Tuesday, November 29, 2011

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD SHOWS TRUE HEART




Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, which expects to win Monday’s legislative elections, held a “kill the Jews” rally in Cairo Friday.

By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

First Publish: 11/27/2011, 9:01 AM





Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, which expects to win at least a plurality in Monday’s legislative elections, held a “kill the Jews” rally in Cairo Friday.

Thousands of supporters attended the pre-election rally at a mosque on the Muslim Sabbath, promising to “one day kill all the Jews” and wage war against Jerusalem’s “Judaization.”

The demonstration was held on the anniversary of the United Nations’ proclamation of the 1947 partition plan that established the State of Israel and which was immediately followed by a pan-Arab war aimed at annihilating it.

The Muslim Brotherhood, which generated the Hamas terrorist organization, has drawn the anger of leaders opposing the provisional military regime, staying away from the Tahrir Square protests last week that resulted in deadly classes between soldiers and protesters.

Smelling victory, the Brotherhood is suddenly promoting itself as a party that favors non-violence rights for women, but it boasts its hatred of Jews and Israel.

Although the Muslim Brotherhood party is widely hated by liberals, its image of a defender of Egyptians is likely to catapult it into the dominant political force in Egypt this week.

"The Muslim Brothers really screwed this revolution. They've done everything possible to monopolize and hijack the revolution," said Democratic Front Party member Wael Nawara, quoted by the Pittsburgh Tribune.

"The Muslim Brotherhood (is) very opportunistic. They don't care about the Egyptian blood. ... They only care about taking power," said Azza Kamal, a political activist.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

WHAT ABOUT JERUSALEM?



Thanksgiving tables always seem to bring the most “thought-provoking" topics out in the open. At our home, current events are mixed into winning football teams and holiday gifts. My imagination has never fit into the status quo, so I  started wondering (while I was thanking G-d Thursday for my delicious turkey, awesome family and the best friends), what does the Koran say about “JERUSALEM”? It was a brief thought. I am familiar with the The Tanakh. I know Ezekiel 5:5 says that G-d placed Jerusalem in the center of the nations with countries all around her. Hey, that was written before maps and photos from space! I know that in G-d’s word Jerusalem is called THE CITY OF GOD (Psalms 46:4 and 87:3), THE SITY OF JUDAH (2 Chronicles 5:28), THE CITY OF JOY (Jeremiah 49:25), THE CITY OF PRAISE (Jeremiah 49:25), THE CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Isaiah 1:26),THE CITY OF THE LORD  (Isaiah 60:14), THE CITY OF TRUTH (Zechariah 8:3), THE FAITHFUL CITY (Isaiah 1:26), THE GATE OF MY PEOPLE (Obadiah 1:13, Micah 1:9), GREAT AMONG NATIONS (Lamentations 1:1), THE HOLY CITY (Nehemiah 11:1, 18, Isaiah 48:2, 52:1), THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD OF HOSTS (Zechariah 8;3, Isaiah 27:13), THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY (Lamentations 2:15), THE THRONE OF THE LORD (Jeremiah 3:17), and ZION (1 Kings 8:1, Isaiah 60:14).

I know Jerusalem is described in many different ways in the Holy Scriptures: THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH (Psalms 48:2), A COMPACT CITY (Psalms 122:3), SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS (Psalms 125:2), LIKE AN ARMY WITH BANNERS (Song of Solomon 6:4), A PLACE DAVID BOUGHT (2Samuel 24:19-2), DAVID’S CITADEL (2Samuel 5:5, 7, 9 and 1 Chronicles 11:7), DAVID’S CAPITAL (1Kings 15:4, 2 Kings 19:34, 2 Chronicles 6:6), A PLACE WHERE G-D’S NAME IS (2 Chronicles 12;13), THE PLACE TO OBSERVE G-D’S FEASTS (Ezekiel 36:38, Deuteronomy 16:16, Psalms 122:3-5), THE CITY TOWARD WHICH G-D’S PEOPLE PRAY (1 Kings 8:38, Daniel 6:10), THE PLACE G-D’S PEOPLE LOVE (Nehemiah 1;2-4, 2:5-6, Psalms 122:6, 137:5-6, Isaiah 62:1, 66:10), THE PLACE G-D’S TEMPLE WAS BUILT (2 Chronicles 3;1),

 Jerusalem is thoroughly described as  A CITY OF GATES (Psalms 9:14, 24:7-10, 87:2, Nehemiah 2:13-15, 3:1-6,14,26-31, 8:16, 12:31,37, 39, 2 Kings 14:13, 1 Chronicles 9:18, 26:16,  2 Chronicles 23:20, Jeremiah 37:13, 39:3, Zechariah 14:10. Jerusalem is spoken of as THE PLACE FROM WHICH THE WORD OF G-D WOULD GO FORTH  (Micah 4:2).

 It was prophesied years ahead that a king named Cyrus would be used to bless Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28,) and it was king Cyrus who accomplished exactly what was prophesied (Ezra 1:1-4). And speaking of prophets! Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Zechariah and Malachi ALL prophesy about Jerusalem!

I know JERUSALEM is mentioned 635 times in the Tanakh and an additional 141 times in the New Testament. It seems to be a strong focus for both Jewish and Christian faiths. I went to research the Koran (after pumpkin pie and coffee), BUT I COULD NOT FIND ONE REFERENCE TO JERUSALEM. Just found that a bit odd.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

SECOND GERMAN CONGRESS OF ISRAEL WITH SON OF HAMAS

If the only news you ever hear or read is from major news outlets, you are being robbed of learning about great things happening here on planet earth. Since you are reading this, maybe you are already aware that we often get half the story or a slanted perspective.  A little less than a month ago, over 200 German groups, cities, and towns joined together in Frankfurt to declare their SOLIDARITY with Israel.  They represented all “social circles” and are united by what they believe is an “inalienable friendship and solidarity with Israel, the home of the Jewish people and single constitutional democracy in the Middle East.”
In an open and bold joint resolution, the 2nd German Congress of Israel called on politicians, media and society as a whole to:
1. Strengthen bilateral relations between Germany and Israel. Welcome attitudes that enforce "Israel's security is Germany’s national interest" and "Germany's historical responsibility towards Israel" must be not only lip service, but must be implemented in practical politics. This should be reflected also in the attitude of the German-Israeli parliamentary group.
2. Renewed German engagement for Israel in the European Union and the United Nations.
3.  A political commitment to the two-State solution on the basis of bilateral negotiations and the subsequent rejection of a unilateral recognition of Palestine.
4. A clear political commitment to the Jewish State, Israel, with Jerusalem as its capital; the right of Israel to an existence within secure borders and her right to defend herself against attacks on Israeli citizens and territories.
5. Political pressure on the Palestinian Authority to return to the negotiating table. Dialogue and negotiation to be taken exclusively with those actors who recognize Israel as a Jewish State and the previous agreements in the peace process,  renouncing violence.
6. A unanimous condemnation of the regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran and a clear commitment of the German Government for an extension of the Iran sanctions by the EU and UN to prevent the Iranian nuclear capability.
7.   A clear support of those forces in the Middle East and North Africa, which stand for individual freedom, democracy and the rule of law, as well as the consistent condemnation of Islamist tendencies that stir up hatred toward Israel and anti-Semitism.
8. An immediate ban on Hezbollah in Germany.
9. Measures against as well as a consistent fight against anti-Semitism and the further spread of hostility towards Israel in German society, politics and the media.
10. A Commission on the revision of German textbooks of the subject ofthe Arab-Israeli conflict, so that a reasonable, historically accurate representation of the root causes of conflict is given.
11. To continue to strengthen relations with Israel in all fields. Delegations and educational trips are used to encourage an intensified exchange of scientific, economic, and cultural, increasingly at all national, federal, municipal and civil society levels.
An extraordinary speaker at the event was  Mosab Hassan Youssef, author of the book SON OF HAMAS. The book is Mosab’s personal testimony as the son of one of Hamas’ founders and a spy for the Israeli government.  He boldly stood before the Congress and declared his overwhelming support for Israel. This alone could cost him his life.
Make sure to watch his speech at the link posted SON OF HAMAS under “Check this Out”.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

MUSLIMS AND JEWS IN EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY

  When Barak Obama visited Cairo Egypt in 2009 he said, “I know too, that Islam has always been part of America’s story.” I started to investigate in what way did Islam shape the history of the United States.  Upon investigation, I learned that Muslims did appear in American history strangely enough….as terrorists! In the early 1800’s, Muslim pirates invaded American ships off the coast of North Africa when the United States became independent from Great Britain and no longer had the British paying exorbitant amounts to protect her ships. This began the first war America was to engage in overseas. At the time, Americans just wanted to pass through the sea and trade fairly with other nations! Kidnapping murder and bribery were preventing that from happening.  Jefferson had concluded that the war was easier to fight than paying $1 million in bribes every year.   After an 8 year war, in 1815, our military victories  forced the Muslim pirates to sign a treaty ending all “nonmuslim tax payments” by the United States.”  So, yes, Muslims did play a part in American history. Our first battle overseas was against them which inspired the Marine hymn that includes the words, “from the shores of Tripoli”..

   Just for fun, I searched to find out if Jews had a place in early American history.  This is what I found!

Haym Salomon -The Revolution's Indispensable Financial Genius    

                                 By Donald N. Moran

   Haym Salomon was born in Lesno, Poland in 1740. His parents were Jewish refugees from Portugal, who escaped religious persecution there. In his early twenties, he traveled throughout Europe acquiring an extensive knowledge of currency finance, that was to serve him well in his coming years.

   After ten years of touring Europe he returned to Poland to join in that country's war with Russia. It is believed that he had to escape from the Russians, and decided on England. After earning enough money to pay for his passage to America he sailed in August, 1772. He arrived in New York City that winter.

   In 1772, New York was a thriving colonial city of some 14,000 souls. Salomon soon learned that the colonies were in political turmoil over the issue of taxation without representation. Haym soon started a brokerage company and was very successful. His clientele included a large number of prominent loyalists, however, when word of the fighting at Lexington and Concord reached New York, Haym sided with the revolting Colonials and joined New York's active "Sons of Liberty". This was to get him into serious trouble.

   New York City fell to the British on September 15th, 1776. Five days later a mysterious fire destroyed twenty-five percent of the city. 493 houses were burned, greatly inconveniencing the British Army that had planned on quartering their troops in these houses.

British General William Howe blamed the Sons of Liberty (He was probably right although no evidence has ever been found to substantiate it). George Washington reportedly said: "Providence, or some good honest fellow, has done more for us than we were disposed to do for ourselves". (Congress had forbidden Washington to destroy the city to deny the British it's use). In any case, before the British and citizens of New York City had put out all the fires, all known members of the Sons of Liberty found themselves in jail! Among them Haym Salomon.

   A makeshift prison was set up in an old warehouse, called the "Old Sugar House". The building was in terrible condition and the prisoners suffered horribly. Salomon became ill with a severe chest cold (pneumonia?). He was transferred to the maximum security prison "The Provost" where his condition worsened. Haym noticed that the Hessian soldiers that were serving as guards did not speak English, and the British did not speak German. He let the British know he could speak German, without volunteering to be an interpreter. He did not want to be viewed as a British sympathizer. He was soon given the job and received better treatment, food and quarters.

   During this time Salomon became a member of the American espionage ring. They operated in such secrecy that even today we know little of their activities, however, it appears that Salomon was responsible for encouraging more then 500 Hessian solders to desert to the American side! The British paroled him, not knowing of his other activities. However, two years later, he was again arrested, and this time taken to a prison called "Congress Hill". On August 11th, 1778, he was convicted of several capitol charges, all relating to his activities as a spy. He was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until dead, the next morning. He was returned to his cell to await his fate.

Haym Salomon had planned on this eventuality and had hidden some gold coins in his clothes. With them he bribed a guard, escaped and made his way to Philadelphia and safety.

   In Philadelphia he reestablished hi s brokerage business from a coffee house and became known as a knowledgeable broker. In addition he was appointed by Congress as Postmaster to the French Army and Navy as well as to the Spanish, French and Dutch Ministers (Ambassadors). He did very well, and soon had created a new fortune. About this time his ability to make money and serve the cause of American independence was noticed by Robert Morris, Congress's Minister of Finance. Haym started handling transactions for Congress. He did this for little or no remuneration, his continued contribution to the American cause. He made numerous personal loans to members of our fledging government, thus allowing many of them to stay in Philadelphia. It should be noted that these loans were from Haym's personal funds. Like Robert Morris, and other contributors, none were reimbursed or repaid.

   In August of 1781, our Southern forces had trapped Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis in the little Virginia coastal town of Yorktown. George Washington and the main army and the Count de Rochambeau with his French army decided to march from the Hudson Highlands to Yorktown and deliver the final blow. But Washington's war chest was completely empty, as was that of Congress. Washington determined that he needed at least $20,000 to finance the campaign. When Morris told him there were no funds and no credit available, Washington gave him a simple but eloquent order: "Send for Haym Salomon". Haym again came through, and the $20.000 was raised. Washington conducted the Yorktown campaign, which proved to be the final battle of the Revolution, thanks to Haym Salomon.

   The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3rd, 1783, and ended the Revolutionary War, but the financial problems of the newly established Country were not. It was Haym Salomon who managed, time-after-time, to raise the money to bailout the debt ridden government.

   The damage done to Salomon's health during his imprisonment is believed to have led to his contracting tuberculosis. At age 44, on January 6th, 1785, he succumbed to the disease, leaving his wife, Rachael (Franks) Salomon, and four young children. He was buried in the Mikveh Israel Cemetery, Philadelphia. His estate showed that he owned approximately $354,000 of Continental securities, but inflation had reduced the value of this substantial amount owed him to a mere $44,732. Against this asset, he owed $45,292. His estate was insolvent! Haym Salomon had died in bankruptcy.

   Prior to the adoption of the Constitution in 1789, Congress did not have the power to levee taxes, other then collect duty on imported goods. The overwhelming debt owed by the fledgling Nation far exceeded that of its meager income. Among the indebtedness obligating Congress was the need to provide pensions for those officers and soldiers who had been wounded while serving in the Continental army. This was their first priority. Repaying vast sums to a few creditors like Salomon and Morris, was outweighed by the number of disabled veterans desperately needing governmental support.

   Haym's children attempted, on several occasions, to recover the monies owed, but they were always turned down. They even offered to accept a settlement of $100,000 - - but, Congress simply didn't have the money.

   In 1925 a bill was introduced in Congress to erect a statue to Haym Salomon in Washington, D.C., but again, events interceded. The financial crash of 1929 caused the government to renege on the project. In 1926, Congress, did however, officially recognize the contribution to the American Revolution by Salomon, and passed a resolution placing a record of his efforts in the Congressional Record.

   On December 15th, 1941, the City of Chicago erected the statue of George Washington, flanked by Haym Salomon and Robert Morris. It stands today at the intersection of Wabash and Wacker Drive. Under the image of Salomon it says "Haym Salomon - Gentlemen, Scholar, Patriot. A banker whose only interest was the interest of his Country. "

The twelve foot tall statue we rededicated on January 10, 1999, was sculpted by Robert Paine in 1941 and was originally placed in      Hollenbeck Park in East Los Angeles in 1944. Because of vandalism, the statue was moved to MacArthur Park in 1953, and then again to West Wilshire Recreation Center of Pan Pacific Park at the request of the Los Angles Council of the Jewish War Veterans of America, who paid all the relocation expenses.

   On March 25th, 1975, in time for the bicentennial, the United States Post Office issued a commemorative postage stamp which honored him as a Revolutionary War hero. It depicted him seated at a desk. On the front side of the stamp are the words "Financial Hero". And, for only the second time in 143 years of U.S. stamps, a message appeared on the back of this stamp, reading:

"Businessman and broker Haym Salomon was responsible for raising most of the money needed to finance the American Revolution and later to save the new nation from collapse. "

Friday, November 11, 2011

JUST FOR THE RECORD - "OCCUPIED PALESTINE"?

    The history of “Palestine” can be one of two tales depending on who tells the story. If you talk to Arabs living in the Middle east that were born in the early 60’s or later,” Palestine “ was an “Arab country and its capital was Jerusalem”.  Sadly, even prominent members of the PLO would not agree with this. In 1977, Zahir Muhsein, a PLO Executive Committee Member, was quoted as saying, “The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means of continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today, there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interest demands that we posit the existence of a distinct 'Palestinian people' to oppose Zionism."
In fact, anyone trying to find a history book about the “country or nation of Palestine” will be on an endless search. There never has been a nation or country or people group or culture called “Palestine”. Until 1948, Palestine was under foreign governments and ruled from foreign lands. The people living in the territory of “Palestine” were Jewish and Arab and were designated “Palestinian Jew” or “Palestinian Arab”. According to Statistics kept by the British, under their mandate, more than 70% of the land that was to become Israel was not owned by Arabs. It belonged to the mandatory British government.
   Immediately after Israel was recognized in the United Nations, Arab leaders declared war against Israel and urged the Arabs living in the area to leave their homes until the armies destroyed the new nation. When the Jews were wiped out, they could return and have the homes of the dead Jews as well. 30,000 Arabs left with plans to return to their homes.  150,000 Arabs remained and became citizens of Israel. At the same time, Jewish families that had lived for generations in Iran, Iraq, Yemen and other Arab nations were threatened in their home countries and forced to leave with only what  they were able to carry.  820,000 Jews  fled from Arab countries. 586,000 resettled in Israel without any compensation from the homelands they left.
   The General Armistice of April 3, 1949 enabled King Abdullah of Trans Jordan to incorporate parts of what was “Palestine” into his kingdom enabling Arab Palestinians to live outside of the new nation of Israel.
   As for Jerusalem, it has NEVER been the capitol of any other nation besides Israel and the Jewish people.
   So, how do we explain Passports that are stamped “Jerusalem” instead of “Israel” when printing place of birth, and even more disgraceful, how do we justify stamping “Occupied Palestine” on passports????

France Says Ma'aleh Adumim is 'Occupied Palestine'
French citizen who lives in Ma'aleh Adumim surprised that his passport says he lives in "Occupied Palestine."
By Elad Banari
First Publish: 11/11/2011, 2:12 AM

A French citizen who lives in Ma’aleh Adumim and recently tried to renew his French passport, received a letter which said that his country of residence in the new passport would be listed as “occupied Palestine.”
The citizen turned to MK Lia Shemtov from the Yisrael Beiteinu party and asked her to take care of the issue with the French authorities.
“I was contacted by a young resident of Ma’aleh Adumim who was surprised to find that his French passport said that he lives in the occupied territory of Palestine,” Shemtov told Arutz Sheva on Thursday.
“It is inconceivable that Ma’aleh Adumim will be listed in the passport as occupied Palestinian territory,” she added. “I turned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the staff there were also amazed to see that the passport says that Ma’aleh Adumim is part of Palestine, a country which has never even existed.”
Shemtov said, “Foreign Ministry officials promised me they’d contact the French Embassy and the French government to ensure that future similar mistakes do not happen.”

Thursday, November 10, 2011

SHEMA YISRAEL IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Sometimes I read something so unexpected, so amazing I just have to share it! So we wait for the obvious nations to get behind Israel when it is maliciously attacked and accused, and we are often disappointed. But G-d always has his people on the earth that recognize who He is and honor His Word. Here is an amazing example. May the Most High Bless the people of Papua New Guinea!
Watch the Youtube video on CHECK THIS OUT


Shema Yisrael in Papua New Guinea
By Elad Banari


In a surprising spectacle, a group of Christian natives from Papua New Guinea recently chanted together, in Hebrew and English, one of the most central Jewish prayers – Shema Yisrael.

Those unusual moments were documented on video by missionary Yakov Damkani, who claimed, “We came to Papua New Guinea and found a real, genuine love for Israel.”

Shema Yisrael is a Jewish prayer first found in the Five Books of Moses, copied by Christians and put in the New Testament .

Shema Yisrael is central to the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. Morning services mandate reciting it by a specific time called "zman kriat Shema", the time up to which one may say the prayer as part of the service.

The complete “Shema” prayer includes three parts taken from Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:4–9, 11:13-21, and Bamidbar (Numbers) 15:37–41.

The first verse, Deuteronomy 6:4, encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism: “Hear, O Israel - the Lord is our G-d, the Lord is one." It is said with the right hand covering ones eyes and the last word is prolonged for emphasis.

The Midrash says that the twelve sons of the Patriarch Jacob, also called Israel, reassured their father of their firm belief in the Jewish faith with that verse before his death. It is said by devout Jews on their deathbeds.

Rabbi Akiva, killed by the Romans, and Jews through the ages, cried out the first words of Shema to affirm their faith at the moment of martyrdom throughout generations of anti-Semitic persecution.

Christians have tried to claim it refers to the trinity, which may well be what was taught to the chanters in Papua, who are not adopting the Jewish faith. However their wish of Shalom at the end of the video is a pleasant sign of friendship with Israel.


Friday, November 4, 2011

ROCKETS FROM GAZA? WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?


Can any of us imagine what it would feel like to live in a town where bombs were randomly dropping on homes and major population centers? Since Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, terrorists have fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortars into Israel, putting millions of Israelis under threat on a daily basis. Hamas is the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip; the terrorist organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the US, UK, EU and Israel. In the last year, more than 566 rockets and mortar shells were fired at major population centers in southern Israel:





More than half a million Israelis have less than 60 seconds to find shelter after a rocket is launched from Gaza into Israel. Most rockets launched from Gaza into Israel are capable of reaching Israel’s biggest southern cities:



Although Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, terrorists continued to launch thousands of rockets into Israeli cities and communities. After exhausting nonmilitary moves and diplomatic overtures to hinder Hamas’ incessant rocket attacks, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in December 2008; however, in one day alone, this past Saturday, a total of 35 projectiles including Iranian-made Grads and mortar shells struck Israel!



Shrapnel impact from rocket explosion on front yard of Ashkelon residential home this past Saturday.



 Elad, an Ashkelon taxi driver, who was born and raised in the city said that Saturday night was a nightmarish experience. "Working as a taxi driver during these kinds of terror attacks is the worst experience. While everyone else stays at home and in their shelters, we have to go out to make our living."

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

IS THIS A VALID COMPARISON?


One of my favorite stories from the tragic stories of WWII is a story out of Bulgaria. When the Jews in Bulgaria were forced to sow yellow stars of David on their clothes, the entire Bulgarian population decided to join with them and ruined the distinction the Nazis tried to create. One Jewish woman tells the testimony of coming in late to school and dreading walking in with her big yellow star on her jacket. As she entered the classroom, everyone turned toward her and she was amazingly surprised to see the same yellow star sown on every students clothing. That always reminds me there is still a lot of good in the world. Sometimes the really bad just brings it out! So, I guess we could call it “really bad” what is happening in Switzerland.

 The Islamic Central Council Of Switzerland (ICCS) was founded by a young Swiss convert to Islam shortly before the ban on minarets. They have decided to use a symbol that is very similar to the Jewish Star of David the Jews were forced to wear under the Nazis. It is part of a planned protest against “Islamophobia”.   In an attempt to draw parallels between the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany and Muslims in Switzerland  today, many participants will wear t-shirts and stickers with the word ‘Muslim’ framed by a yellow star.

Around 2,000 people are expected to participate. The protesters recognize, so they say, distinct similarities between anti-semitism and Islamophobia.  Systematic killing, scientific research, starvation and brutality are not included in their list. They focus more on being treated as second class citizens and discrimination due to head scarves or their name. For many of us the comparison is absurd.  


HOW DO YOU WORK WITH THOSE WHO HATE YOU?


On Monday Oct. 31, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) accepted the Palestinian Authority as a full member in a vote of 107-14 with 52 abstentions. One week earlier, on Oct 23, the Chairman of the PA, Mahmoud Abbas, clearly stated that “I will never recognize the Jewishness of the state, or a Jewish state.” During the same interview, Abbas said , in reference to Gilad Shalit, “Hamas kidnapped – or rather captured – a soldier and managed to keep him for 5 years, and that is a good thing.” Further, he stated, “We don’t deny it. On the contrary, it’s a good thing that on a small strip of land, 40 x 7 kilometers, they were able to keep him and hide him.”

Several nations responded quickly to UNESCO’s vote. The United States provides 22% of UNESCO’S funding which amounts to $80 million annually. According to a law passed in the U.S. by the Congress in the 1990’s and signed by President Clinton, U.S. funding must be stopped immediately.

 The Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, said Monday that he is not happy with the vote. Canada contributes $10 million annually to UNESCO, and has decided to freeze all future “voluntary contributions”.  UNESCO is funded by both legally binding and voluntary contributions by member states, and Canada already has a legally binding obligation to give UNESCO $12 million annually until 2014.

Israel has responded by announcing it will build 1650 new homes in East Jerusalem and 350 new homes in surrounding towns. In addition, they will freeze the transfer of Palestinian tax money totaling in the tens of millions of dollars. Most of these taxes are from customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that go through Israeli ports. This money makes up a significant percent of the Palestinian budget.

HATS OFF TO THE ISRAELIS!


We will start the month of November with hats off to the Israelis! Thanks to the IDO Security, the mandatory “shoes-off” rule in airports may soon be history. The planning ahead for  easy “slip-off” shoes, socks with no holes and shoes with no odor will no longer be a worry. “Shoe duty”, shoe switching, and lugging winter boots are about to become a thing of the past. Nine years of freezing toes in the airport are almost over!

AND WHO DO WE THANK FOR THIS?  THE ISRAELIS!

IDO has come up with the MagShoe device which eliminates all the hassles listed above! The passenger simply steps on the machine for a couple of seconds and moves on. A light (red or green) will confirm the scanned results. If the light is red, an automatic built-in alarm will notify the authorities. For the “non-terrorist” trying to catch a plane, this is a welcomed change. So far customers who have installed the system already have expressed a high level of satisfaction, but the real satisfaction is, no doubt, that of the passengers, who are now exempt from one of the hardest chores associated with flying!