A House Grows in Shiloh

34 seconds of construction:




Before

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Photo/Video credit: YMedad


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Cockamamie Kamiya

In Salon you have not only weirdo leftists, but quite borderline anti-semites such as its executive editor, George Kamiya who is arguing against a possible military action against Iran pushed, he sees, by neo-cons who are interlocked with Israel:

Despite disingenuous claims to the contrary, the only reason the U.S. is even talking about war with Iran is Israel. As the invaluable M.J. Rosenberg, who knows the working of the Israel lobby as only a former card-carrying member can, notes, “It is impossible to find a single politician or journalist advocating war with Iran who is not a neocon or an AIPAC cutout. (They’re often both.)”...these incompetent militarists are still taken seriously. And the reason is simple: They purport to be supporters of Israel. In American politics, you can get away with even the most cracked war-mongering as long as you claim to be “pro-Israel.” And the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for anything having to do with Israel is the Holocaust...

...daring to stand up to Israel in an election year is another.

And then he misleads:

The key element is the Israeli-Palestinian issue. If Israel makes a just peace with the Palestinians and the Arab League recognizes Israel, the entire raison d’etre of Iran’s rejectionist position would be removed. Israel and Iran would then just be neighbors squabbling over their turf, along with the rest of the countries in the rapidly transforming Middle East.

Israel stands at a crossroads — and time is not on its side. Netanyahu is a disciple of the father of Revisionist Zionism, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, who argued that the Arabs, understandably in his view, would never voluntarily accept Zionist colonization, and could only be controlled by an “Iron Wall the native population cannot break through.”

Netanyahu lacks Jabotinsky’s intellectual integrity, but shares his belief that brute force is Israel’s only recourse. For him, it is always 1938, the Palestinians are terrorists, Israel’s enemies are murderous anti-Semites and the Jewish state must exist in a constant state of war.

Always? Or just when Arabs kill Jews?

Must Israel exist in a state of war or is it our enemies who seem to prefer violence over negotiations, coexistence and compromise?

Here is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today at his joint press conference with Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc:

"The goal of Iran's nuclear program had been the subject of controversy but it is no longer such. Iran is vigorously working to achieve a nuclear weapon. This is the threat against Israel, against the region and against the entire world. While it is very important that significant economic sanctions have been imposed, it is insufficient. Effective sanctions must continue to be imposed on its petrochemical industries and on the Iranian central bank as well, and soon."

And also misrepresents:

Obama’s Middle East policies have been hugely disappointing, but he is not a fool. He knows that Iran — which has not started a war in modern history — poses no conceivable military threat to the United States. He also knows that the Arab Spring and the crisis in Syria have weakened Tehran’s geo-strategic position...

...Contrary to the ignorant claims made by Islamophobic hawks like Goldberg, Iran is not run by madmen bent on committing national suicide...

No?

He challenges the largest superpower on earth, threatens a regional superpower with annihilation, and mocks international efforts to keep tabs on his nuclear program. Where does the unswerving confidence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad come from?

...According to Shiite Islam, the twelfth Imam, named Mahdi, is the awaited messiah who will establish the rule of Islam around the world – following a massive war during which Islam's enemies are expected to be decimated. Iran's official state websites are filled with information about the Islamic Republic's messiah.

And consider this letter:

...there is a large difference between the North Korean and Iranian regimes. The North Korean regime's sole aim is to stay in power. Kim Jong-Il's brand of fascism has limited global appeal, unfortunately, Iran's does not. Iran's rulers' aim is to bring their strain of Islamic revolution to the world at any cost. As the Ayatollah Khomeini said in 1980: "We do not worship Iran, we worship Allah. -. I say let this land (Iran) go up in smoke, provided Islam emerges triumphant in the rest of the world."

Iran's tyrants don't care if Israel retaliates against a nuclear attack because Israel will be annihilated due to its minute dimensions, yet the Islamic world will continue because of its great acreage.

Iran will attack when it has the capability; that may even herald the "return of the Mahdi" as per Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's doomsday fantasies. The attack will probably be through Hezbollah, who already possess short range delivery systems, as this allows Iran plausible deniability.

Michael N.W. Baigel, Toronto.

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Find the Difference Between Abbas and Hamas (UPDATED)

(k/t=ChallahHuAkbar)

President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal on Thursday hailed a new "partnership" after talks to implement a landmark reconciliation deal.

"We want to assure our people and the Arab and Islamic world that we have turned a major new and real page in partnership on everything do to with the Palestinian nation," Mashaal said.

"There are no more differences between us now," added Abbas, who heads the Fatah movement.

Abbas and Hamas may rhyme but more import there is no difference.

UPDATE (from EoZ):

Salah Bardawil, a member of Hamas' political bureau who helped arrange today's much heralded "unity" meeting with Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo, has reiterated that no matter what, Hamas is not changing its attitudes towards Israel.

He said that that Hamas' attitude towards Israel is "fixed and will not change," emphasizing that Hamas will remain an enemy and will never recognize it, and will never give up on these principles.

Bardawil further said that Hamas does not require any approval from Israel, which will remain an enemy, and that the resistance will continue until the liberation of Palestinian land.

And we do know, don't we, what their "liberation" really means?

Second UPDATE

Note how the NYTimes's headline subverts the story:

World / Middle East:
Rival Palestinian Leaders Fail to Resolve Rift

By ISABEL KERSHNER and FARES AKRAM
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and
Khaled Meshal, the leader of the rival Islamic group Hamas,
could not agree on an interim unity government.

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The Ariel Foundation Report on the Visit of Five US Congressmen

The Inaugural Samaria Summit

SAMARIA, ISRAEL – On November 9th, five Congressmen ventured into otherwise uncharted "territory" by traditional diplomatic delegations to Israel. A strong affinity to Israel and genuine frustration with the repetitive and fatal failures of peace plans and processes drove these American leaders to take a fresh look and Israel's heartland.

The historic visit began with a bus tour led by Mayor Ron Nachman along the Trans-Samaria highway, where the delegates learned about Israel's narrow waist-line, security needs and strategic provisions. At the Ariel and Barkan Industrial Parks Mayor Nachman discussed co-existence...Mayor Nachman also showed the group the layout of the Ariel Bloc of communities, and the short distance from the Tel Aviv Coastal Plain...the group proceeded to the Ariel Regional Center for the Performing Arts, where they enjoyed a private performance by Ariel's young singers and internationally renowned dancers.

...Rep. Randy Forbes (R -VA-4th) addressed the Summit by stating his unwavering support for Israel's peace and security. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO-5th) discussed Israel's inherent value and the commitment of the Congressional Republican Israel Caucus and the Israel Allies Caucus which he co-chairs. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1st), who is known for his instrumental role in arranging for Prime Minister to deliver his acclaimed speech to both houses of Congress in May, 2011, explained how Israel cannot sacrifice its own security by relinquishing land to those who are committed to its destruction. They were joined by Congressman John Fleming (R-LA-4th) and Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH-4th), who shared the sentiments of their colleagues. They were accompanied by Ruth Lieberman and Enia Krivine of the International Israel Allies Caucus during their stay in Israel.

The travels through Samaria included a stop at Joseph's Tomb Overlook...[David] Ha'Ivri introduced the delegates to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed. The congressmen were pleasantly surprised to discover that Rabbi Melamed had recently publicized an article which encourages Israelis to be welcoming rather than suspicious of Christians who choose to support Israel. The group then proceeded to the vineyards in the community of Har Bracha, where they met with the Director of the Samaria Regional Council Gershon Mesika. Tommy Waller and the Christian volunteers from across the US who accompany him in the fields of Samaria greeted the group with some of their original music.

Next was a visit to the site of the Tabernacle in Shiloh where the delegation was guided by Eve Harow. They then proceeded to dinner at the Psagot Winery. Yesha Council CEO Naftali Bennet delivered concluding remarks following the previous day's visit to Gush Etzion and their short stay in Samaria...

The 2011 Congressional Initiative was arranged by our dear friend Heather Johnston of the JH Ranch and the Ariel National leadership Development Center, who identified the need for America's leading Congressmen to become familiar with Judea and Samaria and develop ties with Members of Knesset. Each of the delegates was thoroughly appreciative of this groundbreaking educational experience.

My post at the time.

Report of the Jerusalem Post.

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Wineman Replies, More Manchester Tent Flapping

Further to the Manchester Big Tent Event flap *, the Jewish Chronicle carries Vivian Wineman's response:

Mr Wineman insisted: "There was no exclusion of pro-settler voices. Mr Unsdorfer and Mr [Eric] Graus [president of Likud-Herut] have been invited to speak, and they will be welcome if they come."

Mr Medad had been ruled out, he said, because he lacked the immediate local experience of the delegitimisation of Israel in the UK.

*

A prominent spokesman for Jewish settlers in the West Bank has complained of being excluded from Sunday's Big Tent for Israel conference in Manchester.

Yisrael Medad is a former emissary to the UK for the right-wing Betar youth movement, who now lives in the settlement of Shiloh.

On his blog My Right Word, Mr Medad questioned the apparent lack of any settler representative at the advocacy event. He also referred readers to other bloggers who had been critical of the Jewish Leadership Council and the chairman of its executive, Mick Davis, over Israel.

Mr Medad's name was then suggested as a possible speaker, to organisers finalising the programme.

But Mr Medad said: "I was informed that my participation was rejected and it was intimated to me that I had insulted the UK Jewish leadership."

See:

This as well as this and this, too.

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Bibi Did Not Flip Obama The Bird. But She Did.

Story here.

Picture here:

Those Russian women.

But should Bibi have?


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Where Was The Rabbi on Friday Night?

Remember the sort of "Where Was The Rabbi..." mysteries? Here's the first in the series.

Well, where will Rabbi Marc Gafni be this coming Friday night, and several thereafter?

In Church.

Okay, a special Church.

The Integral Church.

Starting on December 2nd • 8 pm for a few successive weeks.

The Integral Church is

an enactment of Integral consciousness, initiated by Dr. Marc on New Year's weekend 2010. In Integral Church, we engage a passionate and integrated spiritual practice that is emergent from the best of the world''s spiritual traditions. Each First Friday has a theme. The themes deepen in each new cycle. The theme for this coming December 2nd First Friday is:

IDENTIFYING YOUR UNIQUE GIFTS: THE POWER & PRACTICE OF THE EVOLUTIONARY LOVER

WHEN: December 2nd • 8 pm
WHERE: 1584 36th Avenue ( apt B)
San Francisco, CA 94122

Join your World Spirituality guide Dr. Marc Gafni and friends at First Fridays-for an intimate and deep evening of practice, love, and relationships as we explore Identifying Your Unique Gifts: The Power and Practice of the Evolutionary Lover. In world spirituality teaching, the core joy and obligation of a human being is to live and give Your Unique Gift.

Every human being has a particular set of gifts that they can offer in the world. What are your unique gifts? The nature of the gift, like the perspective held by every human being, is utterly unique. The ability to offer this gift freely in the world depends on our ability to free ourselves of limiting and false notions of who we are, and identify with our larger service. Some of our gifts are modest, private and intimate—some are larger than life and have dramatic impact in the public sphere. However, every Unique Gift arises and may be offered in all four quadrants. From a non-dual perspective, your unique gift creates your unique obligation. In the language of one teacher of Unique Self, "Man’s deed is God’s need."

God needs your service. God, in the first, second and third person, needs your service. To live your Unique Self and offer your Unique Gifts is to align yourself with the evolutionary impulse and fulfill your evolutionary obligation as a Lover.

Living as an Evolutionary Lover is the passionate path of the New Enlightenment. The way you make this path real and alive in your life is by identifying and giving your Unique Gifts. Buddhism teaches the Enlightenment of Emptiness. To do this you must dis-identify with you personality story. And this is fully half the story.

The second half of the story is the Enlightenment of Fullness. To realize the enlightenment of fullness you must fully inhabit, embody and Live Your Story.

There are four key steps in this process:
1) Evolve beyond exclusive identification with ego
2) Take off the mask of your particular false self
3) Identify your Unique Gift
4) Begin to give your Unique Gift in the world

Yes, "Dr. Marc" is Rabbi Marc Gafni.

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The Westbank Shopping Centre

It's the

Westbank Hub Shopping Centre...-- West Kelowna

West Kelowna is in British Columbia, Canada.

What do you know.

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Our New Media Comment Column

Here is our this week's Media Comment on

Has Israel’s media twisted out of control?

 
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Shiloh Elections: Democracy in Action

My wife blogged about the elections for the village council and there's even a pic of me there.

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Silverstein: Medad is a 'Wingnut'

Richard (Tikkun Olam) Silverstein managed to take a swipe at me on the Santorum declaration.

In a site other than his own, he wrote inter alia:

Oddly, settler wingnut Yisrael Medad seems to be offering them just that in this comment, in which he proffers citizenship to “the Arabs,” something he can of course afford to do because he knows his far right government wouldn’t do so in a million years.

I left this comment there:

As I am a banned commenter at Silverstein's site, thank you for this opportunity.


As for nuts, I won't get into a cracking contest with Silverstein. However, as facts are his weakness, can I make clear that:

(a) granting voting rights is in my political philosophy based on Jabotinsky's approach as I learned in Betar, that of Begin and was in the Techiya Platform, of which I was a member.

(b) if there is any doubt, please read chapter 4, which was dedicated to me, in this book: A Stranger in My House, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston by William Reich published 25 years ago.

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On Israel's New Libel Law Proposal

From Dror Eydar:

One law, one viewpoint


...the proposed amendment to the libel law...will definitely be modified before it enters the law books, if it even makes it in. But the propaganda surrounding it in the media this past week can fill an entire new volume of the adventures of Baron Munchausen.

...to allay our fears. Even if the bill becomes law, the media will continue its investigative reporting – probably presenting more reliable information than before, and hopefully getting responses of the subjects of investigation before going to print...the issue at hand is the mass hysteria encouraged by the media, which is careful to allow "experts" to explain the bill's shortfalls but fails to examine the reasons behind the formulation of the bill.

...For ages, the Israeli media has given a platform to a monolithic voice regarding the political and cultural issues that divide Israeli society, but it is convinced that it is being pluralistic...
...Take all the core issues under serious discussion in Israel today and ask yourselves: does the media really care to present the full range of opinions on these issues? Yesterday morning, journalist Razi Barkai interviewed Prof. Mordechai Kremnizer, following an interview with Dr. Arye (Arik) Carmon, and before that Prof. Yedidia Stern - three people who get interviewed time and time again. The common thread among them is that they all head the Israel Democracy Institute, a leftist body that opposes current legislation – and that is their right. But you won't find Barkai interviewing experts with no less merit who support the legislation. That is the world that he, and most of his colleagues, live in. That is also the depth of the news editors' interviewee lists - editors who all individually think alike...a one-dimensional media, whose political motivations supersede any journalistic ethics, and whose intellectual curiosity is limited to a narrow and embarrassing list of topics.

The proposed libel law amendment reflects the age-old mutual alienation that exists between the Israeli media and the public. It reflects the impossible situation in which a minority group has imposed its values, lifestyle, preferences, and belief system on us, while attempting to silence, ridicule, and drive the true majority insane.

Unfortunately, ethical journalism expired a long time ago, and with it went objectivity and integrity. And where there are no ethics, there will be laws.

And from Uriel Lynn:

...this bill actually has many positive aspects...[but] allow me to suggest one modification right off the bat: The amendment should impose a hefty fine on the source of the false information rather than on the reporter who prints it.

Anyone who understands democracy knows that freedom of the press is essential in providing the public with truth, and with the tools to criticize the bodies that govern it. The real problem is trying to strike a balance between freedom of the press and individuals' basic rights...It is much harder to prove the extent of the damage caused by libel than to prove the actual libel. Often the damage is impossible to prove – how can you measure the damage to someone's name?

...One can't help but get a sense that the press' harsh reaction to this amendment can be attributed to self-preservation and not just the preservation of democracy.

...The amendment also toughens the law against individuals who defame others maliciously, which is another welcome change. I propose that the bulk of the fine should be imposed not on the body that prints or broadcasts the libel, assuming they performed their basic duties, but rather on the source of the false information, even if the source is a government office – in fact, especially if the source is a government office...

 
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Wineman, No Wise Man

If you do not know, my presence at the Manchester Big Tent is prohibited as a speaker/presenter. The flap has flopped and I am out.  There will be many people there as presenters, workshop facilitators, panelists and greeters.

I was personally "disinvited" although I am not sure that I ever was officially invited. I think my name was proposed at the organizing meeting last Thursday for I was told that opposition was strongly expressed by Board of Deputies head, Vivian Wineman, in that the feeling shared around the table, it would seem, was that I had insulted the gentlemen and ladies thereof.

Wineman, however, is truly the odd Jew in this situation.

As the Jewish Chronicle reported two years and a half ago, in May 2009:

A former chairman of British Friends of Peace Now has been elected president of the Board of Deputies for the next three years.

Vivian Wineman, 59, the Board’s senior vice-president, emerged victorious from a record four candidates...Mr Wineman, a commercial solicitor who represents Hampstead Garden Suburb United Synagogue [and educated at City of London School Yavneh Yeshivah (Rabbinical College) Gonville & Caius College]...while entertaining “strong views” on Israel...explained that at the Board: “I never make recommendations on what the government of Israel should do for its security. I am concerned that Israel should continue to be a democratic Jewish state...if we start going out on a limb, taking a line on Israeli politics, even a line we are sympathetic to, we risk the danger of alienating our own community and damaging the Board.”

A founder of the British branch of the New Israel Fund, who speaks fluent Hebrew and has studied at yeshivah, Mr Wineman stressed both a commitment to religious pluralism as well as an ability to make overtures to the Charedi community, which is almost entirely unrepresented at the Board...

Peace Now and outreach to Chareidim?

Peace Now and a speaker representing the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria?

What was I thinking?

In addition, it seems he is

chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council and Vice President of the European Jewish Congress.

Talk about power and power concentration. If it weren't so flippant, I'd suggest an "Occupy the BOD" protest but that might really cause a nervous reaction on that august body's part.

But getting back to the principle of fairness, across-the-community representation, studious neutrality, etc. Consider this: Wineman was actually asked to "balance" Naomi Chazan at an event devoted to

the occupied Palestinian territories in a long question and answer session with Jonathan Freedland organized by the UK New Israel Fund and hosted by the New North London Synagogue...

Curiously, the NIF organizers decided they needed to ‘balance’ Naomi Chazan’s views with the responses of three leaders of the Jewish and pro-Israel establishments. This seemed an odd idea to say the least, given that Jonathan Freedland acted very effectively as devil’s advocate in his questioning, despite the fact that he freely admitted that his sympathies lay with Chazan and her views...Wineman was rambling and confused.

NIF President Naomi Chazan with responders BoD President Vivian Wineman,

Bicom CEO Lorna Fitzsimons and UJIA Chief Executive Doug Krikler

Oh, and by the way, I escorted Ms. Fitzsimons on a trip through the Benjamin region.  At least she was open to hear the 'other side'.


"Confused"?  How could he be confused. He headed the NIF. Naomi headed the NIF. The NIF was under attack. He failed her? Failed the NIF? Or is he always rambling and confused despite his legal training? Or was that his legal expertise at work in disguise?

Wineman, this week, has just been awarded

the Samaritan Peace and Humanitarian Medal

Mr Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies, has become the 2011 recipient of the Samaritan Medal for Peace, Humanitarian and Academic Achievements...[saying]...it is a matter of huge pride to me that we can conduct dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I would like to pay tribute to Benny Sedaka's indefatigable work in promoting knowledge of the Samaritan tradition and his wonderful idea of making them a bridge in the cause of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians."

(The Samaritan Medal Foundation was established in 2005 in Washington DC in order to highlight prominent activists in the world and the Middle East who foster peace between Israel and Palestinians)

Can I remind you that back in May this year, Mr. Wineman was absolutely firm:

We don’t support boycotts

he said (about what the community should do in the face of The Guardian's biased and anti-Israel reporting and columns).

If he is so good at dialogue and opposed to boycotts, why was I banned?

Is this hypocrisy at work?

Consider also this: Wineman, as president of the Board of Deputies, wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron wherein he

raised his concerns over the past political activities

of certain European politicians suspected of unsavory ideologies.

Could someone, perhaps, raise questions about his previous ideological positions?

After all, you cannot get further off-base, not to speak of off-center, than Peace Now and New Israel Fund combined.

Are you thinking that his words are retro-1984 speak?

In August 2009, stung by criticism, Wineman said:

“We may be mistaken in our views, but we are not deluded and nor do we have our collective heads in the sand. Our critics should save their vitriol for those who attack Israel, not for those in the front line of its defence."

Mr. Wineman, in all my humbleness, and without passing judgment on whether you are mistaken in your views or not, whether you like, appreciate or despise my residency location and human existence in Shiloh, I am in the front line of the defense of Israel, one way or another, and it should behoove you to permit me to explain to those gathered in Manchester to learn about the issues and the facts relating to those issues.  I live in an authorized and fully government-approved Jewish community, in a portion of the land of Israel that even the League of Nations recognized as part of the Jewish national home to be reconstituted in "Palestine".  Why can I not explain what is happening here in Judea and Samaria to British Hasbarah activists?  What they can say to offset propaganda, lies and media bias.  What are the facts.

What do you fear?

I promise, I will not attempt to persuade, convince or influence anyone to come to live in Shiloh, or Efrat or Hebron. But any defender of Israel should be able to have the necessary facts and data to defend Israel and its Jews from Arab propaganda claims and false accusations that feed the BDS campaign you are supposed to be engaged against.

And if I do not make it to Manchester, I will get to the British Isle and thanks to friends, supporters and others, I will make the case for Judea & Samaria.

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Here Are The Big Tent Flappers

As you know, I will not be attending the Big Tent event at Manchester. Too much diversity, I presume, if I were to be there.

Here's the schedule of the day:

There's much to be learned so for those who do attend, pay attention - and don't let the official establishment blokes get you down.

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Where'd Amy's Star of David Go?

For the past two years of her life, almost all her pictures, whether gossipy news or performances, showed her displaying a Star of David pendant quite prominently, even in Arab countries.  In this video, not once.  Coincidental or ethnic/religious washout?

Here's her last live video, singing with Tony Bennet and you can see it:

She even kisses it, after pointing up to God (at 1:10) !

Post-mortem cleansing?

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Anniversary of Operation "Oil Stain" Next Month

As noted:

Back on December 25, 2008, Maan reported:

Hamas: 87 shells fired at Israeli targets in 24 hours

The military wing affiliated to Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement on Thursday morning briefing the group's military activities over the first twenty four hours of an operation they called "Oil Stain" which started Wednesday morning.

As concluded:
 
On Thursday, December 24, 2009--3 days before Operation Cast Lead started--Hamas was already bombarding Israeli civilians with rockets and mortars.
 
Ddi the media miss that?
 

P.S.

The first blogger to post about Hamas's Operation Oil Stain was Elder of Ziyon--already on December 25 and December 27 2008.
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They'll Be Marching to Jerusalem Jerusalem, Jerusalem...

This coming March there'll be a March to Jerusalem (Facebook).

Mission?

...we believe that it is necessary for the people of the world to act through civil organizing. The March is initiated and will be directed by Palestinians from around the world. The Global March to Jerusalem will reassert and affirm the Palestinian refugees’ Right of Return and right of access to Jerusalem. The organizers, endorsers and participants have committed themselves to a non-violent march and have no intention to harm any person...

They have principles, too, including:

1. We respect the rights of all persons, without exception, simply because they are human.

Tell that to the Hamas.

2.We recognize the right of all refugees, displaced persons and their families to return to their homes, in accordance with international law.

But that was what Zionism did.

3.All persons have the right of access to Jerusalem.

And can the Jews ascend to the Temple Mount and pray there?

4.The occupation of Palestinian land must end, and all lands must be restored to their legal owners.

There is Atab-owned land, Christian-owned land, Aremnian-owned land, etc. And Jewish-owned land. And if there is "occupation", well what have the Arabs been doing since 638 CE if not that?

5.All laws that discriminate against any populations must be revoked.

Including the one that prohibits Jews form purchasing land and a death sentence for Arabs who do sell?

7.Our actions must respect Palestinian will, and especially the communities directly affected by our actions.

So,, in other words, the population that hjas spectacularly failed in all nationalist attempts this past century still runs the show?

They won't get anywhere with that attitude.

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Squish - There's A Weak Link on the West Bank

No, not the one forged between King Abdullah II and Mahmoud Abbas.

And not the one between Hamas and Abbas. (*) And read this about that from...2005.

This one, again, is in New Orleans:

Weak link in West Bank levee described as "jelly donut"

A weak area discovered on the West Bank Levee during soil testing is being called a “jelly donut” by Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority Commissioner, Michael Merritt. “What I was attempting to do with my thumb as we hopped into those trenches and had a look between Orleans village and the pump station was just to see how soft the clays were,” he explained. Simply put Merritt equates the instability of the area that he calls a jelly donut to squishing a peanut butter cookie dough with a fork…something they professionally call unconfined compression testing.

“It’s how much you can squish something before it compresses and how hard you can push,” he said.

On second thought, "soft" is very appropriate to to diplomatic and political moves the Palestinian Authority is making.

Unfortunately, too much could collapse as a result.


(*)
Update:

Even the NYTimes is on the mark: New Winds in Mideast Favor Hamas

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Their Excuse Won't Work

As Haaretz reports, the Arabs who murdered a Jewish man and his infant son are attempting to use for their defense their wish to revenge a "price-tag" activity:

Palestinians charged with killing West Bank man, baby to avenge 'price tag' attack

Palestinians suspected in the killing of a West Bank resident and his infant son wished to avenge the '"price tag" torching of a nearby mosque, an indictment submitted to an Israel Defense Forces court said on Tuesday...Police investigating the death of the two, who were found in their car after it flipped over near the West Bank city, discovered a large rock with signs of blood on it.

An indictment submitted to the Judea military court on Tuesday, claimed that the defendants charged with the Palmers' killing, Mahmoud Muhammad Albai, Waal al-Araja, Ali Saada, and Mohmmad Khalil Albo, intended to kill Jews in retribution for the torching of the Qusra mosque earlier that month.

...According to the indictment, al-Araja and Saada met on the day of the killing, following Friday prayers, and proceeded to advance to route 60 in the West Bank in a taxi owned by al-Araja, and which facilitated their rock throwing activities, even before the Palmer killing.

So, even before the "price tage" activity they were attempting to injure, maim and murder Jews.

Oh, and that headline has an error: "Palestinians" is an adjective, not a proper noun. If Haaretz wants to inform us that the perpetrators were Arabs, they need to spell that out.

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Jonathan Pollard Is Not On Obama's List

This list:

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release November 21, 2011

President Obama Grants Pardons and Commutation

WASHINGTON, DC – Today President Barack Obama granted pardons to five individuals and commutation of sentence to one individual:

PARDONS:

• Lesley Claywood Berry Jr. - Loretto, Ky.

Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
Sentence: April 29, 1988; District of Minnesota; three years in prison.

• Dennis George Bulin - Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 pounds of marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 10, 1987; Middle District of Alabama; five years of probation and $20,000 fine.

• Ricky Dale Collett - Annville, Ky.

Offense: Aiding and abetting in the manufacture of 61 marijuana plants, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 7, 2002; Eastern District of Kentucky; one year of probation conditioned on 60 days of home detention.

• Martin Kaprelian - Park Ridge, Ill.

Offense: Conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 371; transporting stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2314; concealing stolen property that was transported in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2315.
Sentence: Feb. 1, 1984; Northern District of Illinois; nine years in prison, five years of probation.

• Thomas Paul Ledford - Jonesborough, Tenn.

Offense: Conducting and directing an illegal gambling business, 18 U.S.C. § 1955.
Sentence: June 12, 1995; Eastern District of Tennessee; one year of probation conditioned on performance of 100 hours of community service.

COMMUTATION:

• Eugenia Marie Jennings - Alton, Ill.

Offense: Distribution of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
Sentence: Feb. 23, 2001; Southern District of Illinois; 262 months in prison, eight years of supervised release, $1,750 fine.
Terms of commutation: Prison sentence to expire on Dec. 21, 2011, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

No room for Pollard.

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