What Is Racism?

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Tzav/Purim 5768

Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov stands convicted of "Incitement to Racism," and is expected to be sentenced on this coming Tuesday. Below is my translation of a poster (click image to enlarge) which can be seen around Israel, protesting the Israeli government's policies, which have failed to protect its citizens.

The Expulsion of Jews Is Not Racism

But...

To Suggest the Expulsion of Hostile Arabs Is Racism

Such is what the "religious" Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman has ruled -

- in a ruling she gave against Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov who was convicted of "Incitement to Racism," for arranging an independent, national referendum. In a referendum which was set up before the expulsion of Jews from Gaza ("Disengagement"), the Misha'lot Yisrael organization, under the authority of Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov, offered two proposals tens of thousands of participants in the poll were asked to choose between "Sharon's Disengagement Plan," which meant the expulsion of thousands of Jews from their homes, and the "Jewish Disengagement Plan," to expel hostile Arabs, and to move them far away from the borders of the Land of Israel to prevent terrorist attacks and the shooting of Kassam rockets over Israel's cities.

Come protest against this injustice, on the day the judge is to pass sentence on Yekutiel. He can face up to five years imprisonment. Whoever supports such a ruling which even prohibits the mounting of a "survey," suggesting the removal of our enemies from Israel, an participant in any terror attack or Kassam that falls!

Dear Families in Mourning and People who dwell in Zion, We are sorry!

...but Judge Rivka Frienman-Feldman and her friends have decided: The need to protect the rights and sensitivities of Arab enemies overrides the right of our children to live!!!

The death sentence of the eight holy men and boys killed on Rosh Hodesh Adar Bet 5768 (March 7, 2008) at the Merkaz HaRav Yeshivah, was signed and sealed of by the ring of the "Ahashveroshes" and encouraged by the "Hamans" who sit in the Kenesset, and who interpret the law in the courthouses.

We are really sorry, but consolation is not at all relevant. written norms in the Kenesset and in the courts to continue to remain amongst us to butcher us and our children (May God have mercy on us!).

Whoever does not protest against this is complicit in murder, and will not be able to say that his hands have not spilled any of this blood.

Demonstration across from the Courthouse (Russian Compound, Jerusalem), Tuesday, 18 Adar Bet 5768 (March, 2008), 9:30 AM (the time of sentencing arguments)

Cross-posted on B'nai Elim

Barry's Got It Right: Israel Is In Trouble

18 of the Twenfth Month 5768

Say what you will about Barry Chamish, but first watch this video. Tell me he isn't spot on.

Do you know of any other government which blatantly shirks its fundamental responsibility to defend its own people, the people who elected it?

Better yet, do you know of any other government which seems to be doing the exact opposite of defending its people?

Barry's got it right. Israel is in big trouble.

Barry doesn't use the words, but I will...Eruv Rav.

While you're perusing YouTube, check out some of his other videos. I recommend Destruction Of Israel (H"W) from last year. Even if you cut Barry's numbers down by 80 percent, you can still see we're in big trouble.

And what is the Israeli government doing about it? ...contemplating the release of an arch terrorist.

Haveil Havalim #154

11 of the Twelfth Month 5768

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.'

But first, a few words from our sponsor...

1) A number of bloggers do a tremendous job of submitting posts. Our new and fabulous, fearless leader, Jack, requests that you please not submit more than three of your own posts. That's three,...not 15, but 3. You can easily remember this because "3 is the counting of the holy hand grenade, not one, not two, [not 15], but 3 -Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

2) We are still looking for more hosts.

"It is fun and exciting." -Jack

3) The deadline for submission is Friday. Yes, it used to be Saturday night, but no longer.

4) There is a vicious rumor going around that hosts automatically gain an invitation to a waffle breakfast at Jameel's place.

Jameel? Where are my waffles? Did Ill Call Baila get hers? Please make mine with spelt flour and without eggs. I'm on a diet. Also, please hold the vanilla, or any other spirit, called for in the recipe.

Until I see my waffles, I am afraid that this rumor cannot be confirmed.

And, now we go back to our regularly scheduled program....

How to begin?

Well, I was going to BORE you with my PROBLEMS: unemployment, noisy neighbors, lack of funds, the inability of most American Jews' to fathom that "lack of funds" cannot always be remedied by going to the kaspomat (automatic teller machine), fear of homelessness, etc. Did I mention noisy neighbors?

No, I wouldn't want to do that.

Instead I'll just dive right in. As I receive posts throughout the week (by the way, that's a HINT, by the way), I try to look for developing patterns or emerging themes. Other than a certain elimination of a particularly nasty Arab and the on-going bombardment of the Negev Desert, the only pattern or theme I saw developing was that posts coming in could easily have fit into any number of categories. As the week progressed, I was receiving more and more posts which were very focused, dictating the addition of categories.

What does that mean? I have no idea.

By the way, I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that you may submit posts on Sunday if you have 'em. I know that many of you worry about writing your best post of Friday. Then having already submitted a fair few during the week, you may be concerned about going over the rule of thumb limit of three, and thus decide to wait until Friday to make your decision about which of your posts to submit. I wouldn't worry too much.

I believe that any reasonable host would be happy to field a few of your posts on Friday or a couple over the rule of thumb limit over the course of the week. However, submitting 15 posts, all one hour before Shabbath...is not ideal,...in my VERY humble opinion.

Torah

Bar-Kokhba at For Zion's Sake shares some Torah thoughts before Shabbath in You Are My Witnesses.

Ze'ev at Israel Perspectives says that Only Israeli Judaism is Authentic!

Ari at Lion Of Zion tells us How Jewish Women Knew When To Light Shabbat Candles in the 18th C.

Questions About Aviner wants to know why Rabbi Shlomo Aviner has ignored the rulings against him of a Beth Din of Gedolei HaDor, including Rabbi Avraham Shapira ztz"l, Rabbi Dov Lior and Rabbi Ya'aqov Yosef, and why Jews continue to revere this man, when it may very well be forbidden to listen to his instruction on any issue.

A local exhibit of Cadavers On Display encouraged Daled Amos to review the halachoth (Jewish Laws) related to the handling of the deceased, and their body parts.

On a much lighter side, Daled Amos has great news: The First Yemenite Yeshiva will be opening in the U. S. A.

Eric at The Israel Situation, who will be hosting Haveil Havalim two weeks from now, bridges the Torah and Israel sections, by trying to make heads or tails for us of the relationship between religious Judaism and Zionism.

Israel

Ze'ev starts this section off with a video at Israel Perspectives, asking the question, "Can a Jew who doesn't live in Israel be a Zionist?" Check out the answer from Rabbi Avi Weiss.

Aqiva at Mystical Paths shares a Shabbath observation from his new neighborhood in Israel in Defending the Torah vs. Loving Your Fellow.

Loyal Soldiers addresses the protecting of our homeland Batya's In The Eye of the Storm.

In The Nature of our War, relatively new blogger on the scene in Israel, Tomer Devorah describes both our physical (part 1) and our spiritual (part 2) struggles. I'll bet you didn't know just how much of a stronghold Christian missionaries have been gaining in Israel.

I posted The U. S., Israel, and Christians for Ellen Horowitz. You probably did not realize the depth of the connections among these three, including the current elections in the U. S., revealed in this comprehensive round-up with commentary.

In The News

Joe Settler informs us of the efforts to expose the shenanigans of the Shalom Achshav (Peace Now) organization in Moral Victory.

Smooth Stone enlightens us to the not so hidden truth of "Israeli Apartheid Week".

Meanwhile Avi at Tel-Chai Nation reports that tax dollars are going from Fatah to Hamas, and that Hezbollah's Imad Mughniyeh has been blown to bits.

Snoopy The Goon at Simply Jews adds Imad Mughniyeh, may he Rest In Pieces, while Carl at Israel Matzav asks, "Was Mugniyah planning a terror attack in Egypt?"

Elder Of Ziyon reports on the recent re-destruction of Qever Yosef (Joseph's Tomb) in "The Muslim Youssef Wali." So does Yid With Lid in Palestinian's Burn Joseph's Tomb AGAIN!. And
Carl also reports on its aftermath in 'Palestinians' declare Joseph a Muslim.

The Haahmonean gives his take on the elimination of Mughniyeh in Dear Naysayers: We got Imad, and this is just the beginning.

Faith In Nathan and
The Hashmonean report on the earthquake we had here in Earthquake and Shake, Rattle, and Roll respectively.

Personal

Gila at My Shrapnel continues to share her healing process after being the victim of a bomb attack in The Waiting Game and LSD.

Batya at Me-Ander shows us how the Weather Changed and wishes A Blogger's Mazal Tov.

Politics

Tamar Yonah at "Israel National Blogs" provides us with a comprehensive explanation of the state of Israeli politics, politicians, and their motives in How Our Politicians Get Owned.

Robert at Seraphic Secret also gives us his analysis of the state of affairs in Israel, with its internal and external threats in The Decline and Fall of the State of Israel.

Sultan Knish reminds us to remember Amona and see the end of Israeli democracy. He includes a video and must-see photos.

On the other hand, Gila at My Shrapnel tells us why she feels really by for Olmert right now in Bamba And/Or World Peace.

This leads us to looking at....

S'deroth

I don't think it matters why the situation is the way it is. Nor does it matter what you think should or should be done about Azza (Gaza), or about the Northern and Western Negev, now reaching Ashqelon on a regular basis, this city in Israel, along with its surrounding areas, deserves its own section.

Batya at Shiloh Musings explains some of the problems with the government, and brings us photos of last Sunday's demonstration against the government's failure to do anything to stop the rocket attacks, in The Battle Cry Makes Me Nervous.

Dan at Tzipiyah.com probably asks the most important question - "What can we do to help Sderot residents?"

Tamar also at Tzipiyah.com provides one answer to this question in a personal piece simply entitled "S'derot."

Joe Settler, posting at The Muqata, reports on S'deroth residents' new strategy in Sderot To Launch Homemade Rockets. If you ask me, it's about time. Linda at Something...and Half of Something also heard about this, but gives an interesting twist on it. If you're in the U. S., and even if you're not, I recommend you read her post Tit For Tat.

Eric at The Israel Situation offers his analysis in Israel's Diplomatic Options.

The next piece comes from Israeli Satire Laboratory, whom you will usually find in the humor section. I have no doubt that there will be mixed reactions to this post. Please don't be too harsh with him. Extreme circumstances sometimes call for extreme actions to hammer the point home. Please read what Olmert Promises....

Yid With Lid provides another important solution to be implemented. Condi Rice is Coming- MAKE HER STAY IN SDEROT !

Completing the Israel section is Ruth Matar at Women In Green. Be sure to read her Open Letter to President Bush: Whose Land Is "Palestine?" in which she points out the president's fundamental error.

Judaism & Jewish Culture

Baruch at Orthodox Freelancers Guild presents The Conclusion of My Moetzes Historical Research -- Shandeh!

Dan at Tzipiyah.com covers what he believes to be important Causes for Jewish Student Activists.

Wives, Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters

Miriam at Live From Israel explores a woman's relationship to Torah and prayer in a repost from her other blog.

Little Frumhouse on the Prairie presents "What Do We Want from out Mikvah Ladies?"

Tzni'uth

Jacob Da Jew also addresses an issue related to women, how men look at them, in Taking "Modesty" Too Far.

Samurai Mohel also chimes in on the tzni'uth (modesty) question with Rabbanit Bruria Keren, Anorexia, Alternative Therapy and Women’s Religion.

Dating

Frum Satire gives us a VERY comprehensive and personal look at the whole shiddukh process in Thoughts Before, During and After a Shidduch Date. He then asks the question - Is taking a shidduch to Starbucks too cliche? I guess you can figure out was my answer was to this question.

From Outside The Homeland

The Race For The Whitehouse

Rabbi Without A Cause tells us about his Guilty Pleasure: Sen. Barak Obama and Optimism. Carl at Israel Matzav says that Obama is Bad for the Jews. Another Barak Obama Israel Hating Adviser suggests that Yid With Lid is not so optimistic, as he exposes yet another "not so secret" skeleton in Sen. Obama's closet.

Meanwhile, Debbie Schlussel asks, "Why are Hillary and liberal Jews lying about an anti-Semitic filmmaker and Hillary fundraiser?"

We are reminded of another "not so secret" secret in Sultan Knish's Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton - Two Presidential Candidates Who Have Never Won an Election.

By the way, Sultan Knish also wants you to know why you should vote for John McCain.

And last but not least, Batya explains why these are not her elections.

More News

According to Daled Amos, when it comes to releasing terrorists, the Clintons beat Olmert to the punch.

Avi at Tel-Chai Nation reports on Anne Frank's protector who moved to Toronto.

Judith at Kesher Talk reports on a interesting story unfolding in New York. What happens when a Habbadniq becomes principal in a mostly Hispanic public school?: Read Madre de Dios, The Principal is a Jew!! Soccer Dad gives his take on this story as well in Yiddishe Nachas.

Avi at Tel-Chai Nation reports some disturbing news. The U. S. State Dept may help shield palestinians from having to pay victims of terror. Fortunately, according to Daled Amos, Sen. Specter & Eight Others say Let Lawsuits Against Palestinian Terrorists Stand.

The Anti-Racist Blog exposes "Palestinian Awareness Week" at the University of Michigan. Smooth Stone exposes the extent of the harassment Jews incur by these same individuals, on Shabbath no less, in Support SPURN.

Jewish Organizations

Every week, if you look, Jewish organizations acting on behalf and for the "greater good" of Israel and the Jewish People are exposed for the codependents (and I'm being nice here) that they are.

Debbie Schlussel exposes the Anti-Defamation League [ADL], an organization she used to be proud of, and it gets worse. Caroline Glick exposes AIPAC's Mystifying Behavior.

Slices Of Life

Check out the cute and descriptive "Swinging" at These Dreams of Who???

In Memorial

Debbie Schussel remembers Rep. Tom Lantos z"l in Rare Democrat who understood Islamic terror will missed.

Media Watch

Judeopundit examines Ramzy Baroud on manufactured realities.

Snooy The Goon at Simply Jews reviews John Podhoretz on Michael Chabon - OTT?


Elder Of Ziyon suggests you check the latest episode of the latest episode of Hamas kidTV. He also rips apart a couple of writers in Pseudo-intellectualism Is Fun!

Rafi G. at Life In Israel exposes some photographic shenanigans of the Israeli Ministry of Education no less in Distorting Reality With Pictures.

Smooth Stone reports on How Rachel Corrie really died. Remember this?

Family

Kosher Academic and her family are Going Green...kind of.

Jack at Random Thoughts presents a personal piece, Coping With Sick Parents.

Therapy Doc's Connecting The Dots educates us on the dynamics of bilingual families, possibly even our own.

Carl's Signs Of Life is a poignant story of a father and son. "The bombing [is] the beginning of the story, and not its end."

A Simple Jew shares on his personal midoth work in Another 40 Days - Reopening The Notebook - Part 1.

Travel

Call me too much of a compartamentalizer (Yes, I have decided that this is indeed a word), but Mottel at Letters Of Thought deserves his own category. Check out his photos and narrative in A Trip To Slovenia, and you'll see why. By the way, I recognized one of the guys in your photos, Mottel. Toras Emes, right? Small world.

Food

I still am not not sure how tongue-in-cheek Ezra at Jewneric is trying to be in this up and coming blog. So, I'm playing it safe by putting in the "Food" section. What I AM sure about is that Ezra is right on about Sushi and Tel-Aviv (good heksherim our there by the way) and that certain big and trendy, Jewish blog collaborations and sites (that shall remain nameless at the present time) had better be on their toes, because Jewneric is here,...and this blog actually features some talented, young writers. Check out Ezra's "About the Impending Israeli Sushi Strike and the Implications and Ramifications upon the Future of the Israeli Society."

Humor

OK, so here's the humor section. Starting us off is the Israeli Satire Laboratory, who we have already seen has been concerned about what's been happening in S'deroth. ISL asks, "Can Flying Pigs Save Sderot?" But, wait a minute. This idea doesn't sound so farfetched.

Now check out Head Of Doodle's Phone And Disease. I'll bet you have some of the same thoughts as this yeshiva bochur.

Back in the U. S., Shira at On The Fringe asks that we use our imagination when looking at a photo she put up. Could it be that a shark is really eating Grand Central Station? I think she might have something there.

Potpourri

Well, you'd think that with all of my categories, I would have been able to avoid a "Miscellaneous" section. Well, I did because Link Heaven from NY's Funniest Rabbi really is more of a potpourri than a miscellaneous post.

Meta-Blogging

Batya is close to her 100,000 hit son her blog Me-Ander. She tell us more about it in Counter Milestone.

Oh, and by the way, it's THAT time of year again...

"The 2008 Jewish & Israeli Blogging awards working committee is now forming. If you're interested in being an active participant in making the 2008 awards happen, now is the time to speak up. We need...."(Read more....)

Some of you may know that I am not the biggest fan of the JIB's. I have nothing against them. I just think they sometimes bring out the... well, not the best in people. That's not the fault of the awards, though, but of individual bloggers. I do have one recommendation to make the, now forming, JIB's committee. Add the following category: "Most 80 x 15 px Rectangular Link Buttons."

A Final Note...

I pride myself on being as open-minded and inclusive as possible, when hosting Haveil Havalim, even though Jack has told me that he is continuing Soccer Dad's policy of giving discretion to the host. (Jack, please place a comment below, if you want to clarify that.) I know that this continues to surprise and amaze some of you.

My main goal was to include every blogger whom submitted something. I actually know and LIKE some of the bloggers with whom I often disagree better than some of the ones with whom I often agree. But, hey, that's just me.

I only eliminated a few of posts from inclusion, one was from a non-Jew, whose site I really liked. It's just that his submission had absolutely nothing to do with being Jewish or with Israel. It was an innocuous, and completely non-offensive post. I just couldn't make the connection.

I also believe I received a "spam" carnival submission. Not sure.

The last rejected post came from a Christian pastor, who wanted to teach us some Talmud.

Uh-uh. Ain't gonna happen, not when I'm hosting. And, for those who are interested, this is forbidden al pi halacha. I'm not telling you what you should or shouldn't do, just providing you with some information. (Watch. Someone will dawqa include a post like this just to show me.)

(I await your comments of mocking disapproval.)

That concludes the 154th edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival. Stay tuned for the 155th edition, next Sunday, 18 Adar I/February 24 back at Jack's blog, Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning?.

Also, check out the latest edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival hosted by Batya at Me-Ander. The next edition will be out soon at Gillian Pollak.

Please send your posts for next week's edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. Plus, it doesn't look like we have a host for next week, so there wouldn't be any other place to send your links to. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.

A Tree Grows In Amsterdam

14 of the Ninth Month 5768

There has been a lot of buzz going around lately about the tree Anne Frank HY"D (May HaShem avenge her blood) used to see through her window, while in hiding from the Nazis YSh"W. Here's a report, which is as good as any I suppose, from the AP.

So, now, here's my Esser Agaroth:

Maybe saving her tree is important, if it is possible. However, if this tree cannot be cured of its fungal blight, and is going to infect the other trees in the area, then chop it down.

Take lots of photos, invite painters in for one last "portrait sitting," and then chop it down.

Trees are important; remembering IS important. But, this tree cannot be aloud to remain standing at the expense of the surrounding, healthy trees.

If protecting the lives of trees is important, even the life of the singular "Anne Frank's Tree," then what about human life?

Remembering the Holocaust and its victims is important. But, should remembering the fallen be placed ahead of protecting the living?

Should remembering fallen Jews take precedence over protecting living Jews?

Just think of how much could be accomplished with even one fourth of the money spent on elaborate museums and memorials, in order to stop the current threats to the Jewish People.

I'll let individuals decide for themselves what that money could be used for. Here are a few of my suggestions:

Food, housing, and care for poor and elderly Jews
Yes, even in the US, these Jews exist.

Helping the [real] Jews get out of the former Soviet Union
Poor Jews who don't have train fare to make to the Jewish Agency in Moscow or Kiev or wherever are stuck. Whereas active recruiting of non-Jews, who may or may not have a Jewish grandparent, continues, per Israeli government policy.

and of course...

Combating Intermarriage
This is what I call the "Silent Holocaust." (I await the onslaught of hate mail for my employment of this expression.) Statistics already demonstrate its effects. The Jewish population in the Israel increases, while the Jewish population in the U. S. decreases. I wish that I could say this is due to mass immigration to Israel. But, I cannot.

and in case you haven't been paying attention...

Combating Terrorism
Arabs continue to shoot and bomb and manipulate the West in an effort to wipe Israel off the map. I say "Israel" here, because Jews are still too deep in denial about the Arabs' true objectives. (For those Jews who are not too deep in denial: It isn't Israel the Arabs want to wipe off the map; it's YOU!)

By the way, the photo of the qassam rocket was not taken in S'deroth. The photo is from a school in Ashqelon!

and do you really think that Jews are safe even in the U. S.?

Check this out: Shwastika Epidemic in the United States.

What's the point of remembering atrocities against the Jewish People IF we do not do enough to prevent the next atrocities from occurring?

If enough is not done, then there won't be any Jews left to visit your museums, or to appreciate a tree growing in Amsterdam.

May God forbid.


*******************

Here are a few more posts on this issue:

Debbie Schlussel
The Eye of the Storm

They're Still Here

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Qorah
Ereve Rosh Hodesh of the Fourth Month 5767

For years now, I have been investigating the presence of U. S. troops in Israel.

I have been laughed at, scoffed at, ridiculed, but worse, I have been told, "Yeah, so what?"

One like-minded colleague has repeatedly told me, "Ya'aqov, I'm afraid it's inevitable. Review Navi Zekhariyah, chapers 12-14...." The "Nations" are destined to take Jerusalem.

Various theories have been proposed as to how "they" will arrive. At this point, it seems likely that "they" are none other than Americans, and that "they" may be arriving in any number of ways.

First of all, some of them are already here. So, the question really isn't "How will the troops arrive," it's "How will the rest of the troops arrive."

Remember, U. S. troops have already been here since 2002, "protecting" us from potential scud attacks from Iraq, by manning anti-missile defenses.


The BBC reported that, according to Israeli government spokesman Ra'anan Gissin, only 1,000 American troops were expected.

Only 1,000? I don't have any evidence to refute that only 1,000 arrived at that particular point in time.

However, since then, several sightings have been reported of U. S. troops entering through Ashdod in the middle of the night, and heading north, possibly to a base in the Petah Tiqwah area (2005).

Sightings of U. S. Troops have also been made near the Tapu'ah Junction and the entrance to the town of Eli in the Shomron.

Yet, another 2005 report places U. S. troops in the Negev Desert, engaging in joint exercises with the Israeli Defense Forces [IDF].

And just this Sunday, Arutz 7 reported Joint Israeli-American Exercises in the South:

"Israel and the United States will carry out joint Air Force exercises beginning on Sunday. The exercises will take place in the Negev.

"The exercises will include responses to varied forms of attack. They will last for approximately one week."

So, now that U. S. Troops are here, and have been here already for a while, how WILL the rest of 'them' arrive?"

Theory 1: After Iraq, "they" would go into Syria, and then conveniently enter Israel through the Golan Heights, probably invited to do so by the Israeli government itself. It's likes the idea of "international peace-keepers," even though such endeavors have failed in Lebanon, and will undoubtedly fail in Azza, that is if the Arabs ever let them in, in the first place. The Americans, and perhaps others, will be invited to monitor any "peace" agreement with Syria. That's theory number one.

Theory 2: Americans will be invited in to assist the IDF in expelling Jews from their homes in Yehudah and Shomron (Judea & Samaria) in one fell swoop. The Israeli government's thinking is that there will be less of an issue for foreign troops to expel Jews from their homes. The government, or rather the shadow government, the ones who are really running the country, already may be anticipating that a great number of soldiers will refuse to carry out their orders to expel Jews from their homes, many more than the 62 soldiers which preferred to sit jail than to carry out such orders in Azza and the Northern Shomron.

I already mentioned hints of this plan back in the winter of 5765 (February, 2005) in Conspiracy Theory Or Possibility?

They simply do not have enough non-Jewish, nasty YaSa"Mniqs (special riot police) to accomplish the kind of operation it has in mind. Perhaps you're thinking that will never happen, now that most everyone, including those on the center-left, have acknowledged that the last expulsion from Azza and the Northern Shomron was a complete disaster, and too expensive.

Well, you now know better. The government is not terribly concerned with public opinion, unless, of course, it can be manipulated through cleverly constructed polls. Former Prime Minister Sharon's (YSh"W) Likud Party carried out a referendum on the 2005 expulsion. Sixty-three percent of Likud members voting were against it. Sharon, in his own words, "carried out the expulsion plan anyway."

Theory 3: The Americans will be joined by troops from other countries in the form of an "international peace-keeping force" in Azza, only a hop, skip, and a jump away from S'deroth, Ashqelon, and Ashdod.

Actually, foreign troops, other than those from the U. S., have already been sighted in Israel as well. Before the 2005 expulsion, protesters encountered men wearing IDF uniforms who did not speak a word of Hebrew.

Theory 4: Remember the failed "international peace-keeping force" in Lebanon? They are hop, skip, and a jump away from Methulah, Qiriyath Shemonah, and Nahariyah.

But, my money is on the proverbial "All Of The Above."

HaShem Yishmor Otanu!

May God help us.

************************************

Information on the underground base in Petah Tiqwah was provided by Barry Chamish.

The S'deroth Conspiracy

27 of the Third Month 5767

The other day, I wrote to No'am Bedein, the founder of the Sderot Media Center. I wanted to compliment him on the great interview he gave to the BBC World Service. This was an incredible feat to accomplish, as the interview was being conducted by an inherently anti-Israel news station, and even more so with an Arab resident of Azza on the line as well, spewing out lie after lie.

No'am wrote back, asking me what I thought of the situation in Sderot. To reply, I just started writing, and I ended up producing the following...

"...What do I think of S'deroth? They're all sitting ducks. The government is made up of Erev Rav for the most part. I have a theory, but no proof, that the government continually tries to gain sympathy from the 'international community' [by publicizing how victimized we are]. This time, they're not doing enough to protect the Negev, [in order] to gain that sympathy."

Where did I get that from?

Thirteen years ago, in the city of Hevron, some time before Purim, posters in Arabic began to appear, bearing phrases on lines of....

"We're going to finish what Haman started!"

The plot was well known. But then Prime Minister Yitzhaq Rabin YSh"W and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres YSh"W sat on their hands, doing nothing to prevent the impending Arab threat of Purim violence.

Then after Baruch Goldstein HY"D gave up his life in Qedushath HaShem on that very Purim, the Hevron Arabs' large weapons stash was discovered.

The Arabs were not planning a surprise Purim bash, or rather bashing, for Jews nearby. It was going to be an all out massacre!

The theory is, and I must admit, it is just a theory, that the Jews of Hevron were to be sacrificed on the "Alter Of Peace."

Israel was not only supposed to gain favor in the eyes of the international community, because of the massacre. The government would also get rid of those religious "thorns in their side," in one fell swoop....frosting on the cake.

This would even ease a withdrawal of the Jewish presence in Hevron, further demonstration to the Big Brothers in UN, US, and EU of Israel's willingness to fulfill their end of the illegally-negotiated Oslo Accords, even in the face of terrorism.

That brings us back to S'deroth. The Israeli government is perfectly capable of wiping out any and all Kassam missile threats. Instead, it sent the IDF out to bomb soccer fields. And when it finally had to start bombing the real threats, it called in advance to warn civilians to evacuate certain areas slating for bombing. Of course, the terrorists and their equipment escaped, too, but that didn't matter. All that mattered to the Israeli government was not upsetting the goyim.

Do you think that the U. S. has ever called in advance to warn civilians in Iraq or Afghanistan? No. The U. S. even has a special name for such civilians. You know it, collateral damage.

That's not how the Israel government operates, though. Repeating the same old mistakes over again, expecting different results, Israel winds up the PR machine, and lets it loose, regardless of the cost. Residents of S'deroth are sitting ducks, forsaken by Olmert and Peres, used by Livni, and I don't know what by Peretz. I'm sure he doesn't know either. Perhaps he expects them to find solace in the news that El Al is even naming it's latest Boeing 777 "Sderot." I'm sure that will drum up some additional publicity.

In the mean time, it looks like the Almighty is having mercy on us by taking care of what we should be doing:

Haniyeh's Office Hit by Fatah Shells
Fatah YSh"W Hits Hamas YSh"W

Then 27 minutes later....

Abbas's Office Hit by Mortar Shells
Hamas YSh"W Hits Fatah YSh"W

Israel looks to the goyim for validation. The Almighty uses them as tools for His work....

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For your regularly-updated, inside look at news from Sderot, visit the Sderot Media Center.

Haveil Havalim #101

18 of the Tenth Month 5767

Well, this is my first time hosting the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival. I'm actually not nervous about it. I'll just do the best I can,...then stand by and await your scrutiny and [hopefully constructive] criticism. What's the worst thing that could happen? I'll just be banned by Soccer Dad from hosting it ever again....

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 Soccer Dad. 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, 'vanities.'

So, I was thinking about what theme I should make for the 101st edition:

Haveil Havalim 101 (Alla a college course like Psych. 101 or Poly Sci. 101)
Post Hanukkah Blues (Nah, too late)
Preparing For Tu b'Sh'vat (Nah, too early)

After the snow fall in Israel a week and a half ago, I thought seriously about...

Only 73 Days Left Until Spring (Nah, I'm sure the snow-lovers will outnumber and overpower this "don't know from snow," native San Diegan)

Of course, there's always...

The First Haveil Havalim of the New Year

But HaZa"L (Our Sages, may their memories be for a blessing) only mention four new years (Mishnah Rosh HaShannah 1:1):

1 Nissan - the New Year of Kings
1 Ellul - the New Year for the tithing of the beasts
1 Tishrei - the New Year of the "Years," sabbatical and Jubilee years
15 Sh'vat - the New Year of the Trees (Beth Hillel)

January 1 isn't one of them. Here in Israel, I am sure you will not be surprised to hear that a bit, well, more than a bit, of European culture has snuck in through the back door. The day celebrated here with wild parties of drunken debauchery is called Sylvester, after the day dedicated to a leader of the catholic church of the same name. But, I seriously doubt that's what the catholic church had in mind. Yet, it does ring true to the reputation of Roman culture, located in what is now greater Europe (Read: New Roman Empire).

I don't know about you, but the only Sylvester I knew as a kid was Sylvester the Cat. I thought that I would call this edition of Haveil Havalim the Un-New Year's Edition, as Sylvester is not one of the afore-mentioned new years. Nah! Too obtuse....

OK, so then I thought I'd be clever and look up the 101st pasuq of Qoheleth, the book of origin of the the phrase "haveil havalim," and see what theme could be developed:

ה,יט כִּי לֹא הַרְבֵּה, יִזְכֹּר אֶת-יְמֵי חַיָּיו: כִּי הָאֱלֹהִים מַעֲנֶה, בְּשִׂמְחַת לִבּוֹ

5:19 For let him remember the days of his life that they are not many; for God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Nah. Too bitter-sweet. So, I'll just leave it to you, then, and see if any particular theme develops out of the posts you send in.... OK. So, now that you've sent in your entries, I see that the theme is...

"Stop Messing Around with Themes, Ya'aqov, and Get it Done Already!"

Enjoy...

Torah:

Let us begin with Torah...

Backing up a bit in time, Avromi at Daf Notes Discussion provides us with Reb Oizer Alport's comments on last week's Parshath Wayigash. He also provides us with his notes on Mesekheth Rosh HaShannah (Bavli), daf 29 in "Power Of Tefillah."

Rafi at Life In Israel also reminds us of the important concept that dinim (legal stati) are not based on "feelings," or for that matter hashqafah (point of view),...whether I like it or not. In his entry Teddy Kollek's Legacy, he sets a good example for us by bringing in sources to back up his position.

Tradition:

Sheynah Galyan at Books and Beliefs has a question with which she would like some assistance concerning Rebbetzins.

Israel:

The Israel section begins with Dag who opines on the latest controversy in Israel, a decision regarding women's education in Haredi communities. A summary of this decision appears in the Ha'Aretz newspaper. And Batya sends us an additional opinion post on the matter, this one by Liel Liebowitz, posted at Holy Heresy.

Rafi updates us on another controversy, as he defends Rabbi Nosson Slifkin.

And speaking of controversy, Carl in Jerusalem updates us on the state of the State, and it doesn't seem to be doing so well:...the IDF searches for more options to defend the Negev, as the governemt won't really let it do its job, even though a think tank encourages the government to attack Azza. So, overall, the government isn't a terribly successful one, but reather a spineless one. But, if Prime Minister Olmert were to vacate his position, who would be there to take his place, do you think? None other than... And, don't miss the great photo on this post, courtesy of The Muqata, reminding us not to let the Orthodox Union of America [OU] off the hook! (Whew!)

Meanwhile, yet another scandal is brewing, or rather another tangled web is being woven: This one is related to taxes!

Nu? Who knew? Well, in Getting Closer, Batya at Shilo Musings didn't seem too surprised by the scandal. She also notes some criticism of the IDF command's handling of last summer's war. (That's right; it was a war.) She also takes time to reflect on life in her town of Shiloh, with "Not Even A Month?" and "From A Different Perspective." on Me-ander.

And speaking of taxes, Rafi reports on the new strategy being taken by the residents of S'deroth, who have been bombarded by rockets for the past two and a half years. They're "suing the state for backtaxes." Carl and Batya chime in on this one, too.

Yisrael at My Right Word suggests we learn from America's fence faux pas, and apply it to our own impending, idiotic fence disaster in Fence Overrunning; I've Told You So. He then exposes more idiocy in Throwing Good Money After Bad. He also sets the historical record straight in Finkelstein Flunks. Check out his cap off, or rather night cap, photo from Absolut.

And while we're busy dealings with our own issues, Glenn has to remind us with whom we're dealing on the outside.

But there are some important, non-political endeavors going in the Negev as well, Andy at Cozy Corner reports on Fishing In The Desert, covering one of my favorite topics -- Jews getting back in touch with the Land. Andy's entry combines two of Israel's crucial fields, agriculture and aquaculture.

Another important endeavor taking place in Israel is the repair work up in the North, where residents are still trying to recover from last summer's war with Hizbollah YSh"W. (Let's call it what it was, People,...it was a war.)

Some of you may not yet know Ben Baruch, creator of the Shabot 6000 comic strip. So, it's my pleasure to introduce you to him. Ben Baruch started a blog just over a year ago, and it's worth checking out. He covers every thing from the trendy, Jewish entertainment scene in New York to this week's post on a mission to the North of Israel to help in the recovery process. Shelter Life illustrates one of the projects, Jewish artists brightening up some of those dismal bomb shelter interiors. Check out his January, 2007 archive for more on this mission.

Marty Peretz at The New Republic provides his take on Teddy Kollek's legacy.

Now, moving from Israel to outside of Israel, Elder Of Zion provides us with evidence which suggests that a certain country has more of a chance of collapsing before Israel does. Can you guess which country that could be?

But, before we leave Israel, the Hedgehog Report updates us on the US Government's stalling the move of its embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. Batya notes the segregation of smokers,...finally, at the airport, as well as what the new arrivals are wearing on their feet, even though it's freezing!

From Outside of the Homeland:

Rondi at Wonkitties provides us two pieces of evidence as to why Jews really ARE in control of everything: Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

Erica tells us the intriguing, page-turner story of her first-hand encounter with a terrorist,... in New York!

Bagel Blogger brings us a very special story of his families' appreciation for Shabbath.

The Town Crier proudly gives us some Hanukkah highlights from the Munkatsh Yeshivah Choir. Yet, he doesn't deem like a happy camper, when it comes to the prospects of a John McCain Republican presidential candidacy. You'd better check out the honorable senator's views on Israel here before you cast your vote. The Town Crier also introduces us to Dr. Mandy Ganchrow's blog with his post "Morality/Populism and the Anti-Semites are at it again."

Sadly, Baleboosteh must report on Australia's Increase In Violent Anti-Semetic Attacks. And, according to Bagel Blogger, Australia also has its connection to Islamic terrorisim.

Also sadly, the Jewish Blogmeister reports on a tragic incident resulting from mixing alcohol and American New Year's celebrations, confirming my comments above. And, he has more bad news for us on the West Coast of the US with Self-Hating Jew trying to Kill other Jews in Iran.

Yet another suspicious element is the US is reported by Soccer Dad. Is it the Council For National Interest, or is the Council For Self Interest.

Dag uses January, 2007 to mark his "No Feminists..." Best Posts of the Year.

Even though this one's from a month ago, I'm posting Lisa's take on the not-so-Conservative Movement. I just wanted to make sure you knew about her fantastic blog, Lamrot Hakol (Despite Everything). Perhaps her background will allow you to accept her political-incorrectness, more so than from others!

Media Watch:

Snoopy the Goon at Simply Jews shoots a blast of reality into the fantasy world of the "international community," with "Another slip of a double tongue."

Health:

Linda at "Everyone Needs Therapy" takes a look at kids "Skipping School," how and why, and provides some suggestions to parents as to how to respond. She also includes some great diagrams which illustrate and help us to understand some of our family dynamics.

I chose to put this post by Smooth Stone under Health. Check out how the US is safeguarding its water supply, and you'll know why.

I'm putting this under Health, too. Neil Harris at Modern Uberdox shares with us a technique which has helped him to decrease the frequency of an undesired behavior in "Stretching my own Bechira Point."

Even as your "open-minded" (uh-hem!) blog host for this week, I still must exercise my professonal responsibility by mentioning that this technique will not work for every one, and will not work in every situation. We are all different, and our issues are all different. In addition, please bear in mind that if an issue causes you pain and/or anxiety, then it's up to you to decide its importance. Others may perceive your issue to be innocuous or serious, but they're not the ones who have to live with it. Follow Neil's example, and give yourself permission to seek help and support, professional or otherwise.

I guess I'll put Elie's post from Elie's Explosion here, too, as catharsis can be healing,...and so can people connecting wth each other. Please read "Uplifting."

Visual Arts:

These photos by A Simple Jew remind us that a picture truly is worth 1,000 words, and most certainly warrant their own topic heading. I would like to encourage other visual artists to join A Simple Jew in next week's edition.

Music:

Mottel at Letters of Thought gives his take on Jewish Reggae sensation Matisiyahu Has No Place To Be. (Those of you who know me know that I'm just itching to spell his name Matithiyahu. But, hey, it's his name, so I'll let go...this time!) And, I can't help but chime in here with my own Esser Agaroth (two cents). I think that raises up reggae music through the content of songs, and perhaps even provides Rashafarians with a tiqun. But that's just my Esser Agaroth.

Chaim at Life Of Rubin reviews Matisiyahu's recent appearance on the Tonight Show.

Humor:

Israelly Cool livens things up a bit with Top 10 Separated At Births.

Bagel Blogger reports on the current "cease fire" between Israel and the Arabs. And, his caption contest continues, so don't forget to send in your entries!

Misc.:

Snoopy the Goon at Simply Jews takes us on a unique, yet crucial journey, enlightening us as to the fate of a particular famous person's foreskin. (eyebrows raised!)

Pragmatician begins a series of marketing lessons. Part 1 involves studying your child.

Well, I am sure I will "get it" from those of of you on both the right AND left of the political and/or religous spectrum, but no I am NOT making a Saddam Hussein YSh"W section. Those of you who posted on his recent esecution are getting relegated to HH's "Misc." section. And, although I must admit, these posts were interesting, this guy is just not getting his own topic heading. Here are the links to Mottel's, Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov's, and Carl's #1 and #2 respective posts. And, of course, I can't resist posting a link to a video of the Saddam Is Dead Party, held in Jerusalem this week.

But, an execution wasn't the only surprise in Baghdad. Check out Judeosphere's discovery in "Heir Apparent."

Ya'akov Ben-Moshe at Breath Of The Beast sends us a horror story, "My First Encounter with the Beast." Please pay close attention, and you'll realize just how scarey this story really is!

And, last but not least....I'd like to introduce a new term, which, of course, is not really new...

Meta-Blogging:
(blogging about blogging)

Jack at Random Thoughts writes about How Personal Should A Blog Be.

Batya wonders about what makes a good blog post.

And you can help Bagel Blogger "re-evolve" back into a flappy bird at "Life Is Too Cruel." It's all about ratings!

Well, as we say in Israel, v'zehu nigmar! (That's it; it's finished!)

Please send your posts for next week's edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. Plus, it doesn't look like we have a host for next week, so there wouldn't be any other place to send your links to. If you're interested in hosting please contact Soccer Dad at dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.

And, finally I 'd like to thank Batya, Soccer Dad, and Bagel Blogger for their assistance and support in getting through my first Haveil Havalim!

I await your scrutiny.....