MK Tibi, The Truth Hurts, Doesn't It?!

25 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

IsraelNN.com: Tibi Slams Syria Over 'Palestinians' Remark

23 Adar II 5771/March 30, 2011

MK Ahmed Tibi (Ta'al Party) expressed outrage Tuesday over remarks made by a senior Syrian adviser. The adviser accused “Palestinians” of fomenting unrest in Syria; the reference was apparently to the descendants of Arabs who fled pre-state Israel during the War of Independence, more than 60 years ago.

“How long will the Palestinians be the peg that Arab regimes hang their failures on?” Tibi asked.

If the shoe fits...

Palestinians: a made up identity, stemming from the Roman attempt to call the Land of Israel "Philistia;" a mish-mash of Arabs from Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, most of whom only migrated to Israel, when they saw that the Jews were succeeding in transforming a small strip of desert into someplace livable and economically viable.

Even their fellow Arabs do not like them. "Palestinians" are trouble makers.

Q: What's one of the first things the Kuwaiti government did, after being liberated from Iraq in 1991?

A: They kicked out the "Palestinians."

Some say this was due to the Palestinian support of Saddam Hussein ysh"u, a prudent move on the part of the Kuwaitis.

Even some leftist-sponsored, Jewish-Arab youth programs were disrupted in Yaffo, by the Arab youths' cheering, every time a scud did any damage in Israel. The Jewish youth changed their minds about participating.

But, this was not the first time, not by a long shot.

Q: King Hussein of Jordan killed how many Palestinians in a single day?

A: 3,000 (almost as many who were killed on 9/11).

That's one way to take care of an uprising!

When Israeli Prime Minister Begin and Egyptian President Sadat were negotiating the return of the Sinai Peninsula, Sadat made sure to have the Egyptian portion of Rafi'ah (Egypt-Gaza border town) included in Egypt's territory. When Begin suggested he also take the other half of the town of Rafi'ah, Sadat refused, saying, "No, that's Palestinian Rafi'ah. We don't want it."

Of course, only Israel gets criticized for putting them in their place.

No surprises here.

Affirmative Action Comes To Israel?

24 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

IsraelNN.com: New Equal Opportunity Law for Ethiopians

Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, 24 Adar II 5771/March 30, 2011

The Knesset has passed a law requiring government agencies and private companies to guarantee a "reasonable amount” of job openings for Ethiopians.

The new law is aimed at helping Ethiopian immigrants find work in areas where doors have been closed to them despite many instances where they have academic and professional qualifications. However, it does not specify a specific number of job openings to be reserved for Ethiopians. (Read the entire article...)

Sounds like a good idea, huh? After all Ethiopians have been treated as "less than," ever since they first started arriving. They deserve much better than what they have been getting.

There is just one problem.

Most of the Ethiopians arriving now are goyim gemurim, just like the majority of those arriving from the Former Soviet Union.

They should not be allowed to settle in Israel, let alone get any special benefits whatsoever (Ramba"m, Hil. Avodah Zara 10).

But, what does the Israel government care about halakha (Jewish Law)?

Israeli Police Continue To Target "Dangerous" Jews

24 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

The residents of Giv'ath Ronen are some of the nicest, most learned, and most amazing Jews I have ever met!

Many of the residents refrain from wearing goyshe, Western clothing. Some hold to the Ramba"m in custom. Some delve into the teachings of Rabbi Nahman of Breslov. Some are maqpid on the misswah of tefillin, wearing them all day.

...the precise kind of Jews of which the Israeli government is most afraid.

Windmill generated electricity, compost piles, organic agriculture,...all very "dangerous" and subversive activities.

But, the most "dangerous" thing of all,...holding HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) and His Torah in higher regard than the State.

How dare these "dangerous" Jews demand to see identification!

These residents of Giv'ath Ronen refrained from handing over a kosher Jew over to the government's evil minyons, and did so with mesiruth nefesh (self-sacrifice).

Yes. These Jews from Giv'ath Ronen are examples of the most dangerous Jews around.

*********

IsraelNN.com's report on last night incident of police harassment and brutality is followed by a video about life in the Shomron, and its "dangerous" Jewish residents.

IsraelNN.com: Violent Police Raid On Outpost, 5 Arrested

Elad Benari, 24 Adar 5771/March 30, 2011

At least five people were arrested on Tuesday night during a violent police raid on the Samaria outpost of Givat Ronen (Ronen Hill).

The raid occurred just before midnight when plainclothes police detectives arrived at the outpost wanting to arrest a reserves officer who lived there.

The residents demanded that the detectives show them badges and in response, the detectives alerted Yasam (Special Patrol Unit) forces who mercilessly beat residents and entered their homes through the windows.

Givat Ronen residents told Arutz Sheva’s Hebrew site that the police detective vehicle was damaged by residents who were protesting the violence used by police during the raid. The police forces subsequently threw stun grenades, broke into houses and arrested five men. Three residents were injured during the violence.

The reason for the arrests remains unclear, but according to residents, the police used tear gas. “It looked like a battleground,” said one of them.

Last July, dozens of special Yassam and Border Guard policemen, accompanied by Civil Administration personnel, swooped down on Givat Ronen and demolished a large house as well as a goat pen and a caravan. Four Jews were injured during the violent raid, including one in serious condition.

A month ago police raided the Samaria outpost of Havat Gilad (Gilad Farm) in order to demolish an “illegal” home. The forces wounded 15 of the outpost’s residents when they used plastic bullets during the raid.

MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) responded to the violence used by police in Givat Ronen on Tuesday and said: “The police conduct in Givat Ronen is reminiscent of the days of dark regimes. [Internal Security Minister] Aharonovitch must remember that he is not Qaddafi and that any regime which exercises violent behavior towards its citizens – its days are numbered.”

Noteable Scenes:
Itai Zar, Havath Gil'ad (1:16)
Q'laf Factory, K'far Tapu'ah (1:48)
View of Qever Yosef (Joseph's Tomb) (5:22)
Organic Agriculture, K'far Tapu'ah (3:38, 5:55)
Moshe Hershkovitz, Giv'ath Ronen Windmill (6:48)

Nachas! A Former Student Of Mine Declares Intention To Refuse Anti-Torah IDF Orders

24 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

I wish I could take credit for the actions of this former student of the yeshiva high school where I used to teach. But, I cannot. Before he came to us, he already had several positive, influential people in his life.

Translated from HaKol HeYehudi (The Jewish Voice):

Protest On Ammunition Hill: "Our Rabin Is Not A Traitor"

Elhanan Gruner, 23 Adar II 5771/March 29, 2011

Aharon Rabin, resident of Jerusalem, was supposed to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces [IDF] today. Rabin, who has explained a number of times that he would refuse any orders to expel Jews from their homes, and will behave according to guidance from the book Torat HaMelech, arrived together with friends who waved signs, and called, "Our Rabin Is Not A Traitor." In the end, the IDF refused to enlist Rabin.

The truth is that the IDF does not want young men like Rabin in its army. They are not to be duped into carrying out anti-Torah orders, and like the Haredim (whom the IDF also does not want), they will expect strict kashruth and shabbath observance. Shabbath will only be broken for life-saving measures or matters truly involved with the guarding of Israel's borders.

If young men like Rabin were to be enlisted into the IDF, dependence on the State to determine Torah observance would be under scrutiny. The IDF Chief Rabbinate which stood by while almost 10,000 Jews were thrown out of their homes, and their land handed over to enemies of the Jewish People, would not be considered the ultimate authority on matters of halakha (Jewish Law). Rather, Gedolei HaDor and other Hakhamim would be consulted.

The numbers of soldiers expecting time for prayer three times per day would increase dramatically. More and more, secular kids from Tel-Aviv and Haifa would be asking about the origins of tzitzith and tefillin, and asking to try them on.

Young men like Rabin would encourage fellow soldiers to follow in refraining from carrying out any anti-Torah orders. Haredim would surely follow, and even a few mamlakhtim (undying state-loyalists) would be thrown into a state of cognitive dissonance, unable to defend the position of the IDF on such matters with halakhic sources, since they have always been told that obeying IDF orders, no matter what, IS the halakha.

In a word, young, Torah-observant men like Rabin are considered "dangerous," for they might actually have an influence on the other soldiers, encouraging them to beewish soldiers, and not simply Israeli ones.

Aharon Rabin is the antithesis of the other Rabin.

Our Rabin is not a traitor.

New Israeli General Security Services Chief Named

24 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

YNET: Yoram Cohen Named New Shin Bet Chief

Prime Minister Netanyahu names intelligence organization's 12th director Monday, opts for religious candidate. Cohen to replace Yuval Diskin, who will end six-year term in May

Ronen Medzini, March 28, 2011

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Yoram Cohen the next Shin Bet director Monday evening.

Cohen will take over for Yuval Diskin, who has served in the position for the past six years.

In Monday's announcement, which was televised for the first time in Israel's history, Netanyahu said that Cohen "joined the Shin Bet over 30 years ago and has served in a variety of positions. (Read the entire article...)

From YNET Hebrew (translated):

Far Right-Wing Activists On Yoram Cohen: "A bitter experience with the religious Jews."

"The feeling is that the Shabba"k (Shin-Bet/General Security Services) Chief will be worse than all of his predecessors," leaders told YNET, following the announcement of the new chief [who is to begin in May]. Meir Bartler Hilltop Youth [activist] said, "Usually when there is a kippah-wearer in a position like this, he is only destructive to us, because they need to show that they are not taking sides.

Yair Altman & Aviel Migazini, March 29, 2011

(Read the entire article...)

The article continues to recount the concerns of the right over Cohen's appointment, and over the activities of the Shabba"k, in general.

MK Michael Ben-Ari, who also participated in the [K'nesseth Foreign Affairs & Security Committee] discussion with outgoing Shabba"k Chief Yuval Diskin, said, "When I asked him which resouces the Shabba"k was investing in the standing response to the anarchists, he replied that they were investing in the 'Kahanist Terrorists.' What has happened is that Yuval Diskin wanted to fill the position in his image, and continue to be in the Shabba"k, even after he leaves. There were similar pressures from the Shabba"k itself. On the other hand, I know that inside the Office of the Prime Minister they have been dragging their feet on this issue for quite some time."

More statements from Land Of Israel activists:

MK Michael Ben-Ari: "We do not know who this Cohen is."

No'am Federman: "It is known that he hates settlers."

And now, a final word from Yuval Diskin himself:

"Yoram's appointment, a candidate who grew within the organization will allow the Shin Bet to fulfill its destiny – the security of the State of Israel in the best possible way."

"...fulfill its destiny?" Here's one possible translation: Acting as the special police force to assist its holy government to fulfill its ultimate goal of reining in all citizens under its control through anti-Torah indoctrination.

And another final word, this one from another former Shabba"k Chief, Avi Dichter:

Cohen "[Cohen] is a true professional, who knows things from top to bottom. I have no doubt that this is a tough day for terror groups.

These "Defenders of the State" often call Jews who hold HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The holy One, Blessed Be He) and His Torah in higher authority than anything else, including anti-Torah, Israeli laws, "dangerous," "seditious," "inciters," even "terror groups."

I am not optimistic about the appointment of Yoram Cohen as the new Shabba"k Chief.

These only reason not to expect immediate pogroms against [real] religious settlers, is the possible strategy employed to lulling settlers into a false sense of security.

Be vigilant.

The Latest On The Social Workers' Strike

23 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

I passed by the National Labor Court today, and saw a demonstration. It was not really clear to me what they were protesting, except that I saw Histadrut signs, and there was something about comparing their salaries to something really low. I saw several, visibly religious men and women in a crowd of not apparently religious Jews. Such mixtures of Jews, uniting for a common cause, are usually a good sign in my book.

At times, the protesters were really loud, but not out of control. The police eventually came to rope off areas for them, and to keep people away who were not involved.

There were 50 to 70 people there, at most. Yesterday, in Tel Aviv, their numbers were significantly larger.

As I crossed the street next to a police officer, I asked her what the demonstration was about. "It is about getting a raise in pay," she responded, and then asked, "That's good isn't it?"

I said I have would have to check the details of what they were asking for, but that it probably was a good thing.

Upon arriving back at work, I looked up the protest. It was not so easy to find, either. YNETnews.com was malfunctioning. I finally found a blurb about it, buried in IsraelNN.com's new flashes:

IsraelNN.com: Social Workers Protest Outside Labor Court

22 Adar II 5771/March 28, 2011

Dozens of social workers and students are rallying opposite the National Labor Court, demanding that the Treasury re-negotiate their salary agreement.

The Labor Court is expected to relate to the State's request for injunctions against the workers, now on strike for 23 days.

Well, I had heard about the social workers' strike. The first thing which came to mind was:

1. Cry babies, this is what you get for harassing religious Jews, Haredim and [ideological] settlers included.

The next thing that came to mind was:

2. That's odd. Aren't social workers the front line soldiers of the Israel government's plan of mass indoctrination into anti-Torah society? Why would the government treat them this way?

A rouse perhaps? I don't know. Sounds like an awful lot of trouble, unless something big is up.

Curiouser and curiouser...

3. Furthermore, how much do you want to bet that a cop would never get away with expressing open support for demonstration by Haredim or settlers.

Leftists Tour Samaria: So What?

22 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

My commentary is interspersed in blue italics.

IsraelNN.com: Haaretz Reporters On Samaria Tour

Maayana Miskin, 22 Adar II 5771/March 27, 2011

The Samaria Regional Council and Samaria Residents Council achieved another goal for their successful "see for yourself" tours program this week, getting the staff of the radically left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz to tour Samaria, the biblical heartland. Haaretz staff join the staff of many other papers, as well as politicians, radio broadcasters, world leaders and more, who have taken part in the tour.

The one-day tour includes stops in Ariel, Itamar, and at viewpoints from which visitors can see the densely populated coastal region spread below them, giving them an immediate sense of the region's strategic security value.

I have mixed feeling about this, as you will soon see. Showing these reporters just how tenuous the security situation is, first hand, may be helpful. Yet, we have already learned from past experiences that many of these un-Jews actively work toward Israel's destruction. Thus, some of these journalists and "VIP's" may actually use this information to manipulate what does or does not get publicized about the current, security situation, as well as anything else which serves to further their global, assimilationist agenda (ie. Jews are just like everybody else!).

Travelling the roads in the Shomron, the visitors saw the vast expanse of unpopulated and uncultivated land that fills most of the region, making it obvious that Israelis are not encroaching on Arab living space.

What Arab space? This is Eretz Yisra'el (Land of Israel), and it ALL belongs to us. When are Jews going to finally wake up, and smell the humous? How have the Yishma'elim (Arabs) "known" that Eretz Yisra'el does not really belong to the Jews? Because we Jews have continuously shown the willingness to auction it off to false promises, as opposed to fighting for it.

The visitors were shown Samaria's rich Jewish history, when they toured an archeological site from the times of Joshua son of Nun.

They saw the industrial complex in Barkan adjoining the city of Ariel, which provides employment for thousands of local Arabs.

This is absolutely not something to be proud of. Not only is this funding and supporting our enemies, and in my humble opinion, a violation of the negative commandment "Lo Tehonem," but it is also classic, Ashkenazi classism. "Let the rif-raf do the work. I am above manual labor."

They also got to sample some of the residents' products, tasting organic cheeses and yogurts made in Itamar and sampling wine made from the vineyards of Har Bracha.

By the way, where did they hide the Christian missionaries in Har Bracha?

Rabbi Nitzan Yemin, principal of the school in Itamar, met with the visitors from Haaretz, as did Benny Katzover of the Samaria Residents Council.

No doubt, Itamar was chosen to gain sympathy from the leftists. We don't need their sympathy. We don't need them to like us, to validate our existence. This is just the same old co-dependent strategy which has been employed by various councils and communities in Yehudah & Shomron (Judea & Samaria).

We must stop playing the victim!

And, where did THEY hide THEIR Christian missionaries, who have infiltrated Itamar, thanks to Moshe and Leah Goldschmidt?

At the end of the trip, several of the editors and journalists said they would be interested in taking part in a second tour in the future.

The Samaria tours began more than a year ago as part of an outreach program aimed at making Israeli and international journalists, politicians and other opinion-shapers, many of whom are politically left-wing, less hostile to Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Among those to take part in the tours so far are former Justice Minister Professor Daniel Friedman, the staff of Yediot Acharonot and of Walla, Time Magazine's Jerusalem Bureau Chief Karl Vick, and popular broadcaster Avri Gilad.

Watch the publications listed above. No doubt the Shomron Residents Council (whoever the heck they are) will get stabbed in the back, for their "good intentions."

So, was it all worth it? Was all the money spent on the co-dependent, PR campaign worth it?

I think not. The money would be better spent at the local level, supporting housing improvements, new schools, and agricultural projects.

Let the tourists pay for their own trips!

How Spicy Do You Like It?

22 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Probably the best falafel I have had in Israel comes from Shalom Falafel on Betzalel Street (Jerusalem Rabbinate - Pareve - Mehadrin). Only a few toppings are available: tehinah, pickles, salad, peppers, and, of course, harif. Actually, it is s'hug, the Yemenite version of a spicy sauce. Like most Israeli restaurants, they use the generic word for something spicy, harif. The limited toppings enhance the falafel; they do not overpower it. And, the falafel is always made fresh. It is also vegan (pareve without eggs or fish), and avodah ivrith.

The owners recently renovated the place, one of the results of which was the addition of a chart painted on swinging double doors leading into the back. The chart includes 32 responses to the question, "Would you like harif on your falafel?"



I thought it was pretty funny. So, I attempted to photograph it with the web cam on my laptop. It's a horrible set of pictures pasted together. You can click on it if you want. Instead I recommend looking at the chart I typed up, and translated. If you know Hebrew, you will see what I mean about how funny it is.

Please feel free to critique my translations, by leaving a comment. Figuring out how these terms should be translated into English is half the fun!

Spicy

Meanwhile In The Arab World...

18 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Reports, like the one below, always seem to come up, right when we Jews are glued to the Internet, television, or radio, waiting for any bit of detailed information to come along regarding something much more, immediately pressing in our lives,...like today's terrorist attack in Jerusalem.

We must try not to overlook such stories, for they, too, play a significance in our lives.

I am reprinting the entire article here, something which I almost never do, as I believe it to be worth the read.

While we Jews are focused on investigating, cleaning up, mourning, and getting angry about the second terrorist attack in the couple of weeks, there is tension in the Arab world.

Along side the cheering over the "successful" terror attack today in Jerusalem, and old thorn in the Arabs' side continues to rear its ugly head.

Why is this significant to us?

As we Jews in Israel become increasingly frustrated with our government's lack of sufficient action against our enemies, the Arabs may end up saving our proverbial tuchus (back side), yet again. In other words, we save parts of our homeland from being auctioned off, not because we have been standing up and saying, no, it's not for sale. But, rather it has been the Arabs who haven't like the various deals the Israeli government has been offering them.

Years, Baraq offered Arafat over 90 percent of Yehuda & Shomron (Judea & Samaria). But he would not take the deal, because Jerusalem was not on the table.

Abbas caught wind of a "temporary borders" plan in works from Prime Minister Netanyahu, and he gave it a resounding "NO!"

Now, Arabs may [eventually] get so caught up in their Sunni-Shi'ite conflict, they may not have the resources to focus as much on us. I smell a burgeoning Caliphate in the works, and someone will have to rule it. My guess is that it will be the Sunnis, of course. But, the Shi'ite will not be taking that lying down.

There is a catch, though. They may still be able to use Israel as an excuse for a temporary alliance.

Just how long will we Jews "luck out" (have God intervene for us through the Arabs), before we take matters into our own hands, and finally do what needs to be done to maintain an Israel which is safe for Jews?

Let's not wait too long.... You never know when it will be the last time the Arabs will be bailing us out, by sticking to their principles.

IsraeNN.com: Sunni-Shiite Tensions Impact Relations Across Mideast Region

Gavriel Queenann, 18 Adar II 5771/March 23, 2011

Growing tensions between the oil-rich Sunni-ruled Arab countries and Shi'ite Iran, which is Persian and not Arab, continue to affect relationships throughout the Middle East, Reuters reports.

Following sharp criticism of Bahrain's harsh crackdown on mainly Shi'ite demonstrators last week by Iranian-proxy Hizbullah in Lebanon, the small island kingdom issues a travel advisory for its citizens instructing them not to visit Lebanon "for their own safety."

"Due to the threats and interference that Bahrain has faced from terrorist elements, it warns and advises its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of the dangers they may face that may affect their safety, and it advises nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately," Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The crackdown on anti-government protesters came after Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa declared a state of emergency and requested Saudi soldiers, attached to the Gulf Cooperative Council's Peninsula Shield force, to help in suppressing mass protests that threatened his regime in the tiny island kingdom.

The crackdown inspired sympathy protests in nations with Shi'ite populations, including Lebanon, where Hizbullah's leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah accused Arab states of what he described as hypocrisy for backing Bahrain's rulers while supporting the rebels in Libya.

Following Nasrallah's comments, Lebanese residents in Bahrain who were abroad found themselves banned from returning to the island Kingdom. The Lebanese ex-patriot community in Bahrain, who issued a statement distancing themselves from Nasrallah's position, is about 1,500 strong.

The ferocity of the crackdown, which banned protests, imposed martial law and called in forces from Bahrain's fellow Sunni-ruled neighbors, has shocked the more than 60 percent of Bahrainis who are Shi'ites, most of whom are campaigning for reforms leading to a constitutional monarchy.

However, calls by some hardliners for the overthrow Bahrain's monarch have alarmed the nation's Sunnis, who believe such a move serves Iran's revolutionary machinations in the region. For its part, Iran, which backs Shi'ite revolutionary proxies in Iraq and Lebanon, complained to the United Nations and has begun a campaign urging Saudi Arabia to withdraw its troops from Bahrain.

In response, Bahrain withdrew its senior diplomats from Tehran as a sign of protest.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose nation has become increasingly cozy with Iran in recent years, said in a joint news conference in Ankara Tuesday with Bahrain's foreign minister, said, "It is very important that the civilian population is protected and that the civilian population and security forces do not confront one another ... A sectarian clash would harm the intense process of change in the region."

Meanwhile, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said: "Foreign forces are only there to protect state organs" and would be there for a "very limited" time.

Western nations, heavily reliant on the six oil-exporting members of the GCC who control half of the world's oil reserves, have issued canned responses without taking a firm position on the crackdown in Bahrain – or the involvement of foreign troops therein.

England's David Cameron said Bahrain's approach "needs to be based on the principle of reform to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Bahrain."

Bomb Attack In Jerusalem!

18 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Latest Report:

The 74 bus was hit by a bomb from outside of the bus, across the street from the Binyanei HaUmah (Jerusalem Convention Center). The bus connects the Har Homah neighborhood with the Har Nof neighborhood by way of the center of town. This bus was traveling in the direction of Har Nof.

34 people are reported to be injured, 4 seriously. No reports of fatalities, at this time.

Haveil Havalim #309 Is Up!

16 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

The Purim Edition of Haveil Havalim is now up at To Kiss A Mezuzah.

Haveil Havalim is the largest Jewish and Israel oriented blog carnival on the Web!

Five Rabbis And A Drag Queen

12 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Pictured on the left are actors Yonatan Qoni'aq and Itziq Cohen, dressed as their roles in the Israeli television series "Jonny."

Yep! That's correct! Itziq Cohen is in drag, women's clothing. How else could he play the character of Doris, Jonny's mother?

Incidentally, the term "DRAG" is an acronym meaning "dressed as girl." The term is not more than 100 years old, but the practice dates back to at least Shakespearean, when men needed to fill the female roles on stage.

The premise of the Israeli comedy "Jonny" is that Jonny is gay, and his mother either does not know, or more likely, does not want to know.

When the show was on the air, it was hysterical!

There are a couple of very positive messages presented in this series as well:

1. A close friendship exists between two Jews from very diverse backgrounds, a stereotypical Iraqi and a stereotypical Russian.

2. The main characters are veteran immigrants. We see that they made successful lives in Israel, and did not fly off to the U. S. or Canada, or wherever.

3. Cross-generational friendships are displayed in a positive light.

Wait a minute!

Do you find it disturbing that I am describing a TV series which features an actor in drag? Do you find it disturbing that I am praising some aspects of the show? Well, I could just tell you not to look. But, we all know that would not be sufficient. You would rant and rave, all the time that you were "not looking" at this post, and "not looking" for clips on YouTube.

Those of who know me, know that I also find such things to be problematic. But, what I find to be even more disturbing is...

HYPOCRISY!

I asked a few rabbis what their individual takes on the matter were. For simplicity's sake, I stuck with the issue of a man dressing as a woman, and not the opposite.

Rabbi #1 said that the Torah only prohibited the wearing of women's clothing for the purposes of immorality. It's Purim. People know it's a joke. It's not a problem. (I then decided to ask him about getting tipsy on Purim vs. getting totally drunk, suggesting that HaZa"L say בשומה and not רוויה, something I had learned from Rabbi #4.) He said, no. We have to get drunk on Purim, and we this from the story of Ravah stabbing Ben Ze'ira (TB Megillah 7b). They were drunk. (I wasn't too impressed by that logic, at all.)

Rabbi #2 said that he had no idea what people use to justify this practice.

Very young, Rabbi #3 also said that he had idea what sources, if any, are used to justify a man wearing a woman's clothing on Purim. (I then asked him the intoxication question, I had asked of Rabbi #1.) He thought that it was an interesting question, and that one might do a search for both words on CD-ROM, and then examine the contexts in which they are used. (Now, this is someone I can talk to, someone rational. Furthermore, I had called him over by his first name, and not as "HaRav," something I would not do in front of his students. He didn't even flinch, so I'm impressed.)

Rabbi #4 said that he could understand the logic used by Rabbi #1, but felt that if these same people are getting drunk, who knows what could end up happening. Getting drunk certainly would certainly heighten the chance of immoral behavior. He also found Rabbi #1's logic behind his claim that one must get drunk on Purim.

I finally got to see Rabbi #5 the other day, so I asked him about "going drag" on Purim, albeit not in those precise words. Rabbi #5 said that in the strict sense of halakha (Jewish Law), it is permissible. However, it should be discouraged, due to so much confusion out there regarding gender identity and gender roles.

(There, he said it! The politically-incorrect thing you have all been waiting for! No, not the identity issue. That's old hat. I'm talking about the gender role issue. Feminists, this is your cue to scream, ran and rave, and become hysterical.)

So, what does the Torah actually say on this matter?

דברים כב,ה

לֹא-יִהְיֶה כְלִי-גֶבֶר עַל-אִשָּׁה, וְלֹא-יִלְבַּשׁ גֶּבֶר שִׂמְלַת אִשָּׁה: כִּי תוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, כָּל-עֹשֵׂה אֵלֶּה.

Deuteronomy 22:5

A woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment; for whosoever does these things is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Clear? No? Rash"i comments...

לֹא-יִהְיֶה כְלִי-גֶבֶר עַל-אִשָּׁה: שתהא דומה לאיש כדי שתלך בין האנשים שאין זו אלא לשם נאוף (ספרי, ת"ב נזיר נ"ט).ולֹא-יִלְבַּשׁ גֶּבֶר שִׂמְלַת אִשָּׁה: לילך לישב בין הנשים. ד"א שלא ישיר שער הערוה ושער של בית השחי

כִּי תוֹעֲבַת: לא אסרה תורה אלא לבוש המביא לידי תועבה

...neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: In order to go and sit among women. Another interpretation: He should not remove the hair of the genital region nor the hair of the armpits (TB Nazir 59)

For an abomination: The Torah forbids only a garment which leads to abomination.

Rash"i's take on Sifrei, which he cites above, appears to support Rabbi #1 and Rabbi #5's assertion that it is permissible to wear women's clothing on Purim, if one assumes that it is not for the purposes of immorality.

The Ramba"m states...

הל' עובדי עבודה זרה וחוקות הגויים פרק יב

יא [י] לא תעדה אישה עדי האיש, כגון שתשים בראשה מצנפת או כובע, או שתלבוש שריון וכיוצא בו, או שתגלח ראשה כאיש;ולא יעדה איש עדי אישה, כגון שילבוש בגדי צבעונין וחלי זהב--במקום שאין לובשין אותן הכלים ואין משימים אותו החלי, אלא הנשים: הכול, כמנהג המדינה.

יב איש שעדה עדי אישה, ואישה שעדת עדי איש--לוקין. המלקט שערות לבנות מתוך השחורות, מראשו או מזקנו--משילקט שערה אחת, לוקה מפני שעדה עדי אישה; וכן אם צבע שיערו שחור--משיצבע שערה לבנה אחת, לוקה.

The Laws of Foreign Worship and the Laws of Goyim, Ch. 12
11 ...And a man should not adorn [himself] a woman's adornments, such as dressing in colorful clothing and fine, gold ornaments--in a place where they do not wear the same items, and do not put on the same ornaments, but rather, just] the women: Everything is according to the custom of the place.

12 A man who adorns [himself] with a woman's adornments,...--receives lashes....

I just looooove when people get around this, or any prohibition, by saying this IS our custom. I intend to post on this for of hypocrisy in the future, as well. I mention the punishment here for emphasis.

Conclusion:
Remember. The point of this post was to uncover hypocrisy. If you go out this Saturday night-Sunday (Sunday night-Monday in Jerusalem and Jericho) in women's clothing, that's your issue. If your intention is really not for the purposes of immorality, and just to joke around on Purim, then ask yourself how that is any different from Itziq Cohen, entertaining us, and even presenting positive messages on television.

But, if you drink, and get yourself into some immoral trouble, don't come crying to me. I'll just say that I told you so.

Demonstration For The Sake Of Gilad Shalit

10 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Today at 11:00 AM there was a 5 minute demonstration for the sake of Gilad Shalit.

Through my window, I could see not more than 15 women, both religious and secular, standing together, holding up signs written on pink sheets of paper.

I could not see what was written on the signs.

At first I thought that it could be a protest against the light rail, as they appeared to be blocking the tracks. But, they left quite soon after they began their demonstration.

Don't tell anyone about the display of Jewish unity for the sake of a good, and common cause.

Such unity is truly frowned upon by the powers that be. Their version of unity is total indoctrination into their sick, Torah-usurping, State centrality above all else.

What Do You Get When You Punch A Jew?

9 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

A Jew gets punched in the face in the Shimon HaTzadiq neighborhood.

Twenty-three sets of Arab tires get slashed.

Gee. I wonder if any more Jews will get punched in the face in this neighborhood in the immediate future.

Doubt it.

They Slaughter Our Children!

7 of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

This morning the Jerusalem Post reported...

IDF hunting for perpetrators of brutal Itamar killings

Parents, 3 children stabbed to death in their sleep. Large forces deployed near Nablus to prevent settler-Palestinian clashes

Set aside for a moment that "Nablus" is bastardization of the Roman, replacement name for Shchem (Napolis/Neopolis), and that "Palestinian" is a bastardization of the Roman desire to diminish the Jewish connection to the Land by renaming it Philistia, even though Philistia was where Gaza is now. Set aside the Arabs lies for now, and examine the words under the headline: "Large forces deployed near Nablus to prevent settler-Palestinian clashes."

Who exactly is the IDF supposed to be protecting? Jews or Arabs? As Israeli citizens, where do you want your taxes to go? The Arabs have an army "police force," and certainly have plenty of guns, thanks to the Israeli Left! Let them protect themselves!

IsraelNN.com reported...

Arab Terrorists Murder Family in Samaria, Including Infant

Yet, only the leftist, Hebrew daily Yediot Acharanot presented a truly appropriate headline...

The Children Were Slaughtered!

(Rav Udi Fogel, 36, Ruth, 35, Yoav, 4, Elad, 11, Hadas, 3 mos., HY"D)

This has happened before, and it will happen again, I am sorry to say. That is because the Israeli government, and its army, continue to be more concerned with it image in the eyes of the West, instead of in the eyes of HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He).

Its lame excuse for a Minister of Defense bows to the demands of goyim and leftist "Jews," by easing security restrictions on the Arabs. Then when terror strikes, it wastes time playing the "blame game."

It cares more about what American and European Leftists think of us, than what we in Israel think of ourselves.

It is criticized by the Leftists, calling themselves Jews, for not bowing to the West low enough. These Leftists cheer the slaughter of settler children, crying that they had it coming!

It looks to the United Nations for validation of Israel's existence and self-worth, instead of standing on its on two feet, and saying "We don't need your validation!"

Instead of doing what need to be done, in order to solve the Arab terrorism problem once and for all, it waits around for Jews to be slaughtered, in order to use the incidents to gain sympathy with the international community.

The Israeli government continues to repeat the same mistakes over again, and expect different results.

It is ready to sacrifice its citizens, religious settlers in particular. It wants to break them. It wants to indoctrinate them into secular, Israeli society. It wants to control them, and force them to accept the State instead of their Almighty God.

...and it will continue to sacrifice Jewish children to these ends.

This is not a Jewish State; it is not a Jewish government.

A Jewish State and government would behave like one, and fight back!

Haveil Havalim #307

Rosh Hodesh of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Introduction

Welcome to Haveil Havalim Edition #307!

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

And now, a note on the Word "Rabbi:"

I am very surprised that over the years, I have receive any questions, complaints, or comments, as to why I do not refer to women as "rabbis," when hosting Haveil Havalim. Maybe contributors do not believe that there isn't any point, so why bother?

It's ashame, because I have the perfect response to such questions, complaints, and comments:

"I don't refer to anyone as rabbi, female or male."

YU? RRC? It doesn't make any difference to me. Perhaps that would be considered as fair treatment, if anything else. I do use the term "rav" when referring to my own rav, or to accepted (not by everyone, I suppose) gedolim.

Of course, if "rabbi" is part of your blog's name, then I guess I technically refer to you as "rabbi."

As a rule, I try to stay far away from "rabbis," and stick close to "rabbanim." For me, that's hard to do, as I work with many "rabbis," along with two or three "rabbanim," and I don't really relish the thought of getting fired.

I do often translate "rav" to "rabbi," which makes the above statement not entirely true. I hope to stop translating "rav," though, to emphasize the difference, I believe exists, between the connotations of these titles.

מי שמבין יבין

(Whoever understands, will understand....)

And now, with that cryptic note, on with the show!

Torah

Although from Parashath Terumah, David Tzohar's post Fringes Of Royal Blue, at Tzohar LaTeiva, is still relevant to Parashath Pequdei, the culmination of the work on the Mishkan, as well as to the present day.

From Parashath Wayaqheil, Josh Waxman at the Parsha Blog shares his, always interesting, commentary, with Betzalel Did All That HaShem Commanded Moshe, pt. 1. He also brings us A Brand New Tale Of Onkelos And The Mezuza.

Comments on Parashath Pequdei are provided by Tomer Devorah, who has receive permission to translate and post Rav Nir Ben-Artzi's Material. Some consider Rabbi Ben-Artzi to be a controversial figure. Nonetheless, his commentary and predictions are fascinating.

Israel

News & Current Events In Israel

(It was hard to distinguish between the two this week, so I combined them.)

West Bank Mama comments on the violence at Gilad Farms in The Forest Is The Politics, The Trees Are Our Children. The Jewish Fist does as well in The Hunting Season Returns.

Speaking of our children, Would You Let Your Child On This Bus? Also, I encountered Another Demonstration: Different Code, Same Old Message.

Joe Settler at The Muqata reports on The Jewish Baby Injured At A Leftwing Protest.

Tomer Devorah reports on the Thousands Who Rallied Against Christian Missionary Activity In Ashdod.

Batya at Shiloh Musings Would Like To Hear These Words From Israel. So what I! Check out her post to see what words she's talking about. Batya politically-incorrect?? Nah! Check out A Leopard Can't Change His Spots, and seee for yourselves.

The Jewish Fist writes about a unique Israeli political party in Meimad Revisited.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution believes that we should Stop Voting For "Them" Now!

Mr. Cosmic X asks, "Is A Jewish Boycott Of Bank Leumi Pending?"

Rafi at Life In Israel reports on the latest incarnation of a two-day weekend proposal in Sunday-less Work Week. (SIGH) No, not that again!

[Just Call Me] Chaviva summarizes the history of German reparations to Israel in Unlikely BFFs: West Germany And Israel.

Jessica at the Israelity Blog reports some kudos for a prominent Israeli in #46. Guess who it is.

News & Current Events Near Israel
Schvach Yid gives his take on what should happen in Jordan in Finally!

Snoopy at Simply Jews takes a look at Iran's leader, and his latest fauz pas in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Another Fine Stand Up Performance. Snoopy is also not too optimistic, having seen this video in Peace In The Middle Now? You Bet....

Brian at the Israelity Blog expresses some concern in Dreaming Of Bahrain. Why he wants to celebrate his son's bar-mitzvah in Nepal? I have no idea. Why not get the cheaper flights, and celebrate it in Israel?

Life In Israel

Ruti at Ki Yachol Nuchal! shares her experience from the perspective of an Israeli football mom in One Man With One Heart. She is also the mom of a soldier(s), and shares some of that experience with us in Band Of Achim.

Batya is also an Israeli football mom. Check out, Mothers See Things Differently at Me-Ander.

Mrs. S. at Our Shiputzim presents Reason #12,902 For Making Aliya. Three words: Destination Siddur Parties.

Batya at Me-Ander describes the town where she lives in What Do People Think Shiloh Is?

Daniela at Isreview probably deserves her own carnival category, but "Life In Israel" will do, because in her unique and helpful blog, you will find reviews of various products found in Israel. This is especially helpful if you are new in the country, and are trying to find products equivalent to what you were used to in the "Old Country." Here are a couple of her reviews: Sano's Vacuum Zip-Lock Food Bags and "Product Of The Year" Winners.

Yisroel at Artzeinu has a product for us in Come To Israel, Where Wafers Are A Food Group!

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside Of Israel)

Eli at JewTribe connects the dots between news items in Purim Story Comes A Little Early.

Shaun at Letters Of Note presents The Court Would Like To Balance The Scales, a must read for any American Jewish litigator!

David at the Israelity Blog reports on Israel Celebrates Oscar Wins! Debbie Schlussel brings us another side of the Oscars in Natalie Portman's Selective Outrage.

Judaism

Shira at On The Fringe shares her experience with siddurim, and how succeeded in studying and using them in Learning From The Inside Out.

[Just Call Me] Chaviva points us to from very problematic translation problems in It's A Mitzvah not To do What? (Yeah, I know that what I wrote was redundant.)

Velveteen Rabbi comments on the emotional and spiritual impact of planning for death in Planning For The Ultimate Future.

The Rebbetzin's Husband takes a close look at modern orthodoxy in Wanted: A Modern Orthodox Talmud. He also posts an interesting set of memorial notes on Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Orbach ztz"l.

Neil at NY's Funniest Rabbi also has a serious moment with his lovely Remembering Asher Strobel.

Here is Kochava's Proposed Solution regarding the conversion hullabaloo at You're Not Crazy.

Elle at On Becoming Devoted draws parallels between her conversion experience and giving birth in Captivated.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah takes a look a the Reform Movement in The 613 Commandments - Do We Follow Them?

Carrie at Jewish Boston shares her Journey Of Writing A Megillah. Um,...'K.

Purim

Get ready for Purim with Some Fun And Educational Resources from Jacob Richman at Good News From Israel.

Minnesota Mamaleh shares What We Can Learn From Purim.

Guest post Natural And Organic Purim Baskets From Israel And A Giveaway! is presented by Amy at Homeschuling. I definitely do not see enough health oriented posts on Haveil Havalim, so thank you, Amy! She also points us to her guest's blog On The Lettuce Edge, which I recommend you check out, especially if you have an interest in farming or gardening.

Personal

Neil at NY's Runniest Rabbi just published a book. Can you guess what it's about? He plugs it in Book Him. "You've seen the blog, now read the book." He also touches on some of his experiences, including his book in Somewhere In Time.

Music

Kokhava at You're Not Crazy points us to several "Internet Earworms" of Orthodox Pop Culture. Find out what an "earworm" is, and check out the videos she chose for posting.

I'd like to finish this carnival off with a bang! Check the videos of the Lipa Schmeltzer Concert At The Pomegranate Supermarket that Rafi at Life In Israel posted.

Wrap-Up
1. First off, make sure you visit this month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival, hosted at Miryummy. It's the VeNahafoch Hu Edition.

2. Second, I always take a look at the comments in the submission e-mail, and I recommend that my fellow hosts do the same. I just don't always feel the need to insert those comments verbatim into the HH edition I'm working on.

3. I always like to let you know what I did not include. There was one spam submission, one [attempted] avodah zarah Christian submission, and submissions from a site which is technically a [we]blog, but I don't like posting stam lists of articles, without any commentary.

4. So that this edition's size did not get too out of hand, I also limited most bloggers (per blog) to not more than two submissions each, myself included. Thank you, though, who stuck to the three submissions only guideline, which was all but one of you. Limiting the submissions, and leaving it up to you to judge which of your posts from this week are the best, I find to be particular helpful to the host.

4. Next week's edition is being hosted by Ima On (And Off) The Bima. You can submit posts via the on-line submission form.

5. If you would like to Haveil Havalim, contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.

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Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini (Vegan Recipe)

25 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771



Ingredients:
5 Zucchinis
1 1/2 packages fresh mushrooms
1/2 brown onion
4 cloves garlic
oregano
basil
salt

Preparation:
Slice zucchinis long ways, and gently scoop them out. Set aside the zucchini insides, along with two of the hollowed out shells (halves).

Broil the zucchini shells at 150 C for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, fry the coarsely chopped onion and garlic, until the mixture browns. Puree until it becomes a paste or very thick looking cream. Finely chop set the shells which were set aside, the zucchini insides, and mushrooms. Fold into the onion and garlic mixture. Add a dash or so of basil, and twice as much oregano. as well as salt to taste.

Stuff the shells and broil for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

*********

Many people scoop out the zucchinis halved in the other direction, producing cylinders, instead of the above potato skin look. That is an option. However, my goal with posting recipes on this blog, is to make them easy for your average yeshiva bochur to prepare.

Some would prefer to add egg and/or a grain to the filling to hold it together, but this is really not necessary.

Also, I forgot the salt this time I made mushroom stuffed zucchini. Anyone already used to a no- or low-salt diet will not notice. With the salt in the chicken served as well this past Shabbath, no one else noticed either!

Would You Let Your Child On This Bus?

25 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

I was dumbfounded after I read this article from the Am HaAretz (HaAretz) news site yesterday. My comments are interspersed between paragraphs.

HaAretz.com: Settlement Leader Rejects Demands To Fire Israeli Arab Bus Driver

Residents of Gush Etzion settlement bloc demanded the bus driver be dismissed after word got out that he would work as a school-bus driver in the settlement of Elazar.

Chaim Levinson, February 28, 2011

Residents of the Gush Etzion settlement bloc near Jerusalem are demanding a bus driver be dismissed because he is Arab. The head of the regional council has rejected the demand.

The driver, an Israeli Arab, is employed by the Gush Etzion Development Company. The company is an agency of the Gush Etzion Regional Council.

The development company operates a bus service for local school children and employs dozens of drivers. The employee in question was hired several months ago to perform a range of tasks, but word got out that he would work as a school-bus driver in the settlement of Elazar.

In a letter, Elazar residents objected to the Israeli Arab's placement as a school-bus driver in the settlement.

Acknowledging that Jews and Arabs are "cousins," the residents said that the regional council "apparently wants to save a few pennies at the expense of the safety of our children, or perhaps for another reason, regional peace, eating baklava in Hebron, hummus in Bethlehem or a real vision of the end of days."

The "cousins" comment was completely unnecessary, not to mention that it made me gag. Nonetheless, the residents of Elazar are not stupid. They do not trust the lives of their children in the hands of a Yishma'eli (Arab), irregardless of his citizenship.

The residents stressed that the complaint was not motivated by anti-Arab racism but rather by what they said were legitimate concerns for their children's safety. They said that if a member of the driver's family were detained by the army, it was impossible to know how what the driver might do as a response....

I suppose that the residents are afraid of being labeled as racists, or getting arrested for incitement to racism, which is illegal in the State of Israel. They do their best to wriggle around this, in an attempt to be heard by their government leaders, and not to offend the limousine liberals of Ramat Aviv, Giv'ataim, and K'far Shmaryahu.

Now that we have heard from the residents of Elazar, let us hear from the organization known as as Qomemiyuth.

At the same time, the right-wing Komemiyut movement wrote to the Gush Etzion Regional Council asking that the council stop employing Arabs. The movement's board members include Rabbi Dov Lior of Kiryat Arba, against whom an arrest warrant was issued after he supported a book justifying the killing of non-Jews under some circumstances.

"In recent years we have been disabused of our innocence and know that to inherit the land, we must see to it that our enemies are not given a source of livelihood,"wrote Komemiyut chairman Moshe Cohen. "Whereas otherwise, heaven forbid, we will meet a fate similar to the fate of the Jews of Gaza, who were ultimately expelled from their land because they were left very few in number in the heart of a massive number of Arabs."

Moshe Cohen is citing halakah here, clearly seeing the dangerous conflict between "anti-racist," Israeli law and the safety of our children, not to mention the long term necessity of preventing the Yishma'elim from gaining any additional hold on the Land.

Moshe Cohen used to work with the YeSh"A Council. he thought that he was helping them prevent the expulsion of Jews from Azza. Instead, he discovered that the YeSh"A Council had other ideas, and he had the courage to expose them, in Part 1 of the video"Meraglim,"embedded below.

And now for the "Settler Leadership" position...

In response to the objections, Shaul Goldstein, the head of the regional council, sent a letter to area residents. He said employing Israeli Arabs is not an "innovation" of the regional council, adding that 40 percent of public drivers in the country are Arab and that the situation is similar in the construction industry. He said hundreds of Arab workers come to Gush Etzion settlements every day to work.

And, he is proud that he is just repeating these despicable practices, providing employment to the Yishma'eli enemy, in order to save a few sheqqels?

How many terrorist attacks does Gush Etzion has to incur before the likes of Sha'ul Goldstein start to get it?? How many of Sha'ul Goldstein's dangerous decisions will Gush Etzion residents endure before throwing him and his cronies out of power??

"Arabs in the State of Israel are employed in every field: doctors, economists, gas-station attendants, construction workers, teachers, Knesset members ... and drivers too," he wrote.

And he is proud of this?? This "religious" Jew does not appear to know much of halakhah, except perhaps "kashrus" and "shabbos inyunim." Would he send his wife to an Arab doctor? Would he trust his children with an Arab teacher?

Goldstein also noted that racist discrimination in employment is illegal and that as long as education encouraging manual labor is not being provided, "this is not the ideal reality, but that's the situation."

Goldstein neglects to address Elazar residents' concern over their children's safety. Is he that stupid? Does he even care? Even kind detestable, religious Jew would know be expected to know some of the concepts of piqu'ah nefesh and sakanath nefesh (saving a life & danger to life) AND not be embarrassed to mention this concept in public.

I wonder if he would put HIS children on that bus. I seriously doubt it.

I certainly hope that Sha'ul Goldstein is not that stupid, and does care about the safety of his neighbors' children. Let us pray that Sha'ul Goldstein at least has the decency to work out a deal behind the scenes, far from the press, which appears to frighten him more than Arabs.

Normally, I would say that one should not believe any reports by the HaAretz newspaper about settlers. But, since the report is about Sha'ul Goldstein,...well, then you can bet that it probably is true.

Remember Sha'ul Goldstein?

Sha'ul Goldstein was a member of the YeSh"A Council (Judea, Samaria, & Azza) which collaborated with the Sharon government to throw Jews out of their homes from Azza (Gaza/Gush Qatif). the details of which are all laid out in the four part video Meraglim.

Sha'ul Goldstein is also the same Sha'ul Goldstein who faked his personal expulsion from Azza.

Now, I turn to my Mamlakhti (undying State loyalist) friends and colleagues.

Which side will you take in this conflict?

The side represented by the religious Jew who holds Torah in high esteem, and believes it to have a higher authority than Israeli laws which endanger our children?

Or the side represented by the treacherous YeSh"A Council member, who cares more about his seat in power and his publicity than the lives and safety of your children?

This will not be the last time that you will have to make this decision between loyalty toHaShemand his Torah vs. loyalty to the State.

You can't have your cake and eat it, too.