Monday, March 31, 2014

Still Think the Israeli Defense Forces is a Jewish Army?

ראש החודש הראשון תשע"ד

Arutz 7: Report: Pesach Eve Induction for Haredi Students Postponed
Induction orders sent to thousands of hared youths will apparently be postponed, a report Monday said.

Moshe Cohen, March 31, 2014

Several months ago, thousands of hareidi youths were sent orders to appear at IDF induction centers – on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, just one day before the start of Passover. But the army has backtracked, according to hareidi newspaper Hamevaser – and the induction orders have been postponed indefinitely...

...The new law gives the Defense Minister the option of delaying the induction date of haredi youths, and it is on that basis that Moshe Ya'alon has decided to postpone the enactment of the orders. The decision was reportedly made after a cabinet discussion earlier Monday. The students whose induction orders were postponed were to have appeared at induction centers for a health checkup and an intake interview, and sent home. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Are they that far removed from Pesah (Passover), the holiday said to be celebrated (in some way shape or form) even by the likes of Leftist Yossi Sarid? Or was this done on purpose, too obviously acting out on some serious control issues?

If nothing else, the IDF should have seen Pesah as spring vacation time, like almost every other Israeli citizen, even to a degree, Druze and Arabs.

Do "they" really want Haredim in the IDF?
(Photo: Anonymous Facebook Friend)

Do they regularly hold inductions, even just medical exams, a day and a half for secular Jews, or even non-Jews?

Pesah is not just any holiday. Pesah also happens to be the time when we emerged as a People, as a Nation, a Nation of Israel, and not an Israeli nation. Those of us left of that nation, the Jews recognize the immense significance of this to our identities, both national and personal.

But, to the most efficient of the IDF, paper pushing soldiers? I'm not so sure. And we can thank the State of Israel's public education system for that.

In the infamous words of Shimon Peres, upon losing the 1996 election to Binyamin Netanyahu, "Today was a loss for Israelis."

When a journalist then asked, "If Israelis lost, then who were the winners?"

Peres responded, "The Jews."

Current Israeli President Shimon Peres himself differentiated between Israelis and Jews, and my guess is that he quite possibly continues to do so.

The IDF may have some "Jewish" window dressing, placing a Hanukkah menorah, here and there, and allowing outside rabbis to join IDF rabbis on base in leading Passover Seders. The IDF may also defend the lives of Am Yisra'el, most of them anyway, and the borders of Eretz Yisra'el,...most of them anyway.

The IDF may even have the potential to be a Jewish army someday. But, today, it is an Israeli army, not a Jewish one.

Not only that, but this is further support for my belief that the Haredi Draft issue has never had anything actually to do with the drafting of Haredim.

Former Chief IDF Rabbi Ronsky Appears to have Completely Lost It

ערב ראש החודש הראשון תשע"ד


Rabbi Gen. Avichai Ronsky
Clearly little has been learned by some members of the dati leumi community as former IDF Chief Rabbi Avichai Ronsky is quoted saying that his community still has more in common with the secularists and Yesh Atid than with the chareidim.

Using his Facebook page to get the message out, Rabbi Ronsky on Sunday, 21 Adar II explained the common denominator between the dati leumi and secular community represented by Yair Lapid. Ronsky feels the political deal reached between Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi was mutually beneficial, leading to betterment for each party and collectively for the state.

MK Yoni Chetboun
Rabbi Ronsky feels that with all the machlokes, Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi are on the same page regarding key issues, including education, the nation’s economy, national defense and “the other issues pertaining to the State of Israel” while the same cannot be said regarding Bayit Yehudi and the chareidim.

For some, Rabbi Ronsky’s words come as a surprise while for others; the cat is out of the bag.

In his post Ronsky also used the opportunity to criticize MK Yoni Chetboun for violating coalition discipline and voting against the new draft law.

Rabbi Ronsky feels the headlines in the chareidi media resulted in additional support for one who compromised party unity and such a reality is needless and damaging.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
In the past Rabbi Ronsky had made what have seemed to be very appropriate Torah statements, appropriate statements which have appropriately enraged Leftists and pseudo-Right wing, die-hard State loyalists alike. These appropriate statements have included:
1. Saving a wounded enemy terrorist's life may only be done under limited circumstances, such as for the sake of obtaining intelligence information which may save Jewish lives. (Rabbi Me'ir Kahane hy"d made similar statements.)

2. It is forbidden to rely on the United States of America.

3. Jewish women do not need to serve in the IDF. (Well,...close, but no cigar.)
Rabbi Ronsky has also been called an example of those who "cause racist and extremist incitement." In other words, even though he IS a rabbi, how dare he cite halakhah (Jewish Law)!

And now, he identifies more with God-less, Statists, than with Stateless religious, who keep Shabbath, like he does, who keep dietary laws like he does, pray three times a day, fulfill the misswoth of tzitzith and tefillin like he does, look to The Almighty as their Creator and ultimate Authority over everything they do and say,....not like he does???

So, what the heck happened? I have no clue. Maybe he was always this loyal to the State and to the un-Jewish, Israeli deMOCKratic system of government it possess, and I was just too blind to see it.

Yair Lapid
Finance Minister and Yesh Atid Party Chief

Still, to have jumped all the way over from there to here, either he has been influenced,...in one way or another, or he has completely lost it.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up, Parashath Tazri'a/HaHodesh 5774

 כ"ח לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ד



Founded by Soccer DadHaveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week, jointly coordinated through our Facebook Group.The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English,'vanity.' Submissions may be may through our on-line submission form on BlogCarnival.com, which requires you to log-in first.

Adventures In AliyahLand will be hosting next week's edition. Please send your submissions directly to her via e-mail at Jay3fer@gmail.com.
Torah

Daniel Pinner writes on Parashat Tazria/Shabbat Hachodesh: Blood of Redemption.

Avraham Ben Yehuda teaches us about The Chiastic Structure of the Conclusion of Tzaw and the Beginning of Sh'mini.

Rabbi David Bar-Hayim, Rosh Machon Shilo, asks, "When is it time to Jettison a Minhag?"

Rabbi Lazer Brody at Lazer Beams reports that according to Rabbi Moshe Shernbuch: We Hear The Footsteps of Mashi'ah.

Israel
News and Current Events
Rafi at Settlers Of Samaria reports on his personal Adventures with Yishmael on Har Habayit - Riot on the Temple Mount.

I write What's In A Name? Part 2: Names.

Tomer Devorah reports that They want to destroy Yiddishkeit, and Only HaShem's Army can win.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution asks, "Wouldn't it have been nice to have a Jewish Army?" and shares a video on the IDF's Uselessness.

Eitan at A Jewish Israel shows how MK Moti Yogev says what Jonathan Pollard is thinking.

Daniel Pinner reports on Harvard University students' pilgrimage to the grave of mass murderer Yassar Arafat ysh"w in Not Only Harvard...

A Soldier's Mother gives us her take on this event as well in Fine, Sorry.

Abigail at Israel21c reports on how Israeli shoes put high-tech in your step.

Life In Israel
The saga of the journey to Renouncing My American Citizenship Continues.

Also, It's Broken Record Time: Western Values and sensibilities are not one and the same with Jewish one.

Ester at It's All From HaShem shares a fictional short story with us, The Sin Of Silence.

Yael Shahar shares with us Anniversaries, an excerpt from A Dammaged Mirror.


Yocheved Golani at It's My Crisis and I'll Cry if I Need To updates us on her studies in A Medical Coding Update in my Life.

Ernesto at Tel-Aviv Israel Tours shares Give My Love to Rehov Allenby.

Jews News posts a video of a river coming to life this month in the Israeli desert. It seems to be part of the unique climate and precipitation cycle in this desert.

Rafi at Life In Israel reports on two items which I am sure that you will all be happy to know. The price of gefilte fish has come down in the face of a threatened ban on it, and The Rolling Stones are coming to Israel.

Batya insists on posting about American Football in Israel at Me-Ander.

Israel Brews and Views brings us Another Voice From Taybe [Beer], which includes some insight into beer-brewing politics in the heavily Muslim, Shomron and Yehudah (Judea and Samaria).


Exile

News and Current Events
Tomer Devorah demonstrates how The Whole World has become Egypt.

Batya at Shiloh Musings investigates The Pollard Distraction, Will Obama free a loose cannon? She also writes, "Americans, I have only one thing to ask of you."

Jew-Hatred For Evangelicals is reported by Robert at Seraphic Secret.

Life In Exile
It's Been 103 Days since the passing of Superman Sam. As always with this blog, easy access to tissues is recommended.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Germany, The Vatican, and Cocaine-Filled Condoms

כ"ג לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Yahoo! News: Germany seizes cocaine-filled condoms sent to Vatican
March 23, 2014

Berlin (AFP) - German customs officials have intercepted a package addressed to the Vatican containing 14 condoms filled with cocaine, the finance ministry said Sunday.

A ministry spokesman told AFP that a box packed with 340 grammes of cocaine valued at 40,000 euros ($55,200) was seized at the international airport in the eastern city of Leipzig in January.

The narcotics, posted from an unnamed South American country, were in liquid form and had been poured into the condoms and placed in the package addressed to the main postal centre at the Vatican.

"I can confirm the incident as reported" in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, the spokesman said.

"But we cannot say anything more about the case," he added, saying it was now in the hands of local prosecutors.

Authorities handed the parcel to a police officer at the Vatican with the aim of laying a trap for a culprit who might try to claim it.

But the box had remained there since January.

German investigators believe the intended recipient, who remains unknown, was likely tipped off that the package had been intercepted.

The Vatican office of Interpol is now working on the investigation with the Leizpig prosecutor's office, which could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Tip: Jews News)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
So, was the cocaine there, just to throw law enforcement authorities off the trail of the real crimes taking place?

From South Park Se10 Ep11 "Hell On Earth 2006"

True, 14 condoms doesn't seem like that many. Perhaps the environmentally conscious Vatican makes sure that they are washed and reused several times....

OK. This even grossing me out. Satire does have its limits. You know?

So, someone is doing, distributing, and/or dealing cocaine from The Vatican. Surprise, surprise....

Still, I wonder. Who was that stupid to have shipped? Why wasn't this shipment caught by drug sniffing dogs somewhere along the way, between South America and Germany. Did the bribes peter out along the way? Did the point person in Leipzig mess things up for everyone involved?

Inquiring minds want to know.

It's Broken Record Time: Western Values and Sensibilities do not Equal Jewish Values and Sensibilities

כ"ג לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

A respondant to a string on Facebook warning of the dangers of assimilation, particularly outside of Israel:
The solution lays in adjusting halacha (Jewish Law) to make it more attractive for the people, less oppressive towards woman, less misogynistic, ethnocentric and sexist. We can deny all we want, but why would anyone want to be a part of a religion that makes them feel bad? Assimilation happens as a result of something, maybe instead of locking up the girls of Israel, make them apart of the leadership, halachic bodies and allow them to take an active roll in who they can be in this religion. Marriage is the point where woman clearly have a disadvantage, look at the get situation among many woman who actively choose to remain religious. Arabs aren't the issue and neither are the "none-Jews" it's close minded Jews who want to stay in the Galut/holocaust mentality that drive assimilation.
Esser Agaroth (2¢) Response:
We are not here on this earth do whatever we want (ie. adjust halakhah), nor are we here on this earth to do whatever we want, and delude ourselves into thinking that it is, in fact, what HaShem wants, too.

We are here on this earth to do what HaShem wants. How do we know what that is? His Holy Torah, which includes the Oral Torah.

When we attempt to "adjust" halakhah, based on nothing but how we feel and what we want, then we are doing nothing less than disregarding it, if not cancelling its proper place in our lives.

I would like to suggest that you (and many others) arrived at this idea as a result of 1,700 to 2,000 years in galuth (exile). Such an experience can, and has, most certainly distort the authenticity of a people's traditions, not to mention their beliefs.

That being said, I am just as critical of all of the humroth (stringencies) which also came out of galuth, as I am of those with perspectives such as yours. These humroth may have had their purpose in galuth, to keep us together, whole, and on track. However, I do not see that they have much purpose here in Eretz Yisra'el. 


In support of you, I believe that you are right about people not being attracted to Judaism, but I disagree with your solution. The solution, I believe, is two-fold:
1. Seek out the learning of authentic halakhah. One possible resource for this is Machon Shilo and its companion YouTube Channel, which is updated weekly.


2. Learn to differentiate between Western values and sensibilities (eg. feminism, egalitarianism, state-ism, Christianity, haskalah) and Jewish values and sensibilities. In time, we can all learn which is the wisdom of the goyim (non-Jews) that we may embrace, and which is the failed attempts of "Torah" by the goyim, that which we must discard, if not speak out against them.
Here is an example: When Passover Became a Holiday Again.

Most Jews forget that Passover is a holiday, a happy time, but rather see, and inaccurately so, as a time of suffering, if not during Passover itself, then certainly beforehand, scrub brush in hand.

Who wants to spend six to eight hours in schul on Rosh HaShannah? I sure don't! Although there are some out there who find this meaningful and gratifying, I, personally, am not one of them. And I challenge anyone to show me how this is the halakhah.

I am happy to report that every year, I spend 3:20 hours in a minyan on Rosh HaShannah morning. That's right only 3:20 hours, and I can even set my watch by it.

But this is not about "less" being "more." Otherwise, the so-called Jewish "movements" would be the bearers of the solution, which they most certainly are not.

This is about stepping up to challenge of accepting an authentic Jewish identity, and investigating what that means, and perhaps more importantly, what that doesn't mean.

What's In A Name? Part 2: Places

כ"ג לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Ages ago, the Shiloh Muse encouraged me to write about this subject, the accuracy of place names in Israel. So, now, I finally am.

As far as names go, I wrote about the Jewish (and non-Jewish) names of people first. Now, it is time for places. Perhaps, I will write about the proper names of things as well, in the future. I have also written about the improper names of places, things, and actions in "Shomer Misnomer."

The borders of Eretz Yisra'el at the time of its conquest by Yehoshu'a Bin-Nun, only a portion of what was Divinely promised to Avraham Avinu for our future (Gen. 15:18-21)

Lebanon, or rather The Lebanon is certainly an accurate name from Tana"kh (The Bible). But what if we were to start calling Southern Lebanon Northern Asher and Northern Naftali instead? No doubt the word "provocation" would pop up, and more likely from self-hating Jews at first than Arabs.

I would sure like to see the face of King Abdullah II, of the completely made-up nation of Jordan, when we start referring to the eastern part of his make-believe kingdom as Reuven, Gad, and Mo'av.

This is why I do not have a problem with the term "West Bank." It is, after all, the west bank of the Jordan River,...and as can be seen quite clearly from the map, the "East Bank" belongs to us, too.

What message could be conveyed if we began referring to the Shomron, another name from Tana"kh, as Efraim and West Menashe? Actually, you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that the Israeli Postal Service already does this, to a degree, so it would not be anything terribly radical to re-introduce this approach to the people. This could only lead to the Golan, yet another accurate name, being referred to as East Menashe?

The Mateh Binyamin Council, a feeder and lackey of the greater YeSh"A Council takes this approach in a completely inaccurate direction, calling towns under its supposed autorité, as far north as Rechalim "Binyamin." Even though this territory is clearly Ephraim, which reaches south past Shiloh.

But, since when have the Mamlakhtim (die-hard State-loyalists) given a darn about anything about historical accuracy?

But, I digress...

And there should be no need to say that the Israeli Government is not helping the situation in the least, by pandering to the Arabs.

Look at the power the bastardized names Arabs have given to places. Shchem was so named thousands of years ago (Gen. 12:6), and was purchased by Ya'aqov Avinu (Gen. 33:18-19). Yet, Arabs call Shchem, NablusNablus is a bastardization of Napolis or Neopolis. But, since the Arabs cannot pronounce the "P," Neopolis becomes Nablus, which half the world has probably been deluded into believing that it is some remnant of an ancient Palestinian civilization.

Whoops! I almost forgot! Palestine comes from the Roman labeling of Israel as Philistia, even though Philistia was located in the area in and around Azza (Gaza).

So much for an ancient Palestinian civilization.

So, the real name of Nablus is Shchem. Likewise the northern gate leading out of the Old City of Jerusalem is the Shchem Gate. True, this same road would eventually take you to Damascus, which will eventually be a part of Israel, too. Nevertheless, when the Jerusalem Light Rail announces its approach to the Shchem Gate Station, it really should say "Shchem Gate," and not "Damascus Gate," which it does in English and Arabic.

The bottom line is that this simple strategy may help to empower the Israeli Government with the backbone it needs to stand up and say,...

"Hey! This is the Land of Israel, and it belongs to us! All of it!"

This Week's Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up (AKA Haveil Havalim) Is Up!

כ"ג לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Eitan at A Jewish Israel is hosting this week's Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up, AKA Haveil Havalim.

Check out "Week of the J’lem Marathon ‘n a Whole Lot of Other Thangs!"

I will be hosting next week's edition.

Please submit your posts by leaving links and descriptions in the comments section below. These comments will not be published.

Also, get more involved, more exposure, and more traffic on your blog!

Join our Facebook Group, for more information!

Monday, March 24, 2014

An Israeli Ran the First Marathon, but It's Not Who You Think

כ"ג לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Last Friday Jerusalem hosted its annual marathon. Fortunately, I had plans to leave town Thursday night, so that I could avoid the public transportation and traffic messes, in an attempt to leave town on Friday.

I had friends and acquaintances who ran in it, not only because long-distance running is their thing, but also to use the marathon as an opportunity to raise money for charities. So, I can't knock 'em for that.

Nevertheless, I still cannot get my head around such high levels of praise of Jews and Jewish cities for their participation in Greek (ie. non-Jewish) events and activities.

The following piece was written on the eve of Tel-Aviv's annual marathon.
Ha'Aretz: The first marathon runner wasn't Greek, he was Jewish
Friday's the Tel Aviv marathon, it's time to note that a run described in the bible predated the Greek myth on which marathons are based by centuries. Plus: the Jewish Runner Hall of Fame.

Elon Gilad, February 27, 2014

Tomorrow, Friday morning, thousands of runners will be taking to the streets. Yes, it's the Tel Aviv Marathon, and the perfect time to debunk some myths about Jews and sports, specifically - running.

The first modern marathon was at the first latter-day Olympics, held in Athens in 1896. It was 40 kilometers long, from the town of Marathon to Athens, commemorating the legendary run along roughly that route by one Pheidippides (though some say the real route he ran was substantially shorter). He was a Greek soldier-messenger happily bearing the message of the Greek victory over the Persians at the battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. According to legend, upon arriving at Athens and delivering the message the exhausted Pheidippides, keeled over and died.

But the Bible has a similar story that predates the Greek one.

1 Samuel recounts a battle between Israelites and Philistines, that unlike the Greek victory, did not end well for the Hebrews: “And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.” (4:10)

Worse than the massive loss in life was the death of the leadership and the taking of the Ark. “And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.” (4:11)

It was up to one Hebrew, who unlike Pheidippides is unnamed, only identified by his tribe as “a man of Benjamin,” to run to the capital Shiloh and report to Eli the High Priest. Like Pheidippides he is said to have run: “And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.” (4:14)
Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Almost, but no cigar.

נַפְתָּלִי, אַיָּלָה שְׁלֻחָה--הַנֹּתֵן, אִמְרֵי-שָׁפֶר. (בראשית מט,כא)
Naphtali is a doe let loose; providing fine words. (Gen. 49:21)

You see Naftali ben Ya'aqov Avinu was actually the first to run such a distance, actually much more than the standard marathon. At the funeral of his father Ya'aqov Avinu, Ya'aqov's ever sneaky brother Esau came to dispute Ya'aqov's right to be buried in Ma'arath HaMachpelah, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron, which was originally bought by their grandfather Avraham Avinu as a burial place for his wife Sarah's (Gen. 23:1-20).

In order to prove to Esau that Ya'aqov was indeed the rightful owner of this property, and not Esau, Naftali ran back to Egypt to retrieve forgotten the documents of ownership.

As arguments continued, Hushim, the deaf son of Dan gathered enough of what was going on, and cut Esau's head off.

So much for Israelis running marathons.

More importantly, assuming that Elon Gilad had knowledge of this midrash, why was it not mentioned?

Whether to take this and other midrashim literally or not, I do not believe for a second is the question here. Rather, it is lack of regard for our Oral Tradition.

"They're just stories!"

"The rabbis made them up,...as educational tools."

...and on and on and on. The possibility that Naftali ben Ya'aqov Avinu ran back to Egypt, even assuming that he took breaks, or that any other midrash could actually have been handed down is beyond their willingness, even to attempt to comprehend.

And so, what is "their" understanding of those events mentioned mefurash (explicitly) in the Torah, such as the Revelation at Mt. Sinai, or the splitting of the Sea of Reeds?

They didn't actually happen? They were just written down as metaphors, allegories, or literary injections of excitement?

If Elon Gilad is one of "them," I cannot say. By "them" I mean the results of the damage caused by the Haskalah movement, and all those "movements" which followed. I mean those who were raised as if by non-Jews.

Worse yet, "they" also include those who actively battle against Torah and against those who truly believe in it, and do their best to live accordingly, and that includes holding the Torah, and more importantly its author (and I don't mean any J, E, P, and D silliness), in higher authority than any man-made authority, such as the State of Israel.



And this is what "they" are afraid of. And this is why so-called news sources, like Ha'Aretz, publishes deceivingly innocuous pieces, such as the above. And this is why I prefer to call Ha'Aretz, Am Ha'Aretz.

More ADL Kishen Tuches and It's Germany's Turn!

כ"ב לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

YNET: Merkel receives ADL human rights prize
Jewish group presents German chancellor with its distinguished Joseph Prize in recognition of her 'abiding commitment' to protecting human rights of Jews, defending Jewish religious freedom.

March 23, 2014

VIDEO – The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has presented German Chancellor Angela Merkel with its distinguished ADL Joseph Prize for Human Rights in recognition of her "abiding commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at home and abroad."

In presenting the prize, ADL cited a number of accomplishments and actions that it said showed Chancellor Merkel’s unwavering commitment to human rights.

"They include Merkel’s efforts to protect the human rights of Jews through her commitment to the security of the State of Israel; raising her voice against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his arbitrary exercise of power; her defense of Jewish religious freedom in Germany, including the protection of the right to male circumcision; and her courageous public criticism of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s actions against protestors last year, in which she stated that 'our European values – the freedom to demonstrate, the freedom of speech, the rule of law, the freedom of religion – they apply always. They are non-negotiable for us.'"

The prize was presented at the German Chancellery in Berlin by members of a leadership delegation currently traveling in Germany, headed by ADL National Chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher and ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman.

"As the head of government, the pursuit of human rights is not your only responsibility,” Foxman said in his remarks to Chancellor Merkel.

"Internationally, we have seen you, time and again, speak frankly to other leaders on human rights issues. On your first visit to Moscow as chancellor, you made a point of inviting human rights campaigners to a reception at the German embassy. And since then you have raised your voice publicly when meeting with Vladimir Putin on behalf of those targeted by his arbitrary exercise of power.

"It is clear to all," Foxman added, "that your actions are based on deep personal convictions. We are fortunate that someone with such convictions leads one of the most important countries in the world, and that you have made clear to other leaders that their records on human rights play a weighty role in determining Germany’s relations with their nations." (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
I have absolutely no idea why Putin is mentioned in the citation, just more proof perhaps that the ADL, which claims to be a Jewish organization, isn't.

I wonder if this wasn't perhaps some kind of lame, consolation prize for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent, accidental shadow puppetry (below).

We have rabbis in the Crimea and other parts of the the Ukraine declaring the "everything's fine. don't worry about us." We have and yet the non-profit, a-political ADL doesn't happen to like what Putin is doing, and so it says so.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
...playing shadow puppets.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Merkel and the rest of her European Union continue to support a so-called two-state solution," in other words the establishment of yet another Arab state which desires the annihilation of Israel.

How does this support the Jewish "human" right of self-determination? How does this guarantee Israeli's security, by trusting Yishma'el (the Arabs),...this time?

So, how different is slaughtering an entire people yourself versus having some "Palestinian" lackeys do it for you?

Food for thought...

It seems to me the Vladamir Putin appears to be doing more to support the rights of his own people, those of his own people/nationality, than the Israeli government does for its own.
The delegation also presented Chancellor Merkel with a framed paper-cut that repeats, in several languages, the Hebrew phrase "V'ahavta L'reakha Kamokha," which translates "Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself," which is one of the most sacred admonitions of the Torah.
...not to mention one of the most misunderstood verses in the entire Tana"kh (Bible).

I'm get soaked by all of the ADL's, and in particular Foxman's, slobbering all over the German Chancellor, including some serious kishen tuches.

May Chancellor Merkel never recover to a state of complete dryness.

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 3

כ"ב לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Read the Prelude: Toying With the Idea of Renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2.

Read why Batya won't Renounce her U. S. Citizenship.

U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem
Last Thursday was my final "interview" in the process of renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

I arrived early. Upon approach to the entrance, I was greeted with a scene over to the right, an Israeli Border Patrol soldier was putting on Tefillin, and preparing to pray, while his female counterpart continued their guard duties.

I took that as a sign.

At security, I not only had to check my phone, but also the pencil sharpener. Could that have been used as a weapon? I suppose, so do not begrudge the U. S. government my temporary lack of ability to sharpen my pencil. But, who do they expect to show up at the Consulate? MacGyver?

 Besides that, the Arabs manning the front desk took the opportunity to display their inefficiency and lack of professionalism, even more so than when I was last there.

As I walked to the bathroom, with my native Israeli security "escort," I asked him in Hebrew how he deals with such nonsense. He just laughed. 'Nuff said.

When I entered the waiting area, I was taken almost right away, even though I was early. Again, I was the only one there beside my "escort." It all wen pretty smoothly, as I spoke with the same official with whom I spoke the last time. He was very helpful through emails back and forth, scheduling this appointment so that I could deal with him, and not with somebody new, who might take longer, asking me repeat questions, and reviewing my paperwork.

The "interview" went quickly, with the official only asking me if I "still wanted to go through with 'it.'"

I said, "Yes." I signed the forms I had brought with me already filled out. Then he signed them. All that was left to do, was to pay the $450 fee, and then wait for my official certificate, which was expected to arrive by mail in a few weeks. By the way, I chose to bring in a self-addressed, stamped envelop, with enough postage for registered mail, instead of using the Consulate's courier service. ₪11.40 was enough for up to 500g (about 1 lb.), more than enough. I even put a registered mail sticker o the envelop for them, with matching form. Perhaps that was overkill, but whatever.

At this point in the process, I was told that the only person who could take my fee was still out. He should be there soon, and was specifically told that he needed to be there by my appointment time.

Twenty minutes later, I was informed that a call was just received from the only person who could take my money was very close

Meanwhile, the security guard and I chatted, about a variety of topics. Like the security guard from my previous visit, this one also wanted to know why I wanted to renounce my U. S. citizenship.

About forty minutes late, I was finally called over to the cashier's window for the privilege of giving the U. S. Government money, so that it would no longer own me.

Think about that for a moment. I had to pay the U. S. Government to be released from its control, or as I am guessing the U. S. Government might phrase it, from its responsibility.

If you ask me, that sounds just too similar to a ransom for my taste. Of course, the U. S. Government calls it an "execution fee." I wonder if there is a double meaning embedded there someplace.

But, I digress...

Paying The "Execution Fee"
Almost an hour after I should have had everything all wrapped up, I was met at the cashier's window by an Arab,...a belligerent Arab. It turned out that he was not even the on who was late. That was someone else who had to get something out of a safe. This was never clear to me, and remember, he and I were both speaking in our native tongue, English. The only think I understood were the apologies.

Quite frankly, I am thinking about send the Consulate, or the State Department in Washington a bill for my time, time lost from work, not to mention time lost from work as a result of the "required," yet not by law, second visit.

As I was paying in New Israeli Sheqqels (), I was informed that the sheqqel to dollar rate was 3.6, as listed on the Consulate's website. I responded that I knew that, but that I was told that the rate was periodically updated on the website, and that today the rate was not 3.6, rather it was 3.47.

"This is the rate we give you," the Arab told me.

"Your supervisor, please," I returned in true, "do NOT mess with me," Southern Californian form. Why should I give the U. S. Government anymore than I should have to?

The difference in our rate dispute worked out to 58.50, approximately $16.86, for those of you who think in dollars.

I know more than a few people, Israelis and Americans alike, myself included, who would be very happy to receive 58.50/$16.86 in hand, and could find 1,000 possible uses for it, especially in today's economic climate.

The official who had taken care of my paperwork returned to the scene. He explained that was the rate that the Consulate gives.

I anticipated this response. So, I let it go. I just wanted to get out of there already.
I left the Consulate with copies of my submitted documents, and a "temporary" receipt. No seal, no stamp, just the Arab cashier's scribble on a flimsy receipt (below).

"Temporary Receipt"

This "temporary" receipt apparently had something to do with the other official who was late in arriving, and, by the way, who never bothered to apologize to me in person, even though I was the only person there waiting for him. Too important for a mere citizen, I suppose. I was told to expect an official one in the mail.

However, at this second and hopefully last "interview," I was told that once I paid my money, I was no longer a U. S. citizen.

Nevertheless, I await my official Certificate of Renunciation with baited breath.

Stay tuned!

*********

Thursday, March 20, 2014

No. Crimea's 4,000 Jews are NOT "Doing Fine"

י"ח לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Arutz 7: Crimea's 4,000 Jews Doing Fine, Knesset Told
Ukraine Jewish leaders give Speaker Edelstein a live update on the situation of Ukraine's Jews at present.

Hezki Ezra, Gil Ronen, March 19, 2014

MK Yo'el "Yuli" Edelstein
Speaker of the K'nesseth

Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud-Beytenu) and Knesset Director Ronen Plott held a video conference call Tuesday with several leaders of the Jewish community in the Ukraine, from the city of Dnipropetrovsk. The call was the first-ever to be held from the Knesset's newly-inaugurated VIP room.

One of the leaders, Rabbi Meir Stembler, told Edelstein that “there is tension in the air but no Jew is hiding his Jewishness or hiding out. While there are anti-Semitic manifestations, there is no systemic anti-Semitism. Nor do we feel more threatened after the revolution.”(cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
No. Crimea's 4,000 Jews are NOT "doing fine."

Why they are being kept there, and fed who knows what kind of information, I cannot possibly understand.

If this is not a warning/"kick in the pants" to the Jews in Crimea, and other parts of the Ukraine, where Jew-hating is commonplace, that they should get out, and come back to Israel, their only true homeland, nethen I don't know what is.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Danny Danon Threatens to Resign: Yeah! Do It!

י"ז לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

MK Danny Danon
Arutz 7: Deputy Minister Threatens to Resign Over Terrorist Release
MK Danny Danon (Likud) says he won't 'sit in a government that releases terrorists in exchange for Tzipi Livni's fantasies.'

Hezki Ezra, Gil Ronen, March 19, 2014

Deputy Defense Minister, MK Danny Danon (Likud), met bereaved mothers Wednesday and demanded that the fourth tranche of the release of terrorist murderers be canceled, vowing to resign otherwise. (cont.)


Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Yeah! Do it! He should resign!

Yes, I am sure Danny Danon's resignation would stop any further prisoner releases,...not to mention solve the "Palestinian" problem overnight!

Well, actually, I don't really believe Danon's resignation would do anything of the sort. Rather, I believe it would increase donations from your Christian buddies, and might even get you a job in some high paying, high ranking, non-profit organization.

In that case, I would happily say "good riddance."

Now, run along, and go play with your Christian friends.

When Jews finally wake up, I assure you, those practitioners of avodah zarah (forbidden worship) will be the only friends you have.

Delusions Of Peace

י"ז לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

YNET: 'Abbas is a true partner for peace,' says Peres
President Shimon Peres expresses sheer support for PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who will meet with US President Obama later Monday.

Noam (Dabul) Dvir, March 17, 2014

Shimon Peres
Israeli President
President Shimon Peres said on Monday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is a "true partner for peace." Peres made the remarks upon an expected summit later Monday in Washington between Abbas and US President Barack Obama.

During a meeting Peres held with human right activist Rose Mapendo, the president stressed that Abbas is a man of principle who objects to violence and terror.

"We are at a crucial stage of the negotiations and we must do everything we can to ensure they carry on," said Peres. "There is clear majority and agreement on a solution of two states for two people."

Peres added: "We must continue working with the Palestinian Authority and Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). He is a good partner and I am glad our government is negotiating with him. Disagreements are a normal thing and that is why there are negotiations – to solve disputes. There are also issues that we do agree on such as the war on terror." (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
I am wondering just exactly how many times I have to post this photo. Unfortunately, I will probably have to post it many more times.

President Mahmud Abbas's "Vision of Peace"

I have I already asked if President Peres is delusional,...

Should Jews be allowed to fend for themselves within Palestinian controlled Yehudah and Shomron?

...or just plain evil.

The only difference between Fatah controlled Palestinian Authority, occupying most of Yehudah and Shomron, and Hamas control Azza, is that Fatah has typically shown more patience, while working toward its goal of Israel's annihilation; whereas, Hamas wants it all now.

How could anyone be so delusional that he real believes that Abbas's is a partner for peace? Unless, of course, Peres's "Vision of Peace" is the same as Abbas's, a truly disturbing idea.

Many will say this is far fetched, and even praise Peres for any number of accomplishments for the [supposed] sake of Israel.

All I can recommend to these individuals is to look deeper, and look harder.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Shabbak Is Looking For You!

י"ז לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ד

Recently, I have being seeing this ad pop up on Facebook.


Translation:
The Shabba"k* is looking for you!

Come be integrated into a unique and challenging position in the field in the General Security Service. [Click] for additional details.

*Shabba"k is a Hebrew acronym (שב"כ) for the General Security Service (שירות הביטחון הכללי).

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Well, I have to admit, this is a clever advertising slogan. "The Shabba"k is looking for you!" has a double meaning, assuming that was the Shabba"k's intention,...and I am not 100 percent that it was.

You see, the Shabba"k has several nicknames, not the least of which is the "Israeli Secret Police." In fact, it is so secret that agents offer testimony in court behind screens or in disguise. I believe that may even go beyond the protection of informants in the U. S., as each citizen has the right to "face his accuser."

The point is that while the Shabba"k is looking for you, as a prospective agent employee, it also may be looking for you, because the Israeli government takes issues with some of your actions,...perhaps even some of your opinions.

Of course, I am only speculating that last part,...speculating from personal experience.

The U. S. Continues to String Israel Along

י"ז לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ד

Excerpts from...
Obama Rejects Israel as a Jewish State, Daniel Greenfield, March 9, 2014 
The Jerusalem-based paper Al-Quds quoted Psaki as telling one of its reporters during a press briefing on Friday that recognition of Israel as a Jewish state by the Palestinian Authority “is not necessary”, according to The Times of Israel. 
Psaki dismissed the claims via Twitter, writing, that the publication “distorted/fabricated my quote,” and that she “did not do an interview with Al Quds.”  
Arafat had already accepted Israel as a Jewish State, but the entire Peace Process has been a process in which the Arafat/Abbas side takes things off the table and escalates its demands and in which American diplomats respond by taking their side. 
Abbas is less willing to negotiate than Arafat. That’s not surprising considering that Obama is pandering to Abbas and pressuring Israel. The outcome of that is the inevitable sabotage of the negotiations that will occur when Abbas goes so far that not even Netanyahu will give in. And then Israel takes the fall. 
Kerry’s attempt at avoiding the crash by effectively negotiating for both sides only makes the process worse because it frees Abbas to continually escalate his demands in order to break up the process. The more he gets, the more he demands and the more Kerry gives in, abandoning each position for another one. 
(Tip: Jews News)
Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Greenfield's article concludes by listing 2004 U. S. Presidential Candidate Kerry's positions on Israel, which included Israel's maintained identity as a Jewish State, with Palestinians living in a Palestinian state.

I believe his observations of the negotiations, and the shady position of the U. S. to be accurate. However, I would like to remind us all of another, important factor here: God.

Yes, I know. Everyone likes to invoke His Name, and to present their perspectives of Him and His Will as being the only valid ones, and I will do no differently.

PA President Mahmud Abbas's (left) "Peace Map"

From my perspective, "Abbas... continually escalat[ing] his demands in order to break up the process," is not just any pattern, but rather a pattern of both mercy and a push from The Almighty, mercy because the Arab tool always seems to end up saving us from our co-dependent, suicidal selves.

Arafat ysh"w did the same thing in 2000/תשנ"ט, even after then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Baraq promised Arafat ysh"w, 93 percent of Yehudah, Shomron, and Azza (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza). Arafat ysh"w wanted [at least part of] Jerusalem, but even Laborite Baraq would not budge.

Nowadays, things are much different, very much because of the "piece negotiations" (spelled correctly) pattern Greenfield describes above. Jerusalem has been put on the table, whether we like it or not. And this is the "push" from above. Every time we do not pick up on this pattern, put our collective, proverbial foot down, and say, "All of Israel belongs to the People of Israel, because it was and is Divinely promised to us!" the ante gets upped, so that maybe next time, the kick in the pants will be hard enough for us to feel it. May we ALL feel it soon, so that it doesn't have to get any worse!

Do I have any proof of this? No. It is simply what I believe. You may choose to believe so, as well, or not.

As to the main point of Greenfield's piece, it does not really matter what Psaki said or did not say to the Al-Quds newspaper, or to any other newspaper.

As Paula Stern (via Jews News) points out...
U. S. Secretary of State John Kerry said... 
...on March 4: "Any peace agreement must also guarantee Israel's identity as a Jewish Homeland." 
...on March 13: "Jewish State recognition demand "a mistake"
Despite the magic of the day, John Kerry’s latest comment infuriate me. He says he doesn’t understand why our Prime Minister insists on the Arabs recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. And yet, just nine days before, the hypocrite Secretary of State said that any agreement would have to guarantee Israel’s identity as the…well, he said “a” Jewish homeland. 
So Kerry, do you have an evil twin? Are you going senile? Or do you have a master plan that would deny who we are, what we are, and all that we have strived to be? (cont.)
Esser Agaroth (2¢):
The only logical answers to the question "Why?" all of these outsiders have been doing what they have been doing to Israel, throughout the history of the modern State, and why we have been letting them, can also only be discovered when we bring God into the conversation.

"Esau hates us," "Yishma'el hates us," and "The Erev Rav hates us," only scratch the surface.

The bottom line is that the various peoples up against us either want The Almighty's exclusive attention, like His First Born already has, or they want to be Him.

In order to achieve either of these goals, wiping out the People of Israel either through Esau's approach of assimilation, or Yishma'el's approach of genocide and taking away our God-given Land are believed to be necessary precursors.

In How Many of the United States is it Illegal to be Off the Grid?

ט"ז לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Real Farmacy: Florida Makes Off-Grid Living Illegal – Mandates All Homes Must Be Connected To An Electricity Grid

Arjun Walia, March 10, 2014

It’s no secret that an opposition to sustainable living exists. Earlier this year, Texas state brought several SWAT teams to a sustainable community and threatened to shut it down. Each one of the community members were initially handcuffed at gunpoint. It was called “The Garden of Eden Community,” and was totally self sustainable. You can read more about that here.

This time, it’s Robin Speronis that’s come under fire. She lives off the grid in Florida, completely independent of the city’s water and electric system. A few weeks ago, officials ruled her off-grid home illegal. Officials cited the International Property Maintenance Code, which mandates that homes be connected to an electricity grid and a running water source. That’s just like saying our dependency on corporations isn’t even a choice. The battle to live without most utilities has been ongoing for Robin, the self-sufficient woman has lived for more than a year and a half using solar energy, a propane camping stove and rain water.

In the end, she was found not guilty of not having a proper sewer or electrical system; but was guilty of not being hooked up to an approved water supply. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Wind Turbine
Jewish town, Samaria
Besides the aforementioned Texas, Colorado has apparently also been causing problems with those who would like to collect their own rainwater.

"Unbelievable!" would be a gross understatement.

How many other states have been practicing such shenanigans?

I have no doubt that these states have been doing this for their constituents "own good," safety reasons and the like. After all, why should the states foot the bill for an illness contracted by an "unapproved" water supply or sewage system, or from lack of electricity? Anyway, that has appeared to be their logic.

It is the same old story. Governments find ways to show its populations that they need them. The truth is that they need us more than we need them.

In some areas of Israel, towns are supplied with water from wells. This can even be more convenient for the government.

Fortunately, solar heating has been encouraged, and it does not make any money from the electricity we do not have to use to heat our water. From April through as far as the beginning of November, heating water in the past few apartments where I have lived has been free from the sun.

In fact, if you are willing to foot the bill for your own alternative electrical power system, which I have heard can run around $100,000, the Israeli electric company will even by any surplus from you.

Pictured above is a friend's wind turbine, which has taken him and his family completely off of the electric grid. In his area, heating homes during the winter is often done with wood burning stoves. The homes are small, insulation can be added, and the wood from is plentiful, if you are willing to be apart of the tree pruning projects during the fall. The electricity collected is used for washing machines, perhaps a luxury, big help to growing families with small children, power tools, and cooking back-up, in case gas suppliers are unable to make their deliveries, or if their supplies suddenly cease.

So far, the Israeli government has been focusing on other ways to control its populace.Nonetheless, it pays to be prepared for the possible worst case scenarios popping up in the future.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Is the Jewish State Jewish?

פורים תשע"ד

Jeremy Gimpel
Two different pieces prompted me to write the following, diehard Christian-lover Jeremy Gimpel's Dodging the Draft Because of God?! (Tip: The Torah Revolution, which I also recommend that you read his response.), obviously written without the knowledge that the Haredi Draft Issue has never been about the Haredi Draft, and Ya'el Shahar's A New Sanhedrin: A Leap Forward or a Step Backward.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
As far as the State of Israel, and its army [IDF] being Jewish, well, let's see....

1. Fighting for democratic (Hellenist) rights, instead of fighting for us to perform the Will of The Almighty.

2. Continuing to insist on being just like the goyim (non-Jewish), a member of the international "family of nations," instead of striving to be the separate and distinct people we are supposed to be.

3. Watering down Shabbath, kashruth, marriage and conversion regulations, for the sake of democracy.



4. The indoctrination of even religious children into Israeli, secular society, to make sure that the authority of the State is central, instead of the authority of The Almighty through His Holy Torah.

5. The suicidal giving away land, not even ours to give away, and to hostile enemies no less.

6. Increasing levels of romiscuity in the IDF, due to male and female close contact in fighter units.

7. Sacrificing the lives of our IDF soldiers for the sake of protecting enemy "civilians" instead of following halakhah related to war.

8. Feminism, egalitarianism, and other "do what we want" libertine concepts.



9. The silence of the State-employed "rabbis" on most of these issues, acting little more than puppets, rather than the halakhic authorities they are supposed to be, how on earth can you call the State and its army Jewish?

Is this what you mean by "Jewish?".

Who was it who said that we'll have a truly Jewish state, when we have Jewish street cleaners, Jewish Prostitutes, and Jewish criminals?

What I mean by "Jewish" is that of being Torah-focused, which is the primary purpose of the Jewish People.

As a religious Jew, I would not want my son entering such a an un-Jewish army, unless it was for one of these reasons, such as having influence on other soldiers for the good of the Jewish People and its eternal Homeland.

The State is only occasionally Torah-focused, and then only cosmetically so. Thus, when it comes to being Jewish, the State of Israel is only occasionally Jewish, and then only cosmetically so.

The Accidental Arab

פורים תשע"ד

YNET: 4 Border Policemen hit by Palestinian driver
Driver says he accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the breaks, and did not intend to harm the soldiers.

Yoav Zitun, March 15, 2014

Four Border Police soldiers were hit by a car, driven by a Palestinian, at a roadblock near Beit Ummar in Gush Etzion on Saturday.

A Border Police officer shot at the vehicle's wheels, bringing the car to a stop.

The driver claimed in his investigation that the incident was an accident and that he had no intention to hit the Border Police soldiers. He claimed that he accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the breaks.

The four soldiers were lightly wounded. They were taken to the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem for treatment.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Yes, and I supposed he was so nervous, due to the oppression he has received under the Israeli Government's regime.

That will be the next thing we here, if this case goes any further. And, I seriously doubt that it will.

"Palestinians" get treated better here than in quite a few Arab countries.

They just keep pushing the limits of Israelis' co-dependent desire not to upset the the international community, by bending over backwards for the Arabs.

In this way, we think that when we dare to defend ourselves from rockets from Hamas in Azza (Gaza) or missiles from Hezbollah in the North, shooters, bus bombers, and tractor attacks from Yehudah and Shomron, including Jerusalem, then the goyim will have sympathy for us, and finally come over to "our side."

How many times must we make the same mistake over and over and over again, expecting different results.

We are in a milhemeth misswah (obligatory war). How do I know? My eyes are open. It is as simple as that.

And, in a milhemeth misswah, there aren't any "innocent civilians," save for the handful who stand up to their own leaders and admonish them for causing harm to Israel.

There are only "accidental" injuring of our soldiers.

The Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up, Purim 5774 Edition Is Up!

 פורים תשע"ד

This week's edition of the Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up is being hosted by Batya at Shiloh Musings.

It's the "Havel Megillah Havelim, The Poorhim Edition."

Thursday, March 13, 2014

UN Secretary-General Urges Restraint

תענית אסתר תשע"ד

Arutz 7: UN Chief Condemns Rocket Fire, Urges 'Restraint'
UN Secretary-General condemns the rocket attacks from Gaza, then urges all sides "to exercise maximum restraint." 

Elad Benari, March 13, 2014

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned the rocket attacks by Gaza-based terrorists on southern Israel, but also urged Israel to show “restraint” in its response to the attacks.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the multiple rocket attacks today on Israel from Gaza, for which Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility," said a statement from Ban's office.

"While reports of damage and injuries are still being ascertained, (Ban) deplores the severe escalation of violence. He urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further incidents that could bring greater escalation and destabilization in the region," the statement added. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Ban Ki-Moon
United Nations Secretary-General

Translations of the UN Secretary-General's Statements:
urged Israel to show “restraint” - "Israel should sit there, do absolutely nothing to defend themselves, and just take it!"

(Ban) deplores the severe escalation of violence. He urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint - "The world is actually afraid of those crazy Arabs who do not even want those Palestinians to have an independent state anyway. We could not possibly expect those crazy/oppressed, poor Palestinians to exercise restraint, only Israel, because their filled co-dependent suckers!"

The Next in the On Going Battles Between the Torah and the State of Israel

תענית אסתר תשע"ד

Arutz 7: Rabbi Indicted for 'Inciting' Against IDF Expulsions
Rabbi Wolpo and Shabtai Weintraub indicted after giving money prize to soldiers refusing expulsion orders against Jews.

Ari Yashar, March 11, 2014

The Jerusalem District Attorney submitted an indictment against Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo and Shabtai Weintraub to the local Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The two were accused of inciting insubordination against IDF orders to expel Jews.

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein certified the indictment, which centers on an incident from October 2009.

At an IDF training graduation ceremony of the Shimshon Brigade, which took place at the Kotel (Western Wall), two soldiers were given 20 days in military prison after waving a sign reading "Shimson Brigade doesn't expel Homesh," referring to a Samaria community destroyed in the 2005 "Disengagement."

19 days after the incident, at a nationalist conference in Jerusalem attended by hundreds of people, Rabbi Wolpo and Weintraub spoke, calling the two soldiers "heroes of Israel" and giving envelopes with money to their families for the days of incarceration. Behind the two was a sign reading "Citation Ceremony for Prisoners of Zion."

Weintraub announced at the event "every Hebrew mother should know that if her son waves the sign 'Shimshon Brigade doesn't expel Homesh,' he'll get 1,100 shekels ($315) for every day (of incarceration)."

Meanwhile, Rabbi Wolpo compared the self-sacrifice of the soldiers to the binding of Isaac from the Torah. He further addressed the IDF, saying "every soldier that gets jail for refusing an order, for this most illegal order to expel Jews from the land of Israel, he will get a prize...if a commander wants to give a prize to his soldiers, let him put them in jail."

During the public handing out of the cash prizes to the soldiers' families, Weintraub responded to a question about the amount being given, noting "there's according to the days. They sat (in jail) 18 days, 1,100 per night. 19,800 shekels ($5,695)."(cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo
This report continues describing much of the same examples of how Rabbi Wolpo has been trying to re-educate soldiers of the IDF in the correct, Torah direction.

He should not have to offer prizes. However, I suppose that extreme situations call for extreme measures.

Rabbi Wolpo is one of the biggest Meshichistim of whom I know, referring to the late Lubavitcher Rebbe as "HaRebbe, Melech HaMashi'ah" (The Rebbe, King Messiah) without batting an eyelash, as if it is the most obvious fact in the universe.

This, I find to be quite disturbing to say the least.

Nevertheless, Rabbi Wolpo is correct on this matter of throwing Jews out of their homes, and handing over their lands to non-Jews [hostile to us or not]. It goes against the Torah, and if it violates the Torah, it does not matter in the least what the Israeli government has to say on the matter. It is wrong, and should not be carried out.

This is concept is so simple, I still cannot understand exactly how Jews, including many "rabbis," succeed in not only complicating the matter, but also succeeding in convincing their followers to do the same.

So, when an 18 year old kid in uniform is commanded to throw Jews out of their homes, what can we expect him to do, after having been indoctrinated into diehard State loyalty through the Israeli, "religious," public education system, and have "rabbis" with the financial support from the State and the unlimited platform from the Israeli news media, telling them?

Meanwhile, rabbis who hold The Almighty and His Torah in higher authority than the State's man made laws, have continued to be demonized, indicted, and jailed. These rabbis included Rabbi Shmu'el Eliyahu (Tzfath), Rabbi Yisra'el Ariel (Temple Institute), Rabbi Yitzhaq Shapira (Yitzhar), and Rabbi Dovid Drukman (Qiriyath Hayim). No doubt this trend will increase, as the State's laws have become increasingly anti-Torah.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 2

י"א לחודש השנים עשר ב' תשע"ד

Read the Prelude: Toying With the Idea of Renouncing my U. S. Citizenship.

Read Renouncing My U. S. Citizenship, Part 1.

Read why Batya won't Renounce her U. S. Citizenship.

1. What to Bring with You
U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem
Well,...today was the day, I was to renounce my U. S. citizenship at the Consulate in Jerusalem, emphasis on the word "was." You'll see why shortly.

As I mentioned in part 1 of the record of this journey of mine to renounce my U. S. citizenship, I had an appointment scheduled for Tuesday morning at 9:00.

After getting a helpful tip that the Consulate staff prefers to deal with renunciations in the afternoon, I e-mailed the Consulate, saying that although I had already scheduled an appointment for the morning, I did not mind having it moved to the afternoon. The automated reply I received said that they generally take care of any inquiries within 48 hours. That was last week.

Monday afternoon, I finally received an e-mail reply from the Consulate, along with an apology for the delay, rescheduling my appointment for Tuesday at 2:30 PM. I was told to bring...
1. My U. S. Passport
2. Request for Determination of Possible Loss of U. S. Citizenship form (DS-4079),completed, but not signed.
3. I was also asked to read Title 8 U.S. Code § 1481 - Loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen; voluntary action; burden of proof; presumptions, which was e-mailed to me, along with form DS-4079.
With me, I also brought...
3. $450 in sheqqels (NIS 1,620 rate of 3.6 to 1), as this was the fee mentioned for renunciation on the Consulate's website.
4. My Israeli Passport, to prove citizenship in a country other that the U. S., and photocopy*
5. My birth certificate, and photocopy.* I did not need this, but the official accepted the photocopy anyway.
6. Renunciation form (DS-4081), not signed. It must be signed in front of the Consular official.
*I always bring my own photocopies to government offices, in order to save time. This way whoever is helping me does not get distracted or "lost" on the way to the photocopy machine, nor on the way back.
2. How To Get There
Buses 7א and 78א go straight to the U. S. Consulate. Coming back toward the center of town, be aware that you may have to go through the East Talpioth neighborhood first.

Please note. These are the updated routes, as of the massive changes made to the bus routes within Jerusalem, on March 7, 2014/ה' אדר ב' תשע"ד.

Bus Routes to the U. S. Consulate, Jerusalem
Screen shot from Jerusalem Bus Maps
(Click to enlarge)

Many other routes come close, such as the 71, 72, 74, and 75, which run along Derech Hevron, as well as the 7 and the 78, which go to Ramath Rachel and East Talpioth respectively.

3. Security
The guards at the front desk, all Arabs, were given my name, and let me it. I was early, like the instructions on the website said to be, for the sake of allowing enough time to go through security. My habit in Israel to begin most verbal interactions in Hebrew was met with perplexed faces, and so I switched to English.

I had to empty my pockets, before going through the metal detector. No one checked to make sure that I had fully complied. I had to leave my phone at the front, which I had assumed from my previous visits to the Embassy in Tel-Aviv. I was then given directions to cross the courtyard to the waiting room.

Although I had been nervous before arriving, nervous as in the good kind of nervous, I felt immediately relaxed upon entering the waiting room. There was only myself and the Israeli security guard, with whom I chatted until I was called for my interview. I think that the guard was happy for the company. His English was pretty good, but we lapsed into Hebrew, and stayed there.

He could not get over why I would want to renounce my U. S. citizenship. "Doesn't it help you?" he asked. I said that I would be happy to give him the details over coffee, after I had the certificate in my hand. I joked about how our conversation was probably being recorded, although I cannot say that it was.

I commented that there weren't any clocks in the room. He had to look at his screen for the time, when I asked. I cannot tell you exactly why there weren't any clocks, nor how that would or would not effect a waiting crowd.

I was called up at least 15 minutes before my appointment. I was that I was early. I acknowledged this with, "Yes, because the Consulate's website said to arrive early." I also aid that I did not mind waiting. I was told that was fine that we began early.

4. The Interview
In the back I could see mostly Arabs, I think. Just an observation. However the officials with whom I spoke were native English speaking Americans.

I handed in my DS-4079 form, not believing that I had relinquished my citizenship in any way, especially since 2007, when I had renewed my U. S. Passport. Renewing ones passport implies the intention of retaining citizenship. So, any act of relinquishment would had to have occurred after that action had been taken.

Nonetheless, I turned it in with my passport. The form was reviewed, and I was told that I would have to come back after at least a week. U. S. State Department regulations state that a time of reflection is required.

My reflexes kicked in, and "I would like to speak to your supervisor please," was out of my mouth before I knew what I was doing.

This official's supervisor happened to be standing nearby. No one made a fuss, the supervisor just came right over. I told her even if she was simply going to tell me the same thing, that I had no choice but to return, I requested her indulgence over a few questions I had about the renunciation process, including the "required" time of reflection of this decision. She said that it was no problem at all; she was happy to answer my questions, but that it was State Department policy (in the regs.) that returning for a second appointment was required. She also confirmed my suspicions that it was "out of her hands."

I asked the Consular supervisor where exactly a one week period of reflection was written. She took a few minutes to find this on-line and printed it out for me. 7 FAM 1262 Interview with Potential Renunciant: scroll down to page 3, find and read 7 FAM 1262.2 (c) (*Notice that a time period before being able to return is NOT specified.).

The original official then returned, and he explained to me what should happen next in my process of renunciation. He pointed out what he believed were the most important items to point out on the DS-4081 Renunciation form:
1. The renunciation of citizenship is irreversible.
2. Any previous tax burden I may have does not disappear.
3. In time of need, the U. S. still has the right to call me to military service. It was pointed out that Israel would probably not let me go. 
At my next visit I was told to bring...
1. 2 completed, but not signed DS-4081 Statement of Understanding Renunciation forms.
2. 2 completed, but not signed DS-4080 Oath/Affirmation of Renunciation of Nationality of United States forms. (*Can be filled out on-line and printed out.)
3. My U. S. Passport
4. My Israeli Passport
5. $450 in sheqqels (NIS 1,620 rate of 3.6 to 1)
6. A self-addressed, stamped 8 1/2" x 11" envelop, with regular or registered postage, if I chose not to avail myself of the Consulate's courier service.
It was later suggested to me that this time of reflection did not appear to be law, only State Department regulations. So, if I had brought a lawyer, I might have been able to fight it. My guess is that it probably would have taken a week anyway, cost more money, and wasted even more of my time than just accepting the week wait.

The last question I was asked was why I wanted to renounce my U. S. Citizenship. I very nicely pointed out that on form DS-4081 at the bottom, it states "I ⌚do ⌚do not choose to make a separate written explanation of my reasons for renunciating/relinquishing my United States nationality."

The official said, yes, but that refers to a written statement, that I did not have to make a statement, but that the process would probably go more smoothly if I did. The reason for the statement is that this official must include a memo of his with my signed documents to be sent to Washington, DC for final approval.

My answer was something generic about no longer feeling American nor connected with the U. S., and that my decision to renunciate was based on ideological reasons. The official said that was what most people said in their answer as to what they wanted to renunciate. What's done is done. By the way, my answer was most definitely a truthful one. However, I intend to elaborate for you, after the process has been completed, and I have certificate in hand.

He then offered to schedule my next appointment right then and there. But, I said that I had to check with my boss first to see what would be convenient for her.

All in all, I have to say that the officials at the U. S. Consulate in Jerusalem were professional and efficient, but also friendly and genuine. I was not at all treated like a number, possible statistic against their record, nor like some sort of plebeian. On the contrary, these officials treated me like a fellow American and equal, there to serve me, and not the other way around. Even though I no longer wanted to be one of their fellow Americans.

Although I still would rather not jinx it, I anticipated that the next meeting I have at the Consulate will go just as smoothly.

Stay tuned for Part 3, as early as Thursday, March 20!

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