Pinkie & The Break

Last night was the last tryout for the Israeli-Palestinian team that would compete in the international AFL tournament in Melbourne during August and September. The try outs have been getting more competitive & serious as all the non-Australian influenced folks started adjusting to the game. After the now anticipated running & drills, the coaches decided to have two scrimmages where they'd get a final look at us before the final cuts were to be decided on Sunday. The scrimmage was barely a few minutes old when I went up to catch the ball and felt immediate pain. Despite telling a teammate, "My finger is broken", I carried on running with hope of shaking off the pain. Unfortunately it continued and despite finishing the first scrimmage, the pain was pretty bad so I decided to find some ice or cold water to soak my now bruised and swollen right pinkie. The fact I could move it and clench a fist relieved me - I had probably just jammed it, a common injury I am told.

This morning, I woke up and I felt something was just not right. The swelling, despite it being iced throughout the night, had increased and movement had become far more difficult. I was fairly convinced that it was in fact broken, and unfortunately, x-rays later on confirmed it. So now ... I'll probably be out of commission for a couple of months and I feel my chance to represent this cause has probably ended. If that's the case, I can honestly say it was worth it. Despite not really conversing with my Palestinian teammates, I saw how 'easily' we could form a team when we had a common goal. I know it's just a sport but in a world which seems like it's currently stuck in a dark tunnel, a bright & hopeful light is always smiled upon.

BARAKing up the Democratic Tree

I admit it. I would have voted for Barak in the last elections if he, and not Peretz, were in charge of the Labor party. I was fairly convinced that the failure of Camp David in 2000 had changed the man in a way that would finally make him a responsible political leader. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Barak yet again showed his true colors this week by deciding to stay in Olmert's government despite the harsh words of the Winograd Committee. Unsurprisingly I guess, Barak's campaign promise to Labor MK Ophir Paz-Pines to remove the party from the government when Winograd was published was broken.

It's doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why Barak reneged on his words and stayed with the disgraceful Olmert government. Barak (& Olmert for that matter) realize that the moment this government collapses, the Israeli public will most likely vote in Bibi Netanyahu as the country's next prime minister. These clowns have decided to do anything it takes (including bribing Shas, who embarrassingly represent me) to keep their seats in the current government set up. It is deeply disturbing at how our democracy is working ... but hold your horses, it gets worse.

In an interview today to Maariv, Prof. Yehezkel Dror, a member of the Winograd Committtee, bluntly stated his political stance:

"We must think of the consequences. What do you prefer? A government led by Olmert and [Defense Minister Ehud] Barak or new elections that will give rise to a government led by [opposition leader and Likud Chairman Benjamin] Netanyahu."

I somehow doubt we saw a 'fair' assessment of the government's failures during the war. Sadly, the IDF bore the brunt of the Committee's 'hard work' so that the government could be spared their rightful downfall. This gets even better ... The same 'professor' went on to say it's vital to change "the political culture and the quality of people engaged in politics." The sheer hypocrisy of the comment astounded me ... Dror wants changes & better people in power and yet he wants these corrupt liars to stay in power? Which one is it buddy?

Depressing ... All this country is yearning for is an honest human being to lead us ... If only ...

Justice for Sapir Reservist

In December, I blogged about the Arab teacher who had kicked out a student from his class who had come in to his class in uniform. Despite the 40 colleagues who rallied for him, justice has been served ...

Israeli Arab lecturer told to say he respects students' right to wear IDF uniform
By Tamara Traubmann, Haaretz Correspondent

An Arab filmmaker must declare that he respects the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces in order to continue working as a lecturer at Sapir College, the institution's president, Prof. Ze'ev Tzahor, has decided.

The decision stemmed from an incident in November, when a student on leave from his annual reserve duty showed up in uniform to Nizar Hassan's class. Hassan asked the student, Eyal Cohen, to leave, and when Cohen refused, the lecturer forbade him to talk for the rest of the class. Hassan said that he refuses to teach soldiers, and therefore, Cohen would only be allowed to talk if he came to class in civilian dress.

The incident aroused an uproar, and Tzahor ordered a disciplinary hearing. Last week, the disciplinary committee, comprised of other lecturers at the college, published its conclusion: that Hassan's behavior "merited the harshest condemnation," and that he should be required to apologize to Cohen. While a lecturer has every right to express political views, the committee wrote, he has no right to try to force them on his students.

Tzahor forwarded these findings to Hassan, but added that in making his apology, the lecturer should "discuss respect for the IDF uniform and the absolute right of any student to enter your class in uniform." He added that he would not accept an apology that did not meet this requirement.

Hassan's attorney, Eti Livni, wrote to Tzahor this week and asked him to withdraw this demand, calling it "humiliating, racist and discriminatory" and accusing him of having "caved in to heavy political pressure," including from the army.

In addition, a group of Sapir students plan to demonstrate against Tzahor's decision Wednesday, saying that no other lecturer has ever been asked to declare his respect for the IDF uniform. Some 20 students have signed a letter saying they would leave the collage if Hassan were fired.

In response, Tzahor said: "I did not intend to humiliate [Hassan] or demand an oath of loyalty to the IDF and its uniform, but for Nizar to write a personal letter to the student in which he declares that he respects the fact that the student was wearing an IDF uniform."

The DOs & DON'Ts of Babycare

Courtesy of Benzi Drori

3/8s of a Snow Day!

I can clearly remember the last time I had a snow day. During the winter of 2000, a severe snow storm forced SUNY Binghamton to cancel classes for 2 days. Being a typical college kid, I spent most of the days either playing beer pong or tackle football. Ahhh, the joys of being a 20 year old kid!

Fast forward 7 years later ... I awoke at 5:55am to get ready for sha'charit (morning services) and as I looked outside ... Snow, and for Jerusalem, a lot of it.



After I got back from sha'charit, I told Tals of the whitened ground. She jumped up, checked the window and jumped straight back into bed. Her work day was already over. I was naturally hoping for the same thing. The odds were definitely in my favor as with every snow fall, Jerusalem typically goes into shock and struggles to deal with the weather conditions. So as expected, public transport was not working with these few centimeters and I quickly typed an e-mail to my boss explaining the predicament.



After a couple of hours at home, the snow showers became rain and the bosses in Europe wanted Aaron & I in the office. With the taxi service finally working, we both got to work around 13:15. Our side of the 5th floor was dark. We were the only people on the floor. What a bunch of dedicated friarim!



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I need to starting learning Ladino. If anyone knows of a place in Jerusalem that gives lessons, be private or in a classroom setting, please let me know. Thanks in advance

Don't know how lucky you are ... Back in Israel?

This should make most Israeli Beatles fans very happy ...

Israel said planning to apologize to ex-Beatles for '65 concert ban

More than four decades after Israeli officials banned the Beatles from appearing at a scheduled 1965 concert, Israel is to extend the band an official apology on onday, and invite surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to take part in celebrations of the nation's 60th anniversary this year, Army Radio reported.

It said Israeli Ambassador to Britain Ron Prosor would present the apology to slain Beatle John Lennon's sister Julia Bairdat at the Beatles museum in their hometown of Liverpool.

Letters of apology are to be sent to McCartney and Starr as well as relatives of late band members John Lennon and George Harrison, it said.

The Beatles had been booked to appear in Israel, but government officials refused to grant the necessary permits, citing concerns that the tousled-haired British band and its strident, amplified music could corrupt the morals of Israeli youth.

The never-used tickets for the concert have long been a prized souvenir among Israeli fans of the group.

In Jerusalem, Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel confirmed that Prosor would meet Baird and invite her to Israel for the gala marking Israel's founding in May, 1948. But he said he had no knowledge of any letter of apology or of invitations to Paul and Ringo to perform.

What could have been ...

AndYoni!

Congratulations to Andy Ram & Yoni Erlich, the 2008 Australian Open double champions!

You've done our country proud!

For more on their victory:

English: Click here
Hebrew: Click here

Bush's Resignation Letter

Great piece courtesy of Matsonian:

Another great email from Michael Genung.
--------------------------

If Bush resigned today, this is what his speech would be.....

Normally, I start these things out by saying "My Fellow Americans." Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore. I do know something terrible has happened, and that you're really not fellow Americans any longer.

I'll cut right to the chase here: I quit. Now before anyone gets all in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, or to avoid prosecution or something, let me assure you: There's been no breaking of laws or impeachable offenses in this office.

The reason I'm quitting is simple. I'm fed up with you people. I'm fed up because you have no understanding of what's really going on in the world. Or of what's going on in this once-great nation of ours. And the majority of you are too damned lazy to do your homework and figure it out.

Let's start local. You've been sold a bill of goods by politicians and the news media. Polls show that the majority of you think the economy is in the tank. And that's despite record numbers of homeowners, including record numbers of MINORITY homeowners. And while we're mentioning minorities, I'll point out that minority business ownership is at an all-time high. Our unemployment rate is as low as it
ever was during the Clinton administration. I've mentioned all those things before, but it doesn't seem to have sunk in.

Despite the shock to our economy of 9/11, the stock market has rebounded to record levels and more Americans than ever are participating in these markets. Meanwhile, all you can do is whine about gas prices, and most of you are too damn stupid to realize that gas prices are high because there's increased demand in other parts of
the world, and because a small handful of noisy idiots are more worried about polar bears and beach front property than your economic security.

We face real threats in the world. Don't give me this "blood for oil" thing. If I were trading blood for oil I would've already seized Iraq's oil fields and let the rest of the country go to hell. And don't give me this 'Bush Lied; People Died' crap either.

If I were the liar you morons take me for, I could've easily had chemical weapons planted in Iraq so they could be 'discovered.' Instead, I owned up to the fact that the intelligence was faulty.

Let me remind you that the rest of the world thought Saddam had the goods, same as me. Let me also remind you that regime change in Iraq was official US policy before I came into office. Some guy named 'Clinton' established that policy. Bet you didn't know that, did you?

You idiots need to understand that we face a unique enemy. Back during the cold war, there were two major competing political and economic models squaring off. We won that war, but we did so because fundamentally, the Communists wanted to survive, just as we do. We were simply able to out spend and out-tech them.

That's not the case this time. The soldiers of our new enemy don't care if they survive. In fact, they want to die. That'd be fine, as long as they weren't also committed to taking as many of you with them as they can. But they are. They want to kill you , and the bastards are all over the globe.

You should be grateful that they haven't gotten any more of us here in the United States since September 11. But you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement, and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that. When this whole mess started, I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight. I'm disappointed how many of you people think a long and difficult fight amounts to a single season of 'Survivor.'

Instead, you've grown impatient. You're incapable of seeing things through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do. You think that wars should last a few months, a few years, tops.

Making matters worse, you actively support those who help the enemy. Every time you buy the New York Times, every time you send a donation to a cut-and-run Democrat's political campaign, well, dang it, you might just as well FedEx a grenade launcher to a Jihadist. It amounts to the same thing.

In this day and age, it's easy enough to find the truth. It's all over the Internet. It just isn't on the pages of the New York Times or on NBC News. But even if it were, I doubt you'd be any smarter. Most of you would rather watch American Idol.

I could say more about your expectations that the government will always be there to bail you out, even if you're too stupid to leave a city that's below sea level and has a hurricane approaching.

I could say more about your insane belief that government, not your own wallet, is where the money comes from. But I've come to the conclusion that were I to do so, it would sail right over your heads.

So I quit. I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there (Al Gore could only dream) and the capability to be fully self-sufficient. No one ever heard of Crawford before I got elected, and as soon as I'm done here pretty much no one will ever hear of it again. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to die of old age before the last pillars of America fall.

Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Pelosi is your new President. You asked for it. Watch what she does carefully, because I still have a glimmer of hope that there are just enough of you remaining who are smart enough to turn this thing around in 2008.

So that's it. God bless what's left of America. Some of you know what I mean. The rest of you, kiss off.

The 1st Tryout

Thursday night was the first practice for the Israeli-Palestinian AFL team and needless to say, it was an experience. As the tryout begun, one of the organizers started explaining things in Hebrew, an Arabic translator followed in Arabic. With every drill, be it simple warm ups or how to kick the ball properly, the same format followed. At first, it was obvious there was slight discomfort. Communication is never easy when a common language is not shared - however, as the drills continued, the ice started to crack. Be it with helping each other on the drills, or asking simple questions about names and hometowns, we started talking and laughing together with the inevitable sport follies. By the time the scrimmage came along, the early 'seeds' of good teamwork were already visible. The try out went well for me. There were a lot of good athletes on display and I look forward to the challenge of making this team.

Opportunity of a Lifetime

"A conceited fool has no desire for understanding; but only wants to express his own view"
Proverbs 18:2

As a 20 year old college student, Zionism was a small part of my identity. I had left Israel as a 9 year old and my attachment to the country was strong, but I saw no future with my mind solely focused on the 'American Dream'. This all changed in September 2000 with Ariel Sharon's now famous visit to the Temple Mount. With a planned intifada erupting shortly afterwards in Israel, anti-semitic activities started rearing their ugly head at SUNY Binghamton, my university. Swastikas were chalked near our library and in one disgusting instance, sketched with feces in a bathroom. The plaza in front of the library became a regular place to find anti-Zionist & anti-semitic chalkings, with "Barak=Hitler" & "Israel=Nazi Germany" the two common ones. Other activities included Mezuzot being ripped off the doorposts of various homes. I was furious and with very little action taken by our university, I started channeling my anger towards understanding why this was happening & how I could combat it myself. I became extremely interested in Zionist literature, reading every book I could find by the founders and developers of the now 'named' movement. The more I read and learned, the more I became convinced that the only rational possible 'next step' in life would be a return home and a combat stint in the IDF.

These events would become be a critical turning point in my life. It changed my aspirations and dreams. Gone were the days of dollar signs in every dream, to be replaced by a strong desire to plant my roots in Israel. Looking back on this stage, the 'sour' point was surely my spouting of hateful rhetoric. During one such instance, I told one of my sister's friends that Israel should kill all the Arabs. Although I told her I wasn't being serious, I've recently learned that this girl with Arabic roots took it to heart and started investigating her own history. Within a few months, this once disinterested girl had become a Palestinian activist on her campus. Her new beliefs and methods of expressing them dented her relationship with my sister. I had become a perfect example of the cycle, albeit a non-violent one, that commentators always discuss in their analysis of the Middle East. While today I still hold right wing views with regards to the security situation, I've mellowed down a lot. I no longer hold feelings of hatred to a whole population based on the actions of a radical minority. I still feel very strongly about defending Israel's right to be here, but I've learned to express it in a responsible manner.

... which brings me to a fantastic opportunity which has been presented to me by Danny Brill, a friend of mine since I finished my stint in the IDF in November 2004. I've been offered a chance to try out for the Peres Peace Center Israeli-Palestinian AFL team, which will play in the international tournament in Melbourne in late August & early September. While at first I was not keen on the idea (due to some issues with Peres), after thinking about it long and hard (& with the wife's prodding), I decided to give the try outs a shot. Since the only active contact I've had with Palestinians has been through the army, I thought this was a great chance to finally interact with my neighbors. Befriending them, even if it's only for the try outs (and if I make it further, the practices & the tournament), will allow me to better understand their takes on whatever we discuss, and knowing me, that will be a lot of different subjects! Besides that aspect, I would love the opportunity to represent Israel & also see Australia for the first time.

Stay tuned for updates!

Oh go away W!

After almost 7 years in office, George Bush is coming to visit Israel. Now normally it wouldn't bother me in the slightest, but this visit is causing Jerusalem residents major headaches. Besides the exhorbitant costs to ensure the man is safe over the next 3 days (25,000 USD an HOUR), Jerusalem will shut down some of her major roads & bus routes. Yah, it's a pain, a real pain. So in closing, next time a US president comes over, let's make sure he stays in Tel Aviv ...

Funniest Moment of 2007

King Juan Carlos I of Spain tells Hugo Chávez, "Why don't you shut up?" (¿Por qué no te callas?).

The incident occurs in the 33rd second of this clip:



For more on the story, click here.

Kual este el riko el ke se alegra kon su parte

I got home today and I was just down. I couldn't really explain why but I just felt sad and unhappy. The roller coaster of life, the ups and downs, is something every human being goes through. But as I sat down to think about why my mind had chosen this time to start getting all somber, my wife walked in with her infectious smile. Walking into our bedroom, she realized something was up and asked what was wrong. When I told her, "Just one of those moods," she understood and left me alone to hang the laundry. As I walked into the lounge, she offered me a gift ... Instantly, I smiled. The gift itself was lovely, exactly what I needed for my daily combat drills with the Jerusalem cold, but that's not what made me happy.

You see ... There's no real point to this blog. What I'm about to say is obvious beyond belief but sometimes just needs re-stating. I really have no need whatsoever to let these unavoidable moods keep me down (at least not for too long). I have the most amazing, warm, caring & loving wife, and an equally loving caring family. I have a good job, a roof over my head and food on my table every day. In essence, I have everything I need and want. In essence, happiness is the 'wealth' described in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers)

Who is wealthy? One who is happy with his portion
Ethics of Our Fathers, 4:1

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Happy 30th Anniversary to my dear parents ... What a milestone ... Mazel Tov

King Zuma & the end of the 'New South Africa'

When Mandela was released from prison in 1990, a 'New South Africa' was promised. Fast forward some 17 years later, the country is struggling with an extremely high crime & AIDs rate, increasing brain drain and now, the distinct possibility that Jacob Zuma will most likely be the new president.

Despite no formal education, Zuma has risen through the ranks of the ANC after being active in the formative years of the struggle (He spent 10 years on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela after being arrested and convicted of wanting to overthrow the government). When Apartheid ended, he was one of the first ANC leaders to return from their exiles abroad and along with the ANC's rise to power in 1994, Zuma became the National Chairperson of the ANC. His career continued to skyrocket until he was finally elected the head of the ANC this past week (Dec 18, 2007).

Sounds impressive right? Well, it is until one looks at the corruption allegations levied against Zuma during the Schabir Shaik trial, or the famous rape charges in 2005. Those were made even more famous by Zuma's idiotic remarks that he took a shower to try to reduce his risk of infection. Although the court found him not guilty, the man who headed the National AIDS Council even had the 'audacity' to admit that he slept (raped?) an HIV positive girl with no condom ... Brilliant, eh? What a wonderful role model for the new South Africa ... It's a sad testament to what Mandela & the ANC fought for that such pathetic idiots will further push this once proud country into the ground. The 'New South Africa'? Oh please ...

A few classic Madame & Eve comics poking fun at this 'leader':

Where in the world is ...

It took a few hours to get back to the swing of things at work after I got back from our week long honeymoon in Europe last Tuesday. After booking our flight to Geneva to visit her dad, Talya & I decided we'd take a few days and visit a city we'd both never been to in Europe. Looking at the cheap options made available by EasyJet, we decided on Barcelona. Needless to say, we were not disappointed with our two days (Wednesday through Friday) in the capital of Catalonia. Traveling on the Barcelona Bus Turistic, we saw most of the city's sights, stopping at the Waterfront, Park Guell and quite a few shops obviously! Although we were there for such a short time, we really enjoyed our time there and we both hope to be back on the Iberian peninsula in the near future. Returning to Geneva on Friday, we spent the weekend there before trekking to the French Alps on Sunday for a few hours of fun in the snow. I haven't seen that much snow since I left New York, so I was obviously happy! We returned back to Israel on Tuesday and although I'm happy to back home, it's tough leaving the relaxed mode I was in as a tourist and vacationer!

***

Yehoram Gaon made a very good point on Reshet Bet on Friday afternoon. The famous singer said that the $7.5 billion raised for the Palestinian Authority last week will ensure we don't see peace for a few more generations. His reasoning? The last few decades have seen billions and billions of dollars pumped into the Palestinian cause and who sees most of the money? The top brass & the terrorist groups (& Suha Arafat obviously). His 'solution' for this problem is rather intelligent. The donations should be a 'promise' to build hospitals, schools and the like. In other words, use the money to develop the infrastructure of the territories. Granted, this won't happen and as with most donations to the Arab world, Arab leaders will get richer, terrorists will get better weapons, the poor will continue to be deprived and the hatred and blame will fall on Israel's shoulders.

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As Talya & I walked home today from her grandmother, we walked by Natan Sharansky. Damn, he's short! On a more serious note, I wish honest human beings like him still had a say in our government.

Reservists - The Good & The Bad

We'll start with the bad ...

In a rather disappointing article, 40 colleagues rallied in support of Nizar Hassan, a Sapir University teacher who kicked out an IDF reservist from his classroom. Last month, Eyal Cohen, an intelligence officer in the reserves, was asked to leave Hassan's class after coming to it in his army uniform ... Hassan's reasoning? He does not teach soldiers, policemen and officers in uniform. When he refused, Hassan hurled negative comments at him and the IDF. Hassan, on a temporary contract warning him against mixing ideology and politics in his lessons, was rightfully suspended. However, 40 of his colleagues are now protesting to have him reinstated. Mind boggling eh? His supporters should be ashamed - throwing Cohen out of the class is a gross violation of academic freedom. Hassan has no right to decide who he teaches based on dress code - and he should be severely reprimanded and warned that any other outbursts will result in his termination.

***

And now the good ... Haaretz reports that the cabinet has approved a package of benefits for reservists. I think this is a good start to bolster and support a sector of our country which too often is taken for granted. Although Gabi Ashkenazi, the IDF Chief of Staff, reacted positively to the news, the reservists' organizations were unhappy with it overall. The chairman of the reserve soldiers forum, Aleh Minkowsky, was unhappy with what seems to be just a baby step, "All the cabinet decided was to set up a ministerial committee, which would present a plan to implement the benefits within 45 days." Ro'i Ron, the head of the Baltam reservists movement, also voiced disappointment, "We demand larger financial benefits, based on the average wages rather than minimum wages. Reservists must receive a meaningful compensation, like the one proposed in the bill submitted by the reservists. The cabinet's decision brings us no significant tidings." While I understand their frustration, Rome wasn't built in a day ... This is a positive step and it needs to be built upon.

***

Hanukkah is tonight ... So on that note, a piece about Hanukkah in the Soviet Gulag by Natan (Anatoli) Sharanksy.

Happy Hanukah! !חג חנוכה שמח

Hi, My Name Is ...

I've been working for over a year now as a Pricing Analyst (don't ask what I do, I still don't explain it well!) with IDT Telecom. Despite thousands of e-mails and IMs, I still hadn't met most of the people I converse 'with' in the RoW (Rest of World) team. This past week changed that as many IDTers from countries as diverse as South Africa, Spain & Hong Kong were flown over to London for IDT Europe's Holiday party. It was fun to interact with them and discuss non-business related matters ... and also, it was rather nice to put faces on all these e-mail addresses & AIM names! I really enjoyed the week (always great to see the lil sis too) and think it will serve myself and our team well as we try and attain IDT's goals for the new quarter

*****

Despite not making it to Euro 2008, Israel had a very solid qualifying run. A lot of quality youngsters were introduced and the team tied England with 23 points. That strong finished improved Israel's ranking and allowed us to get an 'easier' draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. UEFA's Group B will include Greece (Euro 2004 Champions), Israel, Switzerland (boooo!!!!), Moldova, Latvia & Luxembourg. I think this is the most favorable group we've had in decades and we should manage to qualify from this group. Looking forward to it! Come on Israel!

The Office

Israel's IDT Telecom team has moved yet again. But this time, I'm thrilled with the move! Although it's only temporary, I've been given my own office! I've been working in the business world since I was 17 and this is the first time I've had the privilege to work in my own office. Not sure how long this will last, but while it does, I'm gonna enjoy it!



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A quick snippet from the political world:

Minister of Infrastructure and former Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) is the latest senior politician to admit that the 2005 Disengagement was a mistake.

Speaking in an interview with Radio L’lo Hafsaka, a regional radio station, Ben-Eliezer dropped the bombshell: "I admit and I confess that I was among those who strongly supported [former PM] Ariel Sharon [and the Disengagement]. Today I say, with my head held high, ‘We erred, we made a very big mistake.’”

Ben Eliezer did not say it was the withdrawal itself and abandonment of parts of the Land of Israel that was the problem, but rather the nature of the recipients of the territory. "Withdrawals can only work when the areas are handed over to responsible hands and rotted in agreements and international guarantees,” he explained. “Here we have a precedent - a territory we left turns into a base for terror - period."

Ben-Eliezer joins the long list (see the list in the article link) of doves who strongly supported the Disengagement and now realize what a mistake it was. Forget the fact that Hamas and their 'army' now control Gaza and continually bombard Israel's Negev towns with rockets (This is something we will suffer from until we launch a major offensive into Gaza, as many on both sides of the Israeli political spectrum are calling for - Ben-Eliezer included). Let's talk about now and Olmert's push to give up more land for 'peace' with a partner who's notable accomplishments include a thesis on the Holocaust 'myth' and the planning/financing of the 1972 Olympic Massacre, as well as the Ma'alot school butchering. Yah, let's follow the Left and chase 'peace' at any price! We can regret it later ... That will make it much better.

יהורם גאון - מעל פסגת הר הצופים

Found a great video of Yehoram Gaon's classic 'From on top of Mt Scopus', a powerful song about the eternal capital of the Jewish people:

"I dreamt to see, to win the right to see the light of your face ... Jerusalem"

This and That - Nov 1st, 2007

Arab MKs were crying 'Racism' again as the Knesset proposed laws that would not allow citizens of Israel to be MKs if they visit enemy states. This in my opinion has nothing to do with racism but only with common sense. Israelis, be it Jews Christians or Muslims, can visit Egypt and Jordan, both Arab states, but enemy states like Syria or Iran should be off-limits. I mean, what on earth would a 'loyal' Israeli have to look for in a state which promotes & finances Hamas' rocket barrages or a state that constantly talk of the eradication of Israel?

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I'm getting pretty down nowadays about the internal state of this country. Forget the regular border heat but why on earth does every day bring more news of stabbings, rapes, corruption and government scandals? Maybe I'm wrong, but I really feel that this is a new 'disease' for the country ... This isn't how Israel once was. It's just depressing honestly. Maybe I should follow Seth's routine and just not bother reading the newspapers anymore ...

***********

On another note, wouldn't it be nice if we had a prime minister who valued the importance of education for the Israeli youth?

***********

I started working out this week at IDT's gym. I haven't worked out since I was in Uni (2002) when I used to work out almost 5 times a week with Gary or Brian. The reason for the return to this routine is my friend's plan to start a Jerusalem rugby team. He's asked me to play, so I've decided to start getting into shape and give it a go. This will not be easy as I know very little of the game and I have a long, I stress long, way to get into shape but I look forward to the challenge on both fronts ...

***********

It's trivia time .... Why did Menacham Begin z'l always call the IDF 'צבא ישראל' and not 'צבא הגנה לישראל'?

A Light in the Darkness

A wonderful piece from AISH on a personal account of kindness bestowed upon 600 weary Israeli soldiers during last year's Lebanon War:

A year has passed but First Lieutenant M. has not forgotten the Second Lebanon War or his visit to Migdal Ohr.

"I remember the two weeks of near face-to-face combat, the confused orders and insufficient combat gear, the intense hunger, physical and emotional exhaustion and toughest of all, the self-imposed silence and disassociation with our surroundings. 'Now is not the right time to complain, but when it is over,' we thought to ourselves, 'when the air raid sirens stop and we are out of these fatigues, we can talk and the truth will be known.'"

When the news came that we were receiving a day off, our hearts soared. We suffered so much stress and hardship. Where would we go? How should we take full advantage of this gift?

Rumors begin to circulate that we were going to some school in Migdal Ha'Emek. "This must be a joke! Who ordered ten busses to bring us to some yeshiva with some Rabbi who is just going to try and brainwash us?"

Then a few of the guys remembered. "Rabbi Grossman, that's the Disco Rabbi right? The guys all give him great respect." But what do they know? He is still some rabbi.

Tired and emotionally drained, we got off the busses and stood face to face with an old-world looking Jew, complete with a white beard, side locks and long jacket. "So here it comes," I thought, "the push to put on tefillin or to say prayers together. Some day off."

"Boys," the rabbi's words thundered, "I suggest that first thing you do is take a dip in the pool and freshen up. In the meantime, we will make you something to eat."

In amazing simplicity Rabbi Grossman heard in passing that the brigade was looking for a home for a day, and he immediately volunteered his campus. "What's the problem? 600 soldiers? They should all come, of course we have room!"

With the echoes of war from the battlefield still in our ears, it seemed like a mirage or hallucination. Soft music came from everywhere and flowing water and greenery surrounded us. Within minutes the tables were set with cold refreshing watermelon, cakes, and beverages, followed by cheeses, fresh vegetables, and soft rolls.

Then we heard, "Out of the pool, get dressed and eat something." We saw piles of new undergarments. 600 new undershirts and underwear appeared as if out of nowhere, laid out on tables for our choosing.

Rabbi Grossman sat with us and laughed, "Have a good time boys! Have a great time! This evening, I will put on the most spectacular performance you have ever seen."

I am not a religious person by any means, but I can't help but envision the first Jew, Avraham, standing and personally serving his guests perfectly naturally and without the slightest hint of condescension. He respected each individual and cared for all their needs. Like Avraham, Rabbi Grossman saw in this an obvious act of kindness, a mission of a mitzvah that had fallen into his hands. As the evening continued we learned quickly that this was the essence of who Rabbi Grossman is and what he is all about. He loves everyone and accepts everyone as they are with all his heart and soul.

"Tell me friends," Rabbi Grossman said, "I heard you are lacking different pieces of equipment. Do me a favor. Here is a pencil and paper, just write down everything you are missing and leave the paper on the table."

That night, we enjoyed the entertainment and afterwards, slept in soft beds and air-conditioned rooms. Like in a fairytale, we awoke in the morning and could not believe our eyes. Mounds of gear which we so desperately needed had arrived at Migdal Ohr. Attached was a small note from Rabbi Grossman, "To my dear solders, from all my heart!"

Rabbi Grossman had personally raised over $60,000 worth of equipment from friends literally overnight! The essential equipment included ceramic bulletproof vests, helmets, canteens, knee pads, backpack water canteens, night vision goggles, toothbrushes, socks and more.

A few months before the war began Rabbi Grossman had been offered a new Torah scroll for the main Midgal Ohr study hall by a generous friend of his in France. For some reason Rabbi Grossman requested to postpone the event until an unspecified later date. Rabbi Grossman immediately made arrangements and in an early evening ceremony, we participated in the completion of writing the Torah. While the scroll was carefully laid on the table next to a special pen and ink, Rabbi Grossman addressed the soldiers.

"My holy ones! I am going to bestow upon you the merit of a holy mitzvah, which can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Each one of you will complete a letter in the Torah scroll. While you are executing this holy task, each one of you should pray the prayer of his heart and request from God that the merit of the letter he has completed will protect him in battle. Holy sparks will emanate from these sacred letters and disperse around you, creating a protective shield which will keep you safe and bring you home safely."

Those moments were the most exciting and emotional ones of my life. Shaking from the intensity of the immeasurable experience, still not believing, we held the edges of the Torah scroll while we felt our hearts beat rapidly. There was complete silence all around. One after the other, we dipped the quill in the ink and completed a letter in the Torah scroll.

A bystander would have seen a breathtaking scene of incredible elation and spiritual exuberance. The world seemed as if shrouded in silence. The strings of our hearts felt strummed and the tears flowed freely down our cheeks.

After the completion of the Torah, the ceremony continued. Leading the procession was a decorated car with multi-colored lights strung all over it and with a crown of lights spinning around on its roof. Following the car, bearers of a decorated canopy marched while people danced around it. Under the canopy, others held the Torah scroll, which was clothed in white and crimson with a silver crown at its top.

600 soldiers and thousands of the town residents marched and danced in the procession, a loudspeaker accompanying them, playing traditional Jewish music.

As the ceremony came to a close Rabbi Grossman approached every soldier and kissed him while placing a half-shekel coin in his hand and said "Messengers of a mitzvah are not harmed." Rabbi Grossman concluded, "When you return, God willing, healthy and unharmed, you will fulfill this mission I am placing upon you, and you will donate this money to charity."

A moment before they returned to Lebanon Rabbi Grossman told us, "In the merit that you said Shema and put on tefillin, wrote a letter in the Torah, and are messengers of a mitzvah, I promise you, that you will all return safe and sound. None of you will be wounded or killed."

Rabbi Grossman told the soldiers that the first place they must come back to -- before they go home -- is Migdal Ohr. "We will thank God together and from there we will say goodbye," he said. "Think of this as an emergency call-up. Do you accept?" the Rabbi asked and the commanding officer replied in the affirmative.

The night came. Twelve busses made their way atop the Galilee Mountains. Heavy darkness engulfed us, yet behind, in the growing distance, a bright flame pierced the night sky. In the midst of war and violence, we found love and unending human compassion at Migdal Ohr in the welcoming arms of Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman.

Footnote

Two weeks later around midnight, Rabbi Grossman received a phone call. "Rabbi, your blessing has come true!" exclaimed the commander over the phone. "Everyone is safe and we are on our way to you. We will be there by two in the morning." Rabbi Grossman immediately contacted the kitchen staff and asked them to prepare a meal while he worked to organize a band.

At 2:30 a.m. the soldiers disembarked from the busses, each one carrying 60 kilo of equipment on his back. The band started playing music and the soldiers approached Rabbi Grossman, each one lovingly received with a hug and a kiss. This continued for two hours. "I felt as I had never felt before," recalls Rabbi Grossman. "Each one told me his personal miracle."

After the warm reception, the soldiers recited a prayer of thanksgiving said by someone whose life has been saved, and together with Rabbi Grossman, they sang and danced until daybreak. "To this day," says Rabbi Grossman, "we maintain contact with each soldier and have
become one family."

Rabbi Grossman is a recipient of the "Award of Recognition" for his Actions on Behalf of Soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces and the Second Lebanon War.

Dedicated to England, Australia and New Zealand

Good Luck in 2011

South African Rugby
World Champions 1995 & 2007

Well Done Springboks!

BOKKE!

The week that was

This past week (Sunday through Thursday), I spent time learning more of my trade in IDT's London office. Unlike the trip I made there last November, this trip was more about continuing to develop myself within IDT's Telecom business. Just like the last time, I enjoyed London's delicious, readily available & copious supply of lamb while continually enjoying the wonderful manners on constant display throughout London. The trip bought back many good memories from the last time I was in London, with one in particular continually playing in my head. It was then my girlfriend (now the wife) met my parents for the first time. She had come over from Switzerland for a few hours to meet my parents, my sister and the extended family ... Besides it being a lovely time, it was there we both basically knew it was game, set and match.

I really had a good time during this 'long' four day trip. It was great to meet up with my cousins (Joc and Simone), and also catch up with some friends from Israel. I also had the pleasure of catching up with a good mate from Carmel College who I hadn't seen since 1994. Thanks to the wonders of Facebook, we had re-kindled our friendship and after seeing photos I had posted on the site, he recognized me at a restaurant and we laughed about years gone by with his expecting wife. Besides that, I enjoyed being back in the London office and talking face to face with people I work with on a daily basis.

London's IDT office has many Saffers (An affectionate name for South Africans living in London) and I was always discussing the upcoming Rugby World Cup final (South Africa vs England on Saturday night) with them. I will be watching the game with fellow South Africans, hoping that our Boks bring back the title we last won in 1995.

Come on BOKS!

Comedy Central pokes fun at Mearsheimer

courtesy of Jeremy Slavin

The Muhammad al-Dura Lie

The above image sent shock waves throughout the world. In the photo, Jamal Al-Dura cradles his 12 year old son, Muhammad Al-Dura, as blood thirsty Israeli soldiers fired to kill the two. That's at least what Talal Abu-Rahma, the cameraman, and France 2 wanted us to believe. Soon after the footage was shown however, questions (see below) started swirling around the supposed murder. On September 30th 2007, seven years after the horrific lie that provoked unseen bloodshed, Israel finally denied responsibility:

"The creation of the myth of Muhammad al-Dura has caused great damage to the State of Israel. This is an explicit blood libel against the state. And just as blood libels in the old days have led to pogroms, this one has also caused damage and dozens of dead. It turns out that the events could not have occurred as they were described by the network's reporter Charles Enderlin, since they contradict the laws of physics… Furthermore, it was not even possible to hit them (the boy and his father) in the place they were hiding according to the report."
Government Press Office director Daniel Seaman

The Controversy:

1. In a documentary on Germany's ARD Channel, Esther Shapiro interviewed Abu-Rahma. Rahma changed his stories regarding the bullet recovery, before claiming, "We have some secrets for ourselves ... We cannot give anything ... everything" (See the interviews in the clip below). Furthermore, Shapiro discovered that before ballistics could be done on the bullet holes behind the Al-Duras, the wall was destroyed.

2. France 2's footage only showed 59 seconds of 27 minutes of raw footage. During these long 59 seconds, Muhammad's death is not shown. The question must be asked, why only 59 seconds? In October 2004, three senior French journalists (Daniel Leconte, a former France 2 employee, Dennis Jeambar, the editor-in-chief of L'Express, and Luc Rosenzweig, a former editor-in-chief of Le Monde) viewed the 27 minutes of footage. Both Jeambar and Leconte said the scene didn't seem staged, but the 'agony' described by France 2 TV reporter Charles Enderlin did not exist. They both also noted that throughout the 27 minutes of footage, there was no scene of Muhammad's death.

4. The aforementioned Leconte would go even further in another interview, where he bluntly said, "The only ones who could hit the child were the Palestinians from their position. If they had been Israeli bullets, they would be very strange bullets because they would have needed to go around the corner"

5. On CBS's renowned '60 minutes', Yosef Duriel concurred with Leconte's views: "Al-Dura's death was staged with the aim of producing an image which would become a symbol and besmirch Israel's reputation around the world. Actors in the staged incident included Palestinian gunmen, a French television cameraman (who received "production instructions"), and the father Jamal al Dura ("who apparently didn't understand that the act would end in the murder of his son"). Duriel mentioned that the father can be seen gesturing to the photographer in the film."

The Aftermath

There is no way to undo the damage that Enderlin and Abu-Rahma did with their lies. The lives that were lost on both sides due to the furor this caused will never be restored. However, a few steps are being taken against the two starting with Shurat HaDin, the Israel Law Center, which is demanding that the Israeli press credentials of the pair be revoked. France 2's reputation and integrity was challenged by Philippe Karsenty, who called the original broadcast a fake. Although France 2 successfully sued Karsenty for libel (despite the public prosecutor recommending the court rule in his favor), the French judges in the case requested France 2 finally show the withheld 27 minute broadcast. Hopefully when the broadcast is screened next month, more of the truth will be revealed.

For more on the staging of Al-Dura's murder:



"The al-Dura incident wasn't the only media report to inflame passions against Israel in recent years, but it was the one with the highest profile. Moreover, if, as Karsenty and others have claimed persuasively, the al-Dura incident is part of the insidious trend in which Western media outlets allow themselves to be manipulated by dishonest and politically motivated sources, then France 2 must be held accountable."
Natan Sharansky, Jerusalem Post

'Good People in the Middle of the Way'

In the Israel of yesta-year, Israelis seemed to be willing to drop everything and help their fellow citizens out. The attitude, that most likely grew during the pioneers' building of the country on back breaking labor and brotherhood, was so 'common' that Israel's most famous songwriter, Neomi Shemer, wrote the famous song 'Good People in the Middle of the Way' (אנשים טובים באמצע הדרך). Fast forward to Israel 2007 and the attitude has sadly changed. Although still present within a lot of people in our country, Israel has slowly become like every other country - Helping others has become what friarim (Hebrew for suckers) do. Israel's leading rapper, Subliminal, honestly updated Shemer's chorus in one of his songs, 'But now there are no more good people in the middle of the way'. It's obviously not that bad but the point was made ... Us has become Me ... Which leads me to today's story ...

As we had Talya's mother's car, the wife & I decided we'd do an early shopping run this morning. As we both buckled in, the engine failed to start. We got out of the car and I started signalling drivers to stop so that I could ask them if they had cables and if they did, if they could help us re-start the car. A few disinterested drivers pretended not tos ee me, and a few others like us, had no cables. One did but was rushing home to his wife and baby - we didn't want him to stop. A few minutes later, a driver stopped for us. Reversing his car on a one way street, he was soon honked at by a Yemenite driver, "It's a one way street achi (Hebrew for 'my brother')." He responded, "I know, but I want to help them with their car." Within a few moments, both men were helping us. After the cables were connected, Talya tried with no success to start the car. By this time, a few cars approached our roadblock and suprisingly, no honking! One of the drives even popped out of his car to talk to his good friend, the driver who had originally stopped for us. The Yemenite man then decided to try his luck with the car and jumped in. Within moments, it started and he smiled, "You see, all it needed was a Yemenite's touch." With the car's battery re-charged, both men returned to their cars and proceeded on their ways with wishes of 'Shabbat Shalom'. At least there are still some 'good people along the way'.

Pastelicos ... The Tradition Continues

One of my favorite Sephardi dishes is pastelicos (or pastelikos), a traditional little meat pie that was eaten by the Jews of the Iberian peninsula before the Spanish Inquisition. Pastelicos are traditionally eaten on Rosh Ha'Shanna due to their round shape (for reasons why we eat 'rounded' pastelicos and round challot, click here).

Since I made aliyah, I have only eaten pastelicos twice - and both times were when I was in the US on vacation (2005 for the High Holidays and 2007 for my engagement party). So, this year I decided to ask the new Mrs. Piha to continue my family's traditions and help me make Pastelicos ... And here are a few pics from how the adventure went:

The menu used:


Making the Dough:


Rolling the dough into balls:


Making the 'cups':


Halfway there:


Ready to go to the oven:


Finished product:


Now granted, they don't look like my mom's but this was our first time making them! With time, and perhaps watching Mom or Auntie Monica making them, I'm sure we'll improve their looks! It isn't plastic surgery after all ... As for how good they taste, well, you'll have to ask me after Shabbat ...

Until then, Shanna Tova u'Metooka!

Shanna Tova - שנה טובה

I would just like to wish all of my readers who are celebrating a Shanna Tova u'Metooka. May this new year bless us all with happiness, health, fulfillment and only good news.

שנה טובה ומתוקה לכולם

The Headlines read

Today's Haaretz's headline:

Gov`t source: Israel plans to release 100 Fatah prisoners for Ramadan

By The Associated Press

Israel intends to release from prison 100 members of Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction as part of U.S.-backed efforts to bolster him, an Israeli government source said on Tuesday



and in another world, I'd dream of reading ....

German Source: Hezbollah plans to release 2 Israeli soldiers for Rosh Ha'Shannah

By The Associated Press

Hezbollah intends to release from captivity 2 members of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Kadima faction as part of U.S.-backed efforts to bolster him, a German government source said on Tuesday

Operation Thunderbolt

"We asked the soldiers, 'Why do you look sad?' We've told them you've done one of the most heroic deeds in military history, which will probably be studied in military academies for many many years"
"Yes, but our leader was killed"

A very good 6 part documentary about the Entebbe Raid:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Relentless

Relentless - The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East (by HonestReporting.com)

Who's doing the Carrying?

Two days ago, a good friend of mine at work asked me to pray for our mutual friend who had sadly miscarried. I spoke with her elder brother, a good friend, last night and heard a deeply concerned sibling just hoping for good news. Today, I was further updated and I myself was taken aback by the event. My friend had not only miscarried but had nearly died after losing 1.5 liters of blood. In an 'attempt' to bring life into this world, this vibrant, wonderful 21 year old was almost taken away from her family & friends.

The bus ride home today gave me a lot of time to think. Having a family is something that Talya & I very much want - and these kind of stories scare me, no one is immune from the possibility. It takes millions of processes in order to bring a healthy child to this world - one thing goes wrong, and the pregnancy is in jeopardy. Who's in control? I think some people want to think that we're in control of our destiny. Many actually manage to convince themselves that they are in fact in control. When it comes down to it, I think we're all very well aware that we're not ...

You know you're married when ...

You know you're married when you come home Friday afternoon and you mop the apartment in preparation for Shabbat, or you take leftovers (which I love) to work for lunch instead of making (well she now helps with that task too) sandwiches. Just a few of the 'minor' changes in my weekly routine which have definitely ushered in the new stage in life. The apartment is coming along nicely. We still need to buy a few pieces of furniture and other items but overall, Talya & I are both very happy with how everything is going so far. It's been a rather smooth transition into married life so far and lets hope that continues.

I spent Shabbat lunch with Talya's mother and younger siblings. Avi, the latest addition to the IDF's Nachal brigade, bought along two army friends. One, a 22 year old religious Jew from Cleveland, had studied with Avi in the Gush and was now volunteering for the army before returning to the States before his aliyah. The other, a 25 year old secular Jew from Indiana, had become extremely involved in Israel activism during his tenure at Indiana University before deciding Israel was the only place for him. Talking to him reminded me a lot of my time at Binghamton and it made me feel good (sheesh, I have been here a long time if I'm saying this!) to see the next generation of Zionists staking their claim to our joint dream and future.

A Different Goodbye

As I said goodbye to my teary eyed parents today, I walked away from a different goodbye. It wasn't like the goodbyes at Carmel, which left a scared and unsure 12 year old in a foreign British boarding school environment. Nor was it like the goodbyes at Binghamton, where an 18 year old went searching for his place in this world and knew that he'd see his family every few months at the most. It wasn't comparable to the goodbyes before a confident & sure 22 year old made aliyah. This was just different. Waiting for me as I said goodbye to my dear family was the woman of my dreams, my dear wife. As I smiled sadly to her, we started to make our way back home. Family has always been an integral part of my life but knowing that this new addition to the Piha family was waiting there to comfort me softened the 'blow' of saying goodbye to my wonderful parents & siblings.

This past week has been unreal. I don't have any words to do justice to the wedding - it was quite simply a fantastic event and celebration of our love for each other. The week of food and quality family time was wonderful and I can honestly say it has been one of the best weeks of my life. As things settle down, Talya and I are beginning to take the first baby steps of our joint adventure here in Israel. I am looking forward to it ...