Saturday, August 31, 2013

Pepé Alalu, Jerusalem City Council Member

מוצש"ק פר' נצבים-וילך תשע"ג

Both of these skunks smell nasty!
יו"ר מרצ בירושלים קיבל הצעה מפתה ומפתיעה מגורמים חרדים בעיר: מימון של מיליון שקלים עבור ריצתו לראשות העיר י-ם. המטרה: לפגוע בברקת באמצעות מתמודד חילוני נוסף. אללו: "לא אקח אגורה מחרדים" ניסים פרץ כ"ב באלול תשע"ג

Translation:
Kikar Shabbat: Pepe Alalu: haredim offered me funds to run for Mayor of Jerusalem
the Head of the Meretz Party in Jerusalem received an offer: funds of one million sheqqels for his campaign for Mayor of Jerusalem. The goal: to hurt [incumbent Mayor] Barakat['s re-election chances] by putting up an additional non-religious candidate. Alalu: "I will not take money from Haredim." Nissim Peretz, 23 Ellul 5773/August 28, 2013 (cont.)

(Tip Credit: Life In Israel)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
I must say that this news item was not as exciting as everyone else wanted to make it out to be.

Everyone has an agenda. Mayor Barakat has an agenda. The Haredim have an agenda. The "National Religious" have an agenda. And, of course, the leftists have and agenda. The agenda of one of those leftists, Pepé Alalu (Meretz), probably the clearest one of them all.

"Free Or Haredi"
Not clear enough for you? Then about this one from his Meretz Party?

"Together we will stop the Haredization." -Meretz/Labor

 In the last municipal elections Nir Barakat (Kadima) was pit against Rb. Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism). Aside from Porush's series of bridge burning with some of his own allies, combined with Haredi stubbornness, what clinched the election for Barakat was the fear mongering of none other than
Pepé Alalu.
From Israel's Bureau of Statistics:
Composition of Jewish residents of Jerusalem, 2010
The race was close, even with Porush's bridge burning. And with make-up of Jerusalem that it is, the Left had to act.
"You don't want a Haredi city, do you?" 

"You don't want your new neighbors telling you how to dress, or that you should cover your hair, just because you are married, do you?"

"You don't want to be told what you should or should not do on Shabbat, or have YOUR streets blocked off like a ghetto, do you?
Similar "questions" and more were not only heard in Qiriyath Yovel, the site of the "Eruv Showdown" a number of years ago, nor the Limousine liberal Moshavah Germanit (German Colony), which was overwhelmed with Mehadrin kasruth certifications of its long strip of trendy restaurants and cafes practically overnight.

These provocative "questions" were heard in Religious Zionist neighborhoods like Qiriyath Moshe.

The Leftists knew where to go, to the wishy-washy, marginally ideological, and thus, vulnerable, Religious Zionists (read here: Modern Orthodox).

Say what you will about Pepé Alalu, he is at least consistent.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Haveil Havalim-Vacationing in Galuth Edition is up!

ערב שבת קודש פר' נצבים-וילך תשע"ג

Check out A Jewish Israel's fantastic first time hosting Haveil Havalim's Jewish and Israel, weekly round-up, while he was vacation in Galuth (exile)!

He really did a great job!

Shabbath Shalom!

Please Pray for Poor Palestinian Boy!

ערב שבת קודש פר' נצבים-וילך תשע"ג
Arutz 7: Jerusalem Arabs Continue To Riot
David Lev, August 26, 2013

Arabs continued to riot Monday afternoon after three rioters were shot and killed Monday in the Kalandiya refugee camp.

Arabs continued to riot Monday afternoon after three rioters were shot in the Kalandiya refugee camp north of Jerusalem.

Rioting had broken out Monday morning, when Border Police were attacked with firebombs, rocks, and bottles. The officers warned off the attackers, but were ignored, and in an effort to defend themselves, opened fire as the crowd descended on them. On Monday afternoon, riots spread to Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem, including near the Damascus Gate.

The IDF said Monday that the incident took place during nighttime activity by security forces for the arrest of a wanted man in Kalandiya. In the course of the arrest, “an extremely violent disturbance” developed, and “many hundreds” of Arabs attacked the IDF force.

The IDF force that was providing security for the arresting squad took action to extricate it, and when the forces felt a real danger to their lives, they opened fire at the attackers. The wanted man, a terrorist, was arrested and taken to interrogation.

The PA team to negotiations with Israel cancelled a discussion set for Monday in protest over the deaths. AFP quoted a top PA official as saying that “the meeting that was to take place in Jericho… today was cancelled because of the Israeli crime committed in Kalandiya today.” (cont.)

(Tip Credit: Jews News)

IDF soldiers were attacked, and so they defended themselves. As as result, the Arabs saved us once again from their own death trap, they like to refer to as "peace talks." Remember when Arafat ysh"w turned down PM Ehud Baraq's offer of something like 93 percent of Yehudah, Shomron, and Azza (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza)?

Of course, it's not really the Arabs saving; it's The Almighty using them as kelim (vessels) of His work...just my opinion. I hope that soldiers continue to take the correct course of action.

As you might have guessed, the Yishma'elim (Arabs) do not see it this way.

IMEMC: Clashes Take Place In Bethlehem
Saed Bannoura, August 27, 2013

Local sources in the West Bank city of Bethlehem have reported that clashes took place between dozens of local youths, and Israeli soldiers, in Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.

Image by Radio Bethlehem 2000
Looks a lot more like burning tire smoke than tear gas to me.
The sources said that the clashes are part of dozens of protests that took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank after undercover forces infiltrated into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, Monday, killed three Palestinians and injured dozens, including 15 who suffered moderate-to-severe injuries after being shot by rounds of live ammunition.

Mohammad Ayman, an activist from Aida refugee camp, told the Radio Bethlehem 2000, that the clashes took place after funeral ceremonies of the slain Palestinians were held in Qalandia.

Ayman added that dozens of youths placed tires under the fortified concrete military tower overlooking the camp behind the Annexation Wall, and burnt the tires. 

The soldiers fired gas bombs, concussion grenades, rubber-coated metal bullets and rounds of live ammunition.

Several residents suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, while one youth was shot in the face by a rubber-coated metal bullet.

The 10 years old Laith Abu Baker from Ayda refugee camp, near Bethlehem, who was shot with two coated metal rubber bullets in the face by fascist Israeli occupation forces during clashes erupted between Defenseless Palestinian youth and Israeli occupation forces, over the Israeli occupation forces massacre in Qalandia refugee camp today, 26 August, 2013.
Esser Agaroth (2¢):
My only surprise here is the lack of the presence of the word "escalation," a past favorite of Pallywood stars Sa'eb Arakat and Hanan Ashrawi (pictured left, in case you were unable to tell).

(L-R) Hanan Ashrawi, Divine


First off, let's take a look at exactly where this "poor Palestinian boy" was wounded...

וַתָּמָת, רָחֵל; וַתִּקָּבֵר בְּדֶרֶךְ אֶפְרָתָה, הִוא בֵּית לָחֶם. (בראשית לה,יט)

And Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath--the same is Beth-lehem. (Genesis 35:19)
 
וַיְהִי, בִּימֵי שְׁפֹט הַשֹּׁפְטִים, וַיְהִי רָעָב, בָּאָרֶץ; וַיֵּלֶךְ אִישׁ מִבֵּית לֶחֶם יְהוּדָה, לָגוּר בִּשְׂדֵי מוֹאָב--הוּא וְאִשְׁתּוֹ, וּשְׁנֵי בָנָיו. (רות א,א)

And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem in Yehudah went to sojourn in the field of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. (Ruth 1:1)

This took place in Israel, Yehudah (Judea) being a rather important part of Israel. The fact that the Israeli government does not treat it as such, is completely irrelevant.

It has either got to be this:

(Click on the image to enlarge.)

or this:

(Click on the image to enlarge.)
Israel's wishy-washy government cannot have it both ways.

It needs to make up its mind already, especially with Syria and the U. S. breathing down our necks. Otherwise, it will be in pretty bad shape, fall, and something better will have to step up to fill the void. Hmm...that might not sound so bad after all.

Lesson to this boy, to all other Yishma'eli youth, and hopefully to the IDF, too:

Once you pick up a weapon to attack a soldier, you are no longer a "youth;" you are a soldier as well.

Oh, I'll pray alright,...pray that the Yishma'elite enemy gets what it deserves next time!

"Orthodox" Jewish Youth Pray for Syria?

ערב שבת קודש פר' נצבים-וילך תשע"ג


And, here's why...
Arutz 7: Orthodox Jewish Youth Pray for Syria
Israeli youth in the Bnei Akiva program pray for an end to the killing of innocent Syrian civilians.

Maayana Miskin, August 28, 2013

A group of youth involved in the religious-Zionist Bnei Akiva program have started organized prayers on behalf of Syrian civilians who are at risk due to the ongoing civil war in their country. The prayer initiative, which began in Petach Tikva, has now spread to Jewish communities around the world...

...They asked Rabbi Yuval Cherlow (left), a leading figure in the religious-Zionist world and the head of the Petach Tikva hesder yeshiva, to help them find the ideal wording for their request for divine assistance for Syrian civilians... (...a leading figure? Perhaps, but NOT when it comes to Real Religious Zionism)

...The rabbi praised the young volunteers for their initiative.

The secretary-general Danny Hirshberg heard of the initiative and was so inspired by the idea that he decided the movement as a whole should take part. Hirshberg called on Bnei Akiva youth in Israel and around the world, and on the Jewish community as a whole, to say a special prayer in synagogues this Sabbath for Syrian civilians.

“The Israeli public needs to look beyond the screen of hate and enmity to see the pain of those civilians being hurt by the Syrian tyrant,” Hirshberg said. (cont.)
Meanwhile,...
Arutz 7: Synagogue Vandalized in Jerusalem 
Bnei Akiva counselors horrified to find crude graffiti, mistreated Torah scroll in chapter's synagogue. 

Maayana Miskin, August 23, 2013

Bnei Akiva counselors who arrived at the headquarters of the group’s Shunra branch in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood in northern Jerusalem on Tuesday morning were horrified to discover that the center, which includes a synagogue, had been badly vandalized.

Arutz Sheva spoke to chapter manager Dana Amar, who said the vandalism included “destruction of property and graphic images. Even in our synagogue.”

“They opened the ark [where Torah scrolls are stored – ed.] and took the Torah scroll out of its covering. Apparently they also broke into the supply room and took things out.”

The Torah scroll had been flung to the ground.

Among the graphic images on the walls was writing in Arabic. Amar said it was not clear who had carried out the attack, but noted that construction workers doing a project in the building above may have had access to the area. (Hello! 2 + 2 = 4!)

The counselors have reported the incident to the heads of Bnei Akiva in Jerusalem, but have not yet filed a complaint with police. (Why the hell not?)

The counselors forwarded pictures of the vandalism to Arutz Sheva, but it was decided not to print the pictures due to their highly graphic nature.
Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't "Orthodox Jewish" mean having at least some connection to halakhah (Jewish Law)?

Praying for the health and safety of "innocent" Yishma'elim, which, as a people, would see us annihilated? I am sorry. But, I am afraid that I know any halakhic sources where it indicates the permissibility to do such a thing, let alone praise it.

As far as the sources provided by Rabbi Cherlow in the first article, he needs to do a MUCH better job in explaining how they are even remotely shayakh (relevant) to the situation in Syria.

Perhaps, Rabbi Cherlow needs to review the Laws of Kings and their Wars. Yes, there is such a thing,...as politically-incorrect and as foreign such a things may see to liberal, "progressive," and even your standard "I guess I'm Jewish" Jew, such a thing very much exists. And, it is very much a Jewish thing.

That all being said, it B'nei Akiva absolutely insists on praying (which is certainly a good thing), then how about for the courage, strength, and guidance to rebuild the Miqdash (Holy Temple), appoint a King, and re-establish the Sanhedrin, not to mention the true identity(ies) of the proper targets which will allow us to fulfill the misswah of destroying Amaleq?

Would such things ever cross their minds? I sincerely doubt it. After all, it the "State" doesn't say that it's OK, then it must not really be OK.

Rabbi Cherlow can be seen on the right, surrounded by illustrious stars,
such as Danny Hershkovits, Elazar Stern, and Eli Sedan.
And, if they still insist on praying for non-Jews, then how about the Kurds, whose interests might actually complement the interests of Ge'ulah-minded Jews, and who the Turks, Syrians, Iraqis, and Iranian pretty much despise. These sure gain the Kurds points in my book!

There's a joke I heard once: "B'nei Akiva,...before he was 40."
Don't get it? I'll explain it below.

But first, I must take a moment to make my declaration of shenanigans, on the part of B'nei Akiva, official...


This was not the first shenanigans talking place with the smoking gun held by B'nei Akiva, nor, I am afraid, will it be the last.

What is Danny Hirschberg doing, at his age, wearing THAT shirt?? B'nei Akiva obviously does not teach anything about fashion halakhah, let alone much else related to halakhah.

Last fall,...
Danny Hirschberg (mentioned and pictured above), the head of the [allegedly Religious Zionist] B'nei Akiva organization.  He recently spoke at the annual Rabin-Fest Kickoff Memorial. The following report from Arutz 7/IsraelNN is worth a read, posted here in its entirety.
And, now you also know why the Religious Zionist youth group Ariel was founded, and by none other than students and alumni from the Merkaz HaRav Kook Yeshiva. That's right! You read it correctly Merkaz HaRav Kook, the leading Relgiious Zionist yeshiva in the world.

And, why was that? Because 1)  B'nei Akiva wasn't frum enough, and 2) they did not want their children influenced by such shenanigans!

Now, about the joke I mentioned, if you don't get it, then chances are that you were a member of B'nei Akiva.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Women's Section

כ"ג לחודש השישי תשע"ג
12th Anniversary of the 9/11 Massacre

Times Of Israel: The Women's Section

Ashira Konigsburg, August 28, 2013

I vividly recall the day I came across the term ezrat nashim. “What’s that?” I asked my third-grade Hebrew teacher?

“The women’s section” she replied. “The women’s section of what?” I asked. “Of the mechitza,” she answered, unaware that she was about to rock the foundation of my world.

My teacher patiently explained that women and men sit separately in shul and that the women’s section is called ezrat nashim. I had a painful realization: The assumption I had that one day my Abba and I would pray together at the Kotel was not to be. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Oh, by all means, do read Ashira Konigsburg's entire piece.

Chipping away at the Torah, one piece at a time. That's all this really is, because they all know that the Torah is too powerful to attack head on. And so they have all deluded themselves into believing that a little bit at a time could actually work.

The Tzadoqim did it. The pre-Christians did it. The Sabbateans did it, and some say still are doing it. The Kairites did it. The confused, neo-Kairites think they're doing it. The Reformismists did it, continue to try and do it, and conveniently change strategies every time they fail to do it effectively,...which is often always.

I won't even bother with all of those other so-called "denominations," as if there even were such a thing (they way they see it) in Judaism.

It is entirely likely that Ms. Konigsburg is simply a pawn, and knows not what she does (ie. tinoqeth shenishba), attempting to project Western/assimilationist "progressive" values and sensibilities onto the Torah (authentic Jewish values and sensibilities), the fundamental error of any Jewish or pseudo-Jewish community, and its "creative," and that's being kind, view of the Torah.

This is has a name: Galuth (exile) mentality, albeit, not the only manifestation of it.

But, I have already mentioned this many a time previously...
What the "Women of the Wall" are Really About

Rebellious "Women of the Wall" are At It Again

The "Women of the Wall" are not the Problem

Focus on the Western Wall 

Livni vs. Bennett Over "Women of the Wall"

True Modesty

I know. You are BEGGING me to give you Ashira Konigsburg's Esser Agaroth rating!

Well, even though I am certain that she will relish in this rating, and even "progressive" pride in it, I will succumb to your begging.

3 "She who must not be named"'s
Here are her scores!
3 Nose-picking Erev Rav Presidents
1 Sea Hag
for her piss poor
attempt at feminism

The highest possible scores are 5's. Sorry, Ashira Konigsburg. You'll have to work harder next time.

And, I am certain that you will.

It's Not About Syria; It's About Israel.

כ"ב לחודש השישי תשע"ג

YNET: Hagel: US military ready to act on Syria immediately if asked
'We have moved assets in place to be able to comply with whatever option president wishes to take,' defense secretary tells BBC. West reportedly tells Syrian opposition strike against Assad forces within days

Reuters 08.27.13

The US military is ready to act immediately should President Barack Obama order action against Syria over a chemical weapons attack, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a television interview with the BBC on Tuesday.

(I would love to know who I should credit for this illustration!)
"We have moved assets in place to be able to fulfill and comply with whatever option the president wishes to take," Hagel said during a trip to Brunei, according to a partial transcript provided by the BBC.

Hagel, apparently whispering sweet nothings into the president's ear.
Asked if the US military was ready to respond just "like that," Hagel said: "We are ready to go, like that."

Hagel's comments came a day after US Secretary of State John Kerry laid the groundwork for possible military action against the Syrian government by saying Obama believed there needed to be "accountability" for the use of chemical weapons. (See video below)

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.... (cont.)

Don't bother reading the rest of the article. It's just more of the same crap...


Esser Agaroth (2¢):
My friend the Kalashnikover Rebbe points out...
Perhaps someone can 'splain to me again why the indiscriminate killing of over 100,000 people creating over a million refugees and the destruction of an entire country is perfectly legitimate but suddenly when a few hundred people are killed with gas it is a "crime against humanity"? Bullets, tanks, bombs, artillery, knives and axes (and eating the heart of your enemies)=GOOD! Gas=BAD...
He's right, of course, but it's only a small piece of the puzzle...

I hate to tell you. This has absolutely nothing to do with Syria. It's all about an excuse for the U. S. to come into Israel through the Golan, continue onto the Shomron (Samaria), and start kicking out Jews from the settlements. (After all, Gog u'Magog comes from the North. Hint, hint....) Then, when they finish up their "human rights" abuses" and second holocaust (May God forbid!), they will just continue on south to Jerusalem (See Zech., chs. 12- 14), attempt to capture it, thinking to move on to Yehudah (Judea) afterwards. As if....

Many of us were thinking that this would have been the scenario back at the tail end of the U. S. invasion of Iraq, that the U. S. would go into Syria to look for those "Weapons of Mass Destruction" [WMD's] which may have been smuggled in from Iraq.

For whatever reason, that didn't play out. Either President Bush II did not have enough public support, they real did run out of money, or were spread too thin, or simply that the powers that be decided that is was not yet the right time.

Don't believe me? Here's Obama adviser Samantha Powers, now U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations talking about a similar scenario, back in 2002.


1:37 "Major human rights abuses?" Hmmm... I guess that Samantha Powers means this term to apply only to Arabs. Jewish babies are just collateral damage resulting from "Palestinian freedom fighting?"

1:50 "Requires external intervention?" Who the hell is she? For that matter, who the hell is the U. S. to decide upon "external intervention?"

2:34 Comparing Israel to Rwanda? When on earth does Powers get information? Or maybe, she has already made up her mind, and sees, hears and believes what she wants to see, hear, and believe.

2:40 "Lesser evils?" And apparently, Powers gets to decide what those are.

2:44 "Human stakes?" Arabs who want to annihilate Jews, and not only wipe Israel off of the map, but erase from the history books are the only humans at stake. For good sakes! When are my fellow Jews going to wake!

(Video footage dug up for Esser Agaroth by "Sharkskin.")

According to the Yishma'elim (Arabs), the following map indicates the only "human stakes" involved, even at the expense of their own people's lives...

PA President Abbas's vision for Israel: Non-Existence.
 ...the annihilation of the Jewish People, and the eradication of Israel, not only from maps, but from the history books.

Either Powers (and Hagel, and Kerry, and Obama) are so naive, that they continue to insist on pounding the (Yishma'eli) square peg into the (Western/Esau) round hole.

Or may, they are not so naive at all.

Scarey thought.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013

"Kosher" Media Network

 כ' לחודש השישי תשע"ג

Kosher Media Network

I received a message from jblast.com, due to my subscription to Kosher Media Network. It included the following lines about Yom Kippur tefilloth (prayers):

Click on the image to enlarge.

How is this "kosher?"

Clarification: In case you have no clue what I'm talking about, I mean the female "rabbis."

Apparently, there will be a "livecast" of the "services," as well.

Click on the image to enlarge.
Well, over 10 business days ago, I wrote the following in response to receiving this utterly offensive, and galuth (exile) mentality-oriented, e-mail:

Don't you think it's misleading when the "kosher media network" lends its name to associates such as these?

After all, being "kosher" has to do with a heck of a lot more than just what goes into a Jew's mouth.

Thank you in advance for your response.

P. S. I do love your book Quick And Kosher!

What are your thoughts on this? I think this either about compromising principles for the sake of money, or just plain ol' feminism, sneaking into where it does not belong, Kosher Judaism.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jewish American Parents

מוצש"ק פר' כי תבא תשע"ג

When I saw this report, I really felt for this Jewish kid in Massachusetts, and his parents. Thirty years ago, my parents handled a similar situation in the same way. When it came down to "fight or flight," fight won hands down.

But, now that I am the adult, I would handle it in a completely different way.

Times Of Israel: Massachusetts Parents Sue for Anti-Semitic Bullying of Son
Couple accuses local school board of ignoring two years of abuse that included religious slurs and Nazi salutes

JTA, August 12, 2013

The parents of a 13-year-old boy are suing their Massachusetts school district for ignoring verbal and physical attacks on their son by other students for being Jewish.

Jennyfer Sordillo and Robert Groezinger filed the lawsuit late last month against the Carver public schools in the US District Court in Boston. It was first reported in the Boston Globe over the weekend.

They claim their son was subjected to daily anti-Semitic attacks by a group of boys at his school. The abuse included religious slurs and Nazi salutes, having pennies thrown at him, and being punched and kicked. (“stingy Jew,” “dirty Jew,” and “Jew boy” and was told after being saluted with the Hitler salute that he needed to “get in the oven. )

There is only one other Jewish student in the class of 155, according to the lawsuit.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
When my mother was running for public office, we had the, now proverbial swastika painted on our driveway. Police examined the crime scene, and pointed out that the street light was shot out. It was a professional job, the officers said.

My mother was not going to be frightened out of HER (non-Jewish) neighborhood. She refused to paint the swastika over, until every family on the block had taken a good look at it.

Why, we even received help and support from the Anti-Defamation League [ADL]. And by now, you should all know just how much I really do not care for this organization.

But, I digress....

Sounds like a good strategy, no? We won, right? After all, no one ever messed with my mother ever again. We were happily and safely tucked away, in our non-Jewish neighborhood, simultaneously trying to outdo the non-Jews at being non-Jewish, and complaining about our lack of contact with the Jewish community.

This led them to joining an Orthodox schul, the "authentic Judaism" we did not believe in, where my mother's cousins were members. My father was forced to put his highly exaggerated "trauma" of coming from a frum family aside, and had to deal with his new found popularity as the youngest Yiddish speaker in the community (age 38).

fWith all due respect to my well-educated, and very well-traveled parents, I am happy to say that this plan of action on their part pon the other hand, learned from my parents' mistakes.

I have lived in Israel for 16 years now, and haven't left in 15. But, I was not running away from the "good fight" for my Constitutional rights, including the right to live as a Jew safely and comfortably in the United States of America.

I was running TO where I am supposed to live as a Jew. We so easily forget that the U. S. is one of the many lands of our EXILE, and EXILE is supposed to be a punishment.

In the U. S., where Jews have worked hard for educational and professional advancement, and have had the freedom to do so, we so easily forget that the U. S. is a country of exile. We all heard the plight of the Jews in the former Soviet Union, of Jews getting arrested and imprisoned for teaching Jewish children Hebrew, of Jews being treated as second class citizens the minute they applied for permission to emigrate.

We all agreed that those Jews were oppressed, as were Jews still struggling to survive in Muslim countries. But, the minute it was suggested that we American Jews, too, should pack up all of our possessions, and start making our way to our "real" homeland, it was brushed off with a patronizing wave of the hand.e

We had become just like Israel in Egypt; we had become too comfortable in the land of our exile. Those Torah observant Jews conveniently clung to the relatively new concept, only about 500 years old, that Mashi'ah would come, and do all of the work for us.

We had fooled ourselves into believing that the shirking of our responsibility had been validated, that we were to sit back, pray, be patient, and not worry about it.

Eighty percent of Israel remained in Egypt, or rather, did not make it out. And, dare I bring up the all too sensitive subject of those 6,000,000 Jews, who never made it out of Europe? I hope that is acceptable for me to suggest that at least some of those Jews, HY"D (may their blood be avenged!), became too comfortable in their countries of exile. Need I point to those Jews who are all too comfortable in Europe now, in spite of the rise in violence against Jews, and the rise in tolerance for such violence.

This brings us back to those of you still too comfortable in the U. S.

Those swastikas and other anti-Jewish (let's stop using euphemisms, shall we?) are blessings. That's right. Blessings.

They are direct communications to you that you should not be there. Oh, don't worry. I know what you'll be saying next: Maybe the rockets from Azza (Gaza) and Lebanon, and threats from Iran are telling us Jews that we are not supposed to be in Israel (God forbid!).

Although, to my parents' credit, my mother has since moved to a more Jewish neighborhood, and visits Israel. My father, who still lives in the house with the painted over swastika, is, shall we say, quite mobile, and speaks six languages, three on the level of mother tongue. I am not worried about my father. He already sees the writing on the wall. He just chooses to live dangerously.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, Israel just does not seem to either of my parents as a realistic option.

So, that all being said, you are not wrong for fighting for your son. It's just that a drawn out court battle, which will just cause you to incur more anti-Jewish wrath (Arabs are Semites, too, you know.).

Instead of putting a band-aid on an old festering wound, old as in almost 2,000 years of galuth (exile), use surgery, and come live in the ONLY, true home of the Jewish People, Israel.

About those rockets, and countless other terrorist attacks, which will never cease until our co-dependent, Israeli government (or another government, or a power greater than any government) finally does what needs to be done, and stops giving and giving and giving, without getting anything in return.

We need you, and you need us. Israel is where your efforts are supposed to be directed in the defense of your children. Israel is your family's home.

Friday, August 23, 2013

A Southern Tel-Aviv of Coexistence and Chic? Guess Again!

ערב שבת קודש פר' כי תבא תשע"ג

Israel Seen: In Southern Tel Aviv, Coexistence and History Find Their Chic

Debra Kamin, August 23, 2013

Israel’s biggest city is changing, especially in its southern neighborhoods. A walk through them reveals a mixed bag of sights and citizens amid a surprising air of tolerance. Jaffa is where Tel Aviv really began. The oldest port in the world, once a capital of Canaan, then a bolt hole for both King David and King Solomon, destroyed and rebuilt time and again, the place has been ruled by nearly every great emperor in history. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
1. Why does IsraelSeen allow the use of the term "Palestinian Territories" on its site, even in an author's bio.? The only occupation is that of the Arabs laying claim to the heartland of Israel.

2. Debra, I used to teach at a mixed Jewish and Arab school in Yaffo. The tolerance is only one-way. The Jewish AND Arab teachers bent over backwards trying to effect unity. But, they were just repeating the same mistakes over again expecting different results,...just like the Israeli Government, on the left AND the so-called right.

When the '91 Gulf war broke out, efforts in Yaffo to make Jewish-Arab children's activities and clubs failed, because the Arab kids kept cheering, every time a scud hit Israel. These are only a couple of many examples.

I am not sure how much you realize just how offensive Arabs find it, when Yaffo is referred to as "part of Tel-Aviv." My guess is that you are completely oblivious to this.

"Channel 2 News: African citizen struck MK Stern."
(screen shot), April, 2013
3. Concerning "South Tel-Aviv," how fair and balanced could this report possibly be without a single mention of the problems, caused by the infiltrators, above and beyond the illegal aliens, above and beyond the "refugees."

This is not journalism, this is not even commentary. Normally, I would say that it is whitewashing.

But, with the naive application of the word "tolerance," and the complete absence of any mention of the theft, the added filth, the sexual harassment, and the aggression perpetrated by the African infiltrators (...who are apparently considered --not necessarily by Debra--"politically-correct," or rather too "politically-sensitive" simply by virtue of their skin color, which, where I come from, is called racism.), I will have to suggest the possibility of propaganda here.

May Golan for Tel-Aviv City Council
I suggest that you do an interview with May Golan, candidate for Tel-Aviv City Council. She will tell you ALL about the non-chic, and even dangerous, part of South Tel-Aviv.

San Diego Skyline
"America's Finest City"
4. Hmm... Now that I see that you are a fellow San Diegueño, I am forced to give you the benefit of the doubt, and reserve further judgment. I have gone back and re-written this response in order to tone it down,...believe it or not.

Just wondering how often you ever frequented City Heights, North Park, or even Golden Hill (before re-gentrification). My guess is that Rancho Santa Fe was more up your alley. But, I have been known to be wrong.

'Nuff said,...for now.

Switzerland is not so Neutral After All. Surprised?

ערב שבת קודש פר'כי תבא תשע"ג

JPost: Switzerland Nominates Hezbollah Advocate For UN Human Rights Council 
Posted on 8/16/2013 by admin Share Swiss candidate defended French Holocaust denier; UN Watch official says he has “extremist anti-Western and anti-Israel” views.

Benjamin Weinthal, August 16, 2013

The Swiss government has nominated Jean Ziegler–-a former Social Democratic MP who has praised Hezbollah as a legitimate national movement–- to serve as an adviser to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.


The formal notification of Ziegler’s nomination to UN diplomats took place last week, sparking sharp criticism on Monday from a UN watchdog group.

Speaking Tuesday to The Jerusalem Post via phone, Hillel C. Neuer, executive director of the Geneva-based UN Watch, said Ziegler has “extremist anti-Western and anti-Israel” views and a long history of attacking the Jewish state. UN Watch urged the Swiss government to rescind its nomination of Ziegler.

In 1982, Ziegler sought the expulsion of President Shimon Peres, then head of Israel’s Labor Party, from the Socialist International association.

In an interview with the Hezbollah publication Al-Akhbar in 2006, Ziegler said “I refuse to describe Hezbollah as a terrorist group. It is a national movement of resistance.”

The 28-member EU designated Hezbollah’s military wing a terrorist organization last month. Switzerland is not a member of the EU.

Ziegler’s support for the late French Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy was expressed in a 1996 letter, amid controversy over allegations of Holocaust denial in Garaudy’s book, The Founding Myths of Modern Israel: “I am outraged at the legal case they are making against you… All your work as a writer and philosopher attests to the rigor of your analysis and the unwavering honesty of your intentions. It makes you one of the leading thinkers of our time… It is for all these reasons that I express here my solidarity and my admiring friendship,” wrote Ziegler.

Ziegler’s Social Democratic party has been embroiled in Holocaust controversies over the years. The former Social Democratic foreign minister, Micheline Calmy-Rey, proposed seminars on different perspectives of the Holocaust back in 2006, when meeting with an Iranian delegation on the nuclear crisis.

Neuer chastised Ziegler for his role in serving as promoter of the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Ziegler played a key role in the founding of Gaddafi’s International Prize for Human Rights. He told the Post, “While Gaddafi was raping women and girls, Ziegler was portraying him as a hero of human rights.”

Annick Cojean’s new book, Gaddafi’s Harem: The Story of a Young Woman and the Abuses of Power in Libya, details the graphic sexual violence and criminality during Gaddafi’s regime.

Ziegler along with Garaudy was a recipient of the Gaddafi prize.

Responding to the UN Watch criticism on Tuesday, the news outlet Swissinfo quoted Ziegler a saying, “This is total defamation, due to a severe report I published in 2002 on the right to food in the occupied Palestinian territories.”

The Swiss government defended Ziegler in a letter to the UN: “As a renowned expert with an excellent knowledge of economic, social and cultural rights, Prof. Jean Ziegler has always shown an acute independence of thought. He is a figure that has the ability to actively promote human rights both in the civil society and in the international community.”

(Tip Credit: Jews News)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
So, is anyone really that surprised here?

I mean this on two counts:
1) A European nation's pandering to and/or utter blindness of the blood thirsty nature of the children of Yishma'el (Arabs) is something we have already seen in the U. K., Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, and in France. Nothing new here. Also, the last time I heard, the Israel-bashing, attempted Armenian genocide perpetrator, Turkey pines for a place in the "European" Union.

2) The United Nation's pandering to and/or utter blindness of the blood thirsty nature of the children of Yishma'el is something we have already seen countless times through its history.
As far as Ziegler's attempt (which failed - no surprises there) to expel Shimon Peres from some Socialist club, if he tries something like that again, I doubt that he would be around relevant for much longer after that.

Regarding Ziegler's 2002 "report" on the right to food in the "occupied Palestinian territories,” I would like to ask him, "What about the right of not to be the target of bus bombings, shootings, rockets from Hezbollah (Ziegler's non-terrrorist group) in the north, and rockets from Hamas in the south?

I guess, according to Ziegler (and the United Nations and Switzerland) those rights do not apply to Jews.

And, speaking of Jews, why ARE there still Jews in Switzerland??? Forget the synagogue buring in Lugano. All I hear about from Swiss Jews is how expensive everything is. Kosher slaughter is forbidden. So meat must be imported from France, and elsewhere.

It is way passed time for Jews to get out of Switzerland.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

How a Friendly Barbecue Started the Syrian Rebellion

י"ז לחודש השישי תשע"ג

What's all this I have been hearing about Bassar Al-HaAish (Heb.: "meat on the fire"/barbecue)?

And, why are the Syrian people trying to overthrow their government over it?

This is an outrage!

How dare the Syrian people accuse Bassar Al-HaAish of releasing chemicals on them!

It was probably their own flatulence from eating all of that Bassar Al-HaAish!

And why did they all go to a Bath Party anyway?! All those naked people and bubbles together were bound to cause problems!

Oh,... you mean it's not Bassar Al-AaAish, but Bashar Al-Assad from the Ba'ath political party?

Oh, well, then that's different.


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

What could happen to a Rabbi who does his job?

ט"ו לחודש השישי תשע"ג

משגיח הכשרות במסעדת "ויסטה" בחוף דלילה שלל את תעודת הכשרות של המסעדה, לאחר שבעל המקום נתפס כמוכר ללקוחותיו בשר שאינו כשר
יונתן אוריך, י"ג אלול תשע"ג, 19/08/2013

בעל מסעדה הנמצאת בהשגחת הרבנות אשקלון ניסה למכור ללקוחותיו בשר טרף. המשגיח במקום תפס את הסחורה והרבנות אשקלון שללה את תעודת הכשרות של המסעדה. מדובר במסעדת "ויסטה" בחוף דלילה. (המשך)

Translation:
Kippah: Chief Rabbinate Inspectors Caught Non-Kosher Meat at a "Kosher" Restaurant in Ashqelon
Yonatan Orich, 13 Ellul 5773 / 19 August, 2013

The Kashruth supervisor at the Vista restaurant on Delilah Beach revoked the restaurant's kashruth certificate, after the owner was caught selling non-kosher meat as "kosher" to its customers....

(Tip Credit: Life In Israel)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
So, this inspector did his job? Yep. He sure did.

Now, we have to wait and see what the consequences of the performance of his duties properly will be.

Consequences? That's right. Consequences.

As the saying goes, "No good turn goes unrewarded unpunished." (attributed to Oscar Wilde)

Remember when the Chief Rabbinate in Ashdod refused to give a te'udah (certificate) to a bakery owned by an apostate?

What about when the Chief Rabbinate refused to give a te'udah to a a meat company which froze the meat before melihah (salting)?

And, finally, who could forget what happened when there was a disagreement between to major rabbis regarding the conversion process and the kashruth (fitness) of certain rabbinical courts for conversion?

In each and everyone of these cases the secular State of Israel  Justice system told, instructed, or commanded rabbis to follow the courts' rulings. The questions of whether these rulings were in the least bit connected to Torah, and whether these courts were even remotely "kosher" to make such rulings or to order Torah scholars around were never addressed.

Why? Because not only could the courts care less about Torah. The Israeli Justice System finds the Torah to be a threat to its authority.


Out of fear and desperation, it is attempting to chip away at it, hoping one day to destroy it, or to facilitate its "creative interpretation" to such a point of unrecognizablity, that it would be as good as destroyed. May God forbid!

And so, what do you suppose with happen to this rabbi, the one who did his job?

Will, he, and by extension, the Rabbinate be accused of discriminating against the individual's citizen's "right" to define kashruth for him or herself?

Will the Rabbinate be forced to compensate this restaurant for loss of business, because it caught the owner lying and cheating?

Better yet, will the Rabbinate be sued for the violation of the owner's "freedom of religious expression," or some other "democratic" crap like that?

Stay tuned!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Top Ten Hidden Gems of Jerusalem

 ט"ו לחודש השישי תשע"ג

I wrote this positive and upbeat piece to balance out the more smarmy Top Ten Pretentious Hangouts in Jerusalem.

10. Cafe Neto, Central Bus Station, 3rd Floor
Most of you know how much I try to avoid "chains." According to my mother['s halakhah], the chain stores one is allowed give ones patronage are Nordstom and Neiman-Marcus, and when she is in a charitable mood, Macy's. But, I digress... Not to be confused with all of the other Cafe Neto's around the country, this Jerusalem institution for natives, students, and tourists, makes an awesome "toast" with salad dressings added onto to the skillet at the end of "toasting" for that gourmet, fast food taste! But, the super friendly service and efficiency are Cafe Neto's trademark. Remember, speed is crucial when you have to catch a bus! I remember very clearly a young, mentally disabled lady, who asked for, and got a hug from one of the coffee jockeys. It was very touching to see, and it was clear that it was given from a genuine place. I had been going there for years already, but I was won over even more by that gesture. This internet cafe (ie. "neto") also has a printer for those urgent situations when pen and paper just won't cut it. Cafe Neto is certified kosher by the Jerusalem Rabbanuth-Mehadrin division (Dairy), with a meat satellite on another part of the floor.

9. Martziano's Baguette Giv'ath Sha'ul, is another Jerusalem institution for big sandwiches with fresh shnitzel, shwarmah, qabbab, and cold cuts, soups, a large variety of salads, and Thursday night chollent, open late, and crowded after any Beitar Yerushalayim football (soccer) match. Certified kosher by the Jerusalem Rabbanuth-Mehadrin division (Meat), the manager will tell you which meats have which heksher, for those who are maqpid.

8. Allo Teiman! (Hello, Yemen!) is at the main entrance to the modern City of Jerusalem, coming in from the coast. Open late, authentic Yemenite food is served here. In addition to three or four different kinds of meat on a spit, the soups are a big hit here. Kashruth supervision by Rav Shlomo Mahpud.

7. T'mol Shilshom, Nahalath Shiv'ah
Named after the novel by Shai Agnon (1945), this choice for my list of gems may surprise you, as some think this place, overlooking Yoel Solomon Street is way too trendy, and maybe it is. But, the homey feel to the interior design and the standard, but strong dairy and vegetarian menu, and the semi-hidden away location gives this restaurant my vote. I remember when it was primarily coffee and books, with a burgeoning English language, poetry slam on Wednesday nights. Now, it is a Jerusalem institution. Try the velvety carrot soup. You might like it, even if you do not like carrots. Jerusalem Rabbanut (Dairy).

6. The Shuq-Mahaneh Yehudah
There are all kinds of eateries and pubs open at night, all through the Shuq, and on some the neighboring side streets, including live music a couple nights a week. Many of the restaurants are also open during the day. Nu? Who knew? Enjoy!

5. Navah Cafe, Center City
Sit and have coffee in the trendy part of town, without being trendy! Navah is an old school, Israeli coffeehouse, with a facelift. It serves great salads, pasta dishes, desserts, and is one of the few places which actually serves a decent cup of coffee. I suppose I am spoiled. Kashruth certification is from the Jerusalem Rabbanuth (Dairy).

4. HaFinjan, Agrippas St. 149
A favorite of my friends Pini and David, HaFinjan is THE place for Israeli home cooking. Qubeh, lamb stew, ful, soups, vegetables, and, of course, humous. You name it! Meet Hayim, the owner, and you will feel right at home. Incidentally, a finjan is basically any vessel used for making coffee, with a handle. But, the one pictured right is what one might traditionally consider a finjan.

3. Sushiya, Nahla'oth
This traditional sushi bar, where your order is prepared right in front of you, is located off the main drag, where only locals, and their friends, and now you, can find it! (Trumpedor & Betzalel) A friendly, and unpretentious staff serve you and your friends at the bar, at the single booth, or outside at this very small, but cozy venue. The religious, Israeli-American supplier fish supplier eats there himself. There are vegetarian options, miso soup, and booze for those of you whom imbibe. Kosher (pareve) - Jerusalem Rabbinuth.

2. הסלון בשבזי | Hasalon Beshabazi, Nahla'oth
I haven't been here, yet, but I can tell it is one of the places to go, and be seen. Couches on the inside and plenty of seating on the outside, with occasional events such as music, discussions, and a vintage fashion.

1. Y-Coffeebar, Nahla'oth
I feel ambivalent about revealing my secret hang-out, on Nissim Bechar Street. It's mostly locals, their friends, and the occasional tourist who accidentally finds us, usually someone with a backpack, or at least an interesting story to tell. So far, this is where I have had the best cup of coffee in Israel, after mine made from a $2,000 Italian machine, at the Internet cafe where I used to work.

Now, it's your turn. Please leave your suggestion for a Jerusalem gem as a comment below!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

More Proof that Israel's Chief Rabbinate isn't Jewish

מוצש"ק פר' כי תצא תשע"ג

(l-r) Dep. Religious Affairs Minister  Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan (Jewish Home), Chief Sepharadi Rabbi Yitzhaq Yosef,
President Shimon Peres (Kadima), Chief Ashkenazy Rabbi David Lau, Justice Minister Tzippy Livni (The Movement)
(Photo: Walla Live! screen shot)
(Tip Credit: Life In Israel)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):

"Anointing?" Was that really the verb used, or was it a mistranslation for "installing?"

I am too afraid to check it out for myself. No, not afraid,...disgusted, really.


I have already posted about how the Israeli Chief Rabbinate is not Chief, a Rabbinate, nor even Israeli. Now, I am afraid that I will have to point out that the Israeli Chief Rabbinate is not even Jewish. Puppets with conflicts of interest, chosen by deMOCKractic voting, to fill roles created by the British, glued onto the foundation of something Turkish can mean only one thing: NOT JEWISH.

But, that's not all!

The fact that Shimon Peres is involved with this non-Jewish ceremony, erases ALL doubt whatsoever that the Israeli Chief Rabbinate is not in the least bit Jewish.

Silly, absurd, paradoxical, nefarious, and diabolical are just a few of the words which come to mind upon seeing Shimon Peres presiding over the non-Jewish ceremony to appoint men to non-Jewish roles on a non-Jewish body.

"Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer." So, since the Torah is Shimon Peres's enemy,...well, you get the picture.

The only question I have about the so-called Israeli Chief Rabbinate is who will succeed in getting their strings wrapped around them first.


P. S. Minister Livni gets the most points here. She dresses more modestly than women in certain Jerusalem, "religious" neighborhoods. Sure, she didn't cover her hair. But, hey, no one's perfect.

We should be patient with our fellow Jews, struggling to find their way back to Torah, even if they do not yet know that is what they are trying to do, and even if un-Jews like Shimon Peres stands in their way.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Rabbi Druckman Throws Students to the Dogs

ערב שבת קודש פר' כי תבא תשע"ג

YNET: Top Rabbi Backs Elon Despite Conviction
Rabbi Chaim Druckman
Shortly after Rabbi Mordechai Elon is found guilty of indecent acts, prominent religious Zionist Rabbi Chaim Druckman invites him to deliver weekly Torah lesson at his yeshiva. 'Rabbi Druckman is throwing students to the dogs,' says former member of Takana forum

Kobi Nachshoni, August 14, 2013

Less a week after he was found guilty of indecent assault by force on a minor, Rabbi Mordechai Elon is receiving significant support from one of the most prominent religious Zionist rabbis. Ynet has learned that Rabbi Chaim Druckman, one of the leaders of the national-religious public, invited the convicted rabbi to deliver his weekly Torah lesson at his yeshiva of Or Etzion.

In the past few days, Rabbi Druckman has avoided voicing a public opinion in regards to Rabbi Elon or repeating his past statements in favor of the man or against those who accused him of committing sex offenses – likely for fear of creating a public row.

Druckman has been criticized in the past for innocently backing Ze'ev Kopolevitch, the former head of Jerusalem's Netiv Meir Yeshiva, who was convicted of indecent acts against his students, thus hurting the victims once again.(cont.)

(Tip Credit: Tomer Devorah)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
I am not sure how much I need to add to this self-explanatory report.

I am usually suspicious of the objectivity of any State-controlled leftist newspaper, or Christian-collaboating, right of center or so-called right-wing news source, such as the Jerusalem Post or Arutz 7.

And this report is no exception. Clearly Yedioth Aharonoth [YNET]'s mouth waters over every opportunity to condemn a rabbi, or bend over backwards in an attempt to make him look bad.

Yet, try as I may, I cannot find anything in this report with which I am able to disagree. This report does mention the feminist "orthodox" organization Kolech ("Your Voice"). And, although I cannot disagree with this organizations comments either. Even a broken clock is right once or twice a day, depending on the kind of clock, and in which country you happen to be at the time. I absolutely no reason why Kolech was quoted over another organization, other than YNET's agenda to provide it with publicity at any and every possible opportunity.

In conclusion, I would like to suggest to Rabbi Druckman that during this month of Ellul, the month before Rosh HaShannah and Yom HaKippurim, he reflect upon his public statements and actions, and do teshuvah (penance) for them,...publicly.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

More Racism In Israel

ט' לחודש השישי תשע"ג

Barch Marzel
Activist Baruch Marzel does it again!

This poster publicizing a protest two days ago at the Ayalon Prison for the release of Jewish prisoners, in light of the Israeli government's cave into demands for the release of Arab murderers of Jews,...all for the sake of "peace," or rather, for the sake of "piece," to BEG the Arabs, and the U. S. to ALLOW Israel to give up pieces of the Jewish Homeland which is has no right to hand over (mesirah) in the first place.

Murder = Murder
Punishment = Punishment
Release = Only Arabs
Protest for the Release of Jewish Prisoners
WHY?!!
See the list of recently released Arab murderers, the details of their crimes, and their victims on The Torah Revolution.

So, if the release of Arabs with Jewish blood on their hands is going to happen,...is ALREADY happening, then why not be fair, instead of being what the leftists should call RACIST, and release Jewish prisoners, too?

Answer?

The Israeli government cares only about what the West wants and expects.

The Israeli government does not care about what its constituents want and expects, the Jewish People, let alone what The Almighty wants and expects.

Bibi Caves In, Just Like Chocolate. Well, Not Quite.

ט' לחודש השישי תשע"ג

I acquired the following image from Baruch Marzel's Official Page. Baruch Marzel is a leading Land of Israel activist, and up until the last K'nesseth was sworn in, he was assistant to MK Micha'el Ben-Ari (Power To Israel).

"Bibi Mequpal" = Bibi has folded
...as in "caved in."
The image was inspired by a popular chocolate treat by the Elite Company. It is made with strings of chocolate folded and twisted together, giving it a unique consistency, and thus the name "Mequpelet" (folded up). It also happens to be one of my favorites.

"Mequpelet" = folded
On the other hand, Bibi Mequpal tastes disgusting, and makes me want to vomit profusely.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The U. S. Finds Israeli "Settlements" te be Illegitimate

ח' לחודש השישי תשע"ג

Arutz 7: U. S.: "Settlements" Are Illegitimate
President Obama
disapproving
The United States says it disapproves of construction in Judea and Samaria, after Israel approves construction of more than 800 units.

Elad Benari, August 9 ,2013

The United States said on Thursday that it was against Israeli approval of new Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria.

The comments were made hours after it was reported that the Civil Administration has authorized construction of 878 housing units in Judea and Samaria. The units were approved for towns in the Binyamin region, the Jordan Valley, and Gush Etzion.

Secretary Kerry
disapproving
Speaking to reporters, State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki responded when asked about the new construction, "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity and opposes any efforts to legitimize settlement outposts."

She added that Washington had taken up the issue with the Israelis.

"The Secretary [John Kerry] has made clear that he believes both the negotiating teams are at the table in good faith and are committed to making progress," said Psaki.

In the same press conference, Psaki confirmed that peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority will resume next week and will be held in Jerusalem, followed by another meeting held in Jericho.

President Peres
smiling?
She stated that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry "does not expect to make any announcement in the aftermath of this round of talks." Kerry was the host of the last negotiation meeting in Washington.

Israel has agreed to release 104 terrorist prisoners as a gesture to the PA for its willingness to resume talks.

Water and Energy Minister Silvan Shalom revealed this week that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was prepared to offer the PA a building freeze in Judea and Samaria instead of the terrorist release, but the PA rejected that offer.

Israel previously froze construction in Judea and Samaria for ten months in 2009, when PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas demanded a freeze so talks can resume. At the conclusion of those ten months, however, Abbas refused to come to the negotiating table, demanding instead that the freeze continue and adding more preconditions to talks.

(Tip Credit: Jews News)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
PM Netanyahu
backbone?
Think that Israel is successfully defying the U. S.'s authority by building any housing units at all, against Big Brother Obama and Big Brother Kerry's wishes?

Guess again.

It is only an illusion propped to up in an attempt to fool people into thinking that Israel's government actually has its manhood in tact a backbone.

The reality is that Prime Minister Netanyahu is getting bitch-slapped,...yet again.

All the while, the U. S. demands that Israel...


And while everyone in Israel is in an uproar over what the U. S. thinks, and mourning the loss of "our best friend," for the umteenth time, "our best friend" is meddling a heck of a lot more in Israel's affairs than you think, with its Not So Secret Millitary Involvement, what the Israel government seems to be trying to distract us away from.

Believing that the U. S. is our friend, that the U. S. will stand by us, that the U. S. will protect us, and even that an alliance with the U. S. is our divinely expected hishtadluth (best efforts on the ground), are only some of the mistakes we continue to repeat over and over and over again, expecting different results, in other words, insanity.

Time for us Jews to stand on our own feet,...again, with The Almighty at our side, as in times of old.
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