Arutz Sheva Daily Israel Report
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Thursday, Oct. 27 '16, כ"ה בתשרי תשע"ז
HEADLINES:
1. 'AN ABSURD REALITY'
2. 'ASCENDING THE TEMPLE MOUNT IS A TORAH COMMAND'
3. TERROR ACCOMPLICE INDICTED IN JERUSALEM COURT
4. BURIAL CAVES DISCOVERED ON ROAD TO SHIMON HATZADIK'S TOMB
5. CAREGIVER SENTENCED FOR LEAVING BABY UNATTENDED IN BATHTUB
6. LAST DAYS OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE - WHAT CAN BE DONE?
7. ISRAEL'S UNUSUAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
8. TRUMP'S WALK OF FAME STAR SMASHED TO PIECES
1. 'AN ABSURD REALITY'
by Arutz Sheva Staff
In recent weeks, the topic of National Service made headlines after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will work to cancel National Service positions in B'Tselem following the controversial speech given by the organization's CEO at the United National Security Council.
A new report released by Israeli Zionist group Im Tirtzu reveals that there are at least 7 far-Left organizations that are currently eligible to receive National Service volunteers from the government.
The report focuses on the anti-Israel activity advanced by these organizations, which includes accusing Israel of war crimes, promoting BDS, and calling for international pressure on Israel.
The details acquired by Im Tirtzu via the Freedom of Information Law and the Ministry of Agriculture, which oversees National Service, reveal that 7 organizations benefit from a total of 17 positions. Since 2012, these organizations have received over 80,000,000 NIS from foreign governments and an additional 14,000,000 USD from the New Israel Fund.
The organization with the largest amount of positions – five – is Amnesty International, which accuses Israel of war crimes and advocates for an arms embargo on Israel. Israel Social TV, which provides a platform for BDS and the labeling of Israel as an apartheid and racist state, receives 3 positions, as does Hotline for Refugees and Migrants and Kav LaOved.
B'Tselem, Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, and Public Committee Against Torture in Israel each receive one position and accuse Israel of committing war crimes.
Im Tirtzu CEO Matan Peleg commented that in recent years Im Tirtzu has "exposed an absurd reality in which Israeli organizations, which are funded by foreign governments, enjoy government benefits in the form of National Service positions. These are the very organizations leading the campaign of delegitimization against Israel."
Peleg added: "It is important to understand that European involvement in Israel's internal affairs has increased in recent years with the goal of weakening Israeli sovereignty. National Service positions are a privilege and not another platform for anti-Israel activity."
2. 'ASCENDING THE TEMPLE MOUNT IS A TORAH COMMAND'
by Benny Toker
Head of the Temple Institute Rabbi Yisrael Ariel emphasized in an interview to Arutz Sheva that ascending the Temple Mount is, indeed permitted.
Rabbi Ariel's statements come in the wake of statements by Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and Religious Zionist Rabbi Aviner that ascending the Temple Mount is forbidden.
"We can't invent new laws," Rabbi Ariel asserted. "When the paratroopers took control of the Temple Mount [during the 1967 Six-Day War] Rabbi Goren was appointed responsibility over the Temple Mount. Rabbi Goren was the Chief Rabbi of Israel and the IDF, and he established rulings concerning soldiers and police on the Temple Mount that still hold today. The Chief Rabbinate accepts these rulings."
"How did the Chief Rabbi suddenly come to rule that it is forbidden from ascending?" Rabbi Ariel wondered, and explained, "Rabbi Goren instructed Knesset members concerning how and where to ascend, that you need to immerse in a mikveh [ritual bath] beforehand, where it is permitted and where it is forbidden to enter. There are religious soldiers serving on the the Mount, and they know the laws well."
The Rabbi noted in this context that there are areas of the Mount for which entry is forbidden by punishment of karet [a spiritual punishment in which the soul of the Jew is 'cut off' from the Jewish people]; nevertheless, a soldier is permitted to enter those areas in order to defend the area.
Rabbi Ariel dismissed the assertion that we cannot know where the forbidden areas are such that entering all areas of the Mount is forbidden. "Only five areas near the Dome of the Rock, which was part of the "Azarah" area of the Temple, where there is a fear that a karet punishment applies to those who enter while not on duty as a priest [are forbidden]." His opinion on the delineation of forbidden areas is disputed by other Religious Zionist rabbis, such as the late Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira.
Similarly, Rabbi Ariel dismissed an oft-repeated claim that the esteemed spiritual visionary and former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi during the British Mandate, Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Hakohen Kook, was opposed to ascending the Mount. "Rabbi Kook wrote a 4,000-page article that describes how we will merit to ascend the Temple Mount and develop a center for religion there. He describes how we will establish a Sanhedrin [Jewish high court of law] and all of Israel will come there. It is written [in the Torah], 'If you wonder about a legal matter, you shall get up and ascend to the place which God has chosen' - nobody can erase that. Rabbi Kook wrote that we will first establish the center for religion and appoint judges - and then build the Temple. Whoever cites otherwise should first study the writings of Rabbi Kook."
"There's no Rabbi in the world who can erase [the law] and say that it is forbidden - the prohibition lies in running from fulfilling God's command. He who runs is afraid; that's a personal choice, but how can you give that instruction to the public?"
Rabbi Ariel said that those who oppose ascending the Temple Mount do so out of an "exile mentality." "Those who oppose ascending are holding by a worldview that we are still in exile. We came here after 2,000 years, we returned to the courtyards of God to build the third Temple. If there are those who think we are still in exile and want to live with that feeling - that is a private viewpoint. But [a private viewpoint] is not supposed to reject commandments from the Torah."
3. TERROR ACCOMPLICE INDICTED IN JERUSALEM COURT
by Yoel Domb
A 25-year-old Jerusalem resident suspected of planning to serve as an accomplice to a terror attack in the city of Jerusalem was indicted in the Jerusalem district court Thursday.
Muhammed Abbasi was accused of plotting to perform an attack in Jerusalem, destroying evidence, perverting the course of justice, supporting a terror organization, grievous bodily harm, manufacturing and possessing weapons, hooliganism and attempted assault of policemen.
During his investigation by the Shin Bet, it emerged that Abbasi intended to perform an armed attack on security forces and Israeli civilians in east Jerusalem, and had even purchased firearms for this purpose.
Moreover, Abbasi was a Hamas activist who was involved in a number of Molotov cocktail attacks, as well as shooting fireworks and throwing stones at security forces and Israeli vehicles. During the investigation, it also emerged that he had tried to obtain knowledge on how to manufacture pipe bombs, though he had not actively engaged in manufacturing them.
The indictment stated that, during the course of 2016, Abbasi was employed in a Jerusalem bakery. During the month of July the owner of the bakery plotted together with Ramzi Alouk, a former prisoner who identified with Hamas and lived in Gaza, to perform attacks on Jews in Jerusalem.
Abbasi, who wished to take part in military operations against Israel, told the owner of the bakery that he wanted to take part in the terrorist activity, and even asked to communicate with Alouk.
Last September, the owner of the bakery was arrested by security officials, and his remand was extended. After Abbasi heard about the arrest, he decided to act in order to prevent security officials from obtaining criminal evidence against the owner of the bakery. Abbasi bought a new hard disk and installed it in his computer, breaking the original hard disk and throwing it in the garbage.
The indictment stated that this constituted "conspiracy to perform terrorist activity inside Israel, with intent to prevent or to thwart a legal procedure."
Moreover, the indictment stated that, from July 2015 until his arrest, Abbasi published on his Facebook page calls for acts of violence and terror against civilians and security forces as well as words of praise, encouragement, and empathy towards such actions and towards terrorists. Abbasi also praised and demonstrated support for the Hamas terrorist group and its armed branch, the Az-a-Din El-Kassam forces.
On the day of the suicide bombing on a number 12 bus in Jerusalem when a number of Israeli civilians were injured, Abbasi uploaded a picture of the burnt bus and wrote that "We bless the brave attacker...you have gladdened our hearts...Allah be blessed."
On the day of the murderous shooting attack in the Sharona Market area in Tel Aviv in which a number of Israeli citizens were murdered and wounded, Abbasi posted the following: "3 carcasses and 5 injured in Tel Aviv shooting attack...Allah bless those hands...Allah give them life...they broke their fast on something worthwhile...Palestine is proud of these men."
Moreover, during the Protective Edge campaign, Abbasi took part, together with masked men, in disturbances in the Ras El Amud neighborhood. During the course of these rampages, Abbasi and others threw stones and fireworks at police forces at the scene. During the same period, he manufactured Molotov cocktails and threw them at military and police vehicles.
The Shin Bet reported that "the arrest of Abbasi, who, as a Jerusalem resident, had access to the entire city, prevented a serious terror attack from taking place in Jerusalem. His arrest and the results of his investigation demonstrate once again the severity of the threat from lone attackers who are influenced by the incitement of terrorist organizations online, in particular of the Hamas, and they themselves incite others to perform attacks."
4. BURIAL CAVES DISCOVERED ON ROAD TO SHIMON HATZADIK'S TOMB
by Yoel Domb
During the course of maintenance and upgrading work on the road leading up to Shimon Hatzadik's tomb, more ancient burial caves were discovered.
The work, which is being performed by the Moriah company for the Jerusalem Municipality, is taking place on Derekh Shekhem near the Pierre Van Passan traffic circle in the Wadi Joz neighborhood adjacent to Shimon Hatzadik's grave, in order to ease traffic on the main road leading up to Sheikh Jarrah.
During the course of the work, a number of ancient burial graves were discovered on the site of the road, including a burial cave with crypts, which testify to it being a Jewish burial site.
Experts from the "Atra Kadisha" group arrived at the site and investigated the findings. They stated that a special solution must be found to allow kohanim access to the area.
Until such a solution can be found, kohanim will only be able to reach the area of Shimon Hatzadik's tomb from the northern entrance near Shimon Hatzadik Street and the Central Police Headquarters.
Atra Kadisha representatives asked Deputy Mayor Yossi Deitch to intervene immediately and find a speedy solution which will enable kohanim to use the main road and to access the area of Shimon Hatzadik's tomb.
Deitch toured the area with Atra Kadisha experts and representatives of the Moriah company and a number of halakhic and engineering solutions were proposed which could be implemented in the near future and would enable kohanim to pass through the area.
The Deputy Mayor directed the representatives of the Moriah company to build a traffic circle at the entrance to the tomb area and to complete their work as soon as possible in coordination with the Atra Kadisha representatives. Deitch emphasized that until a solution is implemented, the area is prohibited for the passage of kohanim.
5. CAREGIVER SENTENCED FOR LEAVING BABY UNATTENDED IN BATHTUB
by Shlomo Piotrokowski
The Tel Aviv magistrate court sentenced a caregiver to 12 months imprisonment, after a one-year-old baby died in a bathtub while given to her care.
The caregiver was sentenced under a plea bargain after she admitted to negligence in leaving the child unattended.
According to the indictment, the woman filled the bathtub halfway, left the baby and his twin brother in the bath in chairs meant for washing children - without removing a rug in the bath that prevents slipping - and left the room for about five minutes to use the restroom.
When she returned, she discovered one of the twins lying in the water, unconscious. She took the baby out of the water and tried to resuscitate him while shouting for help. One of the neighbors heard her and ran over, and they both alerted police and rescue teams.
The baby was hospitalized in critical condition and, after five days, died.
The indictment said: "We're talking about negligence of a high order, which had consequences."
The court also ruled that the caretaker was to compensate the parents of the baby with 80,000 shekels.
6. LAST DAYS OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE - WHAT CAN BE DONE?
by ILTV
[brightcove:2020316]
7. ISRAEL'S UNUSUAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
by Yoel Domb
Sandra Salomon was born to an influential family from Ramallah. Her uncle, Saher Habash, was one of Yassir Arafat's closest aides, a member of the Fatah central committee and a leader of the Second Intifada. She says that she grew up in a home which "hated the Jews, hailed Hitler and praised the Holocaust, as reported in a Channel 2 interview Wednesday.
However Salomon, who was raised in Saudia Arabia, underwent a metamorphosis after experiencing firsthand the severity of Sharia law.
"The [forced wearing of the] hijab is the main reason I left Islam…and also because of the way of life under Islamic Sharia law," she says.
Salomon converted to Christianity and became a fervent admirer of Israel, sports various tattoos of Jewish symbols including the word "Israel" tattooed to the back of her neck. She also wears a star of David pendant around her neck and devotes herself to defending Israel's right to exist.
Salomon's family denounced her for converting and maintain their hostility towards Israel but she stands behind her advocacy of Israel, stating that "I stand behind what I say and I will tell the truth even if it leads to my death one day. I will at least know that I've had the honor to die for the truth."
Salomon, who now lives and works in Canada, dreams of one day visiting Israel, flying the Israeli flag and saluting it.
8. TRUMP'S WALK OF FAME STAR SMASHED TO PIECES
by Yoel Domb
[youtube:2020320]
A 40-year-old man used a sledgehammer and pickaxe to smash the Walk of Fame star in Hollywood bearing Donald Trump's name.
The Walk of Fame is a tourist attraction created in the 1950s containing more that 2500 stars embedded into the pavement. Each star bears the name of an important personage in the entertainment industry in America.
Trump received his star in 2007 as a result of the successful TV show "The Apprentice" in which he starred.
The person who destroyed the star did it in front of surveillance cameras and did not hide his identity. He identified himself as James Otis and said that he intended to remove the star and sell it and then to use the money to benefit the 11 women who accuse Trump of indecent behavior towards them years ago - an accusation which Trump has vehemently denied.
Otis said that five of his relatives had been sexually assaulted by others and that he was "terribly upset" at the thought that Trump might be elected president.
Trump's opponents describe him as a "sexual predator" while his supporters claim that the accusations are intentionally overstated or invented by the media in order to enable the Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton, to evade criticism of her own corruption and attitude to assaulted women as well as the sexual behavior of her husband.
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