Israel Will Live Ralph's Rant Israel, Mideast, International Affairs and Other Things

Third World War

2008-06-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

This week Olmert dodged new elections again. Again this corrupted government has stayed in power. Appeasement wins again and again the sounds of war can be heard in the distance. With each decision of appeasement that is made from a cease fire in Gaza to giving up prisoners with blood on their hands, to negotiating parts of Israel, Judea, and Samaria and getting nothing in return the sounds of war gets louder. The more appeasement decisions and statements that are made the more the threats from Iran get's louder. Wars are never started with strong leaders only weak leaders. WWII started with Neville Chamberlain we all remember him don't we. Roosevelt was a strong leader in war but he did not see WWII coming until it was too late. Golda Meir was weak before the 73 war when she came into power on the heels of the death of Levi Eshkol. Former President Jimmy Carter we all know him the Saudi funded peanut farmer and as John McCain calls a lousy President allowed the rise of Islamic Extremism in Iran which has caused the deaths of thousands of people. If Former President Carter had not given in to Ayatollah Khomeini there would never had been Islamic Extremism. If former President Carter had not forced the Shah of Iran to step down there would not have been extremism. If Former President Jimmy Carter had not forced the Shah to resign we would not be on the edge of a third world war. Now we have a corrupt Prime Minister and corrupt government who is weak and is giving the rest of the world that Israel is weak. Each decision that is regarded as weak put's Israel one step closer to confrontation. With a weak leader there comes the desperation to stay in power. That is why I am scared that Olmert may decide to attack Iran. He would not be doing it for the correct reasons. Instead of protecting Israel from a nuclear Iran which I support he would be attacking to save his job and his government and that is dangerous. While Hamas is building up rockets in Gaza under the guise of a truce, and Hezbollah is building up their forces in Lebanon, and the PA are building up their US funded forces in Judea and Samaria and Iran is building their forces Olmert and Kadima keeps giving in to every wish of the US and the PA. Israel should have totally blockaded Gaza and went in and destroyed the rockets and created a buffer zone. Iran is watching Israel's actions very closely and now sees a weak Israel. We have lost our deterrence. Iran is poised to strike from Gaza, Lebanon, and the PA. But does Olmert and his government see this no they only see money fame and fortune. They see the Nobel Peace Prize. This is the man and the government Israel has to lead her country in a time of war. This scares me more than anything. If we are going to strike Iran Israel needs a strong leader at the helm, and that is not this government. Should we prevent Iran from getting the Bomb militarily yes, but failing to take care of the rockets in Gaza, unrealistic and dangerous concessions in the so called peace negotiations, and attacking for the wrong reasons could very well lead to disaster. Kadima's reluctance to say NO to concessions on peace, and reluctance to use force may very well cost thousands of lives.

GO HOME RICE

2008-06-15T19:10:00.001-07:00

Secretary of State Rice has been to Israel 6 times in this round of peace making. This latest visit she is lambasting Israeli building in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria. While she has criticized the building in the past this time it has really created a anger in the Israeli electorate that had not been seen in a while. As one news article indicated quoting a Israeli MK this was a spit in the face of Israel. One has to wonder is why Israel is being criticized in building in areas supposedly being kepted in a final agreement if it was to be adopted, and why is Israel being attacked for building in her own capital. No one is attacking the United States for building in Washington, or New York. This is after years of broken promises about moving the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem even if it was West Jerusalem which is suppose to be considered Israel proper. This raises the question if the United States is really committed to Israel's security as a Jewish state.

This past week Hamas attacked the border area around North Gaza with 60 rockets and a truck bomb during one day of fighting and the United States said nothing. Secretary of State Rice never said a thing more did she ever visit the families down in Sederot. I don't even think she ever spoke about the legitimate problems and request of Israel all she cares about are the Palestinians. She has turned into another Jimmy Carter with her hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people. I would make a challenge to Secretary of State Rice if you are truly a mediator spend one day and night in Sederot.

Almost a year ago I outlined ways to force Hamas to resigned and to moderate the people of Gaza as well as stop the rockets. Israel was to cut off completely Gaza from Israel no water no electricity, no diesel no nothing any supplies food etc was to go through Egypt. This would have put more pressure to force Gaza to deal with Egypt. A blockade is OK but you need to have it as a total blockade. This was not done Israel kept sending supplies providing electricity etc. This was a recipe for failure. The next thing Israel should have to stop the rockets was to invade and setup a buffer zone this would have prevented attacks of truck bombs and infiltrations. Now a tragedy is ready to happen and the Olmert, the United States and the Kadima government will be the blame.

New elections have to happen and a new Pro Israel government needs to be in place and a new attitude towards pressure from the United States needs to be done.

OLMERT SELLING THE SOUTH

2008-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

This past weeks there have been several reports in the media indicated that the PA negotiators have claimed that the Israel had agreed to give up areas of the south near Gaza as part of any peace agreement. No information was given in the news articles as to what areas were to be affected but in one article the town of Latrun was also mentioned as one of the areas that was to be given up by Israel. The land that is to be given up is to be used as West Bank to Gaza corridor that would effectively divide Israel in two and would effective perhaps fatally the national aspect of the State of Israel. Even tough the articles and also the PA officials did not mention any specific areas or locations my speculation is that the areas that could be affected would be a string of city and kibbutzim along the northern border of Gaza and Southern Israel. I spent years on one of the kibbutim in the area which is also under Qassam rocket fire almost daily. I have many friends in the area. Why do I feel that these areas would be given away by Ehud Olmert and his Kadima government in the race to have a peace treaty at any price. To sell Israel out at any price.

Will the Israelis sell out the Southern Israel Gaza Border?

1. Olmert is in the battle of his political life. A misguided belief that a agreement any agreement will save his government and keep him out of jail.

2. A corridor if it was to be done would be in the area of North Gaza Israel border to the West Bank this would be the shortest distance between the two regions.

3. No denial of these reports from Israeli Officials that Israel had agreed to give up areas of Israel near Gaza.

4. Virtually no help for the Sederot area from the rockets and why is there money to help the SHAS but no money or very little money to help protect the Southern areas.

5. Withdrawal last week from the Erez area of the Army as described by last weeks blog.

6. Statements by Palestinian officials as reported by Haaretz.

From Haaretz: June 8, 2008

"Other Palestinian officials have said Israel has presented maps giving it 10 percent of the West Bank in exchange for southern Israeli territory near the Gaza Strip. "

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/990893.html

7. Other statements in the media about a corridor between Gaza and the West Bank and land swap with Israel.

If Prime Minister Olmert is secretly giving up parts of Israel and other areas this must be exposed the public told. If Prime Minister Olmert and his government are preparing to sell out Israel this must be exposed. If Prime Minister Olmert and the Israeli government is selling out the Jewish people this must be exposed. If all this is true the Israeli government has clearly gone insane and the Knesset, and the Military must do all it can to stop this process. New elections must be held and must be held soon or there won't be a Israel left for the Jewish people. The Norwegians of WWII had a word for this Quisling.

OBAMA RAMA

2008-06-02T20:02:00.001-07:00

Usually I have a bad habit of waiting till the day that my blog is de for publishing before I decide what to write. This is because the news from Israel and the Jewish world changes so fast all I have to do is blink and a better story comes along. Now I think it's time to get back to the American presidential campaign. What is going on with Clinton, Is Obama a rabid anti Israel presidential candidate in hiding? Is McCain our best hope? At the beginning of the year I gave John McCain my endorsement which still holds, and I stated that I was unsure of who was going to be the democratic nominee. At that time John McCain according to my poll did better against Clinton than he did against Obama. Now John McCain would do better with Obama than Clinton according to my unscientific poll on my blog. John McCain will win the Pro Israel vote I have no doubt about that at least at this point. His speech today at the AIPAC convention proved he is a friend of Israel. The only problem I have is if he puts Condoleezza Rice back as Secretary of State or a National Security adviser then he could loose some Jewish support. Obama is still trying to get the Jewish vote and still is failing because of his desire to bring in anti Israel advisors. Clinton is still fighting but may not succeed in getting the nomination. She seems to be more Pro Israel than her husband who I have never trusted.

McCain is strong on foreign policy and is the strongest against illegal immigration which are pluses for a vote for John McCain. However he is weak in the economic arena. Many of Clinton and Obama's economic ideas are attractive especially in this time of recession and high oil prices. That is McCain’s real weakness, and that is where the real danger for McCain lies. If the economy get's much worse people are going to forget about foreign policy and vote with their pocket book. For that reason there is a real possibility that Obama could win the next election, and that could lead to a period of anti Israel leadership in this country.

OLMERT AND TREASON

2008-05-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week there were several news items that have that have questioned the sanity and the qualifications of the present government in Israel and the Prime Minister. The first instance were reports that Israel was removing soldiers and civilian staff from the Erez Base near the Erez Crossing in Israel. This action leaves the South Erez Gaza Belt very exposed to enemy attacks. This action is the same as the US pulling soldiers away from the US border with Mexico and not protect civilians or US sovereignty if the Mexicans were claiming sovereignty and firing rockets at the US. This is a very personal issue for me since I lived in the area for a few years and have many friends in the area. Failing to secure this area including the Sederot area which is sovereign Israeli territory brings up the question is Olmert is planning to give away this area to the PA as part of a land corridor between Gaza and the PA. It makes you wonder after all make the place undesirable to live in to force the civilians to move. Why in my opinion is for personal greed and ambition. Prime Minister Olmert is guilty of it in my opinion and is my opinion no beyond selling that area of Israel out. There has been talk of this type of Trans Israel corridor being given to the PA which would split Israel and give a huge blow to her sovereignty. The Prime Minister and his current government continues to give more and more away with each new map given to the PA. The PM is also talking of giving away the Golan. Again why because of personal greed and ambition. No one says that there should never be sort of negotiated agreement for peace at some stage with real secure borders that protects the religious sites secure borders and the settlements, but this is whole sale give away for nothing, and to people that want us destroyed. One of the ministers in the Likud went so far to say that this was treason. Now this MK may have gone too far in threading Olmert and that should be condemned. But is this treason that depends on the motivations of the leaders but in my opinion is that yes it is treason. The Knesset and the military needs to do something to save Israel and to restore democracy before it is too late. In my opinion the present Kadima government must be replaced and fast by the Knesset or the Military and new elections held.

Report: Olmert Offers to Split Israel Israelnationalnews.com

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/147152

IDF soldiers to be moved from base near Gaza amid terror threats YNETNEWS

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3547674,00.html

BUSH RICE AND EGGROLL

2008-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Who ratted on Israeli Prime Minister Olmert is the key question of the day, and who would benefit from the latest of the Olmert scandals. Is it the Right hoping to get Olmert and Kadima out of power or is it the United States and the left trying to stop a Israeli attack on Iran and to force Olmert to give up more concessions. The story is still on going and unfolding as we speak. Today U.S. tycoon Sheldon Adelson who holds views that are right of center was questioned by police, oh but wait today also Slim Fast Tycoon S. Daniel Abraham a prominent leftist was also interviewed. Oh Vey this is starting to get confusing. Either way we have a Prime Minister that is subject to blackmail, and is unpopular and a successor in waiting Foreign Minister Livni who is really more of the same type of appeasement leader as Olmert is. No matter how you look on this Israeli leaders are being blackmailed, and are being influenced by money to make decisions. By who is up for debate and theory but the very possibility of this is very disturbing and is very dangerous to the future of the state of Israel. Negotiations to sell Israel's sold down the river by Prime Minister Olmert is continuing and the SHAS are letting it happen. It may be up to the Israeli people to force the government out. President Bush's speech sounded more Pro Israel than Prime Minister Olmert. One final insult from Secretary of State Rice this week. After the deadly Rocket attack on a Ashkelon Mall Defense Minister Barak asked Secretary of State Rice to visit with him. We all know what happened of course she ignored the invite so much for a even handed Secretary of State Rice.

WRITE THE SHAS TELL THEM TO LEAVE THE GOVERMENT

Eliahu Yishai eyishay@knesset.gov.il

Chaim Amsellem eamsalem@knesset.gov.il

Ariel Atias aatias@knesset.gov.il

David Azoulay dazulay@knesset.gov.il

Shlomo Benizri slomob@knesset.gov.il

Amnon Cohen amncohen@knesset.gov.il

Yitzhak Cohen izchakec@knesset.gov.il

Yakov Margi ymargi@knesset.gov.il

Avraham Michaeli amichaeli@knesset.gov.il

Meshulam Nahari mnahari@knesset.gov.il

Yithak Vaknin yvaknin@knesset.gov.il

Nissim Zeev nzeev@knesset.gov.il

FAX NUMBERS

Avraham Michaeli - 011-972-2-675-3961

Eli Yishai - 011-972-2-6662923

Amnon Cohen 011-972-2-640-8927

Ariel Atias - 011-972-2-562-1599

David Azoulay - 011-972-2-675-3908

Chaim Amsalem - 011-972-2-649-6527

Yaakov Margi - 011-972-2-675-3759

Yitzchak Cohen - 011-972-2-531-1308

Meshualam Nahari - 011-972-2-569-5360

Nissim Ze'ev - 011-972-2-649-6549

Roi Lachmanovitch - 011-972-2-666-6209

Mutual Assured Destruction

2008-05-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

For over fifty years the United States has followed a policy of Mutual Assured Destruction or MAD which has basically kept war from breaking out with the Soviet Union and China during the Cold War and continues more on a limited basis today. The idea is that if the United States would destroy any country that threaten the United States with destruction. I also believe that the United States would have used nukes in the event of a economic threat in the even of a massive oil cut off by Arab countries. While nuclear weapons are a abhorrent weapon the deterrent factor of MAD does work. Indirectly and unofficially Israel has had a limited version against the Arab countries for years even though Israel has never officially indicated that she had nukes.

Maybe now Israel needs to openly declare a policy of Mutual Assured Destruction and announce she has nukes as a way to combat growing anti Israel feelings around the world, and hostile nations. Nukes should be used by Israel in my opinion if a Jewish community is threaten with destruction such as the Holocaust, Massive economic blockade or embargo of goods and trade, and physical destruction of Israel. In my opinion Israel as a policy should target as the US target countries, that represents such threats such as Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others as well as ones that probably are not on the list but could prove just as deadly to Israel. I would also suggest to Israel as a policy to also target some European nations that have or who carry out a full trade embargo on Israel. Israel does not have oil as a weapon nor does she really have anything that Europe if she needed to could not find elsewhere. Israel cannot depend on the United States because who knows who would be in the White House if such a embargo is done. With the growing anti Israel feeling growing in Europe it's time for Israel to prepare for all eventualities.

Jordan is a Apartheid State

2008-04-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Carter wrote the book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid it is interesting that he did not write about a country that has a policy of apartheid and has for many years. That country is

Jordan

which is in fact a Palestinian state with a majority of 75 % Palestinian. During WWI the British government in return for Jewish support for the war declared the Balfour declaration which was a declaration for the creation of a National Homeland of the Jewish people. After the War the League of Nations which was is now the United Nations created two homelands one west of the river Jordan which was to be a Jewish State, and the East Bank of the Jordan to be called Trans Jordan ruled by then King Abdullah yes a Great Grandfather to the current King Abdullah of Jordan. Now back then this was international law so what makes that International law different from today’s international law. So why does this mean that

Israel

is violating international law for settling the West Bank. So King Abdullah please remember that

Israel

was given the West Bank not only by God, but by the League of Nations and it is quite legal.

Jordan

is 75% Palestinian and is ruled by a 25% Bedouin Hashemite minority so tell me Jimmy Carter which is the real country that is practicing Apartheid.

CARTER and His Magical Mystery Tour

2008-04-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

OPINION

I just wanted to say a Happy Pessach , Hag Shamach to people around the world. This week we are graced or cursed to have our old friend Ex President Carter traveling around Israel and talking to members of HAMAS. In honor of the president who brought you the birth of Islamic fundamentalism through his mishandling of the 1979 Iran Hostage Crises and the Fall of the SHAH. I decided to reprint this article From August 2007 about Mr. Carter and his Carter Center of Peace receiving donations from some governments and people that might want to change American foreign Policy.

God’s Warriors Former President Jimmy Carter Speaks

Last night I saw the first part of God’s Warriors on CNN presented by Christine Amanpour. I had a feeling that this was going to be anti Israel and I was right. I listen to Ex President Carter and I emphasis Ex speak on how bad the settlements are and they are basically the root of all the problems in the Middle East. Coming on the heels of his widely in my opinion Anti Israel book “Palestine Peace Not Apartheid” I was not surprised on the anti Israel rhetoric during the interview. I was however very angry at him blaming Israel for all the problems of the Middle East and the way that CNN proclaimed him as an expert.

Must I remind CNN that Ex President Carter was partially responsible for rise of Islamic Radicalism by failing to retaliate against Iran for the taking of the 50 American Hostages in 1979, and failing to support the Shah of Iran forcing him into exile.

What is Ex President Carter’s motivation? Why is he so Anti Israel. Quite honestly I have no idea. But a couple of interesting facts come to mind. The Carter Center that the ex president runs is a organization that was formed to promote conflict resolution. A noble gesture, however a quick look at some major contributors came up with some surprises. Below is a link to the report look also at page 37.

http://www.cartercenter.org/documents/Carter%20Center%20Annual%20Report%200506.pdf

Partial List of Donors

Bakr M. Bin laden of the Bin Laden Group Yes that Osama Bin Laden's Family

Kingdom of Saudia Arabia

Suadi Fund for Development

Goverment of the United Arab Emirates

Sultanate of Oman

"His Royal Higness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Abdulaziz Al Saud Fund"

Now I am not going to speculate here and it’s just a opinion but I wonder if there is not some motivation for the Anti Israel stance, maybe some influence from some of these contributors. Just a curious point I wanted to point out this coincidence, a coincidence that cannot be ignored. I wonder why this fact was not investigated by CNN during the Gods Warriors special?

Israel Peace Now 30 Years Anniversary

2008-04-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

OPINION

I have two things I need to write about today one is a interesting article I found on Saudi Influence in universities in the UK which underscores my opinion I have written in the past about Saudi influence in anti Israel attitudes around the world and also anti Semitic attitudes in the UK. The link of the report which was printed in a Arab business website ameinfo cannot be blamed for pro Israel bias.

http://www.ameinfo.com/153123.html

The second part this weeks blog deals with the 30 year anniversary of Israel's Peace Now. I wanted to reprint my article of last year to remind everyone what type of organization operating in Israel. Ironic both articles are about foreign influence.

British Funding of Israeli Left Wing Organizations My Opinion and Criticism

I know that in essence my job is to give the pro Israeli point of view but in light of boycotts in the UK and growing anti Israeli and Anti Jewish feeling around the world especially in Europe I feel it is my duty of a Jew to speak up when I see injustice. But for years I have always suspected some foreign government help to Israeli Left Wing so called peace organizations. I have also seen some reports on the net regarding this, but the recent actions by organizations such as the Israeli section of Peace Now in regards of challenging the legality of settlements in Judea and Samaria have led me for the quest to find out why such organizations act in such disregard to Israeli legitimate security concerns. It took me less than ten minutes to find UK government documents on the web proving that there was British Governmental financial support for several left wing organizations in Israel. According to parliamentary inquiries as describe in the three links I provided pointing to the British Parliament web site even the Ministry of Defense gave funds. Hilary Benn who was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State who is the head of Department of International Development (DFID) in October 2006 under the Tony Blair administration made the statements during parliamentary inquires. Settlement Watch getting British Government funds to spy on Israeli Settlements?? Interesting in many countries that would be considered espionage. Any way I am very surprised this information was not found earlier and the organizations confronted on their receiving donations. Well since these gentlemen worked during the Tony Blair government and this funding was given to these groups then I would think this would raise some eye brows as to the objectivity of former PM Blair. Below is a series of links to the above mentioned websites. Please note based on these UK government web links the British Ministry of Defense also contributed funds to the pool. Such Blatant interference in Israeli domestic affairs is abhorrent and reminds me of the dark days of British Colonialism. If the situation was reversed I don’t think the British people would accept it.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo061009/text/61009w0032.htm

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm061009/text/61009w0033.htm

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060710/text/60710w1516.htm

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060724/text/60724w1993.htm

Example of Questioning on Website

9 Oct 2006

Israel

Mr. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what joint projects his Department conducts with Israeli non-governmental organisations. [90264]

Hilary Benn: The Global Conflict Prevention Pool, jointly managed by the Foreign and Commonwealth 9 Oct 2006 : Column 155WOffice (FCO), DFID and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is funding the following projects with Israeli non-governmental organisations:

Peace Now—Settlement Watch;

Ir Amin—advocacy project on status of Jerusalem;

Council for Peace and Security—advocacy work on Israeli separation;

Economic Co-operation Foundation—Gaza disengagement; and HaMoKed/B’Tselem—Freedom of movement for Palestinians

War is Coming

2008-04-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

OPINION

This week there were two articles that got my attention. One article was from National Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer according to the Jerusalem Post saying that the absence of a agreement would lead to a Bi-National State, and the freeing of jailed Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti should be done. The second article was a article from Ynetnews dealing with a opinion from Professor Mordechai Kremnitzer that civil war could take place over a proposed referendum on territorial concessions this during committee hearings at the Knesset dealing with a proposed referendum.

Both of these statements are utter rubbish. If Israel gave up all the territories proposed, including East Jerusalem, many of the settlements, a trans Israel corridor dividing Israel but connecting Judea and Samaria with Gaza. one to one land exchange there is a real possibility then that Israel would turn into a Bi-National State, and their would be a Civil War. The borders would be open and the Arabs from what would be Palestine would flood Israel. If Israel failed to carry out a referendum as was promised by the current Israeli Government the chance of civil war would increase not decrease.

This is a failed process giving up everything is not going to get peace but more war. There are vast areas of opinion on how negotiations should be done and how much to give up. From Olmert and the extreme left's view to the view that no land should be given up. I have lost faith in the peace process as one being controlled by the EU, the United States, the Saudi's, the UK, and the extreme left of the world and in Israel. Peace at any price has never worked and always caused war, and one is surely coming between Israel and Iran and we can thank the current left wing government for that for allowing the Iranians and our enemies to have a false sense that Israel will not defend herself, not even after being rocketed by HAMAS. This government has be forced to resign and soon.

Referendum on J'lem will end in bloodshed YNETNEWS

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3526850,00.html

Ben-Eliezer warns of bi-national state JPOST

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1207238163665&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

DANGER AT THE DOOR

2008-03-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I am not making any accusations, but only opinions with no proof. The Shas get 100 million dollars for Yeshivas where does the money come from I ask myself? The Israeli government does not have the money to fix houses in Sederot but can find money to fund Shas Yeshivas. Something is wrong here in my opinion. A investigation in my opinion is needed into where the money is coming from. The Shas are a lynch pin for the current Israeli government if they leave the government would fall. Now I am not saying there is any wrong doing, but a investigation is needed not just with this incident but with the entire government of Israel and officials to make sure that no funds are being used to influence decisions of the Israeli government in regards to the current peace negotiations. Investigations are needed into the funding of various left wing groups by foreign countries also. Request through the Freedom of Information Act should be made. The stakes of these peace negotiations are high and reputations and legacy’s are on the block. The Israeli people must be given all the facts behind their governments decisions regarding their safety and future of their country. In the next few weeks decisions are going to be made that will affect the safety and the future of the Jewish people. It is important that if those decisions are made they are being made for the right reasons. The Olmert government is a minority government that is supported by less than 20% of the population. It is time for that government to step down. It is time for the SHAS to leave the government and let the Israeli people decide if this government is just or not.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203847481727&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Pesach, Easter and the Easter Bunny

2008-03-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

As the Pesach, and Easter holidays come this year and the problems of the Middle East continue one has to wonder about a few things about religion. I have always had a question that I have always wanted to ask Christians around the world, and I hope that this article does not get controversial, and I don't offend anyone. Why do Christians not celebrate Jewish holidays such as Passover and Purim and others. After all Jesus Christ and the first Christians were Jews and celebrated these holidays. Christians study and worship the Old Testament Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Passover, Purim are holidays that all Christians and Jews in my opinion could enjoy. Living in the bible belt here in the states one see many different types of Christianity. It would be great I think to have a Sedar with my Christian neighbors joining in, or to join celebrating Hanukkah not as a curiosity but as a symbol of how Christianity is truly from Jewish roots. Hag Sameah to one in all Jews and Christians

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_(Christian_holiday)

No More Peace Process

2008-03-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

The attack on the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva on March 6, 2008 that took the lives of 8 young Israeli kids was a stark reminder of the ongoing hatred of the Jewish people by the Arab masses. Day after day there are rockets being fired into Israel, calls from other countries to withdrawal totally to the 67 borders, failure to recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel not even the western section of the city which is supposedly recognized as a part of Israel, rampant anti Israel diatribes in European and Arab countries, corruption of US and Israeli officials in regards to the peace process, broken promises by the US and other countries. This is just a few of the reasons that I have now decided that I will not support the peace process. The world is not ready for one and to act honestly with Israel and the Jewish people. Why should we commit suicide as a people and a country for the sake of world peace. Where was the world in WWII when we were being killed. Where was the world in 1975 when millions of Cambodians were being killed because the US and the world abandoned the South Vietnamese. Where was the world when the genocide was going on in Rwanda.

It is clear that other countries and peoples care more about themselves than other people and the Jewish people and Israel. Israeli leaders and some US leaders in my opinion are corrupt caring more about their legacy money they will make after their term of office is over, and in my opinion no proof overt corruption to influence the peace process, both on a government, private, and educational level in Israel and the United States and Europe.

So with that I will state that I will not nor will I ever support this peace process or any peace process until I see people, other government and countries recognizing our rights to secure borders, recognition of our religious and refugee rights, our right to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the Jewish people, and see other Arab countries understand and have sympathy with our point of view. Never will I support a process that is mired in corruption. Never will I support that process until Israel gets a leadership that cares more about Israel than their legacy and what the world thinks. Until that occurs I will work through this blog to get my view across.

Rockets Red Glare

2008-03-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

"Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us." Golda Meir

Tonight I wanted to repost one of the comments that I got from a teenager name Tom on a kibbutz on the Gaza border. I felt that it shows the atmosphere and fear in the area. Tom I hope you are safe as my friends are on a kibbutz near you that are enduring the same danger and attacks.

Hello, I am a teenager living in Israel, just near Gaza.

Let me explain some things here: We indeed live under rocket fire for more then 5 years, we do feel frustrated and most of us also support a large operation in Gaza.

Now, in the last weekend, while staying inside the shelter, I got to think about the whole situation.

We, obviously, can not stop them from lunching rockets without a large operation. On the other hand, we can not end a large operation as easily as we may want to.

A large operation is exactly as it sounds, Large. My brother is in the army at the moment, as well as some of my cousins, and I'm supposed to get there in two years. I Know a large operation will cause years of harsh fighting, and I clearly don't want that (I believe you don't want it either). Moreover, it will surely start a wave of terrorism deep in Israel, or a new Intifada (Don't know the English term..).

Considering the way Hamas and his groups fight, a large operation will result in hundreds, maybe thousands of innocent casualties in Gaza, and large numbers on this side as well. Peace talks are obviously stupid at the moment, since they don't want it and we can't force it. As you may understand by now, my point is this: We are in a dead-end. No magical action exists to solve it all.

You said the following sentence: "The goal should be the stopping of the rocket fire from Gaza and to protect Israeli lives". I disagree. The goal should be both protecting Israeli lives AND Palestinian lives. Don't get me wrong, some weeks ago a farmer was shot 500 meters from my house, and he was a friend of mine. At that moment I could lunch an air-strike to destroy all Gaza in one blast. I still feel like we have to show them nothing but power, because no other way exists.

Gaza and the SHAS

2008-03-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

South Israel burns with rocket fire, and Olmert keeps fiddling. The latest attack will likely either be a half measured attack or a attempt to put in International forces and to replace Hamas with Abbas. While the current attack on Gaza is a positive move. Trying to protect the peace process and also to put Abbas in power should not be the goal of the PM. The goal should be the stopping of the rocket fire from Gaza and to protect Israeli lives. Events are on going but one thing is for sure if the Israeli government had done a full boycott of power and water Israeli troops may not be in Gaza now.
The SHAs this week according to the below JPOST article received 475 million shekels which is approximately 100 million dollars commitment by the government to fund Torah Schools. Now tell me how the SHAS received so much money when there is not enough money to fortify each home in Sederot or to provide each Israeli family with a gas mask. The SHAS know that Jerusalem is being negotiated so why are they staying. If they wait till it is a done deal then it will be too late. FAX, Write the SHAS and tell them to resign now.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203847481727&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203343699073&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

SHAS

Eliahu Yishai eyishay@knesset.gov.il

Chaim Amsellem eamsalem@knesset.gov.il

Ariel Atias aatias@knesset.gov.il

David Azoulay dazulay@knesset.gov.il

Shlomo Benizri slomob@knesset.gov.il

Amnon Cohen amncohen@knesset.gov.il

Yitzhak Cohen izchakec@knesset.gov.il

Yakov Margi ymargi@knesset.gov.il

Avraham Michaeli amichaeli@knesset.gov.il

Meshulam Nahari mnahari@knesset.gov.il

Yithak Vaknin yvaknin@knesset.gov.il

Nissim Zeev nzeev@knesset.gov.il

FAX NUMBERS

Avraham Michaeli - 011-972-2-675-3961

Eli Yishai - 011-972-2-6662923

Amnon Cohen 011-972-2-640-8927

Ariel Atias - 011-972-2-562-1599

David Azoulay - 011-972-2-675-3908

Chaim Amsalem - 011-972-2-649-6527

Yaakov Margi - 011-972-2-675-3759

Yitzchak Cohen - 011-972-2-531-1308

Meshualam Nahari - 011-972-2-569-5360

Nissim Ze'ev - 011-972-2-649-6549

Roi Lachmanovitch - 011-972-2-666-6209

Shlomo Benizri - 011-972-2-675-3747

Yitzchak Vaknin- 011-972-2-649-6079

Gaza Again

2008-02-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Over the past several months Israel has been wrestling with ways to prevent Qassams from being fired from Gaza. Every day more rockets are fired hitting Sederot, and the neighboring kibbutzim. Israel over the past few months Israel has done halfway measures to protect the kibbutzim and the city of Sederot. Israel has chosen to reduce the electricity gradually at the request of the United States instead of turning it off completely but failed to follow up a full blown cutoff. Israel cut off trade with Gaza which was good but it is only a half way measure since Gaza can still get supplies and provisions from Egypt. Tomorrow the people of Gaza are will probably attempt a force storming of the Israeli border. If this occurs this will be the fault of the United States government as well as the Israeli government for failing to invoke strong sanctions such as a total cutoff of Electricity and other supplies from Israel. Since Israel does not occupy Gaza anymore Israel is no longer under any international obligation or humanitarian obligation based on the Law of Occupation in international law.

The current peace process is a failure full of one sided concessions from Israel. As indicated in the past weakness breeds disaster, and the current Israeli government is weak.

Mugniyah Assassination

2008-02-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

The assassination last week of Imad Mugniyah last week surprised the world. There is no indication as to who had done it. But there was speculation that Israel, the US, even Hezbollah dissidents themselves may have killed Mugniyah with a car bomb. There are now threats of retaliation from Hezbollah, and the United States, Israel and various Jewish targets around the world have been placed on the alert. Iran has sent a investigation team to Damascus to investigate the assassination. The question is who would benefit.

1. The United States might benefit because Hezbollah is responsible for the instability in Lebanon, and has been responsible for more deaths of Americans before 9/11. Possible but if they did they would have done it with the help of the Lebanese not the Israeli's.

2. The Israeli Mossad who may have killed him for the revenge for the Lebanon war of 2006. Israel as enough problems with Hamas now and if they have not killed the head of HAMAS then it is doubtful they would have killed Imad Mugniyah.

3. Hezbollah dissidents which I find a little strange since at this time Iran is pulling the strings of Hezbollah.

4. There is one other theory that comes into play that the killing was the revenge by Lebanese for the assassination of Rafik Harari? This to me is the most plausible since Harari was the head of the Anti Syrian coalition when he was alive. He was very popular among the Lebanese.

No matter who did it Hezbollah will blame Israel and the US for the attack, and US, Israeli, and Jewish targets around the world will have to be on the alert.

Does Olmert Have Secrets OPINION

2008-02-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

A interesting article appeared in the Jerusalem Post on February 9th titled A Million Dollars to Bring Down Olmert. The million dollar bounty was offered according to the article from unidentified right winged individuals in the United States and in Israel. The million dollars was to be offered to dig up any information that would force Olmert to resign. Now maybe the goal of this group seems to be harsh but a investigation needs to be done provided that the information that is found is true. The reason is that if by theory Olmert and other government officials are being blackmailed into making concessions, or if they are being influenced in a inappropriate manner that information needs to be made public since the security of the state of Israel depends on it. Again there is no evidence this is occurring however the people have every right to investigate this possibility as any investigative journalist does. I even believe that this investigation should dig into any information regarding of left wing groups in Israel so as to find out the motivation of these groups. It is absolutely the most important responsibility of anyone who investigates this government to find out why these people are willing to give up so much. The existence of the state of Israel depends on it.

Reference Article A million dollars to bring down Olmert JPOST

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1202246346350&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Dooms Day Clock

2008-02-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

Last week Iran launched a Safir-1 Rocket into orbit, as part of their new "Space program". The story went little noticed in the world press especially in the United States since the news was dominated by the United States election campaign. But this event was was not meant to be a first step to a landing on the moon by the Iranians, but it was clearly a message to the United States. The launch destroyed the myth of the US national Intelligence Estimate on Iran and pushed the United States possibly closer to a armed confrontation. If the rocket can support a satellite to go into space then it can support a nuclear warhead to strike anywhere in the world.
The United States and indeed Israel now face a choice as to what to do with Iran. Even the Russians are now concerned about this rocket launch. If the United States waits much longer it may be faced with a nuclear Iran that is able to strike the United States with nukes, and the danger of accidental nuclear war between Russia and the United States would also increase. Israel clearly needs leaders now that are strong not corrupted. A new election is needed now before a major confrontation with Iran takes place. It would be a disaster for Prime Minister Olmert and the Israeli government to be at the helm if a major confrontation breaks out.

JOHN MCCAIN

2008-02-03T17:08:00.001-08:00

Well it's almost time for Super Tuesday February 5^th here in the States when on many occasions presidential candidates win or loose the Presidential election. This year it has been somewhat challenging to pick the best candidate. If I could pick or choose elements of each candidate to pick the best candidate I would but unfortunely I can't.
It will be very difficult for me to recommend a democratic candidate this year for several reasons. In regards to Israel do we really want a Bill Clinton back trying to broker a bad peace deal in order to complete his legacy. Barak Obama I am concerned about some of his advisors who may tend to have a more pro Arab spin. Both candidates I support their views on healthcare which changes are sorely needed in this country. But also I have some real issues their views on illegal immigration.

On the republican side Mitt Romney seems to have had some success in trying to solve the health care crises in Massachusetts, although there were some changes made by the current governor. His views on the war on terror and pro Israel line is great for Israel. On the minus side his view on some business credits has some flaws in them such as as indicated from his website "Businesses: Governor Romney would institute immediate 100% expensing of equipment for two years and permanently reduce the corporate tax rate." That well all and good but will that prevent companies from outsourcing jobs. In my opinion any tax advantages need to be tied with American Jobs not with business profits. He also needs to understand that while statements he made about auto workers in Michigan, companies such as Toyota have a much better history of creating non outsourced jobs in America. It's pretty bad when Japanese cars have become more American than American cars and have a better history of hiring American Workers.John McCain I believe has the strongest views on Foreign Policy mostly from his work
in the senate he also has a strong moral character that can't be ignored. Is survival as
a POW during the Vietnam war is one of the things I most admire from him. He has also been a fighter against corporate lobbyist for a log time and was able to get some reform measures passed in 2001. If elected I feel he would be a honest breath of air in a world where corporate lobbyism has all but taken over politics. Ultimately he may be able to push for more changes because of that. I have some disagreements with him regarding healthcare Torte reform is wrong since everyone should be responsible for their actions including doctors and that will not have a effect on high insurance prices. I also disagree with him on illegal immigration, although I hope he has changed his opinion on that to be more tougher. But at this time in history we need a strong leader to protect America, and he has the best qualifications on the Homeland security / Defense side. He also has the best ideas regarding ending the war in Iraq. On a personal note I wrote a note on some of my ideas on finance reform in 2001 he answer me with a personal letter which I shall publish on this site. Any candidate who takes the time to read my ideas and answer me with a personal letter deserves my vote. So with that Ralph's Rant will give a tenitive support for John McCain with the hope he includes Mitt Romney as his Vice President running mate. I also urge them to dump Condoleezza rice as Secretary of State.

President Bush almost pushed me to the democrats with his views on a Arab Israel peace agreement and his economic policies and corporate greed. But John McCain represents a view that I can accept. He has a link on my Blog read his policies.

Winograd Committee Report

2008-01-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

Today in the mist of a snow storm in Jerusalem the Winograd Report was released. The results and the affects of the report will probably not be felt for a few days, but based on the first reponses from the Israeli government self denial has takened place. But the evidence is there as indicated in some of the statements of the report.

Some Aspects of the Report

1. We found serious failings and shortcomings in the decision-making processes and staff-work in the political and the military echelons and their interface.

My Response:

I would think that this is the responsibility of the Prime Minister since the PM is responsible for smooth communication and also appointing people with the right experience to make those political and military choices.

2. We found serious failings and flaws in the quality of preparedness, decision-making and performance in the IDF high command, especially in the Army.

My Response:

All picked by the Israeli government under Olmert. The Minister of Defense Amir Peretz was responsible to make sure the Army was in the best shape and in top performance. Olmert is the Captain of the ship and although statements in the report commended one action that does not cover up the fact that as PM he is ultimately responsible for all decisions and all actions by Israel.

3. We found serious failings and flaws in the lack of strategic thinking and planning, in both the political and the military echelons.

My Response:

This is probably the most damning of the report's statements. Serious flaws in political echelons would mean the Prime Minister and his government so why is he considered admonished by the report?

4. We found severe failings and flaws in the defense of the civilian population and in coping with its being attacked by rockets.

My Response:

The government failed to calm the civilian population and to protect them The same indecisiveness that plagued the Lebanon invasion and protection of the north is evident today of the South. That is not just the responsibility of the military it is the responsibility of the political leaders.

What about Ehud Barak? He should resign because I feel he is guilty also. His hasty retreat from Lebanon was the reason in my opinion that Hezbollah was emboldened to attack Israel. Olmert, the goverment, and Barak are all guilty and should resign, and a new goverment formed to revitalized the army and the israel people.

Flip Flop On Gaza and the Supreme court

2008-01-27T18:26:00.000-08:00

The situation is laughable at best at best last week when hundreds of thousands of Gazans crossed the Rafah border crossing. What first started as a half hearted response to continued rocket fire on Israel turned into a rush for the gates at Rafah which by itself is not a bad thing for them to leave Gaza. To make things even more laughable Friday the PM decided to tell Abbas that he promised not to do it again. There are also reports now that Israel is restoring Gaza's fuel supply. This while rockets reign down on the South. The Prime Minister of Israel does not even have the courage to shut of power to Gaza from Israel even though Israel provides 80% of the power to Gaza. Shut off the power in Gaza and the rockets will stop. But Olmert is afraid of the US, the EU, the courts which have agreed to hear complaints about the Gaza mini blockade, and Abbas. Speaking of the courts Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch met with the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv at the request of the ambassador. According to Israel National News This was condemned by twenty MK's that called for her to disqualify herself from ruling on matters dealing with Judea and Samaria. The fear here in my opinion is that she may be under some sort of influence of the United States which might use her to enforce US foreign policy in the region. Hopefully that would not be true and there is no proof of that being the case since if she was to do that she would be working for a foreign government and thus the actions could be considered well treasonous. So what does all this have to do with Gaza, well Olmert is more concerned with himself and what others think about him than solving the problems of the rockets. That is not the type of leader that is needed to face Iran. All Olmert had to do was to shut off all electricity and services from Israel which Israel is under no obligation to provide since she does not occupy Gaza. If this had been a complete shutoff of electricity the Rockets would stop.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1201367878520&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/124908

TORAH TORA TORAH

2008-01-23T19:24:00.000-08:00

Israel's Freedom of Speech and Democracy is under attack. A new law may be passed shortly dealing with websites in Israel that have over 50000 hits a day. This new law would put libelity for statements made by talk backers on the internet newspapers such as ynetnews.com, jpost.com, Haaretz.com, Israelnationalnews.com, and various other Hebrew and English websites operating in Israel that fits the 50000 viewer per day point. It would also force those same sites to moderate the comments made by the talk backers. Another ominous part of the law according to reports in the Israeli news was that talk backers would be forced to identity themselves perhaps placing themselves in danger of cyber stalkers or worse physical danger. Israel is not the Peoples Republic of China and should not act like it. Freedom of Speech is a healthy aspect of freedom and must not be destroyed. Ideas will be censored by this by the internet newspaper. I am asking everyone to write to the Knesset on this potential loss of our freedom of speech.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3496931,00.html

Knesset Addresses

http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mkindex_current_eng.asp?view=1

Dear MK Hasson:

My name is Ralph Levy and I am the blog site owner for Ralph's Rant's a Pro Israel Blog. I understand that you want to pass a law forcing large internet news websites and news organizations to be responsible for talk backers comments legally. You also want to force talk backers to expose their identity and risk their safety to the large internet news websites. Part of the law will require a moderator. Since a large portion of the news websites involved are heavily tilted to the left most of the talkbacks affected will be right of center. Israel news media will turn into another BBC where no dissenting opinions are heard. This will be a violation of human rights. Freedom of the Press will be gone if this was to occur. I don't know the exact reason you are doing this, but I hope this is not being done politically to stifle right wing opinion. If such a law was to be passed it will be condemned by bloggers and governments around the world and will put Israel into the ranks of the third world. As far as identities are concern, forcing talk backers to give their identity is wrong because it potentially puts the lives of talk backers at risk and could make the Israeli government libel for damages in the event harm or stalking occurs because of the forcing of the talk backer to give his or her real name. Sir I have other things to try and write about with the current political situation in Israel many of my friends are getting rocketed daily on one of the kibbutzim in the south there are more important fights to fight about. I once again urge you to change your mind on this bill.

Sincerely

Ralph Levy

stargate_time@yahoo.com

http://ralphsrant1@blogspot.com