Thousands of Christians joined together with Jewish leaders to show their support for the nation of Israel as part of the annual Christians United for Israel Summit. Organized by pastor and televangelist John Hagee, the CUFI summit boasts plenty of big names—this year, they include TV host Glenn Beck, former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Oren.
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
(NOTICE) Free Gilad Shalit Campaign To Erect Billboard Outside The UN
Gal Sitty, the campaign manager for the "Free Gilad Shalit!" campaign is trying to raise funds to place a billboard outside the Manhattan headquarters of the UN in an attempt to have leaders take the necessary steps to free Gilad Shalit from illegal captivity after so many years...
This campaign is one of utmost importance so please do the Mitvah of donating money to the Free Gilad Shalit campaign... We all want to see him come home someday soon...
Please click here to read more about the campaign as well as to donate!
Here is an article which was written by the Jerusalem Post regarding this campaign...
Your support for the release of Gilad Shalit is deeply appreciated, please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.
This campaign is one of utmost importance so please do the Mitvah of donating money to the Free Gilad Shalit campaign... We all want to see him come home someday soon...
Please click here to read more about the campaign as well as to donate!
Here is an article which was written by the Jerusalem Post regarding this campaign...
Your support for the release of Gilad Shalit is deeply appreciated, please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.
(VIDEO) Muslims, Leftists Bring "Holy War" Against Jews To Streets Of L.A.- With Police Assistance
Video below: A small group of Zionist supporters of Israel stand against the Nakba rally of L.A.'s Moslems, the far-left, and leftist Jewish Voice for Peace at the Israeli Consulate in LA on May 15, 2011.
Naqba rally leaders objected to this reporter giving exposure to their demonstration; a Moslem organizer called police to remove him from the street. Despite numerous LAPD police just standing around on periphery, rather than stand to protect this journalist's right to film, policeman intimidated him into leaving, with the implied threat that police might not be "able to protect him in time from potential attack" from chronicling Moslem/leftist protestors.
After he left, police supposedly abused a Jewish teen for filming a Moslem's Jew-hateful rant - under the charge of 'jaywalking' , i.e., not returning to the sidewalk before the light changed.
The young man says the cops manhandled him to put his arms in handcuffs, placed him inside a police car, seized his wallet and removed and examined all its contents.
Naqba rally leaders objected to this reporter giving exposure to their demonstration; a Moslem organizer called police to remove him from the street. Despite numerous LAPD police just standing around on periphery, rather than stand to protect this journalist's right to film, policeman intimidated him into leaving, with the implied threat that police might not be "able to protect him in time from potential attack" from chronicling Moslem/leftist protestors.
After he left, police supposedly abused a Jewish teen for filming a Moslem's Jew-hateful rant - under the charge of 'jaywalking' , i.e., not returning to the sidewalk before the light changed.
The young man says the cops manhandled him to put his arms in handcuffs, placed him inside a police car, seized his wallet and removed and examined all its contents.
(VIDEO) The Wall Of Lies & Useful Idiots At Penn State University
An anti-Israel student attempts to attack a David Horowitz Freedom Center student cameraman and kicks a box of informational pamphlets after a debate about whether or not Israel is "occupied Palestine."
Exactly how many people out there actually think and believe that Palestine was ever a country and yet base their entire argument on this fairy tale? This is what we are up against, mission impossible, how do you argue with morons and expect to get anywhere with them?
Exactly how many people out there actually think and believe that Palestine was ever a country and yet base their entire argument on this fairy tale? This is what we are up against, mission impossible, how do you argue with morons and expect to get anywhere with them?
(NEWS) Vicious Teens Cried 'Jew, Jew' As They Punched & Beat Rabbi Unconscious During Thanksgiving Attack
Video below: "The victim of a Thanksgiving hate crime testified Friday his attackers screamed 'Jew, Jew!' as they beat him unconscious on a Brooklyn street.
'They ripped off my clothes, my hat and my yarmulke. They were punching my face,' said Joel Weinberger, 26, a Hasidic rabbi and father of four.
Weinberger ended up with numerous fractures and a broken eye socket. He had three steel implants in his cheek, he told the Daily News outside the courtroom.
'I was hit from the back; I lost consciousness,' Weinberger testified at an evidence hearing.
He came to, tried to run away, but was hit repeatedly until he blacked out again, he said.
Two 15-year-old boys were charged with assault as a hate crime for the attack on Harrison St. in Williamsburg.
Two NYPD detectives testified that the teens said they attacked 'the Jew' because 'it was something fun to do.'
Detective Nicole Carter said the boys claimed they 'were bored,' went to a park, bought a '$5 bag of weed, got high' and then decided to go to what they called 'Jew town.'
One of the teens is accused of later beating two other Orthodox Jews - one last Saturday and another on Monday as he left a Chanukah party.
Because the suspects were charged as juveniles, The News is not publishing their names.
Both are chronic truants and drug users who cannot be controlled by their parents, probation reports say.
One of the teens was laughing during the proceedings, prompting a warning from the judge to 'treat the process with dignity.'
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 17." (source)
'They ripped off my clothes, my hat and my yarmulke. They were punching my face,' said Joel Weinberger, 26, a Hasidic rabbi and father of four.
Weinberger ended up with numerous fractures and a broken eye socket. He had three steel implants in his cheek, he told the Daily News outside the courtroom.
'I was hit from the back; I lost consciousness,' Weinberger testified at an evidence hearing.
He came to, tried to run away, but was hit repeatedly until he blacked out again, he said.
Two 15-year-old boys were charged with assault as a hate crime for the attack on Harrison St. in Williamsburg.
Two NYPD detectives testified that the teens said they attacked 'the Jew' because 'it was something fun to do.'
Detective Nicole Carter said the boys claimed they 'were bored,' went to a park, bought a '$5 bag of weed, got high' and then decided to go to what they called 'Jew town.'
One of the teens is accused of later beating two other Orthodox Jews - one last Saturday and another on Monday as he left a Chanukah party.
Because the suspects were charged as juveniles, The News is not publishing their names.
Both are chronic truants and drug users who cannot be controlled by their parents, probation reports say.
One of the teens was laughing during the proceedings, prompting a warning from the judge to 'treat the process with dignity.'
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 17." (source)
(NEWS) Kissinger: Gassing Jews Would Not Be A US Problem
"'If they put Jews into gas chambers in the Soviet Union, it is not an American concern,' then-US sec. of state tells Nixon on 1973 tape.
Henry Kissinger is heard saying the genocide of Soviet Jews would not be an American problem on newly released tapes chronicling President Nixon’s obsession with disparaging Jews and other minorities.
Kissinger’s remarks come after a meeting between the two men and former prime minister Golda Meir on March 1, 1973, in which Meir pleads for US pressure on the Soviet Union to release its Jews."
Henry Kissinger is heard saying the genocide of Soviet Jews would not be an American problem on newly released tapes chronicling President Nixon’s obsession with disparaging Jews and other minorities.
Kissinger’s remarks come after a meeting between the two men and former prime minister Golda Meir on March 1, 1973, in which Meir pleads for US pressure on the Soviet Union to release its Jews."
(NEWS) Americans Plan Pro-Israel ‘Buy-Cott’ Campaign Next Week
"American pro-Israel activists are planning a massive national 'Buy Israel Goods (BIG)' campaign next Tuesday and hope it will continue every day.
The www.BuyIsraelGoods.org website includes a locator for finding stores in different areas that carry Israeli products.
Previous 'buy-cotts' in the United States and Canada have been highly successful, leaving many stores with empty shelves after buyers cleaned them out, purchasing wine, snacks, cosmetics and hundreds of other Israeli-made products."
The www.BuyIsraelGoods.org website includes a locator for finding stores in different areas that carry Israeli products.
Previous 'buy-cotts' in the United States and Canada have been highly successful, leaving many stores with empty shelves after buyers cleaned them out, purchasing wine, snacks, cosmetics and hundreds of other Israeli-made products."
(NEWS) From Church To Anarchy To Neo-Nazism To Yeshivah
"A young man's fascinating journey from attending Church to anarchism then on to neo-Nazism and finally to Yeshivas Tiferes Menachem of Segate.
Recently Rabbi Shmuel Reich of the Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center of Clearwater FL provided a 'Hatafas Dam Bris' for a Jew whose mother converted to Christianity before he was born, and arranged for him to go study in Yeshivah in Seagate for 3 months.
This is an amazing story and it goes like this: Aryeh Yehudah Jacobs was born and raised in Clearwater FL, and he is related to one of the wealthiest Jewish families in the Tampa Bay area which built many thousands of homes in the area. However, the Tampa Bay area also happens to be the worst area of assimilation in America, particularly Clearwater. (Martin Grossman grew up in Clearwater.) His mother`s family was a normal Jewish family which only went to the reform Temple once a year. When they grew up, her sister was looking for religion and she ended up converting to Christianity, then she convinced her sister – Aryeh Yehuda`s mother – to do the same.
Aryeh Yehudah was born after his mother converted, his father isn't Jewish. His mother would take him regularly to a church led by none other than a 'Pastor Nuessbaum' – go figure, and he always subconsciously rebelled against it. Through this rebelliousness against Christianity he got involved with anarchist, death metal, and neo-Nazi groups which eventually led him to prison. In prison he discovered that he is Jewish through another prisoner who told him 'if your mother was born Jewish than you are absolutely Jewish', and that’s what really got him interested in learning more about Judaism. Through Rabbi Mendy Katz of 'Aleph', and Rabbi Shmuel Spritzer of 'Reaching out', he received Jewish material while in prison, as well as Rabbi Yossi Eber of Chabad of West Pasco who helped him out upon his release.
Recently he came back home to Clearwater where Bhashgacha Pratis he met Rabbi Reich, who – as mentioned above - provided him with a 'Hatafas Dam Bris' whereupon he received his Hebrew name 'Aryeh Yehudah', and soon after he arranged for him to study for 3 months in yeshivah 'Tiferes Menachem' of Segate. Aryeh Yehudah wants to live his life as a good Jew. He also wants to visit Israel, and grow in Yidishkeit one day at a time!" (source)
Recently Rabbi Shmuel Reich of the Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center of Clearwater FL provided a 'Hatafas Dam Bris' for a Jew whose mother converted to Christianity before he was born, and arranged for him to go study in Yeshivah in Seagate for 3 months.
Aryeh Yehudah was born after his mother converted, his father isn't Jewish. His mother would take him regularly to a church led by none other than a 'Pastor Nuessbaum' – go figure, and he always subconsciously rebelled against it. Through this rebelliousness against Christianity he got involved with anarchist, death metal, and neo-Nazi groups which eventually led him to prison. In prison he discovered that he is Jewish through another prisoner who told him 'if your mother was born Jewish than you are absolutely Jewish', and that’s what really got him interested in learning more about Judaism. Through Rabbi Mendy Katz of 'Aleph', and Rabbi Shmuel Spritzer of 'Reaching out', he received Jewish material while in prison, as well as Rabbi Yossi Eber of Chabad of West Pasco who helped him out upon his release.
Recently he came back home to Clearwater where Bhashgacha Pratis he met Rabbi Reich, who – as mentioned above - provided him with a 'Hatafas Dam Bris' whereupon he received his Hebrew name 'Aryeh Yehudah', and soon after he arranged for him to study for 3 months in yeshivah 'Tiferes Menachem' of Segate. Aryeh Yehudah wants to live his life as a good Jew. He also wants to visit Israel, and grow in Yidishkeit one day at a time!" (source)
(NEWS) Strauss Removes Support For IDF From English Website
"After boycott threats from the BDS movement in the US, Israel's top food, beverage company removes support for Golani's reconnaissance platoon.
The Strauss Group, one of the country’s foremost food and beverage companies, has apparently bowed to boycott threats by anti-Israel activists and removed endorsements of the IDF from its English website.
Activists from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Philadelphia recently initiated a boycott campaign against Sabra and Tribe humous products, purportedly in protest of the company’s public support for the Israeli military."
Related Article:
The Strauss Group, one of the country’s foremost food and beverage companies, has apparently bowed to boycott threats by anti-Israel activists and removed endorsements of the IDF from its English website.
Activists from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Philadelphia recently initiated a boycott campaign against Sabra and Tribe humous products, purportedly in protest of the company’s public support for the Israeli military."
Related Article:
(NEWS) Son Of Holocaust Survivors Has Bar Mitzvah At 62
"Rabbi Shmuel Reich, of the Chabad Jewish enrichment Center in Clearwater Fl. recently made a Bar Mitzvah to a Jew who lost 8 brothers and sisters in the holocaust, and never had a Bar Mitzvah.
For over a year and half Rabbi Reich has been going to the flea markets every Sunday to find local Jews who cannot be found anywhere else. In Florida flea markets are very popular due to the warm weather. During this time he has made over 25 Bar mitzvah`s at the local Flea Markets.
In this case, he drove 30 minutes to a small local flea market for the purpose of finding Jews, but after an hour and a half of searching, he could not find any. Just as he was about to leave, someone tapped him on his shoulder and said 'shalom Aleichem Reb yid, ir redt idish?' His name was Morris S. (Moshe ben Chaim), he was born in 1948 in a 'Displaced Persons' camp in Germany, to his parents, only 3 years after the Holocaust. His parents lost 8 out of 10 of their children in the concentration camps. The 2 oldest sons survived the camps; they were 13 and 14 years old in 1945, and all of the 8 younger kids were killed. His parents were born in Poland and Austria, but moved to Hamburg, Germany in the early 30`s for business.
After spending 3 years in the 'D.P.' camps, they moved with their 3 sons to New Jersey, however they were too heartbroken to ever get involved in the Jewish community, therefore Morris never had a Bar Mitzvah at all. In their home they only spoke Yiddish, thus Morris is fluent in Yiddish till today. He was drafted to the Vietnam war, and he insisted on going to the Marines. He recounted how he had a whole argument with his parents – all in Yiddish – whether or not he should go to the marines; his parents said no, he said yes.
He was injured in combat, and so he became a disabled vet. Therefore he sells at the local Flea Market to generate some extra cash. His ex-wife wasn’t Jewish, though he called his son David Noson, and his daughter Malka Sheina on the name of his older brother and only sister who were killed in the camps. May they all return with Techiyas Hameisim NOW!" (source)
For over a year and half Rabbi Reich has been going to the flea markets every Sunday to find local Jews who cannot be found anywhere else. In Florida flea markets are very popular due to the warm weather. During this time he has made over 25 Bar mitzvah`s at the local Flea Markets.
After spending 3 years in the 'D.P.' camps, they moved with their 3 sons to New Jersey, however they were too heartbroken to ever get involved in the Jewish community, therefore Morris never had a Bar Mitzvah at all. In their home they only spoke Yiddish, thus Morris is fluent in Yiddish till today. He was drafted to the Vietnam war, and he insisted on going to the Marines. He recounted how he had a whole argument with his parents – all in Yiddish – whether or not he should go to the marines; his parents said no, he said yes.
He was injured in combat, and so he became a disabled vet. Therefore he sells at the local Flea Market to generate some extra cash. His ex-wife wasn’t Jewish, though he called his son David Noson, and his daughter Malka Sheina on the name of his older brother and only sister who were killed in the camps. May they all return with Techiyas Hameisim NOW!" (source)
(BLOG) Don’t Let Israel Be Demonized On Campus
"By Ryan Kuhel: Images that are distasteful can be so outrageous they become humorous. As I scrolled through my Facebook messages, I found an image of Justice Louis Brandeis wearing a kaffiyeh (Arab men’s headdress) alongside an invitation to participate in 'Israel Occupation Week' at Brandeis, which I attend. This potent image dances between being offensive and funny.
However, the programs being planned for 'Israel Occupation Week' on campus were not to be taken lightly.
Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voices for Peace are two groups at Brandeis that helped organize and facilitate the event. Many members of these groups are Jewish, and some are Israeli. The programs included performances by a Palestinian hip-hop group, an event promoting a boycott of Israel, and a speech by Prof. Noam Chomsky about why Americans have the responsibility to pressure our government to stop Israeli war crimes.
These programs were a blatant display of educational malpractice. Israel was demonized, and no mention was made of the Jewish state’s overtures of peace; the disengagement from Gaza and the Gush Katif; Arab leadership’s crimes against the Palestinian people; and most important, Israel’s serious security concerns. While universities should be open to different perspectives on difficult issues, we must be able to distinguish between education and incitement.
The Brandeis Zionist Alliance, of which I am a part, held 'Israel Peace Week' to contrast Occupation Week. This forum included an Israeli gourmet buffet, distributing shot glasses printed with 'Israel gives peace a shot' and an Israeli flag, and distributing information about Israel’s overtures for peace.
Many students were frustrated with this lackluster response. To bolster the message, some of us started a campaign to give context to the anti-Israel propaganda. Our goal was both to inform the Brandeis community about Israel’s serious security concerns and to show our unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend its populace. When asked by the student newspaper what group we were a part of, we simply responded 'Brandeis students.'
Our group organized a campaign to educate the Brandeis community about the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. We spoke with hundreds of students walking to class about his capture and received more than 300 signatures on a petition to allow Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of The Red Cross) to visit Shalit.
We also presented a dramatization where names of terror victims were read along with the place they were murdered. This forced students to consider the security fence as a necessary evil that helps protect Israel’s people.
During Chomsky’s speech, we had about 50 students dressed in white and blue leave quietly as part of a peaceful protest. Students were forced to question Chomsky’s credibility and consider whether Chomsky’s one-sided agenda gave full context to the issues being discussed.
Beside 'Israel Peace Week,' the most important advocacy happenings on campus are educational programs. Many speakers come to campus to present Israel’s perspective in this conflict. The Brandeis Zionist Alliance brought in Israeli soldiers to give their account of the conflict. In addition, Holocaust survivor Irving Roth spoke on campus about anti-Semitism and its relationship to anti-Israel propaganda.
I hope to inform Clevelanders about the political landscape at Brandeis and offer a constructive suggestion. If you are frustrated with the way Israel is being demonized on colleges across the country, you can help remedy this situation. I strongly suggest supporting local institutions that build strong Jewish leadership, such as NCSY, Birthright, and Jewish day schools.
I especially applaud The Fuchs Mizrachi School for its efforts to build informed, proud Jewish leadership. During my high-school experience there, students had the privilege of studying Zionism, learning Hebrew, and hearing Natan Sharansky speak. The school teaches students about our bond to Israel and our responsibility to protect Israel.
My hope is that the Cleveland community will stand together and support institutions that are educating future Jewish leadership so students are able to stand up on campus and support Israel.
Ryan Kuhel, a native of Beachwood, will graduate from Brandeis University in 2013." (source)
However, the programs being planned for 'Israel Occupation Week' on campus were not to be taken lightly.
Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voices for Peace are two groups at Brandeis that helped organize and facilitate the event. Many members of these groups are Jewish, and some are Israeli. The programs included performances by a Palestinian hip-hop group, an event promoting a boycott of Israel, and a speech by Prof. Noam Chomsky about why Americans have the responsibility to pressure our government to stop Israeli war crimes.
These programs were a blatant display of educational malpractice. Israel was demonized, and no mention was made of the Jewish state’s overtures of peace; the disengagement from Gaza and the Gush Katif; Arab leadership’s crimes against the Palestinian people; and most important, Israel’s serious security concerns. While universities should be open to different perspectives on difficult issues, we must be able to distinguish between education and incitement.
The Brandeis Zionist Alliance, of which I am a part, held 'Israel Peace Week' to contrast Occupation Week. This forum included an Israeli gourmet buffet, distributing shot glasses printed with 'Israel gives peace a shot' and an Israeli flag, and distributing information about Israel’s overtures for peace.
Many students were frustrated with this lackluster response. To bolster the message, some of us started a campaign to give context to the anti-Israel propaganda. Our goal was both to inform the Brandeis community about Israel’s serious security concerns and to show our unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend its populace. When asked by the student newspaper what group we were a part of, we simply responded 'Brandeis students.'
Our group organized a campaign to educate the Brandeis community about the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. We spoke with hundreds of students walking to class about his capture and received more than 300 signatures on a petition to allow Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of The Red Cross) to visit Shalit.
We also presented a dramatization where names of terror victims were read along with the place they were murdered. This forced students to consider the security fence as a necessary evil that helps protect Israel’s people.
During Chomsky’s speech, we had about 50 students dressed in white and blue leave quietly as part of a peaceful protest. Students were forced to question Chomsky’s credibility and consider whether Chomsky’s one-sided agenda gave full context to the issues being discussed.
Beside 'Israel Peace Week,' the most important advocacy happenings on campus are educational programs. Many speakers come to campus to present Israel’s perspective in this conflict. The Brandeis Zionist Alliance brought in Israeli soldiers to give their account of the conflict. In addition, Holocaust survivor Irving Roth spoke on campus about anti-Semitism and its relationship to anti-Israel propaganda.
I hope to inform Clevelanders about the political landscape at Brandeis and offer a constructive suggestion. If you are frustrated with the way Israel is being demonized on colleges across the country, you can help remedy this situation. I strongly suggest supporting local institutions that build strong Jewish leadership, such as NCSY, Birthright, and Jewish day schools.
I especially applaud The Fuchs Mizrachi School for its efforts to build informed, proud Jewish leadership. During my high-school experience there, students had the privilege of studying Zionism, learning Hebrew, and hearing Natan Sharansky speak. The school teaches students about our bond to Israel and our responsibility to protect Israel.
My hope is that the Cleveland community will stand together and support institutions that are educating future Jewish leadership so students are able to stand up on campus and support Israel.
Ryan Kuhel, a native of Beachwood, will graduate from Brandeis University in 2013." (source)
(BLOG) Israel Is An Asset To The US, Always And Forever
"By Ana Ellis: 'I had faith in Israel before it was established; I have faith in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it — not just as another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.'
Fifty-eight years ago, President Harry Truman made this declaration, in turn solidifying the relationship between the United States and Israel, not due to a feeling of necessity, but out of a commitment to what was right.
It took just 11 minutes for the United Statesto recognize the state of Israel in 1948. Since that moment, the two nations have forged bonds rooted in a strong foundation that continues to strengthen as the core values and shared interests of both Israel and the United States become increasingly intertwined.
Dedicated, committed, reliable, and trustworthy are all adjectives that both nations invoke when discussing their alliance. Surpassing six decades, the two nations have proven that they each possess resources -- tangible and intangible -- that are invaluable to one another.
There are those who argue that Israel is no longer a strategic asset to the United States. To them I ask, 'What is the value of our soldiers' lives? What is the value of your and your family's lives?'
These questions have no simple answers, but may be countered with these points: First, the United States' success in the Iraq war was due directly to Israeli products being used by the U.S. military. Next, Israel has taken casualties for the U.S. in a way that few other allies have. Third, with the money Israel has received from the United States in foreign aid, Israel has been able to provide security to its country that allows the U.S. to remove its aircraft carriers from the Mediterranean Sea, thereby saving our country significant financial resources. Fourth, about three-fourths of the money Israel receives in aid from the U.S. is spent on American-made military equipment, thus contributing to a critical component of the American economy and providing innumerable high-tech defense jobs.
Furthermore, with Israel's tools, military intelligence, and help, the U.S. has been able to identify, confront, and eliminate adversaries, while mitigating the danger to innocent civilian lives.
Today, the United States and Israel both fight against relatively autonomous enemies. Their adversaries are borderless and fight behind the civilians, not on their behalf. To ensure that both nations' soldiers are as safe as possible during these engagements, the two countries work together daily to develop valuable technology, mechanisms and tactics.
The value of our soldiers' lives and the value of your and your family's lives is far greater than the U.S. is capable of safeguarding alone. Without its alliance with Israel, the U.S. would be faced with the deaths of more of its own by our enemies.
As long as these enemies exist, soldiers will fight and citizens will need protecting, and Israel will remain the invaluable strategic asset to the United States that it has proven itself to be over the last 62 years.
Ana Dru Ellis is a senior at the University of Vermont, president of the UVM College Republicans and vice president of Campus LiaisonVermont Students for Israel." (source)
Fifty-eight years ago, President Harry Truman made this declaration, in turn solidifying the relationship between the United States and Israel, not due to a feeling of necessity, but out of a commitment to what was right.
It took just 11 minutes for the United Statesto recognize the state of Israel in 1948. Since that moment, the two nations have forged bonds rooted in a strong foundation that continues to strengthen as the core values and shared interests of both Israel and the United States become increasingly intertwined.
Dedicated, committed, reliable, and trustworthy are all adjectives that both nations invoke when discussing their alliance. Surpassing six decades, the two nations have proven that they each possess resources -- tangible and intangible -- that are invaluable to one another.
There are those who argue that Israel is no longer a strategic asset to the United States. To them I ask, 'What is the value of our soldiers' lives? What is the value of your and your family's lives?'
These questions have no simple answers, but may be countered with these points: First, the United States' success in the Iraq war was due directly to Israeli products being used by the U.S. military. Next, Israel has taken casualties for the U.S. in a way that few other allies have. Third, with the money Israel has received from the United States in foreign aid, Israel has been able to provide security to its country that allows the U.S. to remove its aircraft carriers from the Mediterranean Sea, thereby saving our country significant financial resources. Fourth, about three-fourths of the money Israel receives in aid from the U.S. is spent on American-made military equipment, thus contributing to a critical component of the American economy and providing innumerable high-tech defense jobs.
Furthermore, with Israel's tools, military intelligence, and help, the U.S. has been able to identify, confront, and eliminate adversaries, while mitigating the danger to innocent civilian lives.
Today, the United States and Israel both fight against relatively autonomous enemies. Their adversaries are borderless and fight behind the civilians, not on their behalf. To ensure that both nations' soldiers are as safe as possible during these engagements, the two countries work together daily to develop valuable technology, mechanisms and tactics.
The value of our soldiers' lives and the value of your and your family's lives is far greater than the U.S. is capable of safeguarding alone. Without its alliance with Israel, the U.S. would be faced with the deaths of more of its own by our enemies.
As long as these enemies exist, soldiers will fight and citizens will need protecting, and Israel will remain the invaluable strategic asset to the United States that it has proven itself to be over the last 62 years.
Ana Dru Ellis is a senior at the University of Vermont, president of the UVM College Republicans and vice president of Campus LiaisonVermont Students for Israel." (source)
(VIDEO) Jewish Voice For Peace Leads Anti-Israel Rally In Chicago
Video below: "On Sunday November 14th, 2010, Jewish Voice for Peace a left wing activist group lead a protest in downtown Chicago against Israel and the United States. Some members of the organized protest did not even know how to explain the message of their signs, one of whom simply resorting to calling me a racist. Others accuse Israel of falsifying the video footage of weapons aboard the supposed humanitarian Gaza Flotila. One member of the group even voices a strong opposition to Israel’s right to exist and uses profane sexual slurs against Mrs. Netanyahu the wife of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli PM. After further investigation into the group’s activities, they are also organizing an event to support another activist group known as Anarchists Against the Wall, and Socialist activist Noam Chomsky is a member of the Jewish Voice for Peace’s Advisory Board." (source)
(h/t: Elder Of Ziyon)
(h/t: Elder Of Ziyon)
(NEWS) Fight Erupts Between Jewish Voice For Peace & StandWithUs
"A dispute between right-wing and left-wing Israel activists in Berkeley, Calif., resulted in a physical altercation involving pepper spray, police and paramedics.
On Sunday, activists associated with San Francisco Voice for Israel/StandWithUs disrupted a meeting of Jewish Voice for Peace at the South Berkeley Senior Center, heckling speakers.
One heckler, Robin Dubner of Oakland, used pepper spray against two Jewish Voice for Peace members. The Jewish Voice for Peace members said the spraying was unprovoked, but Dubner said she sprayed because she was physically attacked."
On Sunday, activists associated with San Francisco Voice for Israel/StandWithUs disrupted a meeting of Jewish Voice for Peace at the South Berkeley Senior Center, heckling speakers.
One heckler, Robin Dubner of Oakland, used pepper spray against two Jewish Voice for Peace members. The Jewish Voice for Peace members said the spraying was unprovoked, but Dubner said she sprayed because she was physically attacked."
(NEWS) Man On Mission To Save Jewish Delis
"Chicago and Cleveland have the best corned beef. Detroit is tops for rye bread. The best smoked meat is in Montreal, and for pastrami, you can’t touch New York and L.A.
When it comes to Jewish delicatessen, 30-year-old David Sax is the go-to guy. A longtime deli aficionado, the annoyingly trim Sax spent three years eating his way through more than 150 Jewish delis to research 'Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen,' a wistful, riotously funny paean to this quintessential slice of American Jewish history.
The book, which will be published in October by Houghton Miflin Harcourt, is a delicious romp through a fast-disappearing world."
When it comes to Jewish delicatessen, 30-year-old David Sax is the go-to guy. A longtime deli aficionado, the annoyingly trim Sax spent three years eating his way through more than 150 Jewish delis to research 'Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen,' a wistful, riotously funny paean to this quintessential slice of American Jewish history.
The book, which will be published in October by Houghton Miflin Harcourt, is a delicious romp through a fast-disappearing world."
(NEWS) Jewish Groups Condemn Effort To Ban Circumcision In The US
"San Francisco-area Jewish organizations condemned a proposed ballot measure to outlaw Jewish ritual circumcision in the city.
The Anti-Defamation League, the local Jewish Community Relations Council, the Board of Rabbis of Northern California and the American Jewish Committee together issued a statement expressing 'great concern' about the proposed measure, which would make the practice of brit milah, or ritual circumcision, on anyone under age 18 a misdemeanor carrying a $1,000 fine.
'For thousands of years, Jews around the world have engaged in this important religious ritual, which is of fundamental importance in the Jewish tradition,' the statement said. 'The organized Jewish community is deeply troubled by this initiative, which would interfere with the rights of parents to make religious decisions for their own families.'"
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The Anti-Defamation League, the local Jewish Community Relations Council, the Board of Rabbis of Northern California and the American Jewish Committee together issued a statement expressing 'great concern' about the proposed measure, which would make the practice of brit milah, or ritual circumcision, on anyone under age 18 a misdemeanor carrying a $1,000 fine.
'For thousands of years, Jews around the world have engaged in this important religious ritual, which is of fundamental importance in the Jewish tradition,' the statement said. 'The organized Jewish community is deeply troubled by this initiative, which would interfere with the rights of parents to make religious decisions for their own families.'"
Related Article:
(NEWS) Gerda Weissman Klein, Holocaust Survivor, Receives Freedom Medal
"A Holocaust survivor who teaches children the value of citizenship is among those who will be honored by President Obama with a Medal of Freedom.
Gerda Weissman Klein, who survived the notorious death march at the end of the war designed by Nazis to keep Jews from being rescued, recently founded Citizenship Counts, 'an organization that teaches students to cherish the value of their American citizenship,' the White House said in a statement Wednesday. 'Klein has spoken to audiences of all ages and faith around the world about the value of freedom and has dedicated her life to promoting tolerance and understanding among all people,' the statement said."
Gerda Weissman Klein, who survived the notorious death march at the end of the war designed by Nazis to keep Jews from being rescued, recently founded Citizenship Counts, 'an organization that teaches students to cherish the value of their American citizenship,' the White House said in a statement Wednesday. 'Klein has spoken to audiences of all ages and faith around the world about the value of freedom and has dedicated her life to promoting tolerance and understanding among all people,' the statement said."
(NEWS) Newton Synagogue Cancels Talk By Critic Of Israeli Policies
"Temple Beth Avodah, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Newton, has abruptly canceled an event with the president of J Street, a lobbying group that supports liberal positions on Israel, because of vociferous objections from some members of the congregation about J Street’s politics.
The program, billed as a conversation between J Street’s Jeremy Ben-Ami and M. Steven Maas, editor of the Boston-based Jewish Advocate, will be held tomorrow night, but has been moved to the nearby Memorial-Spaulding Elementary School.
Rabbi Keith Stern, who has led Temple Beth Avodah for more than 13 years, said a 'small, influential group' within the congregation voiced strong opposition to hosting the event. Synagogue leaders decided to cancel after 'an agonizing process,' he said, because they felt the controversy would 'threaten the fabric of the congregation.'
'The understanding was that it was going to be what I considered to be an honest and open conversation with a liberal Jewish organization, but I clearly did not understand how deep the antipathy is among a group within the Jewish community toward J Street and toward Jeremy Ben-Ami,' he said.
The event had been scheduled at the suggestion of J Street about a month ago, Stern said. There had been no formal vetting process, and he said he had not anticipated how much consternation it would cause.
'I deeply regret the inconvenience to J Street, and the difficulty that created for them,' he said. 'I feel badly that people got so exercised here, through a gesture I really believed was about bringing an opportunity to the congregation.'
J Street, which calls itself 'the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans,' was formed two years ago as an alternative to AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, and it has drawn support from US liberals.
The organization says it believes that the United States should encourage the peace process in the Middle East, even if it means disagreeing with the Israeli government, because an end to the conflict is in the long-term interest of Israel and the United States.
J Street opposes preemptive military action against Iran and the expansion of Israeli settlements.
But the group’s criticism of Israeli government policies has drawn rebukes from some in the Jewish community, and Ben-Ami’s credibility came under fire recently when he admitted that J Street had received significant funding from billionaire philanthropist George Soros, though Ben-Ami had said Soros did not provide initial startup funding for the group and had strongly implied that Soros was not a current donor. Soros, a Holocaust survivor, has been a critic of Israel and of many US policies supporting it.
A J Street spokeswoman said yesterday that the organization and its local affiliate, J Street Boston, have held events at a number of synagogues and Jewish facilities around the Boston area, including Temple Emanuel in Newton, Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Temple Sinai in Brookline, Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge, Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Hebrew College, and Harvard Hillel.
In a phone interview yesterday, Ben-Ami said he was surprised by Beth Avodah’s 11th-hour decision to cancel.
His appearances, he said, frequently provoke controversy, but rarely result in cancellations.
'My reaction is really one of sadness that this is the state of the conversation in some parts of the Jewish community,' he said. 'That a small handful of zealous donors to an institution can prevent a larger community from an open and honest conversation is a real shame.'
Maas said he was disappointed that the event had been moved 'just because I think this only adds to the divisiveness, having this behind the scenes, . . . and it distracts from the topic at hand, namely the future of Israel and the peace talks.'
Alan S. Ronkin, deputy director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Boston, said J Street is a member of the his group’s council of organizations, and that its voice should be heard.
'It’s deeply troubling that there are people in the community who would prefer to stifle debate, rather than engage,' he said.
Jonathan Sarna, a historian of American Judaism at Brandeis University who moderated a panel discussion with Ben-Ami at Temple Emanuel about 18 months ago, said Ben-Ami’s disclosures about Soros’s involvement had hurt his credibility and fueled questions about the organization’s posture toward Israel.
'I have no doubt that there are some people who would vilify anybody to the left of them,' he said. 'I actually think, in this case, it’s all about the community’s question, which is totally legitimate from my perspective as an observer, of ‘What is J Street?’ Is it simply a progressive organization that supports a different policy for the state of Israel, or is it a Trojan horse for anti-Israel activists?'" (source)
The program, billed as a conversation between J Street’s Jeremy Ben-Ami and M. Steven Maas, editor of the Boston-based Jewish Advocate, will be held tomorrow night, but has been moved to the nearby Memorial-Spaulding Elementary School.
Rabbi Keith Stern, who has led Temple Beth Avodah for more than 13 years, said a 'small, influential group' within the congregation voiced strong opposition to hosting the event. Synagogue leaders decided to cancel after 'an agonizing process,' he said, because they felt the controversy would 'threaten the fabric of the congregation.'
'The understanding was that it was going to be what I considered to be an honest and open conversation with a liberal Jewish organization, but I clearly did not understand how deep the antipathy is among a group within the Jewish community toward J Street and toward Jeremy Ben-Ami,' he said.
The event had been scheduled at the suggestion of J Street about a month ago, Stern said. There had been no formal vetting process, and he said he had not anticipated how much consternation it would cause.
'I deeply regret the inconvenience to J Street, and the difficulty that created for them,' he said. 'I feel badly that people got so exercised here, through a gesture I really believed was about bringing an opportunity to the congregation.'
J Street, which calls itself 'the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans,' was formed two years ago as an alternative to AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, and it has drawn support from US liberals.
The organization says it believes that the United States should encourage the peace process in the Middle East, even if it means disagreeing with the Israeli government, because an end to the conflict is in the long-term interest of Israel and the United States.
J Street opposes preemptive military action against Iran and the expansion of Israeli settlements.
But the group’s criticism of Israeli government policies has drawn rebukes from some in the Jewish community, and Ben-Ami’s credibility came under fire recently when he admitted that J Street had received significant funding from billionaire philanthropist George Soros, though Ben-Ami had said Soros did not provide initial startup funding for the group and had strongly implied that Soros was not a current donor. Soros, a Holocaust survivor, has been a critic of Israel and of many US policies supporting it.
A J Street spokeswoman said yesterday that the organization and its local affiliate, J Street Boston, have held events at a number of synagogues and Jewish facilities around the Boston area, including Temple Emanuel in Newton, Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Temple Sinai in Brookline, Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge, Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Hebrew College, and Harvard Hillel.
In a phone interview yesterday, Ben-Ami said he was surprised by Beth Avodah’s 11th-hour decision to cancel.
His appearances, he said, frequently provoke controversy, but rarely result in cancellations.
'My reaction is really one of sadness that this is the state of the conversation in some parts of the Jewish community,' he said. 'That a small handful of zealous donors to an institution can prevent a larger community from an open and honest conversation is a real shame.'
Maas said he was disappointed that the event had been moved 'just because I think this only adds to the divisiveness, having this behind the scenes, . . . and it distracts from the topic at hand, namely the future of Israel and the peace talks.'
Alan S. Ronkin, deputy director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Boston, said J Street is a member of the his group’s council of organizations, and that its voice should be heard.
'It’s deeply troubling that there are people in the community who would prefer to stifle debate, rather than engage,' he said.
Jonathan Sarna, a historian of American Judaism at Brandeis University who moderated a panel discussion with Ben-Ami at Temple Emanuel about 18 months ago, said Ben-Ami’s disclosures about Soros’s involvement had hurt his credibility and fueled questions about the organization’s posture toward Israel.
'I have no doubt that there are some people who would vilify anybody to the left of them,' he said. 'I actually think, in this case, it’s all about the community’s question, which is totally legitimate from my perspective as an observer, of ‘What is J Street?’ Is it simply a progressive organization that supports a different policy for the state of Israel, or is it a Trojan horse for anti-Israel activists?'" (source)
(NEWS) Anti-Semitic Graffiti found At Maryland School
"Top administrators at Loyola Blakefield, the Jesuit boys school in Towson, are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled on the locker of a Jewish ninth-grader.
The message was discovered late Wednesday and the school maintenance department removed it early Thursday, said Rob Robinson, a spokesman for Loyola Blakefield.
Robinson would not describe the graffiti other than to say it included the word 'Jew.'
'It was very clear,' Robinson said.
He said the school is interviewing students to determine who is responsible, but police have not been notified. 'It is something the school is taking very seriously,' he said. Anyone found responsible could face expulsion, Robinson said.
Students were called for an all-school assembly to discuss the incident Monday. 'We made it clear that this is not the type of behavior that is consistent with our values or beliefs,' Robinson said.
He characterized the graffiti as a 'cowardly act' that has 'offended the entire community.'
Loyola Blakefield was founded in 1852 and is one the area's most prominent private schools. Nearly 1,000 boys attend grades six through 12." (source)
The message was discovered late Wednesday and the school maintenance department removed it early Thursday, said Rob Robinson, a spokesman for Loyola Blakefield.
Robinson would not describe the graffiti other than to say it included the word 'Jew.'
'It was very clear,' Robinson said.
He said the school is interviewing students to determine who is responsible, but police have not been notified. 'It is something the school is taking very seriously,' he said. Anyone found responsible could face expulsion, Robinson said.
Students were called for an all-school assembly to discuss the incident Monday. 'We made it clear that this is not the type of behavior that is consistent with our values or beliefs,' Robinson said.
He characterized the graffiti as a 'cowardly act' that has 'offended the entire community.'
Loyola Blakefield was founded in 1852 and is one the area's most prominent private schools. Nearly 1,000 boys attend grades six through 12." (source)
(VIDEO) Iranian Conspiracy Theory: "Facebook Is An Israeli Spying Website"
Straight from Iranian TV, a "deeply" researched item, "exposing" the "truth" behind Facebook and its "evil" and "godless" founder, Mark Zuckerberg who "allows" Israel to use it for spying.
A pathetic attempt at instilling fear into the minds of the Iranian people as well as whoever else is watching... Give me a break! If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about!
(h/t: Elder Of Ziyon)
A pathetic attempt at instilling fear into the minds of the Iranian people as well as whoever else is watching... Give me a break! If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about!
(h/t: Elder Of Ziyon)
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