ניתוח של נאום רה״מ ביום העצמאות של אמריקה / Netanyahu's Fourth Of July Message: An Analysis

כ״ג לחודש הרביעי תשפ״ו

English follows the Hebrew.

עשר אגורות (2¢):
לא משנה מה הדעות שלכם. לא משנה אם אתם ימיניים או שמאלניים, בעד נתניהו או נגדו, אוהבים את טראמפ או שונאים אותו. הסרטון הזה תקציר טוב מציגה את מה קורה בראש של כל השחקנים שבבמת הפולטיקה הנוכחית כלפי ישראל.

2:07 אני לא חושב שיש קרע. אנחנו - אמריקה קראה לנו בעלות הברית המופתית כי אנחנו כאלה. שלא כמו רבים מבעלי הברית שלכם, אנחנו למעשה נלחמים לצידכם. החיילים האמיצים שלנו וחייליכם האמיצים נלחמים כתף אל כתף.

לא ברור אם הוא מתכוון לזה באופן מטאפורי, או אם לא, אז כמה קרוב? לאילו קרבות ספציפיים הוא מתייחס? אסטרטגיה? סייבר? למעשה, חיל רגלים בשטח?

מה שכן ברור? אמריקאים חושבים שאנו אמריקה קראה לנו בעלות הברית המופתית כי בדרך כלל אנו עושים את מה שאומרים לנו לעשות.

2:24 אני חושב שלאמריקה אין בעלת ברית גדולה יותר מישראל, ולישראל אין בעלת ברית גדולה יותר מארצות הברית.

כאן נתניהו מכין את הבמה לראיון הזה, ומדגיש את אמונתו שישראל וארה"ב קשורות זו בזו.

2:30 תתני לי להגיד לך את זה. הנשיא טראמפ הוא מנהיג ארצות הברית. הוא עושה מה שטוב לאמריקה. אני מנהיג ישראל, המדינה היהודית היחידה. אני עושה מה שטוב לישראל.

זאת אומרת, יש הבדל בין מה שטוב לאמריקה ומה שטוב לישראל. זה אמור להיות ברור. מה שטוב לעם ישראל לא בהכרח טוב למדינות אחרות, ולהיפך. אני מנסה להכניס את הרעיון הזה לראש היהודים מאז שטראמפ נבחר לראשונה, לפני כמעט 10 שנים.

2:42 תשעים ותשעה אחוז אנחנו מסכימים.

אפילו נתניהו מודה שהם לא מסכימים, אם כי בהגזמה לגבי מערכת היחסים שלו עם טראמפ.

2:51 אבל כמו במשפחה שלי, בכל חברות קרובה, לפעמים יש חילוקי דעות, ואנחנו דנים בהם בגלוי. אני יכול להגיד לך ברוח חופשית, וגם אנחנו נפתור אותם.

3:01 פוקס ניוז: בחודש שעבר, הנשיא הבהיר שתצטרך לקבל כל עסקה עם איראן שארה"ב תגיע אליה. הוא אמר ל"פייננשל טיימס", "לא תהיה לו ברירה. אני קובע את העניינים." אחר כך הוא חזר על כך אתמול, ואמר לאקסיוס, "נתניהו יודע מי הבוס". האם אתה מקבל את זה שארה"ב תהיה בעלת המילה האחרונה כאשר האינטרסים האמריקאים והישראליים מתפצלים?

3:26 ובכן, קודם כל, תתני לי להגיד שיש לנו מערכת יחסים מצוינת שמוגדרת, כפי שאמרתי, בין בעלות ברית. הוא ללא ספק מנהיג ארצות הברית, שלמרבה המזל הוא מנהיג העולם.

אדום (בני עשיו) היא כרגע מנהיגת העולם, לפחות המערב.

4:13 והנשיא טראמפ מאמין שאחרי המכות ששנינו, ישראל וארצות הברית, נתנו לאיראן, הוא חושב שהוא יכול ליצור מספיק לחץ באמצעות המשא ומתן כדי להשיג את המטרות האלה. אנחנו מכבדים את זה. אני מקווה שהוא יצליח. אבל אני יכול להגיד לך את זה, עסקה או לא עסקה, כל עוד אני ראש ממשלה, לאיראן לא תהיה... נשק גרעיני.

נתניהו חוזר ומדגיש את נכונותו לפעול לבד. יופי.

7:43 תתני לי לספר לך איפה יש לנו תמיכה, כי זה אופנתי לא, את יודעת, במדינות רבות, כי התקשורת והרשתות החברתיות שלהן מוצפות בחומר נגד-ישראלי ואנטישמי. מנהיגים רבים, את יודעת, מתקשרים אליי ואומרים, היי, תראה. יש לי בעיה עם דעת הקהל. אבל אני רוצה שתדע שאנחנו מכבדים אתכם. והאם נוכל לעשות כמה עסקאות? והאם תוכלו ללמד אותנו כמה מהדברים שהצבא שלכם עושה? האם נוכל לקבל קצת מהבינה המלאכותית והמומחיות שלכם בסייבר? את יודעת, ישראל היא המדינה מספר שתיים בעולם בתחום הסייבר. הטכנולוגיה שלנו... כל כך טובה. אז, היחסים אינם בדיוק כפי שהם נראים.

אני מאמין שנתניהו צודק לגבי המוסרים הכפולים של מדינות אחרות כלפי ישראל, אבל הן מוכנות ושמחות לנצל אותנו. חבל שאנחנו מאפשרים להן לעשות כך, רק בשביל כמה טיפות אהבה ואישור קיום, ואולי קצת כסף.

8:21 ויש לנו הרבה, הרבה חברים. ואני חייב להגיד לך, אנחנו גם דואגים לחברים שלנו, במיוחד לנוצרים במזרח התיכון. הכפרים הנוצריים בלבנון, חלקם ביקשו להספח לישראל כי אנחנו מגנים עליהם מפני הקנאים של חיזבאללה שרוצים להרוג אותם. ואנחנו עושים את אותו הדבר לנוצרים בכל מקום. אנחנו מגנים על נוצרים במזרח התיכון.

התחנפות.

הוא הזכיר את עניין של הסיפוח, כלומר רמז של ריבונות בעוד חלק של ארץ ישראל שלא כבר בשליטה שלנו. הוא מנצל את ההזדמנות לצטט אנשים מבחוץ, כנראה הדרך היחידה שבה הוא יהיה מוכן לעשות זאת, וכדי שכל אחד יקשיב.

לצערנו, האלימות נגד מתנחלים ביהודה ושומרון שמנסים להגן על עצמם, ועל הפעולות החופשיות של מחבלים ערביים ושל תומכיהם, השמאלנים והאנרכיסטים, הולכות וגוברות.

9:34 אבל אני מוצא שיש משהו ייחודי בהתקפות האלה, והמשהו הזה הוא שהאנשים ששונאים את ישראל בסופו של דבר שונאים את אמריקה. וראיתי את זה, את יודעת?

שוב, הוא מציג את ישראל בהזדהות עם אח הגדול שלו אדום (עשיו), בכוונה להמנע מלפגוע במעמד שלנו.

9:49 כשהם עורכים את ההפגנות והמחאות האלה נגד ישראל שמגינה על עצמה, [מחאות] נגד המדינה הקטנה הזו שמגינה על עצמה מפני המחבלים והרוצחים האלה שמתחייבים להשמיד אותה, ואנחנו עושים מה שכל מדינה שמכבדת את עצמה הייתה עושה. אנחנו מגנים על עצמנו.

בואו נתפלל שהוא מתמיד בדרך זו.

ובכל זאת, לאורך כל הראיון, הוא משווה את ארה"ב לישראל, כולל השנאה כלפי שתיהן. הוא מזכיר מילות מפתח כגון אנטי-נאצי, אנטי-קומוניזם, אנטי-סוציאליזם, שוק חופשי, ערכים מסורתיים ותמיכה נוצרית. נראה שהוא מנסה להשיג בחזרה בתמיכה שנאבדה מהרפובליקנים, שסגן הנשיא ואנס העלה לאחרונה.

12:17 לא רק הנוצרים בלבנון מבקשים את הגנה ממנו. אלה דרוזים. אלה גם מוסלמים, מוסלמים סונים, וגם לא מעט מוסלמים שיעים.

הוא מנסה לשכנע שמאלנים, או יהודים שמאלנים בחו״ל, להבין את דאגתו לעמים אחרים?

13:35 המנחה של פוקס מזכירה את התקפות נגד הסנאטור המדינת קליפורניה (חבר מועצת המדינה) סקוט וינר (דמוקרט מסן פרנסיסקו) ששינה את דעתו להיות בעד אמונה שמקיים רצח העם בעזה, ונגד חבר הקונגרס דן גולדמן (דמוקרט מניו יורק) למרות שהוא מבקר חריף של נתניהו.

אני מתפלא שרה״מ לא מזכיר את האווירה החברתית והטובה כלפי קהילת להט"ב בישראל. אולי הוא לא רוצה להזכיר את זה כדי להמנע מלהרחיק את התומכים שלו. אפילו אנשי השמאל המרכזי בישראל מצהירים הצהרות תקינות פוליטיות. אם הם באמת מאמינים בעדן או לא? מי יכול לדעת?

אנטישמיות כוללת חוסר אמונה שעם ישראל זכאי למולדת, בדיוק כמו כל עם אחר על בכדור הארץ שלנו. לכן, יש להשוות אנטישמיות להתנגדות לציונות. עם זאת, האמת היא שכדאי לנו להשתמש במונח המדויק יותר ״שנאת ישראל״.

איזה ספרים עתיקים משייכים עם אחר לחלקת קרקע מסוימת מלבד התורה?

יהודים, גם בארץ וגם בחו״ל בגולה, חייבים להבין הוא שהנוצרים השמרנים וגם הפרוגרסיביים, שניהם מאדום (עשיו / רומא / המערב).

עלינו להפרד משניהם.

עלינו לעמוד על רגליים של עצמנו.

ראש הממשלה רמז לכך, ואולי הוא מבין שהאתרגר שלו קשה. יש קשר חזק מאוד בין הימין לנוצרים, ובין השמאל לאירופה ולערבים.

בואו נתפלל שנתעורר בקרוב, ושההתעוררות שלנו לא תצטרך להיות כל כך כואבת.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
It does matter what your particular opinions are. It doesn't matter if you're right-wing or left-wing, supportive of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu or against him, love U. S. President Trump or hate him. The video embedded here is a good summary of what is going on inside of the heads of all the actors on the current international political stage.

2:07 I don't think there's a rift. We are -- America called us the model ally because we are. Unlike many of your so-called allies, we actually fight alongside you. Our brave soldiers and your brave soldiers fight shoulder to shoulder.

Unclear if he means this metaphorically, or if not, then how close? What particular battles is he referring to? Strategy? Cyber? Actually, infantry out in the field?

What is clear? Americans think that we America called us the model ally because we generally do what we're told to do.

2:24 I think America has no greater ally than Israel, and Israel has no greater ally than the United States.

Here Netanyahu sets the stage for this interview, emphasizing his belief that Israel and the U. S. are interconnected.

2:30 Let me tell you this. President Trump is the leader of the United States. He does what's good for America. I am the leader of Israel, the only Jewish state. I do what's good for Israel.

In other words, there is a difference as to what is good for America and what is good for Israel. And I should hope so. What is good for the Jewish People is not necessarily good for the other nations, and vice-versa. I have been trying to knock this into Jewish heads since Trump was first elected, almost 10 years ago..

2:42 Ninety-nine percent of the time we see eye to eye.

Even Netanyahu admits that they do not agree, albeit in exaggeration of his relationship with Trump.

2:51 But as in my family, any close friendship, there are sometimes differences of opinion, and we discuss them openly. I can tell you in free-spirit, and we resolve them too. 

3:01 Fox: Last month, the president made it clear that you're going to have to accept whatever deal with Iran that the U. S. reaches. He told The Financial Times, "He won't have any choice. I call the shots. Then he doubled down on this yesterday, telling Axios, "Netanyahu knows who the boss is." Do you accept that the U. S. would have final say when American and Israeli interests diverge?

3:26 BN: Well, first of all, let me say that we have an excellent relationship which is defined, as I said, between allies. He's obviously the leader of the United States which happily is the leader of the world.

Edom is currently the leader of the world, well, the West anyway.

4:13 And President Trump believes that after the battering that the two of us, Israel and the United States gave to Iran, he thinks he can generate enough pressure through the negotiations to get these goals achieved. We respect that. I hope he succeeds. But I can tell you this, deal or no deal, as long I'm prime minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.

Netanyahu reiterates his willingness to act alone. Good.

7:43 Let me tell you where we have support, because it's fashionable no, you know, in many countries, because their media and their social media are inundated with anti-Israel, anti-Semitic material. Many leaders, you know, call me up and say, hey, look. I've got this problem with public opinion. But I want you to know we respect you. And can we make some deals? And, can you teach us some of the things your military does? Can we have some of your AI and you cyber expertise? you know, Israel is the number two country in cyber in the world. Our technology is... so good. So, the relations are not quite as they appear.

I believe Netanyahu is right on about the double standards of other countries toward Israel, more than happy to exploit us. It is a shame that we allow them to step all over us, just for a few scraps of love and validation, and maybe some money.

8:21 And we have many, many friends. And I have to tell you, we also take care of our friends, especially the Christians in the Middle East. The Christian villages in Lebanon, some of them have actually asked to be annexed to Israel because we protect them against the Hezbollah fanatics who want to kill them. And we do the same with Christians everywhere. We protect Christians in the middle East.

Pandering.

He did mention the concept of annexation. He took the opportunity to quote people on the outside, probably the only way he would be willing to do so, and for anyone to listen. Unfortunately, the violence against settlers in Judea and Samaria trying to defend themselves, and the free rein of Arab terrorists and their anarchist and other leftist minions has been escalating.

9:34 But I find that there's something unique about these attacks, and that something is that the people who hate Israel end up hating America. And I've seen that, you know?

Again, though, he aligns Israel with big brother Esau (Edom), not wanting to shoot himself in the foot.

9:49 When they do these demonstrations and protests against Israel defending itself, this tiny country defending itself against these terrorist murderers who commit to exterminating it, and we do what any self-respecting country would do. We defend ourselves.

Let us hope he sticks with this.

Yet throughout the interview, he pairs the U. S with Israel, including the hatred toward both. He includes buzz words, such as Anti-nazi, anti-communism, anti-socialism, free markets, traditional values, Christian support. He seems to be trying to gain back the support, being lost from conservatives, that Vice-President Vance brought up recently.

12:17 It's not only the Christians in Lebanon who ask for our protection. It's Druze. It's Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and quite a few of the Shi'ite Muslims, too.

Trying to get left wing, or left wing Jews to see his concern for other peoples?

13:35 mentions attacks against State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) who changed his tune earlier this year about the false genocide and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) even though he's a fierce critic of Netanyahu.

I am surprised he did not mention the LGBT friendliness in Israel. Perhaps that would have been too far, and alienate supporters in Israel. Even the center left in Israel make politically-correct statements. Whether they actually believe them or not is a different story.

Anti-Semitism includes not believing that Jews are entitled to a homeland, just like any other people on this planet. Thus Anti-Semitism should be equated with Anti-Zionism. However, we really should be using the more precise term Jew-hatred instead.

Which ancient texts pair any other people with a particular piece of Land besides the Torah?

What Jews, both in and outside of Israel and in exile, MUST understand is that the conservative Christians AND the progressives, are both manifestations of Edom (Esau / Rome / The West).

We must separate from both of them.

We must stand on our own two feet.

The prime minister has hinted to this, and perhaps he realizes he has a large hill to climb. There is a very strong enmeshment between the right with the Christians, and between the left with Europe and the Arabs.

Let us pray that we wake up soon, and that our awakening does not have to be that painful.

U. S. Politics: Mostly Only for Entertainment Purposes

יום צום החודש הרביעי (נדחה) תשע״ט

Daily Wire: Trump's Tweets Are A Gift To His Enemies

Matt Walsh, July 15, 2019 

Flag of the United States of México

Last week was a particularly bad week for the Democrats. After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) implied that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is racist by accusing her of "singling out" minority representatives, a very intense and public squabble (don't call it a catfight!) broke out between the different factions of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, a group of protestors at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility tore down an American flag and replaced it with the Mexican flag. At a different ICE facility, an Antifa terrorist waged an attack with a gun and explosive devices. He was killed by police. Like I said, it's been a bad few days for the Democrats. All Trump had to do to win the week was step back and let them self-destruct. Instead, as is so often the case, Trump threw the Democrats a lifeline in the form of a stupid tweet. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):

July 4, 1776 coincided with 17 b'Tammuz.

Now, as most of you know, I see American politics as existing mostly for entertainment purposes. Mostly. Now that U. S. President Trump has become more involved in the back and forth with these four Members of Congress, I expect that things may devolve from being entertaining into something more akin to being cringe-worthy.

Many of my American Jewish friends cringe at this statement, both the "Armchair Zionist" variety and even many of those Jews who actually made it here to Israel, but still celebrate the Fourth of July for some odd reason.

They still see the U. S. as the all important and power ally, in spite of the threats of U. S. troops on our soil, which they would probably welcome, impending forced land giveaways, which they are still in denial about, and increased Christian tourism, which they would also probably welcome, even encourage (Gotta grow the economy, right?!). The smart Christians, by the way, have long since set aside missionizing (for now), in favor of attempts to reside here permanently. Many of the these proud American Jews do not see an issue with. Yes, even the religious ones, mostly because they have been taught the incorrect definition of avodah zarah (foreign worship), and to throw around the names "HaMe'iri" and "Rabbenu Gershon," even though their rulings regarding avodah zarah have little if anything to do with whether they may, or may not, reside in the Land of Israel.

The Land of Israel
(Click on Image to Enlarge)

The "Armchair Zionists" are in far worse shape. To many of them, the U. S. is, and always will be, their home. Even though the U. S., and every other country outside of Israel, is only supposed to be a temporary dwelling place, until residing in Israel once again became attainable. I have been trying to get this message through Jewish politicians still residing in galut (exile), for some time now.

When I say "Armchair Zionists," that includes President Trump's religious (orthodox) Jewish son-in-law, who may, or may not, be involved in forcing Israel to give up parts of the territory it has conquered (albeit in a half-hearted way, it seems these days), lands which have been Divinely Promised to the Jewish People, lands which are not his, the President's, the Israel Prime Minister's, or any other human being's decision to give up.

In a nutshell, the so-called "right-wing" Jews have aligned themselves with Esau  (the West, both Christians and progressives), and the "progressive left" has aligned itself with Yishma'el (Arabs / Muslims).

Meanwhile, the Erev Rav (mixed multitude), one of whose roles is seen as attempting to join together  Esau (the West, both Christians and progressives) with Yishma'el , thus delaying ge'ulah (redemption), are laughing all the way to the bank,...and all the way to the polls.

Meanwhile, one of the only times when U. S. politics is not for entertainment purposes, is when they are trying to distract us from something. Then it is actually important to pay close attention!

What's the Significance of July 4th Falling on 17 Tammuz this Year?

ערב שבת קודש פר׳ בלק תשע״ה
The day before the [regular date of the] Fast of the Fourth Month

Leeba on asked me on Facebook, what I believed to be the significance of July 4, 1776 falling on 17 Tammuz, especially since as far as she knows,...

"July 2 [was] the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress"

Maier, Pauline, August 7, 1997, "Making Sense of the Fourth of July," American Heritage

Well, first off, 17 Tammuz, the "Fast of the Fourth Month" (Zech. 8:19), has historically not been a good day for the Jewish People...

משנה תענית ד,ו

חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל...;

Mishnah Ta'anith 4:6
"Five things happened to our 'forefathers' on 17 b'Tammuz, and five on 9 b'Av. On 17 b'Tammuz--the tablets were broken, and the Tamid [offering] ceased, and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Apastimos burned the Torah [scroll], and he set up an image (statue) in the Temple....."

Since the Destruction of the Second Temple, several other calamities have also occurred on the 17 b'Tammuz, and have included:

ד׳תתקצ״ט/1239 Pope Gregory IX ordered the confiscation of all manuscripts of the Talmud. (See Miriam's post at Shearim, elaborating on this, "The Church and the Talmud")

קנ״א/1391 More than 4,000 Jews were massacred in Toledo and Jaen, Spain

שי״ט/1559 The Jewish Quarter of Prague was burned and looted.

תש״ד/1944 The Kovno ghetto was liquidated.

5730/תש״ל Libya ordered the confiscation of Jewish property.

Here is my Esser Agaroth (2¢) response...


Regardless of when the U. S. Declaration of Independence was ratified, signed, publicized, what have you, the thoughts, feelings, and energies, if you will, are focused on the 4th of July.

As I state above, 17 b'Tammuz has not been a good day for the Jewish People, and thus, I would like to suggest that the 4th of July is not a good day for the Jewish People either.

In my opinion, living in the U. S. has given the Jews there as false sense of security, gross materialism, and other spiritual challenges.

The U. S. is a target destination for many Jews around the world, instead of the only true home of the Jewish People, Eretz Yisra'el (Land of Israel). The "American Dream" has caused a great many Jews to be detoured from their only proper destination, now that its gates have been opened to us.

Even now, I see on a daily basis, evidence of how difficult it is for Jews from the U. S. to adapt to life in Israel.

Three gifts were given to the Jews, but only through suffering: Torah, Eretz Yisra'el, and the World To Come.

Life in the U. S. has made them too comfortable, and too used to materialistic comforts which stand in the way of being more open-minded to the fact that not everything, nor everyone, operates in the way they are used from their lives in Galuth (exile).

It is so powerful, in fact, that many Jews do not remember, or do not want to remember, that the U. S., just like any other country in this world, is only to serve as a temporary dwelling place for us, until we are able to return to Eretz Yisra'el, just like Egypt was for us before the first Pesah (Passover) celebration, and subsequent exodus.

This year, we will not fast on 17 b'Tammuz, but rather on the 18 b'Tammuz, as 17 b'Tammuz falls on Shabbath.

While Americans are celebrating their Independence, we will be celebrating Shabbath. Then on they day after that, we will be fasting.

Let's hope that this year, Jews still in the U. S. will wake up to the fact that they do not belong there.

Let's also hope and pray that their realization will not come at the cost of a kick in the pants too difficult to recover from.

It's Broken Record Time: Jews! Get Out Of France! (Updated)

ט״ז לחודש הרביעי תשע״ד

Mes Frères, Retournez-vous à votre maison, Israël!

Times Of Israel: Hundreds trapped in synagogue as Paris protest turns violent
Thousands gather in Paris to demonstrate against Gaza operation, hurling stones at house of worship
By AFP and Times of Israel staff July 13, 2014

PARIS — Clashes erupted in Paris on Sunday as thousands of people protested against Israel and in support of residents in the Gaza Strip, where a six-day conflict has left 166 Palestinians dead.

Several thousand demonstrators walked calmly through the streets of Paris behind a large banner that read “Total Support for the Struggle of the Palestinian People”.

But clashes erupted at the end of the march on Bastille Square, with people throwing projectiles onto a cordon of police who responded with tear gas. The unrest was continuing early Sunday evening.

Media reports said that hundreds of Jews were trapped inside a synagogue in the area and police units were sent to rescue them.

A person in the synagogue told Israel’s Channel 2 news that protesters hurled stones and bricks at the building, “like it was an intifada.” (cont.)

(Tip: Yair Rosenberg)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Like an intifada? Perhaps. Try siege. It is much more specific.

During this very month, the Fourth Month or "Tammuz," almost 2,600 years ago, and then again 1,934 years ago, the ancient city of Jerusalem lay under siege, first by the Babylonians, then by the Romans.

Nine years ago, in the next month of "Av," the Expulsion of Jews ended with last stand by Rabbis Dov Lior from Hevron-Qeriyath Arba and Zalman Melamed from Beth-El, along with many young Jewish men and women, on the roof of the synagogue in the now Judenrein town of K'far Darom in Southern Gaza.

Interestingly enough, tomorrow commemorates one of Europe's greatest and most successful sieges, Bastille Day.

If you are going to be subject to a siege -- and do not think that this will be that last one, nor that the police will be infallible with their rescue efforts -- then you really should be in only true, Homeland, the Land of Israel, and where you will actually have a chance at survival.

After killings and beatings and assorted threats, it is time to take the hint already.

Just pack your bags, and get on the plane!

*********

Update: Maybe you are getting the message!

Undeterred by Rockets, 400 French Jews to Make Aliyah Today
July 16, 2014

Jewish Agency notes record figures in French aliyah still on track despite rocket attacks; many choosing to live in southern Israel

Some 400 French Jews will be making aliyah to Israel Wednesday, undeterred by the ongoing rocket fire and conflict with terrorist groups in Gaza. (cont.)

Haveil Havalim's New Format, and New Edition #407!

ערב שבת קודש פר' בהעלתך תשע"ג

The Haveil Havalim Jewish and Israel-oriented Blog Carnival has moved to a new, monthly format. So, every month around the full moon, watch for the latest edition. That's easy with a Hebrew calendar. Look for it around the 15th of the month.

This week's edition, #407, is hosted by Yocheved Golani at It's My Crisis, and I'll Cry if I Need To. the theme of this edition is "Celebrating Spiritual and Natural Beauty."

This blog will be hosting Edition #408 on Sunday, 15 of the Fourth Month (Tammuz)/June 23. You may already start sending in your submissions for this edition, to EsserAgaroth@gmail.com. Please only send not more than three of your own. We also encourage you to send in submissions from other bloggers. Perhaps your favorite blogger has never had any posts included in Haveil Havalim. So, please take the opportunity to remedy this, by pointing out new, and not-so-new, promising Jewish and Israel-oriented bloggers. When submitting, please put "HH" in the subject heading.

Ruti Mizrachi at Ki Yachol Nuchal! will be hosting Edition #409, to be published on Monday, 15 of the Fifth Month (Menahem Av)/July 22. Start sending her your submissions in another month, to RutiMizrachi@gmail.com. And, don't forget to put "HH" in the subject heading.

If you would like to host, or just connect with other Jewish and Israel-oriented bloggers, please join our Facebook Group. The group is now open to commenters and fans, as well as bloggers!

The Wicked Witch Of The West Visits Israel

26 of the Fourth Month 5772

YNET: 'Monica, Monica' Chants Taunt Clinton In Egypt

July 15, 2012

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was taunted by chants of "Monica, Monica" by tomato-throwing demonstrators as she visited the Egyptian port city of Alexandria on Sunday.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton landed at Ben-Gurion Airport Sunday night for a two day visit. During her stay, Clinton is expected to meet with top level officials. Clinton arrived on a flight from Egypt shortly along with US Middle East envoy David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, who represents Washington at the talks between world powers and Iran.

However many of us would like to believe the contrary, Clinton is not a stupid person.

She is an intelligent,calculating, and nefarious individual, higher up on the ladder than her President Obama,...much higher.

She should have known this would happen, and that this would throw a rock (or, in this case, tomato) right into her plans to raise Islam up on a pedestal,...high enough so that she can lead all Americans to kiss its proverbial tuchus.

So, Clinton's plans did not go as planned.  Did she really miss this one?  Or did everything go just as expected.

What's she up to?

Clinton Arrives In Israel

US secretary of state lands at Ben-Gurion Airport for a two day visit. Earlier, egyptians pelted Clinton motorcade with tomatoes, chanted 'Monica, Monica'

July 16, 2012

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton landed at Ben-Gurion Airport Sunday night for a two day visit. During her stay, Clinton is expected to meet with top level officials. Clinton arrived on a flight from Egypt shortly along with US Middle East envoy David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, who represents Washington at the talks between world powers and Iran....

Well, the last time Clinton was in Israel,...

• She told Jewish men how to observe and not observe the Torah.  
• She told Jewish women that they were victims of the hierarchical patriarchy, while neglecting to accuse the true oppressors of women, located in Arabs countries.
• She told all Jews that they were occupying Lands not theirs.

On other words, she lied.  Actually, she lied quite a bit.

Gee, Madame Secretary, ever read the Bible??

Clinton's husband Bill, notably called Yitzhaq Rabin his "haver" (friend).  You know, the same Yitzhaq Rabin who's troops fired on the Jews on the Altalena, killing several, and gave weapons to the Palestinian Authority, results in the deaths of countless, more Jews.

Clinton's daughter Chelsea, married a Jew, thus collaborating in the Second Holocaust (intermarriage), and leading this Jew even farther away from heritage, much like the Canaanite and Midianite women of old.  May HaShem guide them back to their proper paths!

And, what's this I see?  Baruch C. Cohen from American Trial Attorneys Defending Israel provides us with this photo. 

Hillary Clinton kissing Suha Arafat, after she claimed that the IDF poisons Arabs with AIDS virus

Apparently, this picture was taken, just after this terrorists widow spoke, accusing Jews of various lies, while Clinton just sat there!  She didn't walk out; she KISSED her!

I debated whether to present this picture of these two disgusting cows on my blog, or not.  But, the world must be reminded of the truth.

What's the expression?  A picture is worth 1,000 words.

I'd say this picture is worth well over 10 million words.

Secretary Clinton, please mind your own business.  Get on a plane, and go home.  Wanna cut off aid to Israel?  Go right ahead.  It will be difficult for us at first, but better for us in the long run, forcing us to stand on our own two feet.  We might even finally kick out the hostile Arabs.

But, you wouldn't like that, would you?

The Uproar Over Gwyneth Paltrow

26 of the Fourth Month 5771

YNET News: Paltrow To Raise Her Kids Jewish
Ashley Baylen, July 27, 2011

American actress and her husband, Coldplay front man Chris Martin, make decision following Paltrow's recent discovery that her family comes from long line of influential East European rabbis

Some people were very upset by this story.

Eliyokim Cohen , for example, makes a few good points.

However, I think Gwyneth Paltrow made herself look worse than her intended target of "hated religion." In other words, her statements against religion will probably backfire.

This was certainly not the first time a celebrity's silly statement has made the news, and will not probably not be the last.

The fate of Gwyneth Paltrow will probably be one of the following:

1. Paltrow will continue to live in ignorance, and neither she nor her children will ever learn anything about Judaism.

2. Paltrow will do further research, realize her misconceptions of Judaism and incorporate some Jewish ideas and values she happens to find compelling into her approach to child rearing.

3. Paltrow will be duped into entering the process of a pseudo-conversion by some charlatan, calling him (her?) self a "rabbi" and praying on her ignorance.

4. Paltrow's research will lead her, her children, and her children's father to Torah and to a kosher conversion to Judaism.

What control do I have over the fate of Gwyneth Paltrow?

What caught my attention in YNET News version of the story was something which diverges a little from the main point of the story:

"Gwyneth, daughter of Jewish film producer Bruce Paltrow, was raised with both Jewish and Christian values."

YNET, intentionally or unintentionally, acknowledges here that Jewish values and Christian values are NOT one and the same.

Israel National News (Arutz 7) could take a lesson from YNET.

There are no such things as Judeo-Christian values.

But, I digress...

Gwyneth Paltrow is not the only one ignorant of Judaism. There are massive numbers of Jews out there (as well as non-Jews who have been duped into thinking they are Jewish) who are ignorant, too.

Paltrow has a valid excuse, though. She is not Jewish. Say what you will about Paltrow. At least she has shown some interest in her heritage, and has taken the initiative to do some research,...silly statements picked up by the news media aside.

To those of you Jews out there with countless questions, issues, and even resentments toward Judaism, or more likely what you thought was Judaism, there are plenty of great places to start your research on the web, such as Aish.com.

Even Birthright, which does not have a religious approach, can get you to Israel, the birthplace of Judaism. There are several independently run Birthright trips which are organized, including "clean and sober" recovery trips. There may even be cycling trips, or trips based on various interests. Check it! Once here, there are countless study opportunities, with countless Jews willing to answer your questions without those old feelings of stupidity and embarrassment.

You are not stupid! You just have not had the right opportunities to get the answers to your questions. And remember, as long as you have questions, you showing that you are interested and that you care about your Jewish heritage and culture.

You just need some support.

There are short-term study programs such as is Isralight, yeshivas such as Machon Meir whose staff knows exactly where you are coming from, and independent rabbis who can quench your curiosity, without the double talk you are afraid you are going to end up getting from them.

There are also several blogs out there, such as Jew In The City (especially good for women!) which can also begin to answer those questions who have always wanted to ask, but were embarrassed to.

Sure, it can be difficult to weed through what is really Jewish, and what is not. Also, be wary of the countless so-called "messianic" site out there as well, ready to pounce on you, and prey on your soul.

But, you will not find any answers, if you do not begin the your search.

Who knows? Maybe Gwyneth Paltrow will never find out what it means to be Jewish, but maybe her story will inadvertently inspire others to do so.

Haveil Havalim #322b - The Make Up Edition Supplement

23 of the Fourth Month 5771

Hey, out there in the J-Blogosphere!

Last week, the Blog Carnival website appeared to have bumped up a lot of blog post submissions, it apparently had been holding back. It finally decided to "bare the shame" rather than "bare the pain," or however that really tacky expression goes.

Well, before I could get started I saw that To Kiss A Mezuzah had already picked up the ball, and put together an edition from the submissions she received from the Internet burp which came her way. Check it out. It's the "Make Up Edition."

Since I had already made a commitment to our Fearless Leader Jack, to put out at least some kind of edition, here I am.

To Kiss A Mezuzah did not include posts which were older than a month, which is cool. I decided to throw everything in. The only posts I did not include were the ones that were not already included in her edition, as well as posts which I remembered appearing in a previous edition, avodah zarah (eg. Christianity), spam,...oh yeah,...and posts which bash one group of Jews for no apparent reason. That is called sin'ath hinam (baseless hatred).

At least when I bash certain groups of individuals, right or wrong, I state reasons for it, which can then be scrutinized and debated. Hey, sometimes I even admit that I made a mistake. How 'bout that?

Food for thought...

It appears that we incurred two distinct burps containing different posts.

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.'

According to our Fearless Leader, Blog Carnival claims to have cleared up its hiccup (and burping, too, I hope) problem. No doubt, I inadvertently included some repeats. Oh, well. I doubt the authors will mind.

We shall see about that....

Before we begin, there is one more important announcement. J-Tweets is presenting Tweet Up In J'lem with Hadassah ("In The Pink") Milner & William Daroff. I mention this here since many of you are "tweeters" as well as bloggers. It looks like J-Bloggers Benjy, Batya, and Rafi may be in attendance. Who knows, maybe even yours truly will finally reveal himself!

Why, this could be as good as an International Jewish and Israeli Bloggers Convention! What ever happened to this annual event anyway?

Hmm...

So, anyway, here it is, the "Make Up Edition Supplement."

Torah

Josh at The Pasha Blog presents The Divrei Chaim on the Or HaChaim's Ruach HaKodesh , as wand The Or HaChaim, That We No Longer Have Ruach HaKodesh.

Yehoshofat Oliver at A Chassidishe Farbrengen brings us Refining Sparks: An Individual Mission and Revealing The Inner Harmony Behind The Conflict Of Souls.

Tomer Devorah discovers Who Is A "Righteous Gentile?" ...and who isn't.

Israel

Current Events
First of all, EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, must immediately go to check out this Photo Of The Day posted by Rafi at Like In Israel.

Tomer Devorah warns us about Glen Beck in Glen Beck Is On Mission From God, or so he thinks.

I provide my Esser Agaroth on Glen Beck in Glen Beck, Insane Jews, And The Universe.

Life In Israel
Mr. Cosmic X in Jerusalem presents Part III in his series Social Stratification in the Orthodox Jewish Community: FFBs, BTs, and Geirim You may want to read Parts I and II first.

Batya at Shiloh Musings tells us about Which Type Of Israeli Youth Wants Combat In The IDF.

Ruti at Ki Yachol Nuchal! presents Unity: The Peace Of Strength And Valor, Take Two.

Jacob at Good News From Israel brings us Photos Of The English Speakers Summer Kick Off Event and Photos And Videos Of The AACI 4th Of July Celebration In Jerusalem. Photos and videos can never be too out of date to look at!

Daniela at Isreview reviews Feldman's Pomegranate Sorbet Yogurt Pop and Tapuzina Summer Herbal Infusion Drinks.

Mrs. S. at Our Shiputzim gives us Heblish, From The Mailbag Edition.

Israelity shares a few posts: Brian's Israeli iPhone App Climbs To #52 In Two Days, Then Gets Taken Down and David's bittersweet An Eternal Home In Israel.

Extra:
Katie from the Tripbase Travel Blog presents beautiful photos from Israel from a variety of photographers in Photo Essay: Colors Of Israel. We will call this a "guest post," as it is not a specifically Jewish or Israel related blog, but rather an Israel related piece, which I thought was worth inclusion.

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside of Israel)

Miriyummy brings us Unique, the tale of her reunion with friends from high school, topped off with her white chocolate halvah recipe.

Israelity's Jessica reports some good news (no matter what anyone else says) in Natalie's Alef. Another Jewish baby has been born into the world!


Wrap-Up
Well, no one is signed up to host next week's edition. Homeschuling will be hosting August 7.

If you would like to host an edition, please contact Jack directly at talktojacknow@gmail.com.

Red Cross Harbors Hamas Fugitives

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parashath Eiqev 5770

I received the following from a friend of mine, Shmuel Sokol:

ICRC Harbors Hamas Fugitives
Samuel Sokol, Five Towns Jewish Times, July 22, 2010

The International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] stated Tuesday that it is knowingly sheltering three wanted fugitives from the Israeli police in its East Jerusalem headquarters. Ahmad Atoun, Khaled Abu Arafa, and Muhhamad Totach, all representatives of Hamas’ Change and Reform list in the Pales tinian Legislative Council [PLC], have camped out in the Sheikh Jarrah building since the June 30 rearrest of Hamas MP and former Al Qassam Brigades leader Muhhamad Abu Tir.

Dorothea Krimitsas, a spokeswoman for the ICRC, stated that the three men requested Red Cross “protection” from Israeli security forces and were informed that “they could remain on ICRC premises, but also that the ICRC could not prevent the Israeli authorities from taking action against them.”

All three are wanted by Israel for illegally residing in Jerusalem after the recent revocation of their blue residency cards. The cards were confiscated following their refusal to renounce their affiliation with Hamas. Without a repudiation of their membership, Israeli authorities warned, the four men face deportation. (Read more....)

I think it to be more telling, though, to read the ICRC's responses to Shmuel's questions,

Dear Mr. Sokol,

Here are my answers to your questions, which I copied below for the sake of clarity:

I would like the position of the Red Cross on this matter and to know if this is being done as a matter of policy.

On 1 July, the three persons (two PLC members and a former Minister for Jerusalem Affairs) asked the ICRC's delegation in Jerusalem to provide them with protection. They were told that they could remain on ICRC premises, but also that the ICRC could not prevent the Israeli authorities from taking action against them. (What's stopping Israel from "taking action?" Worries over bad PR?)

The ICRC has also been in contact with the Israeli authorities from the very beginning, asking them to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law:

- East Jerusalem is occupied territory, and the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem are considered protected persons under international humanitarian law (Article 4 of the Fourth Geneva Convention).

- Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to protect the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem and cannot lawfully undertake to forcibly transfer them from their homes. Under Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, forcible transfers of protected persons are explicitly prohibited regardless of their motive.

Does the ICRC make a differentiation between the civilian and militant sides of Hamas and does it recognize Israel's categorization of all parts of the organization as terrorist entities?

It is not up to the ICRC, as a humanitarian organization, to confer a particular status on people or organizations or to recognize their legitimacy, neither does international humanitarian law. Under international humanitarian law – which is applicable in Israel and the occupied territories and is the law on which the ICRC's mandate and activities are based – everyone who is not a combattant (as defined in the Third Geneva Convention and in the First Additional Protocol), is a civilian.

In a recent study (A study? Study of what? Study with whom?), ICRC also interpreted (?!) that members of organized armed groups belonging to a party to the conflict lose protection against direct attack for the duration of their membership (i.e., for as long as they assume a continuous combat function). (http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/direct-participation-ihl-feature-020609) This principle of distinction is particularly relevant for the conduct of hostilities.

Has the ICRC been in touch with Israel in order to resolve this matter?
Yes. See my answer above.

I hope this information is helpful.

With best regards,


Dorothea Krimitsas

International Committee of the Red Cross
Media and Public Relations, Middle East
office +41 22 730 25 90, mobile +41 79 251 93 18
dkrimitsas@icrc.org

The ICRC - working to protect and assist people affected by involved in armed conflict and other situations of violence (...against Jews. Remember Terezinschadt?). Find out more: www.icrc.org

I think that Dorothea would like to get some additional feedback on this matter, don't you?

Additional related articles by Shmuel Sokol:
Hamas Four Renounce Their Party

Hamas Parliamentarians To Defy Israeli Ban

Response To Hecht's “Anti Semitism USA, Circa 2010”

2 of the Fifth Month 5770

Anti Semitism USA, Circa 2010 Rabbi Hanoch Hecht, 19 Tammuz 5770/1 July 2010

(Israelnationalnews.com) Last week I was walking in Manhattan going from one meeting to the next, when I heard a voice chanting the words "dirty Jew" at me. As I turned around to see who had said them, I was slightly surprised to see a young boy, a Caucasian, of about 11 or 12 years of age. What was even more astonishing was that his mother was standing right behind him, apparently not caring what her son was saying, not rebuking him in any way or even apologizing to me on his behalf...

...I think it is safe to say that we are in big trouble.... (Read more...)

Rabbi Hecht, I cannot imagine why you are surprised about this boy's behavior, or for that matter, his mother's passive approval.

Nonetheless, you decided to write this piece, and within it, express your surprise/shock.

I can only assume that the audience to which you direct this is a non-Jewish one, for the following reasons:

1. We learn a rule: עשו שונא ליעקב - ספרי בהעלותך ס"ט (Esau hates Ya'aqov - Sifrei B'ha'alotehca 69) This does not suddenly change, or get overturned somehow, by Jewish, co-dependent, bending over backwards to please the goyim, to show them that we are just like them, and contribute positively to American society. Only through a final revelation, so to speak, when as many of us as possible reside in our Homeland, with a Miqdash, Sanhedrin, and kingship in place, and with the final defeat of our enemies, will they finally accept the truth. Then maybe Esau will cease this senseless resentment carried against us for 1,000's of years.

2. Even when you say “we are in big trouble,” I can only assume that you are referring to Americans in general. You are concerned with their collective, spiritual health, as well as the physical safety of those Jews still residing there, may they come back to their true Homeland soon

3. Equality and tolerance? These seem to be those modern, Western concepts you are throwing back into the faces of the goyim who invented them. Granted there are various times when equality does apply in Judaism, and when outside of Israel, we must negotiate the local, goyshe authorities when applying our Torah-based inequalities. To justify the different roles of men in women in Judaism, we do not try to explain it to the goyim, we simply cite the “establishment clause” in the U. S. Constitution, likewise when hiring a waiter to serve wine, a supervisor in a restaurant, a dairy, or a meat processing plant. Clearly, we are not all equal (...and I am only mentioning the politically-correct examples here).

4. In this day and age, of confusion and difficulty, we certainly must be patient with those Jews who do not know better, so that we can bring them back to Torah and misswoth. But, I would hardly call that tolerance. Al pi halacha, we are NOT to be tolerant of several categories of people, quite the opposite, in fact: participants in avodah zarah, participants in forbidden, sexual activities, as well as enemies of the Jewish People, out to kill us and our children regardless of how much land or prisoners or money we bend over backwards to give them. As you know, we are exempt from chasing after avodah zarah outside of Israel, and must take under consideration the local laws outside of Israel when dealing other members of the community. Dealing with our enemies in the U. S. is done through protests, lobbying government officials, and writing (including blogging!). Nonetheless, an all emcompassing value of tolerance is not a Jewish one. Tolerance of our diverse customs and ethnicities, yes; tolerance of those who represent the antithesis of our Holy Torah, no; Thus, you must be speaking to a non-Jewish audience, and not to a Jewish one.

5. You never mentioned that the solution is for “us” to return to our true Homeland. No, this is not “running away from the problem,” it is the correction of a 2,000 year old displacement of a People from its Homeland. HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) has opened up the gates for us to return to the Land he has promised to us. Don't like the governmental system and the way things are done here? Neither do I. So, come and help change things,...even though it will be far from easy. [Three good gifts were given] ...through suffering. They are Torah, Eretz Yisra'el, and HaOlam HaBa (TB Berakhoth 5a). Many Jews are repeating the sins of the spies, the forsaking of the Land and hoser emunah (lack of faith); other Jews simply do not know any better. Since your focus is not on correcting this, you must be speaking to a non-Jewish audience, and not to a Jewish one.

As helpful as it has been for Jews to reside in the U. S. for six generations or more, it is not where we are supposed to reside leKhathilah. It is not our true Homeland; Israel is.

America is not going to save us. If Jews would open their eyes, they would also see that France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the U. K., South Africa, and Turkey are not going to save us either, let alone protect us from Anti Semetism, circa 2010.

History has shown us that sometimes HaQadosh Barukh Hu has had to give us a proverbial kick in the pants to see this. How hard that kick in the pants has to be is up to us.

Have you ever thought that being called a “dirty Jew” is your kick in the pants? And if you insist on staying in the U. S. anyway, then perhaps you can increase your efforts in getting this message out to the Jews there.

It is time that we stand on our own feet, in our own homeland, and depend upon HaQadosh Barukh Hu instead of goyim or their governments.

In conclusion, Rabbi Hecht, I would like to thank you for your article. It is a positive and helpful message to the goyim,...but not to the Jews.

See also:
Esser Agaroth: Some Thoughts On The Fast Of The Fourth Month
*about the Jewish relationship with the U. S.

Lamrot Hakol: The Morality of Flattery and Christian Zionists *about our relationship with Christians and being a “light unto the nations”

The Harry Potter 7 Trailer Is Here!

26 of the Fourth Month 5770

Well, the official trailer is out for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It presents the two part presentation idea pretty well. It includes scenes which have to be from the second part, as well.

Part one is expected out this November, and part two in July, 2011.

It will be interesting to see where they ended up splitting up the two parts. There has been some discussion about this. Imdb.com has a break posted. Who knows what will be in the end.

Personally, I think the best place to break it up is after "Ron's return." That's all I'm going to say, so as not to ruin it for those of you who have not read the book.

The trailer looks good, but then so did the trailer for Harry Potter 6, and that film did not live up to its expectiations. Neither did the Harry Potter 5 film. OF course, that book was over 900 pages. it was crazy to try to jam it all into one film. It looks like they learned from this mistake by splitting up Harry Potter 7.

Some say that this is a ploy by author JK Rowling to drag out the franchise. So, what? It's still a good idea.

In the meantime, enjoy the trailer!

Honenu Event

24 of the Fourth Month 5770

Below you will find information about an upcoming event supporting HONENU, a civil rights and legal aid organization.

I have many friends who have directly benefited from HONENU's services, when they were jailed for exercising their freedom of speech (C'mon! Does such a thing really exist in Israel?), for civil disobedience, or for having the hutzpah to live in Yehudah & Shomron.

I myself was assisted by HONENU indirectly, when I received their helpful advice, second-hand. So, I am happy to spread the word about this event. Please help by doing the same!

The Artistic & Pro-Civil Rights Event of the Summer:

Saluting YESHA Artists

Encouranging, Strengthening, Supporting our talented astists throughout Judea, Samaria, and Gaza (including Gush Qatif). A fabulous assortment of Judaica, stunning gifts and art will be on display and available for puchase.

Benefiting HONENU
Inaugural Event of the Friends of Honenu
English Speaking Group

The organization the assists soldiers, policemen and other citizens who are confronted on a daily basis with legal issues an are in distress, relating to their personal commitment to the struggle for the Land of Israel.

10 percent of the event's sales revenue
will be donated to Honenu.

http://www.honenu.org/

Tasting of selected wines
from YESHA to tweak your flaor buds.
Cornucopia of fresh, seasonal fruit platter.

No charge for admittance.

Thursday, 11 Av 5770/22 July 2010
15:00 – 21:00
At the Israel Center main floor auditorium:
22 Keren HaYesod – Jerusalem

For more information:
Michael Heymann, CEO
Phone: (972) 77 700 8162
Cellular: (972) 50 9506665
POB 9676 – Jerusalem, Israel 91096
http://www.judaicaboutique.com/

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Any support by or affiliation with Esser Agaroth by Honenu should not be implied by this post.

Some Thoughts On The Fast Of The Fourth Month (17 Tammuz)

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Balaq 5770

משנה תענית
ד,ו חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל...;

Mishnah Ta'anith
4:6 "Five things happened to our 'forefathers' on 17 b'Tammuz, and five on 9 b'Av. On 17 b'Tammuz--the tablets were broken, and the Tamid [offering] ceased, and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Apastimos burned the Torah [scroll], and he set up an image (statue) in the Temple....."

A few years ago, I wrote about how significant I thought it was that 234 years ago, the Fast of the Fourth Month fell on July 4. It was in 1776, the day the United States of America declared its independence from England, its birthday as it were.

In a nutshell, I wrote that the founding of the U. S. A. was bad for the Jews. Even with the countless times the U. S. provided a haven for Jews, and to a degree, religious freedom, I concluded that the U. S. A. was not a good place for us,...spiritually. Eretz Yisra'el is the homeland of Am Yisra'el, not the U. S.

Recently, I mentioned this coinciding of dates to the friend of a friend. This friend of a friend happens to be a Chabbad Messianic, and you all must know by now how I feel about them!

Nevertheless, I mentioned this coinciding of dates specifically to him, as he is one of these Jews who seems to know everything there is about the Hebrew calendar. Mention any Hebrew date to him, and he will tell you whose death or birth or brith milah, or other significant event occurred on that date, whether it be from Biblical times, Modern times, or any date in between.

His take on the birth of the U. S. falling on the Fast of the Fourth Month was that it does not indicate an inherent "bad thing for the Jews." Rather, we Jews made it a bad thing for ourselves, and in particular, through assimilation.

His argument was based on the lack of free choice amongst the goyim. The goyim are just "doing their job," so to speak, and everything is dependent upon Jews and Torah observance.

I don't have much argument with this. I am all for us Jews accepting responsibility for our actions, and moving as far away as possible from our communal mentality of victimization.

However, Jews¹ who not only take on customs, names, clothing, and mentality of the goyim, and actually believe that these are Jewish or at least compatible with being Jewish are one thing. But Jews who go above and beyond the call of assimilation by accepting a foreign land as their own?

This Chabbabnik leaves this out of his argument. Even though Chabbadniks are referred to in Me'ah She'arim, for example, as being "more Zionist than the Zionists," they are still quick to make excuses for Jews to continue to reside outside of Eretz Yisra'el.

Hey, wait a minute! So do many Mamlakhtim (undying State-loyalists, yet "Zionist")!

At least Chabbad has a consistent hashqafah to rely upon, and thus, are at least being consistent.

But, I digress....

To emphasize the severity of the rejection of our Promised Homeland, I will mention some words of HaZa"L: A Jew living outside of Israel is likened to one who is doing avodah zarah (foreign worship) or to one who is God-less. Certainly, then, Jews who have the power to come and reside in Israel, yet do not, are rejecting a fundamental principle of Jewish identity, and are some of the guiltiest of assimilation.

The Yossi Beilins² of the world go as far as proclaiming to us that we no longer need a Jewish State. After all, things are so good for us throughout the world! Yeah, right! Just look at England, France, Belgium, and Germany! Of course, what does Yossi Beilin care about the spiritual effects of Galuth (exile), let alone Torah? Or perhaps his belief is that the ideal state of the Jewish People IS to be fully assimilated amongst the goyim. Ya' think?

The Avraham Burgs³ of the world tell us to acquire a foreign passport. He got out while he could. He now proudly resides in his eternal Homeland of Am Yisra'el,...France. Don't let the kippah fool you! He is not, I repeat, not living the Homeland of the Jewish People!

Money, cars, a high standard of living, they have really got you hooked, don't they?

Can't handle it in Israel?

Three things are acquired through suffering: Torah, Eretz Yisra'el, and Ha'Olam Ha Ba (Bereshit Rabba).

It's not supposed to be a picnic. We are supposed to work at it, to show that we are worthy. It is only through such an investment that we truly learn to care for not only this Land of ours, but for the truly Holy gift of HaQadosh Barukh Hu, that it truly is.

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¹I leave out the super-assimilated Jews here, the intermarried, the ones who do not care to investigate their heritage, deny or are ashamed of it. It's mostly not their fault; as condescending as it may seem, they just don't know any better.

²Yossi Beilin (Meretz-Yachad) is a former minister in the Israeli government, and self-identified "post-Zionist."

³Avraham Burg is a kippah-wearing (still?), former Speaker of the K'nesseth (Labor), as well as former head of the Jewish Agency. His father Yosef was a leader in the National Religious Party [NRP], famous for leaving Torah out, when asked about his vision for the state of Israel. Thus, how "religious" could the NRP have been?

How To Reclaim Jewish Property

27 of the Fourth Month 5769

Reclaiming Jewish Property in Jerusalem
Hillel Fendel 27 Tammuz 5769/July 19, 2009

(IsraelNN.com) With the Obama administration turning the corkscrews upon Israeli sovereignty in its capital, the spotlight focuses once again on the growing Jewish presence in neighborhoods such as Shimon HaTzaddik. Arab squatters face eviction this week.

The U.S. State Department has made an unprecedented demand upon its ally Israel to stop lawful construction in its capital – specifically, at a property owned by activist Dr. Irving Moskowitz in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The municipal housing plan calls for the site of the Shepherd Hotel to become a 20-unit apartment complex. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other government ministers have categorically rebuffed the American ultimatum, as did Ambassador Michael Oren when he was called to the State Department to hear the U.S. demand.

Arabs in Shimon HaTzaddik Face Eviction
Just below the hotel, seven Jewish families and an all-day Torah-study program, known as a Kollel, are trying to renew the old Jewish neighborhood of Shimon HaTzaddik. Several Arab families that have squatted on the property since Jordan took control of eastern Jerusalem in 1948 continue to refuse to leave – and face possible eviction this week.

For those of you unfamiliar with Jerusalem geography, the Shimon HaTzadiq neighbor is just on the other side of Kvish (Road) No. 1 from the Ma'aloth Dafnah and Shmu'el HaNavi neighborhoods, and only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Me'ah She'arim, Beis Yisroel, and Morasha (Musrara) neighborhoods.

Let's put some of that left over Haredi anger and energy to good use.

Nah. Never happen. No one wants to get together on this, although I am sure that Land of Israel activists might welcome it.

I guess we'll have to rely on the continued efforts of the bored "Shabbabniqim" from the above mentioned neighborhoods, who often go out tho protect the grave sites in the area from Yishma'eli vandalism.

Do not underestimate this group of bored and searching, sometimes disgruntled, Haredi youth.

The Other Story: Israeli Leftist Rags And Feminutsies

25 of the Fourth Month 5769

Others, like Life In Israel and Torat Yisrael, have already opined on the most recent series of Haredi hafganoth (protests) in Jerusalem.

I will stipulate [for now] that the Haredim were wrong. On the surface, from what I can gather, the reaction was completely over the top. However, I will take the opportunity to use this case to comment on two important, related issues.

Israeli News Media
When I initially hear a report from the likes of Yedioth Aharonoth ("Idiot Aharonoth"), HaAretz ("Am HaAretz"), Ma'ariv ("Ma'aravi"), and YES, the Jerusalem Post ("Palestinian Post") say anything about Haredim, I have to assume that it is not true, or at the very least, a highly distorted depiction of what is actually happening.

Even the Jerusalem Post, I must treat with suspicion. This so-called right-wing (right of center when convenient) paper has no love for Haredim nor "overly zealous settlers" (Translation: Those who place Torah before the almighty state are subversives).

Israeli "mainstream" radio is just as bad, if not worse. For example, when another case of alleged child abuse popped up, this time in Ramath Beth Shemesh, was it really necessary to spend a half hour on the topic "This is what happens when Jews are hozrei b'tshuvah" (return to religion)? In other words, the radio commentators snatched up the opportunity to bash the religious, and to differentiate between the Haredim and Datti'im Le'umim (national religious), attempting to wide the split between these religious communities ("divide and conquer").

Fortunately, we have bloggers, who travel outside the realm of mainstream media, and what is politically-correct, in search of the truth. The two I mention above, I happen to know to be relatively objective when it comes to Haredim. Therefore, I listen to them

Of course, in this particular case when a representative of the Haredi United Torah Judaism Party [UTJ] himself is quoted by Arutz 7 (Israel National News), I can also start placing validity onto such a controversial story:

Another UTJ politician, Jerusalem Council member Shlomo Rosenstein, supported Barkat. “The mayor can't be expected to put his workers in danger in order to provide services. Or should the workers come in tanks?” Rosenstein asked.
“I respect the right to protest and demonstrate, but the damage done to city property and to companies like Egged [buses] only hurts those of us who live in these neighborhoods,” he said.

Israeli Social Services
Whenever I hear that a social worker, working for the Israeli government, is involved in a case of child abuse, domestic abuse, or senior abuse, I am also automatically suspicious, not just as a Torah-observant man, but as a mental health professional.

While living in the Shomron (Samaria), I came across several cases of divorce occurring, certainly not so unusual, unfortunate, but not unusual.

But wait!

In each of these cases, the following series of events occurred:

1. Wife seeks counseling from the hiloni (secular) social worker.

2. Wife begins to go off the derekh (cease Torah observance).

3. Marriage ends in nasty divorce.

4. Wife leaves the yishuv (secular) to lead a secular life, with her wallet fillet, and the children confused.

How many of these cases have there been? The better question is how many cases like these have there been since the social worker was replaced. None. No divorces at all, in fact.

But that's just one example of the damage done by the traditionally super-leftist, secular social workers in Israel.

Neighbors of mine were threatened with There were no accusations of abuse nor neglect of the children, no accusations of domestic disputes. Nope. The only factor presented by the social worker was that she didn't think the family was providing an appropriate environment for their three-year old. You see, the oldest son [of eight] had been arrested for protesting the destruction of Jewish homes in the Shomron. The oldest daughter was in prison, awaiting trial for "Anti-Disengagement" protests (Translation She's dangerous*).

In the eyes of the social worker, political and religious views were what deemed this family's child-rearing environment to be "inappropriate," not evidence or facts.

When I was in graduate school, a course in "Cross-cultural Counseling" was a requirement. I'm only guessing, of course, but such courses here in Israel probably only emphasize Arab, Bedouin, and Druze cultures.

Studies in Haredi or Givani (hilltop) culture would be considered unnecessary. After all, social work students are already proficient in anthropology, and are familiar enough with primitive humanoid cultures.

Are you laughing? Would you like to know how many Haredim friends of mine have been called primitivi on the streets of Jerusalem? What about hilltop kids being referred to as rif-raf,...or worse? Let's just say a lot.

This is the prevailing attitude of the cultural elite in this country. Western and progressive are good. Torah-observance is nothing less than superstition run wild, and is only for the small-minded.

The social workers are their front line soldiers, battling such "primitive" ideation at every turn, paving the way for future indoctrination into secular, Israeli (undying state loyalist) society.

In my yishuv, there was a nickname for such social workers, well-before I arrived: Feminutsies.

Yep. It is a pretty disgusting term. No arguments there.

That's because it's pretty disgusting what they do.

Fortunately, there are some women, religious and traditional, who are there to do [secretive] damage control. In other words, there are some good social workers out there, but they are few and far between.

The Haredi response to the investigation into alleged child abuse may have been way over the top. But, what is of no surprise and perfectly understandable is the Haredi suspicion of government representatives coming to "investigate" a concern of social services.

Updates:

1. From Charedim.co.il:
(Tip Credit: Jameel @ The Muqata)

"לסיכום, נראה כי הילד סבל במשך השנה האחרונה מ... (פירוט שם המחלה), אשר נמצאת לקראת סיומה, אך תוצאות של המחלה הארוכה הן ירידה קשה במשקל ומצב תת תזונה קשה".

In summary, it appears that the child has been suffering during the last year from [name of the disease] which is coming to its close, the results of this prolonged illness are severe weight loss and malnutrition.

2. Eida Hareidit President Condemns Violent Protests
27 Tammuz 5769/July 19, 2009

(IsraelNN.com) Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, renowned authority on Jewish law and president of the hareidi-religious Eida Hareidit organization, condemned violent protests due to the arrest of a mother for suspected withholding nourishment from her child.

Rabbi Sternbuch wrote in a letter published Friday: “What we have to strongly protest here, in a peaceful manner, are the barbaric actions of the police force in arresting a woman who is allegedly sick according to their claims, and chaining her, putting her in a cell with dangerous criminals. If their allegations are true, then this woman deserves the appropriate medical treatment, but not to sit in a prison cell, with such subhuman treatment.” The rabbinic leader additionally stated, “We condemn any types of violence, I have stressed this many times before. Anyone who commits acts of violence declares that he doesn’t belong to our community. Any talk of boycotting the hospital is against the Halacha [Jewish law] and ‘very self-damaging.’ We have nothing against the Hadassah hospital, and many in our community receive their services in the Hadassah hospital with great care.”

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*At one of the hearings for her to be released, until going to trial, the presiding judge was quoted as saying, "It would be dangerous for these girls to be released, as they might 'talk to other children in their yishuv.'"

Talking to friends and neighbors is dangerous?

How very frustrating it is for me that Haredim and Mithnahelim (settlers) cannot get together to work on a few common goals.