Pascal Sacrifice ‘Exercise’ Yields Majestic Street Theater in Preparation for Passover, Redemption

Posted on: April 3rd, 2012

The air at the event in Jerusalem was rife with the kind of excitement one finds in rock concerts. The thick crowd pushed, shoved, pressed, retreated temporarily, then pushed as relentlessly and eagerly as before. If the core idea of the entire event was to urge our Redemption from above by starting it down below, then this one had to have cut through a whole bunch of "klipot."

International Harpsichordist Ordered to Remove Mezuzah from her Doorpost

Posted on: April 1st, 2012

Barbara Cadranel, a renowned harpsichordist who delights audiences around the world with her unique interpretation of Baroque as well as contemporary music, says she's feeling "violated." The attorney for her Condo Association says his client permits residents to display religious objects on the outside of their doors, but not on "the frame around the door." One neighbor suggested the mezuzah could be a fire hazard…

Video: London Mayor Wannabe Will Make London ‘Beacon’ of Islam

Posted on: March 21st, 2012

Speaking at last Friday's prayer at the North London Central Mosque, also known as Finsbury Park Mosque—and formerly controlled by convicted terrorist recruiter Abu Hamza al-Masri—Ken Livingstone, the Labor party's candidate for mayor of London, pledged to "educate the mass of Londoners" about Islam.

French, Israeli, ZAKA Volunteers Secured Full Jewish Burial in Israel for Toulouse Victims

Posted on: March 20th, 2012

The bodies of the four victims of yesterday’s shooting attack at the Otzar Hatorah school in Toulouse will be flown back to Israel for burial later Tuesday night, arriving in Israel at 4 a.m. local time. The funeral is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. in Jerusalem. “The Jewish community in France is still in shock and cannot fully comprehend the scope of the disaster.”

Pro-Palestinian ‘Flytila’ Busted; 43 Refused Entry, 12 Returned, 31 Detained, 9 Israelis Detained

Posted on: April 15th, 2012

The latest Israeli Police figures: 43 activists altogether have been detained at Ben Gurion airport. Out of this number, 31 were transported to the Givon detention facility for processing and 12 were put on returning flights. Nine Israeli activists waving pro-Palestinian banners were detained for questioning.

NY Post Spreading Misinformation, Jew Baiting Humor

Posted on: April 15th, 2012

An April 13 short item on the number of inmates in the NYC jail system who receive kosher meals was headlined: "20 inmates fat on glatt." Now, is this a suggestion that City jail kosher meals be made more healthful, perhaps with larger salad portions and less fatty, albeit kosher, meat – or was this a callused NY Post insult to Jewish criminals who are so insolent, they won't even eat pig like a decent Christian convict?

Israel Fighting Flytilla Battle with Commercial Muscle and Irony

Posted on: April 15th, 2012

Israeli security forces are preparing for a "fly-in" of as many as 2000 pro-Palestinian provocateurs, who will be trying to push their way in front of the cameras at Ben Gurion airport on Sunday. Those activists who will make it through, coming in mostly from Europe, will be turned around and sent right back to their ports of origin, but not before being handed a leaflet expressing the sentiments of their brief hosts.

This Just In: Warner’s ‘Maccabees’ Suspended, Mel Gibson Stil Hates Jews

Posted on: April 12th, 2012

In an explosive letter, Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas ("Basic Instinct," "Jagged Edge") writes Mel Gibson, Joe is accusing Mel of “hating Jews” and of using him to deflect his anti-Semitic reputation. Eszterhas wrote that Gibson, the director of a sadomasochistic flick about how the Jews killed you-know-who, never actually intended to make the movie about Jewish heroism, titled “The Maccabees.”

Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Traditional Coconut Pyramids

Posted on: May 1st, 2012

Here's the text that accompanies this image on the Pentagon-run website DefenseImagery.mil: "During the Holocaust Days of Remembrance U.S. Air Force Capt. Jennifer McGee, with the 12th Contracting Squadron, helps Madison Angelito and Alex Barner make coconut pyramids, a traditional Jewish dessert, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas." There are Days of Remembrance? More than one? Needs checking. Also: traditional Jewish coconut pyramids? Whose tradition? Help...

US Pediatric Doctor Favors Female Circumcision

Posted on: April 30th, 2012

Dr. Hatem al-Haj, PhD, MD, a senior committee member of the Association of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), has recently published a 41-page Arabic-language paper titled "Circumcision of Girls: Jurisprudence and Medicine," explaining why female circumcision is recommended and even "an honor" for women.

Video: Bea Abrams Cohen – California’s Oldest Female Veteran

Posted on: April 30th, 2012

Bea Abrams Cohen, who turned 102 in February, believes in mitzvahs. "Pay back. It works," she told the LA Times. Bea enlisted during World War II and worked for more than seventy years supporting the U.S. military and charity organizations.

Cartoon Rehab: It’s Miller Time, Sort Of

Posted on: April 29th, 2012

Today's cartoon is from Al-Watan (Qatar), from way back in May 13, 2003. The U.S. and Israel are shown eating from two sides of an apple that represents “the Arab states.” According to the middle-east-info.org, where we found it, this cartoon is noteworthy because it was published in Qatar, home to the Al Jazeera TV network. Qatar is considered by many in the U.S. State Department to be a U.S. ally and a relatively moderate state.

Iran to SC: Blame Israel for Absolutely Everything

Posted on: February 23rd, 2012

On occasion it's nice to read good things about one's country, reflected through the eyes of a sworn enemy. If half of what Iran's UN ambassador Mohammad Khazaee told the UN Security Council about Israeli covert operations, cyber warfare, psychological war and assassination of nuclear scientists is true, then we should sleep quietly tonight…

Israel Approves 695 New Housing Units in Sister Settlements Shilo and Shvut Rachel

Posted on: February 22nd, 2012

Two settlements in Samaria will be celebrating a modest expansion with Wednesday's decision to add nearly 700 housing units to an area where so much Jewish blood has been spilled. Now wait for it… wait for it… international condemnations!

Jewish Children Attacked on Mount of Olives Before Jerusalem Day

Posted on: May 20th, 2012

A group of Jewish children and their parents were targeted in a fierce rock attack Friday night outside the Maale HaZeitim neighborhood in Jerusalem, miraculously escaping serious injury. Jerusalem police who arrived to investigate were also pelted with stones – and left.

Egyptian Candidates Run on Hate for Israel

Posted on: May 20th, 2012

Animosity toward Israel is playing a significant role in the Egyptian presidential race, according to a report by Reuters.

Jewish Birthrate Exceeds Arab in Jerusalem

Posted on: May 20th, 2012

The Jewish birthrate per capita of Jewish mothers in Jerusalem is now higher than that of Arab women in Israel’s capital city.

Israel’s Left Calling for Abolition of Jerusalem Day

Posted on: May 19th, 2012

According to the Israeli extreme left, Jerusalem Day is "a holiday only to settlers and racists, who get a license to provoke and harass Palestinians." In the march of Jerusalem Day, tens of thousands of Israelis go from the western part of the capital through the Muslim Quarter, ending in front of the Wailing Wall. The parade has received the greatest amount of criticism on the Left.

Russia Indemnfies Iran After Reneging on Deal for S-300 Air-Defense Systems

Posted on: May 9th, 2012

According to the contract signed in 2007, Russia committed to supplying Iran with at least five S-300 air-defense systems. But Russian President Dmitry Medvedev declared in September 2010 that selling the missile systems to Iran would contravene UN Security Council Resolution 1929.

Egyptian Justice Ministry suggests minimum 10 year sentence for intentionally misquoting Koran

Posted on: May 9th, 2012

Parliamentary committee approves tougher punishment for 'distorting' Quran.

ICG: Current Peace Process Based on Delusions, Will Never Bring Peace

Posted on: May 8th, 2012

A report titled "The Emperor Has No Clothes: Palestinians and the End of the Peace Process" was issued this week by the International Crisis Group, asking: "Does anybody still believe in the Middle East Peace Process?" It claims the current process, even if it yields some local progress, "will not bring about a durable and lasting peace.

Thousands of French Jews Consider Aliyah

Posted on: May 7th, 2012

Some 5,000 French Jews participated in an aliyah fair in Paris. The fair, organized and run by the Jewish Agency, took place on the Sunday of Francois Hollande's election as their new president, beating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy—the Jewish community's favorite. A recent poll found that 26 percent of those surveyed said they have considered emigrating due to French anti-Semitism.

Modiin Mall Flooded

Posted on: November 14th, 2011

Modiin Mall flooded.

US Pressure on Building Freeze, PA State After Knesset Remix

Posted on: May 11th, 2012

Early this week, the Obama administration was ready to give up on its "haggling" with Netanyahu's government, abandoning its effort to renew the freezing of Jewish settlement construction. Then came the Netanyahu-Mofaz deal, guaranteeing the PM the support of 94 MKs. Hours later, a call came from Secretary of State Clinton, urging Netanyahu to use his new clout to advance the two-state solution.

A First Since Hamas Rule: Gaza Has A Waitress

Posted on: May 10th, 2012

Hamas's Islamic Endowment Ministry has been known to deploy a special committee known as the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to enforce Muslim codes of behavior. Members preach at public places to warn of the dangers of immodest dress, card playing and dating.

ICG: Current Peace Process Based on Delusions, Will Never Bring Peace

Posted on: May 8th, 2012

A report titled "The Emperor Has No Clothes: Palestinians and the End of the Peace Process" was issued this week by the International Crisis Group, asking: "Does anybody still believe in the Middle East Peace Process?" It claims the current process, even if it yields some local progress, "will not bring about a durable and lasting peace.

Hamas Senior Official: Palestinians Don’t Come from Palestine

Posted on: May 7th, 2012

Hamas Official: "Who are the Palestinians? We have many families whose roots are Egyptians! We are Egyptians. We are Arabs. We are Muslims. We are a part of you".

American Hostage Pleads with Obama To Free Al-Qaeda, Taliban Prisoners

Posted on: May 7th, 2012

Warren Weinstein, an American humanitarian aid worker kidnapped by al-Qaeda  begged US President Barack Obama to free all al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners in US detention camps, and end airstrikes against forces in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia in exchange for his freedom. Weinstein, 71 of Rockville, Maryland, was kidnapped August 13, 2011, while in Lahore, [...]

Iran Campaign Targeting Israel as Global Nuclear Threat

Posted on: May 6th, 2012

Press TV, Iran's television network, broadcasting in English round-the-clock, on Sunday published an interview with Mark Glenn, of The Crescent and Cross Solidarity movement, who said that Israel is the only regime that “has threatened to take the entire world down in a nuclear Armageddon in the instance that her precious experiments in Jewish self-rule in the Middle East ceases to materialize.”

Senator Kerry in Talks with Muslim Brothers Presidential Candidate

Posted on: May 2nd, 2012

Senator John Kerry, head of the Senate foreign relations committee, arrived in Cairo Tuesday evening, as part of his tour of the region, to hold talks with Egyptian officials about the "democratic transformation" of Egypt. Kerry will meet with Muslim Brotherhood presidential candidate and head of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Mohamed Mursi, at the FJP headquarters on Wednesday.

Egyptian-Israeli Tensions Rise

Posted on: April 25th, 2012

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is facing the grim prospect of witnessing the 33-year-old Egyptian-Israeli peace agreement unravel as the rise of radical Islamic political parties in Cairo and unchecked Bedouin terrorist activities across the Sinai Peninsula – which have included sabotaging a gas pipeline to Israel – threaten to create a new political and military crisis between the two countries and throughout the Middle East.

Netanyahu Calls for New Election, Lieberman Wants Delay

Posted on: May 7th, 2012

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Likud Party convention called for a four-month election campaign. Meanwhile, coalition partner Yisrael Beiteinu called for a delay of the Knesset dissolution to allow the government to pass its bill ordering mandatory enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces for all Israeli citizens.

Exclusive: New Yorker Gideon Ariel Running Against Netanyahu for President of Likud Convention

Posted on: May 6th, 2012

UPDATE: About 100 Likud Central Committee members have been refused entrance into the hall where the vote on the next President of the Likud convention is to be held. Police say the Exhibition Gardens hall in north Tel Aviv is too small for the number of committee members who are entitled to come in and vote.

Likud Moves to Dissolve Knesset, Eyes Sept. 4 Election

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

The Likud Party, which leads the ruling coalition, has submitted a bill to dissolve the current Knesset and is pushing for new elections on Sept. 4.

Netanyahu, Liberman, Prepare for Election Day Battle Over Haredi Draft

Posted on: May 1st, 2012

After the Israeli Supreme Court struck down the Tal Law, which sought to encourage over time the inclusion of Haredim in military service, the court, for all intents and purposes, has required the state to draft some 60,000 Haredi youths this August. As Knesset factions are preparing for new, early national elections, Haredi enlistment will likely serve as the battle field where many voters' choices will be made.

US Pressure on Building Freeze, PA State After Knesset Remix

Posted on: May 11th, 2012

Early this week, the Obama administration was ready to give up on its "haggling" with Netanyahu's government, abandoning its effort to renew the freezing of Jewish settlement construction. Then came the Netanyahu-Mofaz deal, guaranteeing the PM the support of 94 MKs. Hours later, a call came from Secretary of State Clinton, urging Netanyahu to use his new clout to advance the two-state solution.

Obama Endorses Same-Sex Marriage; Rabbis Debate Homosexuality

Posted on: May 9th, 2012

President Obama on Wednesday went on the record with a statement that he now supports same-sex marriage, a reversal of his longstanding opposition. While US public opinion on this issue has seemingly reached a point of no return, the debate within Orthodox Judaism has centered on accepting gays rather than legitimizing the gay agenda. But a few cracks have appeared even in that wall.

The Morning After: Israel’s Political System Shaken, Stirred, Realigned

Posted on: May 8th, 2012

The stealth move by Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Shaul Mofaz was a reunification of the 2005 Likud. Joining forces, they are close to realizing the dream of every Israeli premier, to rule without partners. But the new coalition deal means decidedly sobering news for Israel's two major religious camps - the Haredim and the settlement movement.

Netanyahu Wins, Knesset Dissolved

Posted on: May 7th, 2012

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on Monday submitted a bill to dissolve the 18th Knesset and call for early elections, which was passed by the House Committee vote of 13 to 4. The move was designed to undermine Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's attempt to promote his bill calling for drafting Haredi citizens.

Journalist: Secular Fear of Haredim Drove Court’s Rule on Service Deferments

Posted on: February 22nd, 2012

Journalist and radio host Israel Gelis offers the Haredi point of view on the Supreme Court's decision to kill the Tal Law, which served as a moderate avenue for Haredim to join modern Israeli society, while holding on to their unique values.

Tzohar Rabbis Recall the Breaking of a Heifer’s Neck, Atoning for a Disturbing Death

Posted on: February 17th, 2012

Tzohar Chairman Rabbi David Stav arrived Thursday morning with a minyan of Rabbis near the entrance to Kibbutz HaZore'a, where they conducted a prayer, calling on everyone to take greater care when driving, and protesting the deep moral offense of a hit-and-run driver who left a young female soldier for dead.

Govt. Minister Pledges No More Settlement Evacuations

Posted on: February 16th, 2012

The law commemorating the destruction of Jewish life in Gaza by Israel's government yields heartfelt responses from Israeli official and schools on Gush Katif day.

Supreme Court Decision Causes Collapse of High Rabbinic Court

Posted on: February 16th, 2012

The law of unintended consequences hits Jews waiting for the Rabbinate's decisions, following what was considered an egalitarian ruling of the Supreme Court.

Lockerbie Bomber Dies in Libya

Posted on: May 21st, 2012 at 10:01AM

A former Libyan intelligence officer sentenced to life in prison for his role in bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, has died in a Libyan prison. He was 60.

At Least 50 Thousand Haredim Assemble to Decry Dangers of the Internet

Posted on: May 21st, 2012 at 7:04AM

More than 50,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men packed Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, on Sunday, for the Asifa, a gathering decrying the dangers of the Internet. Organizers have also rented the nearby Arthur Ashe Stadium for the overflow crowd. Event spokesman Eytan Kobre said the group wants to teach families how to use technology responsibly.

With Scattered Arab Protests, 30,000 Israelis March Through Jerusalem

Posted on: May 21st, 2012 at 6:26AM

At least 30,000 people participated in the Jerusalem Day parade known as the Dance of the Flags, interrupted by some clashes between marchers and Arab protesters.

Honenu Reports: Violent Police Pull Earlocks in Ramat Migron Arrests

Posted on: May 21st, 2012 at 12:07AM

Despite a court decision, police announced that the site was under a closed military zone order and the resident youths must leave. Simultaneously, policemen began to attempt to grab some of the youths. According to people on the scene, during the arrests police pulled on the boys' earlocks and were otherwise extremely violent.

Vatican Rep Wants Alliance With Jews, Muslims, to Combat Gay Marriage

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

A Vatican representative has issued a call for the world’s foremost religions to unite to take a stand against gay marriage. Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the “Apostolic Nuncio” (Vatican representative) to Great Britain has proposed enlisting the help of all Christian denominations, as well as Jews and Muslims, to oppose the proposition of legalizing gay marriage [...]

Jewish NFL Lineman Heads to Cleveland

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

For the Jewish community in Ohio, the newest Cleveland Browns lineman is also a landsman. Mitchell Schwartz will arrive in Cleveland on Thursday, May 10 for the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp, having been chosen as the 37th pick in last week’s NFL Draft. In an interview with Cleveland Jewish News, the 22 year-old Brown said [...]

NY Jews Lay Mitzvahs on Thick, Break World Record

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

Members of the UJA-Federation of New York set a Guinness World Record on April 29 for assembling the greatest number of sandwiches for the needy in one hour. The mitzvah-slathered soiree took place at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights and involved 100 volunteers from the local Jewish community, 3,320 slices of bread, and gobs [...]

Poll: Obama Winning Back Jews

Posted on: May 2nd, 2012

Jewish support for President Obama has improved significantly in the last year and a half, according to a new survey by the American Jewish Committee .

Skverer Rebbe’s Butler Facing 5-10 Years for Arson Attack

Posted on: April 15th, 2012

Shaul Spitzer, 18, who used to be the Skverer Rebbe's Butler, is facing 5-10 years for first-degree assault in his attack on Aron Rottenberg in May, 2011, in New Square, NY. Rottenberg was attacked because he chose not to pray at New Square's main synagogue, under the leadership of the Skverer Rebbe.

NY Post Spreading Misinformation, Jew Baiting Humor

Posted on: April 15th, 2012

An April 13 short item on the number of inmates in the NYC jail system who receive kosher meals was headlined: "20 inmates fat on glatt." Now, is this a suggestion that City jail kosher meals be made more healthful, perhaps with larger salad portions and less fatty, albeit kosher, meat – or was this a callused NY Post insult to Jewish criminals who are so insolent, they won't even eat pig like a decent Christian convict?

‘The Unchosen Ones,’ New Reality TV Show, Will Follow Dropout Hasidim

Posted on: April 10th, 2012

This reality show we'll watch. Producer Noah Scheinmann has been pitching to the networks (with some early interest) a new reality TV show with the working title "The Unchosen Ones." He says it's less about religion and more about the culture shock that the main characters—two men and two women—face after leaving the insular Ultra Orthodox Jewish community.

Met Council and NYC Food Bank Launch Virtual Food Drive for Passover

Posted on: April 3rd, 2012

This Passover season, more than 100,000 Jewish families in NYC will find themselves struggling to put food on the table, according to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. Many households have lived through job loss, dwindling savings and maxed-out credit cards. Met Council and the Food Bank For New York City, two of New York [...]

Demolition Babies

Posted on: May 13th, 2012

Israeli children playing in the Ulpana Hill neighborhood of Beit El in Judea and Samaria. The Israeli government is looking for ways to sidestep a ruling by the Supreme Court to demolish Ulpana before July 1, following a land ownership dispute between Arab sellers more than a decade ago. The proclivity of Israel’s leftist legal [...]

Mekhi Phifer (‘ER’) Checks Out the Cobra

Posted on: May 11th, 2012

Mekhi Phifer is no stranger to fake action, having portrayed Dr. Greg Pratt on NBC’s medical drama “ER,” FBI agent Ben Reynolds on Fox’s “Lie to Me,” and CIA agent Rex Matheson in “Torchwood: Miracle Day.” This week, Mekhi had a rare opportunity to try the reral thing, on a vist to an IAF base [...]

Bonfires of the Faithful

Posted on: May 10th, 2012

Jews of every age and religious denomination across Israel celebrated the holiday of Lag Ba’Omer Wednesday night lighting bonfires and celebrating. The holiday commemorates the end of a plague which decimated thousands in Eretz Israel in the Second Century. The day is also accepted as the yahrzeit of Talmudic sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Arab Children with Cancer Meet Alpine Soldiers on Mt. Hermon

Posted on: May 8th, 2012

Last year, Arab children diagnosed with cancer visited Israel’s only ski resort located in Mt. Hermon, in northern Israel. The children, accompanied by parents and family, enjoyed the snow and slopes along with IDF soldiers from the Alpine Unit. Their trip to the Hermon was made possible by Israeli Civil Administration, which coordinates civilian and [...]

House Rejects Iran ‘Containment,’ Ignoring Peace Now Plea

Posted on: May 16th, 2012

The House on Tuesday approved a non-binding resolution that "strongly supports United States policy to prevent the government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability," and expresses "opposition to any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat." Americans for Peace Now urged members of Congress to "vote NO or PRESENT."

House Overwhelmingly Passes Enhanced Israel Cooperation Bill, Ron Paul Votes Against

Posted on: May 10th, 2012

The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 passed by a vote of 411-2. In addition to expanding military cooperation between the two countries, the legislation states that it will be U.S. policy to provide Israel with essential military capabilities to preserve its qualitative military edge in the region.

Obama Endorses Same-Sex Marriage; Rabbis Debate Homosexuality

Posted on: May 9th, 2012

President Obama on Wednesday went on the record with a statement that he now supports same-sex marriage, a reversal of his longstanding opposition. While US public opinion on this issue has seemingly reached a point of no return, the debate within Orthodox Judaism has centered on accepting gays rather than legitimizing the gay agenda. But a few cracks have appeared even in that wall.

Maurice Sendak, 83, Where the Wild Things Are

Posted on: May 9th, 2012

Maurice Sendak, winner of numerous literary awards for children’s book writing and illustration, and author of classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are, passed away Tuesday at the age of 83. Born in Brooklyn to Holocaust survivors Sadie and Philip Sendak, Maurice gained acclaim at the age of 35 for authoring and illustrating Where [...]