Support Israel - Now More Than Ever

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T20:37:00.026-04:00

1. Haven't We Already Seen This Movie? And that movie did not end well - in fact it hasn't ended.UK embassy attacked in Iran: Britain warns of 'serious consequences' after protesters storm compound | News | National Post‘Death to England’ - By David Pryce-Jones - David Calling - National Review OnlineIranian protest leads to embassy incursion - CNN.comAnd what the heck is the UK going to do?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T17:10:00.017-04:00

1. Can Anyone Explain This To Me? - I mean, really. Yet Another Reason Not to Fund UNESCO: Syria Elected Unanimously to UNESCO Human Rights Committees. I guess the stories in the next section are somehow irrelevant. For more on UNESCO - see Anav Silverman: UNESCO Fueling Cultural Conflict Over Hebron Holy Site and UNESCO Aids Palestinian Campaign to Expunge Jewish Heritage - Commentary Magazine

Saturday, November 19, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-11-19T22:47:00.024-04:00

1. Antisemitism and Racism - Sadly, Never Out Of Fashion - here are just the latest examples (all from Europe):Jew-haters welcome in EU - Israel Opinion, YnetnewsSweden's New Anti-SemitesLatent Racism: Neo-Nazi Killings Expose Broad German Xenophobia - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - InternationalBigotry, revisionism and Baroness Warsi - Mail Online - Melanie Phillips's blog2. Iran - the beat goes on:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

2011-11-16T19:41:00.021-04:00

A brief mixed bag this evening.1. If It Bleeds, It Leads - Syria definitely qualifies under this header. My question is why Assad ultimately deserves any better fate than his pals Saddam, Osama and Khadaffi. While personally, I would not shed any tears if he took one in the noggin like Khadaffi or Osama, it would be better if he was tried by his own people and then faced a "short drop and a

Monday, November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T20:44:00.021-04:00

Hi there - been tied up over the last while and unable to blog. At least when blogging about Israel, there is never any shortage of material! Anyway, this edition will have some "old" and some "new".1. Iran - Does anyone really doubt that Iran's nuclear ambitions are basically designed at developing nuclear weapons rather than domestic energy supplies? Here are several links related to Iran and

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2011-10-26T19:25:00.023-03:00

1. Gilad Shalit Follow-Up - While thankfully the media seems to be leaving Gilad Shalit alone and letting him try to recover from his unimaginable ordeal, that is not to say that the controversy over the decision to ransom him has abated in the least. Here are a variety of perspectives:Gilad Shalit's Return: 'Good To Have You Back Home' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - InternationalGilad Shalit release

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - Gilad Shalit is Released

2011-10-18T21:23:00.012-03:00

In the culmination of an extraordinarily dramatic week, Gilad Shait was released today by the Hamas terrorist murderers who kidnapped him and held him incommunicado for 1,942 days - over 5 entire years. While the world pretty much said and did - nothing.As I followed this story, my primary emotion was raw and open pain - pain for the Shalit family, pain for the many families of the innocent

Saturday, October 8, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-10-08T21:48:00.035-03:00

Hope you had an easy fast and were sealed in the Book of Life for a sweet, happy & healthy 5772!!1. Did You Know That "Koufax" Is A Verb? - Sandy Koufax very famously elected to sit out a Los Angeles-Minnesota World Series game in 1965 that fell on Yom Kippur - leading to a great anecdote - as related in the link - when non-Jewish Dodger pitcher Don Drysdale (who was a pretty darn good Hall of

Thursday, October 6, 2011 - HAVE AN EASY FAST & G'MAR CHATIMAH TOVAH

2011-10-06T20:02:00.011-03:00

1. Yom Kippur War - today is the 38th anniversary of the treacherous start of the Yom Kippur War, in which Israel fought yet again for her very survival. We should reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by the IDF in defense of the State of Israel, as well as the tremendous skill and adaptability exhibited by the IDF in overcoming the shock of the initial attacks and the deployment of new

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

2011-10-04T23:06:00.014-03:00

Just a brief version this evening.1. Let Alone Everything Else They Have Done - you know, murder, torture, etc. - The Associated Press: Activists: Syrian regime detains 3,000 in 3 days and The Cult: The Twisted, Terrifying Last Days Of Assad’s Syria | The New Republic- so naturally, here is what China and Russia do - US 'outraged' after Russia, China... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics. Meanwhile,

Monday, October 3, 2011 - Brief Edition

2011-10-03T22:09:00.191-03:00

1. What Now? Israel accepts Quartet call for peace talks | Reuters and Israel Wants to Talk; The Palestinians Don’t - Commentary Magazine -what now Mr. Abbas? Also see - Land without peace: Why Abbas went to the U.N. - The Washington Post 2. What Is the Obama Administration Thinking? Assuming, of course, that the verb "thinking" applies..... Panetta’s Pointless Warning to Israel - Commentary

Saturday, October 1, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-10-01T21:00:00.001-03:00

1. Jewish New Year - so the year 5772 was ushered in by Jews around the world starting last Wednesday evening. I wish a Good and Sweet Year (שנה טובה ומתוקה) to all Jewish readers, and hope that 5772 will bring health and happiness to you and your families, as well as peace and security to Israel and her citizens. And for non-Jewish readers, I hope that our year 5772, which will correspond to the

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - An "I Need To Vent" Edition

2011-09-13T23:19:00.018-03:00

1. Did I Miss A Memo Or Something? Can someone please tell me what other people and country are subject to the absolutely incessant torrent of abuse and attacks on a regular basis? I don't know if it is a "perfect storm" or what, but the number of antisemitic and anti-Israel issues that are at the forefront of current international events is just shocking.Consider (and I will spare the adjectives

Saturday, September 10, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-09-10T21:23:00.004-03:00

1. 9/11 - Tomorrow is 9/11/11 - the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Being the 10th anniversary has prompted more than the usual "anniversary pieces". I assume that I am pretty much like everyone else - I vividly remember the horrific events of that tragic day, where I was, what I felt, and so on. I will keep those memories to myself, but I will share a

Saturday, September 3, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-09-03T22:50:00.007-03:00

1. More On The Queen's Park Rally - watch this video.... 2. More on (Moron?) Karin Brothers - the ostensibly meek little mouse who claimed to be from the UCC (and from whom the UCC rapidly distanced itself) and spoke at the Queen's Park Rally apparently she has had a lot to say about Israel - I wonder where she keeps her copy of The Protocols Of The Elders of Zion? 3. The UCC - it's nice of

Friday, September 2, 2011 - brief pre-Shabbat edition

2011-09-02T18:56:00.008-03:00

1. There's No Antisemitism In Canada - and there's no reason for the Jewish community in Canada to fear radical Islamicists - if anyone believes that foolishness, then in my opinion, they are going to wake up to a harsh dose of reality one day......this video is from a rally held on the steps of the Queen's Park legislative building in Toronto, Ontario on August 28, 2011 but it might as well be

Saturday, August 27, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-08-27T20:43:00.030-03:00

1. Gee That's A Shame - Al-Qaeda's No. 2 killed in Pakistan - Israel News, Ynetnews - I extend my usual "sentiments" - I hope the bastard died slowly, in excruciating pain, crying for his mommy and soiling his pants. I hope he enjoys his time in eternity in the lowest depths of hell (though as a buddy of mine says - however low you go in hell, the guy who tried to kill the Pope (who isn't dead

Thursday, August 25, 2011 - Video Edition

2011-08-25T21:21:00.005-03:00

1. Twitter Trouble - The person being interviewed is Steve McDonald, who I am pleased to say I know personally, and who has been a great help to me in my pro-Israel advocacy efforts. Steve is the Associate Director, Communications at the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs. 2. Say What? - funny how this type of thing never makes the Western media...... 3. Finding Our

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

2011-08-22T22:00:00.022-03:00

1. Where's Waldo, I Mean, Where's Goldstone? Turkey Commits War Crimes in Iraq: Where’s Goldstone? and Turkish Jets Strike at PKK in Iraq - good question. Don't wait for an answer. How do you spell "double standards"? I spell it this way - U-N-I-T-E-D-N-A-T-I-O-N-S 2. Speaking Of The Turks - Erdogan’s Big Fat Turkish Idea | Via Meadia 3. Meanwhile... - Israel's trade with Turkey worth $2b in

Thursday, August 18, 2011 - Things Are Still The Same

2011-08-17T20:00:00.029-03:00

I've been away from the blog for a bit - needed a bit of a break, quite frankly. Anyway, it looks like the more things change, the more they stay the same.....it's like I haven't been away at all. 1. Antisemitism Is Still In Style - The Protocols Are Back - Israel Opinion, Ynetnews - well gee, ain't that special. No wonder this Czarist Russia era forgery is so popular with so many antisemites

Sunday, July 24. 2011 - it's too darn hot....

2011-07-24T12:23:00.020-03:00

Despite (or in spite of) of the numerous current deadly serious events of the last week or so (the mere mention of which turns my stomach) and the generally serious political and economic situations playing out in the world, today's blog posting will be somewhat on the lighter side. There will be lots of time to return to the nasty real world in the next edition.1. It's Too Darn Hot - man, could

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

2011-07-20T21:55:00.015-03:00

1. Thank You - thank you to the people who have taken the time to respond to the request in the last edition of this Blog. The responses took a number of different forms, and were uniformly encouraging.2. This Date In History - Just as an aside, it came to me earlier today that July 20 is the 67th anniversary of the failed von Stauffenburg attempt to assassinate Hitler in the Wolfsschanze, the

Saturday, July 16, 2011 Motzei Shabbat

2011-07-16T06:18:00.040-03:00

1. A Request - When I started this blog page a couple of years ago, it was for three main purposes - first, as my way of demonstrating my support for Israel and hopefully promoting & eliciting similar support from readers - second, as a way for me to express my personal opinions on issues to do with Israel, Judaism, the Shoah, and so on, and third, as a way to collect, publish and distribute

Friday, July 1, 2011 - Happy Canada Day!

2011-06-28T18:36:00.024-03:00

(followed by the following plea.....)1. Well, At Least He's Honest - Palestinian PM Drops Bomb on Statehood BidPalestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has told the Associated Press that the Palestinian bid for a declaration of statehood at the U.N. is essentially a meaningless gesture. "My answer to you is no,” he said in response to the question of whether the declaration would change the

Saturday, June 25, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-06-25T22:00:00.000-03:00

1. Hamas Takes Chutzpah To A New Level - I cannot think of many things that Jews have invented that Arabs in general, and Arab terrorists in particular, have improved upon. But obviously, Hamas has taken chutzpah to a new level. Hamas rejects Red Cross demand to prove Shalit is alive - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel NewsSay What? Hamas Blames Red Cross for Abuse of PalestiniansHamas:

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011-06-19T14:48:00.014-03:00

1. What Does A Scotsman Wear Under His Kilt - I have no idea. And with no disrespect at all to some of friends who wear kilts on occasion, I do know that the Scots who made this decision have no "cojones". But at least I know where I can get a replacement copy of The Protocols Of The Elders of Zion.Scotland Banning Jewish BooksExpress.co.uk - Fury as council launches boycott on Israeli booksThe

Saturday, June 18, 2001 - motzei Shabbat

2011-06-18T14:39:00.048-03:00

1. Syria #1 - I am not at all surprised that the situation in Syria worsens daily, and nothing concrete is being done by the outside world except a lot of righteous posturing and hand wringing. Maybe this Dry Bones cartoon hits the nail on the head - and I do not doubt that in certain circles, some version of this is accepted as being acceptable:Seems to me that there is a golden opportunity to

Saturday, June 11, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-06-11T06:56:00.048-03:00

Shavuah Tov - Gutte Vach - Have a Good Week!1. Syria - the situation in Syria continues to spiral downward and out of control. The level of violence being used against protesters reached new heights this past week with the deployment of helicopter gunships and armored units by Syrian "authorities" - I hesitate to refer to them as a "government", since their actions are more emblematic of a group

Friday, June 10, 2011 - brief pre-Shabbat edition

2011-06-10T18:02:00.011-03:00

Sometimes, cartoons are as eloquent as the best written opinion piece.Here are some examples (as well as some ones that I just thought were clever)Shabbat Shalom! And, of course, a "Seinfeld-ian" ending about New Yorker cartoons:

Monday, June 6, 2011 - D-Day Commemorative Edition

2011-06-06T00:00:00.021-03:00

Today is June 6, 2011 - the 67th anniversary of what I think was truly one of the most important battles in history - the Allied invasion of Normandy - Operation Overlord, but more commonly known simple as D-Day.I do not intend to get into a deep analysis of the importance of the battle, other than it was crucial to establishing a true Second Front against the Nazis, thereby hastening the end of

Saturday, June 4, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-06-04T22:45:00.000-03:00

1. Choosing Sides - when it comes to Nova Scotian critics of Israel, there are, shall we say, the usual suspects. This past week, the Halifax Herald saw fit to publish this piece -Nova Scotia Should Not Be Choosing Sides. I will spare you my analysis of it - I don't like to use bad words, after all.What I will do instead is to link you to a wonderful response written by Cantor Ari Isenberg, the

Monday, May 30, 2011 - US Memorial Day Edition

2011-05-30T21:29:00.014-03:00

In the same way that I make a point to remember those who died fighting against the Nazis as partisans and in the Canadian military, as well as those who have died to protect the State of Israel, it is entirely fitting to remember the war dead of America.1. Memorial Day #1 - On Memorial Day, Reason to Remember – Forward.com2. Memorial Day #2 - Senate approves Jewish chaplains monument | JTA -

Saturday, May 28, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-05-28T23:27:00.012-03:00

1. Borders, Lines, Swaps and Such - there isn't much doubt that the fallout from the recent series of statements and speeches - President Obama's State Department speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu's comments following his meeting with the President, the President's speech to AIPAC, and Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress - have clearly dominated the news. Everyone has an opinion, and in a

Saturday, May 21, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-05-21T23:17:00.002-03:00

1. Congratulations! If you are reading this, then the world did not come to an end today as predicted (more on that later).All kidding aside, this was a very serious week in Washington. As noted in last week's edition, President Obama delivered another speech (here is the full transcript) to the Muslim World (since the first one in 2009 went so well). And despite whatever things the President

Saturday, May 14, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-05-14T20:07:00.017-03:00

1. It Worked So Well The First Time - President to Renew Muslim Outreach - WSJ.com and Column One: Obama’s newest ambush. And, by the way - Bookworm Room - Not to denigrate our President’s speaking style…. Better start up the bus - he's likely going to throw someone under it - and I'll bet it will be a country in the Middle East that starts with "I" and it ain't Iran or Iraq......!2. This Will

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

2011-05-11T22:03:00.000-03:00

1. You're Kidding, Right? Bin Laden relatives want probe and proof of death - CNN.com"If OBL has been killed in that operation as (the) president of United States has claimed then we are just in questioning as per media reports that why an unarmed man was not arrested and tried in a court of law so that truth is revealed to the people of the world.""We maintain that arbitrary killing is not a

Monday, May 10, 2011 - Happy Birthday Israel

2011-05-10T01:27:00.000-03:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL!!!AND MANY MANY MANY MORE!!!! But first - we must always remember the price paid for Israel's freedom: Israel Mourns 22,867 Fallen Soldiers As Siren Sounds - Matzav.com - The Online Voice of Torah Jewry Just a few links about this amazing country and her people:Israel at 63: Population of 7,746,000 - Israel News, Ynetnews Happy Birthday, Israel! | Jerusalem Post Blogs

Monday, May 2, 2011 - Special Edition

2011-05-02T22:25:00.006-03:00

Well, yes, as a matter of fact he is.A great victory in the war on terror. Kudos to the American military and intelligence community for pulling off what must have been a hell of a combined operation. As readers of this blog know, I am not the biggest fan of the President. But he deserves kudos for having the stones to order the operation to go ahead. And I think his speech last night struck the

Saturday, April 30, 2011 motzei Shabbat - Yom HaShoah edition

2011-04-30T23:59:00.025-03:00

(in memory of the Six Million)1. Hamas and Fatah, Up In A Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G - to quote the old schoolyard rhyme. Not like the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. More like Hannibal Lechter dating Sirhan Sirhan. Jason (Friday the 13th) hanging with Freddy (Nightmare on Elm Street). Lex Luthor teaming up with Darth Vader. With Charlie Manson in the background absolutely beaming....The

Saturday, April 23, 2011 motzei Shabbat

2011-04-23T21:51:00.010-03:00

Spring Cleaning Edition - I know that one is supposed to conduct Passover cleaning for chametz (unleavened bread) before Passover, but I was unable to do so (in the internet sense). So as we head for the last 2 days of Passover, permit me to do it now during Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days of Passover).Best Easter wishes to my Christian friends......So, in no particular order......a little of

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-04-16T21:00:00.002-03:00

This will be my last posting before Passover, so:to Jewish readers, Chag kasher v' Sameach;to Christian readers, Happy Easter; andand to everyone else - enjoy Spring!1. This Says It All (Part 1) - I know that I have already emailed this to several people, but for those who have not seen it, this really says it all - and for those who have seen it, it's worth a second look:2. This Says It All (

Sunday, April 10, 2011 - quick hitters - the "I" Edition

2011-04-10T13:59:00.020-03:00

1. I Want To Make A Correction - I want to correct one thing I said in my last posting about about the attack on the school bus. The bus was not hit by a Qassam missile, but by a Kornet laser guided anti-tank missile. Critical difference.To a large degree, when the Hamas terrorist murderers fire a Qassam, they point it toward Israel and hope that (a) it makes it to Israel (though they really

Saturday, April 9, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-04-09T21:49:00.028-03:00

1. Letters To The Editor #1 - persistence pays off - here are 3 letters that were published in the Halifax Herald this week - I happen to know one of the authors......Outrageous article Re: "Polarizing book speaks truths," April 3, by Matt Semansky. This article outrageously refers to Israel as being "racist" and "fascist." Israel, as most enlightened people know, is an incredibly

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-04-02T18:58:00.028-03:00

1. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise - you know, like Gomer Pyle would say it.Judge Goldstone: Israel Is Right, I Was Wrong and Reconsidering the Goldstone Report on Israel and war crimes - The Washington Post.And some commentary:Ron Radosh - Judge Richard Goldstone’s Stunning Re-evaluation of His Own ReportComment: Goldstone the belated penitentNetanyahu: Throw Goldstone Report into dustbin of

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

2011-03-29T21:42:00.024-03:00

1. Syria Heats Up - Ridding Syria of a despot - The Washington Post and Pajamas Media » Don’t Let Syria Play Out Like 2009 Iran. And in the latest today, the Syrian Cabinet resigned - Syria’s Cabinet Resigns - Concessions Expected - NYTimes.com - yawn....2. Facebook Fight - Facebook has taken down the page calling for a third intifada - Facebook removes page calling for a 'Third Palestinian

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

2011-03-27T18:58:00.023-03:00

I've been unable to blog for a bit, but I see that there is no shortage of news and topics.1. Serious Stuff At The United Nations - the bastion of uselessness will serve as an interesting diplomatic battleground in the fall - someone in the Israeli diplomatic corps better get on this. The Palestinians have been getting everything for nothing forever, so they will spare no effort to effect this

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

2011-03-15T23:50:00.028-03:00

1. There Are Simply No Words - a Jewish Israeli family is murdered in cold blood, and the animals in Gaza pass out candy to celebrate.......Itamar massacre: Fogel family butchered while sleeping - Israel News, YnetnewsGaza celebrates; Fayyad condemns terror attack - Israel News, Ynetnews (he didn't really condemn it - these guys are the masters of the non-apology)Moment of truth for leftists -

Thursday, March 10, 2011

2011-03-10T22:00:00.043-04:00

1. Shame - I guess that everyone is familiar with a variety of expressions regarding money - such as "money talks". Another famous expression about life, or karma, is that "what goes around, comes around" These expressions have achieved perfect synchronicity in the real world at the world-famous London School of Economics. It has been disclosed that over the years the LSE gratefully (greedily)

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 - "antisemitism special edition"

2011-03-08T10:37:00.015-04:00

I can honestly say that I have almost no idea who Perez Hilton is other than that I believe that he is some sort of personality who traffics in gossip about celebrities. But when even he asks about the recent prevalence of antisemitic outbursts, that is an indication of the seriousness of the situation. What's Up With This Wave Of Anti-Semitism Lately?? | PerezHilton.comIn my opinion, if anyone

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

2011-03-02T23:17:00.027-04:00

For tonight only - a totally different format - a little of this and a little of that - mostly on the lighter side..........with the observation that when your life evokes comparisons of any sort to the demented Colonel Gadhaffi, you need help. (I don't really look like this)(or this either....well, maybe a bit like the monkey on the right)(oops! - where's the proofreader?)(

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 quick update

2011-03-01T12:31:00.004-04:00

It's a mad, mad, mad world1. What a tragedy........Dior moves to fire Galliano after Hitler comments - CNN.com - and Natalie Portman 'Shocked' by Galliano's Antisemitic Rant2. More Sheen SH*T - Charlie Sheen's Interview Regrets: Mocking Lorre, Demanding Raise3. Iranian Foolishness - they must be doing the same drugs as Charlie Sheen/Carlos Estevez - Iran: 2012 Olympics logo 'racist,' resembles

Monday, February 28, 2011

2011-02-28T19:39:00.047-04:00

1. The Main Event - just as a short while ago, Egypt was the dominant story, now there is no question that Libya is dominating the news.Now I must say that Colonel Gadhafi sets a new high in low for brutality. And whatever planet he thinks he might live on, I don't think that it's the same planet most of the rest of the world lives on. For example - U.S. Exclusive: Moammar Gadhafi Tells

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

2011-02-23T20:49:00.059-04:00

1. Libya - Wow! Can anyone believe what is going on there? I would have bet that due to the vicious brutality of his regime, people would just not rise up - here is a retrospective from Der Spiegel of Ghadaffi's reign of terror - and that good old "Ghadaffi Duck" would have been insulated from the "unrest" sweeping the Middle East. Guess not.... I forgot where I read this, but one

Saturday, February 19, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-02-19T13:36:00.052-04:00

1. The Analysis Begins - the events in Egypt have started to slip from the front pages, so to speak - and the analysis of what happened and what will come begins. For all those who think that everything in Egypt is settled and that there are no worries there any longer, watch the following video and read the following links:Fundamentally Freund: This is not 1776Islam's Spiritual 'Dear Abby': The

Saturday, February 12, 2011 - motzei Shabbat

2011-02-11T22:25:00.053-04:00

1. Mubarak Is Gone - A day after saying he would remain in office until scheduled election in September, Hosni Mubarak has stepped down and transferred power to the Egyptian military. For what it is worth, the military stated Saturday that it is committed to civilian rule, democracy and treaties - Egypt's army commits to civilian rule and treaties. But then what comes next? Who really knows?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T21:04:00.029-04:00

1. Egypt - continues to dominate the news. The demonstrations continue, the pro-Mubarak side has emerged (why they are "pro" is a good question), Mubarak himself seems to be hanging on, there are some signs of "normality" - banks open etc., and everyone has an opinion about the Muslim Brotherhood.The Dangers of Taking Events in Egypt at Face Value - By David Pryce-Jones - David Calling -

Thursday, February 3, 2011

2011-02-03T21:45:00.030-04:00

Obviously, Egypt is still the major story, so a lot of this posting will focus on events there and their effect in the region and beyond. The situation is so fluid that no one really knows for sure what the new Egyptian reality will be - so there are millions of opinions flying all over the place - so one has to exercise caution in trying to speak too authoritatively. In any event, here are some

Monday, January 31, 2011

2011-01-31T21:37:00.060-04:00

1. Egypt - No pun intended given (the Biblical) Joseph's dreams about cattle, but Holy Cow!! - can anyone keep up with what is going on in Egypt - RubinReports: Egypt's Revolution: A Simple Guide.I remember the 1979-1980 events in Iran quite clearly, and the situation unfolding in Egypt reminds me of those days in many ways. While it is fascinating to watch history unfold, I am extremely

Thursday, January 27, 2011 - the "did you miss me" edition?

2011-01-27T20:00:00.066-04:00

Hello there - have not posted in a little bit - I hope that somehow you were able to lead productive lives in the meantime......1. The "So-Called Right of Return" - On January 18, Halifax Herald columnist Paul Schneidereit published a column entitled "Jerusalem: the Israel-Palestinian conflict's Gordian knot" (I cannot seem to find a "live link" to refer you to).In any event, Dr. Zayid, a local

Saturday, January 15, 2011 motzei Shabbat - Money For Nothing edition

2011-01-14T03:06:00.026-04:00

1. Are You Kidding Me? If you, as me, thought that the Huck Finn episode in the US was bad, you will likely be, as me, appalled by this. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, which governs private broadcasters in Canada, has determined that the 1985 (yes, 1985!!) Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing" is offensive and unsuitable for airplay without editing since the lyrics use the word "

Thursday, January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T20:43:00.026-04:00

1. Tucson Tragedy - I was heartsick when I heard about the tragic shooting spree in Tucson, Arizona this past week - especially of the murder of Christina Green, the youngest victim of this terrible shooting spree. It is indeed doubly sad that a person born on 9/11 - yes, the 9/11 - dies such a violent death at such a young age. I am also deeply saddened by the murders of the other victims, and

Sunday, January 9, 2011

2011-01-09T07:38:00.047-04:00

1. Striking Back - After publishing 2 awful letters last week, the Halifax paper did publish 2 strong responses in yesterday's edition - check out the last 2 letters at this link. The letters were were well-written and factual, rather than inflammatory and based upon, shall we say, a rather questionable version of the "facts". Well done to the letter writers!2. I'm Very Glad to Know This -

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

2011-01-05T08:33:00.029-04:00

1. And So It Continues - Today's Halifax paper contained letters from two people who, based on their previous letters to the newspaper and at least in one case, past and continued associations, appear to be some of Nova Scotia's most relentless critics of Israel. Follow this link and read the last 2 letters at the bottom of the link. While I do not wish to give the letters any more attention

Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010-12-29T08:37:00.037-04:00

1. The More Things Change.... - the more they stay the same - as the end of 2010 approaches, antisemitism, anti-Zionism and anti-Israelism is as strong, virulent and prevalent as ever. To wit:Assad: Israel has extremist gov't not interested in peaceTop Muslims Condemn Ground Zero Mosque as a 'Zionist Conspiracy' :: Middle East ForumAssad welcomes murderer Kuntar - Israel News, YnetnewsMontreal

Saturday, December 25, 2010 - Motzei Shabbat

2010-12-25T08:49:00.047-04:00

1. Christmas - obviously, I do not observe Christmas. But I recognize that I live in a country where the majority of the population is Christian. I also recognize that I enjoy full religious freedom. So quite frankly, about 99% of the political correctness related to the non-recognition of Christmas drives me nuts - such as exhibited by Canadian federal Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff -

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 mini blog

2010-12-21T18:04:00.009-04:00

1. I Wonder - Do you think the bus company would have permitted ads criticizing radical Islamic acts of terrorism (of which examples can be found without too much difficulty)? Don't think so - Local News Metro's acceptance of 'Israeli war crimes' bus ad draws complaints Seattle Times Newspaper and Seattle Buses To Carry 'Israeli War Crimes' Ads – Forward.com 2. Such As... - UK: Islamic jihadists

Saturday, December 18, 2010 - motzei Shabbat

2010-12-17T22:56:00.034-04:00

1. At Least This Explains It Well - Hopefully these are the final notes on the rabbinic ruling controversy. This column presents the issue in an intelligent and reasoned manner that one can discuss rationally, though for what it is worth, I am still not sure that I am in complete agreement - Guest Columnist: No more racist than you or me. (Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Tzfat) The points

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T04:59:00.017-04:00

1. Master of Idiocy - in my last posting, I wrote about Jennifer Peloto and her Master's thesis controversy. Eli Rubenstein, who is among other things, the national director of The March of the Living program in Canada, wrote this very thoughtful piece - A thesis that hurts.I will leave this issue with 2 comments. First, while I do not know him especially well, I have had the distinct pleasure

Saturday, December 11, 2010 - Motzei Shabbat

2010-12-11T20:00:00.004-04:00

1. Some Others Aren't Impressed Either - A number of organizations have strongly criticized the rabbinic ruling about selling land to non-Jews that I referred to in my last blog posting on Wednesday.Amid uproar, two rabbis pull their names from letter forbidding rental of homes to Arabs - Haaretz Daily Newspaper Israel NewsYad Vashem speaks out against rabbinic prohibitionPeres criticizes

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

2010-12-08T11:12:00.022-04:00

1. Fire Fallout - The Atlantic’s Jeff Goldberg: ‘Don’t Donate To Those Rich Jews For Israel’s Fire Relief Fund’ - Big Journalism - I received this link from a number of people today - the title of this link is inflammatory, obviously deliberately so - and I think that Rob Miller (the author) is wrong to have done so - but I also think that Goldberg is dead wrong - maybe if Israel could live live

Saturday, December 4, 2010 - Motzei Shabbat

2010-12-03T20:22:00.021-04:00

1. Blaze Update - As noted in yesterday's posting, Hanukkah has been deeply overshadowed by the terrible fire in the Carmel region of Israel near Haifa.It is hard for someone who has never been to Israel to understand the devastating nature of this tragedy, and I am sure that my explanatory comments that follow would pale alongside that written by someone who lives in Israel, especially in the

Friday, December 3, 2010 - Tragedy in the Carmel

2010-12-03T08:15:00.008-04:00

This is a very brief blog posting to bring this terrible tragedy to your attention.40 Die in Huge Fire Near HaifaPM thanks Erdogan for airplanes to battle Carmel fireDays of awe and light, with a dreadful new significanceHaaretz Report on Carmel WildfireCarmel inferno proves Israel can't afford war with Iran - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel NewsAnalysis: A tragedy that was waiting to happenWe

Special Hanukah Edition - Wednesday, December 1, 2010

2010-12-01T20:00:00.003-04:00

1. Hanukkah - There seem to be a million ways to spell the name of this holiday - in the interests of simplicity, I'm going with "Hanukkah" - eight letters for eight days!Just as many Christians believe that the commercial aspects of Christmas have overwhelmed its religious significance, I believe that people overlook the importance of Hanukkah. (And no, Hanukkah is not the "Jewish Christmas).

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2010-11-29T21:39:00.025-04:00

1. I Have to Take a Leak - one of the biggest stories over the weekend was the pending massive release of classified American government documents by WikiLeaks. I am not the biggest fan of government cover-ups or deliberate wrongdoing. That said, my general take of what this site does is very dangerous because it does not filter things and the operator of the site is apparently indifferent to the

Saturday, November 28, Motzei Shabbat

2010-11-27T16:27:00.028-04:00

1. And Then The Herald Published This - Some people apparently did not like my letter to the editor referred to in item 1 of last week's post. I would normally only post the link, but the links to the local paper expire quickly, so here are the letters:Insulting deflectionMark David’s vision of a world out to demonize Israel (Nov. 20 opinion piece) lends nothing of value to a rational debate.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010-11-20T22:36:00.019-04:00

1. They Published My Response - My response to the column last week with which I took such issue (see my previous blog entry) was in yesterday's Halifax paper - Israel’s legitimacy under attack - Letters - TheChronicleHerald.ca (the reason there is a repeated paragraph is that in the print version, the last paragraph was used as a "tease").My original (admittedly rather long) response was edited

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - brief blog

2010-11-17T06:48:00.015-04:00

1. Jews In The News - I never thought much of reality shows - they are too contrived and pander to the lowest common denominator - be that as it may - but Canadian TV just has to have its very own "Jersey Shore" - and this is what one gets - Lake Shore creators apologize for anti-Jewish trailer Posted Toronto National Post. But please rest assured - Sibel Atlug - who no doubt is president of

November 11, 2010 - Remembrance Day

2010-11-11T09:22:00.034-04:00

1. Solemn Day - today is a very solemn day in Canada - Remembrance Day - where we observe and remember the sacrifices of the Canadian military. This ceremony is especially poignant in Halifax, which has always been a "military town". While Canada's military has never been the size of that of the US, the UK and other larger countries - its military has played vital roles in numerous important and

Brief Blog - Wednesday, November 3, 2010

2010-11-03T04:04:00.015-03:00

1. Antisemitism - The Anti-Semite’s Finger2. Caroline Glick - pulls no punches......The Age of Dissimulation"In the end, there is only one credible explanation for the West's willingness to lie about the nature and goals of Islamic supremacism. There is only one credible explanation for the West's willingness to collaborate with Islamic supremacists as they purge the historical record of the

Monday, November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T17:51:00.011-03:00

1. US Mid-Term Elections - Tuesday, November 2 marks the date for the US mid-term elections (note - this analysis is from CNN). The universal prediction is that the Democrats are going to get badly beaten all over. Here is one fearless prediction - Commentary » Blog Archive » Predictions - will it come true? We will see tomorrow, I guess. And if it is bad as expected - then watch out -

Saturday, October 20, 2010 - Motzei Shabbat & Shavuah Tov

2010-10-30T20:30:00.011-03:00

1. Something Light to Start - a brief sampling of the use of Hebrew in TV shows and movies2. In The Same Vein - dedicated to my math professor friend Jason and "Delaware Guy" Joel:3. Serious Stuff - Explosives Found in Packages Headed to Chicago Synagogues4. Khadr Controversy :Welcome back Khadr, you lucky guy - The Globe and MailKhadr is the 'rock star' of Gitmo: psychiatrist | Canada | News |

Monday, October 25, 2010

2010-10-25T21:02:00.019-03:00

First and foremost - my (sincere - honestly) sympathies to the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies (especially certain family members) who were defeated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series. The Giants were full measure for their victory, but I am rooting for the Texas Rangers who dispatched the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Now, to

Saturday, October 16, 2010 Motzei Shabbat

2010-10-16T20:42:00.001-03:00

Preamble - Good News Department - All 33 Chilean Miners Rescued! 1. Some Canadian Stuff - I do not normally deal with Canadian issues unless they relate to Israel, but this week, there were a variety of things that came up that I think should be mentioned.First, Canada was unsuccessful in its bid to become a member of the United Nations Security Council. The New York Sun said that Support for

Saturday, October 9, 2010 - Motzei Shabbat

2010-10-07T14:27:00.019-03:00

1. From Playwright David Mamet - How not to be a stranger in a strange land | Opinion | Jewish Journal - I am not sure where he gets the Rudyard Kipling reference (though I did read at one site that Kipling had some Jewish roots) - but whatever the degree of your Judaism, and I will be the first to admit that there are lots of gaps in mine, his basic advice is good. Sometimes Jews just need some

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

2010-10-02T20:20:00.013-03:00

1. Sombre Anniversary - Today marks the 37th anniversary (on the Gregorian calendar) of the start of the Yom Kippur War. On October 6, 1973, Arab military forces led by Egypt and Syria attacked Israel on what was Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year. After severe initial losses in men and materiel and the need to adapt to new Soviet supplied/taught tactics and weapons, Israel was

Motzei Shabbat - September 25, 2010

2010-09-25T22:54:00.015-03:00

I hope that "my" Jewish readers enjoyed the first 2 days of Sukkot followed by a restful Shabbat, and that "my" non-Jewish readers had a good week.1. Here's Something You Don't See Everyday - Secret Jewish heritage converts neo-Nazi - CNN.com2. Listen Up - Michael Oren's Warning to American Jews - Jeffrey Goldberg - International - The Atlantic3. The Peace Process - a big deal is being made

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

2010-09-21T10:33:00.017-03:00

I'm back after a break over the Yomim Noraim - the Days of Awe - between the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). I hope that "my" Jewish readers have been inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy, healthy and prosperous 5771, and, of course, I wish all the best to "my" non-Jewish readers.1. Death Of A Leader - I am sad to report on the death of Irving Schwartz

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - motzei Shabbat

2010-09-11T20:46:00.007-03:00

I have deliberately timed this posting to "go live" at 8:46PM ADT for 2 reasons. First - it will be after Shabbat has ended. Second - it will mark (in a manner) the time that American Airlines Flight 11 was deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower on September 11, 2001 - though of course, that was in the morning - 8:46AM - followed later that day by United Airlines

Saturday, September 4, 2010 motzei Shabbat

2010-08-29T19:53:00.034-03:00

This will likely be my last blog posting until after the conclusion of Rosh Hashanah. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my Jewish readers only good things in 5771 - that you should be inscribed in the Book of Life for a healthy, happy and prosperous year. 1. Peace Process? - This past week marked the start of the latest round of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

2010-08-28T22:10:00.001-03:00

1. I Think They Could Do It - and Lebanon would be wise not to tempt fate - 'IDF can destroy Lebanon army within 4 hours' - Israel News, Ynetnews2. More GZM - this issue just keeps on dominating the discourse on the net - here are a variety of links from a variety of perspectives:Pajamas Media » From an Actual Moderate Muslim, a Memo to the MSM on Imam RaufIslamophobia or Reality? - by David

August 24, 2010

2010-08-20T20:44:00.014-03:00

1. Wow! - These guys need some serious help.......Iranian media: American troops subverting Islam with bitter "Muhammad" chocolates - Jihad Watch2. Holland - Anti-Semitism soars in Holland - remember, this is where Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered by Islamic extremists. Ayaan Hirsi Ali had to flee Holland for fears over her personal safety. And, as is pointed out in the link - despite the

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

2010-08-18T00:41:00.016-03:00

1. More Mosque - And the fallout continues:VDH's Private Papers::Ground Zero Mosque ResistanceWhy Cordoba?Caroline Glick :: Standing on a landmineThe Rosett Report » Imam Feisal Watch: Let’s Try It Again, Where’s the Man Behind the GZ Mosque?Roger L. Simon » Ask Walid: Michael Bloomberg Doesn’t Speak Arabic and Other Tales of the Ground Zero MosqueCommentary » Blog Archive » Why Didn’t Obama

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

2010-08-17T09:53:00.007-03:00

1. What Did He Say? - Does he even know? Critics say Obama's message becoming 'incoherent' - CNN.com and Commentary » Blog Archive » Obama’s Ground Zero Debacle2. What I Did On My Summer Vacation - SPME: Ahmed Moustafa: An Egyptian Scientist's Summer in Israel3. Speaks For Itself - Hamas, 10 other groups reject all forms of compromise with Israel - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News4. As

Sunday, August 16, 2010

2010-08-15T11:54:00.028-03:00

I was away last week and unable to update my blog - so there is lots to talk about!1. Braveheart - the Mel Gibson reference is unintentional, though maybe it is a Freudian slip. In any event, I do not receive many comments for consideration, and of those I do, almost all are legitimate comments about something I have written about, or linked to. However, occasionally, I do get the odd piece of

Sunday, August 8, 2010

2010-08-07T23:42:00.006-03:00

1. Are You Proud Of That? Lebanon: We fired first at IDF unit near Israel border - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News2. "Refugees" - Robert Fulford: Palestinian refugees frozen in time, addicted to pity | Full Comment | National Post - a scam of mythical proportions.3. Hiroshima Anniversary - This part Friday was the 65th anniversary of the atomic attack on Hiroshima. Here is a very good

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Brief Posting

2010-08-04T23:45:00.010-03:00

1. Terrorism On The Border - There was a terrible terrorist incident yesterday on Israel's border with Lebanon. While performing routine maintenance - removing a tree and shrubbery - on the Israeli side of the border - two senior Israeli military officers were shot - one died and one was badly wounded. The incident resonated a bit more with me as it took place at Kibbutz Misgav Am - where I had

Sunday, August 1, 2010

2010-08-01T15:22:00.021-03:00

1. Antisemitism On The Internet - Let's assume that you have nothing better to do on a summer Canadian long weekend than to surf the internet (which must in some fashion be true if you are reading this). You decide to follow some links to stories about Israel. If after reading the story you continue to read the comments section, I will hazard a guess that in almost any ostensibly "neutral" site

Saturday, July 31, 2010 - motzei Shabbat

2010-07-31T23:10:00.000-03:00

1. A Sad Tragedy - This past week, the IAF suffered a terrible loss when a helicopter crashed during training exercises in Romania. 6 members of the IAF, together with a Romanian observer, died in the accident. May the families of the victims know no further sorrow, and may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion.Editorial: Tragedy in RomaniaFallen airmen arrive in IsraelAnalysis:

Thursday, July 29, 2010 - A Light Night

2010-07-29T20:09:00.022-03:00

Just an easy (for me to assemble) edition this evening that (except for some of the images in item 1) will largely take a break from the serious issues of the day.1. Cartoons - I like many types of cartoons, from editorial/political cartoons, to cartoons that exhibit human foibles, etc. So, with that in mind..... 2. Baseball Video - I am not a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. The club has

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

2010-07-27T18:35:00.014-03:00

1. It's A Man's World (??) - there have been numerous recent stories in the media of male domination - Misogyny running wild2. The "A" Word - Debunk of comparison between Israel, apartheid South Africa3. VDH Update - haven't linked to Victor Davis Hanson's stuff lately - nothing intentional! he is always good for a read.Works and Days » Pity the Postmodern Cultural EliteNot Obama Is Not Enough