In Israel I met during my doctoral studies. Metevika there as a criminologist to study the phenomenon of women suicide vomvistrion (female suicide bombers).The inquiry extremely sensitive, but it gave me the opportunity three years to meet the area's problems two peoples over half a century, still not able to find peace.
In contrast to what many believe Greeks for Israel (and even more without ever having visited the country), I would like to illustrate and the following aspects of the country is very interesting.
1. Israel is a participatory democracy and state single type.The citizens take an active part in civic life and to solve problems is everyone. There is very socially conscious and caring for the needs and addressing them. The kibbutz-in community of property types to varying degrees, is a good example.Also remember that I learned with surprise that one day may not be illegal to join anyone on a farm, but he wants to eat the fruits and leaves, enough to not get off him.This measure, which stems from the principles of the Bible, is an example of an effort to avoid any exathlionetai if nothing else it can cover the basic need of food.
2.After military service (which they do and women) are reservists men regularly employed and used to posts that have to do with their skills .. So for example, lawyers who met certain days a month serving as military judges.The reservists citizens continue to climb in the military hierarchy and even at the highest grades, which is not the monopoly of military officials.This system ensures democratic army and prevent the militarization as the fear of the modern states, since it allows to create watertight and sacrosanct in the military (making it almost impossible for such a military coup).
3.At the same time a religious minority to avoid looking and the eyes follow a woman and burdensome formalism, the state and society in Israel is very tolerant. Freedom to practice, sexual orientation etc.If you do not bother the person next to you (usually not bothered with anything), nothing is forbidden. Events for the legalization of marijuana, gay clubs and events (and participation and the army) is common.
4.Few know about the judicial system of the country which gives legal protection to citizens of Israel, but also to Palestinians affected.The Supreme Court of Israel puts brakes Often the implementation of measures and policies deemed to violate the human rights of Palestinians (thereby earning the title of "obstruction" by some for the effective protection and security of the country).It is worth mentioning the Landau Commission which led to the prohibition of inhuman treatment and torture in questioning terrorism suspects.This option is particularly useful when countries in the west every day without the fear of terrorist attack, a long time, unfortunately, have begun discussions about the legitimacy of torture as an investigative method.
5.Unlike other countries ... where ever prime ministers do not sit in the dock and Liability Act to ensure that ministers get away with high members of the political life that damages the state ... in Israel are persecuted and put prison ministers, former prime ministers, presidents ....
6.The country has excellent health system with well-equipped hospitals, where nurses and Palestinians on the ground that enter with special permission. Unfortunately there have been cases of exploitation of entry permit to organize an attack.In general, medical and research centers conducting cutting edge research to treat diseases and patients from many countries (and Greece) are fleeing to Israel to deal with very difficult circumstances.
7. Academic freedom is protected.When I completed my dissertation, the third describing circumstances surrounding the death and socialization to violence in Gaza and the West Bank because of armed conflict.I mentioned reports and complaints about the Palestinian plight, problems children face serious problems in the psyche and the emotional world of their experiences as victims of a hard war with brutal conditions. We never have accepted any role and no control over what I wrote.Indeed, the supervisor me (I was set and Israeli supervisor) commented on the relevant chapter in «suberb» ...
8. Israel is a state of war. Well protected and does not inhibit the rights and freedoms of citizens. Even when they contradict the official state policy.At the same time took place the last conflict in Lebanon who disagreed demonstrating freely in the streets, accusing the then government involvement.Israeli organizations, directors, artists, academics at times are highly critical of the choices the country in relation to Palestine and beyond. And all this without incurring a penalty.Israel is neither Turkey nor Iran, which have seen writers and directors to be jailed because they have other opinions and raise through their works.
The purpose of what I said is not to present Israel as perfect and overlooked mistakes and bad or inappropriate policies and measures. Simply:All Arabs are not terrorists, all activists are not terrorists, but all Israel is wrong. The Israeli-Arab conflict in general and the Israeli-Palestinians in particular is a complex issue with no room for black and white.The roots are deep and issues related to historical, religious, economic, political requiring much attention.
As for the deliberate use of violence against civilians, children and society, should be ordered by anyone to exercise, Israeli and Palestinian.Suicide bombings aimed at pizzerias, restaurants, school buses are tragic phenomenon and have nothing to do with the right resistance to the military. When we see children victimized by a rocket directly condemn it because we think our child is in place.It is not surprising because we identify with the image of our children to be blasted and pieces while laughing and playing carefree in the school bus. Why are not we shocked the 16-year old child of an immigrant from Russia who goes have fun at the beach klampaki and suddenly torn to pieces.Innocent people are innocent ... and the two sides.
In Israel I met people who want peace, determined to live with a neighbor in two countries.My friends, my acquaintances, people I've worked scientifically moderates are people who love their country but do not want no trouble, or extermination of Palestinians. React even disapprove of the suffering. Seek security and are ready for compromises.Resist the voices of a few fanatics (which yes, they exist). The bad news however is that the contents of those few voices and so weaken the voices of people who want to go ahead and join hands with the other side.For example, few and hardliners warn that any concessions are exploited on the other hand, do not ensure peace. They bring such attacks by Hamas from Gaza with rockets now.The argument is "neither a forum nor a retreat" finds ground and vindicated.
Here lies our responsibility as Greek and international community. We welcomed Israel never positive.In solidarity with the Palestinians, should have welcomed the departure from Gaza and condemn outright fanatical views of type "to annihilate the State of Israel, who just Polish and render impossible any dialogue and a possible solution.Moreover should we support the progressive forces in Palestinian society.Why is society does not deserve poverty, violence and poverty, nor the fans that if prevail in the future will bring to persecute women's rights, religious tolerance, diversity, choice of life away from the Islamist doctrines .Rights as progressives and liberals want the Greeks for our friends with the Palestinians their freedom ....
Monday, June 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Shlita on the Flotilla crisis
June 2, 2010
Dear KJ Family:
Just a few hours ago at Mincha services in the Upper School, I spoke to the entire student body about the crisis in Israel and its implications for all of us in America. The below memorandum from AIPAC appropriately frames this crisis and reminds us of the need at times like these to stay in touch with our elected officials.
If you listen to the recording of my remarks at the Upper School (please click here for the recording), you will note that I essentially read to them an article written on the spur of the moment by Dr. Daniel Gordis. I believe it made a very big impact on the students. I hope it will have a similar impact on you.
I also spoke with Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice President of the Presidents Conference, to ask him what we can do to help. He suggested that we all watch and listen to as much media as possible and alert the Presidents Conference if we hear or see Israel maligned or described unfairly. Examples of such treatment should be sent to info@conferenceofpresidents.org and they will immediately contact the media source to correct the information and the perspective.
Finally, watching the terrifying video clips of Israeli soldiers being beaten makes me all the more grateful to be participating in a very special dessert program taking place on Saturday afternoon, June 12th, at our sister synagogue, Congregation Orach Chaim, 1459 Lexington Avenue (between 94th & 95th Streets). Please join me there from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. in meeting and thanking 10 Israeli Soldiers who were severely injured in Israel's Operation “Cast Lead.” I will be among the speakers at the program, which will feature ample time to meet with the soldiers and personally express gratitude for their valiant efforts on behalf of our people and our homeland. The event is part of a Chabad Israel Center and Chabad Terror Victims Project effort to bring these heroes to the United States to receive our heartfelt love and admiration. I hope to personally greet you at what will certainly be a most memorable afternoon. Please invite your friends and family so that we as a community can stand and proudly say Todah and Kol Hakavod.
Very cordially yours,
Haskel Lookstein
Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them: (1) To speak out on Israel's right to self-defense ; and (2) to oppose one sided condemnations of Israel
June 1, 2010
Flotilla Sought Provocation, Not to Provide Assistance
The primary aim of the Gaza flotilla was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation with Israel. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups that sought a violent confrontation. In contrast, the Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and its personnel only used force when their lives were at risk. Israel has legitimate self-defense reasons to inspect the cargo going into the Hamas-controlled area, where the U.S.-designated terrorist group has smuggled in thousands of munitions and rockets for use in attacks against Israeli civilians.
The flotilla’s primary aim was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups.
The flotilla's organizers willfully ignored repeated warnings that they would be denied entry—including messages from the European Union—and rejected offers by Israel to transfer humanitarian goods through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
One of the flotilla’s leaders, Greta Berlin, stated that “this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it’s about breaking Israel's siege on 1.5 million Palestinians,” the AFP reported on May 27.
The head of the group that organized the flotilla, Bulent Yildirim (left), is closely linked with Ismail Haniyeh’s U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas.
The main organizer of the flotilla—whose members led the assault on the IDF—was the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), which has publicly affirmed its links to Hamas, maintains an office in Gaza and has ties to other terrorist organizations.
IHH has also been linked to al-Qaeda and played a role in al-Qaeda’s failed Millennium bombing of Los Angeles International Airport, according to French counter-terrorism magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguière, who testified during the trial of failed bomber Ahmed Ressam.
The Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and the soldiers only used force when their lives were at risk.
Individuals aboard the vessels had clearly prepared for violence, chanting an Islamic battle cry recalling the killing of Jews and calling for martyrdom, according to an Al-Jazeera report.
While intercepting six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza after frequent warnings not to proceed, Israeli soldiers were attacked immediately upon boarding one of them.
The outnumbered soldiers were immediately and brutally attacked with crowbars, clubs and knives and shot at with guns stolen from soldiers, seven of whom were injured. One soldier was thrown to a lower deck 30 feet below and sustained a severe head injury.
Israeli soldiers reacted with the utmost restraint. Only when their lives were in danger did they seek and receive permission to open fire. Regrettably, nine flotilla participants were killed and others injured. Seven Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense and reason to be concerned about cargo going unchecked into Hamas-controlled Gaza.
The charter of Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group that seized Gaza in an armed coup from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Israel’s actions are aimed at blocking arms and explosives shipments to Hamas, which is at war with the Jewish state. Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
Hamas continues to operate a vast network of tunnels under Gaza, which it uses to smuggle in weapons from Iran and Syria for attacks against Israeli civilians. It also has repeatedly sought to smuggle weapons through the sea.
According to international legal experts, it is legitimate for a state to impose an embargo on international waters during wartime. Israel’s detention of the flotilla ships—and its use of force to defend its soldiers when attacked by some of the radicals—is acceptable under international law.
Egypt also has imposed a blockade on Gaza to protect its own internal security by constructing an underground steel wall along the Sinai-Gaza border to help stymie the flow of illicit goods.
Israel continues to facilitate a vast operation to provide humanitarian goods and medical services to the people of Gaza.
Since the end of the Gaza war in 2009, Israel has facilitated the transfer of more than a million tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza and 133 million liters of fuel. Israel is now in the process of unloading the items from the flotilla and is transferring legitimate humanitarian items into Gaza via established mechanisms.
To handle the delivery of humanitarian aid and other civilian issues related to Palestinian life in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has a special unit in the Ministry of Defense—the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
The U.N. issued a presidential statement condemning the events leading up to the incident, which some have interpreted as a criticism of Israel.
It would have been preferable if the U.N. and Obama administration had blocked any action implying criticism of Israel for defending itself. Nonetheless, intervention by the United States prevented passage of a Security Council resolution condemning Israel.
The administration continues to express its confidence in Israel’s ability to conduct its own investigation of the incident despite calls for an international inquiry.
During the Security Council deliberations, Alejandro Wolff, deputy U.S. representative to the U.N., said the “direct delivery by sea [of humanitarian supplies] is neither appropriate nor responsible” and criticized Hamas’ “continued arms smuggling and commitment to terrorism.”
The United States must now maintain its longstanding position not to allow the Security Council and other U.N. organs such as the U.N. Human Rights Council to exploit unfortunate incidents by passing biased, anti-Israel resolutions that obscure the truth and accomplish nothing.
Dear KJ Family:
Just a few hours ago at Mincha services in the Upper School, I spoke to the entire student body about the crisis in Israel and its implications for all of us in America. The below memorandum from AIPAC appropriately frames this crisis and reminds us of the need at times like these to stay in touch with our elected officials.
If you listen to the recording of my remarks at the Upper School (please click here for the recording), you will note that I essentially read to them an article written on the spur of the moment by Dr. Daniel Gordis. I believe it made a very big impact on the students. I hope it will have a similar impact on you.
I also spoke with Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice President of the Presidents Conference, to ask him what we can do to help. He suggested that we all watch and listen to as much media as possible and alert the Presidents Conference if we hear or see Israel maligned or described unfairly. Examples of such treatment should be sent to info@conferenceofpresidents.org and they will immediately contact the media source to correct the information and the perspective.
Finally, watching the terrifying video clips of Israeli soldiers being beaten makes me all the more grateful to be participating in a very special dessert program taking place on Saturday afternoon, June 12th, at our sister synagogue, Congregation Orach Chaim, 1459 Lexington Avenue (between 94th & 95th Streets). Please join me there from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. in meeting and thanking 10 Israeli Soldiers who were severely injured in Israel's Operation “Cast Lead.” I will be among the speakers at the program, which will feature ample time to meet with the soldiers and personally express gratitude for their valiant efforts on behalf of our people and our homeland. The event is part of a Chabad Israel Center and Chabad Terror Victims Project effort to bring these heroes to the United States to receive our heartfelt love and admiration. I hope to personally greet you at what will certainly be a most memorable afternoon. Please invite your friends and family so that we as a community can stand and proudly say Todah and Kol Hakavod.
Very cordially yours,
Haskel Lookstein
Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them: (1) To speak out on Israel's right to self-defense ; and (2) to oppose one sided condemnations of Israel
June 1, 2010
Flotilla Sought Provocation, Not to Provide Assistance
The primary aim of the Gaza flotilla was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation with Israel. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups that sought a violent confrontation. In contrast, the Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and its personnel only used force when their lives were at risk. Israel has legitimate self-defense reasons to inspect the cargo going into the Hamas-controlled area, where the U.S.-designated terrorist group has smuggled in thousands of munitions and rockets for use in attacks against Israeli civilians.
The flotilla’s primary aim was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups.
The flotilla's organizers willfully ignored repeated warnings that they would be denied entry—including messages from the European Union—and rejected offers by Israel to transfer humanitarian goods through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
One of the flotilla’s leaders, Greta Berlin, stated that “this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it’s about breaking Israel's siege on 1.5 million Palestinians,” the AFP reported on May 27.
The head of the group that organized the flotilla, Bulent Yildirim (left), is closely linked with Ismail Haniyeh’s U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas.
The main organizer of the flotilla—whose members led the assault on the IDF—was the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), which has publicly affirmed its links to Hamas, maintains an office in Gaza and has ties to other terrorist organizations.
IHH has also been linked to al-Qaeda and played a role in al-Qaeda’s failed Millennium bombing of Los Angeles International Airport, according to French counter-terrorism magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguière, who testified during the trial of failed bomber Ahmed Ressam.
The Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and the soldiers only used force when their lives were at risk.
Individuals aboard the vessels had clearly prepared for violence, chanting an Islamic battle cry recalling the killing of Jews and calling for martyrdom, according to an Al-Jazeera report.
While intercepting six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza after frequent warnings not to proceed, Israeli soldiers were attacked immediately upon boarding one of them.
The outnumbered soldiers were immediately and brutally attacked with crowbars, clubs and knives and shot at with guns stolen from soldiers, seven of whom were injured. One soldier was thrown to a lower deck 30 feet below and sustained a severe head injury.
Israeli soldiers reacted with the utmost restraint. Only when their lives were in danger did they seek and receive permission to open fire. Regrettably, nine flotilla participants were killed and others injured. Seven Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense and reason to be concerned about cargo going unchecked into Hamas-controlled Gaza.
The charter of Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group that seized Gaza in an armed coup from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Israel’s actions are aimed at blocking arms and explosives shipments to Hamas, which is at war with the Jewish state. Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
Hamas continues to operate a vast network of tunnels under Gaza, which it uses to smuggle in weapons from Iran and Syria for attacks against Israeli civilians. It also has repeatedly sought to smuggle weapons through the sea.
According to international legal experts, it is legitimate for a state to impose an embargo on international waters during wartime. Israel’s detention of the flotilla ships—and its use of force to defend its soldiers when attacked by some of the radicals—is acceptable under international law.
Egypt also has imposed a blockade on Gaza to protect its own internal security by constructing an underground steel wall along the Sinai-Gaza border to help stymie the flow of illicit goods.
Israel continues to facilitate a vast operation to provide humanitarian goods and medical services to the people of Gaza.
Since the end of the Gaza war in 2009, Israel has facilitated the transfer of more than a million tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza and 133 million liters of fuel. Israel is now in the process of unloading the items from the flotilla and is transferring legitimate humanitarian items into Gaza via established mechanisms.
To handle the delivery of humanitarian aid and other civilian issues related to Palestinian life in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has a special unit in the Ministry of Defense—the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
The U.N. issued a presidential statement condemning the events leading up to the incident, which some have interpreted as a criticism of Israel.
It would have been preferable if the U.N. and Obama administration had blocked any action implying criticism of Israel for defending itself. Nonetheless, intervention by the United States prevented passage of a Security Council resolution condemning Israel.
The administration continues to express its confidence in Israel’s ability to conduct its own investigation of the incident despite calls for an international inquiry.
During the Security Council deliberations, Alejandro Wolff, deputy U.S. representative to the U.N., said the “direct delivery by sea [of humanitarian supplies] is neither appropriate nor responsible” and criticized Hamas’ “continued arms smuggling and commitment to terrorism.”
The United States must now maintain its longstanding position not to allow the Security Council and other U.N. organs such as the U.N. Human Rights Council to exploit unfortunate incidents by passing biased, anti-Israel resolutions that obscure the truth and accomplish nothing.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Protest against Turkey
Pls note the NYPD requested we move locations as the Muslim Arabs have a permit for Israeli Consulate, and a sound device (We don’t).
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL ’S FLOTILLA SELF-DEFENSE
- RALLY MOVED TO TURKISH MISSION TO UN -
June 1, 2010 - NEW YORK, NY – RAJE, together with other American Jewish organizations will gather outside of the Turkish Mission to the UN, located at 821 First Avenue (46th & 1st) at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 1 to stand in support of Israel ’s self-defense.
Hundreds will gather waving American & Israeli flags, and bearing signs which read: “Peace Activists Don’t Attack Soldiers,” “Hamas & Al Qaeda Support the Flotilla”, and “We Stand with Israel .”
“We will gather to stand united with the State Of Israel , and to let President Obama, and the world know that we will not sit silently as Israel is attacked by her enemies. We stand with Israel in their battle against terrorism. Israel has the right to stop terror at its door, and we condemn the United Nations for standing with terrorists. These so-called peace activists used knives, clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers, and attacked soldiers who were seeking to enforce international law. The boats were warned to change course multiple times, and we as the American Jewish community will not stand silently as Israel is attacked,” said Rabbi Mordechai Tokarsky, Chairman of RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience).
Further information on the event is available by calling Ronn Torossian at 212-999-5585, or by visiting:
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL ’S FLOTILLA SELF-DEFENSE
- RALLY MOVED TO TURKISH MISSION TO UN -
June 1, 2010 - NEW YORK, NY – RAJE, together with other American Jewish organizations will gather outside of the Turkish Mission to the UN, located at 821 First Avenue (46th & 1st) at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 1 to stand in support of Israel ’s self-defense.
Hundreds will gather waving American & Israeli flags, and bearing signs which read: “Peace Activists Don’t Attack Soldiers,” “Hamas & Al Qaeda Support the Flotilla”, and “We Stand with Israel .”
“We will gather to stand united with the State Of Israel , and to let President Obama, and the world know that we will not sit silently as Israel is attacked by her enemies. We stand with Israel in their battle against terrorism. Israel has the right to stop terror at its door, and we condemn the United Nations for standing with terrorists. These so-called peace activists used knives, clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers, and attacked soldiers who were seeking to enforce international law. The boats were warned to change course multiple times, and we as the American Jewish community will not stand silently as Israel is attacked,” said Rabbi Mordechai Tokarsky, Chairman of RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience).
Further information on the event is available by calling Ronn Torossian at 212-999-5585, or by visiting:
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