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Monday, Apr. 11 '16, Nissan 3, 5776
HEADLINES:
1. AMAZING DISCOVERY SHOWS ANCIENT ISRAEL WAS GLOBAL GLASS PRODUCER
2. REPORT: US TO ABSTAIN IN PA-SPONSORED ANTI-ISRAEL UN RESOLUTION
3. IDF PREPARES TO DEMOLISH HOME OF ROSH HASHANA TERRORIST
4. IRAN BACKTRACKS ON S-300 MISSILE RECEPTION
5. BRUSSELS TERROR CELL INITIALLY TARGETED EURO 2016 TOURNAMENT
6. SMART CLEANER: HOW TO SURVIVE PASSOVER
7. JORDANIAN KING TO REFURBISH JESUS' TOMB IN JERUSALEM
8. ON 2ND ISRAEL VISIT, KEVIN COSTNER DISMISSES BDS
1. AMAZING DISCOVERY SHOWS ANCIENT ISRAEL WAS GLOBAL GLASS PRODUCER
by Arutz Sheva Staff
[youtube:2014356]
The oldest glass kilns ever discovered in Israel were unearthed at the foot of Mount Carmel near Haifa - exposing an ancient, global glass-production center which serviced the entire Roman Empire.
The extraordinary archaeological discovery was revealed during an Israel Antiquities Authority excavation prior to the construction of a road being built at the initiative of the Netivei Israel Company. During the excavation, carried out as part of the Jezreel Valley Railway Project between Ha-'Emekim Junction and Yagur Junction, remains of the oldest kilns in Israel were discovered, where commercial quantities of raw glass were produced.
These kilns are roughly 1,600 years old (dating to the Late Roman period), and indicate that the Land of Israel was one of the foremost centers for glass production in the ancient world.
The kilns that were exposed right next to the train tracks. Photo: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority.
According to Yael Gorin-Rosen, head curator of the Israel Antiquities Authority Glass Department, "This is a very important discovery with implications regarding the history of the glass industry both in Israel and in the entire ancient world."
"We know from historical sources dating to the Roman period that the Valley of Akko was renowned for the excellent quality sand located there, which was highly suitable for the manufacture of glass," she added. "Chemical analyses conducted on glass vessels from this period which were discovered until now at sites in Europe and in shipwrecks in the Mediterranean basin have shown that the source of the glass is from our region.
"Now, for the first time, the kilns have been found where the raw material was manufactured that was used to produce this glassware."
Small fragments of the raw glass as they were found at the site. Photo: Shmuel Magal, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority.
The excavation of the kilns has caused great excitement in recent weeks among glass researchers throughout the world, some of whom have come especially to Israel in order to see this discovery first hand.
Professor Ian Freestone of the University College London, who specializes in identifying the chemical composition of glass, described the find as "a sensational discovery."
"It is of great significance for understanding the entire system of the glass trade in antiquity," Freestone said. "This is evidence that Israel constituted a production center on an international scale; hence its glassware was widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean and Europe."
Glass fragments found at the site. Photo: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority
This enormously important site was discovered by chance last summer by archaeologist Abdel Al-Salam Sa'id, an inspector with the Israel Antiquities Authority. While overseeing infrastructure work being conducted on the new railway line from Haifa to the east, Sa'id suddenly observed chunks of glass, a floor and an ash layer inside a trench. He immediately halted construction work at the site and began preparations for an archaeological excavation, the important results of which are now evident.
According to Sa'id, "We exposed fragments of floors, pieces of vitrified bricks from the walls and ceiling of the kilns, and clean raw glass chips. We were absolutely overwhelmed with excitement when we understood the great significance of the find."
The kilns that were revealed consisted of two built compartments: a firebox where kindling was burnt to create a very high temperature, and a melting chamber in which the raw materials for the glass (clean beach sand and salt) were inserted and melted together at a temperature of 1,200 C degrees. The materials were heated for a week or two until enormous chunks of raw glass were produced, some of which weighed in excess of ten tons. At the end of the manufacturing process the kilns were cooled; the large glass chunks that were manufactured were broken into smaller pieces and were sold to workshops where they were melted again in order to produce glassware.
Excavation director Abdel Al-Salam Sa'id examining one of the glass chunks found in the area. Photo: Shmuel Magal, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority.
During the Early Roman period the use of glass greatly expanded due to its characteristics: its transparency, beauty, the delicacy of the vessels and the speed with which they could be produced by blowing – an inexpensive technique adopted at the time that lowered production costs. Glass was used in almost every household from the Roman period onward, and it was also utilized in the construction of public buildings in the form of windows, mosaics and lighting fixtures. Consequently, large quantities of raw glass were required which were prepared on an industrial scale in specialized centers. The installation that was discovered in the excavation is an example of one of these ancient production facilities.
According to a price edict circulated by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the early fourth century CE, there were two kinds of glass: the first was known as Judean glass (from the Land of Israel) and the second was Alexandrian glass (from Alexandria, Egypt). Judean glass was a light green color and less expensive than Egyptian glass. The question was: Where were the centers that manufactured this Judean glass that was a branded product known throughout the Roman Empire, and whose price was engraved on stone tablets so as to ensure fair trade?
The current discovery completes the missing link in the research and indicates the location where the famous Judean glass was produced.
In a few months time the public will be able to see this discovery first-hand when it will be exhibited at the "Carmel Zvulun" Regional High school, in the Zevulun Regional Council.
Fragments of glass discovered at the site Photo: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority.
Glass production kilns that date to the sixth or early seventh century CE were previously found at Apollonia in Herzliya and dated from some 200 years later than the current discovery. The largest glass production facility from antiquity that has been found so far was exposed in the Bet Eliezer neighborhood in Hadera where it was dated to the seventh/eighth centuries CE, and the latest evidence we have of glass production in the country was revealed at Bet She'arim (next to Khirbat 'Asafna), dated to the late eighth and early ninth centuries CE.
The kilns that were just recently found are the earliest ones to be discovered so far in Israel. What's more, their relatively good state of preservation will make it possible to better understand the production process. Researchers now hope that by means of its chemical composition they will be able to trace the export of the glass throughout the Roman Empire.
The raw glass industry at Khirbat 'Asafna was part of an extensive industrial zone where there were oil presses, wine presses and a glassware workshop which was excavated in the 1960's by an American archaeological expedition.
Researchers from overseas who came to Israel to get a first-hand impression of the discovery. Professor Ian Freestone of the University College London appears in the picture. Photo: Shmuel Magal, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority.
2. REPORT: US TO ABSTAIN IN PA-SPONSORED ANTI-ISRAEL UN RESOLUTION
by Nitsan Keidar
US President Barack Obama may manipulate a vote over the Palestinian Authority (PA)'s UN resolution condemning Israeli "settlements" to boost his own legacy, White House sources said Monday.
Obama is allegedly willing to remain silent on the vote in order to further his own agenda in the Middle East, officials said, and instead, promote his own outline for a series of US-led talks.
Such talks, the sources claimed, would include a "two-state solution" and concessions from both Israel and the PA.
Israeli officials have yet to respond to the reports.
The PA resolution intends to clarify the Security Council position on "settlements," PA Ambassador Riyad Mansour said Friday, and utilizes input from several Arab countries; Egypt is expected to take the lead if the draft resolution is presented for a vote.
Speaking to The Associated Press (AP) on Sunday, PA Foreign Minister Riad Malki said the hope is that Obama, freed of re-election concerns, will break with American protocol and refrain from vetoing the resolution.
"There are indications that President Barack Obama may try to put a basis for a new era regarding the Palestinian-Israeli issue before leaving the White House after his achievements in Iran and Cuba," Malki told the news agency.
"Thus the U.S. administration may surprise Israel by voting in favor of a Palestinian resolution or at least not to use the veto against it," he added.
3. IDF PREPARES TO DEMOLISH HOME OF ROSH HASHANA TERRORIST
by Arutz Sheva Staff
IDF forces and Israel Police prepared Monday morning the demolition of the home of terrorist Abed Mahmoud Abed Rabo Dawiat, 20, one of the four terrorists accused of hurling rocks at Alexander Levlovich's car on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, resulting in his death.
Initially, all four of the terrorists' homes were due to be demolished, but the Israeli Supreme Court last week accepted petitions against demolishing the houses of three terrorists since they were only charged with manslaughter and not murder.
However, the petition against terrorist Abed Dawiat was rejected as he was accused of throwing the specific rock which led to the 64-year-old grandfather's death by causing him to lose control and veer out of his lane, before slamming into a tree.
It should be noted that the Supreme Court also cancelled the demolition order issued against the house of terrorist Abed al-Aziz Meri, who was an accomplice to the terror stabbing on Wadi Street in Jerusalem's Old City over Sukkot which claimed the lives of Rabbi Nehamiah Lavi and Aharon Bennett.
Abed al-Aziz Meri, a resident of Abu Dis, is suspected of aiding Mohannad Shafik Halabi plan and carry out the attack - having spent the entire Saturday prior to the evening attack with Halabi. After the two were denied access to the Temple Mount, Meri persuaded Halabi to carry out an attack against Jews, telling him it would be payback for being refused entry for prayers at Al-Aqsa.
4. IRAN BACKTRACKS ON S-300 MISSILE RECEPTION
by Tova Dvorin
Tehran has yet to receive a shipment of S-300 missiles from Moscow, Iran's official Mehr news agency amended Monday - after it rephrased a statement from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jaberi Ansari.
The original Mehr report includes a statement from Ansari that "the first part of this equipment has arrived in Iran and delivery of other parts will continue." Hours later, that statement was amended to read that "we had already announced that despite several times of change in time of delivery, the deal is on its path of implementation and today I should announce that the first phase of the agreement is implemented and the process will continue."
The sale of the S-300, originally conducted in 2007, has been repeatedly delayed due to Western pressure given that UN nuclear sanctions ban the delivery to Iran.
But in April 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting a ban on the delivery of the S-300 systems to Iran, explaining that his decision was motivated by Iran's drive to find a solution in talks over its nuclear program, which led to a controversial nuclear deal last July.
There is great concern over the shipment of the S-300 to the leading state sponsor of terror, given the advanced system's ability to shoot down missiles as well as jets, further defending Tehran's controversial nuclear program.
5. BRUSSELS TERROR CELL INITIALLY TARGETED EURO 2016 TOURNAMENT
by Tova Dvorin
The Brussels, Belgium bombing cell planned to attack the Euro 2016 soccer cup, a French news agency reports Monday, which is being held in France this summer.
On Sunday, prosecutors revealed that the cell - which includes dozens of Islamists, many of whom are related - had not initially chosen Brussels' airport and metro stations as a target, but had initially planned a mass terror attack in France.
After his Friday arrest, Brussels bomber Mohamed Abrini revealed that the true target was the Euro 2016 cup, Libération reports - an event held in 10 different locations throughout the country and beginning and ending in Paris.
Police told the daily that the news did not surprise investigators, and that police forces were "always looking at potential scenarios" to prepare for potential attacks.
It is unclear why the terrorists opted to change their target, though some suspects had previously admitted to having expedited attack plans due to fears security forces were closing in on them.
Large terror network
Prosecutors have already filed charges against four people believed to have been involved in the attacks last month. A total of 32 people were killed and 270 wounded.
Several suspects in the group have already been definitively linked to the terror attacks in Paris in November which killed 130 people. The DNA of one of the Brussels bombers - Najim Laachraoui - was also found on bomb remnants from those attacks.
The link has raised serious questions about the handling of the threat; the suspects had already been subjects of a wide-scale, international investigation following the Paris attacks, and carried out the Brussels bombings despite a slew of arrests in the Paris case.
6. SMART CLEANER: HOW TO SURVIVE PASSOVER
by Arutz Sheva Staff
Every year, Magen David Adom (MDA) teams treat injuries that occur during cleaning and preparation for the Passover holiday.
In 2015, MDA paramedics treated 2 children for chemical burns caused by cleaning supplies, and a 40-year-old woman died after she fell from her balcony while she was cleaning windows.
In order to look after your safety and avoid the most common dangers whilst preparing for and during the days of Passover, MDA published Monday the full guide on how to celebrate the festival safely:
Injury from cleaning materials
The greatest exposure to the materials is whilst cleaning and the skin contacts the material, as well as inhalation of poisonous vapors. The poisonous materials are likely to penetrate our bodies and to cause damage even days and hours after exposure.
How to avoid this?
Remove the cleaning materials from reach of children, clearly write and mark the packaging stating that it is cleaning material and not food.
Make sure to leave the remains of the cleaning materials and medicines in their original packaging.
Whilst cleaning remove food away from the cleaning materials.
Make sure to wear closed shoes whilst cleaning the house. Thus you will avoid slipping and getting burns from the cleaning materials on the soles of your feet.
Babies tend to put everything into their mouths, often remains of cleaning materials are left all over the house. Make sure to wash the floors well and remove the materials.
Pregnant women and those breast feeding should avoid being exposed to chemical, poisonous materials.
Read the instructions on the package, and make sure that the item is friendly for use and for the surroundings.
Make sure not to mix different types of cleaning materials.
Open the windows and air the house after cleaning.
How to provide treatment?
In the case of poisoning – dial 101 and call for an ambulance.
It is strictly forbidden to give any "antidote", do not give milk or lemon juice to drink. Causing a person to vomit is dangerous for the victim. Make sure the airways are open and place the patient in a position that is comfortable for him.
In cases where the eyes are affected – wash out the eyes well with flowing water only, do not rub them! If the irritation, redness and tears continue, dial 101 and call for an ambulance.
Chemical burn injuries to the body – read the instructions on the packaging, dial 101 and call for an ambulance.
Allergy – In case of slight allergy or local sensitivity wash the area with water only and act according to the instructions on the packaging. In cases when the sensitivity increases as shown by breathing difficulties or swelling, dial 101 and call for an ambulance. At the same time, sit the victim down.
Danger of burns
Whilst baking, cooking and burning the Chametz – move the children away, watch over them and instruct them to keep away from sources of heat.
How to prevent injuries?
Remove hot objects from places reachable by children (kettles, water heaters, baking trays etc.).
Whilst burning the Chametz – move the children away and make sure that the fire is under control.
How to treat?
First of all, dial 101 and call for an ambulance! If the victim is on fire, roll him in the sand/dust, pour water on him, cover him with a wet blanket (do not cover his head for fear of suffocation).
With localized burns – place the injured limb under lukewarm flowing water only, and calm the patient down.
7. JORDANIAN KING TO REFURBISH JESUS' TOMB IN JERUSALEM
by Hillel Fendel
King Abdullah II of Jordan plans to restore the supposed site of Jesus' Tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, at his own personal expense.
Abdullah recently issued a makruma, or Royal Benefaction, to this effect.
It was reported earlier this month that the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches would each pay a third of the $3.4 million cost. Work on repairing the shrine is to begin in several weeks' time.
The monument, the present form of which dates back to 1810, is to be completely rebuilt. The marble slabs will be taken off, the 12th-century Crusader shrine beneath will be repaired, and the cracks in the rock-hewn tomb under that – where many Christians believe Jesus, son of a Jew from Bethlehem named Joseph, was buried – will be filled.
The head of the Jerusalem Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Theophilos III thanked King Abdullah and lavishly praised his generosity. The Patriarch said, for instance, that the king "has always been, and shall remain, the faithful Guardian and Custodian of the Christian and Muslim Holy Sites in Jerusalem."
Theophilos, whose official title is Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, also said that Abdullah "embodies in deed, and not only in word, the shared living of Muslims and Christians all over the world and particularly in the Holy Land."
Such remarks ring hollow among many Christian communities in Islamic countries, where Christians are severely persecuted. In Pakistan last week, for one example out of many, a suicide bomber detonated himself amidst an Easter service, killing at least 70 people. A Taliban faction claimed responsibility and said the attack was "aimed at killing members of Pakistan's Christian minority gathered at the park to celebrate Easter Sunday."
Christiantoday.com reports that though the renovation in Jerusalem will be technically challenging, "a far greater challenge was getting agreement over the need for the work." Responsibility for the Holy Sepulchre has been divided among six Churches since 1853. It took them 17 years of debate, ending in 1995, to come to an agreement on painting a section of the central dome. Even more extreme is the case of the wood ladder propped up against one of the exterior windows of the church. It has not been moved since at least 1757, because the various Churches have not yet agreed on whose responsibility it is to move it. Some disputes have also led to fistfights.
The church in question is located in the center of the Christian Quarter of the Old City, not far from Jaffa Gate.
8. ON 2ND ISRAEL VISIT, KEVIN COSTNER DISMISSES BDS
by JTA
[youtube:2014355]
At the Israel premiere of a film in which he stars, actor Kevin Costner said he does not care whether anti-Israel activists, including Roger Waters, disapprove of his visit to the Jewish state.
"I don't ask anyone's permission to travel," Costner said in an interview April 5 at a news conference at the Cinema City multiplex near the Tel Aviv suburb of Herzliya.
Asked by a reporter whether Waters, a British musician known for his role as former Pink Floyd frontman and for promoting boycotts on Israel, Costner said: "Who? I haven't heard of it," adding: "I've received lots of love here. I wouldn't have missed that."
Costner, who in 1991 won two Academy Awards for directing and acting in "Dances with Wolves," was in Israel for a screening of the upcoming action film "Criminal," in which he stars alongside Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman and Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
But he told reporters at the cinema that he came to support the film's Israeli director, Ariel Vromen.
"This is his country, his parents are here, and I'm very proud of him. He's a young man who is truly doing well," Costner said.
Speaking of Gadot, Costner said she was "lovely" to work with and "a wonderful partner."
He also said that he met Gadot for the first time ahead of a scene in which his character assaulted hers in a bedroom.
"I shook her hand, said: 'Hi, Gal, I'm Kevin, and we immediately started acting out the scene."
"Criminal" tells the story of Jericho Stewart (Costner), a death-row inmate working to complete a deceased CIA agent's last mission to save many lives. In addition to having an Israeli director and a co-star, the film has an Israeli producer, Avi Lerner.
Costner, 61, said he had visited Israel once before, approximately four decades ago.
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