David Morris: IS LAG B'OMER OUT OF CONTROL?

 

As every kid knows, Lag B'Omer is a celebration on the 33^rd day of the counting of the Omer. This marks the last day of the plague which wiped out 22,000 pupils of Rabbi Akiva.

Lag B'Omer is also the anniversary of the death of R.Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar and 'father' of Jewish Mysticism. Rabbi Shimon was the leading (surviving) student of Rabbi Akiva, and was an oft-quoted Tannaic leader, being the fourth most quoted voice in the Mishna.

Here in Israel, Lag B'Omer is most popularly celebrated by the lighting of bonfires as well as joining the throngs making the pilgrimage to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb in Meron in the Galilee. In recent times, the bonfire lighting tradition has also spread to the Diaspora.

At this point, all seems well and healthy about Lag B'Omer – good clean fun.

You can call me a kill-joy, but unfortunately there is a dark and less happy side to the Lag B'Omer festivities...

In my opinion, these come in four categories:

1. The danger of children being abused
2. The danger of severe burns & other injuries
3. Kids 'borrowing' carts from supermarkets
4. And the wholesale stealing of anything made of wood.

Taking these one-by-one:

Risk of Child Abuse: On a recent visit to the Child Protection Center ("Mercaz Hagana") in Jerusalem, they told me that the night of Lag B'Omer is their annual nightmare.

Consider (for a moment) that you are a child abuser.

Now picture a night where thousands of kids go out, with close-to-zero parental/adult supervision, all night, scattered throughout the neighborhood, sleeping in the open – unfortunately, Lag BaOmer is a pedophile's dream come true.

Incidents of rape and molestation of children peak on Lag B'Omer.

What Can You Do About It:

Speak with your children before Lag B'Omer.

Along with a physical safety message (see Dr Halberstad's letter below), also open an (age appropriate) discussion about their sexual safety.

Please note that there have been a spate of attacks by strangers on children in our neighborhood. B'H, some of those attackers have been arrested – but others are out there.

IMHO, there is no purpose in young children returning home at dawn.

So have a to-be-home-time, with a stated and agreed consequence to your kids returning home any later than that hour. If their friends ask why they're going home (“it’s only midnight!”), tell your kids they are welcome to blame you, their parents. "My parents said I must be home by such and such a time, or I'll get into big trouble".

Explain why they should always stay with their chosen group (friends, youth-club, school, shul, family, whatever) and only move between groups accompanied by at least one friend. They must never be on their own on the night of Lag B'Omer (accept when walking from A-to-B on a well lit and busy street).    

If an older person (more than two years their senior) who is not a part of their group, approaches them and asks them to help them, such as to move wood, to find something in the bushes, to show them to a place they "can't find", and even if they offer your child a reward (sweets or money) or they tell your child it is a great mitzvah to help them, teach your children how to politely say "I can't help you. I am with Such & Such a group tonight."   

(Roll play this with your kids – and create other scenarios).

Even though 'stranger danger' is a serious concern, there's a actually a much larger risk of your child being abused by someone he (and probably you) trusts. (Only one-in-ten acts of child abuse are perpetrated by strangers).

Here’s some good practical advice by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz:

There are four basic messages that children need to internalize in order for any abuse prevention program to be truly effective:

1. Your body belongs to you

2. No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable

3. No secrets from parents

4. Good touching/bad touching

Please educate yourself before speaking to your children so that your discussions generate light and not heat. Additionally, it is important for you to know – and to share with your children – that although “stranger danger” is a genuine concern, the vast majority of molesters are family members or people well-known to the children.

As Teaneck Police Chief Michael Bruno brilliantly said during a talk he gave on child safety, “We need to train our children to consider the “it” (the inappropriate action being done to them) not the “whom” (regardless of the relationship or stature of the individual who is doing it).

There are free resources available on our website www.kosherjewishparenting.com, the Los Angeles-based Aleinu Safety Kid Program: http://www.aleinu.net/AleinuChildSafetyInstitute/safetykid.aspx , and you can get a free DVD with abuse prevention information by contacting Ohel at http://www.ohelfamily.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=722&Itemid=852 Here are links to two videos Project YES released to educate you, and help you have these discussions with your children:

Video: Speaking to your Kids about Personal Safety: http://vimeo.com/25322132

 

Burns & Other Injuries: This is a posting written by Dr Moshe Halberstad of Terem Medical EmergencyCenter, and a resident of Ramat Bet Shemesh:

As Lag B'Omer approaches, it is worth noting that last year at Terem Urgent Care I saw a striking number of injuries associated with Lag B'Omer that were directly related to a lack of parental supervision.
Here is a partial list of some of the unfortunate injuries/illness commonly seen in association with this holiday.

1) Eye injuries/facial burns- involving severe burns to the cornea and face, resulting from bursts of sparks that commonly occur when unsupervised children attempt to add wood at close range to unstable,
poorly built fires. Almost all children were at the time being "supervised" by siblings. In addition to causing excruciating pain, such injuries can result in impaired vision and disfigurement.
In a six-hour period last year on Lag B'Omer, I referred more patients for emergency Opthalmologic and/or Plastic Surgery consultation due facial/opthalmic burns than in the two years I spent working in the Bronx.

2) Lacerations/ splinters/ puncture wounds- Severe cuts resulting from children attempting to gather/split/ assemble wood for bonfires, often from jagged wood pieces containing nails, staples, etc. Also seen were a number of severe lacerations related to climbing over fences and sharp objects into construction sites to collect wood or build a fire

3) Breathing issues- children with asthma or other chronic respiratory issues are particularly at risk on the night of Lag B' Omer, as anyone who walks outside and smells the air can imagine.

This year, it is therefore strongly recommended that all children who attend/build bonfires do so with parental supervision. Younger children in particular should not be permitted to be in close proximity and certainly not be allowed to approach and help "manage" the fire. Collection of wood and bonfire construction should also not
be done haphazardly (not to mention illegally). Last year I met many distraught parents who did not supervise their children and "never thought it could happen to their child." It is my hope that this year many of these injuries can be prevented.

Wishing all of you a happy and safe holiday.
Moshe Halberstadt, MD

While on the issue of physical safety, I would like to give kudos to the excellent annual Keren Yosef + Ezrat Achim fire safety campaign leading up to Lag BaOmer. 

Borrowing Shopping Carts: 

Let’s call a spade a spade.

It has become socially acceptable for kids to stealshopping carts for Lag BaOmer.

(The excuse that they ‘borrow’ them, only works if they obtain permission from the store owner, and then the kids return the shopping cart afterwards – neither of which happen)  

I frankly find this astounding.

We spend so much time and resource teaching our kids the very highest standards of behaviour, before Man and G-d.

And then, whoosh! It’s a free for all, everyone's stealing other people’s property. 

Shoplifting. Looting. Call it what it is.

In the name of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabbi Akiva??!!

I simply don't understand why our frum society smilingly tolerates this...?

(Picture for illustrative purposes only)

Stealing Wood: Ditto for the wholesale quantities of wood, which is often stolen from building sites, from people’s private yards, and from other kids.

Another issue, by the way, is the environmentaldamage caused by thousands of bonfires throughout the country, not to mention real danger for asthma sufferers.

In short – Lag BaOmer has become “hefker” night – a reckless abandonment on an enormous sale.

I propose that the time has come to rein in some of this excess.

1. There should be a central source of wood for burning (Iriya + KKL).
2. Designated (safe) places for bonfires (Iriya plus Fire Dept)
3. Curfew time (parent groups patrolling and police)
4. Encouragement of relatively few group bonfires, rather than vast numbers of small private initiatives. (system of permits?)

Hopefully, such minimal controls would result in a safer and more ethical/educational Lag BaOmers for all!

Who wants to help get this in place before NEXT Lag BaOmer??

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David Morris  

Bet Shemesh, Israel

Nominated for the President of Israel's Prize 2010. Entrepreneur in the fields of charity and electro-optics. Established Lema'an Achai ("For My Brothers") the innovative community social services charity in Ramat Bet Shemesh, "Magen", the Bet Shemesh Child Protection Agency, and "Yad LeYedid" (A Hand to a Friend) charity helping impoverished families in Jerusalem. Owner/CEO of Scitronix Ltd is marketing sophisticated electro-optical products to high tech industries in Israel. Blogs at:  http://tzedek-tzedek.blogspot.com/

Alan Edelstein: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Secretary Clinton Holds a Press Availability After Friends of Syrian People Meeting – Photo US State Dept

I just completed my great eight day cross-country adventure. I agreed to drive my son's 1998 Subaru from Sacramento to him in Washington, D.C. The last time I did this drive alone was 42 years ago in my 1974 Ford Pinto (puky mustard color, white landau top, four-on-the-floor stick shift, $3,450 out the door), and the last time I did it at all was with my wife in 1977 in the same Pinto. 

The trip reminded me of just how big and beautiful the U.S. is. Gorgeous desert, beautiful snowy mountains, breathtaking sunsets. Even the lightening and wind and rain were beautiful in a scary, wish-I-wasn't-driving-through-this way.

Perhaps because I am old enough to remember the innocent America of JFK's inauguration before his assassination, the Vietnam War, the King assassination, and Watergate, the big and beautiful America evoked for me the great and good American ideals that I grew up with. An America that stands for freedom, for helping others, for doing good.

After 30 years in and around politics, I am often surprised to find that I still have a reservoir of idealism when it comes to America and its goodness. I am usually taken aback when the realization that I still am idealistic hits me. And this usually happens when a little bit more of my idealism is chipped away. I am surprised that there is something there to chip at, but there always is.

While marveling at the beauty of America, and the bigness of America, and the greatness of America, and how nice a lot of Americans are, I could not help feeling that chipping sensation. It just kept gnawing at me. As much fun as I was having, and as exhilarated as I felt, I felt a helplessness, and a bit of shame.

That's because for the eight days I was having a blast enjoying America, the sounds and scenes of Syrians being slaughtered by their own government were constantly with me. (Thank yous to Anderson Cooper of CNN and NPR.) When I wasn't watching or hearing about them, I was thinking about them.

I could not escape them. And I could not escape the fact that my country, "the leader of the free world" as our generation was brought up to think of it, was not doing much to stop Syria's murderous regime or to rally the "free world" to stop the slaughter.

And make no mistake. What is going on in Syria is not a war of any kind. It's not a civil war. It's not an asymmetrical war. As photojournalist Paul Conroy said last night on AC 360, the lopsidedness of this stain on the civilized world makes this nothing but a slaughter.

I am of the generation that grew up in the shadows of World War II, hearing that the world did little to rescue the Jews but it did, finally, stand up to the evil of Hitler. I can recall JFK standing up for universal freedom when he declared "Ich Am Berliner." And I recall Ronald Reagan demanding that that wall be torn down. Words, and actions if necessary, matter.

Where is the "leader of the free world" while Syrians are being slaughtered? I understand the hesitation to involve ourselves militarily, although the recent testimony by a member of the intelligence community before Congress that the fall of Assad would be the biggest setback to Iranian foreign policy in 25 years does provide ample justification for strong action, such as no-fly zones.

But, short of military action, there is much more we could be doing. For starters, the president could use what used to be called the bully pulpit. Instead of saying that the veto of a UN resolution by Russia and China hampers our ability to act, he should be loudly and publicly shaming those countries each day for their vetoes.

He could be taking strong action against those who supply arms, food, oil, and credit to Syria, and he could be loudly and clearly shaming them. Despite all of our problems, the United States is the strongest country in the world. Much power is derived from the perception that one uses it boldly and confidently, and that one is not afraid to be quite clear and unapologetic about it.

Yes, there are many nuances and possible adverse consequences to be considered. But sometimes nuances and adverse consequences are a rationale for inaction, an excuse for not deciding. Sometimes, if you want to be respected as being powerful and doing right, you speak up and you act and the chips fall where they may.

Most often, if you are doing right, the fallout is acceptable. In any event, it is better than the fallout from ceding to evil, from allowing murder when you have the ability to thwart it. It is better than giving up the mantle of "leader" to those whose motivations are less noble.

Of course, to do this you have to believe that you are noble, that your motivations are right, that you are the "leader of the free world," that you have special responsibilities.

I have questioned the rationale for the U.S. being involved in Libya. We had no strategic interest there. The president said we were involved in order to prevent the slaughter of civilians, that that is what America stands for. Noble motivations, indeed.

Well, now we have a slaughter, and yet we are doing next to nothing. Is the rationale for saving lives no longer compelling when it is more complicated and nuanced? Is our purpose no longer noble when there may be greater adverse consequences?

Are noble objectives not enough justification for action when you cannot "lead from behind?" Speaking of which, I haven't heard a more ridiculous oxymoron than "leading from behind" in a long time. How we operated in Libya may have been the right approach. It may have been strategically or tactically smart to let others take the lead. It may have been wise to manipulate, to prod, to convince rather than to lead. But we did not "lead from behind" anymore than one "pigs out to diet."

In the face of the massacre now occurring in Syria, "leading from behind" won't do it. The U.S. needs to lead strongly and forcefully. We can lead verbally. We can lead diplomatically. We can lead with economic resources and strategies. If our strategic interests are truly at stake and we have a once-in-25 year opportunity to set Iran back, perhaps we should lead militarily. But we should be doing something more than what we are now doing.

The president should be reminded that former President Clinton proudly recalls his leadership in saving lives in Bosnia by bombing Serbs, while he deeply regrets our failure to lead and to act to prevent the Rwanda massacres. There were complications, diplomatic concerns, world lethargy. So we did not act and lead. It is a stain on our history and President Clinton's legacy, and he regrets it.

As my once-every-40 years or so road trip again reminded me of what a great country America is, and of its special role in the world, I felt a stain developing. I felt and feel shame that we are allowing the slaughter to go on. There is much we could do to stop it. I hope we wake up soon from our lethargy. I hope we assert ourselves. I hope the President acts as only a real leader does, from the front. And I hope we do it soon.

Friends of the Syrian People Meeting in Turkey – photo by US Dept. of State

Josephine Levin: HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR AN EARTHQUAKE OR MISSILE ATTACK

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Smoke from fires covers San Francisco after earthquake of 1906

Collapsed school El Salvador earthquake 

G-d commands us through the Torah to do everything possible to make our lives safe. Careless and reckless behavior leading to loss of life can be judged in His eyes as tantamount to murder.

If we are properly prepared, then lives and property can be saved when disaster strikes. Here are some simple steps we can take before there is a major disaster like an earthquake or missile attack: Note: If you are warned about an incoming missile attack you must seek cover in a security room, bomb shelter or in the most secure room in your home (inner room without outside walls) or seek shelter in a stairway.

Most people are injured in earthquakes by falling, glass, debris, plaster, electrical wires and other objects. Do not let anyone sleep next to glass windows. Replace glass windows with plastic or safety glass. Put clear contact paper over your glass windows to prevent them from shattering. This can save eyes and lives, as flying glass can sever arteries and veins leading to massive bleeding and death. Do not let anyone sleep under heavy pictures, bookshelves, electrical appliances, heavy lighting fixtures or ceiling fans. Bolt firmly to the wall all cupboards, bookcases, buffets and wardrobes. Do not assume that something is too heavy to fall. On the contrary the heavier the object is the harder it will fall crushing anyone in its path.

Unless you are on a ground floor bordering open space, you are probably better off not trying to run outside. You can be injured by falling objects and electrocuted by falling electrical wires. Take refuge under a strong wood table. Even if the ceiling collapses, you will have enough air space under the table to survive until you are rescued. Store under the table a few cartons of bottled water, canned food and can opener, first aid kit, flashlight with extra diapers and food for infants, tissues, wipes, transistor radio and batteries. A cell phone is also useful and a covered pail for a makeshift toilet. Hold practice drills, so your children will know what to do if you are not at home. You should also have tools available to pry open jammed doors, windows and to dig yourself out (folding spade, crowbar, hammer, saw, screwdriver and pliers). If you cannot take refuge under a table then stand in a doorway.

Walls, foundations, columns and pillars of our homes can be re-enforced to help prevent the collapse of buildings.

Fires are one of the biggest dangers of earthquakes and missile attacks, and may be prevented by the following:

Disconnect all electrical appliances (except the refrigerator) from the sockets before going to sleep or leaving home.

You should also have on hand a water hose or fire extinguisher to put out fires. Caution! A fire extinguisher can give off dangerous vapors if used in a small enclosed area. Bags of sand, salt, baking soda and cat litter can be used to smother fires. Never throw water on an electrical fire! Water will increase the intensity of the fire and you could be electrocuted. You must always shut off the electricity at the fuse box before attempting to extinguish an electrical fire. Immediately following an earthquake or missile attack, you should shut off the electricity and the gas, whether or not you decide to evacuate your home.

If you live on an upper floor and have safety bars on the windows and balconies, make sure that at least one of these can be opened to serve as an emergency exit if your door is jammed, or if there is fire or smoke in the corridor. If there is fire or smoke in the corridor do not open the door! You can be engulfed by flames or overcome by smoke. If there is smoke in the corridor, place a wet rag under the door to keep smoke from seeping in and open all your windows for air.

If there is a fire in your home that you cannot extinguish, you must leave immediately. Wrap yourselves and your children in wet blankets. Never try to walk downstairs from an upper floor if there is heavy smoke in the hall; you will be overcome by smoke inhalation and die long before you reach the bottom. Never try to use an elevator after an earthquake or missile attack, even if the electricity has not been cut off. So how can you escape? If your home does not have a fire escape, you should consider buying a nylon ladder, which can be thrown out of the window and used to evacuate your family.

You should have at least a month’s supply of ready-to-eat food and bottled water for any kind of emergency. Suitable items are canned vegetables, tuna, sardines, chick peas, baked beans, powdered or canned milk, granola, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter, power bars, canned and bottled fruits and juices, baby food and formula, pet food, vitamins, crackers and biscuits. Remember you may be in a situation with no electricity, gas or running water. A portable cooking grill with either canned gas or charcoal is a must. Buy some water-proof matches from a camping store, or keep some matches in a water-proof container. If you have mung beans, alfalfa, wheat berries or whole barley you can make sprouts in order to get some fresh vegetables for vitamins. You should also have at least a month’s supply of any prescription drugs that you or your family members need. Remember roads may be damaged or closed.

You must have a way of purifying water, especially if you are not able to boil water. Buy water purification tablets or a special water filter from a camping store. If you have the opportunity, fill up your bathtub and other containers to store water. If you have no bottled water, you can use water out of the tank above your toilet, but you must purify it. Even if you still have running water in your pipes, it may be contaminated and will need to be purified. If you are rationing water, try to avoid eating very salty foods, as these will only increase your thirst.

In case you will be unable to heat your home, it is a good idea to have emergency blankets (available from camping stores). These are tiny enough when folded to fit in the palm of your hand, but can be opened to give necessary insulation and warmth.

It is a good idea to have sleeping bags and a tent and a 72 hour kits for each family member in case you have to evacuate your home.

72 hour Kits should contain ID, water, medicines, emergency blankets, underwear, power bars, small cans of food, water purification tablets and/or filter, flashlight, transistor radio, extra batteries, camping knife, wipes, toilet paper, compass, can opener, small portable spade, duct tape, water-proof matches and first aid kit

Enroll in a first aid course. Everyone should know how to stop bleeding, treat shock, dehydration, burns, make splints, etc., and to administer CPR (cardio- pulmonary resuscitation).

ABOVE ALL TRY TO REMAIN CALM. PANIC IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH IN DISASTERS.

Pray, read Psalms and trust the LORD to help you. If you can boil water, drink calming herbal teas like Chamomile, Sage, Lemon balm (Melissa), Verbena and Motherwort. At homeopathic pharmacies you can buy Motherwort Leonurus Cardiaca tincture- ad 10 drops to a glass of water for a mild tranquilizer.

Mitt Romney: MY SPEECH AT AIPAC

Mitt Romney today delivered remarks to The American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference. The following remarks were prepared for delivery:

Thank you for the opportunity to address the AIPAC Policy Conference. And thanks to Teddy and Ed, who have been great friends, supporters, and teachers over the years.

I regret that my Super Tuesday travel schedule prevents me from being with you in person. But while I can’t be with you, I stand with you. I share your commitment to a strong and secure Israel. And I salute your tireless work to strengthen our alliance.

This year, we are gathering at a dangerous time for Israel and for America. Not since the dark days of 1967 and 1973 has the Middle East faced peril as it does today. This is a critical moment. America must not – and, if I am President, it will not – fail this defining test of history.

The current administration has distanced itself from Israel and visibly warmed to the Palestinian cause. It has emboldened the Palestinians. They are convinced that they can do better at the UN – and better with America – than they can at the bargaining table with Israel. As President, I will treat our allies and friends like friends and allies.

In recent days and weeks, we’ve heard a lot of words from the administration. Its clear message has been to warn Israel to consider the costs of military action against Iran. I do not believe that we should be issuing public warnings that create distance between the United States and Israel. Israel does not need public lectures about how to weigh decisions of war and peace. It needs our support.

Israel’s democratically elected leaders will always be welcomed and respected by my administration. Israel’s current prime minister is not just a friend; he’s an old friend. We worked together over 30 years ago at the Boston Consulting Group. He is a leader whose intellect and courage I admire – and whose family’s sacrifice I profoundly respect. In a Romney administration, there will be no gap between our nations or between our leaders.

I have seen Israel by land and by air. I have seen its narrow waist, and its vulnerability to positions on the Golan Heights. I have spent time with families in Sderot who have been terrorized by rocket barrages from Gaza. I have walked the streets of Jerusalem, seen schools pocked by rifle rounds fired from the foreboding hills that nearly surround it. I would never call for a return to the ’67 lines because I understand that in Israel, geography is security.

I have studied the writings and speeches of the jihadists. They argue for a one-state solution—one all-dominating radical Islamist state, that is. Their objective is not freedom, not prosperity, not a Palestinian state, but the destruction of Israel. And negotiating and placating such jihadists will never, ever yield peace in the Middle East.

I recognize in the ayatollahs of Iran the zealot refrain of dominion. Their passion for the martyrdom of Arab youth is matched only by their cowardice in avoiding it for themselves. Nuclear ambition is pursued by Iran to dominate, to subjugate, and to obliterate. A nuclear Iran is not only a problem for Israel; it is also a problem for America and the world.

We may not know when Iran will secure sufficient fissile material to threaten the world, but the IAEA warns that that the hour is fast approaching.

In the Gulf, Iran prepares to close the Strait of Hormuz, to hold hostage 20 percent of the world’s oil. In their nuclear laboratories, they prepare the means to hold hostage the entire planet.

Iran has long engaged in terrorism around the world, most recently in Georgia and in Thailand. In Washington, DC, Iran plotted to assassinate the Saudi ambassador by bombing a Georgetown restaurant. Iran has deployed Hezbollah and Hamas and armed the insurgents of Iraq and Afghanistan, killing our sons and daughters. They war against America.
Yet, the current administration has promoted a policy of engagement with Iran. The President offered to sit down with Ahmadinejad during his first year in office without preconditions. He sat silent as Iranian dissidents took to the streets of Tehran, not wanting to disrupt the potential opportunity for dialogue with Iran’s fanatical tyrants. This President not only dawdled in imposing crippling sanctions, he has opposed them.

Hope is not a foreign policy. The only thing respected by thugs and tyrants is our resolve, backed by our power and our readiness to use it.

Of course, the administration’s naïve outreach to Iran gave the ayatollahs exactly what they wanted most. It gave them time. Whatever sanctions they may now belatedly impose, Iran has already gained three invaluable years.
There are some in this administration who argue that Iran’s leaders are “rational,” and that we can do business with them. The President speaks of common interests. Let me be clear: we do not have common interests with a terrorist regime. Their interest is in the destruction of Israel and the domination of the Middle East. It is profoundly irrational to suggest that the ayatollahs think the way we do or share our values. They do not.

I will bring the current policy of procrastination toward Iran to an end. I will not delay in imposing further crippling sanctions, and I will not hesitate to fully implement the ones we currently have. I will make sure Iran knows of the very real peril that awaits if it becomes nuclear. I will engage Iran’s neighbors. I will station multiple carriers and warships at Iran’s door. I will stand with the Syrian people who are being mercilessly slaughtered. I know that the fall of Assad would not only be an important victory for liberty, but also a strategic blow to Tehran.

As President, I will be ready to engage in diplomacy. But I will be just as ready to engage our military might. Israel will know that America stands at its side, in all conditions and in all consequence.

Of course, American strength abroad depends upon our strength at home. My economic plans will buttress our capacity to project power. And as President, I will repair and strengthen our military. President Obama wants to shrink our Navy, our Air Force, and our contingent of fighting men and women. I will expand them. A military in retreat invites adventurism by the world’s worst actors, just as we are seeing today. A strong and superior military is the best ally peace has ever known. I do not seek military superiority solely for the purpose of winning wars. I seek it to prevent wars.

As President, peace will be my solemn goal. A peace based not on empty assurances, but on true security and defensible borders. This will require American strength, and a demonstration of our resolve. That’s why, as President, my first foreign trip will not be to Cairo or Riyadh or Ankara. It will be to Jerusalem.

We will make clear to the world that Israel’s continued existence as a Jewish state is a vital national interest of the United States.

I believe the right course is what Ronald Reagan called “peace through strength.” There is a reason why the Iranians released the hostages on the same day and at the same hour that Reagan was sworn into office. As President, I will offer that kind of clarity, strength, and resolve.

In a Romney administration, the world will know that the bond between Israel and America is unbreakable – and that our opposition to a nuclear Iran is absolute. We must not allow Iran to have the bomb or the capacity to make a bomb. Our enemies should never doubt our resolve and our allies should never doubt our commitment.

This is a critical time, and AIPAC has a vital voice. Together, let’s achieve peace for the region and ensure a secure future for Israel – and America.
God bless America, and God bless our friendship with Israel.

Varda Littmann: THE STONES, THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE KOSEL/KOTEL MA'ARAVI - WESTERN WALL OF THE SECOND TEMPLE, JERUSALEM

Photo by Rimonah Traub 

When we come to the Kosel (Western Wall of the Second Temple) we may be so engrossed in our tefillos (prayers) that we do not notice the numerous birds flying close by and the plants growing out of the stones of the Wall. The Kosel—spiritual home to millions — is built of stones that serve as the physical home for various animals and plants.

The rows of stones that are on the level of the Kosel Plaza have what is called a “Herodian signature,” i.e., frames of delicate “margins” and smooth “bosses.” They were built by Herod, the Roman appointed king of Judea, circa (1st century B.C.E.), and extend down for about another 20 feet below the present ground level. The further up that the Wall goes, the smaller the stones become. This is because different layers were added throughout the centuries. Each row of stones is slightly set back from the row beneath it. This method achieves the illusion of a perfectly straight wall. Had the stones been exactly aligned, the Wall would have appeared to be leaning forward.

Different stones of the Wall (even in the same row and of the same time period) have fared the weather beatings of thousands of years. Along the Kosel walls there are many timeworn nooks and crannies, which seem as if they were especially carved out to receive the notes and letters of millions. These indentations are attributed to the fact that even though limestone was used, the builders used both mizzi meleke (the stone of kings) and mizzi hilu (sweet rock) when they set the wall. meleke is soft and easy to chisel, yet hardens when exposed to the atmosphere and becomes highly durable. The thin-layered mizze hilu is easily quarried and worked. The workers also did not set the stones in the same grain direction. When the wall was first built, no difference in materials could be discerned, but over the course of time, as weather conditions played their role, the dissimilarity became apparent.

Dove in the cleft of the rock on the Western Wall - Photo by Rimonah Traub 

There are many cracks and clefts in the Kosel stones that are used by birds as a nesting spot. Among the birds that come are jackdaws, swallows, house sparrows and the common swift. Pigeons and doves also abound. It is said that birds have a sixth sense for holiness, and visitors to the Kosel Hama'aravi will notice the profusion of birds that inhabit the area. 

Doves on Barclay's Gate on the women's side of the Western Wall - photo by Rimonah Traub

Small lizards are also seen darting among the stones.

The rocks of the Western Wall support at least six distinct plants. Henbane is the most common plant found growing in the wall. Its Hebrew name is shikaron, a form of the word “drunkenness.” The name is thought to derive from the poisonous, intoxicating substance contained within the plant. The Egyptians smoked henbane to obtain relief from toothache, while the first hospitals in Eretz Yisrael utilized it as an anesthetic. Today, alkaloids derived from henbane are used in anti-spasm medications and painkillers.

Thorny Capers growing on the Western Wall - photo by Rimonah Traub

Podonosma orientalis called matsits suri in Hebrew is a typical rock plant and the second most common plant in the Wall. It is able to penetrate stone with its roots in order to extract water. The Sicilian snapdragon, called la ari sitsili, in Hebrew is often found on the higher sections of the Wall. This plant often roots in cracks between the stones of a wall and on fences. The Kosel is also host to the Horsetail knotgrass, called shvatvat anaf in Hebrew, which is mentioned in the Talmud (Shabbos 14) as an antidote for snakebite. Phagnalon, called in Hebrew tzamarnit haslayim, is a small plant that can also be found scattered along the Wall.

 ....................................

Varda Littmann lives in Jerusalem and has a column in Hamodia and in the English Update. Her blog Let us Tour Eretz Yisroel can be viewed at the following link: http://littmann613.blogspot.com/

Photographer Rimonah Traub's beautiful photos can be viewed on her blog:

Lens on a Fertile Land - Israel Photography

http://israelcamerafocus.blogspot.com/

Josephine Levin: ISRAEL CAN ONLY DEPEND ON OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

Sun shining through the clouds over Jerusalem - photo by Josephine Levin

           

        Daily Israel is bombarded with two messages. One message is that Iran that has publicly called for the total destruction of Israel and the Jewish people has or will soon have nuclear weapons of mass destruction. In fact, according to a recent Jerusalem Post article, the Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for the destruction of Israel to take place before the year 2014! The second message is that whatever Israel decides to do–just do not strike at Iran!

            Last year John Bolton, the former Bush administration ambassador to the UN, said Israel had only until August 21, 2010 to stop Iran. This was the date that Russia would begin loading nuclear fuel rods into the Iranian reactor. After that Mr. Bolton claimed the situation would be at the point of no return because any attack that would occur after the rods were loaded into the reactor would cause radiation to escape into the atmosphere and possibly into the waters of the Persian Gulf. Mr. Bolton claimed that Israel's prior strikes on the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak 1981and the attack on the Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007 took place before the nuclear fuel rods were loaded into the reactors.

            Has Israel really had the opportunity to strike at Iran but missed it? Here are some facts: The shortest route for Israeli planes to strike at Iran is to fly over Jordan and Iraq to Iran. Since 1991 the US operated a no-fly zone over Iraq and no one could enter these skies without the express permission of the United States, So If Israel missed the opportunity to strike at Iran before it would be too late, then who in fact is to blame for this? Surely Mr. Bolton must have known that Israel would have needed the permission of the United States to fly over Iraq to attack Iran. At the end of 2011 the official agreement between the US and Iraq that allowed for this no‑fly zone was due to expire and so there is speculation that now Israel may strike at Iran. Iran has stated that no matter who attacks them they will retaliate against Israel. They are now also threatening a pre-emptive strike if they determine their enemies are planning to harm them.  

            An Israeli strike today that might result in environmental radiation contamination or other damage to the Persian Gulf would not only stop the flow of oil out of Iran, but also could hamper the flow of oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and all the other oil rich countries on the Persian Gulf. This might bring about an apocalyptical scenario where all the nations of the world will not only condemn Israel at the UN, but might send foreign troops here and/or even attack Israel. It might be that Israel will have no choice and will go this route to destroy Iran's nuclear program and be willing to face the consequences.

            Israel today has to try first of all to figure out a way to strike at the Iranian nuclear infrastructure without harming any of the surrounding oil rich Gulf nations. In other words the world could survive without Iranian oil, but not without the oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and all the other oil rich Gulf countries. There have been some mysterious explosions and assassinations and plane crashes that killed Russian and Iranian nuclear scientists who were working on the Iranian bomb. Also there have been attacks by a Stuxnet virus that crippled Iranian computer systems connected to their nuclear program. Perhaps a technical way will be found to permanently shut down Iran's nuclear program.

            The only other real hope Israel has is that G-d might do something to stop Iran by some kind of natural disaster. Iran is one of the most earthquake prone countries on the face of the earth. Iran could experience massive earthquakes and tsunamis that could destroy their reactors. Ironically, Japan had promised to build earthquake proof nuclear reactors in Iran (Teheran Times July 2, 1010; NewsOnJapan.com), but in March, 2011, Japan was struck with a massive earthquake and tsunami that crippled its own nuclear reactor at Fukashima. Japan is still battling to save its crippled reactor and so far has not built the promised nuclear reactors in Iran.

            Iran also has several dormant volcanoes that could erupt. Mt. Damavand,

located 50 kilometers northeast of Teheran, is cone shaped and is the highest mountain in Iran and in the Middle East. Even though it is silent, steamy gasses still pour out of its crater and there are hot springs in the area.

Also, G-d could judge and punish Russia and all the other nations aiding Iran by sending earthquakes, bad weather, flooding, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, etc. Volcanic eruptions that darken the skies can also make no-fly zones like those that happened with the eruptions of the Icelandic volcano in 2010. A massive solar eruption could shut down electrical grids and/or the Internet. Last, but not least, our great G-d could do something else known only to Himself to save Israel and all of mankind from a war with weapons of mass destruction.

In truth Israel can depend on no one but our Father in heaven.

Alan Edelstein: EGYPTIAN DEMOCRACY STARTING TO LOOK MORE LIKE AN ISLAMIST ASCENDANCY

Only 20 days to the one-year anniversary of the day I started my countdown to Egyptian democracy. With all the euphoria about the "Arab Spring" and the many predictions of the imminent creation of democracy in Egypt and other Arab countries, I somewhat cynically initiated my countdown, giving the Egyptians one year to establish their democracy.

How is it going? Well, the run-up to the elections, during which the Egyptian army has ruled, did not inspire confidence. With the continuing violence, repression, arrests, attacks on Christians, and invasions of the offices of pro-democracy non-profits, Egypt did not look like it was on the verge of democracy.

However, the elections were held and it appeared that the atmosphere was generally free and non-violent. The result, on the other hand, leaves many questions. With the Muslim Brotherhood at almost half of the seats and the even more radical Salafists at nearly a quarter, the Islamists now have over two-thirds of the seats in the Parliament.

Elections alone do not make for a democracy. A free society before and after does. Dictatorships are often elected democratically. The question is whether that will be the last democratic election.

Despite the declarations by some in the Brotherhood that they intend to respect individual rights and pluralism, there is little in the Brotherhood's ideology and history that gives a ring of truth to those statements. Moreover, their brothers in the Salafist movement do not even pretend to have an intent to live by pluralistic, democratic principles.

The Obama Administration, along with many others, was apparently surprised by the ascendancy of Islamist parties in Egypt and elsewhere in the wake of the "Arab Spring." So it appears the Administration is now adopting the posture that the Brotherhood is not so immoderate after all.

The Administration appears to be betting on the hope that the Brotherhood is true to its word when it says it will be tolerant of diverse views and a democratic environment. There is no evidence to support any such moderation by the Brotherhood, but there is apparently an inexhaustive supply of Western hope and naivety.

Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood's progeny and the reigning power in the Gaza Strip, took partial control in democratic elections. They subsequently wrested complete control from their rival Fatah by extremely violent means, throwing Fatah members out of windows and shooting them in the legs. Torture and repression are now commonplace in Gaza.

Here is a January 20th report by Hugh Naylor, foreign correspondent for Abu Dhabi's National newspaper, illustrating the current state of democracy as practiced by Hamas:

'Hamas security forces - up to 100 policemen and masked men in civilian clothes - stormed an apartment building in Beit Lahiya in Gaza on Saturday where Shiite Muslims were gathered to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed's grandson. They dragging (sic) out 15 men, whom they then beat with truncheons and denounced as infidels. "The police showed everyone black Shiite headbands and were yelling to the crowds, 'Look at these kafirs [unbelievers]!'," said Yasser Ziada, 23. "It was like they were putting on a show for us, beating them in front of everyone."

'The main allies of Hamas - Iran and Hizbullah - are predominantly Shiite, or in the case of Syria's Alawites, an offshoot of Shiism. Saturday's crackdown on Shiites - occurring as Hamas dismantles its headquarters in Damascus - may be an indication that the tectonic political shifts underway since the Arab Spring may be affecting Gaza. Hamas is seen to be gravitating towards newly empowered Sunni Islamist groups in the Arab Spring countries of Egypt and Tunisia, opening opportunities for hard-line Hamas members to settle sectarian scores, said Hani Habib, a political analyst in Gaza.

In a statement released after the assault, the Interior Ministry in Gaza admitted carrying out the operation. "Gaza and Palestine in general is a society that believes in Sunni Islam," adding that there were "no Shiites in Palestine." Mustafa Sawaf, an official at the Culture Ministry, noted, "We are a Sunni society, so Hamas felt like it had to take action against them." He added that Saturday's attack was "dramatized [by Hamas] to show people in Gaza that it does not tolerate Shiites."

This from the Son of the Muslim Brotherhood. Inspiring. Hamas "had to take action" to show it is Sunni. So the appropriate action, according to the Ministry of Culture, is to beat the living daylights out of people with different beliefs. Very democratic. Is this an illustration of the "moderation" some see in the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas?

I don't think I will be booking my trip to democratic Egypt quite yet. I'd rather take my chances on a cruise.

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Alan Edelstein, a new Oleh to Israel, is a 30 year veteran of California government and politics and a founder and former senior partner of a highly successful lobbying firm. He lives in Jerusalem and is President of Edelstein Strategies, a communications, strategy development, and governmental affairs consulting firm. He blogs at www.edelsteinrandomthoughts.com.

Yechezkel Gordon: PREVIEWING THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY- EXCLUSIVEANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS

WHAT: The New Hampshire primary

WHEN: January 10, 2012

ANALYSIS: The Iowa caucuses turned out to have quite a dramatic finish, with a mere eight votes separating the first place Mitt Romney and second place Rick Santorum. Ron Paul finished a disappointed third, followed by Gingrich, Perry, and Bachmann. Following her last place finish, Michele Bachmann dropped out of the race, leaving only six GOP candidates left to compete in New Hampshire.

2008 RESULTS:
REPUBLICANS:
John McCain- 37%
Mitt Romney- 31%
Mike Huckabee- 11%
Rudy Giuliani- 9%
Ron Paul- 8%

DEMOCRATS:
Hillary Clinton- 39%
Barack Obama- 36%
John Edwards- 17%
Bill Richardson- 5%

THE CANDIDATES: Here's a rundown of the Republican candidates that will be on the ballot for the New Hampshire primary, and what it will take for them to win.

Mitt Romney: The former Governor of neighboring Massachusetts, has had his sights set on the New Hampshire primary for quite some time. He's consistently polled in the high thirties to low forties in a state that favors more moderate Republican candidates, with an open primary system that allows Independents to vote as well. His eight vote victory over Santorum in Iowa can only help him in New Hampshire, but the real question is wether or not he'll be able to win the South Carolina primary, a state that favors more conservative candidates, and has a solid track-record of picking the eventual GOP nominee. Elections are all about momentum, which means the bigger his margin of victory is Tuesday night, the better his chances are of winning the first-in-the-nation southern primary at the end of the month.

Rick Santorum: After his shocking virtual first place finish in the Iowa caucuses (where he lost to Romney by only 8 votes), Santorum has effectively overtaken Newt Gingrich as the conservative alternative to Romney. His campaign received quite a boost from his Iowa shocker in both fundraising and media exposure, and has also landed him a much more prominent role in the debates. New Hampshire's moderate electorate doesn't exactly suit Santorum's strong conservative social record, which means he was never really expected to win New Hampshire, so as long as he does well in the primary and finishes ahead of Gingrich, he'll be able to take much of his Iowa momentum into South Carolina where he'll have a chance to become the new national conservative leader.

Ron Paul: Iowa was his best shot at winning, and he failed to do so. He has the money and support to stick around for a while, so don't expect him to drop out anytime soon. His libertarian domestic policies and isolationist foreign policies have attracted a loyal young following that will give him a good shot at second or third place. He has absolutely zero chance of winning the Republican nomination, and the only real question with him is wether or not he'll make a third party run in the November election.

Newt Gingrich: Regardless of how his Presidential campaign ends up, he has successfully revived his seemingly dead political career, and turned himself into a powerful political force that has to be reckoned with. He has consistently stood out at the debates as a highly intellectual individual with original ideas who won't put up with the mainstream media's partisan nonsense. He has enough money and support to stay in the race through the Florida primary at the end of the month, but he faces the difficult task of competing with the surging Santorum for the conservative voters in New Hampshire and more importantly South Carolina. If he finishes ahead of Santorum in New Hampshire, it will give him some much needed momentum going into South Carolina, but if ends up in last place (not including Perry) in NH, it will cement the notion in many people's minds, that the only reason he stayed in the race after his fourth place Iowa finish, was to maintain a platform with which he can get even with Romney for all the negative ads he ran against him.

Jon Huntsman: Of all the candidates, he has the most at-stake in this primary. After skipping the Iowa caucuses to focus completely on campaigning in New Hampshire, Huntsman has to hope that there's a big turnout of Independents and Democrats to give his campaign a much needed boost. His poll numbers have started to rise in the latest polls conducted in the last few days, but it's highly unlikely that he'll be able to pull off a near-tie for first place with Romney like Santorum did in Iowa. The best he could hope for at this point in time, is a top three finish, wether or not that will be enough for him to stay in the race is yet to be seen. In the end of the day, his biggest liability with Republican voters is that he worked for President Obama the past few years as the Ambassador to China, not exactly the pedigree GOP voters are looking for in a candidate to take on Obama this November.

Rick Perry: He shocked the political world (and perhaps himself) by staying in the race after his second to last finish in Iowa. Apparently, he decided to give his once-thriving but now-dormant campaign one last chance for revival in South Carolina's first in the south primary. He has officially decided to skip the New Hampshire primary and instead focus completely on the South Carolina primary at the end of the month.

PREDICTION: There's no need to worry about another suspense filled eight vote victory, since Romney will easily win this primary by at least 10%. The only other sure thing is a last place finish by Perry who isn't officially competing in this primary. That leaves it to Paul, Santorum, Huntsman, and Gingrich to fight over the 2-5 slots.

Aron Adler: A LETTER FROM AN ISRAELI RESERVE SOLDIER

My name is Aron Adler.
I am 25 years old, was born in Brooklyn NY, and raised in Efrat Israel. Though very busy, I don’t view my life as unusual. Most of the time, I am just another Israeli citizen. During the day I work as a paramedic in Magen David Adom, Israel’s national EMS service. At night, I’m in my first year of law school. I got married this October and am starting a new chapter of life together with my wonderful wife Shulamit.

15-20 days out of every year, I'm called up to the Israeli army to do my reserve duty. I serve as a paramedic in an IDF paratrooper unit. My squad is made up of others like me; people living normal lives who step up to serve whenever responsibility calls. The oldest in my squad is 58, a father of four girls and grandfather of two; there are two bankers, one engineer, a holistic healer, and my 24 year old commander who is still trying to figure out what to do with his life. Most of the year we are just normal people living our lives, but for 15-20 days each year we are soldiers on the front lines preparing for a war that we hope we never have to fight.

This year, our reserve unit was stationed on the border between Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip in an area called “Kerem Shalom.” Above and beyond the “typical” things for which we train – war, terrorism, border infiltration, etc., - this year we were confronted by a new challenge. Several years ago, a trend started of African refugees crossing the Egyptian border from Sinai into Israel to seek asylum from the atrocities in Darfur.

What started out as a small number of men, women and children fleeing from the machetes of the Janjaweed and violent fundamentalists to seek a better life elsewhere, turned into an organized industry of human trafficking. In return for huge sums of money, sometimes entire life savings paid to Bedouin “guides,” these refugees are promised to be transported from Sudan, Eritrea, and other African countries through Egypt and the Sinai desert, into the safe haven of Israel.

We increasingly hear horror stories of the atrocities these refugees suffer on their way to freedom. They are subject to, and victims of extortion, rape, murder, and even organ theft, their bodies left to rot in the desert. Then, if lucky, after surviving this gruesome experience whose prize is freedom, when only a barbed wire fence separates them from Israel and their goal, they must go through the final death run and try to evade the bullets of the Egyptian soldiers stationed along the border. Egypt’s soldiers are ordered to shoot to kill anyone trying to cross the border OUT of Egypt and into Israel. It’s an almost nightly event.

For those who finally get across the border, the first people they encounter are Israeli soldiers, people like me and those in my unit, who are tasked with a primary mission of defending the lives of the Israeli people. On one side of the border soldiers shoot to kill. On the other side, they know they will be treated with more respect than in any of the countries they crossed to get to this point.

The region where it all happens is highly sensitive and risky from a security point of view, an area stricken with terror at every turn. It’s just a few miles south of the place where Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. And yet the Israeli soldiers who are confronted with these refugees do it not with rifles aimed at them, but with a helping hand and an open heart. The refugees are taken to a nearby IDF base, given clean clothes, a hot drink, food and medical attention. They are finally safe.

Even though I live in Israel and am aware through media reports of the events that take place on the Egyptian border, I never understood the intensity and complexity of the scenario until I experienced it myself.

In the course of the past few nights, I have witnessed much. At 9:00 PM last night, the first reports came in of gunfire heard from the Egyptian border. Minutes later, IDF scouts spotted small groups of people trying to get across the fence. In the period of about one hour, we picked up 13 men - cold, barefoot, dehydrated - some wearing nothing except underpants. Their bodies were covered with lacerations and other wounds. We gathered them in a room, gave them blankets, tea and treated their wounds. I don’t speak a word of their language, but the look on their faces said it all and reminded me once again why I am so proud to be a Jew and an Israeli. Sadly, it was later determined that the gunshots we heard were deadly, killing three others fleeing for their lives.

During the 350 days a year when I am not on active duty, when I am just another man trying to get by, the people tasked with doing this amazing job, this amazing deed, the people witnessing these events, are mostly young Israeli soldiers just out of high school, serving their compulsory time in the IDF, some only 18 years old.

The refugees flooding into Israel are a heavy burden on our small country. More than 100,000 refugees have fled this way, and hundreds more cross the border every month. The social, economic, and humanitarian issues created by this influx of refugees are immense. There are serious security consequences for Israel as well. This influx of African refugees poses a crisis for Israel. Israel has yet to come up with the solutions required to deal with this crisis effectively, balancing its’ sensitive social, economic, and security issues, at the same time striving to care for the refugees.

I don’t have the answers to these complex problems which desperately need to be resolved. I’m not writing these words with the intention of taking a political position or a tactical stand on the issue.

I am writing to tell you and the entire world what’s really happening down here on the Egyptian/Israeli border. And to tell you that despite all the serious problems created by this national crisis, these refugees have no reason to fear us. Because they know, as the entire world needs to know, that Israel has not shut its eyes to their suffering and pain. Israel has not looked the other way. The State of Israel has put politics aside to take the ethical and humane path as it has so often done before, in every instance of human suffering and natural disasters around the globe. We Jews know only too well about suffering and pain. The Jewish people have been there. We have been the refugees and the persecuted so many times, over thousands of years, all over the world.

Today, when African refugees flood our borders in search of freedom and better lives, and some for fear of their lives, it is particularly noteworthy how Israel deals with them, despite the enormous strain it puts on our country on so many levels. Our young and thriving Jewish people and country, built from the ashes of the Holocaust, do not turn their backs on humanity. Though I already knew that, this week I once again experienced it firsthand. I am overwhelmed with emotion and immensely proud to be a member of this nation.

With love of Israel,

Aron Adler writing from the Israel/Gaza/Egyptian border.

•••••••••••••••••
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: This letter was written back in November 2011 and published then by various publications. I just recently came across it and decided to post it now for the benefit of the readers of The Frum Thinker.

Here are some pictures you probably won't see anytime soon in your local liberal media: