mardi 19 avril 2022

Terrorism


Terrorism is a complex phenomenon—in its motivations, its modus operandi, and its outcomes. In addition to attributes that are common to terrorism all over the world and throughout history, it evolves to adjust itself to changes in the political, social, economic, and technological environment. When we are dealing with a serious disease, it is unreasonable to expect that a single drug can cure it. This is the case with cancer, which involves genetic factors, but is also influenced by the environment. Various means can reduce our chance of becoming ill, but there is no way to guarantee immunity.

Similarly, completion of the security fence between Israel and Judea-Samaria and more effective monitoring of entry into Israel from the territories might lower the odds of incidents similar to that in Bnei Brak, but, unfortunately, would not necessarily prevent attacks such as those in Beersheba and Hadera committed by terrorists who come from the Arab sector in Israel.

Stepping up the efforts to find and confiscate illegal weapons could reduce the probability of attacks such as those in Bnei Brak and Hadera, but would not necessarily curtail knife attacks, like that in Beersheba, or vehicle rammings. An expansion of the criteria for allowing soldiers to take their personal weapons with them when on leave could increase the chances of their intervening and foiling an attack; but such a policy might well increase thefts of guns from soldiers’ homes and thus undermine the efforts to reduce the number of illegal arms in circulation.

Some of the methods to thwart terrorism being weighed today focus on potential terrorists; for instance, the use of advanced technology and monitoring of social networks in order to obtain advance warning of a person’s intention to carry out an attack. This approach helped Israel counter the wave of terrorism in 2015. We can assume that the Israeli Security Agency is investigating why no red lights flashed before the recent attacks.

Another technique of this sort is administrative detention. Administrative detention is a harsh method that deprives individuals of their liberty on the basis of an assessment of what they might do in the future, usually on the basis of confidential information that the detainee cannot challenge or call into question. Unlike criminal proceedings, which lead to punishment for an action already committed, administrative detention is intended to avert an assault on national security by the person in question when there is persuasive intelligence information of such a danger, but it does not constitute evidence that is admissible in court. Even though this method deals a severe blow to human rights, in the crisis situation of Israel’s struggle with terrorism it is a necessary evil.

We also are hearing calls for more severe punishment of security offenses, in light of the fact that three of the recent attacks (in Beersheba, Hadera, and Bnei Brak) involved individuals who had been released after serving time for security offenses. Note, though, that criminology research has not found that harsher sentences have a deterrent effect, whereas a greater likelihood of being caught does. It is obvious that a security prisoner cannot perpetrate an attack while behind bars, but in this context, it may well be more effective and efficient to devise a mechanism for tighter supervision of released prisoners for a longer period after their release. With the appropriate modifications, the mechanism for tracking sex offenders could be a model for legislation of this sort. It would include an assessment of the threat posed by the individual and the imposition of restrictions for up to five years after release from prison, with the possibility of extension.

Other means whose use has been proposed would have a broader impact but are more problematic. The security cabinet decided to “strengthen deterrence and raise the price paid by those who are close to the perpetrators of attacks” by canceling work permits and implementing swift home demolitions. There is nothing new here. The underlying idea is deterrence – the idea that potential terrorists, even if willing to die themselves, might hesitate if they knew that their family would lose its home; and that relatives would pressure them not to do it or would report them to the authorities, so as not to be left without a roof over their heads.

Over the years, the homes of hundreds of terrorists have been leveled, but the question of whether this serves as a deterrent or, on the contrary, encourages terrorist activity, remains undecided. What is certain is that a direct assault on the rights of those who have not committed any crime, merely because they are related to a terrorist, and with no proof that they were accomplices to the attack in any way, is unacceptable collective punishment and a moral stain. Revoking the work permits of terrorists’ relatives does not deprive them of any basic right, inasmuch as non-Israelis have no inherent right to enter the country, whether for work or for any other purpose. Still, even if this is not legally invalid, it remains a form of collective harm that may make us uneasy; not to mention the question of whether it is an effective means to deter terrorist attacks.

For now, the government has avoided measures that would impact the entire Palestinian population, such as imposing a lockdown on all the territories or on specific localities. We may assume that this is due to the insight, acquired the hard way, that punishment that affects all Palestinians merely ignites the terrorist flame; whereas drawing a distinction between terrorists and those not involved in their actions, helps calm the situation. We should hope that domestic political pressures will not drag the government into harmful measures of this sort. The war on terrorism requires not only determination – but also a cool head.

My story

 Halfway through my daily walk, I pass a memorial to those from our city who gave their life for our Land. It is on the edge of a path which hugs a valley where our ancestors once lived. If you look up, you see the cranes that define the skyline of my young city. I often stop at the memorial to look at the names listed. I stop there to remind myself that this home that I live in does not come to us simply and to say a silent thank you. Today, I chose to walk in a different direction, but something compelled me to go back to my usual route.

As I looked at the memorial, I saw a woman walking through it. She was dressed in workout clothes and walking purposely. My initial thought was that her pace didn’t mesh with the sanctity of this place. Then I saw her bend down and reach for some stones. Gently, she laid one down by every single memorial. She wasn’t crying but, on her face, she wore her sadness. As she passed by me, I gave her a hug. I wanted to ask her who it was that she loved and whose memory lived here. But, it was not a moment for words. Instead, I retraced her steps and imagined which name had drawn her to this place.  As I stood there, I reflected on how our city, that was so young had produced so many names.

My city is a city of the future. Not only because it was built with vision and the most detailed of planning but because, in my opinion, it is a city that embraces its children. Every few steps there is another park, another sports field or a youth center. It is also a city that sends its future in great numbers to serve. If you want to feel a surge of national pride, stop by the Central Bus Station on a Sunday morning and see the giant tour buses waiting to collect our sons and daughters dressed in green and khaki. They are laughing and joking and carrying the heaviest of loads. Our chayalim climb on the bus with freshly washed uniforms and, in their hand, a fresh danish from a box of pastries left each week by a woman, who I am sure has her own story

dimanche 17 avril 2022

Iran Israël

 The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force has said the country will “accelerate the destruction of Israel and all its enemies”, according to the semi-official Nour News Agency.

Quds commander Esmail Qaani is reported to have said Itan will harshly confront Israel "wherever it feels necessary".

In March, Tehran targeted what it called "secret Israeli bases" during a missile attack on Iraq's northern Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. The assault was meant to avenge Israeli air strikes that killed Iranian military personnel in Syria.

"Wherever we identify a Zionist threat, we will harshly confront them, they are too small to confront us," said Qaani, whose unit is in control of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations.

The commander pledged to support any group that fights the "Zionist regime" and added that "the destruction of this regime is gaining ground."

Tensions deepened at a time when Iran and world powers were engaged in talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, which Israel opposes.

Ghaani was speaking on Thursday (April 14) - the first anniversary of the death of Mohammad Hejazi , the deputy of the Quds Force of the IRGC in Tehran.

Two days earlier, Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei had said "the expansion of Iran’s strategic depth and spiritual influence in the region have turned the Islamic Republic into an attractive role model.”

The comments prompted more than 500 prominent Iranian American scholars to sign an open letter to US President Joe Biden calling on the administration to keep the Iranian regime’s IRGC on the State Department’s list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

This initiative was spearheaded by the Iranian Professionals’ Ad Hoc Committee on Iran Policy. Most of the signatories are supporters of the Iranian opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the ten-point plan of the Iranian opposition leader and NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi.

The letter emphasizes that the IRGC is Tehran’s instrument to fuel and expand terrorism abroad while imposing harsh crackdown measures on the Iranian people across the country. 

Prominent Iranian American scientists, scholars, professors, physicians, industry executives professionals, and successful entrepreneurs, highlight the fact that “removing IRGC from the FTO list will project blatant disregard for the hope and legitimate struggle of Iranians for freedom and dignity.”


Together

 This should be a joyous time for many around the world. For Jews getting ready for Passover. For Muslims preparing meals for the Ramadan fast. For Christians anticipating their holiest day of the year, Easter. Yet, instead of peace, ISIS supporters and terrorists have murdered nine innocent Israelis and two beautiful souls from Ukraine – Jews, Christians and Druze, shocking a world that is already reeling from the weekslong Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of those murdered specifically touches us deeply here in metropolitan Detroit. Amir Khoury was a Christian Arab from Nof Hagalil, which is in our partnership region. Even from thousands of miles away, we will not forget his sacrifice.

We in the Jewish community, one which feels bonded to the State of Israel, are heartened by the support and solidarity of dozens of countries throughout the world in light of the attacks. Arab countries such as Jordan and the UAE have spoken out on behalf of Israel and its people who are heartbroken by these horrible killings. We call on more countries to join in our collective outrage and demand a month of peace for Israel. Let Hamas, who has openly endorsed and celebrated these killings, know the whole world is watching.

It also is a comfort that Mansour Abbas, who leads the United Arab List, part of the governing coalition in Israel, has called out these terrible murders, as he has in the past with other terrorist incidents, and issued the powerful truth: “Israeli cities are filled with Arab and Jewish citizens alike, and those who embark on a vicious killing spree do not notice or differentiate between them.” Yes, the supporters of ISIS, Hamas, and terror are celebrating Arab-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis as their victims, as well as Israeli-Jews and the Druze. Those who allow hate to manifest their ambitions will do anything to spread their venom – at any time.

We are heartened that Israel is being seen as a significant resource by her neighbors with whom she has recently created breakthrough partnerships, in many different fields. Just this week, ministers from four Arab countries gathered in Ben Gurion’s home of S’de Boker with Secretary of State Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in a beautiful illustration of a new Middle East that is looking forward to advancing peace, friendship and mutual protection.

Locally, we at the Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC) – Detroit, will continue to rally Israel’s friends in the interfaith community to be ready to add their voices to ours. We are deeply grateful to Michigan’s elected officials, including Representatives Levin, Stevens and Upton, who have both expressed their horror at the 11 lives recently lost and their solidarity with the people of Israel. Furthermore, we are taking the lessons we learned last Ramadan, especially during Israel’s Guardian of the Walls conflict with Hamas in May, to be more vigilant and vocal as we stand up for Israel. Currently, our organization is gathering pro-Israel groups in Detroit, as well as several that are national, to strategize ways we can collectively advocate for Israel. Together, we will use every method we can to get the word out.

Let us not only pray but also commit ourselves to work hard to defend our Jewish State and people wherever they may face those who want to destroy them. Let us be strong with our allies and with each other so that Israel will continue to be a beacon of hope, diversity and peace for our world. “Am Yisrael Chai” – Israel is alive and strong.

samedi 16 avril 2022

Israel Egypt

 Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert …
And on the pedestal, these words appear:
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Nothing beside remains. …”
From Ozymanidas by Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1818

David Schey was amazed rather than in despair. He and his wife, Doris, were in Luxor during a trip billed as “the first ever kosher tour of Egypt through the eyes of the Tanakh (Jewish Bible)” — and he was looking at two enormous trunkless legs of stone that made him immediately recall Percy Bysshe Shelley’s ode written more than two centuries earlier.

He was even more amazed when their tour guide told them that Ozymandias was the Greek name of Ramesses II, the Egyptian pharaoh at the time of the Exodus — the one who enslaved the Israelites and tried to prevent them from leaving. For Schey, it was a highlight of a recent 10-day trip to Egypt.

Inveterate travelers who need kosher food and Shabbat-friendly itineraries, the Scheys, of Huntington Woods, had taken several tours and river cruises with Kesher Tours, which works with an Israeli company, Shai Bar-Ilan Geographical Tours.

The Scheys booked the trip many months ago but weren’t sure until Jan. 17, the day they left, that it would actually happen.

While the tour was conducted in English, only three couples among the 33 travelers hailed from the United States. The rest, though originally from the U.S., Canada or the U.K., lived in Israel.

The tour was led by Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman of Israel’s Bar-Ilan University and an Egyptian Coptic Christian man with a deep knowledge of Egyptian history, including the ability to read hieroglyphics.

The group visited Aswan, Cairo and Luxor; and in each area, they saw sites related to Jewish history.

Near Aswan, they visited Elephantine, an island fortress in the Nile River and the site of the oldest known Jewish diaspora community. 

In Cairo, they saw the synagogue where Moses Ben Maimon, the Rambam, worshipped, as well as his home and medical clinic. They saw the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where the Cairo Geniza was found by two Scottish women in 1896; the documents buried in the geniza dated back to the 11th century and provided great insight into Jewish life in the area.

The group planned to hold Shabbat services at the Sha’ar Hashamayim synagogue, the only one still functioning in Egypt, but for security reasons they prayed at their hotel instead.

In the Cairo Museum, they saw a stele, an upright, engraved stone slab, dated to pre-Exodus times, that mentions the Israelites. Their guide pointed out the location of the Biblical Land of Goshen. 

In Luxor, a hieroglyphic inscription named sites conquered by Ramesses II, including some, like Bet Shean, in Israel. At a temple in Luxor, they saw more inscriptions that related to the Exodus.

The Scheys also enjoyed the non-Jewish sights on the tour, including several pyramids and temples. David was particularly impressed by a painted statue of Ramesses II that he described as “the most beautiful statue I’ve ever seen. It was very realistic; the skin tones were so lifelike!”

While in Cairo, the group met with Israel’s ambassador to Egypt, Amira Oron, whose parents came from Egypt. She told them that the relationship between the two countries is better than it has been in years, and that Egypt is interested in Israel’s high-tech achievements, especially in water conservation.

Another highlight of the trip was a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, the fertile area fed by the Nile. 

Though theirs may have been the first kosher tour to Egypt, it was obvious that Israelis were no strangers to the locals. Wherever they went, David said, vendors would shout, “Shalom, shalom! We love Jews. We love Israel!”

What’s next for David, 81, a retired social worker, and Doris, 77, a retired teacher?  They had signed up for a cruise to Scotland, Norway and Iceland, originally scheduled for last July. It has been rescheduled for August. They had also planned a river cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2020 that was canceled. They’re hoping it might happen this December.  

Click to continue 

https://cutt.us/xnIe6

Le conflit

 

La dernière fois que le Ramadan pour les musulmans, la Pâque pour les juifs et Pâques pour les chrétiens ont eu lieu en même temps, c'était il y a trente ans.

Cette semaine, les fêtes religieuses qui se chevauchent promettent d'attirer des dizaines de milliers de fidèles israéliens et palestiniens, ainsi que des pèlerins étrangers, dans la vieille ville de Jérusalem.

Mais elles ont également accru les tensions autour des sites sacrés contestés. Il y a visiblement beaucoup plus de policiers israéliens dans Jérusalem-Est occupée, et ils sont en état d'alerte après la série d'attentats la plus meurtrière en Israël depuis des années.

"Pour nous, musulmans, il est essentiel de prier à la mosquée al-Aqsa pendant le ramadan. C'est un moment spirituel et je suis toujours impatient d'y aller", déclare Ziad, qui porte un tapis de prière sur l'épaule lorsqu'il se dirige vers le troisième site le plus sacré de l'islam.

Cliquez pour suivre 

https://cutt.us/xnIe6

vendredi 24 avril 2015

Israël doit reconnaître le génocide arménien

Il est temps pour les autorités les plus représentatives d’Israël, son président, le chef de son gouvernement, la Knesset, de reconnaître le génocide dont ont été victimes les Arméniens de l’Empire ottoman.
Dans moins de vingt-cinq ans, ce sera au tour du centenaire du génocide des juifs d’être célébré dans le monde entier, et – nous l’espérons – y compris dans le monde musulman. Comment cultiver cette espérance d’unanimité si l’Etat des juifs se refuse encore à cette reconnaissance formelle pour ne pas indisposer son puissant voisin turc ?
Le génocide arménien a été reconnu par de nombreux pays, et le président de la République, François Hollande, s’est engagé à ce qu’une loi sanctionne la négation du génocide arménien comme la loi Gayssot sanctionne depuis un quart de siècle la négation du génocide juif.
En un temps ou les massacres des chrétiens d’Orient se multiplient, la voix du pape s’est fait entendre pour le déplorer et pour, enfin, proclamer que les Arméniens ont été victimes d’un génocide.
Ce n’est pas pour condamner la Turquie moderne, pas plus qu’à Nuremberg on a voulu condamner l’Allemagne qui naîtrait des ruines du IIIe Reich. D’ailleurs, l’Allemagne fédérale dès sa naissance, la République démocratique allemande peu avant sa chute et l’Allemagne enfin réunifiée ont reconnu le génocide commis par l’Allemagne hitlérienne et, en en assumant les conséquences sur tous les plans, ont libéré le peuple allemand d’une partie de son fardeau moral.
Les dirigeants de la Turquie doivent suivre cet exemple. Tant qu’ils nieront la vérité historique, tant qu’ils essaieront d’échapper à leurs responsabilités et qu’ils continueront à prétendre que les Arméniens les ont trahis pendant la première guerre mondiale et qu’eux ont seulement riposté, ils seront tenus à l’écart par la communauté internationale, et en priorité par l’Union européenne. Tant qu’Israël ne reconnaîtra pas le génocide arménien, la Turquie se refusera à le faire.
L’Etat juif sait que les nazis ont pu se risquer à commettre au XXe siècle un second génocide parce que les auteurs du premier n’avaient pas été punis. Aucun argument ne peut s’opposer valablement à la reconnaissance que nous demandons à Israël en ces jours ou nous commémorons Yom HaShoah (la Journée du souvenir de l’Holocauste en Israël).

Terrorism

Terrorism is a complex phenomenon—in its motivations, its modus operandi, and its outcomes. In addition to attributes that are common to ter...