Hannah http://jta.org/user/profile/40130 en-us marcus@infolink.com.br Copyright 2009 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I just want to tell J street, as an Israeli citizen living in a city on the other side of the so-called green line: You don't speak for me or for most Jews in Israel. Sarah Palin understands the Jewish soul better than you do, and she also speaks the truth about the Jews coming here in the near future. With the current US prez making a shambles of the US, the safest place for Jews will be Israel. I've been telling my family and friends this for years; soon maybe they will listen. Jews will be scapegoated again, thanks to the J Street types in the administration. I say, thank you Sarah Palin for your support and understanding, and for speaking outside the box that everyone else is in. I don't understand why the writer is puzzled by her opinion, since it agrees with that of many, many Jews. She's a lot more hep on the Middle East than the administration. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 No one has seen fit to complain against the Red Cross and the lack of their doing their job in visiting a prisoner of war. Why should we have to free prisoners to get a videotape, when any other country has the Red Cross visits to confirm the welfare of prisoners? If the problem is that Hamas will not let the Red Cross do their job, then why isn't there a huge protest against this until the UN enforces this protocol? The other problem is, a videotape's validity ends when the camera turns off. What's our guarantee after that? We need to get daily videotapes, not just one. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 It's ironic that the Arabs who live in Israel have the freedom to strike and protest against the so-called discrimination of Israel, when in truth, any ARAB country would not allow them to carry out such protests. That is, if they could find an Arab country that would allow them to live and work in it. Jordan won't take in the "Palestinians", even though Jordan was supposed to be the nation of the "Palestinians". This is just another use of the Israeli Arabs by the Arab nations to make political points with the world. Any intelligent Israeli Arab knows he or she is better off in Israel than anywhere else. They should wake up and realize that this kind of behavior could backfire on them as other Israelis realize that we would be better off without such malcontents. If they aren't happy here, let them leave. Seems simple enough to me. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Cheryl, thank you for your posting of PM Netanyahu's speech in answer to David. I hope he reads it and considers it. I have another challenge to you David: I suggest you review the history of the Jewish/Hebrew nation. It is mostly the story of the many attempts to annihilate a people who have always been very small in number. Ask yourself why so many stronger nations tried to wipe out the Jewish people, century after century, and yet, we still exist and still thrive. The tiny state of Israel today is home to about half of the remaining Jewish people; it is hated by almost everyone else in the world, yet we continue to make medical and technological breakthroughs; we have had to defend ourselves from terrorists and acts of aggression and war, yet we've triumphed. We're still here, and many Israelis know that it is simply God, because of His promises, that has preserved us. Even secular Israelis have acknowledged miracles in their lives. Military leaders speak about the miraculous victories of the IDF and cannot explain them other than to say that we had the help of God. There is only one answer to WHY ISRAEL, HOW ISRAEL? and that is....................... God. I've heard it said that the existence of Israel is proof there is a God as described in the Torah. If you don't agree, David, that's your right, but you might want to check it out. Earthquakes will come often (Israel has an fault running right under the Temple mount area- a rift valley all the way down to the Dead Sea), and they figure into the prophecy still to come, but God's promises will last forever. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Cheryl, I'm laughing with you but crying as well. Where is all this leading? There was not one representative of the two entities involved in the land sharing, so it's nothing but a bunch of hot air and a revelation of the ignorance and total lack of facts among the four quartet members. It's time to sing your swan song and fade away, quartet members, before you replace Obama as the butt of jokes in Israel. What's really scary is that the members of this group represent most of Europe, all the nations in the UN, plus the US and Russia....... How safe does this make you feel? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 There is one trait that the Obama administration certainly does not lack, and that is arrogance. I would like to send this message to Rahm: Mr. Emanuel, Regarding your statement "Obama challenged the other two leaders publicly -- 'which means they now have to go home and face the people that they represent about the opportunities of peace versus the risk of not taking action.' ": As one of those people welcoming Netanyahu home, I have to burst your fantasy land bubble, BUT- Bibi made a huge hit with Israelis, who pretty much consider Obama a bad joke. They are becoming more and more against giving the arabs another state from which to hurl missiles at us. So don't lose anymore sleep over how much pressure Bibi faces because he didn't roll over and play dead. He won a lot more respect. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Cheryl and Michelle, thank you so much for some much needed history. I don't understand why the other posters choose to ignore history and continue on with their support of a group of people who are proving that murder and lies are the way to get their way in these so-called enlightened times in which we live. I have said it before and state it again: Palestine is the historical designation for the land on which Israel is located. Jordan was designated a state for the "Palestinians" by the British when they left the area, and Israel was given the rest of the land for a Jewish state. Therefore, we already have a two state situation. Secondly, Israel won the areas of Judaea and Samaria in a defensive war after being attacked by Arab nations. She did not start the war nor commit terrorist acts to conquer this land. The land has been part of Israel for over 40 years and is not being "occupied." By the definition of "occupied" being used by the UN and the US, the US has been occupying Native American land for over 200 years. Obama should look in the mirror and clean up his own backyard before meddling in our small piece of real estate. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Cheryl, thanks for the update on James Carroll. I didn't realize he is pro-Palestinian. Even so, the history in the book, at least in part, is factual as relating to Constantine, yes? In regard to investigating Operation Cast Lead, there was an investigation. Here is an in-depth review of the findings: http://www.mfa.gov.il/gazafacts/faq/investigation/ Many critics of Israel said that the investigation wasn't enough, but where is the criticism of Hamas? Did Hamas investigate any wrongdoings or violations? Why is everything involving Israel so one-sided? Surely there's enough evidence that Hamas uses human shields and therefore adds to the large number of civilian deaths. Where is the criticism against Hamas when they won't even let the Red Cross visit their prisoner of war? Fighting a guerrilla or terrorist war is always difficult. America committed many atrocities in Vietnam. War is hell, but so is trying to live in a town continually bombarded with missiles. Sderot is not a combat zone- the missiles shot at this town constitutes a crime. We're still waiting for the outcry from the peaceniks. And why do they never cry for the Darfur victims? It's only Israel that is criticized. I'm waiting for the outcry against disproportionate criticism of Israel, and until that arises, I suggest we give the IDF the benefit of the doubt in the case of their recent wars. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 David, of course they don't mention Mithra. They don't know this part of their history. I never heard my Christian friends talk about Mithraic roots either. I recommend the book by a Catholic priest entitled "Constantine's Sword". It documents how Constantine was looking for a way to interest his troops, who were followers of Mithra, the sun god, into waging war across Europe. Many of these changes were introduced to Christianity by the Council of Nicea in about 325 CE. Find out where Christmas really came from. And I didn't mean to imply that Christians are not decent people. Their love of G-d, though seen through a confusing lens, can be very inspiring. It is the theology which intends to control through the fear of hell that makes Christianity idolatrous, because it stands in the way of true truth-seeking. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Oy! Cheryl, I don't understand what you are saying? Do you actually think it's even possible for the Jewish Messiah to ask any Jew to convert? And, convert to.....what? Christianity, a religion that is based on a pagan religion - worship of the sun god Mithra? Though at its base it started out as a sect of Judaism, Constantine turned it into a pagan and idol-worshiping religion. Of course, there are all kinds of Christians just like there are all kinds of Jews, but some of the Christians believe they've replaced Israel as the chosen nation, and others just plain believe that G-d has given up on Jews and condemned them to an eternity in "hell". And yes, there are others who do seem to actually love us and still believe G-d is using us to further His plans. But you cannot put them all in the same theological boat. Please, if a person should appear and be called the messiah, then tell Jews to convert to a religion that goes against Torah, that will be a big clue that he is another false messiah. Not even JC asked Jews to convert . It was Constantine who started the convert or die program and who really started a new sun god sun-day religion. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Not one of the comments above mentioned the foundational aspect of the whole issue. Maybe the flak against Israel problem arises when we "tell the Western world,' Hey, we're just like you.' " When Jews realize that Israel is NOT just like the goyim (nations), but has a special mission under God, THEN maybe we can reflect the self-respect that will generate respect from the very nations we seek to impress. Though it has become an unfortunate fact that opinions are controlled by the media and few people look deeper for the facts and the truth, so that those with the best propaganda machines seem to be winning in the opinion polls, that doesn't mean that Israel has to join the propaganda war. In the short run, we seem to be losing and it has created more persecution, but in the end, if we switch our focus back to our true mission, we will come out ahead. The Arabs with their great propensity to create their own facts will eventually hang themselves, along with their blind followers. Israel should now get sidetracked into playing that game. I know many will laugh at me and my seeming naivete, but history provides support for this point of view. Sense of mission, along with a strong defense/military program, has brought respect to Israel. NO PR program has succeeded, because such programs just bring out more latent anti-Zionism. They hate us when we do good, they hate us when we do nothing, they hate us when we save their lives with medical advances..... they hate us because we exist. Trying to prove we are just like them is not going to get us approval. Only a strong sense of purpose can withstand the criticism. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 It seems the Americans have still refused to look at history or a map. "Two states living side by side in peace"- well, Jordan is THAT state, and now the Arabs want more. Looking at a map, the proposed new Arab state is not "beside" Israel, but within it, almost cutting it in half. It's an impossible situation, and until the politicians realize the true facts, they are wasting much precious time. They should be focusing on more pressing dangers, like Iran. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Even If Ben Gurion said this, it doesn't make it true. How did Palestine come to be an Arab country? Jews were there long before Mohammad started the Muslim religion, which he based largely on Judaism. Just because they invaded and conquered for a season, doesn't make it theirs. And when they WERE in control, they trashed the country. Even as recently as 150 years ago, Mark Twain wrote how desolate Palestine was. It wasn't until the Jews came back and did the work of clearing swamps and planting trees that the Arabs came in for the jobs. They never built the land up and improved it; they disdained it. Now for political reasons, they say it was stolen from them. Historical facts are historical facts and the facts speak for themselves. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 This is such a concern. #1, why does Hezbollah have to be part of the government, and 2, will they ever accept any number of seats which gives them less than a majority? Is there any compromise possible with a terrorist group? Will any nation except Israel stand up to terror? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I find a few mis-statements in your article which might mislead those who haven't read about this event in other media. 1. Why do you use the term "activists"? I was one of those attending, and I'm not sure that all of us could be called activists. How about concerned Israelis? Israel loving Israelis? Concerned citizens? People who made aliyah and need homes in which to live? There were many of each of these groups. Activists is a judgmental term that makes it sound like we all bused in from Hebron or somewhere besides Ma'ale Adumim. 2. The event was INITIALLY banned by police who later removed the ban when it was promised we would not lay a cornerstone. 3. The statement that Arabs objected because expansion WITHIN our city limits would interfere with their taking our land and intruding on our capital is another of their absurd lies. It has been said time and time again that they will not get Jerusalem as their capital. 4. Yes Yosef, it's too bad the Islamists no longer want to get along, except for the realists among them who know Israel governed by Jews is better for them than Palestine governed by Philistines. Unfortunately, these do not make any noise. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Not to worry - before long the road signs in the US will be replaced by Arabic ones. What goes around comes around. (an old Jewish saying) 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 The laws that were applied, after lengthy court sessions which gave ample time for all sides to present their cases, are the law of contracts. Real estate deeds were duly exhibited, and it was proven that the houses in question were indeed owned by the Jewish claimants. There was no violation of any law, international or otherwise. Please state only the facts, not propaganda. Why is it that Israel is castigated for a couple of situations based on legalities, when there are hundreds of illegal Arab residences all over the country? Let the Arabs come to court and prove ownership with the approved legal requisites for purchasing real estate. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Thank you Cheryl for stating the situation so well to "Thoroughly Disgusted". We don't know if TD is Jewish or not, so can't really add anything to what Cheryl said. I will say that I'm one of those ultra right idiots living in Israel, having moved from the US. I had lunch today with a lady from the US, who hung her head and apologized for voting for Mr. O. Actually she voted against Sarah Palin, a common error. If one hasn't visited Israel, it's pretty hard to make judgments. We are sitting ducks, and many of us idiots live here because we believe the future of Judaism requires a Jewish state. When antisemitism rears its ugly head again, as history has shown it repeatedly does, TD might have to eat his/her words. To the complacent Jews in the US, I encourage you to start making preparations to come home to Israel now, before it's too late. It IS beautiful here...... 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Some of the comments really sadden me. Number 1, as a former member of a Conservative congregation, I find it impossible to make a general statement about anyone in the Conservative movement. The level of Kashrut varies tremendously, as Conservatives, like many other Jews, are in process of learning Halachah and growing in observance. Some people in our congregation didn't have strict observance, but our kitchen was dairy, and meat was strictly prohibited. If someone brought in meat, the whole kitchen was re-kashured. No. 2, I would like to see the Orthodox more concerned about health issues. I once went to a big kosher grocery store looking for something for a snack, and nearly everything had an unhealthy ingredient in it, such as hydrogenated oil. I wrote a Kashrut authority about it, and he wrote back that the rabbis' concern was not health, but that kashrut responsibility was a business. With the high rates of diabetes and heart disease among Jews, I think it's past time the rabbis concerned themselves with our health, and thought of their work as a privilege, rather than a business. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Archie- re your comment "I don’t understand why Jews would want to practice their religion in Israel "- i don't know what you think Judaism is, but my practice is Torah-based. Since the Torah repeatedly says to "do this when you get to the Land", my husband and I moved here so we could do the mitzvot in the place where they were intended to be done. If you want to stay in the exile, go ahead, but do your homework on just what Israel is to Judaism and the Jews. If we don't have Israel, the Land, not the government, we won't have Judaism much longer either. True Judaism depends on the Land. And if Jews refuse to live here, it COULD be lost. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Prayers are great, though the swine flu shouldn't be our biggest concern. One thing everyone can do is make a tea from olive leaves, or take supplements of olive leaf extract or mushroom immune boosters. In Israel, better hygiene would help too- I know the marketing of baked items is important, but I won't be eating any breads, cookies etc. left out where flies proliferate and little kids stick their licked fingers in each item. I watched a kid do that recently at the mall. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I have not seen all the facts about this issue reported in tbe media, so I want to fill in a few blanks. 1. The city decided to open the lot because the traffic was so congested in Jerusalem that it was reportedly becoming dangerous. The lack of parking contributed heavily to the problem. Because of this, it was considered a matter of saving lives, or at least, protecting lives, since the cars were coming anyway. It doesn't appear that the opening of the lot is causing an increase in traffic, since the traffic has become horrific anyway. 2. Most of the people in the religious community understand this and I heard that they support opening the lot. Personally, as a new immigrant to Israel who has been coming to Jerusalem for 17 years, I am not upset about the lot, but am upset about the traffic. The first time I was here, one could walk all over the city on Shabbat and not have to worry about traffic. It was so peaceful and quiet. I don't know how it happened that the traffic has increased so and the tourists or whoever have so increased their driving on Shabbat. Maybe it is because the buses don't run, but I do remember that if a person really couldn't walk on Shabbat, they could always take an Arab cab, and there were a few carpools. Why is that not the case anymore? Does anyone have an answer to this? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I have so many responses to these comments, because I just moved to Israel this week, and my husband converted several years ago. He is now making aliyah; I, a natural Jew, became a citizen awhile ago. 1. To the Christian lady- I don't know who gave you the right to judge salvation of others, but that role is G-d's and G-d's alone. When one converts, they don't necessarily have to renounce Jesus, but Christianity. Christianity is full of untruths and skewed truths and it seeks to control its followers by holding the fear of hell over their heads. Their hell comes from pagan origins, and it isn't the concept of hell that is taught by rabbis. It's just one of the false concepts taught by the church. Many people convert because after learning the church's true history, they find Judaism to be rich with truth and to keeping one's focus on the pursuit of G-d. 2. To the Christian's statement that we should be what we are- What you fail to understand is that many non-Jews have Jewish souls, and it is through conversion that their souls are set free. It is a heartfelt need. These converts ARE being who they are, finally. 3. It is ludicrous to state that anyone would convert just to become an Israeli citizen and get benefits. It cost us 1000's of dollars to come here; we had to leave our jobs, house, our family and friends. We only did it because of our connection to the Land and the Jewish people. It is more important to be here than to have material things, as in the US. We got rid of 100's of cubic feet of junk, plus some nice things, which also helped free our souls from material slavery. We did not find it a burden to remain in the community of conversion for 2 years. Now we're home, and it is my greatest prayer that all Jews will have respect for each other. We just observed a fast over the loss of the Temple. We need to change our attitudes if we are serious about the reasons for the fasts of the season. If we lost the Temple because of baseless hatred, we need to stop the baseless hatred and learn to value the Jewish walk of each person. We are all in process, and judging the level of another is too similar to the way the Christians love to judge "salvation". Neither Jews nor Christians should judge what's in a person's heart- that is for Hashem to do. Leave it with Him. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 What I find so terribly offensive and troubling about this issue, as brought out in this article, is that once these couples snub their noses at one tradition and get away with it, they move on to others. It's incredibly wrong to break a Torah prohibition, but then they rub Tel Aviv sand in the faces of Torah lovers by even changing Scripture to fit their decadence. Replacing the Holy City in the psalm with Tel Aviv is so utterly degrading and this is what bothers me the most about tolerating the gay lifestyle- When they break one taboo and make it acceptable, others are sure to follow. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Bravo for Dave Swaim and Paul Winter, who expressed very well my thoughts. We are arguing over semantics: pro-Israel vs anti-Israel? Guess that is up to how you define being pro or anti, and whether or not you think the Arabs will ever accept the Jews. Since they continually say they won't, I don't get how anyone can ask Israel to do all the sacrificing, and still say they are pro-Israel. Pro-Israel, if Israel is defined as Tel Aviv? For Mitchell et al to state they won't give up on the aspirations of the "Palestinians"/Arabs for a state, Jordan is, was and should be that state, as history records. History has proven that these Arabs don't want a state, since they haven't done anything to improve Gaza as their "homeland", but mainly use it as a base from which to bomb Israel. I'm moving to Israel next month, and I really would prefer not to have to dodge missiles, but would love to live in peace. If the neighbors don't want peace, they can leave. If I can move 1000's of miles, then so can they. We gave the 2-state solution a chance; now it's only security and peace and fulfillment of our mission in Israel that matters, period. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I don't understand why there is such a wide disparity between the opinions on Clinton/Obama in respect to their support of Israel. I find them hateful toward Israel, arrogantly pushing Jews to give up land which is theirs, to a group who use the land to breed terrorism and attack Israel. How can a person, even Bush, say they support Israel and then order the Jews to do something we consider suicidal? And on top of all this, now the Obama administration is nullifying past agreements with Israel! Tit for tat, Israel should now nullify all past agreements, which were a joke anyway since the Arabs have yet to renounce terror and recognize Israel as the Jewish state. I also find it obamanible that he compared 6 million lives lost in the Holocaust to the Arab refugee problem today!!!! With such friends we sure don't need enemies. We're fighting for survival here; i'd just as soon trust in HaShem and tell the Americans to get lost. I'm an American but I'm moving to Israel next month, G-d willing, and I'd rather not trust in such "friends" as the US has been. I pray PM Netanyahu stands his ground and puts the protection of Israel first. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 This was exactly my response. How can there be equivalence between the Holocaust and the situation with the Arabs (erroneously called Palestinians) - the lie of the "occupation"? There is NO equivalence, there is no honesty, because he's starting off on a foundation which itself is a lie- that there is an Arab people called Palestinians. There IS a two state solution, rejected by the Arabs, and that is the state of Jordan. Jordan should be addressed, not Israel. And when is the blindness going to end, where terror is the fault of Israel. How does that explain Darfur etc.? Quit talking about displacement of the poor Arabs- what about the murder and displacement of European Jewry? Fellow Jews, we are fighting for our right to exist; please don't remain silent!!!!!! 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 It's hard not to be negative. This transcript is an embarrassment to both the press and the White House. Nothing substantive was said about missiles being fired into Southern Israel, about the Arab refusal to renounce violence, etc. No one finds it terribly imbalanced that Israeli Jews must leave their homes to make Jew-free zones, while Arabs can remain in all parts of Israel, straight up and down the center of the country. There is already a two-state (or one-half and 57.5 state solution), that state being Jordan, which was supposed to be the part of the Land the Arabs got before they invented the "Palestinian people." Why is no pressure put on Jordan to absorb these people? If they truly want peace, the Arabs will leave the Jews alone to keep the little bit of land they still have. The answer is simple- stop the violence against Israel. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Thank you for publishing all of these opinions. It is eye-opening to see the range of thinking, though none of these editorial clips show much depth of understanding. I think Max Boot has shown the most originality of thinking, and the most insight. For one thing, as an American Jew observing Obama, he is NOT to be trusted. He talks out of both sides of his mouth, promising everyone everything, or at least, feigning an understanding and compassion that is skin-deep. Remember the broohaha in the Jewish media last week as to how he fooled the Jews into voting for him, as his actions now demonstrate. He wants everyone to love him and could care less if Israel is Jewish or Arab. Peace in that region is clearly dependent on Arab control, but the battleground will just move. Israel must have faith in her own ability to withstand all enemies based on her history, even if one doesn't give credit to the Creator and His promises. The US has its own problems and really shouldn't be messing in the politics of an area the president clearly does not understand. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I'm not retired yet, but my husband and I moved to Tucson 2 years ago for a change, and because he missed the area, being Phoenix-born. I think the Jewish community here is much friendlier than up in the northwest, where I was raised. Even so, my husband and I are making aliyah. We want to go to our real home, in Israel, where Jewish culture REALLY is. We know it won't be easy, but the benefits are extraordinary. I think it's the best place to retire and all Jews need to be there. I encourage everyone to consider it, because who knows how long things will remain comfortable here? We need to appreciate having a country for Jews, so that it will always be just that. If you love Israel, move home! 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Well, for sure, John Q. Public DOES NOT speak for the public, and Stuart is right to call him on his ignorance/arrogance. In regard to health care, I am so tired of hearing that Americans deserve health care, and certainly it is NOT a human right!! NO, rather it is a HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY to prevent the need for a huge illness care system by taking care of ourselves. We are just supporting the pharmaceutical industry so they can poison us. I suggest we start thinking of healtcare reform as health maintenance by encouraging the teaching of good nutrition and insuring that healthy foods are available to us all. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I find much that is incomplete in this article, such as the fact that many Bethlehem Arab Christians left because of threats from Muslims, who regard them as infidels. And I get very tired of the whining that Arabs are not treated with equality in Israel. What non-Arabs are treated with equality in Arab states? Why is it no one ever complains about the dhimmi label? When Jews can sit in the parliaments of Arab states, we might approach some equality with Arabs, but now, Arabs seem to have more rights. They can live anywhere in Israel, but Jews are kicked out of their homes to make "Palestinian" areas. They serve in the Knesset and practice treason with privileges. These things would not be allowed in any other country in the world. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 "a vision of Israel that can live in peace with its neighbors"? Where do these guys come from? Apparently all the new leaders are ignorant of Israel's history. When has Israel been the one to instigate a war? Aren't the Jews always on the defensive? And why does everyone forget the 8000 plus who were kicked out of their homes so that the arabs could take their land over, trash it and use it as a base for launching missiles on civilians? That apparently was no sacrifice on Israel's part, according to the new administration. But even Bush's Rice tried to tell Israel there could be no expansion, only shrinkage. Israel needs to end the so-called friendship with the US and stand up for human decency and morality, since the rest of the world has forgotten what this is. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 " ..both sides historically have always come up with an excuse why not to go the last mile.." ? I guess to Abdullah, signing agreements is not going the last mile, and giving away land is not going the last mile. No, to him, every Jew leaving Israel might be going the last mile, literally. I do agree with you, Yitzchak, that such vague talk is not only dishonest, but insulting to those with some intelligence. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I'm a writer and therefore deal with words. Words mean something, (especially in Judaism). The vibrations of the sounds create an energy. Names are even more meaningful and tell a lot about the one bearing the name. HAMAS means "violence", as I keep trying to tell people. The terrorists named themselves violence because that's what they are all about. Asking them to renounce violence, or make peace, is ludicrous. They don't even live in peace with their brothers. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Yes Ari, and why not ask our own government to return the USA back to its natives? Talk about an occupation.... What's fair for every other country in the would should apply to Israel as well. What's won in war - or won back - becomes that of the winning nation. How much more so if the victory was won by the defending nation, not the attacking nation. David, how far back do we get to go to return these territories? To King David's day? Or Joshua's? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 What a surprise, Iran's premier terrorist actually did as should have been expected. What else does he talk about? We always come back to Einstein's definition of insanity: doing the same negative thing over and over and expecting different results. Mr. Ki-moon thought he could talk him out of speaking against Israel; our own president thinks he can do the same thing, as countless others have tried. Insanity. When will our so-called leaders wake up and realize this guy means what he says? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I don't really understand what we are negotiating with Iran. Does anyone REALLY think they will actually stop producing their bomb without a price that will be too high to pay? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 correction: I meant 500, not 5000 circumcisions.... 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 The article makes it sound as if all Jews agree that circumcision has to be done one way. But I believe that the Modern Orthodox do accept the clamp method. At least, one of my rabbis did 5000 circumcisions using the clamp. I really hope to see a more tolerant attitude among some of our Jewish leaders. It was for baseless hatred that our Temple was destroyed and our families thrown out of Israel. If we haven't learned anything in these 2000 years, when will we learn? More brotherly love please. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Mathew Solomon is correct. Torah forbids homosexuality, clearly, at least for Jews. There is more to the issue than just being tolerant. I have seen it happen, where once one taboo is broken and the behavior becomes "normal", other taboos become easier to break. The world of homosexuality is not all benign; there are darker forces at work using this issue for destructive ends. This is not to imply that all gays are involved in a conscious effort to destroy, just that the movement is being used for a hidden agenda. People need to look deeper, below the surface. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 OMG- we have a president that believes in the tooth fairy! How can anyone familiar with the world today believe that this terrorist will sit down, sip tea, and agree that no, we really are wrong about our nuclear weapon goal, and yes we'll stop being the bully in the Middle East? Incredible! I suppose if this president had been here in the 30's Hitler would have backed down too- of course, he only liked Aryans........our president is sadly lacking in knowledge of world history. Oy vey. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 It's not so complicated. If the "road map" specified that the "Palestinian" nation inhabiting Israel's ground must swear off violence and recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish nation, why is Hamas allowed to be in Gaza? Has Fatah even done this? If they have, then they are the ones to govern the PA. Hamas has not and will not meet the criteria, so they are irrelevant and legally should be removed from Gaza and Judea and Samaria. All signatories to the "Road Map" should ensure that this is done. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I don't have a problem with the rabbi attending the church for this kind of service, but I do have a problem with the giving of a blessing on meeting a king. Our president is not a king, and this whole hyped up meshougah inauguration has been so over-the-top, with terms such as messiah being thrown around, it is disgusting. 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 I think the prosecution is looking for any reason to deny bail. The "automatic" citizenship" is anything but. My husband and I are in the process of applying now, and they keep putting more and more pieces of paper in front of us to fill out. I have had to fax some paperwork more than once, as it seems to get lost. You have to swear you have not committed a crime, and with all the publicity in this case, Rubashkin would have to sign yes. He could go to Israel just like any other tourist, but they should not have a reason to protect him, given the notoriety of this defendant. The main point is- there is no automatic citizenship, and he would have to fight the bureaucracy like anyone else, unless the Immigration Office is corrupt. So this reason to deny bail seems bogus, as Mr. Edelstein has said. But I have another concern: if Mr. Rubashkin has so much money with which to pay bail- millions- why couldn't he pay his employees better? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Yadlin said that he is not opposed to the direct talks between the United States and Iran being proposed by Obama, saying "dialogue is not appeasement". Hmmm, this is the head of Israeli intel, and he hasn't heard that Iran has preconditions, one being that the US has to renounce all support of Israel? Do we have a problem here? 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00