Haredi autopsy protest turns violent
Ultra-Orthodox Jews riot in capital: Throw stones at police, burn garbage cans in protest of autopsy to be performed on body of 25-year old man killed in car accident on Monday
Neta Sela
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.29.08, 18:27
Ultra-Orthodox Jews rallied on Thursday afternoon at Jerusalem's Bar Ilan Street and in different areas of the Meah Shearim and Geula neighborhoods, burning garbage cans and throwing stones at police officers who arrived at the scene.
The demonstrators were protesting the decision to allow an autopsy on the body of David Willinger, who was killed in a car accident on Highway 6 on Monday.
When police arrived at the scene of the rally in order to put a stop to the burning of garbage cans, the protesters began to throw stones and bottles at the officers. No injuries were reported, but the stone-throwers escaped.
Many streets in Jerusalem were blocked because of the incident. On Wednesday a similar protest was staged, also due to the autopsy.
Earlier the Magistrate's Court in Nazareth decided to approve the appeal filed by police to perform an autopsy on Willinger's body, but delayed the procedure in order to give the family time to appeal to the High Court of Justice.
Twenty-five-year-old David Willinger was on his way north from Ramat Gan when his car collided with a truck. Police requested the autopsy in order to investigate the possibility that he died of cardiac arrest just before the accident.
The traffic department of Northern District Police stated that they respected the family's feelings on the issue, but an autopsy is required in order to establish the extent of the truck-driver's guilt.
Efrat Weiss contributed to this report
jeudi 29 mai 2008
mardi 20 mai 2008
Sexless city: 'Sex and the City' adverts banned in Jerusalem
Haretz Last update - 23:58 20/05/2008
By Adi Dovrat, Haaretz Correspondent
Outdoor advertising company Maximedia has notified the distributors of 'Sex in the City' Forum Films and its publicist, Golan Advertising - that the movie based on the popular TV series of the same name will not be allowed to advertise in Jerusalem and Petah Tikva, because the word "sex" appears on the signs. "The news was a great shock," said a spokesman for Forum Films said. "We have not asked to advertise nudity, or messages that may be offensive to the general public and the ultra-Orthodox community in particular. Nevertheless, this is the name of the movie. We feel that it is ridiculous to prohibit us from advertising the brand without naming it," he added. The company added that it would consult with the movie's production company about what to do about continued advertising in these cities.
Maximedia CEO Shai Keidar, who receives a franchise from the municipalities, has signed an agreement which forbids him from posting signs that would offend the public, and has no intention of fighting the decision. "Naturally, I don't ask the municipality to approve just any poster," he said. "Our decision was based on long years of work and acquaintance with the municipalities. The posters will appear in other cities."
By Adi Dovrat, Haaretz Correspondent
Outdoor advertising company Maximedia has notified the distributors of 'Sex in the City' Forum Films and its publicist, Golan Advertising - that the movie based on the popular TV series of the same name will not be allowed to advertise in Jerusalem and Petah Tikva, because the word "sex" appears on the signs. "The news was a great shock," said a spokesman for Forum Films said. "We have not asked to advertise nudity, or messages that may be offensive to the general public and the ultra-Orthodox community in particular. Nevertheless, this is the name of the movie. We feel that it is ridiculous to prohibit us from advertising the brand without naming it," he added. The company added that it would consult with the movie's production company about what to do about continued advertising in these cities.
Maximedia CEO Shai Keidar, who receives a franchise from the municipalities, has signed an agreement which forbids him from posting signs that would offend the public, and has no intention of fighting the decision. "Naturally, I don't ask the municipality to approve just any poster," he said. "Our decision was based on long years of work and acquaintance with the municipalities. The posters will appear in other cities."
vendredi 16 mai 2008
'Standing at attention for Remembrance Day siren worthless'
Rabbi Hanania Tsfar calls for reciting Psalms during IDF Memorial Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day sirens instead of placing wreaths like non-Jews
Nitsan Yanko
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 04.24.08, 12:35
Just before Israel marks its Holocaust Remembrance Day and memorial day for the fallen IDF soldiers, Religious Council head’ of Rosh Ha’ayin in central Israel, Rabbi Hanania Tsfar, is speaking against the customary ceremonies.
Standing at attention while the siren is sounded “is worthless,” writes Tsfar in a letter sent to the head of the local Yad Labanim commemoration organization. By his standards, it is better to recite Psalms and Kaddish during that time. Tsfar also asked Yad Labanim not to lay wreaths on gravesites and memorials, since it is considered “gentile practice.”
In previous years, Tsfar says, the Religious Council had placed a wreath during the IDF Memorial Day, but this year, they will prefer to light memorial candles and ask the public to read Psalms to elevate the souls of the fallen soldiers.
“It is our duty to express the Jewish Halacha which sees no benefit to the soul in placing flower wreaths, whereas candles have a long lasting effect and are highly beneficial, since a man’s soul is akin to a candle, so by reciting Talmudic phrases and Kaddish, the soul finds comfort and is elevated to higher spheres.”
Regarding his comment about the pointlessness of merely standing at attention during the siren and his call to recite Jewish text, Tsfar added that “it must be done modestly so as no to upset the secular population that does not understand its meaning and value. It’s high time to speak the truth and make a change.”
Head of the local Yad Labanim memorial bureau, Ovadia Simhi, expressed his discontentment with Tsfar’s suggestions: “No one has brought this up except for him (Tsfar.) We’re not going to act any differently,” said Simhi, adding that “one doesn’t mix politics with sensitive, military ceremonies such as Memorial Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day.”
As far as placing wreaths, Simhi said: “Who are we to act any differently than the rest of the country?”
Nitsan Yanko
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 04.24.08, 12:35
Just before Israel marks its Holocaust Remembrance Day and memorial day for the fallen IDF soldiers, Religious Council head’ of Rosh Ha’ayin in central Israel, Rabbi Hanania Tsfar, is speaking against the customary ceremonies.
Standing at attention while the siren is sounded “is worthless,” writes Tsfar in a letter sent to the head of the local Yad Labanim commemoration organization. By his standards, it is better to recite Psalms and Kaddish during that time. Tsfar also asked Yad Labanim not to lay wreaths on gravesites and memorials, since it is considered “gentile practice.”
In previous years, Tsfar says, the Religious Council had placed a wreath during the IDF Memorial Day, but this year, they will prefer to light memorial candles and ask the public to read Psalms to elevate the souls of the fallen soldiers.
“It is our duty to express the Jewish Halacha which sees no benefit to the soul in placing flower wreaths, whereas candles have a long lasting effect and are highly beneficial, since a man’s soul is akin to a candle, so by reciting Talmudic phrases and Kaddish, the soul finds comfort and is elevated to higher spheres.”
Regarding his comment about the pointlessness of merely standing at attention during the siren and his call to recite Jewish text, Tsfar added that “it must be done modestly so as no to upset the secular population that does not understand its meaning and value. It’s high time to speak the truth and make a change.”
Head of the local Yad Labanim memorial bureau, Ovadia Simhi, expressed his discontentment with Tsfar’s suggestions: “No one has brought this up except for him (Tsfar.) We’re not going to act any differently,” said Simhi, adding that “one doesn’t mix politics with sensitive, military ceremonies such as Memorial Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day.”
As far as placing wreaths, Simhi said: “Who are we to act any differently than the rest of the country?”
Israel protests UN chief Ban Ki-Moon's use of term 'nakba'
Haaretz Last update - 02:35 16/05/2008
By Rotem Sela, TheMarker Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
The Israeli mission to the United Nations is seeking clarifications after an official communique released by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's bureau made specific reference to the word "nakba," according to a report broadcast on Israel Radio early Friday morning. The report said the UN chief telephoned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to express his solidarity with the Palestinians on the day they mark the "nakba," the Arabic word meaning "catastrophe" that is used in reference to the founding of the state of Israel. Danny Carmon, Israel's deputy ambassador to the UN, told Israel Radio that the term "'nakba' is a tool of Arab propaganda used to undermine the legitimacy of the establishment of the State of Israel, and it must not be part of the lexicon of the UN."
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Thursday said that the Palestinians will be able to celebrate their independence day on the same day that the word "nakba" or catastrophe is erased from their lexicon. Livni was referring to the Palestinians' "Nakba Day" which is commemorated on May 15, the day Israel was founded in 1948. Speaking at the closing panel of the "Facing Tomorrow" presidential conference in Jerusalem, Livni said that Israel needs a constitution, and stressed that since Israel views itself as a Jewish democratic state, it must take into account that it will have to relinquish territories. However, she said, land will only be handed over after the Palestinians change their stance. "Deciding on fixed borders is important, but not enough; before we draw up a border we must decide what will be on the other side of it," she said. Defense Minister Ehud Barak also addressed the crowd in Jerusalem, saying that "there is no future for a nation that doesn't know its past." After giving an overview of the history of the state of Israel, Barak said that of all the events that Israel has experienced, the one thing that he remembers most is the day that he met Ronny, the female fighter pilot from Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot, who symbolized for him the long way the Jewish people had come since the Holocaust. "Ronny flies in circles 30,000 feet over Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot, which was established in memory of those who fought in the Holocaust," he said. Though he called for peace in his address, Barak chose to disparage those who urge immediate peace negotiations with the Palestinians, saying "the saying 'the wolf shall dwell with the lamb' came out of Jerusalem, but in practice, the lamb is replaced every few days." Opposition leader and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu began his address before the conference with a focus on finance. He said that Israel could turn into an "Israeli tiger" ? referencing the Celtic tiger, a nickname given to Ireland following its rapid financial development since the mid 1990s. "Israel can enjoy 6-8 percent growth each year over the next decade," the former finance minister said. He emphasized the importance of the reforms that he had instituted during his tenure as finance minister, which, according to him, directly resulted in the financial growth Israel has enjoyed in recent years. All three speakers chose to emphasize the importance of education in their speeches. Barak said that Israel's only resource was the grey matter between the ears of Israel's younger generation. He added that the only way to achieve security and prosperity was to invest in education.
By Rotem Sela, TheMarker Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
The Israeli mission to the United Nations is seeking clarifications after an official communique released by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's bureau made specific reference to the word "nakba," according to a report broadcast on Israel Radio early Friday morning. The report said the UN chief telephoned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to express his solidarity with the Palestinians on the day they mark the "nakba," the Arabic word meaning "catastrophe" that is used in reference to the founding of the state of Israel. Danny Carmon, Israel's deputy ambassador to the UN, told Israel Radio that the term "'nakba' is a tool of Arab propaganda used to undermine the legitimacy of the establishment of the State of Israel, and it must not be part of the lexicon of the UN."
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Thursday said that the Palestinians will be able to celebrate their independence day on the same day that the word "nakba" or catastrophe is erased from their lexicon. Livni was referring to the Palestinians' "Nakba Day" which is commemorated on May 15, the day Israel was founded in 1948. Speaking at the closing panel of the "Facing Tomorrow" presidential conference in Jerusalem, Livni said that Israel needs a constitution, and stressed that since Israel views itself as a Jewish democratic state, it must take into account that it will have to relinquish territories. However, she said, land will only be handed over after the Palestinians change their stance. "Deciding on fixed borders is important, but not enough; before we draw up a border we must decide what will be on the other side of it," she said. Defense Minister Ehud Barak also addressed the crowd in Jerusalem, saying that "there is no future for a nation that doesn't know its past." After giving an overview of the history of the state of Israel, Barak said that of all the events that Israel has experienced, the one thing that he remembers most is the day that he met Ronny, the female fighter pilot from Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot, who symbolized for him the long way the Jewish people had come since the Holocaust. "Ronny flies in circles 30,000 feet over Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot, which was established in memory of those who fought in the Holocaust," he said. Though he called for peace in his address, Barak chose to disparage those who urge immediate peace negotiations with the Palestinians, saying "the saying 'the wolf shall dwell with the lamb' came out of Jerusalem, but in practice, the lamb is replaced every few days." Opposition leader and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu began his address before the conference with a focus on finance. He said that Israel could turn into an "Israeli tiger" ? referencing the Celtic tiger, a nickname given to Ireland following its rapid financial development since the mid 1990s. "Israel can enjoy 6-8 percent growth each year over the next decade," the former finance minister said. He emphasized the importance of the reforms that he had instituted during his tenure as finance minister, which, according to him, directly resulted in the financial growth Israel has enjoyed in recent years. All three speakers chose to emphasize the importance of education in their speeches. Barak said that Israel's only resource was the grey matter between the ears of Israel's younger generation. He added that the only way to achieve security and prosperity was to invest in education.
mercredi 14 mai 2008
Aharon Barak: Don’t leave marriage in hands of religious
Former Supreme Court chief justice says 'civil marriage laws must be regulated in Israel,' an alternative to religious marriages must exist
Raanan Ben-Zur
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.14.08, 13:53
“Civil marriage laws must be regulated in Israel. The control cannot be left in the hands of the religious alone; an alternative must exist," former Chief Justice of Israel’s Supreme Court Aharon Barak said on Tuesday in a conference commemorating 60 years to law in Israel which took place at the the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center.
“I am not in favor of culture clashes, we can conclude this with an agreement with the religious sector,” he claimed. “The Knesset needs to do this in order to provide minimal service to the Israeli citizen.”
According to him, this is a critical issue and “not only due to the wretched decision regarding the “conversion annulment” (a decision made by the Rabbinical Court saying that converts who did not abide by mitzvoth, or good deeds, will have their conversion annulled retroactively).
Barak said that Israeli law is unique in that it embodies "both Jewish and democratic values.”
The former chief justice also discussed the tensions between the Justice Ministry and the legal institution. “The cooperation between the bodies is very bad,” he said. “I don’t know what will happen in the court, it depends on other things. However, the court needs to be the citizens' stronghold opposite the government.
"The goal is not efficiency, it is freedom, and we need to maintain this and pay a price for it. There are no laws bypassing the High Court of Justice, there are only ones bypassing democracy,” he said.
Barak continued to say that Israel is in need of a constitution: “We need to complete this project. We can’t continue with basic laws.”
He also said that the system needs to broaden human rights, and that it is too important to leave in the hands of the judicial branch. “One of the lessons learned from the Holocaust is that we need to defend human rights in the face of a majority,” he claimed.
Raanan Ben-Zur
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.14.08, 13:53
“Civil marriage laws must be regulated in Israel. The control cannot be left in the hands of the religious alone; an alternative must exist," former Chief Justice of Israel’s Supreme Court Aharon Barak said on Tuesday in a conference commemorating 60 years to law in Israel which took place at the the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center.
“I am not in favor of culture clashes, we can conclude this with an agreement with the religious sector,” he claimed. “The Knesset needs to do this in order to provide minimal service to the Israeli citizen.”
According to him, this is a critical issue and “not only due to the wretched decision regarding the “conversion annulment” (a decision made by the Rabbinical Court saying that converts who did not abide by mitzvoth, or good deeds, will have their conversion annulled retroactively).
Barak said that Israeli law is unique in that it embodies "both Jewish and democratic values.”
The former chief justice also discussed the tensions between the Justice Ministry and the legal institution. “The cooperation between the bodies is very bad,” he said. “I don’t know what will happen in the court, it depends on other things. However, the court needs to be the citizens' stronghold opposite the government.
"The goal is not efficiency, it is freedom, and we need to maintain this and pay a price for it. There are no laws bypassing the High Court of Justice, there are only ones bypassing democracy,” he said.
Barak continued to say that Israel is in need of a constitution: “We need to complete this project. We can’t continue with basic laws.”
He also said that the system needs to broaden human rights, and that it is too important to leave in the hands of the judicial branch. “One of the lessons learned from the Holocaust is that we need to defend human rights in the face of a majority,” he claimed.
lundi 12 mai 2008
Rabbi calls to abolish army service for women
Prominent Zionist-religious leader Rabbi Shlomo Aviner rules girls must not enlist in IDF, move that he claims goes against Torah laws. In wartime, women's duty is to support their men, he writes
Kobi Nahshoni
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.12.08, 08:35
Prominent Zionist-religious leader, Rabbi Shlomo Aviner called on young religious women not to enlist in the army, a move he defined as a violation of Torah laws.
In an open letter published in the Mayyaney Hayeshua movement's pamphlet this weekend, Aviner ruled that army service is forbidden for all women, and urged his female readers to act for its annulment.
"Never enlist in the army…ever," Aviner wrote, quoting a list of leading chief rabbis and religious leaders who have prohibited such service in the past. "It is forbidden! Forbidden like kashrut! Forbidden like Shabbat! And especially forbidden like modesty!"
The rabbi stressed that while contributing to the State is indeed important, one must not do so by serving in the army. The women's duty during war, he wrote, was to support the men who go to battle. Enlistment, on the other hand, is a desecration of God's name.
Instead of dedicating themselves to the challenges of military duty, Aviner offered girls to fight for abolishing "this negative phenomenon."
"We need you to function as a pure and clean woman… and not to undermine your mental foundation… remember: Army service for women, in any shape or form – is forbidden! Forbidden! Resist the temptation!" he concluded.
Kobi Nahshoni
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.12.08, 08:35
Prominent Zionist-religious leader, Rabbi Shlomo Aviner called on young religious women not to enlist in the army, a move he defined as a violation of Torah laws.
In an open letter published in the Mayyaney Hayeshua movement's pamphlet this weekend, Aviner ruled that army service is forbidden for all women, and urged his female readers to act for its annulment.
"Never enlist in the army…ever," Aviner wrote, quoting a list of leading chief rabbis and religious leaders who have prohibited such service in the past. "It is forbidden! Forbidden like kashrut! Forbidden like Shabbat! And especially forbidden like modesty!"
The rabbi stressed that while contributing to the State is indeed important, one must not do so by serving in the army. The women's duty during war, he wrote, was to support the men who go to battle. Enlistment, on the other hand, is a desecration of God's name.
Instead of dedicating themselves to the challenges of military duty, Aviner offered girls to fight for abolishing "this negative phenomenon."
"We need you to function as a pure and clean woman… and not to undermine your mental foundation… remember: Army service for women, in any shape or form – is forbidden! Forbidden! Resist the temptation!" he concluded.
samedi 10 mai 2008
Rabbi: Israel needs religious PM
Safed's chief rabbi: Turns out that Olmert is more corrupt than we thought, PM with values needed
Efrat Weiss
Yedioth AharPublished: 05.10.08, 21:46
The State of Israel needs a kippa-wearing prime minister, Safed's Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu wrote in an article titled "A religious prime minister – it's possible" distributed at synagogues over the weekend.
Rabbi Eliyahu's article also addressed the latest investigation against the prime minister, noting that "it turns out that Olmert is more corrupt than we thought."
"So what shall we do? Elect another prime minister without faith? Another one without credibility? Another one without values?…when will we wake up and realize that we need a prime minister with a kippa?"
"We need a prime minister who acts based on genuine faith and values. We've had enough of prime ministers who bought us by just saying 'God willing' and sold out the Sinai…we certainly don't need a prime minister who establishes and then razes communities with the same determination and sensitivity," Eliyahu wrote.
"The last prime ministers proved that even if they have good intentions, they are able to sell off the country and Jerusalem in one deal, and they are able to put all of us in existential danger," he wrote.
'We must wake up'
Turning his attention to the prime minister's diplomatic moves, Eliyahu wrote: "Listen carefully, Olmert is talking about withdrawal from the Golan Heights and he can sign on it without batting an eyelash. If it saves him from the latest investigation, why not?"
"We must wake up. Not next time, this time! We need to define the objective…the objective is to bring a government of faith to the country," he wrote.
In recent years, Eliyahu has made headlines after making some controversial statements. About a month and a half ago he was slammed for calling for revenge attacks against Arabs in the wake of the massacre at Jerusalem's Mercaz Harav yeshiva. In the past, he said that apartments should not be sold or rented out to Arabs. Following the remark, he was charged with making racist statements.
Efrat Weiss
Yedioth AharPublished: 05.10.08, 21:46
The State of Israel needs a kippa-wearing prime minister, Safed's Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu wrote in an article titled "A religious prime minister – it's possible" distributed at synagogues over the weekend.
Rabbi Eliyahu's article also addressed the latest investigation against the prime minister, noting that "it turns out that Olmert is more corrupt than we thought."
"So what shall we do? Elect another prime minister without faith? Another one without credibility? Another one without values?…when will we wake up and realize that we need a prime minister with a kippa?"
"We need a prime minister who acts based on genuine faith and values. We've had enough of prime ministers who bought us by just saying 'God willing' and sold out the Sinai…we certainly don't need a prime minister who establishes and then razes communities with the same determination and sensitivity," Eliyahu wrote.
"The last prime ministers proved that even if they have good intentions, they are able to sell off the country and Jerusalem in one deal, and they are able to put all of us in existential danger," he wrote.
'We must wake up'
Turning his attention to the prime minister's diplomatic moves, Eliyahu wrote: "Listen carefully, Olmert is talking about withdrawal from the Golan Heights and he can sign on it without batting an eyelash. If it saves him from the latest investigation, why not?"
"We must wake up. Not next time, this time! We need to define the objective…the objective is to bring a government of faith to the country," he wrote.
In recent years, Eliyahu has made headlines after making some controversial statements. About a month and a half ago he was slammed for calling for revenge attacks against Arabs in the wake of the massacre at Jerusalem's Mercaz Harav yeshiva. In the past, he said that apartments should not be sold or rented out to Arabs. Following the remark, he was charged with making racist statements.
mercredi 7 mai 2008
Bereaved father: Druze are equal only in IDF
Nawaf Nabuani of Galilee village of Julis, who lost his son during military navigation, says motivation among his community to serve in army skyrocketing despite recent tensions
Ahiya Raved Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.07.08, 13:26
The first day of 2008 began as a regular day for Nawaf Nabuani, a junior high school teacher from the Druze town of Julis in the western Galilee. He entered the ninth grade classroom to teach mathematics, and during the break, the cellular phone in his pocket began ringing. A young man asked him about his son Tamir, a soldier serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit.
"I wasn't worried at the time, I knew Tamir was in the middle of a navigation. I was more concerned about his brother, who was training with the Nahal Brigade," Nawaf recounts.
As the class ended, he noticed that the same young man had called once again. And then his oldest son called as well. "Dad," he told him, "people are calling me and asking about Tamir. Has something happened?"
Nawaf tried to check with the team commander, but got no answers. He already knew that the town-major people were making their way to his house.
"I entered another class, but I could no longer think straight. I had a feeling that something bad was about to happen. When one of the teachers came and asked me to come to the principal's room, my legs shook. I saw the town-major and others, and I knew that the worst piece of news of all has arrived."
Several hours earlier, Tamir's commanders had failed to locate him on his communication device, which he carried with him to a lone navigation on Mount Negev. The Israel Air Force rescue unit was dispatched to the area and found his body at the foot of the cliff. The next day he was laid to rest at his village.
There are now four military graves in the small grave plot belonging to the Nabuani family in the Julis cemetery. Walking between them, Nawaf feels the pride of someone who has made a breakthrough. Here is the relative who was the first Druze soldier in the paratroopers' unit. Here are other cousins who fell in Israel's wars. Here is Tamir's grave.
"If, God forbid, we are forced to dig another grave," he says, "there won't be any room here. The village had 23 fallen soldiers since 1956, but has yet to have a military cemetery. We're working on it."
No regrets
Tamir's road to Sayeret Matkal was not an easy one. In the middle of the ninth grade he decided to join the military boarding school at Haifa's Reali High School, and although he registered late, he managed to fill the gaps. He then passed the exams and the pre-conscription evaluations.
"I told him, 'No matter where you are, in which reconnaissance company, the only important thing is that you are among the best,'" the bereaved father says.
"I trusted him. He was a strong and responsible guy. Since the age of 12 he used to work in the summer and provide for himself almost all alone. He worked for a contractor. He would climb a four-story scaffolding.
"I told him not to tell many people that he was part of the commando unit, so he didn’t. I would just ask him each time if he was healthy, he told me he was, that the training was going well."
Only after his personal tragedy, Nawaf began hearing stories about his son.
"His commander from the recruit service came and told us about a fire which broke out in a tent. Everyone began shouting and call the commanders. Tamir, with a blanket, stood up and put out the fire. He was then taken to the hospital because he inhaled smoke. But this is how he was.
"The service at Sayeret Matkal was good for him. It's not just a place which develops fighting abilities, but the mind as well. I had no regrets about sending him there. I still have no regrets. Don’t forget that we believe in faith, that it's all written from above and no one can change it. It calms the person down."
Many picture of Tamir hang on the house's walls in Julis. From the military boarding school, from the different stages he took. One of the walls carries a large oil painting and a poem in Arabic. The son who died asks his mother not to be angry over his departure, not to cry too much. And if the neighbors ask, she should tell them he will be back.
"Of course he won't be back," Nawaf adds, translating the song into Hebrew.
'Peki'in events did not hurt motivation'
Three Druze soldiers from the Galilee have died in less than two years. The first day of the Second Lebanon War saw the death of Wassim Nazal, of the village of Yanuh, in one of the Hummer jeeps attacked in the kidnapping incident. In January, Nabuani was killed during a navigation, and last month, Sayef Bisan of the village of Jat, was killed in a battle with terrorists near Kissufim.
Despite all this, the Druze public reports of particularly high motivation – more than 85% of the young Julis residents are inducted to the army, and more than 65% join combat units.
Nawaf Nabuani says this is the community and family's heritage. "The young see the adults and want to be like them. In our family alone there are 23 officers today, two of them lieutenant-colonels. The young ones see and learn."
Two of Nawaf's older sons, Kamal and Sari, serve as career officers. The youngest son, Nawaf hopes, will follow in his brother's footsteps and may even be accepted into Sayeret Matkal. In the recent war, when Tamir had just joined the IDF, four of the family members were in the army, some of them reservists, some career offers and some regular soldiers.
The recent tensions – led by the violent events in Peki'in – did not harm the motivation, the bereaved father says.
"The Defense Ministry and the IDF are the only places in Israel where Druze are really considered completely equal," he says. "A Druze soldier can reach any unit in the IDF."
He opposes demonstrations and aggressiveness, but calls on the State to close the gaps. "No one deludes himself that one day all the gaps will be filled. But the government ministers must do their homework, must find out what is missing and do everything for us to receive these things."
Ahiya Raved Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.07.08, 13:26
The first day of 2008 began as a regular day for Nawaf Nabuani, a junior high school teacher from the Druze town of Julis in the western Galilee. He entered the ninth grade classroom to teach mathematics, and during the break, the cellular phone in his pocket began ringing. A young man asked him about his son Tamir, a soldier serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit.
"I wasn't worried at the time, I knew Tamir was in the middle of a navigation. I was more concerned about his brother, who was training with the Nahal Brigade," Nawaf recounts.
As the class ended, he noticed that the same young man had called once again. And then his oldest son called as well. "Dad," he told him, "people are calling me and asking about Tamir. Has something happened?"
Nawaf tried to check with the team commander, but got no answers. He already knew that the town-major people were making their way to his house.
"I entered another class, but I could no longer think straight. I had a feeling that something bad was about to happen. When one of the teachers came and asked me to come to the principal's room, my legs shook. I saw the town-major and others, and I knew that the worst piece of news of all has arrived."
Several hours earlier, Tamir's commanders had failed to locate him on his communication device, which he carried with him to a lone navigation on Mount Negev. The Israel Air Force rescue unit was dispatched to the area and found his body at the foot of the cliff. The next day he was laid to rest at his village.
There are now four military graves in the small grave plot belonging to the Nabuani family in the Julis cemetery. Walking between them, Nawaf feels the pride of someone who has made a breakthrough. Here is the relative who was the first Druze soldier in the paratroopers' unit. Here are other cousins who fell in Israel's wars. Here is Tamir's grave.
"If, God forbid, we are forced to dig another grave," he says, "there won't be any room here. The village had 23 fallen soldiers since 1956, but has yet to have a military cemetery. We're working on it."
No regrets
Tamir's road to Sayeret Matkal was not an easy one. In the middle of the ninth grade he decided to join the military boarding school at Haifa's Reali High School, and although he registered late, he managed to fill the gaps. He then passed the exams and the pre-conscription evaluations.
"I told him, 'No matter where you are, in which reconnaissance company, the only important thing is that you are among the best,'" the bereaved father says.
"I trusted him. He was a strong and responsible guy. Since the age of 12 he used to work in the summer and provide for himself almost all alone. He worked for a contractor. He would climb a four-story scaffolding.
"I told him not to tell many people that he was part of the commando unit, so he didn’t. I would just ask him each time if he was healthy, he told me he was, that the training was going well."
Only after his personal tragedy, Nawaf began hearing stories about his son.
"His commander from the recruit service came and told us about a fire which broke out in a tent. Everyone began shouting and call the commanders. Tamir, with a blanket, stood up and put out the fire. He was then taken to the hospital because he inhaled smoke. But this is how he was.
"The service at Sayeret Matkal was good for him. It's not just a place which develops fighting abilities, but the mind as well. I had no regrets about sending him there. I still have no regrets. Don’t forget that we believe in faith, that it's all written from above and no one can change it. It calms the person down."
Many picture of Tamir hang on the house's walls in Julis. From the military boarding school, from the different stages he took. One of the walls carries a large oil painting and a poem in Arabic. The son who died asks his mother not to be angry over his departure, not to cry too much. And if the neighbors ask, she should tell them he will be back.
"Of course he won't be back," Nawaf adds, translating the song into Hebrew.
'Peki'in events did not hurt motivation'
Three Druze soldiers from the Galilee have died in less than two years. The first day of the Second Lebanon War saw the death of Wassim Nazal, of the village of Yanuh, in one of the Hummer jeeps attacked in the kidnapping incident. In January, Nabuani was killed during a navigation, and last month, Sayef Bisan of the village of Jat, was killed in a battle with terrorists near Kissufim.
Despite all this, the Druze public reports of particularly high motivation – more than 85% of the young Julis residents are inducted to the army, and more than 65% join combat units.
Nawaf Nabuani says this is the community and family's heritage. "The young see the adults and want to be like them. In our family alone there are 23 officers today, two of them lieutenant-colonels. The young ones see and learn."
Two of Nawaf's older sons, Kamal and Sari, serve as career officers. The youngest son, Nawaf hopes, will follow in his brother's footsteps and may even be accepted into Sayeret Matkal. In the recent war, when Tamir had just joined the IDF, four of the family members were in the army, some of them reservists, some career offers and some regular soldiers.
The recent tensions – led by the violent events in Peki'in – did not harm the motivation, the bereaved father says.
"The Defense Ministry and the IDF are the only places in Israel where Druze are really considered completely equal," he says. "A Druze soldier can reach any unit in the IDF."
He opposes demonstrations and aggressiveness, but calls on the State to close the gaps. "No one deludes himself that one day all the gaps will be filled. But the government ministers must do their homework, must find out what is missing and do everything for us to receive these things."
Rabbinical court ordered to rehire female worker
Two years after dismissing newly-hired female secretary because of her gender, Petah Tikva Rabbinical Court forced by justice minister to take worker back
Tova Tzimuki
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 08:13
The Petah Tikva Rabbinical Court has recently been ordered to rehire a woman who was supposed to begin work at the court as a secretary but was sent away by the halachic rulers because of her gender.
Two years ago, the woman arrived at her new place of work and planned to assume the secretarial position she was hired for.
However, upon her arrival at the court, the rulers informed her that she was not welcome there, demanded that she leave the place immediately and stressed that if she chose to stay she would be considered a "transgressor" and a curse would be cast on her.
The rulers also went on strike for several of hours, until the humiliated woman consented to leave, in tears.
The affair recently became known to Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, who decided to intervene. He ordered that the worker should be returned to work on Monday, and instructed the director-general of the rabbinical courts, Rabbi Eliyahu Ben-Dahan, to escort the woman during her first day at work in order to make sure she was being greeted appropriately.
Friedmann also sent a harsh letter to the Petah Tikva court's presiding judge, Rabbi Baruch Shimon Salomon, stressing that the rabbinical court was obligated to follow the laws of the State of Israel, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Law that prohibits discrimination based on gender.
The minister warned that should the court fail to accept the worker, sanctions would be taken against it.
Tova Tzimuki
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 08:13
The Petah Tikva Rabbinical Court has recently been ordered to rehire a woman who was supposed to begin work at the court as a secretary but was sent away by the halachic rulers because of her gender.
Two years ago, the woman arrived at her new place of work and planned to assume the secretarial position she was hired for.
However, upon her arrival at the court, the rulers informed her that she was not welcome there, demanded that she leave the place immediately and stressed that if she chose to stay she would be considered a "transgressor" and a curse would be cast on her.
The rulers also went on strike for several of hours, until the humiliated woman consented to leave, in tears.
The affair recently became known to Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, who decided to intervene. He ordered that the worker should be returned to work on Monday, and instructed the director-general of the rabbinical courts, Rabbi Eliyahu Ben-Dahan, to escort the woman during her first day at work in order to make sure she was being greeted appropriately.
Friedmann also sent a harsh letter to the Petah Tikva court's presiding judge, Rabbi Baruch Shimon Salomon, stressing that the rabbinical court was obligated to follow the laws of the State of Israel, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Law that prohibits discrimination based on gender.
The minister warned that should the court fail to accept the worker, sanctions would be taken against it.
mardi 6 mai 2008
Bedouin soldiers: Israel shuns us
On Remembrance Day, Bedouin community mourns IDF casualties, calls for end to inequality
Yonat Atlas
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.06.08, 22:07
Equal only in death: Among those observing Remembrance Day the families of 168 Bedouin casualties killed in the line of duty since Israel's establishment. Forty one of them are from the Negev’s dispersed Bedouin community, which is greatly underprivileged despite its close ties to the IDF and the fact that it is forced to hide its sons’ army service.
Two Bedouin soldiers have been killed in 2008: A 28 year-old tracker whose family refused to publish his name was killed by a roadside bomb on the Gaza border, and 20 year-old Corporal Menahesh Albinath from Kuseife, during intense clashes with a Palestinian terror cell near the security fence in central Gaza.
Casualties of War
The Albinath family lives in shacks with no electricity; their water supply was resumed only after their son’s death. Menahesh’s brother, Fares, serves in the territories, yet his house is under a demolition order threat.
“Instead of peacefully serving the country, the soldiers are forced to worry over the fate of their homes, wondering whether or not their house will remain intact upon their return,” said Menahesh’s uncle, Mussa Albinath, who served in the IDF for 20 years. His five sons and nephew also served in the army.
The problematic treatment of Bedouin soldiers by their community is evident in the fact that the Remembrance Day siren was heard for the first time only in 2005 in the Hura community.
Remembrance Day for Bedouin IDF fallen (Photo: IDF Spokespersons)
Meanwhile, data shows that there is a significant decline in the number of Bedouins joining the IDF. Community leaders say they will not encourage youth to join the IDF if Israel continues to overlook them and their needs.
Southern Region Commander Yoav Galant spoke at the memorial ceremony for Bedouin casualties in Beersheba Tuesday, saying that “we must help Bedouins solve their problems and aid in implementing the national decision made regarding their communities.
"The Bedouin soldiers are excellent in performing their duties, but we still need more fighters to join," Galant said, urging Bedouin community leaders to encourage their youth to enlist.
Yonat Atlas
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.06.08, 22:07
Equal only in death: Among those observing Remembrance Day the families of 168 Bedouin casualties killed in the line of duty since Israel's establishment. Forty one of them are from the Negev’s dispersed Bedouin community, which is greatly underprivileged despite its close ties to the IDF and the fact that it is forced to hide its sons’ army service.
Two Bedouin soldiers have been killed in 2008: A 28 year-old tracker whose family refused to publish his name was killed by a roadside bomb on the Gaza border, and 20 year-old Corporal Menahesh Albinath from Kuseife, during intense clashes with a Palestinian terror cell near the security fence in central Gaza.
Casualties of War
The Albinath family lives in shacks with no electricity; their water supply was resumed only after their son’s death. Menahesh’s brother, Fares, serves in the territories, yet his house is under a demolition order threat.
“Instead of peacefully serving the country, the soldiers are forced to worry over the fate of their homes, wondering whether or not their house will remain intact upon their return,” said Menahesh’s uncle, Mussa Albinath, who served in the IDF for 20 years. His five sons and nephew also served in the army.
The problematic treatment of Bedouin soldiers by their community is evident in the fact that the Remembrance Day siren was heard for the first time only in 2005 in the Hura community.
Remembrance Day for Bedouin IDF fallen (Photo: IDF Spokespersons)
Meanwhile, data shows that there is a significant decline in the number of Bedouins joining the IDF. Community leaders say they will not encourage youth to join the IDF if Israel continues to overlook them and their needs.
Southern Region Commander Yoav Galant spoke at the memorial ceremony for Bedouin casualties in Beersheba Tuesday, saying that “we must help Bedouins solve their problems and aid in implementing the national decision made regarding their communities.
"The Bedouin soldiers are excellent in performing their duties, but we still need more fighters to join," Galant said, urging Bedouin community leaders to encourage their youth to enlist.
lundi 5 mai 2008
2 Israeli youths convicted of Nazi affiliation
State Prosecutor's Office signs plea agreements with two more youths implicated in Nazi activities. Two convicted on multiple counts of assault
Vered Luvitch
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 16:59
The State Prosecutor's Office signed a plea bargain agreement Monday with two other youths accused of affiliation with the neo-Nazi group which operated in Petah Tikva.
According to the plea, Arik Boanitov, 20, was convicted on 10 counts of racial assault, incitement, possession of racist paraphernalia, battery and assault with threat of bodily harm. He is expected to serve a four to 7.5 year sentence.
A 17-year-old-boy from Holon was also convicted on two counts of assault and was sentenced to 25 months in prison.
In early April, as part of a plea bargain reached with the State Prosecutor’s Office, the Tel Aviv District Court convicted four of the eight youths involved in Nazi activities of conspiracy to commit a crime, assault and incitement.
Details of the Nazi gang were first published in September 2007, when police arrested eight youths, aged 16 to 21, who sadistically targeted and attacked drug abusers, homosexuals, foreign workers, religious Jews and youths with a "Goth" appearance.
The indictment against the group also indicated that 19-year-old Eli Bunyatov, nicknamed "The Nazi", who acted as ringleader for the gang, had planned to organize a ceremony marking Hitler’s birthday, during which “he and his friends would make a pledge to Hitler and all members of the Aryan race to defend all members of the race to their dying breath.”
Vered Luvitch
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 16:59
The State Prosecutor's Office signed a plea bargain agreement Monday with two other youths accused of affiliation with the neo-Nazi group which operated in Petah Tikva.
According to the plea, Arik Boanitov, 20, was convicted on 10 counts of racial assault, incitement, possession of racist paraphernalia, battery and assault with threat of bodily harm. He is expected to serve a four to 7.5 year sentence.
A 17-year-old-boy from Holon was also convicted on two counts of assault and was sentenced to 25 months in prison.
In early April, as part of a plea bargain reached with the State Prosecutor’s Office, the Tel Aviv District Court convicted four of the eight youths involved in Nazi activities of conspiracy to commit a crime, assault and incitement.
Details of the Nazi gang were first published in September 2007, when police arrested eight youths, aged 16 to 21, who sadistically targeted and attacked drug abusers, homosexuals, foreign workers, religious Jews and youths with a "Goth" appearance.
The indictment against the group also indicated that 19-year-old Eli Bunyatov, nicknamed "The Nazi", who acted as ringleader for the gang, had planned to organize a ceremony marking Hitler’s birthday, during which “he and his friends would make a pledge to Hitler and all members of the Aryan race to defend all members of the race to their dying breath.”
Ex-MK Bishara knew he cannot refute evidence against him, so he escaped
Hizbullah's advisor
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.07, 17:05
The lifting of the gag order still does not allow us to receive full information regarding the alleged suspicions against former Knesset Member Azmi Bishara. The Shin Bet and police claim that the extent of deeds and suspicions is much boarder and graver than what they revealed.
Yet they apparently prefer not to provide any details beyond what Bishara already knows, in order not to expose their sources and so that they can continue the investigation if and when Bishara returns.
Therefore, the media and public in Israel have no way of examining the evidence that law enforcement authorities used to base their suspicions against Bishara. However, there are is some circumstantial evidence that grants apparent credibility to the suspicions.
First, the fact that the High Court of Justice approved wiretaps against Bishara, and again approved them several times later. Every three months, the High Court extended the permit, apparently on the basis of the findings that were discovered through the wiretaps.
Secondly, the investigation was carried out under the close supervision of the attorney general and state prosecutor. Moreover, a State Prosecutor's Office team monitored the investigation closely and regularly.
Thirdly, the impression made by the direct quotes from conversations Bishara engaged in with foreign elements during the fighting cannot be ignored. Limited details were cleared for publication so far.
The substance of the conversations being wiretapped made it clear he was well aware he was violating the State of Israel's laws in a manner that endangered the immediate physical safety of at least some of its citizens.
Based on his familiarity with the Israeli public and its sensitivities, he advised Hizbullah on where to focus his rocket attacks in a manner that would achieve the maximal psychological and physical effect.
Moreover, he estimated the effect of bombardments in various ranges and against various targets, and advised his contacts on how to boost it.
He also advised them regarding where not to attack and what kind of propaganda messages should be directed at various population segments in Israel. That way he enabled Hizbullah to make its attacks on the Israeli home front more effective.
The quotes from the wiretaps also prove that Bishara knew he was assisting Hizbullah in improving the intelligence picture and strategic assessment formulated by the organization regarding Israel's intentions and the effect of the bombardment on the home front during the Second Lebanon War. By the way, he did not deny the quotes presented to him during interrogation.
Fourthly, the fact is Bishara himself, after realizing (in the second interrogation session) the essence of the suspicions against him, chose to remain abroad and not to face up to them, as he did in the past, in the Knesset and courts.
He also refrained from detailing in public the essence of suspicions he was well familiar with and chose to defend himself overseas, in the Arab media, claiming he was politically persecuted. This is not how an innocent person conducts himself, and particularly not a political leader who owes his voters a full report.
Missions from Hizbullah
It can be argued, and this is apparently what Bishara claimed in his interrogation, that as an Arab Knesset member he did not possess information, or access to information, that would have assisted Hizbullah significantly.
This argument is baseless on the face of it, because the Knesset Bishara was a member of was a major information center in the State of Israel, and it was enough to be there on a regular basis in order to be exposed to classified information.
Any starting journalist knows that it would be enough to walk the Knesset's corridors and sit at the cafeteria in order to randomly meet ministers, officials, and senior officers and hear them discussing sensitive subjects with Knesset members. Mingling with other Knesset members and innocent conversations would be enough to get a first-hand impression on mood and intentions.
Moreover, the Shin Bet also claims that Bishara "received missions (from his Hizbullah contacts) and carried them out." If this grave claim is true, then Bishara, in addition to his strategic and operational consulting services provided to the Hizbullah during and before the war, also spied for the organization. However, this alleged suspicion, which has still not been proven, should be qualified.
The impression emerging is that the Shin Bet and police possess clear-cut evidence, as well as witnesses, that Bishara secretly received large sums of money from foreign elements. The existing information is apparently sufficient in order to formulate an indictment over violation of money laundering legislation.
The question is who received the money ultimately. Were there payments received by Bishara that went into his own pocket or did he transfer some of them to others? And if so, to which other elements and for what purpose? At this time at least, there is serious suspicion that Bishara was the only or main beneficiary of the funds.
All of the above apparently gives rise to a disturbing picture of a person whose ego, ideology, and greed led him to commit grave crimes. Those who should be more interested than anyone in exposing the truth are Israeli Arabs, as Bishara is one of their prominent leaders.
The Arab sector, just as is the case in any democratic society, must find out it whether this is indeed about political persecution, or rather, a leader who went astray.
An overwhelming show of support for Bishara, without examining the facts, may taint the entire Arab sector. Moreover, Bishara's actions, should they be proven, may reinforce the stigma of fifth column attributed to the entire Arab sector, unjustly so, by some political elements in Israel.
For these reasons, Bishara himself has the public and moral duty to disprove the allegations against him or confess and make it clear he acted as an individual and not on behalf of the public that elected him.
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.07, 17:05
The lifting of the gag order still does not allow us to receive full information regarding the alleged suspicions against former Knesset Member Azmi Bishara. The Shin Bet and police claim that the extent of deeds and suspicions is much boarder and graver than what they revealed.
Yet they apparently prefer not to provide any details beyond what Bishara already knows, in order not to expose their sources and so that they can continue the investigation if and when Bishara returns.
Therefore, the media and public in Israel have no way of examining the evidence that law enforcement authorities used to base their suspicions against Bishara. However, there are is some circumstantial evidence that grants apparent credibility to the suspicions.
First, the fact that the High Court of Justice approved wiretaps against Bishara, and again approved them several times later. Every three months, the High Court extended the permit, apparently on the basis of the findings that were discovered through the wiretaps.
Secondly, the investigation was carried out under the close supervision of the attorney general and state prosecutor. Moreover, a State Prosecutor's Office team monitored the investigation closely and regularly.
Thirdly, the impression made by the direct quotes from conversations Bishara engaged in with foreign elements during the fighting cannot be ignored. Limited details were cleared for publication so far.
The substance of the conversations being wiretapped made it clear he was well aware he was violating the State of Israel's laws in a manner that endangered the immediate physical safety of at least some of its citizens.
Based on his familiarity with the Israeli public and its sensitivities, he advised Hizbullah on where to focus his rocket attacks in a manner that would achieve the maximal psychological and physical effect.
Moreover, he estimated the effect of bombardments in various ranges and against various targets, and advised his contacts on how to boost it.
He also advised them regarding where not to attack and what kind of propaganda messages should be directed at various population segments in Israel. That way he enabled Hizbullah to make its attacks on the Israeli home front more effective.
The quotes from the wiretaps also prove that Bishara knew he was assisting Hizbullah in improving the intelligence picture and strategic assessment formulated by the organization regarding Israel's intentions and the effect of the bombardment on the home front during the Second Lebanon War. By the way, he did not deny the quotes presented to him during interrogation.
Fourthly, the fact is Bishara himself, after realizing (in the second interrogation session) the essence of the suspicions against him, chose to remain abroad and not to face up to them, as he did in the past, in the Knesset and courts.
He also refrained from detailing in public the essence of suspicions he was well familiar with and chose to defend himself overseas, in the Arab media, claiming he was politically persecuted. This is not how an innocent person conducts himself, and particularly not a political leader who owes his voters a full report.
Missions from Hizbullah
It can be argued, and this is apparently what Bishara claimed in his interrogation, that as an Arab Knesset member he did not possess information, or access to information, that would have assisted Hizbullah significantly.
This argument is baseless on the face of it, because the Knesset Bishara was a member of was a major information center in the State of Israel, and it was enough to be there on a regular basis in order to be exposed to classified information.
Any starting journalist knows that it would be enough to walk the Knesset's corridors and sit at the cafeteria in order to randomly meet ministers, officials, and senior officers and hear them discussing sensitive subjects with Knesset members. Mingling with other Knesset members and innocent conversations would be enough to get a first-hand impression on mood and intentions.
Moreover, the Shin Bet also claims that Bishara "received missions (from his Hizbullah contacts) and carried them out." If this grave claim is true, then Bishara, in addition to his strategic and operational consulting services provided to the Hizbullah during and before the war, also spied for the organization. However, this alleged suspicion, which has still not been proven, should be qualified.
The impression emerging is that the Shin Bet and police possess clear-cut evidence, as well as witnesses, that Bishara secretly received large sums of money from foreign elements. The existing information is apparently sufficient in order to formulate an indictment over violation of money laundering legislation.
The question is who received the money ultimately. Were there payments received by Bishara that went into his own pocket or did he transfer some of them to others? And if so, to which other elements and for what purpose? At this time at least, there is serious suspicion that Bishara was the only or main beneficiary of the funds.
All of the above apparently gives rise to a disturbing picture of a person whose ego, ideology, and greed led him to commit grave crimes. Those who should be more interested than anyone in exposing the truth are Israeli Arabs, as Bishara is one of their prominent leaders.
The Arab sector, just as is the case in any democratic society, must find out it whether this is indeed about political persecution, or rather, a leader who went astray.
An overwhelming show of support for Bishara, without examining the facts, may taint the entire Arab sector. Moreover, Bishara's actions, should they be proven, may reinforce the stigma of fifth column attributed to the entire Arab sector, unjustly so, by some political elements in Israel.
For these reasons, Bishara himself has the public and moral duty to disprove the allegations against him or confess and make it clear he acted as an individual and not on behalf of the public that elected him.
Bishara's wife delayed at border crossing
Rana Bishara delayed for several hours at Jordan River border crossing while en route to Israel, questioned by Shin Bet investigators. MK Zahalka files outraged complaint accusing security agency of taking out frustrations on 'innocent woman'
Sharon Roffe-Ofir
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 18:37
MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad) filed a complaint against the Israeli Port Authority on Monday claiming the wife of former MK Azmi Bishara, Rana, was detained at the Jordan River Crossing for several long hours.
"If the Shin Bet is frustrated it has been unsuccessful in imprisoning Bishara, it has no right to exact revenge on his wife and children," said Zahalka.
Rana Bishara, who currently resides with her husband in Rabat Amon, was on her way to visit relatives in Israel. She and two of her children were let through the Jordanian side of the border but upon their arrival at the Israeli side, Bishara was informed she was being delayed as a person in contact with a recognized threat against national security.
"She called me from the crossing and said she was being held there," said Zahalka. "I contacted those in charge and they said the decision was handed down by defense officials. I tried to explain to them that her detention was illegal. She may be Azmi Bishara's wife, but she has not been accused of anything. She is an Israeli citizen and yet she was made to wait for hours."
According to Zahalka, at around 9 pm a Shin Bet official arrived at the crossing and asked to speak with Bishara. "He asked about Azmi's activities – what he does, who he's in contact with and where he works," he said.
"She was also asked about her travel plans to Israel and was even required to hand over a telephone number for her hosts," said the MK, adding that Bishara's luggage was subjected to intense inspection.
"Delaying a woman with two children is vindictive and provocative behavior," he said.
The Shin Bet service said in response that "the woman in question is the wife of Azmi Bishara, the former Knesset member under investigation on charges of compromising national security, and who fled Israel prior to the completion of the investigation against him."
The service declined to go into any further detail regarding its methods of operation.
Sharon Roffe-Ofir
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 18:37
MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad) filed a complaint against the Israeli Port Authority on Monday claiming the wife of former MK Azmi Bishara, Rana, was detained at the Jordan River Crossing for several long hours.
"If the Shin Bet is frustrated it has been unsuccessful in imprisoning Bishara, it has no right to exact revenge on his wife and children," said Zahalka.
Rana Bishara, who currently resides with her husband in Rabat Amon, was on her way to visit relatives in Israel. She and two of her children were let through the Jordanian side of the border but upon their arrival at the Israeli side, Bishara was informed she was being delayed as a person in contact with a recognized threat against national security.
"She called me from the crossing and said she was being held there," said Zahalka. "I contacted those in charge and they said the decision was handed down by defense officials. I tried to explain to them that her detention was illegal. She may be Azmi Bishara's wife, but she has not been accused of anything. She is an Israeli citizen and yet she was made to wait for hours."
According to Zahalka, at around 9 pm a Shin Bet official arrived at the crossing and asked to speak with Bishara. "He asked about Azmi's activities – what he does, who he's in contact with and where he works," he said.
"She was also asked about her travel plans to Israel and was even required to hand over a telephone number for her hosts," said the MK, adding that Bishara's luggage was subjected to intense inspection.
"Delaying a woman with two children is vindictive and provocative behavior," he said.
The Shin Bet service said in response that "the woman in question is the wife of Azmi Bishara, the former Knesset member under investigation on charges of compromising national security, and who fled Israel prior to the completion of the investigation against him."
The service declined to go into any further detail regarding its methods of operation.
Gaza residents say IDF soldiers looted their homes
Palestinians recount 'nightmarish' searches by troops during counterterrorism ops. 'The mental scars will remain for a long time. We have never experienced such brutality,' resident says
Ali Waked
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 20:52
Gaza residents say they were subjected to inhuman treatment at the hands of IDF soldiers conducting searches in their homes as part of the army's recent efforts to combat Palestinian terror.
The complainants say they were confined to stairwells for hours on end without access to food, water or a toilet. The Palestinians further claimed soldiers vandalized and looted their homes. The IDF confirmed it had received complaints and said it had begun investigating the charges.
Maher Abu-Daha'a says he will never forget the day soldiers stormed his house, located near the southern town of Khan Younis, just east of the border fence. "It was hell; the mental scars will remain for a long time. We have never experienced such brutality," he said.
Last weekend a large IDF force entered the Strip as part of increased counterterrorism operations in the region. Soldiers questioned locals about the attempted bombing of a border crossing last month, in which Palestinian groups rigged an armored carrier with explosives and planned to detonate it in conjunction with the attack against the Kerem Shalom crossing. But the vehicle never reached its destination, having become entrenched in the sand.
"At least 150 soldiers took over the house," Abu Daha'a recounted, "my house is 180 square meters (1,937 square feet) large, but they (the soldiers) forced me, my wife and our baby to wait in the stairwell from 2:00 am until 10:00 or 11:00 pm. My hands were tied behind my back, and when I complained they placed a band-aid over my mouth and blindfolded me."
He said he was permitted to go to the bathroom only after an eight-hour wait. His wife, Umm Karim, said the soldiers refused to allow her to boil water needed to warm a bottle of milk for her baby.
According to Karim, she could not go to the bathroom because soldiers demanded that she leave the door open and was therefore forces to urinate fully-dressed. She said the soldiers also pointed their weapons toward the baby when he screamed.
'Hamas will only grow stronger'
Abu Daha'a said that after the search was completed he was taken outside and placed inside a tank that then patrolled the area for several hours; according to him, the soldiers used him as a human shield. He said was later taken to the Kerem Shalom crossing for questioning along with nine other Palestinians.
"What if militants would have fired a missile at the tank or set off a bomb beside it? I told them 'I am an unarmed civilian, why must I be in this tank?'"
Abu Daha'a said that upon his arrival at the crossing an IDF officer suggested that he purchase a home far from the security fence to prevent any additional confrontations with the army.
"He told me that the IDF would thoroughly investigate my complaints regarding the damage done to my property and the soldiers' offensive behavior, but these are Jews we are dealing with – complaining won't do any good. Only Allah will help," he said.
"We felt as though we were in Guantanamo; we were stripped naked and left without food and water for hours. Only at around 9:00 pm were we given a sandwich after we demanded some food."
Abu Daha'a said that when he heard the soldiers knock on their door he instructed his wife to hide the family's stash of money on her person. "A neighbor of mine did not have time to hide his money and the soldiers stole NIS 1000 ($290) from him. These are thieves and sons of thieves, and I prepared accordingly."
The neighbor said he had complained to the commanding officer about the purported looting, but the soldiers denied stealing any money.
"The theft was only a small part of the nightmare," he said, "at 1:00 am at least 50 soldiers entered my home, tied my hands behind my back and blindfolded me. They put me, my wife and our two children, aged four and six, in one room. Since my children are hard of hearing, they began to yell and I begged the soldiers to bring their hearing aids from the living room. They agreed only after I pleaded with them."
The neighbor also claimed that his wife was forced to urinate fully-clothed after they refused to let her shut the bathroom door.
"The slept in our house, and when they changed clothes in front of us they made rude gestures with their hands and private parts," he said.
Abu Daha'a said that during his interrogation he was asked why Hamas was so popular in Gaza. He said his response was that support for Hamas increases whenever its members "fight the invading soldiers."
"The longer you continue with these policies, the stronger Hamas will grow," he told his interrogators.
Ali Waked
Yedioth Ahranoth Published: 05.05.08, 20:52
Gaza residents say they were subjected to inhuman treatment at the hands of IDF soldiers conducting searches in their homes as part of the army's recent efforts to combat Palestinian terror.
The complainants say they were confined to stairwells for hours on end without access to food, water or a toilet. The Palestinians further claimed soldiers vandalized and looted their homes. The IDF confirmed it had received complaints and said it had begun investigating the charges.
Maher Abu-Daha'a says he will never forget the day soldiers stormed his house, located near the southern town of Khan Younis, just east of the border fence. "It was hell; the mental scars will remain for a long time. We have never experienced such brutality," he said.
Last weekend a large IDF force entered the Strip as part of increased counterterrorism operations in the region. Soldiers questioned locals about the attempted bombing of a border crossing last month, in which Palestinian groups rigged an armored carrier with explosives and planned to detonate it in conjunction with the attack against the Kerem Shalom crossing. But the vehicle never reached its destination, having become entrenched in the sand.
"At least 150 soldiers took over the house," Abu Daha'a recounted, "my house is 180 square meters (1,937 square feet) large, but they (the soldiers) forced me, my wife and our baby to wait in the stairwell from 2:00 am until 10:00 or 11:00 pm. My hands were tied behind my back, and when I complained they placed a band-aid over my mouth and blindfolded me."
He said he was permitted to go to the bathroom only after an eight-hour wait. His wife, Umm Karim, said the soldiers refused to allow her to boil water needed to warm a bottle of milk for her baby.
According to Karim, she could not go to the bathroom because soldiers demanded that she leave the door open and was therefore forces to urinate fully-dressed. She said the soldiers also pointed their weapons toward the baby when he screamed.
'Hamas will only grow stronger'
Abu Daha'a said that after the search was completed he was taken outside and placed inside a tank that then patrolled the area for several hours; according to him, the soldiers used him as a human shield. He said was later taken to the Kerem Shalom crossing for questioning along with nine other Palestinians.
"What if militants would have fired a missile at the tank or set off a bomb beside it? I told them 'I am an unarmed civilian, why must I be in this tank?'"
Abu Daha'a said that upon his arrival at the crossing an IDF officer suggested that he purchase a home far from the security fence to prevent any additional confrontations with the army.
"He told me that the IDF would thoroughly investigate my complaints regarding the damage done to my property and the soldiers' offensive behavior, but these are Jews we are dealing with – complaining won't do any good. Only Allah will help," he said.
"We felt as though we were in Guantanamo; we were stripped naked and left without food and water for hours. Only at around 9:00 pm were we given a sandwich after we demanded some food."
Abu Daha'a said that when he heard the soldiers knock on their door he instructed his wife to hide the family's stash of money on her person. "A neighbor of mine did not have time to hide his money and the soldiers stole NIS 1000 ($290) from him. These are thieves and sons of thieves, and I prepared accordingly."
The neighbor said he had complained to the commanding officer about the purported looting, but the soldiers denied stealing any money.
"The theft was only a small part of the nightmare," he said, "at 1:00 am at least 50 soldiers entered my home, tied my hands behind my back and blindfolded me. They put me, my wife and our two children, aged four and six, in one room. Since my children are hard of hearing, they began to yell and I begged the soldiers to bring their hearing aids from the living room. They agreed only after I pleaded with them."
The neighbor also claimed that his wife was forced to urinate fully-clothed after they refused to let her shut the bathroom door.
"The slept in our house, and when they changed clothes in front of us they made rude gestures with their hands and private parts," he said.
Abu Daha'a said that during his interrogation he was asked why Hamas was so popular in Gaza. He said his response was that support for Hamas increases whenever its members "fight the invading soldiers."
"The longer you continue with these policies, the stronger Hamas will grow," he told his interrogators.
dimanche 4 mai 2008
Bill: Rabbinical courts will not rule on conversions
On aftermath of High Rabbinical Court's conversion annulment, NRP chair calls for stripping rabbinical courts of authority to rule on conversion matters. Rabbi Drukman calls court’s verdict ‘malicious fraud’
Kobi Nahshoni
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.04.08, 14:36
The controversy over a recent High Rabbinical Court ruling annulling all conversions conducted by Head of the Israeli Conversion Court Rabbi Haim Drukman continues.
National Religious Party Chairman MK Zevulun Orlev announced Sunday he plans to propose a bill calling for stripping the rabbinical courts of all authority pertaining to conversions.
"The High Rabbinical Court's political, anti-Zionist ruling about conversions proves we have no choice but to form alternative conversion courts, presided by rabbis who served in the IDF and who pray for the state," he said.
Outraged by the court’s ruling, Drukman claimed that the ruling does not represent the High Court’s verdict, but the verdict of three judges who reached their decision against the instruction of the court’s Presiding Judge, Rabbi Shlomo Amar.
Drukman claims that Amar ordered not to publish the verdict but to submit the file directly to him.
“Two days later, they have already published the verdict,” Says Drukman, who calls the court judgment “a malicious fraud.”
The court ruling has elicited strong criticism from various groups in the political and religious arenas, as well as women’s rights organizations. The Tzohar Movement of “user-friendly" Zionist Orthodox rabbis called the government to recognize all conversions performed in all factions of Judaism.
Kobi Nahshoni
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.04.08, 14:36
The controversy over a recent High Rabbinical Court ruling annulling all conversions conducted by Head of the Israeli Conversion Court Rabbi Haim Drukman continues.
National Religious Party Chairman MK Zevulun Orlev announced Sunday he plans to propose a bill calling for stripping the rabbinical courts of all authority pertaining to conversions.
"The High Rabbinical Court's political, anti-Zionist ruling about conversions proves we have no choice but to form alternative conversion courts, presided by rabbis who served in the IDF and who pray for the state," he said.
Outraged by the court’s ruling, Drukman claimed that the ruling does not represent the High Court’s verdict, but the verdict of three judges who reached their decision against the instruction of the court’s Presiding Judge, Rabbi Shlomo Amar.
Drukman claims that Amar ordered not to publish the verdict but to submit the file directly to him.
“Two days later, they have already published the verdict,” Says Drukman, who calls the court judgment “a malicious fraud.”
The court ruling has elicited strong criticism from various groups in the political and religious arenas, as well as women’s rights organizations. The Tzohar Movement of “user-friendly" Zionist Orthodox rabbis called the government to recognize all conversions performed in all factions of Judaism.
vendredi 2 mai 2008
Thousands of conversions questioned
High Rabbinical Court calls into question all conversions performed by Rabbi Chaim Drukman since 1999
Ynet Published: 05.02.08, 10:36
“All conversions performed since 1999 by Rabbi Chaim Avior and Rabbi Chaim Drukman, who heads the Israeli Conversion Court, must be disqualified,” the Supreme Rabbinical Court in Jerusalem concluded earlier this week, while discussing an appeal made a by a woman whose 15-year-old conversion was annulled by the Ashdod Rabbinical Court, thus naming her children non-Jewish.
In the 50-page verdict,Judges Sherman, Izirer and Scheinfeld it said: "First, all conversions performed since 1999 by Rabbi Chaim Avior and Rabbi Chaim Drukman must be disqualified; second, conversions can be retroactively annulled for those who are not observant."
The Supreme Court determined that the woman’s Judaism is uncertain, and should she or her children petition for a marriage license in the near future – their request would be denied.
The case began when “Rachel” filed for divorce with the Ashdod Rabbinical Court, and the latter chose to linger on the subject of her conversion. She was asked about her observance, and when her answers dissatisfied the judge, he ruled that her conversion was not valid, thus deeming her children non-Jewish too.
According to the court, her marriage was not valid either, therefore, she did not need a divorce. The above was ruled by the judge after he had granted the woman a lawful divorce. He even rendered the husband (a born Jew) delayed for marriage as a result. Having now been approved by the Supreme Court, the verdict means that thousands of conversions will now be retroactively annulled and the converts will be asked to reconvert.
Appeal to the High Court underway
According to Attorney Susan Weiss, who is the founding director of the Center for Women's Justice (JOFA), says this verdict has far-reaching implications on thousands of people who have undergone conversion in the last few years and on their children, and is planning to appeal to the High Court of Justice against this severe resolution.
JOFA reported that both “Rachel” and her former husband are fighting a personal war for theirs and their children’s sake, but essentially represent thousands of individuals and families who will suddenly find themselves “gentile” and unable to marry the Jewish way or be buried outside beyond the cemetery’s gates.
JOFA works to promote justice for women in rabbinical and civil courts, dealing primarily with marriages and divorces. The center aspires for an Israeli society, whose democratic and religious values are fully practiced.
Ynet Published: 05.02.08, 10:36
“All conversions performed since 1999 by Rabbi Chaim Avior and Rabbi Chaim Drukman, who heads the Israeli Conversion Court, must be disqualified,” the Supreme Rabbinical Court in Jerusalem concluded earlier this week, while discussing an appeal made a by a woman whose 15-year-old conversion was annulled by the Ashdod Rabbinical Court, thus naming her children non-Jewish.
In the 50-page verdict,Judges Sherman, Izirer and Scheinfeld it said: "First, all conversions performed since 1999 by Rabbi Chaim Avior and Rabbi Chaim Drukman must be disqualified; second, conversions can be retroactively annulled for those who are not observant."
The Supreme Court determined that the woman’s Judaism is uncertain, and should she or her children petition for a marriage license in the near future – their request would be denied.
The case began when “Rachel” filed for divorce with the Ashdod Rabbinical Court, and the latter chose to linger on the subject of her conversion. She was asked about her observance, and when her answers dissatisfied the judge, he ruled that her conversion was not valid, thus deeming her children non-Jewish too.
According to the court, her marriage was not valid either, therefore, she did not need a divorce. The above was ruled by the judge after he had granted the woman a lawful divorce. He even rendered the husband (a born Jew) delayed for marriage as a result. Having now been approved by the Supreme Court, the verdict means that thousands of conversions will now be retroactively annulled and the converts will be asked to reconvert.
Appeal to the High Court underway
According to Attorney Susan Weiss, who is the founding director of the Center for Women's Justice (JOFA), says this verdict has far-reaching implications on thousands of people who have undergone conversion in the last few years and on their children, and is planning to appeal to the High Court of Justice against this severe resolution.
JOFA reported that both “Rachel” and her former husband are fighting a personal war for theirs and their children’s sake, but essentially represent thousands of individuals and families who will suddenly find themselves “gentile” and unable to marry the Jewish way or be buried outside beyond the cemetery’s gates.
JOFA works to promote justice for women in rabbinical and civil courts, dealing primarily with marriages and divorces. The center aspires for an Israeli society, whose democratic and religious values are fully practiced.
MK Rotem says government’s surrender to conversion annulment is scandalous
Yedioth Aharonoth Published: 05.02.08, 11:36
MK David Rotem (Yisrael Beiteinu) said Friday pursuant to the Supreme Rabbinical Court ruling annulling the conversion of thousands of people converted by Rabbi Chaim Drukman, that this proves the rabbinical courts are not interested in facilitating conversion.
Rotem added that “the government’s surrender to the conversions’ annulment is scandalous and the law must be immediately modified to accommodate conversion by city rabbis.” (Amnon Meranda)
MK David Rotem (Yisrael Beiteinu) said Friday pursuant to the Supreme Rabbinical Court ruling annulling the conversion of thousands of people converted by Rabbi Chaim Drukman, that this proves the rabbinical courts are not interested in facilitating conversion.
Rotem added that “the government’s surrender to the conversions’ annulment is scandalous and the law must be immediately modified to accommodate conversion by city rabbis.” (Amnon Meranda)
Rabbi Aviner: Women must not wear pants even when alone
One of Religious Zionism's most prominent leaders defines trousers as a 'self-prohibition,' says women 'must dress modestly also when alone and in the dark'
Ynet Published: 05.02.08, 19:19
Women must not wear pants even when they are home alone, Rabbi Shlomi Aviner has ruled.
Aviner, Beit El's rabbi and one of Religious Zionism's most prominent leaders, was asked in a cellular Q&A session published in the "Small World" bulletin, "When a girl goes to relieve herself at night, is she allowed to say the 'Asher Yatzar' ('he who formed') prayer while wearing a short-sleeved shirt and trousers?"
The rabbi replied that it is permitted to say the prayer in such a case, but added that "in general, a woman must always wear modest clothes even when she is alone and in the dark, because the Holy one blessed be he is everywhere. And yes, trousers are a self-prohibition even when a woman is alone."
Meanwhile, Rabbi Israel Rosen, head of the Tsomet Institute, has claimed an article published in synagogues over the weekend that "too much modesty leads women to the opposite direction, from abstinence to immorality."
According to the rabbi, this is "an axiom which applies to people who have experienced leaps forward and sharp transitions in their religious conduct throughout their lives."
Rabbi Rosen also slammed the haredi norm to omit names of women from newspapers and from invitations, comparing it to the veil phenomenon in Muslim countries.
"For so-called modesty reasons, the woman is only presented as 'his wife', nameless, veiled, and my heart twitches," he wrote in a weekly column published in synagogues over the weekend. "Is there no psychological connection between the hypocrisy of concealing the name and hiding the face under the 'Taliban-style' veil?"
Ynet Published: 05.02.08, 19:19
Women must not wear pants even when they are home alone, Rabbi Shlomi Aviner has ruled.
Aviner, Beit El's rabbi and one of Religious Zionism's most prominent leaders, was asked in a cellular Q&A session published in the "Small World" bulletin, "When a girl goes to relieve herself at night, is she allowed to say the 'Asher Yatzar' ('he who formed') prayer while wearing a short-sleeved shirt and trousers?"
The rabbi replied that it is permitted to say the prayer in such a case, but added that "in general, a woman must always wear modest clothes even when she is alone and in the dark, because the Holy one blessed be he is everywhere. And yes, trousers are a self-prohibition even when a woman is alone."
Meanwhile, Rabbi Israel Rosen, head of the Tsomet Institute, has claimed an article published in synagogues over the weekend that "too much modesty leads women to the opposite direction, from abstinence to immorality."
According to the rabbi, this is "an axiom which applies to people who have experienced leaps forward and sharp transitions in their religious conduct throughout their lives."
Rabbi Rosen also slammed the haredi norm to omit names of women from newspapers and from invitations, comparing it to the veil phenomenon in Muslim countries.
"For so-called modesty reasons, the woman is only presented as 'his wife', nameless, veiled, and my heart twitches," he wrote in a weekly column published in synagogues over the weekend. "Is there no psychological connection between the hypocrisy of concealing the name and hiding the face under the 'Taliban-style' veil?"
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