Two excellent articles sent to me by Daniel Perez. Please consider for your publications. They will surely spark controversy and lively discussions.
Re: the first article entitled Their Fair Share: I personally agree with Daniel Perez that in a world of Emes, the Chareidim should not be exempt from serving in the Israeli army because one is required to go to War to fight non-Jews in order to protect the Land even on Shabbat. It seems very clear to me that Torah Scholars whose training is in "Vehaya Machanecha Kadosh", and your camp shall be H-ly, whose source is Devarim 23:14-15, will surely be the very best soldiers Israel has to offer. It is my opinion that in fact boys of army age in the Diaspora have equal obligation to serve in the Israeli army though mentally they are totally unprepared so practically it is not so simple. Of course, the religious needs of the Israeli soldiers must not be compromised because of the Mitzvah "Vehaya Machanecha Kadosh" which is referring to a military camp. The only thing stopping more Chareidim from joining the Israeli army is the Army's dogmatic refusal to accommodate the Chareidim's religious needs. Why do they insist that they attend army events with female vocalists?
Re: the second article by Richard Allen that was too hot even for the Jewish Voice entitled: Why Are Anti-Israel Groups Marching in the Israel Parade? here are my comments.
The JCRC who is organizing the Israeli Day Parade has wonderful, dedicated people working for them and the Jewish Voice has wonderful staff and you can't find a more pro Israel, pro Yesha paper. YET the JCRC is apparently allowing the NIF to march in the Israel Day Parade against their better judgement and the Jewish Voice did not yet print Richard Allens article of protest. How come????? Money, money, money money, money, money, money,money.......The JCRC gets funding from the UJA who has a leftist like John Ruskay who is calling the shots. Did the Jewish Federation threaten to cut off future advertising to the Jewish Voice if they print the article?.....
Here is another sad example of money blinding the wise. JNF is being honored by Yeshivah of Sderot. In tribute to the JNF's great work in Sderot -
The Guardian of Sderot Awards:
Presented by Russell F. Robinson, JNF CEO
Accepting on behalf of Jewish National Fund:
Stanley M. Chesley, JNF President
&
Isaac Blachor, JNF - Vice President Israel Relations
JNF Executive Dinner Committee
Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer
Mitchell Rosenzweig, Chief Financial Officer
Michael Feinman, Greater New York Zone Director
Rabbi Eric M. Lankin, Chief of Institutional Advancement and Education
Because of this Honoree only, AFSI is refusing to go to the Sderot Dinner. WHAT? Last year the Sderot Dinner was AMAZING! Who wants to boycott the Sderot Dinner? Surely not AFSI! But this year the Yeshiva of Sderot who by the way does amazing Kiruv in Sderot and have raised morale of the entire city, are honoring the JNF who donated a playground to Sderot. Surely that is very commendable. But unknown to most of us who join the Sderot Yeshiva in honoring the JNF is the fact that there is rampant Arab Building on JNF Lands. Please read about
Rampant Arab Building on JNF Lands. Does JNF plant trees in Judea and Samaria? Yes they do, like in a new Palestinian city Ruwabi. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/a-new-palestinian-city-takes-root-with-jnf-trees-1.3218. So if JNF gets their way chas vechalila, they will get to donate lots of playgrounds to rocket shelled towns like Sderot from Palestinians cities which they help build. How nice!
Other similar patterns of honoring those that empowered the evil forces to destroy Jewish Settlements.
The OU honors Olmert at their Jerusalem dinner.
Meir Panim honors Malcolm Hoenlein who supported the Disengagement which impoverished 10,000 Jews making more needy families to use their soup kitchens. Can you imagine how Meir Panim will expand if G-d forbid 300,000 Jews are expelled from Judea and Samaria.
The Israeli gov't is adamant about pursuing peace with present day Nazi's. Netanyahu stubbornly persists in insisting that Israel desires to return to the negotiating table with the Palestinians and is blind deaf and dumb as per their hateful education and glorification of terrorist and acts of terror . Every Jew with any brains rationalizes Netanyahus obtuseness and says, it's all lip service. Deep down Netanyahu doesn't believe that Peace with the PA is possible. He's a politician. His hands are tied. He needs America's money or he is being blackmailed. He really doesn't want a Palestinian State. Who really cares about a Jewish Outpost or two as long as it keeps International pressure off our backs and American money coming in.
What scares me is that Netanyahu seems to have convinced himself and others of a Utopian world of Peace with Palestinians taking over our Land . Check out
It is an innovative nation with a thriving economy. All that's lacking is peace
By JOEL LION, The Gazette April 26, 2012
By the way Joel Lion is consul general of Israel to Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Och in Vei.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daniel J. Perez <dperez@jewishvoiceny.com>
Date: Wed, May 2, 2012 at 1:08 AM
Subject: Two (2) Op-Ed Submissions, on: The Tal Law, and Israel Haters in the NYC Israel Day Parade
To: dperez@jewishvoiceny.com
From: Daniel J. Perez <dperez@jewishvoiceny.com>
Date: Wed, May 2, 2012 at 1:08 AM
Subject: Two (2) Op-Ed Submissions, on: The Tal Law, and Israel Haters in the NYC Israel Day Parade
To: dperez@jewishvoiceny.com
Dear Editor,
Here are two op-eds submitted for your consideration. One is my own latest piece, about Israel's Tal Law, called "Their Fair Share." If you can stomach running a story on such an Israeli subject, yet written by an armchair Zionist in New York, then by all means please do so. Perhaps my physical distance from the situation on the ground gives me a certain degree of objectivity in the matter?
The premise of the article is that secular Israelis need to stop disparaging the contribution Torah scholars make to Israeli/Jewish society, and that Torah scholars need to stop using their learning as an excuse to throw off their share of the national burden. Either the draft should apply to everyone, or to no one. A more nuanced explanation can be found below this message.
The second article comes from a colleague of mine, Mr. Richard Allen. He is sounding the alarm about anti-Israel organizations being granted spots in this year's Israel Day Parade in New York. Unfortunately, the story was too hot for my superiors to handle, and the article was cut. I'm hoping you will have both the necessary chutzpah and editorial freedom to help make Mr. Allen's voice heard, as I am trying to do, albeit in a personal capacity, not as an official representative of the Jewish Voice.
The second article comes from a colleague of mine, Mr. Richard Allen. He is sounding the alarm about anti-Israel organizations being granted spots in this year's Israel Day Parade in New York. Unfortunately, the story was too hot for my superiors to handle, and the article was cut. I'm hoping you will have both the necessary chutzpah and editorial freedom to help make Mr. Allen's voice heard, as I am trying to do, albeit in a personal capacity, not as an official representative of the Jewish Voice.
Thanks, and please let me know if you use either article.
All the best,
Mobile: 520-780-7192
Fax: 347-922-7366
Website: www.JewishVoiceNY.com
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The Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3rd is a joyous event for the New York Jewish community, when we demonstrate our love and support of Israel. So why are organizations dedicated to destroying Israel's economy through boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) being given the privilege of marching with us?
Website: www.JewishVoiceNY.com
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Their Fair Share
By Daniel Perez
Those of you who follow Israeli affairs are probably aware that the Tal Law was declared unconstitutional a few months ago, and the Knesset is now scrambling to find a workable solution to the dilemma created by that law's absence. For those of you scratching your heads right now, the gist of the matter is this: Israel has always tried to strike that delicate balance between being a fair, equitable democratic country, and a Jewish state where Jews are free to Jew all they can Jew. Which makes sense, because if the State of Israel doesn't go out of its way to defend the right of its citizens to live a fully observant Jewish life, how is it any different from the lands of our Exile? In any event, the Tal Law was a law that basically exempted Israeli chareidim ("ultra-Orthodox" Jews) from military service, allowing them to remain in yeshiva, and receive government funds to support their families while they learn.
This is doubly aggravating for Israelis who don't immerse themselves in Torah, because they see their countrymen not contributing to the nation's defense (at least not tangibly), nor to its economic welfare (i.e. they're learners, not earners), yet still living off the government dole. The fact is that these people who dedicate themselves to Torah study full time put their hearts and souls into their learning, ultimately to the benefit of us all. But because they're not doing the actual grunt work of sustaining the Zionist enterprise, they are maligned by some as freeloaders. I wonder, when our ancestors were slaves in Egypt, did they resent the tribe of Levi, who were exempted from the rigors of forced labor and permitted to engage in spiritual pursuits?
Let's make this simple. To my secular brothers: Disparaging the importance of Torah scholarship does nothing to further the cause of national unity. Whether or not you believe that all those students in yeshiva bring divine aegis upon the State of Israel, Torah has been our people's lifeblood, sustaining the Nation of Israel for thousands of years of exile. So maybe there's something to it. And to my black-hatted mishpucheh, what I'd like to say is this: If you think that spending your entire adult life with your nose in a book is somehow doing your fair share, while your "less religious" compatriots shed blood, sweat, and tears to protect your freedom to sit and learn all day, you are sorely mistaken.
By Daniel Perez
Those of you who follow Israeli affairs are probably aware that the Tal Law was declared unconstitutional a few months ago, and the Knesset is now scrambling to find a workable solution to the dilemma created by that law's absence. For those of you scratching your heads right now, the gist of the matter is this: Israel has always tried to strike that delicate balance between being a fair, equitable democratic country, and a Jewish state where Jews are free to Jew all they can Jew. Which makes sense, because if the State of Israel doesn't go out of its way to defend the right of its citizens to live a fully observant Jewish life, how is it any different from the lands of our Exile? In any event, the Tal Law was a law that basically exempted Israeli chareidim ("ultra-Orthodox" Jews) from military service, allowing them to remain in yeshiva, and receive government funds to support their families while they learn.
This is doubly aggravating for Israelis who don't immerse themselves in Torah, because they see their countrymen not contributing to the nation's defense (at least not tangibly), nor to its economic welfare (i.e. they're learners, not earners), yet still living off the government dole. The fact is that these people who dedicate themselves to Torah study full time put their hearts and souls into their learning, ultimately to the benefit of us all. But because they're not doing the actual grunt work of sustaining the Zionist enterprise, they are maligned by some as freeloaders. I wonder, when our ancestors were slaves in Egypt, did they resent the tribe of Levi, who were exempted from the rigors of forced labor and permitted to engage in spiritual pursuits?
Let's make this simple. To my secular brothers: Disparaging the importance of Torah scholarship does nothing to further the cause of national unity. Whether or not you believe that all those students in yeshiva bring divine aegis upon the State of Israel, Torah has been our people's lifeblood, sustaining the Nation of Israel for thousands of years of exile. So maybe there's something to it. And to my black-hatted mishpucheh, what I'd like to say is this: If you think that spending your entire adult life with your nose in a book is somehow doing your fair share, while your "less religious" compatriots shed blood, sweat, and tears to protect your freedom to sit and learn all day, you are sorely mistaken.
We should probably clarify something at this point: A large segment of Israel's orthodox Jews (including the "ultra" kind) enlist in the Israel Defense Forces, many of them serving in combat units, with distinction. So there's nothing the secular Israelis can do that the chareidim can't, though specific areas of halakha (Jewish law) preclude certain work scenarios. But that's the balance I was talking about. The balance shouldn't be exempting religious Jews from their share of the nation's burden, it should be seeing to it that their needs vis-à-vis kashrut, modesty, and holiday/Sabbath observance are accommodated to the greatest extent possible. In other words, they should receive the same rights they strive to defend for their fellow Jews.
Bottom line: The draft in Israel should apply to everyone, or it should apply to no one. Either Israel is supported by a volunteer military and civilian workforce, or everyone pitches in, and those chareidim who aren't already doing so, pick up their share of the tab.
For those who as a matter of personal principle cannot engage in military service, an alternative means for them to fulfill their national service requirement should be offered. But we would be remiss if we didn't point out that one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history, King David himself, was not simply a pious monarch. He was a statesman, yes, and a Torah scholar, and a poet, and a warrior; an army general on the front lines fighting for his people, ready to lead by example and even lay down his life for his people if it ever came to that.
Bottom line: The draft in Israel should apply to everyone, or it should apply to no one. Either Israel is supported by a volunteer military and civilian workforce, or everyone pitches in, and those chareidim who aren't already doing so, pick up their share of the tab.
For those who as a matter of personal principle cannot engage in military service, an alternative means for them to fulfill their national service requirement should be offered. But we would be remiss if we didn't point out that one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history, King David himself, was not simply a pious monarch. He was a statesman, yes, and a Torah scholar, and a poet, and a warrior; an army general on the front lines fighting for his people, ready to lead by example and even lay down his life for his people if it ever came to that.
Is there any nobler example a Jew could aspire to than that?
Daniel Perez is managing editor of the Jewish Voice, a weekly publication based in New York City. He is also an op-ed columnist for Arutz Sheva and a blogger at The Times of Israel. More of his work can be found at the Jewish Voice Online. Mr. Perez can be reached at dperez@jewishvoiceny.com.
(SUGGESTED PULL QUOTE: "Because full-time yeshiva students are not doing the actual grunt work of sustaining the Zionist enterprise, they are maligned by some as freeloaders. I wonder, when our ancestors were slaves in Egypt, did they resent the tribe of Levi, who were exempted from the rigors of forced labor and permitted to engage in spiritual pursuits?")
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Why Are Anti-Israel Groups Marching in the Israel Parade?
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Why Are Anti-Israel Groups Marching in the Israel Parade?
By Richard Allen
The Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3rd is a joyous event for the New York Jewish community, when we demonstrate our love and support of Israel. So why are organizations dedicated to destroying Israel's economy through boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) being given the privilege of marching with us?
One of these groups is openly organizing a boycott against targeted Israeli companies, including Ahava Cosmetics. Others have supported the infamous Goldstone Report, and funded organizations that urged Norway to divest from Israel.
At the center of the controversy is the New Israel Fund (NIF), which was granted permission to march in last year's parade. Other extremist groups marched with NIF, displaying their individual banners, including B'Tselem, Partners for Progressive Israel and Rabbis for Human Rights. This year, New Israel Fund is slated to march again, and we expect B'Tselem and the other groups will once again join NIF, displaying their banners.
New Israel Fund has been exposed as receiving funds from the European Union, which seeks to influence internal Israeli politics through a front organization. NIF, in turn, funds numerous Israeli NGOs (non-governmental organizations), some of which promote boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel.
For instance, five grantees of the New Israel Fund (Machsom Watch, Coalition of Women for Peace, Women Against Violence, Social TV, and Mossawa) signed a letter to the Norwegian Government Pension Fund, urging it to divest from Israel.
Partners for Progressive Israel (also known as Meretz USA) prominently displays on its website, under the heading "boycott these Settlement products sold in the US, "a list of Israeli products that it wants Jews to boycott. These products include Ahava cosmetics, SodaStream products, and wine from nine Israeli vineyards.
And the chair of B'Tselem's board, Oren Yiftachel, has publicly called for "effective sanctions" against Israel. B'Tselem is a major grantee of the New Israel Fund.
As a result of public controversy, the New Israel Fund issued a statement in 2010 opposing BDS. However, despite this stated policy change, NIF continues to fund groups that have a history of working for anti-Israel global BDS campaigns.
We who count ourselves among Israel's true supporters believe that Jewish groups that organize for the economic destruction of other Jews should not be given the honor of marching with our community. Furthermore, we must be mindful of the example we set for our children. Do we teach them that it's acceptable to try to harm other Jews and weaken Israel?
In light of this unacceptable decision on the part of the parade organizers, I formed the Committee for a Pro-Israel Parade, along with several community-minded members. Our goal is to inform the parade organizers that the Jewish community rejects the participation of these groups, and to ask them to withdraw their acceptance.
As word has spread about the participation of the New Israel Fund in the parade, many prominent leaders, rabbis, and organizations have added their name to our cause. We are proud to acknowledge the support of Ron Carner, President of Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, Rabbi Allen Schwartz of Congregation Ohab Zedek, Rabbi Lisa Malik, PhD of Temple Beth Ahm, Rabbi Jonathan Glass of Civic Center Synagogue, Rabbi David Algaze of Havurat Yisrael, Rabbi Steven Axelman of Whitestone Hebrew Centre, Rabbi Ari Jacobson, Young Israel of Monsey/Wesley Hills, Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, and many other outstanding community leaders.
When Jewish groups hear that organizations linked to the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions movement are permitted to march in the parade, they're astounded and puzzled. Why would the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), which officially organizes the parade, permit such anti-Israel organizations to participate?
Unfortunately, I believe the answer lies in the political ideology of John Ruskay, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. Dr. Ruskay exerts significant influence on the JCRC through his organization's funding. Published reports show John Ruskay worked with Noam Chomsky in one of the first political bash Israel groups; CONAME (Committee On New Alternatives in The Middle East). John Ruskay also gave over one million dollars of UJA-Federation donations to a radical political group, funded by George Soros, Jewish Funds for Justice.
The issue is clear: Jews who actively work to economically sabotage Israel should not be included in the Celebrate Israel Parade. We ask that you join us in making your views known to the Jewish Community Relations Council and the UJA-Federation New York.
Richard Allen is a prominent New York business executive and an outspoken supporter of Israel. He is the founder of JCC Watch, an NGO established to monitor interaction between American Jewish organizations, and groups that support boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel.
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker
Activist emails sent to my list are L'Ilui Nishmat Yisrael ben David Aryeh ob"m (Izzy - Kaplan) a great activist and lover of Eretz Yisroel, Am Yisroel and the Torah. Yehi Zichrono Baruch.
Most of these emails are posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com
Personal emails to individuals will not be posted to my blog.
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