The Israel Situation

Site Updates

2009-08-30T11:27:00.000-06:00

The site is going to undergo some changes in the next 24 hours. It will be inaccessible for a short period. Thanks for your understanding and patience. The new site will be better for the readers and the writers.

When to Release Prisoners

2009-08-30T09:01:00.004-06:00

From Anthony Reich

The recent release of Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, on "compassionate" grounds has raised many issues regarding the release of convicted prisoners. This is especially true of those convicted of terrorist murders. In my view, this crime falls into a category all of its own.

Let us not fool ourselves. This was no "compassionate" release, at least I hope that it was not. Even the attempt to dress this up as such has been very weak. This is clearly a strategic move in conjunction with the Libyan government. When is a strategic move like this justified? It is hard to judge whether this move is justified or not as we have no sight of what price the Libyans are paying. Is it oil? or something else? No doubt this will all come out in the end. It seems as though the Scottish government felt that the release was justified. By all accounts, the British government also agrees with the release. Gordon Brown condemned the manner in which the prisoner was afforded a hero's welcome in Tripoli, but did not condemn the release itself. Recent documents point to the fact that the government in Westminster was aware of, and involved in the release. The American government has vehemently criticised the release, along with a number of European governments.

From an Israeli perspective, it is interesting to watch these events from a slight distance for once. Usually, it is us who are involved in the turmoil of having to decide whether releasing murderous thugs is justified, possibly allowing them to murder again. And is us who are having to consider the families of their victims who deserve their justice. So, for now, it is good to be a bystander. But our turn will hopefully present itself once more in the near future in the form of an agreement for the return of Gilad Shalit.

The dilemma associated with such prisoner release deals is acute. I don't believe that any politician or government employee felt satisfaction in the release of Megrahi. There is no doubt that this decision was taken with a great deal of reluctance and pain. But how does one evaluate whether the quid-pro-quo is worth the price? What national interest can be so vital that it justifies the insult that is heaped upon the families of the victims, and that drags the system of justice through the mud? In the case of Megrahi, we do not know.

In the case of the Gilad Shalit, any deal for his release will undoubtedly involve the release of many hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This will include many who are terrorists and who have murdered innocent Israelis. This does not consider the hundreds of prisoners who have already been released in shows of "goodwill". This is a euphemism for the release of prisoners without any direct consideration in return. Will these actions be justified? There appear to be many conflicting views.

The Israeli government, by even contemplating continuing negotiations on this basis, has shown its agreement to the principle. This is despite the statements by government ministers that a deal for Gilad's release should not be at any price. So what is a price worth paying? Is it too much to release 400 prisoners? or 450? To me, this is a really tough call to make.

It is my hope that the families of the victims whose murderers have been imprisoned can understand that even this will not return their loved ones. Justice may have been done, but their loved ones cannot be reunited with their families. In the case of Gilad Shalit, he can be returned to his family. If the release of a murderer, or 400 murderers can return Gilad to his family, I feel that this is a risk worth taking. This is an opportunity to change the future of a family that has suffered so much in the past. It also does not preclude the responsibility to keep a careful intelligence watch on the released prisoners, and to ensure that any future attempts to take valuable lives and commit terrorist actions be prevented in every way possible.

My heart goes out to the Lockerbie families, and to the families of the victims of the terrorists who may be released in a deal to free Gilad. They deserve their justice. I feel sure that Megrahi will not re-offend, but I feel that the British government owes it to the Lockerbie families to explain what has been extracted in return.

For the Israelis, seeing Gilad with his family will be enough for us. Let us pray this day comes soon.

Appreciate What You Have Around You

2009-08-30T08:58:00.003-06:00

On Friday I took a hike with a group of co-workers to the top of the 14,265 foot Quandary Peak. The hike was challenging, but all 61 of my group made it to the top. The view was astounding. The mountain was exhausting. Reaching the summit was rewarding. After fighting through the headache and dehydration of a Colorado "14er", my group decided to head back down to the 10,000 foot trail head.

Around 13,800 feet, I approached a man lying on the ground with a small group beginning CPR. I overheard that the man had a pulse and was breathing, though it was apparent that his situation was desperate. While I am trained for CPR, there were much better qualified individuals around to help with the medical emergency.

Over the next 40 minutes, we waited anxiously for a flight-for-life helicopter while a doctor and two nurses, along with a small group of volunteers, helped continue CPR. Around 12:15pm, the doctor declared the man deceased.

I later learned that the man, who was hiking with his fiance, was 43 years old and had two children. While CPR was being performed the words mi sheberach kept returning to my mind. When I watched as the man was declared dead, I began to recite the mourner's kadish silently to myself. It was heartbreaking to see the man's fiance, who left only a couple of hours earlier for an afternoon hike, cry as she saw her life change forever.

On the way down the mountain, I thought about how fragile life is and thought about the people I care most about. Seeing a father of two pass away, I thought about how my my father means to me.

This experience made me appreciate the people I have around me. Never hesitate to make sure those you care about know that you love them. You never know how fast your life will change forever.

[Cross posted on Narrow Bridge Adventures]

Israel and Middle East in the News Roundup

2009-08-26T21:39:00.002-06:00

These are news articles I read today:

U.S., EU Press IAEA on Evidence of Iran Nukes

Iranian Enrichment Capacity Reaches Plateau

U.S. Says It's Nearing Deal with Israel on Settlements

Philippines Arrests Terrorist Who Planned Attack on Israel Embassy

Brutality Is at the Heart of Hamas Practice and Ideology

Jerusalem Is Not a Settlement

Fayyad Intends to Establish De Facto State Within Two Years

2009-08-25T09:02:00.003-06:00

Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, has announced plans to circumvent the peace process and establish a de facto Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza within the next two years.

“We have decided to be proactive, to expedite the end of the occupation by working very hard to build positive facts on the ground, consistent with having our state emerge as a fact that cannot be ignored. This is our agenda, and we want to pursue it doggedly.”

It is important to remember that Fayyad is a member of Hamas. His group violently overthrew the status quo of PA leadership in Gaza and has helped to ensure a hard, impoverished life for most Gaza residents.

Benjamin Netanyahu is in London with British PM Gordon Brown and US envoy George Mitchel to discuss settlements and the future of Israel-Palestinian peace.

Lieberman: We Just Want a Normal Life

2009-08-24T12:56:00.003-06:00

"We are not looking for confrontation. We are looking for a positive way to continue normal life, also in Judea and Samaria."

In a series of recent radio interviews, Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, conceded that there is a de facto settlement freeze because Israel does not want to hinder the peace process. He also said that Israelis are not looking for war or friction, but for a normal life.

We are open, we want to reach understandings, agreements, also based on previous agreements and understandings, and we will do our best. I think it will take more than one meeting, but I certainly would like to be optimistic that we can do it.

This is evidence that Israel, unlike the Palestinians, Israelis want to work toward peace without preconditions. He also commented on Jewish and Arab residents living in Jerusalem.

There are no understandings that prohibit Jews from building in the eastern part of the city. I would like to tell you some facts that people, for some reason, ignore. Today, in the western part of the city, in Jewish neighborhoods, thousands of Arabs live – they rent apartments, they buy apartments, they build apartments. Private people initiate a private project, purchase land legally, acquire all the necessary permits from the Planning Commission, and the courts also confirm that everything is according to law.

Considering how much of an extremist the media would make him out to be, it looks like Lieberman is more of a peaceful realist. On the other hand, Hamas just wants to kill Jews.

Haveil Havalim #231

2009-08-23T08:29:00.001-06:00

Ya'akov Ben Yehuda included The Israel Situation in the latest edition of Haveil Havalim, the Jewish/Israel blog carnival. Check it out at Esser Agaroth.

Holiday at Home

2009-08-23T05:51:00.003-06:00

From Anthony Reich

In some countries, it is customary to take a summer holiday abroad. I remember this particularly when we lived in England. Although the summer days are long and daylight can last until past 10pm, the summer weather is so unreliable that planning a holiday in England entails taking a huge risk. As a result, most people in England who are seeking a true summer break head off to Spain, Portugal, the Caribbean, the USA, Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East. The opposite is true of a country like South Africa. Travelling abroad for South Africans is extremely expensive due to the great distances involved and the currency exchange rate. Add to that the fact that there are so many wonderful holiday destinations within the country, that it is unsurprising that many South Africans have their summer holidays in Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay or on the Natal south coast.

Israelis generally like to travel a great deal and is no surprise to encounter Israeli tourists in any and every holiday location, no matter how remote. With the wonderful summer weather in Israel, it is perhaps ironic that many Israelis like to travel during the summer months to escape the stifling Israeli heat. Almost anywhere is cooler than Israel at this time of year.

In tandem with many Israelis travelling abroad are the waves of holidaymakers, many of them Jews from Europe and the USA, coming to Israel for their summer break. For religious Jews who are concerned about eating kosher food and observing Shabbat, Israel is an easy and relaxing holiday. There are many choices available for eating out, and it allows the combination of a sun-filled beach holiday with spirituality by combining beach and pool visits with pilgrimages to some of the holy sites.

I am not conventional when it comes to taking holidays. Over the years, I have been required to travel abroad a great deal for work. So when it has come to having holiday, I prefer to stay home. Living in Israel, staying home can be combined with a wonderful break and classic summer holiday. I like to sleep late (in the comfort of my own home) and then head out to the beach which is only a 20 minute drive from home, or possibly a local swimming pool. This allows the feeling of being on holiday whilst having the comforts of home. We are able to eat out in our local restaurants to add to the holiday feeling. We can also take day trips to parts of Israel that we have not visited before at all, or not visited recently. In my view, this all makes for a relaxing and inexpensive holiday whilst enjoying the best of what Israel is able to offer.

This year, with the financial crisis having hit holiday budgets very hard, it is natural that many have been forced to take local holidays rather than travelling abroad. Although there are many wonderful holiday destinations to travel to in Israel, the truth is that the cost of many of these are the same as or greater than travelling abroad even when including the cost of the flight. As a result, even these are out of the financial reach of many people under the current economic climate.

I know that my family would much prefer to travel abroad given the opportunity to do so. I don't wish or plan to deny them this chance. They do have the opportunity once in a while to travel abroad for family visits. They would, however, like to have more opportunities for overseas trips. But when I see how much of a break one can have by staying home, it is almost a shame not to take advantage of the wonderful things that can be done within Israel.

Besides going to the beach every day to catch some good waves, I enjoy the opportunity to get out during the summer time. This includes walks and picnics on the beach, eating out and generally being outdoors. I also enjoy day trips to any of a number of different places in Israel including the Sea of Galilee and the north, or the deserts and the Dead Sea in the south. No holiday would be complete without the spiritually uplifting experience of a visit to Jerusalem. No matter how many times I visit Jerusalem, each visit feels like a new experience.

Now that my holiday at home is over for this year, I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it and feel rested and ready for the next challenges. I am indeed fortunate to live in a place that offers me this chance. Even those who do not live in Israel are invited to have a holiday at "home".

Swedish Blood Libel

2009-08-21T02:57:00.004-06:00

Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet, has published an article written by reporter Donald Bostrom claiming that Israel Defense Forces troops killed Palestinian youths and harvested their organs. The article in the Swedish newspaper has sparked fierce debate both in Sweden and Israel. The article claims that as far back as 1992, the IDF was taking organs from Palestinian youths, and also ties the claim to a U.S. crime investigation involving members of the Jewish community there.

Although the Swedish Ambassador to Israel Elisabet Borsiin Bonnier has criticised the article, members of the Swedish government have refused to join her criticism. Instead, the Swedish government has distanced itself from the Ambassador's reaction. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman yesterday harshly criticized Sweden's foreign ministry for holding back condemnation for the newspaper. "Sweden's decision not to interfere with blood libels against Jews is reminiscent of Sweden's non-interventionist stance in World War II," Lieberman said. Today Lieberman is scheduled to talk over the phone with his Swedish counterpart, Carl Bildt, and demand Stockholm condemn the article. Israel's ambassador to Stockholm, Benny Dagan, will meet with Bildt's deputy and raise the same demand.

If Sweden refuses to do so, the Foreign Ministry is considering postponing Bildt's visit to Israel, scheduled to take place in 10 days time. Another plan of action is to turn the visit into a publicized affair which will to embarrass Bildt, senior Foreign Ministry sources said.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said his office was looking into suing the Swedish reporter who ran the article for libel. Senior sources in his office said they expected the Swedish government to denounce the "mendacious report."

Shin Bet Guarding Palestinian Officials

2009-08-20T02:12:00.003-06:00

It is claimed that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad are being guarded by Israel's Shin Bet security service on some of their trips around the West Bank. Apparently a team from the Shin Bet's VIP security unit accompanies Abbas and Fayyad whenever they are in Area C, meaning that part of the West Bank that is under full Israeli control according to the Oslo accords.

It is reported that the agreement to guard Palestinian officials stems from Israel's desire to avoid having armed Palestinian guards open fire in Area C should their charges come under attack. The security Israel provides for Abbas and Fayyad is meant to prevent either of two possible scenarios. One is an assassination attempt by Palestinian extremists, such as the Hamas cell that was recently arrested for allegedly planning an attack on Abbas. The other is an assassination attempt by right-wing Israeli extremists.

Even though the protection that is being provided is only in Area C, I still find it astonishing that Israeli taxpayer money is being spent on this.

IAEA Hiding Information about Iran Nuclear Program

2009-08-19T02:53:00.004-06:00

It is alleged that the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hiding information that has come to its attention about Iran's aspirations to produce nuclear weapons. Western diplomats are claiming that the IAEA is refraining from publishing evidence that it has uncovered showing that Iran is pursuing a military nuclear program.

The IAEA Director General, Mohammed ElBaradei, will vacate his post at the end of 2009. He is quoted as saying that the IAEA has no evidence to show that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon. The sources claim, however, that this information has been obtained by the IAEA in a classified report signed by the head of its team in Iran. None of this has been incorporated in the IAEA's published reports which were censored by senior officials to exclude the new information. ElBaradei has come under pressure to make public the findings from Iran, and the western diplomats are expecting this to be published during the next month.

The IAEA has previously criticised Iran for barring its inspectors from its nuclear facilities, but has not gone as far as accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons.

Although Israel's sophisticated intelligence means that it does not rely upon the information published by the IAEA for its own internal use, there is no doubt that the publication of such information by the IAEA will place significant international pressure on Iran's nuclear industry.

Israel is hoping that ElBaradei's successor, Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano, will adopt a tougher line on Iran's nuclear program.

Water Rations

2009-08-18T03:49:00.004-06:00

From Anthony Reich

The ongoing drought in Israel has prompted the authorities to limit the amount of water that can be used for domestic consumption. Restrictions now in place restrict the use of water by a 4 person family to 15 cubic metres (15,000 litres) per month. Speaking from a family which ahs been doing its best to conserve water, this restriction is proving to be very challenging, but necessary. Those who exceed this usage will be fined 20 Shekels per cubic metre in excess of the allowance. In addition to this, there is a huge advertising campaign plastered on billboards throughout the country encouraging people to use less water. Finally ......

Considering that Israel has been in the midst of a serious drought for a number of years, this action is long overdue. It is a mystery as to how we will be able to get through the summer with the water resources at our disposal. With the winter rains still at least two months away, the situation is critical.

The long-term solution to this situation lies in the continued sparse use of water, the commissioning of a number of desalination plants currently under construction, and a few years of average or even above average rainfall

With "Zionist" Rabbis Like This, Who Needs Neturei Karta?

2009-08-17T19:32:00.002-06:00

This is a guest post from Ya'akov Ben Yehuda at Esser Agaroth.

Tensions at Bnei Adam; Waiting for Rabbi Levinger
Hillel Fendel, 23 b'Av/August 13, 2009, 5:16 PM

(IsraelNN.com) Despite reports to the contrary, former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu has not issued an opinion on whether the residents of Bnei Adam should go along with the decision to remove three caravans from their outpost.

On the other hand, Rabbi Chaim Druckman, one of the leading rabbis of the religious-Zionist camp for over 40 years, has ruled that they should.

The residents themselves do not feel bound by this decision (GOOD!), however, and have gone to consult with Rabbi Moshe Levinger of Hevron instead. “I don’t believe he will say that we should leave,” said long-time Yesha activist and settlement pioneer Daniella Weiss, “as it is clear what this would mean in terms of [Prime Minister Binyamin] Netanyahu’s plan to allow a Palestinian state to be established here.” (Read more....)

Everyone is now waiting with baited breath for Rabbi Levinger's ruling.

C'mon! It's not rocket science. Our own Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah [Kook] ztz"l sure didn't think it was.

One must do everything in order to delay and prevent the evacuation of Jewish strongholds.
- Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook ztz"l

When I little known rabbi in Ofra, Rabbi Elitzur HaLevy Seg"el, quoted this back in 2002 in response to the IDF's expulsion of Jews from Havath Gil'ad on Shabbath, there was great outrage. Even though Rabbi Sege"l, too was a student at Merkaz HaRav Yeshivah, while Rabbenu Tzvi Yehudah was the rosh yeshivah in the 1980's.

Who the heck is he?
I've never heard of him?
Of course, one may only learn the teachings of Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah from Rabbi Tau, Rabbi Aviner, or Rabbi Druckman.

Who the hell made up that rule? I'll tell you who: The students of Rabbi Tau, Rabbi Aviner, and Rabbi Druckman, selectively leaving out Rabbi Dov Lior, Rabbi Zalman Melamed, and Rabbi Moshe Tzuri'el.

How convenient. But it gets worse. They have also attempted to hijack the works of Rabbi Avraham Yitzhaq Kook ztz"l by stating that one may only learn his Torah from his son, and thus only from the rabbis mentioned above. Some of Rav Kook's work was suddenly discovered in the Merkaz HaRav Yeshivah, after certain rabbis had left the yeshivah. It is no coinsidence that some of this work appears to contracict much of comes out of the Mamlakhti camp.

When Rabbi Dov Lior (Hevron-Qiriyath Arba) and Rabbi Zalman Melamed (Beth-El) four full years later, no one was as courageous to shoot down the statements of two of Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah's very prominent students. Then Shlomo Aviner came along, and insisted on declaring that Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah never explicitly said "to refuse orders."

Although Rabbi Melamed walks a very careful line Beth-El for the sake of "shalom" in that town, he could not stand idly by after this statement of Aviner's. In the b'Sheva Hebrew weekly, he made the following statement, without mentioning any names.

"Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah did not have to say 'refuse orders,' as he said 'everything.' Anyone who ever learned by him and knew him should know that." (paraphrase)

During the last days in Azza, Rabbi Aviner and other like-minded rabbis were stationed in Neveh Deqalim synagogues keeping an eye on residents who were unknowingly being prepared for their final expulsion (Deep inside, Neveh Deqalim residents could probably feel what was coming). It is crucial to keep this fresh in all of our minds.

Rabbis Lior and Melamed, on the other hand, were barricaded on the roof of the synagogue in K'far Darom. Only when they heard that they were the last ones standing. I believe this was not a caving into the government, but rather like the decision of Rabbi Yohanan, who, acknowledging the reality of the situation, knew that Jerusalem had fallen and the there was nothing left to be done, save for damage control (Avoth d'Rabbi Nathan).

Some have suggested that we all have "our own rabbis."

So, then which rabbis would you follow?

The ones with the money, the publicity machine, and the cameras and microphones constantly at their heels, who see no contradiction between Torah and Israeli Law?

Or ones who place Torah Law before all else, contradiction or not, the ones whose "rulings" are supported by halachic sources, and hold up to scrutiny?

Here is a final note, regarding the B'nei Adam stronghold itself. In this video, Zambish Hever, head of Amana, encouraging the residents to leave B'nei Adam, instead of encouraging them to stay, like you would expect those connected with the Yesh"a Council to do.

Those hold up in the structure slated for removal are yelling various things at him, including, "You destroyed Gush Qatif!" "Put your head down!" and "Take off your kippah!"

Could the tide be changing? Could Jews be waking up, seeing who is a traitor, and fighting back? Or is this attitude still limited to the outposts surrounding Hevron and Shchem?

Update:

Bnei Adam Clash Dissipates – For Now
Hillel Fendel, 26 b'Av/August 16, 2009, 1:33 PM

(IsraelNN.com) Rabbi Moshe Levinger of Hevron ruled that a fight for an outpost can’t be waged without the agreement of the residents – who haven’t decided yet. (Read more...)

I suppose that is a reasonable ruling,... on the surface. Now we will have to see who appears on the seen to try to influence the decisions of the residents.

Cross-posted on Esser Agaroth.

Even Mubarak Says that Israelis are Showing Commitment to Peace

2009-08-17T14:18:00.003-06:00

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in Washington for a meeting with President Obama, has expressed "surprisingly" supportive words for the Israel leadership. He was quoted as saying that the current Israeli leadership is committed to moving forward with the peace process with the Palestinians.

Although Mubarak stopped short of advocating normalisation of relations between Israel and the Arabs, he said that Arab states will be willing to recognize and normalize ties with Israel only after a just and comprehensive Middle East peace is achieved.

Let us pray that this will happen soon.

Rising Crime

2009-08-17T06:21:00.002-06:00

From Anthony Reich

The murder on Friday evening of Leonard Karp has solicited a response from the Prime Minister, who has rightly called upon Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharanovitch to address the issue of rising crime in Israel. Leonard's body was found on a beach in north Tel Aviv on Saturday morning after he was attacked by a gang of thugs whilst out walking on the beach with his wife and daughter. The suspects rounded up include 5 male youths from the Arab village of Jaljulya and two teenage girls from Petach Tikva.

This murder has brought into sharp focus the rising crime that is unfortunately being experienced in Israel. Much of this is gang and mafia related with crime families instituting attacks and counter-attacks on each other. Some of the crime is drink and drug related with a number of recent stabbings having taken place at night clubs around the country. There is also a good deal of car theft and house burglary, mostly orchestrated by Israeli Arabs and Palestinian Arabs.

Relatively speaking, however, Israel is still an ideal environment to live in. When compared to other countries in the Middle East, in Europe and the USA, the crime experienced in Israel is still very low. There is absolutely no comparison to my native South Africa which is like the Wild West. I have no issue allowing my teenage children to be out at night on their own along with most of their friends. So although crime is unfortunately on the increase, it still has a long way to go until it reaches the dangerous levels experienced elsewhere.

Why So Little About Guy?

2009-08-16T07:00:00.003-06:00

From Anthony Reich

Zach Baumel - Zvi Feldman - Yehuda Katz - Ron Arad

Guy Hever - Majdy Halabi - Gilad Shalit

Israeli soldiers who go missing in action usually generate a great deal of media coverage and attention from the Israeli public. Examples of this include the cases of missing flight navigator Ron Arad, Gilad Shalit currently being held in Gaza by Hamas as well as Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser whose bodies were returned to Israel by Hezbollah last summer after they were taken immediately prior to the second Lebanon War.

The names of Zachary Baumel, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz are slightly less well-known. These are three soldiers missing since June 1982. They went missing in the battle of Sultan Yakoub in the first Lebanon War. In the course of that battle, 21 Israelis were killed with many more injured. In addition, the above 3 soldiers went missing without trace. It is claimed that the three soldiers and their tank were paraded in Damascus, alive and well, on the day of their capture. So what happened after that? And why have we not seen the same intensive efforts to find out what happened to them despite the best efforts of their parents?

Another case is the one of Guy Hever. Guy went missing in August 1997 after he was reported to have left his base in the Golan Heights on his way home, carrying only his military weapon and his house key. It is claimed that he was seen a short time later waiting at the Katzabiya junction for a lift to the central part of the country, and home. This was the last sighting of Guy Hever to date. The junction at which he was last seen is only 1 km from the Syrian border. Prior to his disappearance, Guy was sentenced to a period in military confinement for falling asleep during his guard duty. This led military officials to claim that he may have deserted his post or even that he may have committed suicide following his punishment. They also claimed that he may have fallen and been killed on his way home. Extensive searches for Guy yielded no clues as to his whereabouts.

It took 3 years of huge efforts on the part of Guy's family to convince the IDF to declare Guy missing in action, and then to seriously explore the possibility that he may have been captured by the Syrians. The family still feels aggrieved by the fact that they believe important information has been withheld by the IDF which is significant to the case. Following the declaration that Guy was missing in action, the government tried on a number of occasions to obtain information about Guy from the Syrians and also via the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN. Unfortunately this has all been to no avail. Two years ago, a Syrian group claiming to hold Guy requested a prisoner swap with Syrian prisoners held by Israel. Investigations into this request by security officials yielded no positive results.

The family has succeeded again recently in raising the profile of Guy's disappearance with the government. Contacts between Foreign Minister Lieberman and his Russian counterpart over the past few weeks created the opportunity for the Russians to pass a message to Syrian President Assad requesting information. Guy's mother Rina is convinced that her son was captured by the Syrians. She claims that the foreign ministry is also convinced of this fact. Now the Israeli government is seeking information about Guy from the Syrian government on "humanitarian grounds".

But I feel that the public has a right to know why Guy's case has received so little publicity? Why did it take so long to declare Guy missing in action? The IDF has a responsibility to account to each and every parent as to what has happened to his son or daughter when he or she is not returned home safely after his or her compulsory military training. This is true even if the soldier has been injured or killed as a consequence of his own actions. The soldier is in the care of the IDF, and the IDF has an obligation to every parent. In the case of Guy Hever, there is a case to be answered by the IDF as to why more was not done, and why it was not done sooner.

A case similar to Guy Hever is the one of Majdy Halabi, a Druze soldier who went missing in May 2005 when hitch-hiking back to his base from his home village of Daliyet-el-Karmel. His disappearance attracted little media coverage despite his family's efforts to raise its profile. No trace has been found of him, and his family claims that he was abducted by an Islamic terror organisation. Majdy was declared missing in action by the IDF in June 2005.

I am a parent who will deliver his son to the IDF in little more than a year for his compulsory military training. I will do this willingly, and with pride. The Jewish homeland needs Jewish soldiers to defend Israel and the Jewish people, and my son is eager to do his duty. When I hand him over to the care of the IDF and the Israeli government, I expect them to treat him like he is their son. I expect them to take exceptional care of him, and I expect them to take every action to deliver him home safely to us when his job is done. I expect them to do the same to every parent in the country who has willingly given their son or daughter for national service. And, in the event that the child cannot be returned home safely, I expect them to provide every piece of information available and to answer each and every unanswered question.

The kidnap of Gilad Shalit near Gaza more than 3 years ago has certainly raised the profile of the use of kidnapping of Israeli soldiers as a tactic to extract value from Israel by her enemies. The problem is that whilst Israel holds her captives in humane conditions, provides details of the prisoner's situation and allows visits by the Red Cross and even members of the prisoner's family, Israeli prisoners are denied all of the above and are often tortured, injured and killed during the course of their captivity. The name of Gilad Shalit remains on all our lips as we eagerly await the outcome of the current round of negotiations for his release. Let us not forget the Hevers, the Arads, the Baumels, the Katzes and the Feldmans who are also owed answers.

Now is the time for more information to be released concerning the cases of all soldiers missing in action. I hope to hear more about each of their cases in the near future, and we all look forward to redoubled efforts to return each of them to their homeland, dead or alive. This will generate renewed confidence in the IDF by both parents and soldiers who will serve their country in the future with greater enthusiasm and pride.

Uprising in Gaza Kills 7, Injures 85

2009-08-14T14:23:00.002-06:00

Jund Ansar Allah, a Palestinian group affiliated with Al-Qaida declared Gaza an "Islamic Emirate" and engaged in fierce gunfighting with Hamas.

The group, who's name means "Warriors of God," is led by Abdel-Latif Moussa, also known as Abu al-Nour al-Maqdessi. IDF reports indicate that Jund Ansar Allah killed a senior Hamas official, Abu-Jibril Shimali, leader of the terrorist brigade responsible for kidnapping Gilad Shalit.

Moussa, speaking at daily prayer in Raffa, announced that Gaza is now under theocratic rule and that his group will implement Islamic Law in all of Gaza, starting with Raffa. Hundreds of men loyal to Moussa are fighting Hamas in the streets of Gaza. Reports say that Hamas has surrounded Moussa's home and intense fighting has taken place nearby.

Apparently everyone is not happy with Hamas. And some of those people appear to be even worse than Israel's worst enemy.

Swine Flu Spreads in Israel

2009-08-13T12:37:00.003-06:00

H1N1 flue, or Swine Flu, or Mexican Flu (depending on who you ask) has spread further in Israel and has claimed its 6th, 7th, and 8th casualty.

A 60 year old woman died in a Haifa area hospital due to complications from the illness. The fast spreading flu strain has killed many elderly adults and young children around the world after an initial spread from Mexico.

2,200 Israelis have been diagnosed with the strand of the flu, and over half infected are under 30. Only 5% are over fifty. The elderly are more susceptible to complications and death from the virus.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has authorized 450 million NIS to purchase enough vaccine for every single Israeli, though the health ministry only plans to treat high risk patients.

Israel Investigating Possible Soldier Kidnapping

2009-08-13T12:22:00.004-06:00

IDF officials have begun an investigation into a reported Israeli soldier abduction. The Maan News Agency, a Palestinian news source in Beit Lechem, has reported that the "Al-Quds Army" terrorist group has claimed that they are holding a kidnapped soldier. The little known terrorist group is thought to be associated loosely with Hezbollah.

Israel has responded with roadblocks and a massive search. A major roadblock was setup on highway one between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem near Ben Gurion Airport and Lod.

The "dragnet" around the country has not yet produced any results. The terrorists claim they kidnapped the soldier in the area around the airport. The search began after a soldier reported seeing what looked like a group of people attempting to force another soldier into a car.

I hope we do not have another Gilad incident forming. I will keep you all updated if I find out anything more.

Americans Have Interesting Views of the Middle East

2009-08-12T14:54:00.002-06:00

25% of Americans think that Saudi Arabia is an enemy. 23% thing Saudi Arabia is a friend.

That is just one of a handful of interesting statistics pulled out of a new survey on how American's view Israel and the Arab world. Here are some highlights:

70% view Israel as an ally, 8% view it as an enemy, the rest fall somewhere in between
39% view Egypt as an ally, 9% say it is an enemy
81% of U.S. voters believe Palestinian leaders must recognize Israel's right to exist as part of a peace plan
70% of Americans view Iran as an enemy, 5% call Iran an ally
87% are concerned about the security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan
Americans say Iran and North Korea are the biggest threats to the United States today
The poll also indicated that Americans are convinced that Iran is primarily seeking nuclear technology as a part of its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Rockets from Gaza

2009-08-11T17:37:00.001-06:00

Israel Will Hold Lebanon Accountable for Hezbollah Attacks

2009-08-11T14:10:00.003-06:00

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he does not consider Lebanon a current enemy, but will hold any future government coalition that includes Hezbolah accountable for any attack from Lebanese soil.

If you ask me, rightfully so. Just like any attack from Gaza is the responsibility of Hamas and any attack from Ramallah or Jenin is the responsibility of the PA, Lebanon should be responsible for controlling its citizens.

Lebanon's Prime Minister is holding talks with Hezbollah leaders about including them in a future government. That would be a big mistake for Lebanon. Unlike the Olmert government, Netanyahu will hold nothing back in a future war with Hezbollah.

71 Senators Ask Obama To Push Arab States

2009-08-11T09:23:00.004-06:00

71 United States Senators from both parties joined together in a letter asking President Obama to look at the Arab states for a reason the peace process is not working. The letter points out that Israeli peace efforts are not being matched by the Arab states, and that the United States should not focus on Israel as the cause for the current situation.

The Senators supported Obama and Clinton statements that pressed the Arab nations for peace with Israel, and should continue the effort further. The letter also praised Prime Minister Netanyahu for shifting his stance to allow for a Palestinian state. They specifically pointed out his offers for negotiations with no preconditions, something that even the "moderate" Fatah party will not agree to.

“These actions have demonstrated that Israel is willing to back up its words with concrete actions, even in the face of continuing threats to its security... We encourage Arab leaders to take similar tangible steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.”

In The News: Egyptian Terrorists and Jerusalem Poll

2009-08-10T14:14:00.002-06:00

Report: Cell Plotted to Kill Israel's Ambassador to Egypt (Ynet News)

66% of Israelis Back Continued Construction Anywhere in Jerusalem (Ynet News)

Also, an interesting link to some old pictures from 1948 and 1967:

LIFE Magazine Photos of Israel - 1948 - Part 1
LIFE Magazine Photos of Israel - 1948 - Part 2
LIFE Magazine Photos of Israel - 1960 by Paul Schutzer
LIFE and Death - Photos of Israel - 1967 by Paul Schutzer
Ben Atlas (BenAtlas.com) - "Paul Schutzer was embedded with an Israeli armored column moving into Gaza in the 1967 war. His half-track took a direct hit. They found this film roll in the camera next to his body."

A Strange Thing Happened on Our Walk

2009-08-09T06:29:00.004-06:00

From Anthony Reich

Although I have been living in Israel for almost 11 years, I still find myself being surprised by certain things that are unique to Israel. This is a story about exactly one of those events. Its uniqueness can only really be appreciated by people who do not live in Israel as most Israelis would struggle to understand what the point of the story is. I believe that foreigners will understand well.

I was out with my wife on a walk late on a balmy summer's night last week. The outside temperature must have been around 30 degrees Centigrade, and the humidity was high. It was a typical Israeli mid-summer evening. We had eaten an evening meal that was sitting too heavy and had decided to try to walk off the effects of it. It was after 10pm and it was still busy in the streets of the town where we live. Many schoolchildren were out enjoying the summer holiday, and an equivalent number of adults seemed to be out and about.

We approached a block of flats where a family that we know lives, and we discovered that coloured lights had been strung out in the gardens of the block, and a barbecue party was in full swing. As we passed the gate, Doron came out in his BBQ apron to show some of his guests to their car. When he saw us walking by, he insisted that we come in to join the party. We decided to interrupt our walk briefly to pay a visit to the party.

What we found was astonishing (to me). The entire apartment block (which I estimate is about 10 apartments) was holding a combined BBQ party in the grounds of the block. Chairs, tables and festive lighting had been set up enough for all residents and their guests. Food and drink were flowing freely to all-comers. We discovered that the occasion for the party was to wish farewell to four of the young lads who will begin their 3-year stint of national service shortly. Although this is obviously a time of concern for all, especially parents, and not necessarily an occasion to rejoice, it is common practise in Israel to make an event out of it to wish the young boys and girls well along their way. Not only are the 4 neighbours entering the army within a few weeks of each other, they have managed to arrange it that they have all been called up to the same air force unit and will most likely serve their 3 years together.

Upon discovering this, and when witnessing the party taking place in front of me, the only words going through my mind were "only in Israel". I cannot imagine any other place where the neighbours in a block of flats would be holding a joint party for all residents to celebrate a family event such as this one. I could also not imagine another place where the 4 neighbours would have set out to be called up to the same unit, and actually even achieved this.

For native Israelis, these events are just a normal part of society. These things can happen and do happen in Israel. And when events take place which are out of the ordinary, even this fact is regarded as par for the course in Israel. This is one of the unique aspects about Israel which makes it so special to us, and others like us. One of the things that make us love living here. This is the thing that creates a magnetic force between this country and so many people, young and old, who come to pay a visit. Only in Israel.