"DAMASCUS, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Viva Palestina 5, a Gaza-bound international aid convoy, has crossed the Turkish-Syrian borders late Saturday.
The convoy which consists of 43 vehicles carrying medical, food aids and some 400 pro-Palestinian activists, arrived Saturday night in the Syrian Bab el-Hawa border point, 380 km north of Damascus. It was received by hundreds of Syrians and members of Palestinian organizations.
'The convoy aims at raising the international focus on Gaza,' Nichole Marsh, one of the convoy's leaders from New Zealand told Xinhua.
'It's led by British former parliament member George Galawi, who will join us within a couple of days,' she added.
Pippa Bartolotti, a pro-Palestinian activist from Britain, said 'the most important thing is to raise the attention of media, not the Syrian and Turkish media but the U.S. and British.'
Viva Palestina movement has organized three massive land convoys to Gaza in the last 18 months, all of which have delivered their aid.
Israel has imposed a comprehensive siege on Gaza Strip after Hamas achieved a vast majority in the Palestinian legislative elections in December 2006.
In May, Israeli navy forces stormed a Turkish Gaza-bound aid ship and detained some 700 people aboard. The incident killed at least nine pro-Palestinian activists, which sparked widespread condemnation." (source)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), of which Magen David Adom is a part, acts in various ways to protect the victims of armed conflicts and, as a consequence, to work for the defense of human rights. It has been entrusted by the Geneva Conventions themselves with the task of contributing to and watching over their application; this is does mainly by its visits to prisoners of war and civilian internees.
By signing this petition you will be contributing to a worldwide movement to ensure that pressure is placed on Hamas to provide this access and to keep the issue of Gilad Shalit in the focus of all those who can influence events in that region.
More then 34365 people have signed this petition...
"An Israeli doctors' group has been named as one of the four winners of this year's Right Livelihood award - dubbed the alternative Nobel prize.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel was recognised for operating mobile clinics in occupied Palestinian territories and campaigning for patients' rights.
The Rights Livelihood awards honour the power of grassroots change, the Sweden-based foundation said in a statement.
Four recipients will share the 200,000 euro (£172,000; $273,000) prize.
The award was founded in 1980 by Swedish-German philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull to recognise work he felt was being ignored by the Nobel Foundation.
Other winners of the 2010 awards include Nigerian and Brazilian environmentalists, as well as Nepalese community activists.
Campaigning doctors
The prize will be presented to the four recipients in a ceremony at the Swedish parliament on 6 December, four days before the Nobel Prizes are handed out.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) was included for its 'indomitable spirit' in working for the right to health for all people in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Right Livelihood foundation said in a statement.
The Tel Aviv-based group was founded in 1988 at the start of the intifada by Dr Ruchama Marton and Israeli and Palestinian physicians.
It provides healthcare to impoverished Palestinians and migrant workers, and lobbies against what it sees as repressive policies of the Israeli government.
In a statement, Dr Marton said that the award strengthens the group's 'ongoing struggle against all sources of oppression'.
As a result of the blockade of Gaza, hospital facilities are extremely poor, medicines are scarce and dozens of people die each year waiting for permission to be treated in Israel, the UN has said.
Although Israel and Egypt have eased the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the movement of Palestinians is still severely restricted.
Israel says the restrictions are necessary to pressure militants to stop firing rockets from the Hamas-run territory." (source)
"The Arava Group, initiated by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the Eilat-Elot municipality, recently won a tender from the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor to establish and operate a technology center for renewable energy in the south of the country.
BGU, represented by BGN Technologies, the University's technology transfer company, has joined the group commitment to invest in the long-term development of industry in the region.
The group includes industrial leaders such as Elbit Systems, Rafael and Ormat; leading investment companies, including ProSeed Venture Capital Fund, Direct Insurance Group and the Consensus Business group; academic and research groups such as the Arava Institute and Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Authority; private management groups and regional municipalities.
The Arava Group was selected on the basis of its outstanding record in both research and development and a proven ability to bring new technologies to market. It has been entrusted with the mandate to encourage technological initiatives related to production and improvement of renewable and alternative energy systems. Aid provided will encourage the development of start-ups from the initial stage through research and development until feasibility is achieved.
The government of Israel and the group will each invest half of $30 million (114 million Shekels) over a five-year period.
BGN Technologies, responsible for the commercialization of know-how and inventions of Ben-Gurion University's researchers, will represent BGU in the initiative.
According to Netta Cohen, chief executive officer of BGN Technologies, 'The Arava Group has all of the components needed to succeed in this emerging field: researchers who work and live in the desert; industrial leaders who have a proven record at opening new markets; and a greater overall commitment to succeed for the advancement of the region.'" (source)
"Controversy sells — and in Brooklyn Heights, it’s also good for the skin.
Local Jewish leaders and anti-Israel protesters faced off on Montague Street — again — on Tuesday, holding a raucous debate over whether West Bank-made lotions sold at Ricky’s cosmetics shop support Israel’s 'illegal' occupation of the embattled region.
Not that there was any actual 'debate,' of course, just shouting across the sidewalk, as those who called for a boycott of Israeli-manufactured Ahava cosmetics and purchasers of said projects faced off for the second time in as many months."
"Israel warned Lebanon not to allow Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinjead to tour the border between the two countries.
Ahmadinejad, who has denied the Holocaust, called for the removal of the Jewish state and whose government is suspected of preparing for the manufacture of a nuclear weapon, will visit Lebanon this week and plans a tour of the border area.
Israeli authorities have made representations through U.S., United Nations and French intermediaries warning Lebanon to keep Ahmadinejad away from the border area, Ha'aretz reported on Saturday."
"Pennsylvania's homeland security director quit in the wake of revelations that he hired an Israeli-American agency that tracked peaceful protests and reported them as potential terrorist threats.
Jim Powers resigned two weeks after Gov. Ed Rendell said that he was 'deeply embarrassed' by revelations of a $125,000 contract with the Philadelphia-based Institute of Terrorism Research and Response.
Rendell announced the resignation on Friday, although he had for weeks insisted he wanted Powers to stay. 'Jim is a good man who made a very significant mistake in judgment,' he said at a news conference on Friday. Rendell terminated the contract with ITRR immediately upon learning of it."
"Stuxnet uncovers the vulnerability of our infrastructure system – exposing the vulnerable interfaces between the logical and physical world, these elements are totally unprotected and open disastrous vulnerabilities to attack by cyber terrorism and cyber criminals.
'We have analyzed the code, and compared it to other, similar known malware, this new code has definitely the parameters of a ‘military code’, but it lacks some aspects one would expect to find in military cyber warfare application' Shai Blitzblau, Head of Maglan-Computer Warfare and Network Intelligence Labs, interviewed by Defense Update. Among these parameters are communications, encryption, internal self-protection (anti-anti debug) and certain methodologies that are followed by western cyber warfare specialists.
While Iran was marked as Stuxnet’s most popular target, other countries falling prey to the new malware were many third world nations where Siemens equipment is widely used and security and legal discipline in licensing and security methods are not strictly enforced. Stuxnet also attacked Indonesia, India, Russia, Belarus, and in Kirgizstan. What’s more important is where the Stuxnet didn’t attack – China and – most surprisingly – Germany, where only few systems were compromised yet none of the reports was confirmed!
'Siemens is reporting that industrial plants in Germany have also been hit by the Stuxnet worm. According to Wieland Simon, press spokesman at Siemens, approximately one third of the 15 infections discovered at industrial plants worldwide have been found at sites in German process industry sector. Siemens’ own plants are said not to be affected' Simon added.
Although it was ‘discovered’ by the media in late September, Stuxnet is definitely not a new threat and, in fact, most of the vulnerabilities it exploited have already been ‘patched’. It was created sometime in January-February according to the ‘time stamps’ embedded into the compiled code. Initial anomalies related to the new threat were reported about two months later. Maglan received the new threat as part of our technical support services to some of our customers, who were hit by the malware. After thorough analysis we have uncovered several interesting aspects of the code that were not familiar before, and lead us to assume that Stuxnet was not created by a western cyber warfare organization. However, the great effort and resources invested in this code testify to its value to its creators, who spent great investments – financial, technical and in – most importantly, in assets considered scarce commodities among the hackers community.
Targeting Industrial and Infrastructure Systems
First, and most important, the code was not written by 'home based' hackers – unlike most other malware codes, it is not directed against conventional windows systems, but specifically at industrial systems, by exploiting four different vulnerabilities (security ‘holes’ detected by hackers but not yet patched, three months ago, by the targeted software provider – also called ‘Zero Day’ exploits). Such Zero-Day Exploits are not spent easily by hackers, and would rarely be used in tandem, let alone in a ‘quad’ formation, testifying to the fact that the developer team had no limits on the use of resources.
Multiplicity and redundancy were also employed addressing the targeted operating systems. The creators of Stuxnet also went into great effort to ensure the malware covers all potential avenues of approach – including systems that rarely interest hackers – like WindowsCC, a Microsoft operating system designed for embedded systems. The code also targets all Windows platforms from Windows ME, XP, NT, Vista, 2000, 2003 and 2008 to the latest Windows 7 – again not a simple task for regular hackers. Other aspects of the code target specific vulnerabilities attributed to Siemens PSC7 systems, designed to control Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) widely used in utility and industrial SCADA systems.
While each of these penetration axes operates independently, these parallel lines are coordinated and supporting each others to achieve the goal – ‘hijack’ as many PLCs as possible and burry embedding itself into the command and control hubs. The malicious code does not carry the type of spyware commonly found in other bots, but is rather ‘attack oriented’ – carrying a ‘payload’ in form of a set of commands designed to bypass those controlling the PLC, and carry out a set of actions as instructed by the hijacker.
Self Contained Weapon’s Payload
The carry out and control such attack the creators of Stuxnet embedded three separate means of communications in the code – two are considered ‘advanced’ and one ‘low level’. However, the code lacks communications elements that would enable a ‘nation state’ operation much more flexibility and control, having the capability and means to conduct operations in the proximity of the targeted site. One of the unique features of Stuxnet is the way its payload is ‘packed’ into the code.
Previous malware attacks employed a communications mechanism that could download the payload – the intelligence collecting ‘spyware’ or ‘attack’ from the command and control center – this enables the use of more compact code, better precision and more flexibility as the attack unfolds. Stuxnet has the payload built-in to the code, alluding to the fact that it was targeted against known targets and its creators had little consideration as to the collateral damage they create. Again, this methodology is rarely used among Western cyber warfare operatives.
Although the code was designed with remotely controlled ‘uninstall’ and termination function, these do not work properly in most cases, as the level of sophistication invested in this segment fall behind the general high standard of Stuxnet.
Countermeasures and Concealment
Nevertheless, the creators took great effort to conceal the malicious code from detection, in an effort to mask its existence, activity and objectives. For example, the malicious code was written as a ‘dynamic link library’ (.dll) commonly associated with hardware device drivers – software elements rarely considered a risk, since these they are written, signed off and distributed by hardware providers to support specific functions of such hardware. Users commonly download these devices as part of hardware installations and support and trust their own anti-virus scanners and the companies that provided the drivers for their security. Alas, Stuxnet exploited this vulnerability – it uses highly sophisticated anti-anti-virus countermeasures, addressing 38 (!) known anti-virus programs, not only few of the most common ones, as most hackers will do.
In addition, the code is digitally signed by VeriSign as genuine Siemens software. Later, Siemens reported that these signatures were stolen but did not explain how such sensitive material was compromised and reached hostile elements. Technically, ‘extracting’ such signature from existing products is possible, but this capability is beyond the reach of hackers and could be done only with massive computing power not available in non governmental levels. In this area, Stuxnet creators have again demonstrated they can be generous – to ensure their code is accepted, they used two different signatures – by chip Taiwanese makers JMicron and Realtek. The fact that these signatures are time-stamped in within more than a week of each other could testify as to the lengthy process of the preparation, testing and operation planning." (source)
"A Methodist preacher is planning to sue his own British-based church over its anti-Israel policies.
Pastor David Hallam, 62, said he has asked attorney Paul Diamond to fight a resolution passed this summer by the Methodist Church -- the fourth-largest Christian denomination in Britain -- promoting a boycott against Israeli goods produced in Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
The resolution was heartily supported by Palestinian Authority Christians."
"Lebanese terrorist group Hizbullah lashed out at Egypt and Jordan this week, accusing both countries of funding Sunni militias that are rivals to the Shiite Muslim group. The charges were leveled in an interview with the Arabic daily Ash-Sharq il-Awsat which was published Friday.
Hizbullah is currently a part of the Lebanese parliamentary coalition.
Former MP Nasser Qandil, who is affiliated with Hizbullah, claimed that Egypt is leading a terrorist campaign against Lebanon on behalf of Israel. Egypt trains hundreds of young men in army camps, preparing them to fight Hizbullah, he said. Egypt denied the allegations."
"Sheikh Daoud Bessis, whose heroic story was published last week by Ynetnews, passes away at 96.
Sheikh Daoud Bessis of Daliyat al-Karmel, who fought the Nazis during World War II and helped rescue Jewish prisoners, died over the weekend at the age of 96.
The Druze sheikh's heroic story was published last week by Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynetnews."
"After being attacked by sect members in Mea Shearim, National Union chairman Yaakov Katz promotes bill aiming to classify Sikrikim as members of terrorist organization for their activities against state institutions.
Neturei Karta continue attacking public figures. Members of the Neturei Karta sect attacked Knesset Member Yaakov Katz (National Union) last week when he arrived at a Mea Shearim synagogue in Jerusalem.
The MK responded with slurs and is now planning to submit a bill which would classify Neturei Karta as terrorists.
The incident began when a number of Neturei Karta members gathered around MK Katz as he entered a synagogue in Mea Shearim and demanded that he leave the premises."
"California governor says while his sympathizes with Holocaust victims, suggested law 'needlessly places the state in a position of acknowledging the activities of companies during that time'.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday vetoed a bill requiring companies seeking high-speed rail contracts with California to disclose any role they played during the Holocaust.
Under the measure, companies vying for a piece of California's $45 billion high-speed rail project would have to reveal any involvement in transporting people to concentration, prisoner-of-war, labor or extermination camps during World War II. They also must report whether they took remedial steps for their actions or paid restitution to victims."
"Nova Scotia is a source of a considerable Canadian history, and a gateway for European immigrants, much like Ellis Island.
Nova Scotia is a visual and cultural treat for anyone looking for a unique Canadian adventure. Situated among the Atlantic Maritime provinces along Canada’s eastern seaboard, it offers a unique blend of natural scenic wonders and strong Celtic cultural influences. Nova Scotia – Latin for New Scotland – is also a source of considerable Canadian history. Although European settlements were established by both the French and British in the early 17th century, British influence proved more enduring, particularly after the 1749 founding of Halifax.
Tens of thousands of Scots, English, Irish and Welsh arrived in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century."
"Ben-Ami: Appearance of unfavorable stories are part of concerted effort to undermine J Street and its message at a critical time in negotiations.
Critics of J Street rebuked the dovish advocacy group on Friday after it emerged it had considered facilitating meetings between Judge Richard Goldstone and congressmen.
The Washington Times reported on Thursday that J Street approached several US lawmakers in November 2009 asking whether they would be interested in meeting the author of the UN report on the war in Gaza, to ask him questions on his findings."
"Sanchez: Those who run CNN, other networks are like Comedy Central's Jon Stewart, who is Jewish; questions whether Jews are minority.
CNN fired news anchor Rick Sanchez on Friday, a day after he questioned whether Jews should be considered a minority and called the host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart, a bigot in a radio show interview.
Speaking at a satellite radio interview with Pete Dominick, Sanchez, host of the two-hour 'Rick's List' on CNN's afternoon lineup, said that Stewart is bigoted toward 'everybody else that's not like him.' He said Stewart 'can't relate to what I grew up with,' saying his family had been poor and he had seen prejudice directed at his father. Sanchez dismissed it when Dominick points out that Stewart, who is Jewish, is also a minority."
"Many in Ireland think Israel has much to learn from their peace process, but critics say the Emerald Isle often demonstrates a far-from-sparkling grasp of the specifics of our conflict.
It was supposed to have been a conference on 'Media and Conflict,' examining the role journalists play in war zones and battlefields. Organized by the European Union and held in the Irish capital, the three-day parley last month drew on the experiences and expertise of local politicians, academics and, of course, journalists who for many years covered 'the troubles' between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.
However, as each presentation unfolded it soon became clear that despite the topics listed on the agenda, a disproportionate amount of attention was being focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
"The central London branch of Israeli settlement company Ahava was occupied by Pro-Palestine activists from 11.30am until 3pm today, shutting the shop for business for entire time. Two activists managed to bring a concrete slab with tubing going through the middle into the shop and lock their arms together inside it, thus blockading the shop. The shop assistant attempted to remove them from the shop but gave up when she realised they had locked their arms inside.
The police arrived on the scene after 15 minutes and moved supporters carrying a banner outside the shop, where they proceeded to engage with a generally supportive public about the Palestinian issue and the nature of Ahava’s business.
Instead of waiting for the trained lock on cutting team, at 2pm the police began to dismantle the lock on themselves with a hammer, risking injury to the activists whose arms were locked inside. Luckily no one was hurt and by 2.30pm they had removed the activists from the lock on and arrested them activists for aggravated trespass; committing trespass with the intent to stop a lawful activity. The aggravated trespass charge will of course be challenged by asserting that Ahava’s business is not lawful and so no lawful activity was halted.
When action supporters left the scene at 3pm the store was still closed, brining the total closure time to at least 3.5 hours, over half of the trading time on the day on which Ahava generally receives the most business, Saturday.
Ahava sell beauty products from that are manufactured in the illegal Israeli West Bank settlement of Mitzpe Shalem, on the Dead Sea shore 6 miles north of the green line. Despite operating from a settlement Ahava label their goods ‘made in Israel’, and so are not only guilty of breaching international law by operating on occupied land, but are dodging British tax by taking advantage of tax breaks offered as part of Israel’s enhanced EU trading agreement, tax breaks that the European High Court confirmed in February do not apply to settlement goods after a case involving settlement company Soda Club Inc .
An international campaign has been growing against Ahava for the last three years. Actions have taken place in London, Tel Aviv, New York, Las Vegas, Paris, Washington DC, Santa Monica, Chicago, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Austin, Montreal and the Czech Republic. The American protest group CODEPINK launched an official campaign against Ahava called ‘Stolen Beauty’ in July 2009.
Just in London three other direct actions have taken place against the company in the last two years, with the prosecution for the last two collapsing in August after the store manager failed to turn up for court, possibly afraid of having to defend the legality of her business in a court of law. A regular picket of the shop takes place every other Saturday, the next will take place again next Saturday (9th October) between 12 and 2 pm." (source)
