Israeli police arrest Rabbi Arik Ascherman for "inciting Palestinians"
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- Written by Jewish Telegraph Agency Jewish Telegraph Agency
- Published: 14 March 2008 14 March 2008
- Hits: 4812 4812
Israeli police arrested a U.S.-born rabbi for inciting Palestinians.
Police say Rabbi Arik Ascherman, the executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights, has encouraged Palestinians to confront police securing archaeological digs in Silwan, an Arab neighborhood adjacent to Jerusalem's Old City.
They also say Ascherman kept a wounded Jewish settler in the neighborhood from being evacuated. Ascherman denies the charges.
Ascherman was arrested Thursday after he refused a police demand to keep away from the area for 15 days.
The residents say the digs threaten the foundation of their homes; additionally, according to the Ha'aretz newspaper, the digs are sponsored by Elad, a group that sponsors the expansion of Jewish settlement in neighborhoods like Silwan. Similar digs have in the past preceded the building of homes for Jewish settlers.
A Joke . . .
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- Written by Uri Avnery Uri Avnery
- Published: 12 March 2008 12 March 2008
- Hits: 3469 3469
Uri Avnery was reminded this week of the old tale about a Jewish mother taking leave of her son, who has been called up to serve in the Czar’s army against the Turks.
“Don’t exert yourself too much,” she admonishes him, “Kill a Turk and rest. Kill another Turk and rest again...”
“But mother,” he exclaims, “What if the Turk kills me?”
“Kill you?” she cries out, “Why? What have you done to him?”
Gaza Under Siege
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- Written by Ralph Nader Ralph Nader
- Published: 11 March 2008 11 March 2008
- Hits: 3453 3453
of them starving, sick and penniless -- is receiving more sympathy and
protest by Israeli citizens, of widely impressive backgrounds, than is
reported in the U.S. press.
In contrast, the humanitarian crisis brought about by Israeli
government blockades that prevent food, medicine, fuel and other
necessities from coming into this tiny enclave through international
relief organizations is received with predictable silence or
callousness by members of Congress, including John McCain, Hillary
Clinton and Barack Obama.
The contrast invites more public attention and discussion.
Ron Paul stands alone opposing HR 951, believes both sides should be criticized.
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- Written by CNI Foundation CNI Foundation
- Published: 10 March 2008 10 March 2008
- Hits: 5939 5939
On Wednesday, March 5,
the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 951, which condemns the ongoing
Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, holding both
This
resolution problematically includes a strong defense of the recent Israeli
incursions in
The resolution passed
the House with an unequivocal majority of 404 to 1 with four representatives
voting present and nineteen abstaining. Who was the lone Member of
Congress to stand up to the Israel Lobby? Congressman Ron Paul
(R-TX) not only voted against HR 951, but also made a very strong statement
explaining why he opposed such a biased pro-Israel statement.
Below is Rep. Paul's statement he gave to the House before
the vote:
Mr. Speaker I rise in opposition to H. Res. 951, a resolution
to condemn Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. As one who is
consistently against war and violence, I obviously do not support the firing of
rockets indiscriminately into civilian populations. I believe it is appalling
that Palestinians are firing rockets that harm innocent Israelis, just as I
believe it is appalling that
Unfortunately, legislation such as this is more likely to
perpetuate violence in the
Additionally, this bill will continue the march toward war
with
I strongly believe that we must cease making proclamations
involving conflicts that have nothing to do with the
To find out how your
Representative voted, please click here.
In addition, please
thank Rep. Paul for his brave actions on Wednesday. Contact his office
today and express your gratitude by calling (202) 225-2831.
Israel approves settlement growth
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- Written by Peter Miller Peter Miller
- Published: 09 March 2008 09 March 2008
- Hits: 4918 4918
The project was first signed off in 1999, but stopped two years later after Palestinian labourers refused to go on.
Israel's housing minister said the construction at Givat Zeev would address "the demographic needs of Jerusalem".
But the decision provoked an angry reaction from Palestinian leaders.
For the Palestinians there are few issues as contentious as the building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, says the BBC's Crispin Thorold in Jerusalem.
Under the terms of the peace process settlement expansion is supposed to be frozen.