Israel Rescues Trapped Syrian Volunteers - the White Helmets
On Sunday morning, the IDF confirmed that it had competed a "humanitarian effort" on behalf of Syrian civilians. PM Netanyahu later explained that Israel had received a special request from President Trump to assist the roughly 800 Syrian civilians. | | Critics of Israel's Basic Law: GET OVER IT! Israel IS the Jewish State
Israel has come under tremendous fire for passing the Basic Law stating Israel is the national Home of the Jewish People.
Kontorovich asserts: "In reality, Israel's Basic Law would not be out of place among the liberal democratic constitutions of Europe—which include similar provisions that have not aroused controversy. The law does not infringe on the individual rights of any Israeli citizen, including Arabs; nor does it create individual privileges. The illiberalism here lies with the law's critics, who would deny the Jewish state the freedom to legislate like a normal country.
| | Sderot Continues to Grow Despite the Incessant Arab Rockets
Sderot boasts the world's largest underground fortified playground, extending 25,000 square feet and containing 300 tons of 25-gauge steel. This playground was and continues to be instrumental during intense rocket attacks that began before the Gush Katif expulsion of 2005. It's become a hub for families, schools and visitors—a safe place giving the area's residents a chance to feel at ease.
AFSI's first reaction to this playground was one of disapproval. Why should the solution to the never-ending rocket attacks be that Jews go underground? Why not eliminate the attackers? It's been at least 15 years since Sderot has endured this situation. Isn't it time for it to end? Do hairsplitting legal advisers prohibit the IDF from wiping out the enemy because some legality or claims of human rights are violated? This is unconscionable since the lives and health of the citizens of Sderot and neighboring communities are under threat. The government must come up with a better solution than sending Jews underground.
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Soldier Killed. Givati Staff Sgt. Aviv Levi, 20, the first soldier shot to death on the Gaza border since Protective Edge. AFSI extends sincere condolences to the family and friends. The IDF conducts fierce response to the killing.
| | After the Fast: Reflecting on Tisha B'Av 2018
Tisha B'Av recalls another tragedy which occurred 13 years ago in Gush Katif, just after the day of mourning. Twenty-one beautiful, thriving Jewish communities were ordered to be destroyed by the Sharon government ostensibly to placate the Arabs and end the terrorism and rocket barrages coming from Gaza. Those who were there during the expulsion recall the prayers, the tears, the soldiers and tanks, the Yassamnakim in their black uniforms, and the bulldozers, which darkened the hot August day.
A memorial ceremony was being held recently in Kissufim, the junction closest to the entrance into the former Gush Katif. As hundreds gathered for the memorial, the army issued an order to close the event and move it to Nitzan, for fear of the rockets that might come from Gaza that night. So, 13 years after all the pain and suffering endured by the displaced Jews of the expulsion, nothing has changed. The rockets continue to fly into the communities around Gaza. Children in Sderot must still play in the underground playground built for them years ago by JNF, rather than in the beautiful outdoor playgrounds built under the mayoral leadership of Alon Davidi.
The lesson here is very clear. Appeasement and placating of the enemy is fruitless, foolish, and dangerous. When Mahmoud Abbas openly states that he seeks the destruction of all of Israel, we have to believe him. Bits and pieces are not the peace he is seeking. He wants Israel to be replaced entirely by "Palestine." Israel and worldwide Jewry must see that this doesn't happen.
Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem Once again, Nadia Matar and Yehudit Katsover led the Tisha B'Av events around the Old City of Jerusalem. Eicha was recited by individuals sitting on the ground near the walls of the Old City. Then the march began around the walls, which included speakers such as Caroline Glick. Gemma Blech was there to photograph some of the highlights. | | Why Don't We Cry Anymore? It's the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. Read Enzo Nahum's excellent essay HERE.
Yasher Koach to Glenn and Lenore Richter for coordinating the annual Tisha B'Av Outdoor Prayer Service for Jews in Danger Worldwide at The Isaiah Peace Wall on Sunday. Close to 100 people were in attendance for this important gathering. | | The Ties That Bind - 2,000 Year Old Israeli Antiquities Found in the City of David Tell the Tale of Jewish History! | | Wednesday - August 8, 2018 @ 7:30 PM AFSI Sponsors Annual Memorial and Tribute to the Great Zionist Leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky
Guest Speakers
Aaron Klein, an Israeli investigative reporter, Klein hosts a weekend radio talk show, The Answer, broadcast from Tel Aviv, on AM 970 Sunday nights 7-9 pm EDT. He is Breitbart Jerusalem bureau chief/senior investigative reporter, bestselling author, and a weekly columnist for The Jewish Press.
Ron Edelstein, A former Betari and strong supporter of Israel, Edelstein will give us the background on Jabotinsky and his remarkable career. Edelstein is the founder and owner of Ron Properties LLC, which owns, manages and develops properties in New York City and the Tri-State area.
Betarniks should be prepared to sing Shir Beta, the Betar Song.
Admission free. Reception follows program. Park East Synagogue @ 163 East 67th Street, NYC | | Sunday - October 28, 2018 The 2018 Conference on Jews and Conservatism This year's program: Jewish Ideas and the American Public Square, Keynote Speakers, Israel and World Politics. Guest speakers: Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, Natan Sharansky, Ruth Wisse, Caroline Glick, Elliot Abrams and many more. Cost is $200 per ticket. To register online plus full program info CLICK HERE. Grand Hyatt @ 42nd Street, NYC | | Tuesday, October 30 to Monday, November 5, 2018 AFSI CHIZUK MISSION TO ISRAEL (7-DAY TRIP) Member Price: $2,000 pp Double Room; $3,000 pp Single Room. Participants make their own flight arrangements - BOOK NOW! To reserve your spot or for questions please contact Judy Kadish or call (212) 828-2424. | | STAY CURRENT. STAY CONNECTED.
| | Mark Langfan | Chairman Helen Freedman | Co-Executive Director P. 212-828-2424 | F. 212-828-4538 | | | | | | |
