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| A Sad And Shameful Day In Israel
Yesterday we reported on Israel's High Court rejecting the petition by Ofra residents not to demolish nine homes slated for demolition. The judges did not accept the request of the residents to seal the nine houses rather than demolish them, and also clarified that the recently approved Regulation Law did not apply to them.
Today, the Israeli government went ahead with the destruction of the nine homes in Ofra and the eviction of their residents.
The heartbreaking scene was captured by Arutz Sheva, which posted videos and photographs of the day's action:
In the meantime, residents from Amona who were expelled when their homes were demolished a few weeks ago, are sick and tired of waiting for new housing promised by the government. The government had promised to build a new nearby hilltop community for them, but so far has failed to follow through. They have thus initiated a hunger strike in front of the Prime Minister's residence to express their disappointment and anger at the government's failure to fulfill its promises.
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| In The US, An Outbreak of Antisemitism, And A Response By Representative Peter Roskam
There has been a huge increase in antisemitism in the United States recently, including scores of bomb scares in Jewish institutions, with no sign of it abating.
Many individuals and organizations have accused President Trump and his administration of not reacting forcefully enough to this scourge, but he has made several strong statements.
One individual who has taken a strong stand against these heinous hate crimes is Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL-06). Today, he issued a press release on the relaunching of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, and on the recent wave of bomb threats and vandalism targeting Jewish institutions across the country. Last week, Rep. Roskam cosigned a letter sent to the FBI, DHS, and DOJ urging them to swiftly address the recent wave of anti-Semitic harassment across the country.
Rep. Roskam issued the following statement: "I am appalled by the anti-Semitic harassment which has plagued dozens of Jewish communities around the country this year. In 2017, over 60 Jewish Community Centers have been evacuated due to "telephonic bomb threats," and hundreds of Jewish gravestones in cemeteries across the country have been vandalized and destroyed by cowardly, anti-Semitic criminals.
"Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our nation and the ability for all faiths to worship freely is sacred to our identity as Americans-no hateful act of vandalism or violent threat can change that. I stand with the Jewish people, who have for thousands of years stood resilient in the face of persecution and oppression. An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on every American community -we must step up the fight against this cancerous hatred."
The full press release can be read HERE.
Please thank Rep. Roskam as well as U.S. Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Marc Veasey (D-TX), all who announcied the re-launch of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism in the House of Representatives for the 115th Congress. Their contact information can be found HERE.
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| HELEN FREEDMAN, AFSI's Co-Executive Director, speaking at two venues in Arizona this March
Sunday, March 5, 4-6 PM - Prescott, Arizona The current state of affairs in Israel, especially viewed from the spectrum of U.S./Israel relations under the Trump administration, will be reviewed in an open Q&A. Hosted by Stephanie Dishal at her home in Prescott.
****************************************************************************** Sunday, March 12, 4 PM - Scottsdale, Arizona AFSI's Scottsdale Chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Karlovsky, has arranged a meeting at the Ina Levine JCC. The event will provide a spirited discussion about AFSI's positions through the years on issues affecting Israel and the U.S. A video of a recent AFSI Chizuk mission will be shown. Everyone is invited.
Guest speakers also include a counter terrorism expert and Carl Goldberg, speaker and instructor on Islam and Ideology.
Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
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View A Powerful Video Of AFSI Chizuk Missions Reservations are now closed for AFSI's historic May 2017 Chizuk Mission. However, AFSI will be returning to Israel in November during Parshat Chaye Sarah. Plan ahead and mark your calendars now!
AFSI Chizuk Missions are unique. Participants in an AFSI mission return to their homes informed, educated, enlightened and invigorated, ready to advocate for Yisrael Shleyma, a "full" Israel. Among other destinations, AFSI missions visit Judea and Samaria, from the large cities to the small hilltop communities; from the most modern factories in the industrial zones of Ariel to the ancient stones of Hebron and the communities of Ofra and Amona. A key differentiator separating AFSI Chizuk Missions from other trips is the personal touch. For more than 20 years, AFSI has taken groups to Israel, and over the years, AFSI returns to provide chizuk. AFSI travelers build relationships and become lifetime friends with Israelis on the front lines, wherever they may be. From those protecting Jewish life in southern Tel Aviv from thousands of illegal squatters, to heroes living in eastern Jerusalem among a hostile Arab population, AFSI is there. Get a taste of an AFSI Chizuk Mission from our video on our website by clicking HERE.
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Monday, February 27 - Thursday, March 3 Enemies of Israel promote Israel Apartheid Week at Columbia University. Help counter anti-Semitism and anti-Israel propaganda on campus.
Students Supporting Israel @ Columbia U (SSI@CU) needs assistance to help with tables and handing out information to counter anti-Israel protesters. Any time you can give would be a great help, and very much appreciated by the hard-working and dedicated students. Dates: Mon. Feb. 27th -- Thurs. March 3rd Time: Between 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 5 and Sunday, March 12 AFSI Arizona events - See above
Monday, March 6, 7:45 PM CHABAD UPPER EAST SIDE presents, Dr. Mordechai Kedar speaking on Trump, Israel, Putin and the Middle East 419 East 77 St. NYC $18 in advance; $25 at the door
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 PM Israeli America Council (IAC) in collaboration with the Israeli Parliament present, A Talk With Mosab Hassan Yousef, "The Green Prince."
Advance registration required. Space is limited.
Where: Manhattan location to be provided upon registration
Sunday, April 2, 5:00 PM Our Soldiers Speak sponsors their Annual Regional Conference, 2017, NYC: What If The Two State Solution Is A Policy Of The Past? A Strategic Assessment: Challenges. Alternatives. Opportunities. At The Paley Center for Media 25 West 52 St. NYC Business Casual; Wine & Cheese Will Be Served; Dessert Reception Will Follow (Strictly Kosher) Info: 516-672-6662
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, May 9 21st Yeshivat Hesder Sderot Dinner Terrace on the Park, Flushing, NY
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| | Mark Langfan: Chairman Helen Freedman: Executive Director Judy Kadish: Co-Executive Director Jonathan Grauman: Research Analyst |
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