January 2007

Katsav leaves The President’s House
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
President Moshe Katsav moved out of The President’s House in Jerusalem on Tuesday night and officials made it clear that he won’t return while under suspension.

Katsav has lived in the presidential residence for the past six and a half years, moving from his private home in Kiryat Malachi where he will return.
Yad Vashem launches Farsi Holocaust website
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Yad Vashem launched a Farsi language website, documenting the Holocaust, which has drawn thousands, including Iranians.

Israel’s Holocaust Memorial said that a total of 11,000 have visited the site and over 2,000 of them Iranians.
Egypt urges Palestinians to form one army
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Egypt is urging the Palestinians to form one army, comprising of all Palestinian factions in a bid to cease fighting between the Fatah and Hamas and solve the crisis within the Palestinian Authority. They said Egyptian security officials have conducted a number of mediation sessions, which resulted in a cease-fire between the two factions that went into effect on Tuesday.
Only one-third of Israeli restaurants kosher
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Israel may be the Jewish state of the Jewish people, but one-third of its restaurants are kosher, bearing the rabbis seal of approval. There are roughly 4,399 food businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants and fast food places operating in Israel and only 1,539 of them have a kosher license.
Dried fruits sales bring in NIS 200 million ahead of Tu B'Shvat
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Ahead of the tree planting holiday of Tu B'Shvat, the sales of dried fruits in Israel has skyrocketed to nearly 200 million shekels ($47 million) according to the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce.
Israeli film big hit in Venezuela
Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Israeli film ‘Walk on Water,’ the story of an Israeli Mossad agent, has taken movie theaters by storm in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.
Ultra-Orthodox modesty squad burns clothing
Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Ultra-Orthodox extremists continued to wage their immodest clothing war as they set ablaze women’s apparel they deemed impure.
Government battles settler violence
Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A new committee, headed by Defense Minister Amir Peretz (photo), proposed procedures on combatting settler violence against Palestinians living in Judea and Samaria on Monday.
Israeli air force strikes terror tunnel
Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007
In a response to the suicide bombing that killed three in Eilat, Israel’s air force bombed a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip near the Karni Crossing on Tuesday.
Family of suicide bomber consider him a hero
Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The family of suicide bomber Mohammad Faisal al-Saqsaq told Israel’s Ynet that the family was very happy when they heard it was Mohammad who blew himself up in a bakery in Eilat, killing three.
Nobel Laureate: Post-Zionism will be the end of us
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Israel (Robert) J. Aumann, of the Center for the Study of Rationality at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, spoke last week at the Herzliya Conference, Israel’s premier counter-terrorism and security gathering.
Knesset Committee discusses president’s removal
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
The Knesset House Committee was scheduled to discuss the process of removing President Moshe Katsav from office on Monday.
Terror groups fire rockets at Israeli cities
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
Two Kassam rockets were fired at the Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Sderot from Gaza on Sunday night. No injuries were reported.
Terror attack in Eilat, three dead
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
In the first suicide bombing to hit Israel’s southern Red Sea coastal town of Eilat, a suicide bomber blew himself up in an bakery shortly before 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, killing at least three and wounding dozens.
Global Forum reveals rise in anti-Semitic acts
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
On world Holocaust Memorial Day, the Global Forum Against Anti-Semitism published a study revealing the rise in violent anti-Semitic acts, which have increased in 2006.
Shabbat Commentary
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007

For technical reasons the Shabbat Commentary was not included in the Friday newsletter. Here it is today.

“BO – Come!”
Exodus 10:1–13:16; Jeremiah 46:13-26

Hizballah bunkers discovered on Israeli border
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
In searches conducted in Israeli territory beyond the security fence, along the western part of the international border with Lebanon, Israel Defense Forces uncovered two connected bunkers which had been used by the Hizballah terrorist organization.
Cabinet approves first Arab minister
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
The cabinet approved on Sunday the appointment of Labor member Ghaleb Majadle as Israel's first Arab cabinet minister. Majadle is appointed as a minister-without-portfolio, rather than becoming minister of arts, culture and sports as planned.
Ultra-Orthodox snatch religious woman’s body
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
Police continued to look for the body of a 40-year-old ultra-Orthodox woman on Sunday, snatched by Beth Shemesh residents, preventing it from undergoing an autopsy.
Peres approved as presidential candidate
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
Kadima party ministers approved on Sunday Vice Premier Shimon Peres as their party's presidential candidate, drawing support for the “Peres Bill,” which changes the government’s presidential vote from a closed to open ballot system.
Halutz to testify before Winograd Committee
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
Former Israel army Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz will testify on Sunday before the Winograd Committee. The committee is a group investigating the decision-making process of military and political leaders on their performance during the Lebanon war.
PA Chairman Abbas escapes assassination
Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas escaped an assassination attempt after four explosive devices were uncovered by Abbas' security officers on the road leading from the Erez crossing to Gaza.
Amish food goes kosher
Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007
Though they already have their own strict guidelines as to lifestyle and beliefs, now the Amish have also gone kosher. This change, however, is not for them but for business.
The Iranian Diaspora speaks out
Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007
More than 100 Iranian activists around the world have signed a statement disapproving the recent conference in Iran that questioned the occurrence of the Holocaust.
Israeli journalist killed in Russia
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
An Israeli journalist was beaten to death in Vladivostok, Russia by unknown assailants over the weekend. He will be buried today. Konstantin Borovko, 25, was probably the victim of a criminal act that turned violent, not anti-Semitism, according to Russian police.
Israeli men live longer
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Israeli men live longer, on average, than men in most developed countries while Israeli women rank close to the middle of the pack compared to their international counterparts, according to a report released by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies.
Swiss president to help in kidnapped soldiers plight
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
The president of Switzerland has promised to do all she could to attain the release, or at least a sign of life, from the two soldiers kidnapped on Israel’s northern border last summer.
Olmert calls on Katsav to quit
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
In a fiery and emotional speech, Israeli President Moshe Katsav denied allegations that he sexually assaulted four female employees and said he would take a leave of absence from his position, but would only resign if formally indicted.
Livni, Abbas to meet in Switzerland
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at an international conference in Switzerland, a Livni spokesman said Thursday.
Religious women fight for a front row access
Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Some ultra-Orthodox Jewish women, tired of being relegated to the back of the bus, have filed a petition with Israel’s High Court, claiming that such segregation is illegal and humiliating.
AG recommends indicting president on rape charges
Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
President Moshe Katsav is due to hold a press conference on Wednesday where he is expected to announce he will temporarily step down, following Attorney General Menahem Mazuz’s recommendation to indict him on charges of rape and abuse of power.

Mazuz told Katsav he plans to indict the president on charges of sexual crimes against four women, including one case of rape, pending the outcome of a hearing where the attorney general will make the final decision. The president denies the charges.

Palestinian shot near Gaza security fence
Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A Palestinian was killed early Wednesday morning by Israeli army fire near the Gaza border security fence.

Three Palestinians were suspected of moving toward the fence, sparking suspicion among troops who opened fire. The soldiers called on the suspects to stop and shot at them after concern was raised the three were planning to carry out an attack.

Moslem youth to honor Holocaust Day
Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A group of young Moslem professionals in London are defying the Moslem Council of Britain’s call to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day and will remember the victims of the Holocaust with the rest of the world.

Moslem and Jewish young professionals heard a firsthand testimony of Holocaust survivor Trude Levi and Rwandan genocide survivor Jean Mazimpaka on Tuesday night. Attendees were invited to sign the Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment and were given a question and answer time following the testimonies.

Armenians protest killing of outspoken journalist
Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
JERUSALEM - To chants of “Shame on Turkey” and with mournful nationalist songs, about 100 Armenians from Jerusalem gathered outside the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem on Tuesday to protest the killing of an Armenian journalist in Turkey.
3,000 young Jews from around the world visit Israel
Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
When Yonatan, 21, an IDF combat soldier, met with Michael, 23, an American-Jew from Texas, there was an immediate connection.

"We are brothers," said Michael, his arm around Yonatan. "Israel is gorgeous. Israeli women are beautiful. I give this country two thumbs up.”

Olmert thanks Canada for continuing support of Israel
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Monday with Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay, who is currently visiting Israel. The two men discussed the situation in the Middle East, the process between Israel and the Palestinians and the Iranian issue.
Putin accepts Israeli ambassador’s credentials
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Anna Azari, handed her credentials over at the end of the week to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ceremony, by which he accepted the credentials of new ambassadors, took place at the Kremlin in conjunction with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Levrov.
Decided: Ashkenazi next Chief of Staff
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz have officially decided Monday evening to nominate Maj.-General (Res.) Gabi Ashkenazi as Israel Defense Forces 19th Chief of Staff replacing Lt.-General Dan Halutz who announced his resignation last week.
Haim Saban leads US political donors list
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Israeli media mogul Haim Saban tops the list of all people giving political contributions in the United States with a grand total of $12,894,100 donated to political candidates.
Livni: Israel should redefine “ultimate objective”
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Foreign and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni spoke at the Herzliya conference Monday and said that Israel should redefine its “ultimate objective” which will be anchored in a constitution, headed by the law of return.
Israeli Nobel Prize winner visits India
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Nobel Prize winner for Economics, Professor Robert Aumann, visited India as a guest of the India Development Foundation. Aumann visited Bombay, Delhi and Bangalore.
Ya’alon: Framework of two-state solution irrelevant
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
Former Chief of Staff Major General Moshe Ya’alon said there is no escaping the confrontation with Iran and thwarting the Ayatollah regime as a part of the struggle against world jihad.
Canada interested to assist Palestinian economy
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Gordon Mackay, who is on his first ever visit to Israel, met with Vice Premier Shimon Peres and said that the "Peace Valley" project will be extremely interesting to the international business sector.
Ashkenazi next Chief of Staff?
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz are expected to announce the nomination of Maj.-General (Res.) Gabi Ashkenazi to be the next Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, replacing Dan Halutz who announced his resignation last week.
Rise in number of Israelis working abroad illegally
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
An announcement made by the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem warns Israelis abroad not to work or live illegally in foreign countries.
Mofaz: Iran’s capabilities are progressing
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz warned that Iran would use nuclear bombs at the moment they succeed to create them. “The thing that needs to cause concern for us more than this is Iran’s capabilities,” Mofaz said in a speech at the Herzliya Conference.
Cabinet approves Gaza fortification plan
Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007
The Israeli cabinet has approved on Sunday a far reaching plan to fortify all homes and structures in the Gaza vicinity area. The plan will cover homes, schools and public structures located within seven kilometers of the Gaza border.
Nasrallah happy with Halutz resignation
Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, head of Lebanon’s radical Islamic Hizballah movement, said on Friday that he was happy with the resignation of IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz.
Israel transfers $100 million to Palestinian Authority
Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007
Israel transferred on Friday $100 million to the Palestinian Authority. The $100 million is a portion of PA tax revenues Israel had collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority but froze them when the Hamas-led government came to power.
Palestinians caught with knives near Hebron
Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007
Border policemen apprehended a Palestinian woman carrying a 10-inch knife near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron on Saturday. A few hours later, border police arrested two Palestinians traveling together, crossing the checkpoint near the cave with a 12-inch knife.
Peretz gives ultimatum on Majadle appointment
Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007
Defense Minister Amir Peretz promised to pass the appointment of Arab parliament member Ghaleb Majadle at Sunday’s cabinet meeting following committee approval of his appointment last week.
Peer makes history, reaches quarter finals
Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007
Israeli tennis phenomenon, Shahar Peer, upset third seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday, earning her way to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
Shabbat Readings and Commentary
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2007
VA’EIRA - And I appeared: Exodus 6:2–9:35; Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
American to cross Israel on bicycle for peace
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2007
Josh Spizeman, a young New Yorker and a bicycle enthusiast, has decided to prove his commitment to advancing peace and understanding between Jews and Arabs by going on a two-week bicycle ride across Israel which he calls the “Ride for Peace.”
Trial and Terror
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2007
In the face of Iran's Holocaust denial conference in December and contemporary desensitization comes this startling German documentary:

Verdict on Auschwitz: The Frankfurt Auschwitz Trial 1963–1965
Directed by Rolf Bickel and Dietrich Wagner

On August 20, 1965, after 20 months of proceedings, the verdict was pronounced in one of the most significant trials in German legal history: The court heard 360 Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp survivors and other witnesses from 19 countries in a trial against 22 members of the SS accused of taking part in the mass murder of millions.

Olmert, Peretz begin search for new chief of staff
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz resisted mounting pressures to resign after Israel’s chief of staff stepped down and instead began searching for a new candidate to fill the post on Thursday.

Israeli army chief of staff Dan Halutz resigned after a series of inquires into military mishaps found following last summer’s war in Lebanon. Halutz was the first Israeli chief of staff to resign since the 1973 war, leaving the government with further political troubles.

Israel to help UN protect the environment in Africa and Asia
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007
Israel signed a deal with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) this week in Nairobi, Kenya, to help implement the “Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building.”

According to the agreement, Israel will assist the UN with its expertise in technology and water management in Africa and Asia in an effort to protect the environment.

Candidates for Chief of Staff: Who, why, and why not
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007
As the “race” for the post of next Israeli army chief of staff heats up, the public is speculating as to who will fill this role. The decision is also political because the chief of staff shares decision-making power with the prime minister and defense minister and the chief of staff. Currently, the three leading candidates to replace Dan Halutz are Maj.-General Moshe Kaplinsky (l.), Maj.-General (Res.) Gabi Ashkenazi (m.), and Maj.-General Beni Ganz.
Livni praises Japan’s financial aid to PA
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni praised Japan’s financial support of the Palestinian Authority during her meeting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday.

“The way to strengthen the moderates is through financial incentives, combined with offering a diplomatic horizon to the Palestinian people,” Livni said.

Army Chief of Staff Halutz resigns
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, resigned after months of criticism over his leadership of the military performance in last summer’s inconclusive war in Lebanon. Halutz's decision, announced early Wednesday, increased pressure on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz who have also been criticized for their roles in the war.
Olmert faces corruption investigation
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Prosecutors opened up a criminal investigation on Wednesday into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s role in the sale of the country’s second largest bank. State Prosecutor Eran Shendar alleged that the prime minister influencing the tender for the sale of Israel’s Bank Leumi in 2005 by favoring business associates during his time as finance minister.
Olmert asks checkpoint soldiers to be patient with Palestinians
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert toured several checkpoints in Judea and Samaria on Tuesday to see if restrictions are being eased on Palestinians entering Israel, keeping good on a promise he made to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas during their recent meeting.
Peres plans to turn the Middle East green
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
In a project that calls for the planting of 4 million olive trees in Israel and Jordan on an area of up to 50,000 acres at a cost of $8 million, the vice premiere hopes to reduce dependency on military and political means to solve problems in the region and begin using economic tools.
Livni calls for international sanctions on Iran
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni called for strong diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to halt its nuclear program as relations between Tehran and North Korea increase worries about further production of such weapons.

“The next step should be real strong sanctions against Iran,” Livni said. “The last thing that we would like to see is proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cooperation between these kind of states to achieve these weapons.”

Debate in Germany: Is it ok to laugh at Hitler?
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
In light of a new comedy about the life of Adolf Hitler, the German magazine “Stern” has found that 56 percent of all Germans believe that such a satirical depiction of Hitler is not a good idea. The movie, called “My Fuehrer” is directed by Dani Levy, a Swiss born Jew who resides in Germany.
MK Yuri Stern dies after battling cancer
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A friend to Christians and new immigrants to Israel, Member of Knesset (parliament) Yuri Stern, 58, died Tuesday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik issued a statement saying that the announcement of Stern's “untimely death stunned everyone.” “Yuri Stern symbolized, for me, the Zionist oleh (immigrant) who settles into life in Israel and becomes part of the legislative activity,” she said.
Israel, Syria deny secret peace agreement
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Both Israel and Syria have vehemently denied reports that the two countries have reached a political understanding on the path to a peace agreement reportedly forged after two years of secret meetings between Israeli and Syrian officials. According to the reported agreement, first revealed by Haaretz newspaper on Tuesday morning, Israel will agree to withdraw from the Golan Heights to the lines of June 4, 1967.
Olmert plans new Gush Katif in Negev
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A committee headed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will tour the Lahish community area in the northeastern part of the Negev next week and will announce a government plan to construct a new block of communities in the area which will absorb many of the families who were evacuated from Gush Katif in Gaza in August 2005.According to the plan by the Ministerial Disengagement Committee, the new block will include seven communities, some of them new and some already existing. The communities are Amazia, a moshav which already absorbed 100 families from Moshav Kativ; Moshav Shekef which currently houses 50 families,
Zelekha: Israel most corrupt nation in West
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Israel’s Accountant General Yaron Zelekha said Monday that Israel is the most corrupt nation in the Western world, but most of its civil service workers are honest and provide quality service to the citizens of Israel.“ The State of Israel is more corrupt than it might appear to an observer from the outside. The situation in the country is serious and requires reinforced supervision, inspection and control mechanisms,” Zelekha said. “Israel won 34th place on the World Corruption Index. We're lucky that the researchers are unaware of the entire truth.”
Lieberman, Peretz exchange fiery words
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman (photo) slammed Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Monday during a meeting of the ‘Israel Our Home’ party, saying that “as long as this man is in his post, the State of Israel and its security are in severe danger.” Lieberman went on to say that Lieberman “is engaged in political manipulations and internal struggles of the Labor Party, and this is not the defense minister Israel needs.”
Weekly Special Offer
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
CD “The Fisherman from Galilee” by Daniel Carmel

Including the original songs: “The Ruler of the World” & “Your Glory”. He sings a collection of Popular worship songs in Hebrew. While piloting the tour boats on the Sea of Galilee, he was exposed to God’s Word everyday. He heard the stories of Yeshua, the prayers of the pastors and the worship songs of the believers. Over a period of five years he pondered what he was hearing about Yeshua, and one morning awoke with a great love for Him.
Halutz denies Israel facing conflict with Syria
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz denied statements saying that Israel is on the brink of an armed confrontation with Syria due to erupt next summer. “We are always preparing, but we are not preparing for anything concrete,” he said.
Olmert praises Arab minister, disgusted by settler’s behavior
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said during the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday that the nomination of an Arab minister to the government is an important and positive occasion and that the move is long overdue.
Israel concerned Fatah and Hamas getting closer
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his concerns Sunday during the weekly cabinet meeting, regarding the tightening relations between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas regarding the formation of a unity government in the Palestinian Authority.
Livni leaves for Southeast Asia
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni left for an official visit to Southeast Asia Sunday night, where she will meet Japan’s new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Myeong-Sook. During the visit, Livni will sign
Rice does not oppose operations against Iran
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
On a visit to the Middle East, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she does not oppose Israeli military operations against Iran.
PM Olmert undergoes eye surgery
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert underwent eye surgery on Friday morning, immediately upon his return from China. The operation on his eyelids was carried out by a plastic eye surgeon at a private medical clinic in Jerusalem.
Israel joins Association of Prosecutors
Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2007
Secretary General of the International Association of Prosecutors Henk Marquart Scholtz, has announced this weekend that the executive committee of the organization has decided unanimously to grant Israel full membership in the organization.
Rice: No skipping steps in roadmap for peace
Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2007
United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is on a brief visit to Israel and the Palestinian Authority, met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Saturday night and denied publications she will demand Israel to skip the first stage of the Roadmap for Peace, obliging the Palestinians to dismantle the terror infrastructure.
Israel concerned by right wing political block
Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2007
Israel has expressed its “deep concern” in light of the formation of a new right wing political group in the European Parliament which, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, is based on xenophobia and anti-Semitism.
Bee Gees star appears in Israel
Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2007
Singer and songwriter, Robin Gibb of the “Bee Gees” arrived in Israel as a guest of psychic Uri Geller and the Ministry of Tourism.
Peretz: Talk of another war irresponsible
Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2007
With talk of another war this summer, Defense Minister Amir Peretz said the reports are “irresponsible and baseless.” Peretz also said, "There is no estimation that Israel is preparing for a war next summer. There are no data indicating such a thing."
Shabbat Commentary
Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007
SHEMOT – “Names”
Exodus 1:1-6:1; Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23
Catholic and Kosher in Rhode Island
Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007
The Admiral Weaver Inn, the only kosher bed and breakfast in Rhode Island, is run by a practicing Roman Catholic.
Praying at the Border
Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007
About 150 evangelical Christians from all over the world gathered on the border between Israel and Jordan to pray at the eastern gateway to the Promised Land on Thursday at a site packed with biblical and prophetic significance.
Israel to assist Sri Lanka improve emergency medicine
Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007
Israel has recently launched a long range plan to train the health authorities in Sri Lanka in the areas of trauma and emergency medicine. The project is being led by MASHAV, the Center for International Development and Cooperation in the Foreign Ministry, and in conjunction with the JOINT (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee), and is considered a flagship project.
National Resilience Index: 10% drop in trust of IDF
Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007
The annual “National Resilience Index” released for the seventh annual Herzliya Conference, indicates that there is a drop of 10 percent in the level the Jewish population in Israel trusts the fighting and winning abilities of the Israel Defense Forces.
History: Labor appoints first ever Arab minister
Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007
For the first time since the founding of the State of Israel, an Israeli Arab will serve as a minister in the Israeli government. Knesset Member Raleb Majadele of the Labor Party will serve as the Minister of Science, Culture, and Sports, replacing MK Ophir Pines who resigned from the post two months ago.
Olmert meeting with Chinese Prime Minister "encouraging"
Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in Bangkok calling the meeting “encouraging and surprising” and had “exceeded expectations.” Olmert said he was pleased with the Chinese government’s stance against Iran’s nuclear program.
Peres: chances of a Hamas and Fatah compromise slim
Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007
Vice Premier Shimon Peres believes the chance of Hamas and Fatah coming to a compromise is slim, because Hamas supports a radical religious ideology and in religion there is no compromise.
IDF: Hizballah Rearming; Al Qaeda entering Lebanon
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007
IDF intelligence Chief Maj.-General Amos Yadlin gave the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense committee Tuesday a harsh picture of the situation in southern Lebanon since the deployment of UNIFIL in the region after the war last summer.
Poll: Jewish students believe Arabs are uneducated, uncivilized, violent
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A Haifa University survey revealed that 75 percent of Jewish-Israeli high school students believe Arabs are uneducated, uncivilized, unclean and violent. Another 33 percent are afraid of Arabs.
Finnish newsmen convicted for anti-Semitic incitement
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A district court in the southern Porvoo region in Finland has convicted two newspaper editors for publishing a letter justifying the Holocaust, saying it was an acceptable course of action taken by Nazi Germany and that it was justifiable to act violently against Jews today.
Deputy UN Chief a graduate of Israeli women’s seminar
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007
The new Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon (photo)will appoint the Foreign Minister of Tanzania Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro to the post of Deputy Secretary General, the second highest post in the world body, a move praised by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Military Intel Chief says Syria has lowered war readiness
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Israel’s Military Intelligence Chief, Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin, told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday that Syria is lowering its readiness for war after the military tightened its security on the Syrian-Israel border.
Cross country car rally to remember the kidnapped soldiers
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
In light of the six month anniversary of the kidnapping of Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, and in light of the lack of progress to bring them back or receive any proof of life from them, the Public Campaign for the Return of the Kidnapped Soldiers will hold a car rally across the country this Friday to raise awareness for their cause.
75 percent of Gush Katif evacuees return to work
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Seventy-five percent of Gush Katif evacuees returned to work after months of unemployment. Some 100 former Gaza Strip settlers appealed to a committee of government ministers and public offices, pleading for employment promised by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
PMs will have to disclose health matters to the public
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
The Prime Minister’s office is currently formulating a new procedure which will allow public monitoring of the health status of all Israeli prime ministers.
Amir Peretz introduces “new roadmap for peace”
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Defense Minister Amir Peretz has introduced a new political plan titled the “New Roadmap for Peace,” mainly based on the Saudi initiative, negotiating for the permanent settlement with the Palestinians, and establishing an independent Palestinian state within two and a half years.
German Bishop to Hizballah: Show sign of Israeli soldiers’ lives
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Bishop Wolfgang Huber, head of the evangelical church in Germany, reminded parishioners during his Christmas sermon in the Berlin Cathedral of the three Israeli kidnapped soldiers and called on Hizballah to show compassion and show signs of life.
German Chancellor to visit region in February
Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will arrive in the Middle East in the beginning of February for a visit marking Germany’s presidency of the European Union.
Negev and Galilee budgets will not be cut
Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Finance Minister Avraham Hirchson have accepted the request of Vice Premier Shimon Peres and announced that the 3.5 percent cut to all government ministries will not affect the budgets for strengthening the Negev and Galilee, including the rehabilitation programs for the north.
“Millions are dead because world is obsessed with Israel”
Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007
Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, a world renowned legal expert, spoke last week at the Truth, Light and Freedom Rally at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto and commented about the current dangers to Israel and the growing trends of anti-Semitism around the world.
Spain: Double standards galore
Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007
During the war in Lebanon, the Spanish government was openly and actively critical of Israel for using cluster bombs. This, however, does not stop the Spanish from continuing to manufacture and use such bombs when it comes to their own Spanish army.
Iranian, Syrian ambassadors at foreign ministry in Jerusalem?
Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted IMUN - Israel Model United Nations, a two-day UN model conference, which began on Sunday. Nearly 140 high school students participated in a simulation – the UN model 2007, resembling discussions in the UN General Assembly.
Olmert: My connection to China is spiritual
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
It may be a largely unknown fact, but Prime Minister has a very deep connection to China. A connection which goes back many years to the days his parents fled Europe and arrived in China prior to WWII, before immigrating to Israel.
Czechs fighting anti-Semitism with video clips
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
A popular radio station in the Czech Republic has found an original way to fight anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, and Holocaust denial. The station produced a video clip which combines images of neo-Nazi demonstrations in Europe with archive footage of images from the holocaust, as well as an interview with a Czech Holocaust survivor all with a mix of modern electronic music.
Jewish community decides to ruin lives of Neturei Karta
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
Jewish elements in New York have declared war on members of the Jewish Neturei Karta movement who participated in the Holocaust denial conference in Iran last month and were photographed hugging and kissing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
IAF training to strike Iran with tactical nukes
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
The British newspaper The Sunday Times of London has revealed Sunday that the Israeli Air Force has been planning an attack on an Iranian nuclear plant, using low grade, tactical nuclear weapons to demolish Iran’s uranium enrichment facility and thus remove the immediate threat posed to Israel from the East.
Anti-Semitic Overview of 2006
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
From shootings and stabbings to attacks and murders, 2006 was replete with anti-Semitic events, bearing heavier scars than what has happened in recent years.
Won marathon, but lost citizenship
Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007
It was a bittersweet victory for Kenyan born athlete Mushir Salem Jawher who won the Tiberius Marathon Thursday. The Arab Emirate of Bahrain, where Jawher has been a citizen for the past three years, has decided to revoke his citizenship for breaking the law in participating in an Israeli event.
Shabbat Commentary
Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007
Va’yechi - And he lived - Genesis 47:28–50:26; 1 Kings 2:1-12

This particular weekly passage is read by the Jews on Shabbat morning services in the synagogue. With God’s help and guidance, I will attempt to convey the fulfillment of these verses in the new covenant, New Testament.

After the war, many seek religion
Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007
In the months after the war in the North last summer, a new trend has arisen: More and more new immigrants have turned to religion and are asking to officially “convert” to Judaism.
Israelis opening eyes in Uzbekistan – Literally
Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007
The gift of sight is one which most of us often take for granted. But for a group of 105 elderly Uzbeks, this gift was long gone – until two Israeli doctors arrived and gave it back to them.
Israel helps rescue Arabs in Saudi desert
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was able to assist in the rescue of 47 Israeli Arabs who got stuck in the vast desert of Saudi Arabia for 10 hours. The travelers were on their way back to Israel after visiting the holy city of Mecca for the traditional Hajj pilgrimage.
France: resolution of Mideast conflict will not end global terror
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
An official report published recently by the French government says that resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not bring an end to the threat of global terrorism.
Jews gather in the north to rehabilitate forests
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
A group of 550 Jews from all over the world gathered recently for a massive tree planting event in the Naftali Mountains forest in northern Israel. A large part of the lush green forest was burned down during the war in Lebanon this summer after being hit numerous times by Katyusha rockets fired by Hizballah in Lebanon.
77% of Israelis: Olmert not doing good job
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
A poll conducted by the Dahaf Institute headed by Dr. Mina Tzemah for the Knesset Television Channel, reveals that 77 percent of Israelis think that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is not doing a good job, where only 23 percent say he is doing a good job. Only 1 percent of Israelis think he is doing his job very well.
Olmert to announce new consulate in Canton
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is set to announce next week during his official visit to China that Israel will be opening a new official representational office in the city of Guangzhou, better known by its colonial name as Canton.
State to invest NIS 930 million in Arab sector
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
According to data released by the offices of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Vice Premier Shimon Peres, the Israeli government will invest a total of 930 million shekels ($216 million) in the Arab sector in an attempt to strengthen northern Israel in the next year and a half.
Lieberman: Ban Iran from UN
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
In a harsh letter written to the incoming Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman demanded that the membership of Iran in the world body be revoked because of the continuing calls made by its president for the destruction of Israel.
Teddy Kollek to be buried at distinguished plot in Mt. Herzl
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Former long time mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 95, will be buried in an official national ceremony at the plot designated for Israel’s most distinguished leaders, the Ministerial Committee for Ceremonies has decided. He will be laid to rest at in Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Livni: Roadmap plan still intact
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni clarified Tuesday that despite recent media publications, she is still committed to the roadmap and all its phases and has not given up on the first stage which calls for Palestinians to fight terrorism.
Jewish Iranian parliament rep favors nuclear program
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Maurice Motamed, a member of the Iranian parliament representing the Jewish community and a supporter of the Iranian nuclear program has recently visited the large Iranian Jewish population in Los Angeles and held meetings with the local Iranian community.
Hitler a Jew?
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
“Hitler was a Jew who helped found Israel.” It might seem preposterous to many, but recent comments made by Mohammad-Ali Ramin, a top advisor to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seem to indicate otherwise.
Philly Stock Exchange introduces Israeli index
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) has announced recently that it is launching a trade index of leading Israeli companies traded in the United States. The announcement came with a special opening bell ceremony held at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange earlier in December.
Something stinks in the Jordanian kingdom
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
As if Israel doesn’t have enough trouble with its neighbors, a new problem arose in the southern border with Jordan this weekend as King Abdullah II of Jordan filed a complaint with Israel regarding severe bovine odors blown across the border into Jordan and the city of Aqaba.
Lieberman: Israel should join NATO, EU
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman said Monday that Israel should set itself a political objective for the next five years to join as a full member of the European Union and NATO.
Teddy Kollek dies at 95
Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The legendary former mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek, who served for an unprecedented 28 years, has died Tuesday at the age of 95.
UNIFIL force reaches 11,083 soldiers
Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007
The United Nations has announced Sunday that on the eve of the new civilian year, the international UNIFIL force deployed in southern Lebanon as a result of the war has reached a total of 11,083 soldiers from 26 countries, including 9,167 ground forces and 1,777 naval and marine forces.
Israel transfers funds to East Jerusalem hospitals
Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007
Israel has transferred last week a sum of 50 million shekels from the withheld Palestinian tax funds to Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem. This sum is given in addition to the 100 million shekels promised by Prime Minister Olmert to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Peretz: I’ll resign if ordered to
Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007
In a meeting with families of soldiers who lost their lives in the recent war in Lebanon, Defense Minister Peretz said that if the Winograd Commission investigating the war finds him personally responsible, he will draw the conclusions and resign.
Peres to represent Israel in Ford funeral
Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007
Vice Premier Shimon Peres has accepted the request of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to head the Israeli delegation which will represent Israel at the presidential funeral of former US President Gerald Ford who passed away last week. Peres and
Israel denying reports of imminent Shalit deal
Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007
Political sources in Israel have denied the reports in the Arab media from Sunday that a breakthrough in negotiations about a deal to release Cpl. Gilad Shalit was imminent.
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