Saturday, October 13, 2007

Benny Elon's Plan- Not Biblically correct. A response to Jerusalem Post article.

 
bs"d
 
I agree that all Palestinians that refuse to accept Israel's Sovereignty should be asked to leave. The people of Israel should not tolerate any aggression be it Kassam or suicide bombers.  I don't feel that these Palestinians should be settled in Jordan because it is not Biblically correct.  Let them leave and settle wherever but not in territories that will belong, one day, G-d willing under the jurisdiction of Am Yisroel.  Why should these Palestinians be forced once again to evacuate when Reuvein, Gad and the half tribe of Menasheh return?  Why should we bend over backwards to find these people who wish to destroy us, a homeland adjacent to us?  G-d does to us what we should have done to them. The gov't of Israel tried hard to break up the Gush Katif communities and they succeeded to a certain extent. 
 
Why should we try to keep the Palestinians as a cohesive group when cohesiveness can only work against us.  Why does Benny Elon deceive himself that they will they be satisfied with parts of Jordan.  I understand that many are  radicals of their own countries and their countries don't even want them.  Their countries are happy that they unite against Israel rather than unite against them.
 
The above comments are in response to the following article in the Jerusalem Post sent to me by Women in Green.

Brownback endorses Elon peace plan
Etgar Lefkovits, THE JERUSALEM POST
October 11, 2007

US Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback has voiced support for a Mideast peace plan put forward by MK Benny Elon (National Union-NRP) that maintains Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and would recognize Jordan as the official representative of the Palestinians.

"This is a realistic proposal and different way forward...which needs to be looked at broadly in the international community," Kansas Senator Sam Brownback said in a videotaped message shown Wednesday at a Jerusalem press conference.

Elon's plan calls for recognizing the Kingdom of Jordan as the sole representative of the Palestinians instead of the Palestinian Authority, dismantling UNRWA and the Palestinian refugee camps and the rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees elsewhere.

Brownback called the plan "bold, aggressive, clear and workable."

The conservative American senator who has close ties to the Christian Right in the US noted that while he does not endorse all aspects of the plan - specifically regarding the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority - it could be the basis for a positive discussion for long-term relations between Israel and the Palestinians.

"Land for peace does not work," Brownback said, citing Israel's 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as a case in point.

Elon said the long-term proposal constituted a "real, deep conceptual change," that required time, energy, and funding.

"This is a national and international information campaign," Elon said at the news conference, which included the taped video remarks of the Republican senator.

"If Israel will not be in Judea and Samaria," Elon said, using the Biblical names for the West Bank, "then Hamas will be there."

Elon will present his plan, called "The Israeli Initiative - The Right Road to Peace" to President Shimon Peres and Israeli legislators across the political spectrum in the coming days.

He also has been holding meetings with parliamentarians and officials around the world in an effort to promote his proposal in the international arena.

The hawkish Israeli lawmaker has been at the forefront of Israel's burgeoning relations with the predominantly supportive evangelical community around the world.

"We have had enough cocktail parties at the White House with the Nobel prize winner Arafat," Elon said. "Now is the time for a real conceptual change."

The parliamentarian's proposal contradicts the two-state solution endorsed by the Israeli Government, and comes as senior government ministers have been talking openly about the division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Jordan, which ruled the West Bank from 1948 to 1967, has rejected similar plans in the past and has long urged Israel to accept the formation of a Palestinian state.

=============================================
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
 

 




See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Unite for Jerusalem and forget YESHA?!?If we forget YESHA we have forgotten Jeru

bs"d
 
History has shown that when we unite for the sake of uniting and not uniting for the sake of Torah then the opposite occurs.  When we act in order to make a good impression, to please the media but not in the way of Torah the media turns against us.
 
Examples in History:
 
The people of Gush Katif and the Yesha Cuncil wished to show brotherly love to their fellow Jews.   They did not want to speak out against the Government.  They tried their hardest to win over their fellow Jew.  However, they never really sounded Biblically correct. It wouldn't make good media.  Talking brotherly love is a much more popular stand to take.  The end result was that their brothers turned against them, destroyed their homes and property and now they really have a good reason to  hate their brothers even though they will try their hardest to not focus on hatred for their own sake and even join with their uprooters for the sake of peace.  I wonder if their children will be as forgiving.
 
Another example:
 
A military operation to get rid of terror enclaves in Jenin was strategically based on how it would look in the Media.  Rather than an air strike that might endanger Palestinian civilian population that were being used as  human shields for weapons and arms  to be used against Israel. the Israeli military chose instead a ground attack thereby putting the lives of their own soldiers in jeopardy.   I myself know one of the soldiers that was killed in that operation along with many of his comrades.  How did the media respond to Israel's sacrifice?  They described the Jenin Operation as War Crimes. Please see BBC report http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2396071.stm
 
Why bring this up? 
 
There is a movement to unite Jewish Mainstream groups to take a stand against Dividing Jerusalem and giving away Temple Mount.  That sounds like a great idea.  After all who doesn't have heartstrings for Jerusalem.  Even the most secular Jew might even speak up for Jerusalem.    We'll unite EVERYBODY!  In fact we may even succeed!  HURRAH!
 
 
What's the problem????? 
 
The problem is that by being outspoken about Jerusalem and being silent regarding YESHA we are setting ourselves up for a wonderful compromise. The OU wrote a letter to President Bush and Olmert protesting dividing of Jerusalem and regarding the Jewish Connection to Har Habayit.  Joe Orlow read it on his radio program midnight Wednesday night Oct 11th. On the surface it truly was a beautifully written letter and made a wonderful impression. They even say in their letter that they themselves invited Olmert to their Conference in Jerusalem to speak the previous year.  They honored Olmert who has initiated this November Summit and now they see it their duty to speak up. It was signed by Stephen Savitsky and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb.  The OU came across sounding like they were being proactive in speaking up for Jerusalem and showed true leadership on their part. However more is to be learned from what they DIDN"T SAY. Did they speak against a Palestinian State? Did they say that they were sorry that they didn't speak out against the Gush Katif expulsion now having hindsight?  
 
Bush is dead set about establishing a Palestinian State.  He may be wishy washy about whether to give parts of Jerusalem away.  He may not like the idea of giving away Temple Mount to the Arabs since they already are in charge under Jewish Sovereignty.  So he will say, perhaps we will use Jerusalem as a bargaining chip.  We keep the status quo of Jerusalem and Temple Mount and establish a Palestinian State!  Now everyone is HAPPY!.    What's the problem.  Obviously you Jews mainly care about Jerusalem since you barely said a word about Judea and Samaria. 
 
I see BIG TROUBLE.  What is the point of a united Jerusalem w/o YESHA????  What is the point of having a Temple at the expense of standing by idly as hundreds of thousands of Jews of Yesha are expelled from Eretz Yisroel.  G-d needs this kind of Jerusalem?  FEH!  If you don't yell and scream now about YESHA I think it will come to haunt you!  Because once again we are not Biblically correct and only politically correct the Unity we so much desire will actually create division and disunity and terrible pain and suffering among our people. 
 
Can talking TORAH unite all Jews?  Not only can it unite all Jews secular and Hareidi, but it can unite Jews and Christians and even Moslims.  In fact it is the only thing that can unite everyone.  The Torah is eternal and it is Truth.  All other messages ignoring Torah will be blown away eventually. Only the Torah will remain steadfast.
 
Please get in touch with the organizers of the rally to protest a Divided Jerusalem and let YOUR  Biblically Correct VOICE BE HEARD.  Speak to Israel Kaplan and Tsafrir Ronen.
 




See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Biblically Correct, Arab Occupiers LETTER FROM RUTH MATAR,

bs"d
Be Biblically correct! Let's start a new trend in Jewish Activism. It is heartening to hear voices such as Ruth Matar speak the words of Torah and not be afraid that they are politically incorrect! Those that wish to stifle the words of the Torah will label people that quote from the Torah as being"religious extremists", "messianic zealots" and other choice expressions. This labeling is psychological warfare and it is effective. No one wants to be considered an extremist or someone on the fringe. Once mainstream Jewish groups stop being afraid to quote the Torah as do Christian groups, this psychological warfare of name calling will stop. Torah is eternal. Torah is Truth. The Torah is translated and can be found in every hotel room I've been to. All the religions of the world consider the Torah as sacred.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING "BIBLICALLY CORRECT"

Letter from Ruth Matar (Women in Green) Jerusalem
Thursday, October 11, 2007

Dear Friends of Israel,

Why is President George W. Bush so hell-bent on the upcoming regional "Peace Conference" in Annapolis, Maryland, dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli issue? ("Hell-bent" seems an excellent choice of words!)

Of course, he is anxious to bring all his Arab friends together under one happy roof, with the objective of dealing with the thorny problem of the existence of the State of Israel. Subsequently, other like-minded world leaders are to be invited as well.

The United States planned a massive aid package for the region. Even Saudi Arabia was included, even though the Saudis aren't exactly doing the United States's bidding in Iraq. The U.S. feels that it badly needs friends in the region to cement a new alliance of U.S. regional buddies.

The following is an excerpt from Herb Keinon's article: "Diplomacy: Dangerous Liaisons?" published in the Jerusalem Post on August 10, 2007.

"On July 16, when Bush gave birth to the idea of a regional conference, he kept everything intentionally vague. "The world can do more to build the conditions for peace," he said. "So I will call together an international meeting this fall of representatives from nations that support a TWO-STATE SOLUTION, reject violence, recognize Israel's right to exist and commit to all previous agreements between the parties. The key participants in this meeting will be the Israelis, the Palestinians, and their neighbors in the region. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will chair the meeting. She and her counterparts will review the progress that has been made toward building Palestinian institutions. They will look for innovative and effective ways to support further reform. And they will provide diplomatic support for the parties in their bilateral discussions and negotiations, so that we can move forward on a successful path to a Palestinian state." …

The problem with the conference, said Eric Cantor, a Republican from Virginia, who led a group of 19 congressmen during talks with top-tier Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week, is with all the noise it is already generating. "I'm very concerned about the expectations surrounding such a conference," he said in an interview. "I believe that it is wise for us to stick to the sequential nature of the original Road Map, and the vision of our president in insisting that any Palestinian state wait for the Palestinians to denounce terrorist violence, to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and to recognize all former agreements entered into by the PA. For me, calling for a regional conference at this point, without demonstrable evidence that those prerequisites are taking place, may cause an elevation of expectations that could be damaging."

The idea that Israel could be dealt with to the satisfaction of the Arab states in the Middle East has grown ever since President Bush's speech on June 24, 2002. At that time he spoke about his idea of two states; a Jewish one, and an Arab state carved out of Jewish land. He further said:

"It is untenable for Palestinians to live in squalor and OCCUPATION."

"In the situation the Palestinian people will grow more and more miserable. MY VISION IS TWO STATES, LIVING SIDE BY SIDE IN PEACE AND SECURITY." (The entire speech by President Bush is attached at the end of this Letter.)

Dear Friends, let's stop right here! President Bush's "vision" is based on a faulty premise: Bush labors under the assumption that ISRAEL is occupying ARAB territory. He, as many others, is deceived by the Arab "big-lie" technique!

Women in Green had sponsored an ad in the Jerusalem Post on April 19, 2002 ­ approximately 2 months before Bush's fateful speech on June 24 of that year, entitled: "ISRAEL IS OCCUPIED TERRITORY ­ OCCUPIED BY THE ARABS!"

The Arab claim that the country was theirs and was taken away from them by the Jews is completely false and lacks any historic basis.

This history as published in the ad:

"Israel became a nation in 1312 B.C.E., i.e. 2,000 years BEFORE the rise of Islam, and long before there was any Arab nation. Israel (Palestine) has been the homeland of the Jewish People since biblical times. It was subsequently "occupied" more than 15 times. Among its occupiers were the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottoman Turks. The longest occupiers of the Holy Land who ruled on and off for 400 years­between 1517-1917­were the Ottoman Turks. They were followed by the British who ruled under a Mandate of the League of Nations (later the U.N.) to renew a homeland for the Jewish People.

Jews had dominion over the land of Israel over 1,300 years before their expulsion by the conquering Roman Empire. Moreover, Jews have had a continuous presence in this land for over 3,300 years."

How sad that nobody was able to rectify Bush's misconception on who is occupying whom, on that fateful day of his June 24, 2002 speech. Now, five years later, is it too late to change Bush's mind on this crucial issue?

Those who strive to be "politically correct" about the Jewish-Arab conflict want to deny Jews to build communities on their own land. This is in spite of the fact that the commandment of settling Eretz Yisrael is equivalent in its importance to all the commandments of the Torah.

In the name of the Lord who commands us (Deuteronomy 1:8): "Go, take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them."

However, President Bush insists on being completely "biblically not correct" on this matter. He demands that Israel evacuates all its settlements built since 2001, and that they not build any new communities whatsoever. In effect, he dares to challenge the very authority of the Master of the Universe!

On this topic of settlement, you will be interested to read an essay by Joseph Farah, an Arab American who is the head of WorldNetDaily, entitled: "THE 'SETTLEMENTS' ISSUE". You will find his full article at the end of this Letter.

For those of us who love the Holy Land, it is important not to fall into the trap of striving to be "politically correct". On the contrary, as bible believers, it behooves us to be NOT "politically correct", but sincerely "biblically correct". This means that we firmly believe the word of G-d that the Holy Land is an everlasting inheritance of the Jewish People.

Unfortunately, Ehud Olmert, our current Prime Minister, as well as Ariel Sharon, the previous Prime Minister of Israel, is not at all concerned with being "biblically correct". Those two, together, expelled ten thousand Jews from their homes in Gaza and Northern Shomron. They thereafter permitted the Arabs to take over this Jewish Land.

Ehud Olmert and his Foreign Minister, Tzippi Livni, are eager to give up Judea and Samaria, and even part of Jerusalem, to the Arabs, for promises of "peace".

It has been said by many analysts that Ariel Sharon, who was considered to be the "father of Jewish settlement", made a 180 degree political turnaround in order to avert attention from his legal difficulties, i.e. the "Greek Island Affair". Similarly, Ehud Olmert is currently being questioned by the Israeli Police under caution, regarding his questionable real estate dealings.

These facts are more than worrisome, since Olmert deems himself to be entitled to treat Israel as his private real estate.

With this background, the thought of the November International Peace Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, is most frightening.

We don't even know, as yet, how many nations have been invited, but certainly there will be a preponderance of Arab nations. Israel has been invited as well, and Olmert has foolishly accepted the invitation to be the sacrificial lamb.

This whole development brings to mind the prophecy of Joel:

"For behold, in those days and at that time, when I will bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all of the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat and I will contend with them there concerning My people and My possession, Israel, that they dispersed among the nations, and they divided up my land."
(Joel 4:1-3 the Stone Edition of the Tanach)

This prophecy bears an uncanny resemblance to what is being planned by the nations of the world against the Jewish People at this point in time.

What are we to do to show our love and loyalty towards Israel?

We certainly cannot afford to sit back and rely on G-d's immediate intervention. We must first show that we are worthy of his help!

In the final analysis, as long as we do our utmost to foil these evil plans, we count on G-d's fulfillment of Joel's prophecy!

So what can we do, in practical terms?

1. Organize a giant demonstration in Annapolis, Maryland, where this politically correct, anti-Israel "Peace Conference" is scheduled to be held.

2. Organize our own parallel, simultaneous, "biblically correct" conference, at a near-by venue, inviting all bible believing Jews and Christians from all over the world to participate.

President Bush has not yet set a final date for the conference. We will keep you updated so that we can make plans together.

In conclusion, I would like to quote Oklahoma Senator Inhofe's Senate Floor Statement of March 4, 2002, entitled "SEVEN REASONS WHY ISRAEL IS ENTITLED TO THE LAND":

"Number 7: I believe very strongly that we ought to support Israel; that it has a right to the land. This is the most important reason: BECAUSE G-D SAID SO."


With Blessings and Love for Israel,

Ruth Matar

P.S. Thank G-d for the two G's: my research assistant, Gila, and Google! We were able to obtain both President Bush's entire June 24, 2002 speech and Joseph Farah's article "The 'Settlements' Issue".


President Bush Calls for New Palestinian Leadership
June 24, 2002
The Rose Garden

THE PRESIDENT: For too long, the citizens of the Middle East have lived in the midst of death and fear. The hatred of a few holds the hopes of many hostage. The forces of extremism and terror are attempting to kill progress and peace by killing the innocent. And this casts a dark shadow over an entire region. For the sake of all humanity, things must change in the Middle East.

It is untenable for Israeli citizens to live in terror. It is untenable for Palestinians to live in squalor and occupation. And the current situation offers no prospect that life will improve. Israeli citizens will continue to be victimized by terrorists, and so Israel will continue to defend herself.

In the situation the Palestinian people will grow more and more miserable. My vision is two states, living side by side in peace and security. There is simply no way to achieve that peace until all parties fight terror. Yet, at this critical moment, if all parties will break with the past and set out on a new path, we can overcome the darkness with the light of hope. Peace requires a new and different Palestinian leadership, so that a Palestinian state can be born.

I call on the Palestinian people to elect new leaders, leaders not compromised by terror. I call upon them to build a practicing democracy, based on tolerance and liberty. If the Palestinian people actively pursue these goals, America and the world will actively support their efforts. If the Palestinian people meet these goals, they will be able to reach agreement with Israel and Egypt and Jordan on security and other arrangements for independence.

And when the Palestinian people have new leaders, new institutions and new security arrangements with their neighbors, the United States of America will support the creation of a Palestinian state whose borders and certain aspects of its sovereignty will be provisional until resolved as part of a final settlement in the Middle East.

In the work ahead, we all have responsibilities. The Palestinian people are gifted and capable, and I am confident they can achieve a new birth for their nation. A Palestinian state will never be created by terror -- it will be built through reform. And reform must be more than cosmetic change, or veiled attempt to preserve the status quo. True reform will require entirely new political and economic institutions, based on democracy, market economics and action against terrorism.

Today, the elected Palestinian legislature has no authority, and power is concentrated in the hands of an unaccountable few. A Palestinian state can only serve its citizens with a new constitution which separates the powers of government. The Palestinian parliament should have the full authority of a legislative body. Local officials and government ministers need authority of their own and the independence to govern effectively.

The United States, along with the European Union and Arab states, will work with Palestinian leaders to create a new constitutional framework, and a working democracy for the Palestinian people. And the United States, along with others in the international community will help the Palestinians organize and monitor fair, multi-party local elections by the end of the year, with national elections to follow.

Today, the Palestinian people live in economic stagnation, made worse by official corruption. A Palestinian state will require a vibrant economy, where honest enterprise is encouraged by honest government. The United States, the international donor community and the World Bank stand ready to work with Palestinians on a major project of economic reform and development. The United States, the EU, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund are willing to oversee reforms in Palestinian finances, encouraging transparency and independent auditing.

And the United States, along with our partners in the developed world, will increase our humanitarian assistance to relieve Palestinian suffering. Today, the Palestinian people lack effective courts of law and have no means to defend and vindicate their rights. A Palestinian state will require a system of reliable justice to punish those who prey on the innocent. The United States and members of the international community stand ready to work with Palestinian leaders to establish finance -- establish finance and monitor a truly independent judiciary.

Today, Palestinian authorities are encouraging, not opposing, terrorism. This is unacceptable. And the United States will not support the establishment of a Palestinian state until its leaders engage in a sustained fight against the terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure. This will require an externally supervised effort to rebuild and reform the Palestinian security services. The security system must have clear lines of authority and accountability and a unified chain of command.

America is pursuing this reform along with key regional states. The world is prepared to help, yet ultimately these steps toward statehood depend on the Palestinian people and their leaders. If they energetically take the path of reform, the rewards can come quickly. If Palestinians embrace democracy, confront corruption and firmly reject terror, they can count on American support for the creation of a provisional state of Palestine.

With a dedicated effort, this state could rise rapidly, as it comes to terms with Israel, Egypt and Jordan on practical issues, such as security. The final borders, the capital and other aspects of this state's sovereignty will be negotiated between the parties, as part of a final settlement. Arab states have offered their help in this process, and their help is needed.

I've said in the past that nations are either with us or against us in the war on terror. To be counted on the side of peace, nations must act. Every leader actually committed to peace will end incitement to violence in official media, and publicly denounce homicide bombings. Every nation actually committed to peace will stop the flow of money, equipment and recruits to terrorist groups seeking the destruction of Israel -- including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. Every nation actually committed to peace must block the shipment of Iranian supplies to these groups, and oppose regimes that promote terror, like Iraq. And Syria must choose the right side in the war on terror by closing terrorist camps and expelling terrorist organizations.

Leaders who want to be included in the peace process must show by their deeds an undivided support for peace. And as we move toward a peaceful solution, Arab states will be expected to build closer ties of diplomacy and commerce with Israel, leading to full normalization of relations between Israel and the entire Arab world.

Israel also has a large stake in the success of a democratic Palestine. Permanent occupation threatens Israel's identity and democracy. A stable, peaceful Palestinian state is necessary to achieve the security that Israel longs for. So I challenge Israel to take concrete steps to support the emergence of a viable, credible Palestinian state.

As we make progress towards security, Israel forces need to withdraw fully to positions they held prior to September 28, 2000. And consistent with the recommendations of the Mitchell Committee, Israeli settlement activity in the occupied territories must stop.

The Palestinian economy must be allowed to develop. As violence subsides, freedom of movement should be restored, permitting innocent Palestinians to resume work and normal life. Palestinian legislators and officials, humanitarian and international workers, must be allowed to go about the business of building a better future. And Israel should release frozen Palestinian revenues into honest, accountable hands.

I've asked Secretary Powell to work intensively with Middle Eastern and international leaders to realize the vision of a Palestinian state, focusing them on a comprehensive plan to support Palestinian reform and institution-building.

Ultimately, Israelis and Palestinians must address the core issues that divide them if there is to be a real peace, resolving all claims and ending the conflict between them. This means that the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 will be ended through a settlement negotiated between the parties, based on U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338, with Israeli withdrawal to secure and recognize borders.

We must also resolve questions concerning Jerusalem, the plight and future of Palestinian refugees, and a final peace between Israel and Lebanon, and Israel and a Syria that supports peace and fights terror.

All who are familiar with the history of the Middle East realize that there may be setbacks in this process. Trained and determined killers, as we have seen, want to stop it. Yet the Egyptian and Jordanian peace treaties with Israel remind us that with determined and responsible leadership progress can come quickly.

As new Palestinian institutions and new leaders emerge, demonstrating real performance on security and reform, I expect Israel to respond and work toward a final status agreement. With intensive effort by all, this agreement could be reached within three years from now. And I and my country will actively lead toward that goal.

I can understand the deep anger and anguish of the Israeli people. You've lived too long with fear and funerals, having to avoid markets and public transportation, and forced to put armed guards in kindergarten classrooms. The Palestinian Authority has rejected your offer at hand, and trafficked with terrorists. You have a right to a normal life; you have a right to security; and I deeply believe that you need a reformed, responsible Palestinian partner to achieve that security.

I can understand the deep anger and despair of the Palestinian people. For decades you've been treated as pawns in the Middle East conflict. Your interests have been held hostage to a comprehensive peace agreement that never seems to come, as your lives get worse year by year. You deserve democracy and the rule of law. You deserve an open society and a thriving economy. You deserve a life of hope for your children. An end to occupation and a peaceful democratic Palestinian state may seem distant, but America and our partners throughout the world stand ready to help, help you make them possible as soon as possible.

If liberty can blossom in the rocky soil of the West Bank and Gaza, it will inspire millions of men and women around the globe who are equally weary of poverty and oppression, equally entitled to the benefits of democratic government.

I have a hope for the people of Muslim countries. Your commitments to morality, and learning, and tolerance led to great historical achievements. And those values are alive in the Islamic world today. You have a rich culture, and you share the aspirations of men and women in every culture. Prosperity and freedom and dignity are not just American hopes, or Western hopes. They are universal, human hopes. And even in the violence and turmoil of the Middle East, America believes those hopes have the power to transform lives and nations.

This moment is both an opportunity and a test for all parties in the Middle East: an opportunity to lay the foundations for future peace; a test to show who is serious about peace and who is not. The choice here is stark and simple. The Bible says, "I have set before you life and death; therefore, choose life." The time has arrived for everyone in this conflict to choose peace, and hope, and life.

Thank you very much.


THE 'SETTLEMENTS' ISSUE
By Joseph Farah
WorldNetDaily, December 12, 2002

Once again, we're hearing that awful word again in the context of the Middle East debate.

"Settlements."

That's what the conflict is all about, we're being told. That's why the Arabs are mad at the Israelis. That's the root of the violence, the terrorism, the hatred.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer raised the ugly specter of "settlement" recently in a speech last week. Kurtzer, the former ambassador to Egypt and one of the architects of the failed peace process, once again blamed Israel as an obstacle to peace.

"Israeli settlement activity cripples chances for real peace," he said. He also underlined with emphasis and a pregnant pause this conclusion: "Settlement activity must stop."

What about these "settlements"? What are they? Why are they bad? Why should they be stopped?

I think most Americans and most non-Israelis draw certain mental pictures when they hear this term. I know I did before I began visiting "settlements" in Israel. I discovered they were not armed camps. They were not frontier outposts in alien territory. They were not fortresses built to grab more land for Jews. No. Much to my surprise, I found these "settlements" to be nothing more than communities – peaceful Jewish communities that don't interfere with nor abrogate anyone else's rights. They reminded me of suburban developments in Southern California more than threats to peace.

The word "settlement" itself is loaded. Who is a "settler" in the Mideast? According to the Arabs, only Jews are "settlers." But that simply is not the case.

Arafat himself was born in Egypt. He later moved to Jerusalem. If, at the moment, he is living in the West Bank, he is a "settler" there, not a native. Indeed, most of the Arabs living within the borders of Israel today have come from some other Arab country at some time in their life. They are all "settlers."

For instance, just since the beginning of the Oslo Accords, hundreds of thousands of Arabs have entered the West Bank or Gaza – and never left. They have come from Jordan, Egypt and, indirectly, from every other Arab country you can name – and many non-Arab countries as well. These surely aren't "Palestinians."

Since 1967, the Arabs have built 261 settlements in the West Bank. We don't hear much about those settlements. We hear instead about the number of Jewish settlements that have been created. We hear how destabilizing they are – how provocative they are. Yet, by comparison, only 144 Jewish settlements have been built since 1967 – including those surrounding Jerusalem, in the West Bank and in Gaza. Why is it that only Jewish construction is destabilizing?

The Arab "settlement" activity is not new. This has always been the case. Arabs have been flocking to Israel ever since it was created – and even before, coinciding with the wave of Jewish immigration into Palestine prior to 1948.

And that raises a question I never hear anyone ask: If Israel's policies make life so intolerable for Arabs, why do they continue to flock to the Jewish state? Why aren't they leaving in droves if conditions are as bad as they say?

The truth? There is more freedom under Israeli rule than there is in any Arab country. If you're a headstrong Arab, bent on protest, this is the place to be. Don't try throwing stones at Syrian police. You won't live long. Don't try publishing anti-kingdom newspapers in Saudi Arabia. You won't live long. Don't try fomenting revolutionary jihadism in Egypt. You won't live long.

So, sooner or later, those who are determined to protest, the professional agitators, the future Arafats of the Arab world all come to Israel. The Arab world is happy to be rid of them. This exodus serves two purposes – limiting the threat to Arab regimes and fanning the uniting flames of anti-Israel hatred. It's a population safety valve the totalitarian Arab world just loves.

Prior to 1900, the entire region was a barren wasteland with low populations of Jews, Muslims and Christians. No one had much interest in the Holy Land, as Mark Twain pointed out in his own travels to the area – until the Jews began to return.

Then the economic activity began. The jobs were created. The opportunities appeared. And then the Arabs came.

The "settlement" issue is a canard. It's a propaganda ploy to suggest that only Jews are newcomers to the region. The truth is there are lots of "settlers" and would-be "settlers" in the area – including Arafat and his friends.

By the way, under the Oslo Accords, there are no restrictions whatsoever on Israeli construction in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. None. Zip. Nada. Zilch. These "settlements" are perfectly legal. And I, for one, can see no legitimate reason for them to stop.


=============================================
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 via our secure server:
https://wigisrael.org/index3.htm

To make a contribution through Paypal, go to:
https://www.paypal.com
click on "Send Money" to the address wfit2@womeningreen.org

When Adding to the Torah Leads to Subtraction!

bs"d
 
Is this post or blog into Rabbi Bashing.  Let me assure you that this is not our objective.  I myself had an excellent Torah education from a Bais Yaakov in Queens (A modern chareidi hashkafa (philosophy)  orientation.   My dear aunt and her family  treated me as their own and even one step beyond when I was in Israel living Kiryat Arba (a "Zionist stronghold").  They happen to be Satmar Chasiddim. My Hakoras Hatov, appreciation to my Satmer aunt knows no bounds and I feel I can never truly repay her for the kindness she did to me when I was living as a Single Girl in Eretz  Yisroel.   She and her husband z"l and their children are beautiful Jews and I am proud to be their relative.    My brother and family are well known and liked in the Chareidi circles.  I admire and I am even envious of the Chareidi lifestyle of unsurpassed enthusiasm for the Yomim Tovim Jewish  Holidays, their lack of distraction of an alien western culture glorifying baseball and football and basketball.  Their lack of exposure to negative influences from TV.  I envy so many fine middos I see in their children, honoring their parents and taking care of their siblings.  Yes I could go on and on... They are the product of a fine Chareidi education. 
 
This having been said, I also see a negative trend that is disturbing to me.
 
 I personally am very disappointed with some of the recent rulings coming from the Chareidi camps in Eretz Yisroel.  They banned a Chasidic Concert with Avraham Fried that was supposed to be separate seating with separate entrances.  They banned Simchas Beis Hashoeiva celebrations also for "tznius" reasons.  This sounds like chumras over chumras (restrictions over more restrictions).  What D'Orayta (Commandment written in the Torah) do we transgress  for this "transgression" of possibly meeting someone of the opposite gender over the Mechiza (Divider between the sexes)?  Or even in the vicinity thereof?   Doesn't the Torah itself specifically calls for Hakhel (a gathering) that includes the entire family, men women and children.  My husband tells me that the halachos (laws) of Mechitza (dividers between genders)  actually come from this sugia (Talmudic passage)  Why be even frumer (more righteous) than the Eybeshter (G-d).  They banned higher education degrees for women.  One that adds to the Torah is bound to detract from the Torah.  On the other hand, so many D-orayta's (Biblical Commandments) were violated with the expulsion of Gush Katif and these Rabbanim were Silent.  Positive expressions of true Simchas Yomtov (Holiday Happiness) were stifled due to these rulings.  If they keep these rulings up, then they and their halachos(rulings, will be irrelevent.  Is Rav Shteinman behind these "modesty" rulings?  I was told by the director of Lev L'achim that when asked how to respond to the expulsion of Gush Katif, Rav Shteinman responded that "its Nisht Inzere Sugia" (Not our Business).  Is this true?  Why is Agudath Yisroel of America choosing to follow the Psak of Rav Shteinman.  Apparently, Rav Eliashiv, is unwilling to give a psak w/o the haskama (agreement) of Rav Shteinman.   Is it forbidden to ask what are the considerations that went into these halachic rulings to be Silent regarding our rights to Eretz Yisroel, and to be Silent when such pain was inflicted on the residents of Gush Katif. The Silence continues now as well when the decree is to divide Jerusalem and disregard the destruction of Har Habayis and to destroy the beautiful flourishing communities of hundreds of thousands of beautiful Jews many times the number of residents of Gush Katif.  How were/are they complicit with the gov't policies.  Did educational subsidies or stipends  have a role in their decision to be Silent.  If so, then isn't the halacha (directives) based on political considerations and not Daas Torah(Torah way)?  A statement for Eretz Yisroel is Daas Torah!
 
The Lubavitch Rebbe addresses these points.  My husband and I are not Lubavitch per se.  But the Rebbe's halacha is logical.  When the Torah talks about Emunas Chachamim (Believing in our Sages) it says specifically that we must not deviate right or left from the Halachos (rulings)  if it's al Pi Tora (According to the Torah).  Why follow a Psak(ruling) blindly if it is quite clear that the Torah itself seems to clearly contradict and prohibits the ruling. We are not allowed to put an intermediary between us and the Torah and replace Torah with a "halachic"ruling that causes a violation in a Biblical Commandment. 
 
These are points of the Lubavitch Rebbe, zt"l

  1. The current situation in Israel is such that the duty to protest falls squarely on the shoulders of the Rabbis. This obligation falls upon all Rabbis who arbitrate practical matters of Jewish law, and especially those Rabbis who have at one time expressed an opinion on this issue, no matter where they are — whether in Israel or in the Diaspora.
  2. The ruling must be explicit and definitive, being the result of exhaustive consultation with present military authorities who have actual firsthand knowledge about these issues, and who express their opinions through purely security-oriented considerations, and not political ones.
    In order to save the Rabbis the trouble of researching the issues which are required for a ruling, the Rebbe informs us that he has already investigated the matter, and the conclusions are:
    1. Those involved in military affairs say that surrendering any portion of the West Bank and Gaza, places untold numbers of Jews in danger, G-d forbid.
    2. The past is well known (e.g., Golda Meir not listening to the Israeli Military Intelligence prior to Yom Kippur War).
  3. A ruling must be issued quickly, and a Rabbi must not wait until he is asked about the matter. Rather, he must see to it that the law is publicized everywhere — to the extent that "there will not be a single individual who has not heard of this ruling." This is because regarding these matters, "he who asks (rather than acts) is a spiller of blood, and the one who waits to be asked is contemptible" for not having publicized his opinion.[35]
  4. Similarly, one should publicize the decision of the "Great Assembly" of 1937 [36] which states that "it is forbidden to cede to a non-Jew, even a tiny strip of the Land of Israel." This should be publicised until the entire Jewish people are aware of this ruling.
  5. Every Jew, regardless of where he lives, is connected with every other Jews in the rest of the world. Therefore, according to Jewish law, he must protest any action taken by another Jew which is not in accordance with Jewish Law. Protest is required even if the forbidden action took place a great distance from him — because he is still obligated by the command, "Thou shalt not stand idly by thy brother's blood."
  6. At times the situation is such that there is nothing left to do but to protest. This is a precise indication that our task in this situation is to protest.
  7. The claim that protest will not affect the situation does not absolve any of the Rabbis, no matter where they are, from their obligation to publicize a clear ruling because:
    1. Who knows where we would be if no one were to speak up.
    2. Regarding the mitzvah to admonish one's fellow man, the Talmud says, "even one hundred times," meaning, if one unsuccessfully gave rebuke ninety-nine times, one is bound by Jewish law to engage in rebuke a hundredth time, for it could well be that the hundredth time will be decisive.
    3. The Rabbi must do his job and protest without fear, and without considering the reaction which may follow his ruling (such as being ignored); especially because this is an ongoing matter, which concerns saving Jewish lives.
    4. The obligation not to stand idly by while your brother's blood is being spilled, applies in every situation, even when one is uncertain that his protest will have any effect. Even if the chance that protest will assist is only one thousandth of a chance, or a fraction of that, one is obligated to protest, because this is the law in the Code of Jewish Law.
  8. Even if the majority remain silent, and those protesting are in the minority, nevertheless, the minority is taken into consideration.
  9. The Rabbis who remain silent cause the greatest damage. This is analagous to the Talmudic law concerning seventy Rabbinic judges who rule for or against a certain side, with one judge "abstaining." In such a case, Jewish Law requires the entire trial to be rendered null and void.
  10. The Rebbe's opinion is that were there to be a sustained protest, carried out with the greatest intensity — as the present situation clearly demands — it would eventually succeed, in the near future.

Thank you Izzy Kaplan for forwarding the material of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. 
Izzy Kaplan
416 256 2858




See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Pruzbul: Letter to Chabad

bs"d
Re: Pruzbul:  A Rabbinic Takana (decree) that allows the Beis Din (A Rabbinic court) to collect debts during the Shemittah year.
 
 
Note: Mention of Rabbinic Leaders in this comment do not necessarily include Chabad Rabbanim who follow the Rebbe's leadership not to give away Eretz Yisroel or other Rabbanim that have come out against any territorial concessions.   To Chabad Chasidim: Perhaps the time has come to move one step further and question whether Pruzbul is the ideal way to observe Shemittah's Kesafim.    Each of our souls were at Sinai and I believe the Rebbe would encourage each and every Jew to be Goleh Amukos, and be Mechadesh Chidushim regarding the Mitzvah of Shemittah which has not been properly observed for thousands of years.  Torah is not static and I doubt the Rebbe would want his Chasidim to remain static with their learning basing everything on just what the Rebbe wrote and not on Torah.  The Rebbe would want to be the conduit for the Study of Torah and not a replacement.
 
Moshe Rabbeinu knew he was not entering the Land.  So he instructed the Nation how to survive without him specifically, in the Land of Israel.   The entire book Devarim  (Deuteronomy) are Mitzvoth that pertain to the Land. It's apparent that the way we are presently observing these commandments are not working.   G-d is true to keep His promises.  Obviously our observance is at fault and not G-d's ability to fulfill His end of His Promise, that of granting us blessings.   I would not  put the blame on the secular or even observant Jews who are not following Shemittah according to halacha.  I would instead focus on the halacha of today as being problematic.  Where is the spirit of Shabbos of sharing and Meain Olam Haba regarding Shemittah observance?  Halachic solutions of today include buying from those that wish to destroy us empowering our enemies and/or selling the Land to the Non Jew.  There are no vegetables to be had from Eretz Yisroel because of Issur of Sfichin (also a Rabbinic addition).  Food is more expensive than before or simply not available.  Where is the year of eating as the Torah describes?  Shemittah is a year of openhandedness.  Today we retrieve our loans being the messenger of the Beis Din. Rather than looking elsewhere let's instead look inward.  G-d is capable of fighting off our enemies... all of them.  I believe that without the help of Hashem, we are unable, no matter how we try, to effectively convince the world and ourselves of the dangers facing us even when they are so obvious, let alone act effectively to combat these threats.  Proof of this is the Silence of our Rabbinic Leaders. They really can't believe that there are threats against our very existence and continue to remain silent to the desecration of Har Habayis and the establishment of a Palestinian State. If we truly kept Shemittah the correct way the Rabbanim would not be so timid.  They would say that the Land belongs to G-d and we are the caretakers.  We kept Shemittah properly.  Is the "peaceful" Palestinian State planning on keeping Shemittah?  Siata Dishmaya (Help from the Above)  will come when it is truly earned.  G-d can save us from these dangers but we in turn  have to  try to the best of our ability to yearn and ACT to keep the Torah commandments such as release of loans and partying in the Shemittah year from fruits of the Land that have Kedushat Shviis without losing track of our ultimate objective.  Our goal is to achieve the Spirit of Shabbath through keeping the halachos of Shemittah.  
 
Pruzbul was instituted by Hillel after Churban Bayis Sheni in response to  weakness in spirit and in Emuna.  In fact Shemittah possibly was never really observed properly. 70 years between Churban Bayis Rishon and Churban Bayis Sheni represent 70 years of Shemittah not kept properly. So not keeping Shemittah properly goes pretty far back.  Before even Bayis Rishon.  Given the catastrophic dangers we are facing today and being in Ikvese De'meshicha, Moshiach times,  let us contemplate what Shemitta year would be like w/o Pruzbul. Once we agree that keeping Torah properly is the key, and focus on all the Mitzvoth read at Hakhel, from Sefer Devarim,(Deuteronomy) perhaps we will be on our way towards earning G-d's favor and sweetening of Judgement.  A catastrophic episode creates chaos and havoc where everyone is forced to share what they have.  Examples are the experiences following the expulsion of Gush Katif, the War in Lebanon and Hurricane Katrina.  If releasing of debts creates chaos, and a communal lifestyle, it also reaches the objective of recognizing what we have comes from the Above.  Everything that we receive is H-ly and from Hashem, and has the status of Kedushat Sheviis. It is my hope and prayer that as a result of this positive Shemittah learning experience we will not need the lessons learned from a catastrophic episode which are basically similar lessons learned but in an extremely painful way.
 
 
 




See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.