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Thursday, Apr. 14 '16, Nissan 6, 5776
HEADLINES:
1. BRUSSELS BOMBER PLANNED TO ATTACK FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV
2. TWO 12-YEAR-OLD ARABS ARRESTED, PLANNED JERUSALEM STABBING
3. HEVRON SOLDIER TO BE INDICTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER
4. UKRAINE PARLIAMENT APPROVES FIRST EVER JEWISH PRIME MINISTER
5. UNDAUNTED BY ARAB TERROR, SHILOH'S JEWS LOOK TOWARDS RENEWAL
6. ARAB MK: USE 'ANY MEANS' TO BLOCK JEWS FROM TEMPLE MOUNT
7. BELGIAN MINISTER COMPARES TERRORISTS TO JEWS DURING HOLOCAUST
8. TRUMP 'VERY SUPPORTIVE' OF DAUGHTER'S CONVERSION TO JUDAISM
1. BRUSSELS BOMBER PLANNED TO ATTACK FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV
by Shoshana Miskin
One of the terrorists responsible for the Brussels airport bombing said during questioning that one of the goals of the attack was to hit checkout counters of flights headed to Israel, French news agencies reported on Thursday morning.
Terrorist Mohamed Abrini, who was apprehended last week after he was first seen on surveillance footage of the attack wearing a hood, told authorities that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui chose the targets of the airport attack: the waiting halls for passengers flying to the United States, where one of the terrorists exploded, a flight to Russia and flight to Tel Aviv.
With that, it seems Abrini apparently had a change of heart and fled after the two explosions in the airport. "I could not hurt a fly," he said during investigation. "I am not radicalized with my opinions and I have never been in Syria."
According to the report, Abrini went into hiding after seeing an arrest warrant was issued against him. French network reported that he changed his hideout location several times, wearing wigs to avoid being recognized in public.
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.
2. TWO 12-YEAR-OLD ARABS ARRESTED, PLANNED JERUSALEM STABBING
by Ari Soffer
Two 12-year-old Arab youths were arrested by alert police and Border Police forces in Jerusalem's Old City Thursday afternoon, after drawing officers' suspicions.
Upon inspection, police found two knives and a meat cleaver concealed in the coat of one of the young suspects, along with a farewell note to his parents.
An initial investigation revealed the pair were planning to carry out an imminent stabbing attack on Jewish passersby.
Both would-be terrorists were taken for further questioning by Jerusalem Police.
3. HEVRON SOLDIER TO BE INDICTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER
by Ari Soffer
The Military Prosecution on Thursday morning officially served an indictment for manslaughter against the soldier who shot dead an injured terrorist in Hevron last month.
The indictment requests an extension of the soldier's remand under "open arrest" at his base. Defense attorneys petitioned the judge to release their client entirely, insisting he does not pose a flight risk.
It is notable that the judges indicated they will accept the indictment despite reservations over the quality of evidence presented by prosecutors.
Earlier this week, the soldier testified in court, and described how he though he heard someone "shouting 'be careful, has a bomb on him!' and I saw he had a big black coat on him.
"I thought: that's it. I began to think of all those videos of Hamas terrorists saying they intended to carry out 'qualitative attacks', potentially suicide attacks.
"His coat was large and furry, on a really hot, sunny day - 30 degrees (Celsius)," he noted, adding that the though of "all those (propaganda) videos caused me to take the decision - which really was not simple - in a split-second; I cocked the weapon, told everyone to move and shot him once in the head."
"If he did have an explosive belt and he did explode, what would have happened? How many dead would there have been? People would have asked why no one thought to confirm the neutralization. And that is what I did; I confirmed the neutralization."
4. UKRAINE PARLIAMENT APPROVES FIRST EVER JEWISH PRIME MINISTER
by Shoshana Miskin
Ukraine's parliament Thursday confirmed the appointment of Volodymr Groysman as premier in a 257 to 50 vote replacing Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
The 38-year-old lawyer by training has gone from a small city mayor to Ukraine's premier over a remarkable two-year span, during which he formed a close relationship with President Petro Poroshenko.
Groysman is son of Jewish parents from Vinnytsia, the western Ukrainian city that elected him mayor in 2006, and is the first openly Jewish person to hold the country's second highest post and is also the youngest person to have the job.
Speaking ahead of the vote, Groysman was confident to tackle one of eastern Europe's more difficult tasks: "I am good for it. I am able to work 24 hours a day."
Groysman also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuild Ukraine's economy with an austerity plan referring to the country's $17 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund, a financial crisis that has halved the national currency's value against the dollar and the conflict with Russia.
"I understand the threats that face us. In particular I would like to highlight three threats - corruption, ineffective governance and populism, which do not pose less of a threat than the enemy in eastern Ukraine," he said
However, not everyone is praising his entrepreneurial spirit. "His world view is limited to Vinnytsia" said one political advisors.
Groysman has been criticized for his poor English and for bluntly rejecting the possibility of same-sex marriage in Ukraine.
"Family values are essential," he told lawmakers. "Same-sex marriages are impossible in Ukraine."
AFP contributed to this report
5. UNDAUNTED BY ARAB TERROR, SHILOH'S JEWS LOOK TOWARDS RENEWAL
by Ari Soffer
With the recent "wave of terror" in Israel beginning, by all accounts, to wind down, much of the media's attention has already begun to shift away, onto the next story. But in areas worst-struck by Arab terrorism, residents and local businesses are only beginning the road to recovery.
For Israelis this is a sadly familiar process, one they have become accustomed to after decades of intermittent "waves of terror," each one taking a slightly different form but always leaving grieving families, injured victims and much damage to local businesses and communities in their wake.
Perhaps nowhere in the country have communities become more adept at picking themselves up and soldiering on again than Judea and Samaria, where even outside of "intifadas" and "terror waves" the threat of jihadist attack is often more immediate than in the major cities.
For locals, this determination is second nature - but also a subtle form of passive resistance, as if to say that no amount of deadly terrorism can dislodge the Jewish people once more from its ancient homeland.
Shiloh, where this author lives, is a case-in-point.
Shiloh's central synagogue Courtesy
Nestled in the ancient Hills of Ephraim, site of the first capital city of Israel - home to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) which preceded the Temple in Jerusalem by three centuries; and where the Prophet Samuel who crowned Israel's first kings first heard the Voice of God - modern-day Shiloh is a vibrant, growing community which has remained as such even with the dark clouds of jihad swirling in the valleys around it.
Since moving here three years ago I have come to admire my neighbors for their quiet determination - even, in too many cases, after they or their families have been struck by deadly terrorism - and their stoic optimism and faith which can at times appear baffling to outsiders.
So it was only natural that, as Passover approaches, the community has moved seamlessly from a state of high alert into a celebration of life and renewal, without batting an eyelid.
The synagogue is built to replicate the Biblical Mishkan, or Tabernacle, the center of Jewish spiritual and national life which once stood in Shiloh some 3,500 years ago Courtesy
Though coincidental, the re-inauguration of Shiloh's central synagogue this coming Friday couldn't have been more appropriately timed.
The Shiloh Tabernacle Memorial Synagogue (Beit Knesset Zichron Mishkan Shiloh) is the jewel in the crown of the community. An ornate, beautifully-designed structure, built to replicate the Biblical Tabernacle which stood some 3,500-4,000 years ago, it is hard to miss as one approaches Shiloh, an impressive edifice perched proudly on one of the highest hills in the town.
It was originally built a quarter of a century ago, as a symbol of the Jewish people's return to their ancient capital city, renewing Hebrew life in the shadow of the holy Mishkan. Reflecting that dual sense of history and destiny, architects modeled the structure on the Tabernacle itself, based on scriptural references, and incorporated its "vessels" into every aspect of the services.
The "Table of Showbread", and in the background the "Golden (Incense) Altar" Courtesy
From the chazan's podium modeled after the Golden Altar, where the sounds of prayer waft through the air in place of the incense once offered by the Kohanim; to the Table of Showbread (the stage, or bima, from which the Torah is read); to the Aron Kodesh itself - and the most intricate and beautiful detail of all: the roof, decorated in tribute to the colorful skin of the legendary "tachash", a rare unidentified animal whose enormous hide adorned the Mishkan.
The Aron Kodesh Courtesy
The years and decades, however, had taken their toll somewhat, but after a prolonged process of renovation, the decision was made to mark the renewal of the beating heart of this community by celebrating its life blood: the people.
"We chose to celebrate with a family-friendly fair - with fun activities for children, and showcasing local tradesmen and products like wine, jewelry, pottery and art - for two reasons," said Raphael Fischer, who heads the synagogue's board of directors.
Communities in Judea and Samaria tend to revolve around the youth, so a family event was a natural choice.
"Firstly, because now is a time of year when schools and daycares are on vacation, so parents will be looking for things to do with their children - which meant a pre-Passover fair seemed like a great idea," explained Fischer.
"And secondly, but no less importantly, because what better way to celebrate the continued strength of this community than through the people who make it what it is, and of course the children? They are our future."
"We never thought about canceling, even when the attacks were really bad," he added with a wry smile. "We've all been here before, and each time the Jews have overcome."
Children celebrating Purim in Samaria (file image) Yaakov Naumi/Flash 90
Hundreds of people are expected to travel from local communities and beyond, but events like these, I have come to learn, are more than simple community events - they really are hidden gems usually missed by tourists and visitors to Israel who stick to the well-beaten tracks.
The Samaria region, for example, is home to a staggeringly large number of international award-winning wineries, and is packed with local craftsmen, artisans and artists.
Each of them has a remarkable story to tell, their children's laughter echoing off these ancient hills, and their deeply-felt connection to their land infused into its vineyard and their delicious, heady wines.
The Biblical prophets talk of Jewish children once more playing in the shadow of the Temple in Jerusalem. Here in Shiloh, they play in the courtyard of the Tabernacle.
6. ARAB MK: USE 'ANY MEANS' TO BLOCK JEWS FROM TEMPLE MOUNT
by Ari Yashar
Arab MK Jamal Zahalka is no stranger to controversy bordering on sedition - in early February he together with two colleagues visited the families of terrorists and prayed for their souls - but on Thursday he surpassed himself in a thinly veiled call for violence.
Speaking to the Palestinian Al-Watan news site, the MK on Thursday called to prevent Jews "at all costs" and "by any means" from visiting the Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism.
"The continuation of the intifada depends on the decision of the Palestinian factions. Will the factions strengthen the popular struggle or leave it to the youths and lone individuals," Zahalka said of the current terror wave.
He called to enlist Arab youths to prevent Jews from ascending the Temple Mount at all costs, saying, "the third intifada was born due to these ascents (to the site)."
Zahalka also inflated the death count of Palestinian Arabs killed during the 2000 Second Intifada or Oslo War, in which 3,333 Arabs were killed according to official counts, with most of them killed in the act of attacking Jews. Over 1,000 Jewish victims were murdered in the Arab terror war.
"The ascents to Al-Aqsa Mosque are increasing and we must stop it by any means. The Palestinian nation paid a price of 4,000 dead during the Al-Aqsa intifada in 2000," claimed the MK.
"Our Palestinian nation adheres to Al-Aqsa Mosque and will defend it with all its strength, the Palestinian nation is the shield for the holy sites in Jerusalem."
The Arab MK went on to accuse Israel, in whose Knesset he sits, of demolishing homes in the Shiloah (Silwan) neighborhood of Jerusalem, without noting the houses were built illegally - currently there are over 40,000 illegal Arab housing units in the capital according to officials.
Without citing sources to ground his claims he also accused Israel of forced immigration against Bedouin Arabs in the Negev, where again rampant illegal construction and theft are huge issues.
"Israel demolishes dozens of homes and lots in the Arab Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan which is close to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel is trying to rule our land in the Negev and conduct an immigration of the families there. There are 40,000 citizens in danger of immigration in the Negev."
He added, "Israel is trying to implement the colonialist Zionist plan which has continued over 100 years. Organizations of Zionist settlers are trying to encircle the Arabs and take their land. They are negating their rights to live."
"The blood is on his hands"
Zahalka's interview brought a furious outpouring of condemnation from other MKs, who noted with shock his direct calls to use "any means" while discussing the terror wave.
MK Itzik Shmuli (Zionist Union) pointed out that Zahalka mentioned the Arabs who died in the Second Intifada, "and the advice he gives for a continuation of the intifada in the (West) Bank and Jerusalem leave no room for doubt about his interests."
"A member of the Israeli Knesset who encourages incitement and violence and gives PR for dangerous activities against the state is someone who you cannot just (ignore) and go about the daily agenda with. This must be put to an end once and for all."
More condemnation came in from MK Nava Boker (Likud), who declared, "the blood of the next (victims to be) killed is on the hands of Zahalka."
"Zahalka is playing a game of cat and mouse with Israeli democracy. First he incites, later he gets a ridiculous punishment of suspension and then he once again incites," she said, noting the light penalty he and two other Arab MKs received for comforting the families of terrorists.
"Just now the laughable punishment he received of two months suspension ended and already he is inciting again. Maybe the Ethics Committee and the police should understand that we are dealing with a man who is hoping to see Jewish blood spilled like water ahead of the Passover holiday?"
Boker called "to remove the (parliamentary) immunity from Zahalka, launch an investigation and arrest him before it is too late. His place is in jail."
Joining in on the criticism was MK Shuli Muallem (Jewish Home), who said, "Knesset member Zahalka continues and works to incite, he has a rich record of incitement activities."
"Zahalka needs to move his seat from the Knesset in Jerusalem to his natural location in the Mukataa in Ramallah. His activities integrate nicely with the Palestinian incitement campaign."
7. BELGIAN MINISTER COMPARES TERRORISTS TO JEWS DURING HOLOCAUST
by Shoshana Miskin
Belgians Interior Minister Jan Jambon made a controversial statement during his appearance on Belgian's VTM News.
When asked how it was possible that the terrorist network which was behind the attacks in Brussels, could hide for a long time in the heart of Brussels, Jambon replied: "Someone who is hiding and receiving support from the population, can remain hidden a long time."
Jambon, who is a member of the New Flemish Alliance, continued to compare the terrorists to the Jews who hid here during the Nazi occupation: "There are Jewish people who went into hiding for years... and (the Nazi) regime never found them."
When Antwerp City Council member Claude Marinower learned of Jambon's statement, the former MP said, "At first when they told me about it I didn't believe it was possible. I asked to watch the video – and realized that Jambon really did make this dubious comparison.
"It's inconceivable, it's shocking for all those who hid Jews during the occupation while endangering their lives. How can you compare the jihadist criminals who are hiding today with the innocent Jews who wanted to flee from the Nazi manhunt?," said Marinower to Jewish news website Regards.
Jambon later clarified that his comments pertained to the mechanism of hiding.
"I just referred to a historical fact in Belgian history. Hiding those people was something positive. What is happening today in Brussels, it is not," he said according to VTM News.
8. TRUMP 'VERY SUPPORTIVE' OF DAUGHTER'S CONVERSION TO JUDAISM
by David Rosenberg
[youtube:2014448]
Donald Trump's "Jewish connection" has been raised numerous times during this year's contentious GOP primary season. Trump's Orthodox Jewish daughter, Ivanka, has found herself increasingly thrust into the limelight as her father looks to secure a majority in the upcoming New York Republican primary, thus sweeping the state's 95 delegates.
But while Trump has made numerous references to his Jewish daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, little has been said about how Ivanka's conversion to Judaism affected her father.
In a rare glimpse into the Trump family during a CNN town hall meeting, Ivanka Trump discussed her decision to convert to Judaism and her father's reaction.
The town hall featured Trump's wife and children, highlighting a side of the Republican frontrunner often overshadowed by his larger-than-life public persona.
During the question and answer session, Joseph Cohen, a Columbia University student, asked Ivanka about her decision to convert, and her father's reaction.
Ivanka noted her reticence on the subject, calling it a "personal" issue, but emphasized her father's support for her decision.
"Well, it's such a personal decision," she said. "I tend not to talk about it in a public forum. But my father was very supportive. He knows me. He knows and he trusts my judgment. When I make decisions, I make them in a well-reasoned way. I don't rush into things. So I appreciate the support he gave me, because obviously these decisions are not taken lightly. And it would have been much more hard if I had had headwinds, but he believes in me."
She also noted the close relationship between her father and her husband, Jared Kushner. Kushner is often cited as one of Trump's de facto advisors on Israel. Trump's recent AIPAC speech was heavily influenced by Kushner's advice to the GOP frontrunner, Reuters recently reported.
"He loves my husband. They're incredibly close, which I think was obviously helpful. And he has been very supportive of me in that decision, as in many others that I've taken throughout the years."
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