bs"d
Israel the Land of My Possession corrections and cont. Please excuse this very long digest. This is what happens when I don't go on line for 2 days. I wish I wouldn't have so much to report!
26 Tammuz 5768
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
---------
7. ISRAELI COURT EXPELS THREE JEWS FROM WEST BANK WITHOUT TRIAL
8. Appeal for funding for a personal book from the youth of Gush Katif, from Dror Vanunu sent by Helen Freedman
9. Pidyon Shvuyim - Rivka Meirchik languishing in Prison 4 months. Much in solitary confinement. No case. Do not stand idly by! Call Israel Embassy and State Dept and your Congressmen.
10. Pidyon Shvuyim - Halamish Brothers languishing in prison for their willingness to defend. IDF turns blind eye and attempts of self defense met with arrest. Call Israel Embassy and State Dept.
11. Update on Shdema and Women in Green Activities
12. Nestle in Brazil not recognize Israel???? Just Palestine ? Sent by Rafi Rabinowitz
13. ITAMAR Kids van attacked with stones. IDF stands by as cars are attacked. Resident shoots in air and is arrested. Also, sending money to Friends of Itamar without spending money.
---------------------------------------------------------------
5. Side note revised
In the previous digest of today, Israel the Land of My Possession, some of the text of my note on #5 was deleted by accident. Please refer to that post for the full story. I am resending my note. I hope it now sounds somewhat better and makes more sense.
Side Note from Robin Ticker: I once asked Herb Zweibon Chairman of Afsi why his allies seem to be the Xtian Community in speaking out for our entitlement of Israel, rather than the established Jewish Organizations. Why doesn't he try to convince the Jewish organizations to speak out with clarity regarding our entitlement.. He answered "it is very satisfying dealing with the Non Jewish Community". I understood from his answer the unspoken.
The Xtians believe in JC. We do not. That could be a major problem if they partner with funding significantly with the Israel Communities. After all, we really do not wish to partner with JC. Jews living in the Diaspora and in the Land of Israel should partner with Israel communities with strength in numbers, PR and money. After all, it is our birthright. no different than those who are Israeli citizens. In the time of the redemption, the Nations of the World will bring their gifts to Israel on the feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth).However, it seems to me that first Jews must unite in our desire to keep the Land of Israel, accept our status as a Mamlechet Cohanim and strive with all our heart and soul to keep the H-ly Commandments in the Torah.
7. ISRAELI COURT EXPELS THREE JEWS FROM WEST BANK WITHOUT TRIAL
http://www.israeljustice.com:80/news2.asp?key=142
Monday, July 28, 2008
JERUSALEM -- An Israeli court has ordered three Jews expelled from the
West Bank without a trial or evidence as part of a military clampdown on
Jewish movement in the region.
Jerusalem Magistrate Ilta Siskind ordered the three who live in West
Bank Jewish communities, Efrion Oppenheimer, Arieh Davis and Alexander
Ostrovsky, expelled from the region for 90 days despite the lack of a
complainant or evidence or correct identification procedures.
"Before me is a request to release the suspects on the condition that
they are expelled from Judea and Samaria for the period of 90 days, a bond
and a third party guarantee and that they will appear before the police when
called," Siskind said on July 24. "The expulsion from Judea and Samaria is
until Oct. 10, 2008, except for the area of their homes. The personal bond
and the third party guarantee is set at 10,000 [$2,942] shekels each to
ensure the conditions for their release and they will appear before police
when requested."
The three and a 17 year-old were arrested on July 23 as they reached the
Jewish community of Maalei Michmas, after they set out for a hike with at
least another six youths from Kochav HaShachar in Samaria. Police said the
other six youths fled and escaped arrest.
According to the police charge sheet, based on reports from Bedouins and
Palestinians, at least 10 youths in the group were involved in piercing
tractor tires and a water pipe along the way between Kochav Hashachar and
Maalei Michmas. But the first complainant cited on the charge sheet hadn't
made a complaint.
"The complainant hasn't yet come to complain," police detective Yair
Aharon told Siskind. "But we have his details and he will reach us through
the sheikh."
Aharon said that the group continued on the hike and vandalized other
tractor wheels and water pipes although, police said, they didn't have any
physical evidence of the damage and had failed to investigate the
complaints.
"The evidence that we have is that of the complainants themselves who
pointed to the [Jewish] residents," Aharon said. "For example, Ostrovsky was
in the area with his big mixed breed [canani] dog. He was with al the group
but they [Bedoiun] didn't say that he caused any damage but he was with the
others on this 'hike'. Regarding the suspect Davis, he said he didn't do
anything but afterwards, he refused to cooperate [with the investigation]."
Davis said that the police did not conduct a live identity line-up, or a
photographic identity procedure.
"They brought a [Bedouin] into the investigation room and he pointed,"
Davis said. "They [police] said because I was part of the group so I was
responsible for what happened."
The Bedoiun also failed to identify the third suspect as someone who
participated in the alleged vandalism.
"About Efrion, they said that he was with the others and he had an M-16
[rifle]," Aharon said.
Defense Attorney Reuven Hamburger asked whether [Efrion] Oppenheimer had
threatened anyone.
"None of them was identified as someone who punctured tires or
threatened with weapons but everyone said they were in the area," Aharon
said.
The police detective then advised the magistrate to accept police
recommendations for punishment to deter other young Jews from hiking in
Judea and Samaria, between the Jewish communities and disturbing the
Palestinians and Bedouin.
"We are speaking about a hike that is organized for the purpose of
causing damage and destruction," Aharon said. "I know that next week there
is going to a similiar exhibition [hike]. I believe that the decision of the
court will have consequences and an influence and they will learn how to
behave because of this decision and if the court will agree to our request,
this will prevent phenomenon like these," Aharon said.
Israeli civil rights organizations have criticized the police and the
court for not investigating before punishing the suspects.
"We haven't received a complaint but on the face of it, it appears that
there is a lack of justice," Nirit Moskowitz, spokesperson for the
Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said. "They should investigate
first."
Left-wing activists also criticized the hastiness with which the army
has recently issued closed military zone orders in an effort to clamp down
on the movement of Jews within Judea and Samaria.
On July 24, buses carrying young hikers to the march through Judea and
Samaria were stopped at roadblocks by a military order restricting entrance
of Jews who were not residents of Samaria.
"No person shall pass the roadblock unless he has permission from me or
from someone whom I have authorized," the order issued by Samaria Brigade
Commander, Col.Yitzhak Bar, on his third day in the position, said. "This is
required for security purposes and for maintaining public order."
The office of Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, head of central command, denied the
existence of the order but the closure was heavily criticized.
"It's good that an extreme officer has reduced to the absurd the legal
status that exists in Judea and Samaria whereby hundreds of thousands of
Jews are living under military rule and are subject to his impulsive mood
swings," National Union parliamentarian Benny Elon said.
The army has recently issued an abundance of closed military zone orders
that has also angered left-wing activists.
"The army rushes too quickly to issue 'closed military zone orders' and
to prevent the entrance of Israelis into the area," Yariv Oppeneheimer, head
of Peace Now, said.
8. Appeal for funding for a personal book from the youth of Gush Katif, from Dror Vanunu sent by Helen Freedman
Israel the Land of My Possession corrections and cont. Please excuse this very long digest. This is what happens when I don't go on line for 2 days. I wish I wouldn't have so much to report!
26 Tammuz 5768
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
---------
1. OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN: WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM?
Correction. Post not true.
7. ISRAELI COURT EXPELS THREE JEWS FROM WEST BANK WITHOUT TRIAL
8. Appeal for funding for a personal book from the youth of Gush Katif, from Dror Vanunu sent by Helen Freedman
9. Pidyon Shvuyim - Rivka Meirchik languishing in Prison 4 months. Much in solitary confinement. No case. Do not stand idly by! Call Israel Embassy and State Dept and your Congressmen.
10. Pidyon Shvuyim - Halamish Brothers languishing in prison for their willingness to defend. IDF turns blind eye and attempts of self defense met with arrest. Call Israel Embassy and State Dept.
11. Update on Shdema and Women in Green Activities
12. Nestle in Brazil not recognize Israel???? Just Palestine ? Sent by Rafi Rabinowitz
13. ITAMAR Kids van attacked with stones. IDF stands by as cars are attacked. Resident shoots in air and is arrested. Also, sending money to Friends of Itamar without spending money.
---------------------------------------------------------------
1. OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN: WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM?
Correction. Post apparently not true. Refer to #1 in previous email.(I still don't like many key Obama advisors. However, I also don't believe in spreading falsehoods. If Huckabee was running, he'd get my vote. )
5. Side note revised
In the previous digest of today, Israel the Land of My Possession, some of the text of my note on #5 was deleted by accident. Please refer to that post for the full story. I am resending my note. I hope it now sounds somewhat better and makes more sense.
Side Note from Robin Ticker: I once asked Herb Zweibon Chairman of Afsi why his allies seem to be the Xtian Community in speaking out for our entitlement of Israel, rather than the established Jewish Organizations. Why doesn't he try to convince the Jewish organizations to speak out with clarity regarding our entitlement.. He answered "it is very satisfying dealing with the Non Jewish Community". I understood from his answer the unspoken.
I asked him to please not give up on the Jews. I added that unless all of Am Yisroel is worthy of the Land of Israel, it doesn't really matter if we manage to convince the Non Jewish world and all the members of Congress of our entitlement. If we as a nation reject our precious gift of Israel by giving her away without a protest, and if we act as if we do not desire the Land and the commandments that require the Land of Israel, than are we worthy of keeping her?
Why wasn't Sondra video directed to the Jews?
Handing over Judea & Samaria means the certain demise of Israel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZHlKapdmEThe Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, the OU, the Young Israel and Chabad International have yet to make a public statement protesting a 2 State Solution proposed in 2002?
The Xtians believe in JC. We do not. That could be a major problem if they partner with funding significantly with the Israel Communities. After all, we really do not wish to partner with JC. Jews living in the Diaspora and in the Land of Israel should partner with Israel communities with strength in numbers, PR and money. After all, it is our birthright. no different than those who are Israeli citizens. In the time of the redemption, the Nations of the World will bring their gifts to Israel on the feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth).However, it seems to me that first Jews must unite in our desire to keep the Land of Israel, accept our status as a Mamlechet Cohanim and strive with all our heart and soul to keep the H-ly Commandments in the Torah.
----------------------------------------------------------
7. ISRAELI COURT EXPELS THREE JEWS FROM WEST BANK WITHOUT TRIAL
http://www.israeljustice.com:80/news2.asp?key=142
Monday, July 28, 2008
JERUSALEM -- An Israeli court has ordered three Jews expelled from the
West Bank without a trial or evidence as part of a military clampdown on
Jewish movement in the region.
Jerusalem Magistrate Ilta Siskind ordered the three who live in West
Bank Jewish communities, Efrion Oppenheimer, Arieh Davis and Alexander
Ostrovsky, expelled from the region for 90 days despite the lack of a
complainant or evidence or correct identification procedures.
"Before me is a request to release the suspects on the condition that
they are expelled from Judea and Samaria for the period of 90 days, a bond
and a third party guarantee and that they will appear before the police when
called," Siskind said on July 24. "The expulsion from Judea and Samaria is
until Oct. 10, 2008, except for the area of their homes. The personal bond
and the third party guarantee is set at 10,000 [$2,942] shekels each to
ensure the conditions for their release and they will appear before police
when requested."
The three and a 17 year-old were arrested on July 23 as they reached the
Jewish community of Maalei Michmas, after they set out for a hike with at
least another six youths from Kochav HaShachar in Samaria. Police said the
other six youths fled and escaped arrest.
According to the police charge sheet, based on reports from Bedouins and
Palestinians, at least 10 youths in the group were involved in piercing
tractor tires and a water pipe along the way between Kochav Hashachar and
Maalei Michmas. But the first complainant cited on the charge sheet hadn't
made a complaint.
"The complainant hasn't yet come to complain," police detective Yair
Aharon told Siskind. "But we have his details and he will reach us through
the sheikh."
Aharon said that the group continued on the hike and vandalized other
tractor wheels and water pipes although, police said, they didn't have any
physical evidence of the damage and had failed to investigate the
complaints.
"The evidence that we have is that of the complainants themselves who
pointed to the [Jewish] residents," Aharon said. "For example, Ostrovsky was
in the area with his big mixed breed [canani] dog. He was with al the group
but they [Bedoiun] didn't say that he caused any damage but he was with the
others on this 'hike'. Regarding the suspect Davis, he said he didn't do
anything but afterwards, he refused to cooperate [with the investigation]."
Davis said that the police did not conduct a live identity line-up, or a
photographic identity procedure.
"They brought a [Bedouin] into the investigation room and he pointed,"
Davis said. "They [police] said because I was part of the group so I was
responsible for what happened."
The Bedoiun also failed to identify the third suspect as someone who
participated in the alleged vandalism.
"About Efrion, they said that he was with the others and he had an M-16
[rifle]," Aharon said.
Defense Attorney Reuven Hamburger asked whether [Efrion] Oppenheimer had
threatened anyone.
"None of them was identified as someone who punctured tires or
threatened with weapons but everyone said they were in the area," Aharon
said.
The police detective then advised the magistrate to accept police
recommendations for punishment to deter other young Jews from hiking in
Judea and Samaria, between the Jewish communities and disturbing the
Palestinians and Bedouin.
"We are speaking about a hike that is organized for the purpose of
causing damage and destruction," Aharon said. "I know that next week there
is going to a similiar exhibition [hike]. I believe that the decision of the
court will have consequences and an influence and they will learn how to
behave because of this decision and if the court will agree to our request,
this will prevent phenomenon like these," Aharon said.
Israeli civil rights organizations have criticized the police and the
court for not investigating before punishing the suspects.
"We haven't received a complaint but on the face of it, it appears that
there is a lack of justice," Nirit Moskowitz, spokesperson for the
Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said. "They should investigate
first."
Left-wing activists also criticized the hastiness with which the army
has recently issued closed military zone orders in an effort to clamp down
on the movement of Jews within Judea and Samaria.
On July 24, buses carrying young hikers to the march through Judea and
Samaria were stopped at roadblocks by a military order restricting entrance
of Jews who were not residents of Samaria.
"No person shall pass the roadblock unless he has permission from me or
from someone whom I have authorized," the order issued by Samaria Brigade
Commander, Col.Yitzhak Bar, on his third day in the position, said. "This is
required for security purposes and for maintaining public order."
The office of Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, head of central command, denied the
existence of the order but the closure was heavily criticized.
"It's good that an extreme officer has reduced to the absurd the legal
status that exists in Judea and Samaria whereby hundreds of thousands of
Jews are living under military rule and are subject to his impulsive mood
swings," National Union parliamentarian Benny Elon said.
The army has recently issued an abundance of closed military zone orders
that has also angered left-wing activists.
"The army rushes too quickly to issue 'closed military zone orders' and
to prevent the entrance of Israelis into the area," Yariv Oppeneheimer, head
of Peace Now, said.
8. Appeal for funding for a personal book from the youth of Gush Katif, from Dror Vanunu sent by Helen Freedman
Dear friends,
Dror Vanunu, Coordinator of Events for the former Gush Katif communities, has just informed me that the young people who grew up in Gush Katif, and were expelled from their beautiful homes and communities three years ago, have joined together to create their own personal book about their experiences and feelings. Dror assures me the book is remarkable, and I have every reason to believe he is not exaggerating.
NOW THE BOOK NEEDS TO BE PUBLISHED AT A COST OF $12,000. Can you contribute some part of that yourself? Do you have any ideas or suggestions for Dror about contacts he might reach?
There are dedication opportunities - and schools might be especially interested in partnering with the project since their own students could benefit from a relationship with the youth of Gush Katif.
If there is any way you can help, as quickly as possible, please contact Dror Vanunu directly, since I will be on my way to Israel tomorrow, Tuesday, July 29. I plan to be at the 3 year commemorative service marking the expulsion from Gush Katif, which will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at Kissufim Junction, and then again at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem on August 7. It is hoped that the books would be ready in time for the ceremonies, and could be a meaningful part of the events.
One can understand how important it is to the psyche and well being of the GK youngsters who have worked on this project to have a completed product. Please help in any way you can.
Dror can be reached by email at: gkatif@netvision.net.il and by telephone at: 011-972-54-777-5662. My cell phone in Israel, starting July 30, will be: 052-601-4083.
Many thanks
Helen Freedman
9. Pidyon Shvuyim - Rivka Meirchik languishing in Prison 4 months. Much in solitary confinement. Do not stand idly by! Call Israel Embassy and State Dept and your Congressmen.
9. Pidyon Shvuyim - Rivka Meirchik languishing in Prison 4 months. Much in solitary confinement. Do not stand idly by! Call Israel Embassy and State Dept and your Congressmen.
July 27, 2008
Pidion Shvuim Alert:
No. 18
Police Prosecutors Use The Trial Of Rivka Meirchik To Prove Land Ownership Of Shvut Ami By An Arab
Police prosecutors in the trial of Rivka Meirchik, languishing for a
fourth month in jail, have used the case to prove Arab land ownership of the Jewish community of Shvut Ami despite the ruling by Kfar Saba Magistrate Clara Rejiniano that the indictment does not include trespassing.
In the latest development, the army reportedly fenced off the area of
Shvut Ami in mid-July and declared it a closed military zone. Eye witnesses told Israeljustice.com that signs outside the fence read "Private Property," and "Closed Military Zone." Eyewitnesses also said that the army had burnt all the furnishings of the house and the synagogue belonging to the Jewish
residents.
Police prosecutor Nili Dayan brought witnesses during Meirchik's trial to prove that Shvut Ami belongs to Badria Amar, who testified that neither she nor her family have lived in the structure on the land for four decades. She also testfied that they had not tended the land, include olive and pomegranate trees, for more than 11 years. Amar is the complainant against Meirchik, who was arrested by the police
on April 2 in Shvut Ami. But Amar testified that she last visited the land
in October 2007. "She's [Amar] the complainant," Dayan said on July 9. "We're talking about land that is not registered. In order to prove trespassing, we need to prove ownership and the physical presence [of Amar] or not does not affect this. I don't want it to come to that [to a Supreme Court hearing on ownership]."
During the trial, the prosecution tried to prove Amar's ownership of the land with Jordanian maps dated to the early 1930's and Jordanian possession tax documents presented by an expert witness from the military prosecutor's office, Rinat Levine.
"I have no complaints [against Meirchik]," Amar said in
cross-examination. "If there's a trial, why do I need complaints?"
The defense has said that the prosecution used the trial of Ms. Meirchik to set a precedent to indict Jews living in Shvut Ami for trespassing.
"They took this complainant [Amar] and tried to wrap her in this
incident that she knew nothing about," Public Defender Aliza Kashkash, said. "All her complaints to the authorities were previous complaints [against other people]."
"Find a way to bring all these people to trial," Kashkash told Dayan.
Dayan responded that she was using Ms. Meirchik's trial to pave the way for multiple indictments.
"This is exactly the way," Dayan said.
Police have also charged Meirchik with assaulting a police officer and disturbing the police after officers ordered Meirchik and four other young women to leave Shvut Ami.
Police Commander Shmuel Hirshler testified that he announced to the girls that this was a closed military zone and that they were in violation of a military order. But Kashkash said that the order was invalid because it was dated Feb. 21 and the fact that it was not presented to the girls.
"At any stage, they never presented the order and there's a problem with this because of the date," Kashkash said. "So it [the eviction] was
illegal."
The prosecution concurred that there were problems with the legality of the eviction order.
"That's why we didn't indict on violating the order," Dayan said.
With regard to the assault charges, Kashkash said that the police
officers gave conflicting testimony as to where and how the alleged assault occurred..
Ms. Meirchik is also charged with refusing to cooperate with police
identification procedures including fingerprinting and photographing.
"The defendant chose not to testify, to remain silent and to ignore the authority of the court for ideological reasons," Kashkash said. "This must be taken into account."
Ms. Meirchik, who refused to cooperate with police conditions for her release and is being held until the conclusion of judicial proceedings, has already spent close to four months in the Neve Tirza prison, most of it in solitary confinement.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 6.
As a first step, we request that you telephone -- rather than e-mail --
the Israeli Embassy or the Israeli consulate nearest you and demand to know why Rivka is still in prison.
The embassy's phone number is 202-364-5500. Stress, that as an American citizen, you can ask the State Department to investigate what you feel is clearly a human rights violation.
Now, we are asking you to call your member of Congress and raise the issue of Rivka Meirchik. We also ask you to call the
State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and inform them of Rivka and demand an investigation. Tell the
department officer you have also raised these cases with your member of Congress. The State Department's main numbers are 202-647-4000 or 1-800-877-8339.
The Olmert government, with an approval rating of near zero, has refused any accountability to the Israeli people and fears only the Bush
administration. Unless we act now, there will be many more Rivkas in jail.
If you agree with this, please act quickly. What could be more important than winning the release of a Jewish child imprisoned for loving her country
and people?
With Love of Israel ,
Datya Itzhaki
10. Pidyon Shvuyim - Halamish Brothers languishing in prison for their willingness to defend. IDF turns blind eye and any attempts of self defense met with arrest. Call Israel Embassy and State Dept.
Pidion Shvuim Alert:
No. 18
Police Prosecutors Use The Trial Of Rivka Meirchik To Prove Land Ownership Of Shvut Ami By An Arab
Police prosecutors in the trial of Rivka Meirchik, languishing for a
fourth month in jail, have used the case to prove Arab land ownership of the Jewish community of Shvut Ami despite the ruling by Kfar Saba Magistrate Clara Rejiniano that the indictment does not include trespassing.
In the latest development, the army reportedly fenced off the area of
Shvut Ami in mid-July and declared it a closed military zone. Eye witnesses told Israeljustice.com that signs outside the fence read "Private Property," and "Closed Military Zone." Eyewitnesses also said that the army had burnt all the furnishings of the house and the synagogue belonging to the Jewish
residents.
Police prosecutor Nili Dayan brought witnesses during Meirchik's trial to prove that Shvut Ami belongs to Badria Amar, who testified that neither she nor her family have lived in the structure on the land for four decades. She also testfied that they had not tended the land, include olive and pomegranate trees, for more than 11 years. Amar is the complainant against Meirchik, who was arrested by the police
on April 2 in Shvut Ami. But Amar testified that she last visited the land
in October 2007. "She's [Amar] the complainant," Dayan said on July 9. "We're talking about land that is not registered. In order to prove trespassing, we need to prove ownership and the physical presence [of Amar] or not does not affect this. I don't want it to come to that [to a Supreme Court hearing on ownership]."
During the trial, the prosecution tried to prove Amar's ownership of the land with Jordanian maps dated to the early 1930's and Jordanian possession tax documents presented by an expert witness from the military prosecutor's office, Rinat Levine.
"I have no complaints [against Meirchik]," Amar said in
cross-examination. "If there's a trial, why do I need complaints?"
The defense has said that the prosecution used the trial of Ms. Meirchik to set a precedent to indict Jews living in Shvut Ami for trespassing.
"They took this complainant [Amar] and tried to wrap her in this
incident that she knew nothing about," Public Defender Aliza Kashkash, said. "All her complaints to the authorities were previous complaints [against other people]."
"Find a way to bring all these people to trial," Kashkash told Dayan.
Dayan responded that she was using Ms. Meirchik's trial to pave the way for multiple indictments.
"This is exactly the way," Dayan said.
Police have also charged Meirchik with assaulting a police officer and disturbing the police after officers ordered Meirchik and four other young women to leave Shvut Ami.
Police Commander Shmuel Hirshler testified that he announced to the girls that this was a closed military zone and that they were in violation of a military order. But Kashkash said that the order was invalid because it was dated Feb. 21 and the fact that it was not presented to the girls.
"At any stage, they never presented the order and there's a problem with this because of the date," Kashkash said. "So it [the eviction] was
illegal."
The prosecution concurred that there were problems with the legality of the eviction order.
"That's why we didn't indict on violating the order," Dayan said.
With regard to the assault charges, Kashkash said that the police
officers gave conflicting testimony as to where and how the alleged assault occurred..
Ms. Meirchik is also charged with refusing to cooperate with police
identification procedures including fingerprinting and photographing.
"The defendant chose not to testify, to remain silent and to ignore the authority of the court for ideological reasons," Kashkash said. "This must be taken into account."
Ms. Meirchik, who refused to cooperate with police conditions for her release and is being held until the conclusion of judicial proceedings, has already spent close to four months in the Neve Tirza prison, most of it in solitary confinement.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 6.
As a first step, we request that you telephone -- rather than e-mail --
the Israeli Embassy or the Israeli consulate nearest you and demand to know why Rivka is still in prison.
The embassy's phone number is 202-364-5500. Stress, that as an American citizen, you can ask the State Department to investigate what you feel is clearly a human rights violation.
Now, we are asking you to call your member of Congress and raise the issue of Rivka Meirchik. We also ask you to call the
State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and inform them of Rivka and demand an investigation. Tell the
department officer you have also raised these cases with your member of Congress. The State Department's main numbers are 202-647-4000 or 1-800-877-8339.
The Olmert government, with an approval rating of near zero, has refused any accountability to the Israeli people and fears only the Bush
administration. Unless we act now, there will be many more Rivkas in jail.
If you agree with this, please act quickly. What could be more important than winning the release of a Jewish child imprisoned for loving her country
and people?
With Love of Israel ,
Datya Itzhaki
10. Pidyon Shvuyim - Halamish Brothers languishing in prison for their willingness to defend. IDF turns blind eye and any attempts of self defense met with arrest. Call Israel Embassy and State Dept.
July 24, 2008
Pidion Shvuim Alert:
No. 17
Halamish Brothers Petition Supreme Court Against President Peres
The two Jewish security guards, imprisoned for shooting in the air to
disperse a group of Bedouins who had infiltrated their community, have
petitioned the president to decide immediately on their request for a
pardon.
Over two months ago, the Justice Ministry approved the pardon request
for Dan and Yitzhak Halamish, two brothers sentenced to seven and eight
months respectively and sent the request to the office of President Shimon
Peres.
On June 1, the president's office sent a letter to attorney Dov Even-Or
confirming that the pardon request had reached an advanced stage.
"Your clients' request is being dealt with in the advanced stages,"
presidential aide on pardons, Ms. Talia Sukari-Lina, said.
Even-Or said his petition includes a request that the president be
forced to answer all pardon requests within 30 days.
"50 days have passed since this letter [from the president]," Even-Or
said, "and still the president hasn't announced his decision."
In his petition, Even-Or stressed that the president should be limited
to 90 days and if he still hasn't decided, the pardon should be
automatically approved, especially in the case of the Halamish
Pidion Shvuim Alert:
No. 17
Halamish Brothers Petition Supreme Court Against President Peres
The two Jewish security guards, imprisoned for shooting in the air to
disperse a group of Bedouins who had infiltrated their community, have
petitioned the president to decide immediately on their request for a
pardon.
Over two months ago, the Justice Ministry approved the pardon request
for Dan and Yitzhak Halamish, two brothers sentenced to seven and eight
months respectively and sent the request to the office of President Shimon
Peres.
On June 1, the president's office sent a letter to attorney Dov Even-Or
confirming that the pardon request had reached an advanced stage.
"Your clients' request is being dealt with in the advanced stages,"
presidential aide on pardons, Ms. Talia Sukari-Lina, said.
Even-Or said his petition includes a request that the president be
forced to answer all pardon requests within 30 days.
"50 days have passed since this letter [from the president]," Even-Or
said, "and still the president hasn't announced his decision."
In his petition, Even-Or stressed that the president should be limited
to 90 days and if he still hasn't decided, the pardon should be
automatically approved, especially in the case of the Halamish
brothers who have spent two months in jail and paid a court-imposed
fine of $2,353 [8,000 shekels] to the Bedouins.
"The request from the petitioners for a pardon was presented in March,"
Even-Or said. "It's not reasonable that that they are sitting in jail while
the president struggles with a decision on their request."
On May 4, Supreme Court Judge Salim Jubran rejected the previous appeal
by the Halamish brothers to postpone judicial proceedings until the
president considered their application for a pardon and ordered them
immediately to jail on May 5. Jubran is the same judge who rejected their
original right to appeal the conviction. The Supreme Court then extended the
beginning of the sentence to May 20.
The brothers appealed to the Supreme Court after the president's office
advised the brothers to apply for a stay of proceedings, granted to a third
defendant, Baruch Feldbaum.
The Halamish brothers, as part of their reserve military service, were
members of a security response team organized, equipped and trained by the
Israeli Army to help protect their community and surrounding region from
Arab attack. On Feb. 21, 2004, the brothers were summoned by another
security officer, Feldbaum, to help expel Bedouins who trespassed into the
Jewish community of Sdei Bar and were encamped near a student dormitory.
Bedouin tribes in the area had been deemed responsible for the killing of
several Jews in the area in previous years.
Under the direction of Feldbaum, the Halamish brothers ordered the
bedouin squatters to leave. The Bedouins refused, and about 20 of them
approached the Jewish security officers with sticks and rocks. Feldbaum shot
toward the ground when the Bedouins continued to move closer.
The response team later said that it shot in self-defense. An army medic
who arrived at the scene determined that nobody was struck by the gunfire,
an assertion disputed by the Bedouins.
At that point, the military abandoned its own security team and allowed
a police investigation. Although police refused to conduct ballistic tests
or even a lineup of suspects, the brothers were convicted of shooting toward
the Bedouins. Dan was sentenced to seven months in prison; Yitzhak, to eight
months.
An Israeli appeals court said ballistic tests or a lineup weren't
necessary. The word of the Bedouins -- who refused to show up to police
headquarters to identify their purported assailants -- was enough.
The court also rejected a recommendation by the probation officer for
community service. The three-judge panel said it wanted the Halamish
brothers to go to jail to serve as a lesson to others.
As a first step, we request that you telephone -- rather than e-mail --
the Israeli Embassy or the Israeli consulate nearest you and demand to know
why the Halamish brother are still in prison.
The embassy's phone number is 202-364-5500.
Stress, that as an American citizen, you can ask the State Department to
investigate what you feel is clearly a human rights violation.
Now, we are asking you to call your member of Congress and raise the
issue of Dan and Yitzhak Halamish. We also ask you to call the
State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and
inform them of the brothers and demand an investigation. Tell the
department officer you have also raised these cases with your member of
Congress. The State Department's main numbers are 202-647-4000 or
1-800-877-8339.
The Olmert government, with an approval rating of near zero, has refused
any accountability to the Israeli people and fears only the Bush
administration. Unless we act now, there will be many more Dani and Itziks
in jail.
If you agree with this, please act quickly. What could be more important
than winning the release of a Jewish child imprisoned for loving her country
and people?
With Love of Israel ,
Datya Itzhaki
11. Update on Shdema and Women in Green Activities
July 2008
Dear Friends,
This email is to update you on our latest activities.
Women in Green have never been as active as in the past year.
Among many other struggles, we are at the forefront of the battle for a Jewish Shdema. Shdema is an abandoned Israel Defense Forces Army Camp, located on Israeli land, close to Har Choma on the Jerusalem - Eastern Gush Etzion Highway. To our shock we found out that the Olmert-Livni government is planning to hand over this strategic area to the Palestinian Authority to build an Arab neighborhood, thus endangering both Jerusalem and strangling Gush Etzion.
Women in Green initiated the struggle for a Jewish Shdema, organizing both the local Action Committees and our wonderful youth, both leading them into continued action and financing the entire struggle.
Our efforts have born fruit. Members of Knesset and other public figures have joined in the opposition to hand over Shdema to the Arab enemy.
Over the past week we have come, in small groups, to Shdema on a daily basis only to find out that the area had been declared to be a "closed military zone". This did not deter us, at the contrary. Ironically, thanks to the order calling the area a "closed military zone", no Arabs or anarchists were allowed up there and thus Shdema has basically been in Jewish hands for a week.
On Friday we organized a more massive arrival in Shdema.
Despite the order declaring the area a "closed military zone", tens of lovers of Israel, men, women, youth and children managed to arrive to Shdema this past Friday morning making it clear to all that nobody will tell us where we can and where we cant go and walk in the Land of Israel. No doubt the authorities did not expect such a large turn-out. After a nice Israeli brunch we listened to a shiur (lecture) on parashat shavua.
In addition, an athletic youth managed one again to climb onto the high water tower and raise the Israeli flag, proudly declaring to the Arab enemy in the area: the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people and we will not allow anyone to take it from us.
Thank G-d we see that the struggle for a Jewish Shdema is growing with more and more people joining.
Until we succeed to settle Shdema permanently, we have to continually return to prevent the Arabs, with the help of Israeli leftists and international anarchists, from once again taking over.
Parallel to the struggle for a Jewish Shdema, Women in Green continue with its chizuk (strengthening) trips to the outposts, and many other related activities connected to fighting for the survival of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel.
In addition, our major yearly event is approaching:
The Women in Green Tisha b'Av March around the Walls of Jerusalem's Old City in which thousands of Jews participate, religious and secular, young and old, both new olim and natives, all united in their love for our homeland.
This year, more than ever, when there is talk about giving away parts of our G-d given Biblical Homeland and our Capital, we must show the world and our own government that "For Jerusalem's Sake we will not be silent"! The Jewish People must continually defend the Land of Israel and Jerusalem.
For those who have not yet been part of this exciting Tisha B'Av event, we put up on our website a short movie about last year's March, to give you a feeling of the importance of this moving event. Click on http://www.womeningreen.org and then click on the movie to see it. On that same page you will see a copy of this years flyer.
We hope you can join us this year in person to take part in this unforgettable uplifting experience.
This year Tisha b'Av falls on Motsaei Shabbat, August 9th, 2008.
The flyer reads as follows:
At 22:30 pm Our Walk begins, led by Rabbi Israel Ariel from Machon Hamikdash, MK Prof. Arieh Eldad, Atty Elyakim Haetzni and Dudu Elharar. We will pass the New Gate, Damascus Gate and the Flower gate. At the Lion's Gate we will assemble to proclaim, in the words of Eicha, that we will not allow "our inheritance to be turned over to strangers" and pray "to renew our days as of old". We will end our Walk at the Dung gate near the Kotel. We have a police permit. Come with your family and friends and take part in a Tisha' B'Av evening to be remembered!
Dear friends, we turn to you again to help us continue our activities. You are the ones who realize how important our struggle is. Not enough people understand that "activism" costs money on a constant basis. Unlike the anti-Jewish and anti-Zionistic leftist organizations in Israel who are constantly funded by the European Union and other Israel-haters, we only have you, our loyal friends, to count on.
The struggle for Shdema is a microcosm of all that is wrong in Israel with a government which hands over its own land to the enemy. Please help us continue the struggle for a Jewish Shdema!
The yearly March around the Walls is a vow of loyalty of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem as its undivided united capital. Help us repeat this march again this year.
Please send your donation (all currencies accepted) to:
WOMEN IN GREEN, POB 7352, Jerusalem 91072 ISRAEL
US citizens only: For tax deductible donations please write your U.S. dollar donation to THE CENTRAL FUND FOR ISRAEL. You must indicate that the donation is for Women in Green and send it to:
Women in Green, POB 7352, Jerusalem, 91072.
To make a contribution through Paypal please go to our website http://www.womeningreen.org and click on the Paypal logo
With Love for Israel,
Ruth and Nadia Matar
Women in Green
=============================================
Women For Israel's Tomorrow (Women in Green)
POB 7352, Jerusalem 91072, Israel
Tel: 972-2-624-9887 Fax: 972-2-624-5380
mailto:wfit2@womeningreen.org
http://www.womeningreen.org
To make a contribution through Paypal, go to: http://www.womeningreen.org
and click on the Paypal button
12. Nestle in Brazil not recognize Israel???? Just Palestine ? Sent by Rafi Rabinowitz
Rafi Rabinowits sent me an email in Spanish that tells the story of a South American Jew who wanted to send Brazilian chocolates from the Nestlé Corp. to a relative in Israel. Kashrut not withstanding (as far as I know the Garoto chocolates and all Nestlé products made in Brazil do not have a hechsher!), "Israel" was not listed in the company's directory for direct shipment, but rather they had "Palestine" -- and shipped to Ashdod, in the "Israel" section of "Palestine".
Nestlé is a major international food corporation.
13. ITAMAR Kids van attacked with stones. IDF stands by as cars are attacked. Resident shoots in air and is arrested.
Even-Or said. "It's not reasonable that that they are sitting in jail while
the president struggles with a decision on their request."
On May 4, Supreme Court Judge Salim Jubran rejected the previous appeal
by the Halamish brothers to postpone judicial proceedings until the
president considered their application for a pardon and ordered them
immediately to jail on May 5. Jubran is the same judge who rejected their
original right to appeal the conviction. The Supreme Court then extended the
beginning of the sentence to May 20.
The brothers appealed to the Supreme Court after the president's office
advised the brothers to apply for a stay of proceedings, granted to a third
defendant, Baruch Feldbaum.
The Halamish brothers, as part of their reserve military service, were
members of a security response team organized, equipped and trained by the
Israeli Army to help protect their community and surrounding region from
Arab attack. On Feb. 21, 2004, the brothers were summoned by another
security officer, Feldbaum, to help expel Bedouins who trespassed into the
Jewish community of Sdei Bar and were encamped near a student dormitory.
Bedouin tribes in the area had been deemed responsible for the killing of
several Jews in the area in previous years.
Under the direction of Feldbaum, the Halamish brothers ordered the
bedouin squatters to leave. The Bedouins refused, and about 20 of them
approached the Jewish security officers with sticks and rocks. Feldbaum shot
toward the ground when the Bedouins continued to move closer.
The response team later said that it shot in self-defense. An army medic
who arrived at the scene determined that nobody was struck by the gunfire,
an assertion disputed by the Bedouins.
At that point, the military abandoned its own security team and allowed
a police investigation. Although police refused to conduct ballistic tests
or even a lineup of suspects, the brothers were convicted of shooting toward
the Bedouins. Dan was sentenced to seven months in prison; Yitzhak, to eight
months.
An Israeli appeals court said ballistic tests or a lineup weren't
necessary. The word of the Bedouins -- who refused to show up to police
headquarters to identify their purported assailants -- was enough.
The court also rejected a recommendation by the probation officer for
community service. The three-judge panel said it wanted the Halamish
brothers to go to jail to serve as a lesson to others.
As a first step, we request that you telephone -- rather than e-mail --
the Israeli Embassy or the Israeli consulate nearest you and demand to know
why the Halamish brother are still in prison.
The embassy's phone number is 202-364-5500.
Stress, that as an American citizen, you can ask the State Department to
investigate what you feel is clearly a human rights violation.
Now, we are asking you to call your member of Congress and raise the
issue of Dan and Yitzhak Halamish. We also ask you to call the
State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and
inform them of the brothers and demand an investigation. Tell the
department officer you have also raised these cases with your member of
Congress. The State Department's main numbers are 202-647-4000 or
1-800-877-8339.
The Olmert government, with an approval rating of near zero, has refused
any accountability to the Israeli people and fears only the Bush
administration. Unless we act now, there will be many more Dani and Itziks
in jail.
If you agree with this, please act quickly. What could be more important
than winning the release of a Jewish child imprisoned for loving her country
and people?
With Love of Israel ,
Datya Itzhaki
11. Update on Shdema and Women in Green Activities
July 2008
Dear Friends,
This email is to update you on our latest activities.
Women in Green have never been as active as in the past year.
Among many other struggles, we are at the forefront of the battle for a Jewish Shdema. Shdema is an abandoned Israel Defense Forces Army Camp, located on Israeli land, close to Har Choma on the Jerusalem - Eastern Gush Etzion Highway. To our shock we found out that the Olmert-Livni government is planning to hand over this strategic area to the Palestinian Authority to build an Arab neighborhood, thus endangering both Jerusalem and strangling Gush Etzion.
Women in Green initiated the struggle for a Jewish Shdema, organizing both the local Action Committees and our wonderful youth, both leading them into continued action and financing the entire struggle.
Our efforts have born fruit. Members of Knesset and other public figures have joined in the opposition to hand over Shdema to the Arab enemy.
Over the past week we have come, in small groups, to Shdema on a daily basis only to find out that the area had been declared to be a "closed military zone". This did not deter us, at the contrary. Ironically, thanks to the order calling the area a "closed military zone", no Arabs or anarchists were allowed up there and thus Shdema has basically been in Jewish hands for a week.
On Friday we organized a more massive arrival in Shdema.
Despite the order declaring the area a "closed military zone", tens of lovers of Israel, men, women, youth and children managed to arrive to Shdema this past Friday morning making it clear to all that nobody will tell us where we can and where we cant go and walk in the Land of Israel. No doubt the authorities did not expect such a large turn-out. After a nice Israeli brunch we listened to a shiur (lecture) on parashat shavua.
In addition, an athletic youth managed one again to climb onto the high water tower and raise the Israeli flag, proudly declaring to the Arab enemy in the area: the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people and we will not allow anyone to take it from us.
Thank G-d we see that the struggle for a Jewish Shdema is growing with more and more people joining.
Until we succeed to settle Shdema permanently, we have to continually return to prevent the Arabs, with the help of Israeli leftists and international anarchists, from once again taking over.
Parallel to the struggle for a Jewish Shdema, Women in Green continue with its chizuk (strengthening) trips to the outposts, and many other related activities connected to fighting for the survival of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel.
In addition, our major yearly event is approaching:
The Women in Green Tisha b'Av March around the Walls of Jerusalem's Old City in which thousands of Jews participate, religious and secular, young and old, both new olim and natives, all united in their love for our homeland.
This year, more than ever, when there is talk about giving away parts of our G-d given Biblical Homeland and our Capital, we must show the world and our own government that "For Jerusalem's Sake we will not be silent"! The Jewish People must continually defend the Land of Israel and Jerusalem.
For those who have not yet been part of this exciting Tisha B'Av event, we put up on our website a short movie about last year's March, to give you a feeling of the importance of this moving event. Click on http://www.womeningreen.org and then click on the movie to see it. On that same page you will see a copy of this years flyer.
We hope you can join us this year in person to take part in this unforgettable uplifting experience.
This year Tisha b'Av falls on Motsaei Shabbat, August 9th, 2008.
The flyer reads as follows:
Walking around the Walls
of Jerusalem's Old City
Protecting the Land of Israel! Protecting Jerusalem!
Commemorating 2594 years since the destruction of the First Temple; 1938 years since the destruction of the Second Temple, 26 years since the destruction of Yamit and 3 years since the destruction of Gush Katif and Northern Samaria.
TISHA B'AV EVENING
Motsaei Shabbat Chazon, August 9th, 2008
EICHA READING & MARCH AROUND THE WALLS
At 21:45 pm Eicha reading at Safra Square. Bring a Megilat Eicha, a flag and a flashlight.of Jerusalem's Old City
Protecting the Land of Israel! Protecting Jerusalem!
Commemorating 2594 years since the destruction of the First Temple; 1938 years since the destruction of the Second Temple, 26 years since the destruction of Yamit and 3 years since the destruction of Gush Katif and Northern Samaria.
TISHA B'AV EVENING
Motsaei Shabbat Chazon, August 9th, 2008
EICHA READING & MARCH AROUND THE WALLS
At 22:30 pm Our Walk begins, led by Rabbi Israel Ariel from Machon Hamikdash, MK Prof. Arieh Eldad, Atty Elyakim Haetzni and Dudu Elharar. We will pass the New Gate, Damascus Gate and the Flower gate. At the Lion's Gate we will assemble to proclaim, in the words of Eicha, that we will not allow "our inheritance to be turned over to strangers" and pray "to renew our days as of old". We will end our Walk at the Dung gate near the Kotel. We have a police permit. Come with your family and friends and take part in a Tisha' B'Av evening to be remembered!
Women For Israel's Tomorrow (Women in Green)
POB 7352 Jerusalem 91072
http://www.womeningreen.org/ wfit2@womeningreen.org
------------------------------------------------------------POB 7352 Jerusalem 91072
http://www.womeningreen.org/ wfit2@womeningreen.org
Dear friends, we turn to you again to help us continue our activities. You are the ones who realize how important our struggle is. Not enough people understand that "activism" costs money on a constant basis. Unlike the anti-Jewish and anti-Zionistic leftist organizations in Israel who are constantly funded by the European Union and other Israel-haters, we only have you, our loyal friends, to count on.
The struggle for Shdema is a microcosm of all that is wrong in Israel with a government which hands over its own land to the enemy. Please help us continue the struggle for a Jewish Shdema!
The yearly March around the Walls is a vow of loyalty of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem as its undivided united capital. Help us repeat this march again this year.
Please send your donation (all currencies accepted) to:
WOMEN IN GREEN, POB 7352, Jerusalem 91072 ISRAEL
US citizens only: For tax deductible donations please write your U.S. dollar donation to THE CENTRAL FUND FOR ISRAEL. You must indicate that the donation is for Women in Green and send it to:
Women in Green, POB 7352, Jerusalem, 91072.
To make a contribution through Paypal please go to our website http://www.womeningreen.org and click on the Paypal logo
With Love for Israel,
Ruth and Nadia Matar
Women in Green
=============================================
Women For Israel's Tomorrow (Women in Green)
POB 7352, Jerusalem 91072, Israel
Tel: 972-2-624-9887 Fax: 972-2-624-5380
mailto:wfit2@womeningreen.org
http://www.womeningreen.org
To make a contribution through Paypal, go to: http://www.womeningreen.org
and click on the Paypal button
12. Nestle in Brazil not recognize Israel???? Just Palestine ? Sent by Rafi Rabinowitz
Rafi Rabinowits sent me an email in Spanish that tells the story of a South American Jew who wanted to send Brazilian chocolates from the Nestlé Corp. to a relative in Israel. Kashrut not withstanding (as far as I know the Garoto chocolates and all Nestlé products made in Brazil do not have a hechsher!), "Israel" was not listed in the company's directory for direct shipment, but rather they had "Palestine" -- and shipped to Ashdod, in the "Israel" section of "Palestine".
Nestlé is a major international food corporation.
13. ITAMAR Kids van attacked with stones. IDF stands by as cars are attacked. Resident shoots in air and is arrested.
Dearest friends how are you all. Here is a short Itamar update I also posted it on our web site. http://www.shechem.org/itamar/eindex.html Shabbat Shalom Moshe Goldsmith.
This week the Itamar campers were returning from their welding course on the Gilad road and were attacked by a mob of Arabs that were rioting. The Itamar youth director who was driving his van and had his windows smashed. Thank G-d he managed to back up and get the teenagers out of danger. One camper was hit with a boulder in his arm. By the way the camper happened to be my son Efrayim. Lucky he is pretty tough! Thank G-d he was only bruised. The army was there and was hesitant about responding. Unfortunately, they did not stop the Jewish cars from getting attacked. Many other cars were hit as well, in one instance the Arab mob tried to pull the driver out of his car. Finally, one brave man shot in the air with his pistol and was later arrested by the Israeli police. Is this not absurdity? See picture of broken windshield on website.
ONE SMALL REQUEST THE IS SOMETHING A FRIEND OF MINE BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION IT IS CALLED GOOD SEARCH. IF YOU REGISTER FRIENDS OF ITAMAR EVERY TIME YOU USE THEIR SEARCH ENGINE A SMALL AMOUNT WILL BE DONATED TO ITAMAR. SO PLEASE SIGN UP THERE ARE NO STRINGS ATTACHED IT IS A GREAT THING TO DO FOR US PASS THE WORD AROUND. HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT A FRIEND OF MINE SENT ME:
Hi, guys! Go to Goodsearch.com and your web searches will earn money for Friends Of Itamar. It's easy! Just type your search words into the search box, then type friends of Itamar into the box designating the nonprofit of your choice and click the verify button. You'll see a line of words in red telling you can now search and make money for your organization. Then click on the search engine button and off you go! Make sure you always search this way and you will be creating Tzaddaka for Itamar.
Use GoodSearch to help support the charity of your choice.
Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo!
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