to explain the reasons behind his decision. She asked whether he had studied law or represented someone in court before — no and no, he responded. She asked whether his defenders had failed him in some significant way. No, they had not, he said.
Edmunds offered AbdulMutallab the option of another court-appointed attorney, which he rejected.
Finally, the judge pressed the defendant on what he knew about the rules of evidence and criminal procedure. At one point, she called his decision to represent himself “unwise.”
The U.S. Justice Department, which is prosecuting the case, said it had no comment on the development.
AbdulMutallab faces with six federal charges, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and willful attempt to destroy an aircraft. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of trying to blow up the Northwest Airlines plane.
At one point on Monday, he asked the judge: “If I want to plead guilty to some counts, basically, how would that go?”
Edmunds responded that his standby counsel should be able to help.
After the hearing, one of federal defenders who represented AbdulMutallab echoed the judge’s concerns about self-representation.
“It’s not a good idea to represent yourself,” Leroy Soles told reporters outside court. He said he was satisfied with the way he had acted on behalf of AbdulMutallab.
AbdulMutallab is not the first high-profile terror suspect who has requested to represent himself in a U.S. court. Zacarias Moussaoui, the first man charged in connection with the September 11 attacks, similarly asked and was allowed to act as his own counsel. A judge later stripped him of that right after warning Moussaoui to stop filing what she termed frivolous and disrespectful court orders.
The next court date in AbdulMutallab’s case is October 14.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: CNN)
The man accused of slashing a Muslim cab driver will remain in custody, at least for now.
Michael Enright, 21, appeared behind closed doors in a Manhattan court Monday asking a judge to set bail so he can go to a hospital for treatment.
His attorney says Enright suffers from post-traumatic stress and alcoholism.
A judge postponed the decision, which could be taken up again at Enright’s state Supreme Court arraignment which is set for next week.
The Putnam County resident is accused of slashing Ahmed Sharif, 43, after asking if he was Muslim.
Enright is charged with attempted murder and assault as hate crimes.
“He’s not a, a bigot. He’s not. I’ve always found him to be accepting to everybody,” said SVA Film Department Chairman Reeves Lehmann.
Enright traveled to Afghanistan last spring with a group that seeks to promote interfaith understanding.
If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: NY1)
The trial of four men accused of plotting to bomb New York synagogues and fire missiles at military planes was postponed today because one defendant required a medical review.
The defendant, Laguerre Payen, “got in some kind of trouble” at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Lower Manhattan last night and was placed in separate housing, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon said. Payen refused to come to court this morning and it took about 2 1/2 hours for U.S. marshals to bring him to the courthouse, she said.
McMahon adjourned the trial until tomorrow at the request of Payen’s attorney, Samuel Braverman, so the defendant can be evaluated by a doctor. Braverman said his client was “unresponsive” and didn’t speak to him this morning, although he appeared conscious.
“He didn’t look well,” Braverman told reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom, adding that his client hadn’t been in a fight and that he didn’t know why he had been placed in separate housing.
The trial of Payen and co-defendants James Cromitie, David Williams and Onta Williams, which began August 23, was scheduled to resume today following a 2 1/2-day break.
The four Newburgh, New York, men are accused of planning to blow up a synagogue and Jewish community center in the Bronx section of New York City and fire missiles at military planes based at an Air National Guard base at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh. Defense attorneys have argued the defendants are the victims of entrapment by a paid government informant.
The four men have been indicted on counts including conspiracy and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction in the U.S. They face as long as life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges.
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: Business Week)
Smokeless tobacco products are not safe alternatives to smoking and could increase not only the risk of certain cancers , but also the risk of fatal heart attacks or strokes, according to the American Heart Association.
Products like snuff and chewing tobacco can be addictive and increase the risk of relapse for those who have already quit smoking, said the AHA said in a policy statement release Monday.”No tobacco product is safe to consume,” said Mariann Piano, lead writer of the statement and a professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Science at the University of Illinois, Chicago. “Smokeless tobacco products are harmful and addictive – that does not translate to a better alternative.”
A recent study in the United States found smoking rates didn’t drop among people who used smokeless tobacco products, causing concern that smokers may use both cigarettes and smokeless products, according to the AHA.
If you’re trying to kick the habit, studies have found that nicotine replacement therapy–products including gum or patches– is a safer alternative and had no increased cardiovascular risk.
Smokeless tobacco contains 28 known carcinogens and increases your risk of both oral and pancreatic cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s also associated with gum disease and tooth decay and in men, it can cause reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm cells, the CDC reports.
Smokeless tobacco products come in a variety of forms and are made from finely ground, shredded or powdered tobacco. The AHA estimates about 7 percent of U.S. adults use these products, 8 percent of high school students and nearly 3 percent of middle schoolers currently use smokeless tobacco.
Steve Callahan, a spokesperson for Altria, the parent company of US Smokeless Tobacco Company and Philip Morris USA declined comment on the specific policy but said “Altria and it’s operating companies supported federal regulation of tobacco for over 8 years. We believe that the FDA is really the appropriate authority to make the science and evidenced based determinations about tobacco products that are potentially less harmful than cigarettes.”
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Source: CNN)
1 package graham crackers
1 package pareve chocolate bar – Rosemarie
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp water
1 ½ stick margarine
4 eggs
¾ c sugar
10 oz container dessert topping
Blend graham crackers, 4 squares of chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla extract and water.
Press ¾ mixture into 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Melt rest of chocolate with margarine. Beat eggs with sugar until fluffy. Add chocolate mixture to egg mixture. Pour on top and freeze. Once frozen with up dessert topping and put on top. Sprinkle remainder of the crumbs and freeze.
By Emuna Braverman and Elizabeth Kurtz, of www.gourmetkoshercooking.com
www.gourmetkoshercooking.com is a new and exciting site where you will find over 900 great kosher recipes – with particular emphasis on ideas for Shabbos and holidays, the best new kosher products, gorgeous table top decor, articles on kosher wine and healthy eating, featured giveaways, travel, cooking with kids and much more. Content is updated weekly so visit us often. Your family will be glad you did!
A Charedi mother and three of her children were struck by a vehicle on Rechov Narkisim in the city of Rechasim a short while ago. A large response of Ichud Hatzolah and MDA Medics were rushed to the scene to treat the wounded.
Please be Mispallel for the 30-year-old mother, Chava bas Liba, and her 5-year-old son, Yonoson ben Chava. Both are listed in critical condition.
The other children are reportedly in stable condition.
All victims have been transported to Rambam Hospital.
UPDATE 4:20PM EST: YWN regrets to inform you that the pregnant mother has R”L succumbed to her injuries just moments ago.
Boruch Dayan Emmes…
(Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN)
In a surprise last minute move, Assemblyman Dov Hikind has flipped his support from Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice to New York State Senator Eric Schneiderman after Schniederman promised Al Sharpton that he would have office space in the Attorney General’s office in Albany. He joins leaders of Agudath Israel, Bobov 48 and the (Reb Aron Teitelbaum) Satmar faction all of whom have endorsed Schneiderman in recent days.
When asked whether he was concerned to be supporting Schniederman who said that Al Sharpton’s support was the equivalent of “the Good Housekeeping seal of approval” Hikind responded that “Sharpton is anti-Semite and a miserable individual, everyone has cozied up to him…” explained Hikind.
Despite sending YWN this advisory only a few days ago proclaiming his support of Rice, Hikind insists “I never endorsed her.” Hikind went on to explain that because he never met with her he did not actually endorse her. When asked about concerns that Schneiderman is the most liberal of the candidates, Hikind responded that “one is more liberal than the next.”
Insiders say that this is an important election for Hikind because most of the candidates he has recently supported in community elections including Brad Lander, Bill Thompson and Joe Lazar have lost the Orthodox Jewish vote. “This endorsement is a test that Hikind will likely fail,” said one political strategist who is supporting a different candidate for Attorney General. “Hikind does not possess any magical powers that allow him to switch an endorsement at the last minute and actually move votes. More likely than not, the community will ignore Hikind’s recommendations as they have done in the past.” Hikind, however, insists that while he is endorsing Schneiderman he is not going “all-out” like he did for other candidates.
As a service to the community, YWN will do a full post-election analysis of Tuesday’s primaries to determine exactly who the community supported. In the meanwhile, don’t forget to vote – polls open throughout New York at 6am tomorrow and close at 9pm.
Below is the official endorsement from Assemblyman Dov Hikind as released by the Schniederman campaign:
ASSEMBLYMEMBER DOV HIKIND ENDORSES ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL
NEW YORK – As the Schneiderman campaign continues its surge, Assemblymember Dov Hikind endorsed Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General, citing his “proven track record” and naming him as the “clear choice for the Jewish community.”
“Eric Schneiderman is the clear choice for the Jewish community and all New Yorkers to be our next Attorney General,” said Assemblymember Dov Hikind. “Eric is a tough, smart and effective leader who will fight for justice every day. As a lawyer and a lawmaker, Eric has a proven track record of leadership and he will be an outstanding attorney general.”
With widespread support from a broad and diverse coalition of progressive New Yorkers, the New York Times, the state’s largest labor union, 1199/SEIU United Healthcare East and the largest private-sector union, 32BJ and Citizen Action, momentum is growing for Schneiderman’s campaign to be the state’s next Attorney General.
To date, Schneiderman has earned the endorsement of over 100 progressive leaders, prominent community activists, and labor unions including the Hotel Trades Council, UAW and the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association.
(Dov Gordon – YWN)
The United States may be on the verge of its largest arms sale ever, a package of aircraft and weapons systems for Saudi Arabia that could total $60 billion when the final bill is done, according to a report in Monday’s Wall Street Journal.
If completed, the deal could also generate more than 75,000 jobs, the Journal reported.
The Obama administration is expected to notify Congress of the planned sale this week, according to the Journal report. Production would take place over five to 10 years, the Journal said.
Key components of the sale would be Boeing F-15 fighter jets – as many as 84 new ones and the refurbishment of 70 others – and helicopters including 70 Apaches, 72 Black Hawks and three dozen Little Birds.
Discussions are also under way over naval and missile defense systems for the Saudis, the Journal reported.
Meanwhile, Boeing is a contender in another F-15 sale, this time to South Korea.
The Korea Times reported Monday that the Pentagon has approved a Boeing request to market a stealth version of the F-15, dubbed the Silent Eagle, to Seoul.
The Times points out, however, that Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 Lightning and the Eurofighter Typhoon may be stronger contenders to win a South Korean order for 60 fighter jets.
(Source: CNN)
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced that New York City remains the safest big city in America, according to an analysis of crime data released by the FBI in its Crime in the United States, the Uniform Crime Report for 2009. The report shows that total crime decreased by 5.1 percent in New York City during 2009, outpacing national trends. Murders fell by 9.9 percent, compared to 7.2 percent nationwide. According to NYPD Compstat data, crime is down an additional 1.5 percent citywide for the first eight months of the year when compared to 2009 levels.
“The men and women of the NYPD have found new ways to further drive down crime, even when faced with tough economic times and the threat of terrorism,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We will continue doing everything possible to keep making the safest big city in the country even safer.”
“The data reflects in no small measure the dedication and hard work of New York City Police officers, and the Mayor’s commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe, year after year,” said Commissioner Kelly.
According to an analysis of crime data released by the FBI, of the 25 largest cities in the country New York City again recorded the lowest Index Crime rate, ranking safest. Of the 266 U.S. cities with populations larger than 100,000 that reported data to the FBI, New York’s crime rate ranked 248th, placing it between Garden Grove, California and Sunnyvale, California. No other City with more than 262,000 people ranked safer than New York City.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
When the Federal Communications Commission first approved the use of unlicensed bands of the airwaves decades ago, it began a revolution in consumer electronics — first in television remote controls and garage door openers, then in baby monitors and cordless phones, and most recently in wireless computer networks.
This month, the F.C.C. is likely to approve what could be an even bigger expansion of the unlicensed airwaves, opening the door to supercharged Wi-Fi networks that will do away with the need to find a wireless hot spot and will provide the scaffolding for new applications that are not yet imagined.
“We know what the first kind of deployments will be,” Julius Genachowski, the chairman of the F.C.C., said in an interview, citing wireless broadband networks that can cover entire university or corporate campuses, for example — what is referred to in the industry as “Wi-Fi on steroids.”
The stronger, faster networks will extend broadband signals to bypassed rural areas and allow for smart electric grids, remote health monitoring and, for consumers, wireless Internet without those annoying dead zones.
“But this will also be a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs,” Mr. Genachowski said. “There is every chance of this leading to the development of one or more billion-dollar industries.”
Have you checked out http://www.ywnradio.com/ yet?
(Read More: NY Times)
[THERE WILL BE A LIVE VIDEO STREAM HERE ON YWN AT 1:00PM EST FROM THE EVENT]
If one child’s pure prayer is a heaven-piercing arrow, then a minyan of children’s tefillos is an invincible army. If so, imagine the awesome power of tens of thousands tinokos shel bais raban’s tefillos ascending heavenward… Unimaginable!
For the past sixteen years, Klal Yisroel has been blessed with the zechus of having tens of thousands of children davening on our behalf in a most auspicious time, during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva. The event is coordinated by Misaskim, the organization dedicated to helping yidden in time of crisis and tragedy. This gathering has been preempted as a response to the influx of tzaros which Misaskim confronts daily. It is another way that unites Klal Yisroel – this time, in a magnificent effort to give Klal Yisroel a sweeter year.
The Tehillim Asifa, unites thousands of children across countries and continents via a live hook-up. In the Bobover Bais Medrash in Boro Park, where the main Asifa takes place, approximately forty yeshivas participates. The tefillos are led by our venerated gedolim and admorim. Together, they implore Hashem to grant Klal Yisroel a shana tova umesuka. Specifically, they beseech Hashem to have mercy on the cholim and grant a complete recovery to all those suffering individuals. The thunderous voices of thousands of young children proclaiming “Amein Yehei Shemei Rabba,” “Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh” and “Hashem hu Haelokim” reverberates from the Bobover Bais Medrash and echoes in the hundreds of participating sites worldwide. As one gadol describes the “Avinu Malkeinu shelach refuah sheleima l’cholei amecha” so aptly, “The walls in the Bais Medrash were crying!” One can but imagine the many gezeiros repealed and yeshuos attained as a result of this powerful gathering.
Several years ago, shortly before the children were due to arrive in the Bobover Bais Medrash, the volunteers were giving the Bais Medrash one last look to ensure that everything was in place when one volunteer noticed an elderly yid sitting right in the front center. He was leaning over a gemora and appeared to have been there already for a while. Now, because this Asifa is for children, it is not open for the public. The volunteer approached the man and politely requested that he find another spot to learn since children would be coming soon and needed the space.
The man stared the volunteer straight in the eye and took a crumpled black and white picture out of his jacket pocket. He thrust it in the volunteer’s face. “Here,” he said. “These are my two children. I haven’t seen them for fifty years. Hitler killed them. But they’re here today. I came here to meet them, once more.”
Astounded, the volunteer offered him to be the shaliach tzibbur. “Ich hub nisht koach,” the man replied. The volunteer offered the man to stay. He was right, after all. He deserved to be here and he stayed.
Truthfully, every yid wishes he can plug into the power of this momentous event. Every yid wishes that, once sha’arei shamayim are split open, his tefillos will also slip in. Therefore, Misaskim would like to invite every one, wherever he may be, to open a Tehillim tomorrow between 1 P.M. and 2 P.M. EST, and join this special ma’amad. The program will begin with the following kapitlech of Tehillim: 13, 20, 79, 121, 130, and 142. This will be followed by Mincha, Avinu Malkeinu, Selichos of Shlosh Esrei Middos and Kabolas Ol Malchus Shomayim.
You can also hear the event live through Kol Mivaser by dialing 212-444-1100, press 8, followed by 1.
PREVIOUS PHOTO LINK: Click HERE to see photos taken at last year’s Asifa by PhotoDynamics, Hillel Engel & Shimon Gifter for YWN.
Below is a video taken at last year’s Tehillim Asifa:
[ALL UPDATES BELOW] The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) employees union declared a general strike at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport on Monday.
Flights already in progress were to be allowed to land but passengers will not be able to collect their luggage. Moreover, there will be no further departures.
The strike was expected to interfere with the plans of over 29,000 passengers who were set to depart or arrive at the airport on Monday. Both incoming and outbound flights were to be affected. All airlines operating flights to Ben-Gurion airport have received notice of the strike.
On Saturday, IAA management, the general workers’ union and the Histadrut labor federation, which represents organized labor in Israel, began negotiations. The first round of talks ended unsuccessfully on Sunday at the office of Yaakov Ganot, General Manager of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety.
On Monday morning, another attempt to resolve the issue and prevent the strike proved unfruitful.
Last Tuesday intensive negotiations prevented a strike during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, which would have paralyzed flight transportation to Israel and would have affected over 100,000 travellers.
“Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry, airport officials and the union will work to try to find a solution to the workers’ pension demands,” Ben-Gurion airport spokeswoman said on Monday.
A small riot broke out at the airport, after hundreds of people returning from their annual pilgrimage to Uman, found out they would not be able to claim their baggage.
A group of them began shouting “disgrace,” banging drums they had with them, and even burst into an impromptu dance on the baggage conveyor, damaging it slightly. No arrests have been made.
UPDATE 10:37AM EST: Ben Gurion Airport employees decided to unload luggage from all of the airplanes that landed on Monday despite continuing a general strike.
In addition, airplanes that were scheduled to fly to Uman to bring back Breslov Chassidim will be allowed to depart.
The sides are continuing to negotiate in the hopes of reaching a deal on the issue of the workers’ pensions.
UPDATE 11:04AM EST: The Ben Gurion Airport’s workers union has ended its strike after reaching an agreement with the Treasury and Transportation Ministry on workers’ pensions.
YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos (all video and photo credits Yehuda Boltshauser – Kuvien Images).
(Source: Haarertz / Ynet)
