Happy New Year~Wishing Peace For All in 2014!

The Best~From the Best! May Hashem Bless and Protect Israel and The IDF!

St James' Church of Satan, London! Anti-Semite Heaven...

One Brave Young Man In Front of St. James "Wall of Hate"

I wrote about the young man in the first video (below) HERE. His persistence and determination in the face of aggression is amazing~he is Not Jewish~he is a former Muslim, an Arab Zionist, and I believe he is of Iranian descent. 

The important story behind the video begins with the "St. James Church" in Piccadilly, London and their "Christmas stunt" of erecting a 8-meter tall, 30-meter long fake security wall. People are flocking to write their "messages" to Bethlehem on the wall and needless to say they are very, very, anti-Israel. The entire premise of the security wall has been deliberately twisted to fit an agenda.

It is typical that those who support the vile "anti-Israel, anti-Zionist, anti-Semitic" doctrine in the video accuse him of being a Jew. In the below video the "fakestinan" calls him an "f#@^ing Jew", then at once changes it to "Zionist". These people want the world to look at them as innocent victims, but the truth is they are full of hate and have spent years perpetrating a direct lie.

Of course, the real wall/fence is Not surrounding Bethlehem, it merely separates it from Jerusalem proper to prevent terrorists, snipers and suicide bombers infiltrating and killing innocent civilians~and in that it has been very successful. The "church" is decrying the poor state of Christians in Bethlehem, but what they do not tell you is that the city is under PA Control! A city which once had a major Christian population is now majority Muslim with only about 10% Christians left~and they live in fear from their Muslim neighbours. This is the travesty in Bethlehem~Not Israel's security fence!

In An Open Letter to St. James, from a Terror Victim, you will find one of the most poignant examples of how St. James and the politically correct left have fostered the "fakestinian" lie. The writer was walking the Judean hills with an American tourist friend. They were attacked by "peaceful palestinians". The writer suffered multiple catastrophic injuries~her friend was hacked to death before her eyes...Do follow the LINK and read her letter~it is long but enlightening.

Author Melanie Phillips printed An open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, entitled "A Church of Hate". She begins:
Dear Archbishop,
I read with interest your Christmas Day sermon, in which you said: ‘The Christian meaning of Christmas is unconditional love received, love overflowing into a frequently love-lost world.’
I wonder how you reconcile this with the fact that that one of your churches, St James’s Piccadilly, chose Christmas to turn itself into a church of hate?... 

Do go to the LINK on Melanie Phillips site and read the whole letter. Consider carefully what she says about the hatred being fomented by the church (and as a result force-fed to the world), and ask, Why Are We Buying It?

St. James reportedly spent eight months planning this stunt. One wonders how much it cost? At a time when Christians in Syria, Egypt and Africa are undergoing untold of persecution and starving in camps, this church chooses to invest in a wall of hate. The only ones to benefit from this kind of prank will be the terror groups who have remained constant in their threats to wipe Israel from the face of the earth.

I find it interesting that the the people in London are so determined with their false information~so eager to perpetuate the lies and false history promulgated by the "fakestinians". Perhaps one must look back to the time of the British Mandate in Palestine (Israel) to witness their Jew-Hatred as they turned Holocaust victims away from the shores of Israel and stood idly by as armed Arab Mobs slaughtered innocent Jews. It is obvious that after all these years,  Nothing Has Changed!

Picture Credit: Vlaad

It would be easy to tear down the lies in the below video, however, I decided  to address one particular point (around 7:20) when the "useful idiot" states "if you are not Jewish you have no rights in Israel". He insists again and again that non-Jews do not have rights because they do not serve in the IDF and only those who do military service have rights.

That is straight up wrong! First, there are many Arab-Israelis, Druze and Christians in the Israeli army, and second, all of Israel's legal residents~Jews and non-Jews~have rights, whether or not they served in the IDF.

In response to the ignorance displayed by the St. James haters, I have listed some interesting stories from the past year. One of the best examples is a video from July of this year (See 2nd Video Below)...What is most outstanding is that these girls are determined to serve their country even against harassment from Arab MKs. They think for themselves and have declared their desire (and right) to serve their country. They are not Jews~but they Are Israelis. The left needs to butt out of our country's business. We are doing just fine, thank you very much.

I would heartily recommend the people from St. James take time to educate themselves with truth. They should to have a look at this article about the IDF. In it you will read about thirteen inspiring stories from 2013. I have listed some of them plus a few others which are pertinent to this hatred which never seems to end. Israel is far from perfect, but the honest person will look at the horrors coming out of the middle-east and recognize Israel for what it is~A Shining Light in A Pit of Darkness...

1) A Quote from World Media Watch

Ali Wahib~IDF Officer. Credit: Philassie

Israel is the only country in the Middle East where "Palestinian Arabs" were made full citizens, and have risen to become ministers in the government, ambassadors, justices of the supreme court, leading scientists, businessmen, members of parliament, celebrities and military officers. Surrounded by an ocean of Arab states, Israel is nonetheless the only country in the Middle East where Arab people are allowed to freely speak their mind and conscience. We didn't need an Arab Spring in Israel...Freedom of expression, religion, commerce, conscience...these are a given in Israel. That is why it thrives.

2) Journey from Egypt to Israel: A 21st Century Exodus

 This is the story of a young Egyptian girl, Dina, and her family's exodus from Egypt to Israel. She tells of her journey from Alexandria Egypt, and her gradual change from an Egyptian name (given to her by her parents to protect her) to her Jewish name and her work in the IDF.

3) Muslim Brothers Who Proudly Joined the IDF

This is a great story of two brothers, Milad and Muhammad Atrash, Arab Muslims from the Galilee who proudly joined the IDF. Those who say there is no freedom in Israel should note that in their induction ceremony they swore their allegiance to the state on a Koran.

 

 

4) A Mother Received the Award Her Son Never Could

A determined young man works his way into an elite unite, but tragically passes away due to a medical condition. His mother, felt attached to the unit. After a year and four months of intense training the soldiers received their prestigious fighter’s pins~the mother of  Cpl. Joshua (Shuki) Hefetz was awarded her son's pin.

5) Born On the Way to Israel 

When Zehava's family started on their walk to Israel from Ethiopia, she had not yet been born. The long walk lasted over a period of two years was made mostly at night and with little food. Two of her siblings died, and she was born as they were crossing a river in Sudan. Her father and older brothers were imprisoned, leaving her mother no choice but to continue on to Israel! A truly inspiring story.

6) From Uganda to Iron Dome Soldier 

Here is the story of a young girl, Or Meidan, a non-Jew, who immigrated from Uganda and joined the IDF. She chose to enlist, to serve Israel, and is on her way to success in Air Defense, with hopes of becoming a commander in the Iron Dome project. As an aside, Or is now interested in converting to Judaism.

 

7) Bedouin Muslim Officer on a Journey to Poland

Lt. Col. Falach Hayib is a Bedouin soldier from the Jezreel Valley. This year he participated in the DF’s Witnesses in Uniform (Edim Be’Madim) program that brings IDF soldiers and officers to Poland to commemorate and learn about the Holocaust. Lt. Col Hayib had stated, “As an officer and educator of soldiers, anything connected to the Jewish people is also connected to me, from the holidays to the memorial days”. His experience in Poland added to his perspective. This moving story is a must read. There is also a video from the trip.

8) Christians Serving in the IDF: A Growing Community

This year, more than ninety Israeli Christians from around the country gathered in Nazareth Illit for a Christmas celebration. PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the soldiers in a special video greeting. Father Gabriel Nadaf, a Greek Orthodox priest also addressed the soldiers stating: “As a Christian spiritual teacher living in the Middle East, I understand that human rights are not something to be taken for granted. For that, I thank the Jewish people and the State of Israel.” He also called on all Christians to join the army to help protect the country.

9) IDF Paratrooper~Proud To Serve and Proud to be Bedouin 

This is a video interview with Bedouins who have a family history of proudly serving in the IDF. From the time of the British Mandate this family has served to protect Israel. The interview took place in the Kotel plaza on the occasion of the induction ceremony of new cadets into the IDF paratroopers.

10) Staff Sergeant Ahmed Inaim Guards Gaza's Border

The video at the link follows Staff Sergeant Ahmed Inaim as he prepares for another day guarding Israel's border with Gaza. This young man represents what is right within Israel. Those who boycott and hate need to know that Israel is the only country in the middle east where all people have hope and the opportunity to advance and become successful.

St. James Church of Satan and Their Mindless Followers

Christian Arabs Say: "We Are Israelis and Deserve to Serve Israel Proudly"

The Crew of Apollo 8 [24 December 1968] 45 Years Ago!

For All Who Remember~We Need to Watch and Listen to This Every Year!

Monkey See~Monkey Do??

I'm Sure There is a Lesson to Be Learned Here...

Anal Jihad is OK~Only If Your Intentions Are Honorable...

These Are the People the World Supports (Seriously) There Are No Words...

I Love "Tips-n-Tricks"~This is A Good One!

You Can Keep It In A Back Pack or Car Trunk Emergency Kit!

* Thanks to American Perspective Blog for posting this

Israel Shame~On Chanukah!

I love my country, but there are many times when I struggle to understand the galut mindset of some of our people!

Each evening during Chanukah, as we light candles and sing the traditional songs, the children's bright eyes and smiling faces are a joy to behold. This is our history, the reminder of a miracle~the Miracle of Light.

In 2011, the children of Mevasseret Adumim built a giant Chanukiah on a hillside. The filled paper bags with sand then placed candles inside.  When all the bags were arranged and the candles lit, the hillside was filled with the light of Chanukah.

Again, this year, on 02 December 2013, the children went to the hill to build their project. This time, thirty minutes after the candles were lit, the police came and stamped out the light! To think that in the only Jewish country in the world, Jewish police would destroy a Chanukah project during the celebration of Chanukah! You really can't make this stuff up! Whoever ordered this should be named and shamed.

I find this particularly abhorrent when just a few days ago we had to witness Bibi and his tacky wife bowing and scraping at the vatican before the pope. The pope of all people! The head of the group that has persecuted the Jews since its inception and still sides with our enemies! That our PM could behave in such a manner while Jewish children witness the destruction of their Chanukah project is (add your own expletive)

Jews wonder why the world continues to take the side of terrorists over Israel~I think it has a lot to do with self-respect (or a lack thereof) on our part. Who can respect a country that rushes to bow before idols while destroying their own traditions? How can we expect people to recognize our historic homeland when we have a fifth column in our own government doing everything they can to erase our history? All the Jews who fought and died for this country over three thousands years must be weeping with shame. During this week~the time of Miracles~to be witness to Jewish Police stamping out the Lights of Chanukah in front of Children is beyond shame and disgrace! There are no words...

The Giant Chanukiah from 2011

The Chanukiah in 2013~Lit for Thirty Minutes Until the Police Destroyed It

Chanukah Song from Yemen~Psalms to Ancient Yemenite

Mizmor Shir David {מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית לדוד - תהלים ל' תימני עתיק}

*Thanks to Point of No Return Blog~Do Visit His Site...

The Theme of Chanukah~More and More Light!

Light One Candle by Benny Friedman

IDF Returns From the Philippines for Chanukah

The IDF Operation “Islands of Hope” delegation left Israel with approximately 100 tons of supplies and medical aid along with 150 trained staff to supply aid to the people of the Philippines after the horrors of Typhoon Haiyan. 

They remained for twelve days. During that time they saw 2,686 patients, performed 60 surgeries, treated 848 children and helped with 36 births. They did much more as the clip below shows. The IDF aid delegation to the Philippines returned to Israel on 27 November 2013, the first night of Chanukah.

These professionals do their best and give their all to help anyone in need. At home, in Israel, we take in all who are in need of help, like the tiny granddaughter of  Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh (whose agenda is to destroy us), and increasing numbers Syrian citizens who approach our borders looking for medical treatment. We also treat citizens of the PA on a daily basis, just walk through our hospitals and look around. For those with inquiring minds~in almost all cases Israel foots the bill for Palestinians seeking treatment.

Yet, anytime Israel is mentioned it is to criticize, claiming that we are "exploiting" a disaster, trying to "whitewash" ourselves, or even the old blood-libel of "organ theft". Why is it that every other country is praised for sending aid and we are condemned?

I always have been proud of the IDF! Although Israel is a tiny country, reviled around the word, whenever disaster strikes IDF Without Borders is ready to lend a hand. To get an idea of where they have deployed to help over the years, follow this LINK to a scrolling world map showing all the places the IDF has visited. On the side you can read descriptions of each mission. It is interesting, inspiring and educational. 

It is my prayer that people will try to view Israel and our citizens with the same "eye" that they see other countries. There are certainly a lot of scoundrels (like in every country), but the heart of the Jewish people is full of giving and the desire to care for our fellow man.

For More Information on the Delegation to the Philippines Go To the IDF Blog

Chanukah Songs for All...

Happy Chanukah~I Must Start off With Matisyahu~Enjoy

Eight Nights by Stand Four (Former Maccabeats) I Like This One!

Burn~New Song by the Maccabeats

Maoz Tzur~Something Different from Israel Technion Faculty of Chemistry!

Maoz Tzur~Morrocan Version (How Many of You Are Familiar With This Version?)

8 Nights of Chanukah by Pella Productions

An Oldie But Goodie from Matisyahu...Miracle

Candlelight~One of My Favorite Chanukah Songs by the Maccabeats...

Chanukah: The Hasmonean Revolt Againts the Greeks

Jewish History from From the Time of the Second Temple

Chanukah Will Fall Out on Thanksgiving This Year...

For the First Time Ever Chanukah will be on Thanksgiving this year~and it will Never happen again!

Of  the many emails that are making the rounds, I decided this was interesting enough to share it via a post.

This year, we will be celebrating the first night of Chanukah on Thanksgiving, so you can expect to see turkey and latkes on the table.

This is the only time it will ever happen. Unbelievable? Read on to see the explanation!! Mathoholics will love this one...

I can now share the answer for which you have seen searching for all these years (to a problem for which no one gave one second of brain energy before now). Thanksgiving is set as the fourth Thursday in November, meaning the latest it can be is 28 November. As it happens, 28 November is also the earliest Chanukah can be. The Jewish calendar repeats on a nineteen year cycle, and Thanksgiving repeats on a seven year cycle. You would therefore expect them to coincide roughly every 19 x 7 = 133 years.

Looking back, this is approximately correct~the last time it would have happened is 1861.

However, Thanksgiving was only formally established by President Lincoln in 1863. So, in reality, it has never happened before. 

Why won't it ever happen again? The reason is because the Jewish calendar is very slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar, at a rate of four days per one thousand years. This means that while presently Chanukah can be as early as 28 November, over the years the calendar will drift forward, such that the earliest Chanukah can be is 29 November. The next time Chanukah falls on 28 November is 2146, which is a Monday. Therefore, 2013 is the only time Chanukah will ever overlap with Thanksgiving.

Of course, if the Jewish calendar is never modified in any way, then it will slowly move forward through the Gregorian calendar, until it loops all the way back to where it is now.

This would mean that Chanukah would again fall on Thursday, 28 November...in the year 79,811.

Given all the odds for global disaster, including comets, meteors, nuclear wars and the sun just burning out there is a pretty good chance there will be no humans left on earth. And if there are no humans~the holidays will be cancelled!

So on 28 November 2013, 
Enjoy your Turkey and your Latkes.

It has Never happened before, 
...and it will Never happen again!

Facts Always Anger the Pro-Palestine Crowd...

I have to admire anyone who goes up against the "BDS~All Israelis are Evil" crowd. I say this because these people do not listen to argument, rather, they will shout you down, push you away and generally use the same type of "intimidation" to shut you up as terrorists do~they only difference is they don't use physical bombs. They spout the lies from organizations funded by the terror-groups and, yes, anti-semites. Lies, that, having been told over and over again for years are now accepted as "facts"...

One of their key arguments is "have you been to Israel", or "have you been to the West Bank". As if taking a tour sponsored by the PA to demonize Israel is any example! These "tourists" are only shown the facade, in a well-planned tour to empty pockets, garner sympathy for the PA and hatred for Jews. Well, to those with small minds and large PA flags, I can answer~Yes, I have been to Israel, and Yes, I have been to Judea and Samaria (there is no "West Bank"). I live here, and you are totally misguided!

It is a fact that in Judea and Samaria, the companies that these people want to Boycott, such as SodaStream, provide well paid jobs with great benefits for the Arabs as well as the Jews! If the company is boycotted, it will be the Arabs who will lose all! The Arabs under Israeli rule live better lives, have more freedom, higher paid jobs and standard of living than in any Arab country in the world.

This despite the constant attacks and instigation. A few years back when a bus in Jerusalem was bombed, I was in Malcha Mall, and noted that Israelis, (Jews, Arabs, etc.) were shopping, eating, and most importantly, enjoying the evening. Nobody cared if the women were in hijabs or the men wore kippot. We were all Israelis.

Arabs walk freely all over Israel, work, shop, and socialize in all areas. The truth is, it is only Jews who face danger if they mistakenly enter a majority Arab area.

Israel is far from perfect. We have problems and then some, however, we are not trying to establish a world caliphate, we do not force anyone "convert" to our religion (in fact, the opposite is true), and we sure don't go into other countries, commandeer the streets and demand that those countries throw out their own rule of law in favour of ours. I could go on, but speaking to the choir is a bit redundant, and trying to get the BDS'rs to listen to truth and reason is like pissing on a forest fire. If you take the D out of BDS you know what these people are full of!

That being said, when I see someone who does make an effort to bring out the truth, they deserve support. I don't have this young man's name, but he describes himself as an Arab-Zionist, and you can find his videos on YouTube under the name Oranjee1089. It is worthwhile to click over and have a look at his efforts~he is really fearless! I also found a LINK to a page where this young man tells a bit about himself. Hashem should watch over him and keep him strong!

This Young Man is Truly Fearless! The Audience Has Already Taken the Kool-Aide

Iraqi~Iranian And He Supports Israel With FACTS~Heads Exploding in 3-2-1...

Here He Is At A Lecture~This Guy is Good!

* I first read the Story at Daphne Anson Blog

Dr. Mordechai Kedar Presents: THE Obstacle to Peace...

Here Is Israel~A Collection of Facts from Dr. Kedar~Great Stuff!

Canada! Better Wake Up~These People Play For Keeps...

Jamal Badawi~One of the Most Influential Muslims in the West~Be Warned!

Pat Condell Asks~How Gay Is Islam?

Please Listen Carefully~This Is Truth That Few Are Bold Enough to Speak!

Leftist Protesters Need to Speak to this Negev Bedouin

Kamel Jum'a Abu Nadi is a 45-year-old Bedouin from the Negev, in southern Israel. He has a family and a means to support them by raising camels and selling their high-quality milk to distributors all over Israel. 

In this interview he states that there are many who do not have the best interests of the Bedouin in mind~for sixty years nobody bothered with the Bedouin, so why now?

 

Abu Nadi has called for change in the Bedouin society of the Negev and he is hoping for progress. He is one who believes that the Israeli government's new plan of community and economic development in the Bedouin community~if implemented correctly~could bring about a dramatic change in the quality of life of the Negev's Bedouin population. He sees that this will lay the foundation for a better future for all of their children.

There is no mention of "stealing" land. In fact he points out that he was compensated and helped to re-settle. I think it is time that we listened to the people who are actually on the ground and affected by policy. This is one man who is thinking of the future for himself, and his children. 

The Bedouin in the Negev: Hoping for Change

Silent Conquest Wins An Award in London...

Much of What This Film Reveals is Now Considered Illegal...Watch and Learn!!

* Thanks to  Vlad Tepes  for posting this

Israel's Borders: The Partition Plan and Beyond

There Really Is Truth in Humour...

Benghazi Was Planned~Americans Were Left to Die...

The CBS Program "60 Minutes" Aired This Report on the Bengazi Attack

* Thanks to Weasel Zippers Blog for posting this story

I'm Really in Need of Some Smile-Time this Week...

Cuteness With A Happy Ending...

Support Your Local Fire Fighters~They Value All Life...

Next Time You See A Fireman~Smile And Say "Thank You" For Being There...

 * Thanks to Bad Example Blog for posting this

How NGO's Manipulate Facts Against Israel and the IDF

Danny Ayalon Now Has His Own Site "The Truth About Israel"~Worth a Visit

Astrith Baltsan on Gershwin with Israeli Philharmonic

You Can See the Amazing Astrith Baltsan Explain the Origins of Hatikva HERE...

Should Nir Barkat Be RE-Elected as Mayor of Jerusalem?

This information was sent to me in an email. Everyone who has voter status in Jerusalem needs to think carefully~We Must Not Elect Barkat! Barkat is great at catering to the very rich, but he is driving the ordinary people out of Jerusalem. Housing and jobs are a disaster. Illegals are flowing in, Shabbos is being desecrated and it is unsafe even on Shabbos to walk home alone after dark. As elections run today, please Think...

If Jerusalem is important you, you need to think about whether Nir Barkat should be re-elected. It's time we elect a mayor that can take care of Jerusalem and keep it an undivided Jewish city. Here are a few facts that give a better picture of the real Nir Barkat.

[1] As mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert demolished more than 100 illegal Arab homes per year. Uri Lupolianski demolished  around 80 per year. In his 3 years as mayor, Nir Barkat has demolished an average of 11 per year and~in contrast, Nir Barkat destroyed  66 illegal Jewish Homes in 2012 alone!

[2] A plan for 10,000 Jewish housing units in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Atarot was jointly planned by Uri Lupolianski and the infrastructure ministry. But Nir Barkat shelved the plan.

[3] The Shaar Hamizrach project envisioned by Shmuel Meir z"l and supported by both Olmert and Lupolianski, was trumpeted by Nir Barkat during his campaign as "a solution for students and young people in Jerusalem who have been hard-hit by the shortage of affordable housing in the city". The area was rezoned as a garbage dump a year after Barkat took office.

[4] In 2011, the city of Jerusalem allocated municipal funds to supply Christmas trees to residents. The giveaway was announced by several Santas ringing bells at the Jaffa gate of the Old City.

[5] Barkat appointed Meir Margalit (Meretz) as head of East Jerusalem affairs. Margalit represents the most extreme leftist fringe in Israel. Appointing Margalit to this position indicates that Nir Barkat trusts him to carry out his own vision for East Jerusalem.

[6] Religious Zionist voters are tired of politicians that put on a right wing Zionist costume before the elections. This is what Barkat did during his last campaign and he will do it again. He was head of Kadimah Jerusalem during the "Disengagement" and is advancing plans to hand over Jerusalem neighborhoods to the PA. This is the first time that a mayor of Jerusalem has agreed to surrender entire neighborhoods!

[7] Nir Barkat periodically makes gestures that are spun as "Pro-religious Zionist" such as his move to have a Zionist Chief Rabbi appointed. In the end, he's motivated more by hatred of Haman (Hareidim) than by love of Mordechai (Religious Zionism).

[8] Nir Barkat has his minions calling people in a certain age bracket and offering to pick them up to drive them to the polling station if they will vote for Barkat. He is one of the richest politicians in Israel~money talks, and buys votes.

So when you listen to what Nir Barkat says, remember what he's done. He'll say anything to get our vote. We don't need that kind of mayor. We need someone we can trust to do the right thing even when they aren't campaigning; someone who does the right thing, just because it's the right thing to do.

Smile Time~Are Cats Really Better Than Dogs??

This is Too Funny "Not" to Post~And I'm A "Dog" Person...

* Thanks to Blazing Cat Fur for Posting This!!

Overwhelming Proof That Schools Are Failing!

Please Watch The Entire Film To Fully Understand How Education Has Failed...

Boycott Israel~If You Think That's Just...

Time for a Music Break With a Message~From Ari Lesser...This is Good!

Obama is Supporting These Guys~Remind Me Why?

Americans (Especially Jews) Need To Watch This

No Wonder America is in Trouble...

These People Were Actually Elected? Mind-Boggling...

The Origins of Hatikvah~How An Anthem Was Born

Most of us are familiar with the Israeli National Anthem~Hatikvah (The Hope). Not many know (or even think of) its origins. One Israeli, classical musician Astrith Baltsan, did think about it, and for her it became an eight year quest to track the origins and sources of Israel's National Anthem. When her research was complete, she decided to share her findings via a book and a concert~lecture. In the clip below she explains that the two hundred page book (which includes two CD's with three hours of music) was produced by the Ministry of Education and is used for the matriculation exams in Israel. It is also used at the officers schools in the IDF. 

There are those who like classical music and then there are others~each to his own, as they say. Perhaps, there can also be a blending of tastes. Many musicians over the years have tried to bring the genres together. Singers like tenor Mario Lanza crossed into popular music and movies, and to this day has a following. The incomparable Luciano Pavarotti and his appeal to wider audiences came to attention with "The Three Tenors". Pavarotti went on  to make amazing music with rock and pop stars such as Let it Rain with Jon Bon Jovi, the ballad Live Like Horses with Elton John, and the beautiful Baby Can I Hold You Tonight with Tracy Chapman. (Follow the Links~You May Like It!)
 

Back to the Israeli musical world and the phenomenal, Astrith Baltsan. She has developed an imaginative story-telling style for her chamber music lecture-concerts, Classica be-meimad ishi (Classics from a Personal Viewpoint).

Using a combination of music, imagery and story-telling, Astrith is able to explain, enlighten and entertain with musical history and facts. Her unique entertainment style has filled concert halls with a new type of audience, who have laughed, cried, learned, and gained an appreciation for the classical side of music. Astrith Baltsan's "concert~lecture" series has become the largest classical chamber music series in Israel, and she takes her concerts around the world to the delight of all. 

Hatikvah is one of five programs that Astrith created with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Zubin Mehta, and televised by Herzliyyah Studios for the Israeli Education Channel (2000–2002).
 
Below, you can listen as Astrith tells of her investigation into Israel's National Anthem (Hatikvah), and the discovery of the history behind it. You will also get a glimpse of the personality of Astrith Baltan, and just a hint of her amazing talent.

* At the bottom of this post are the words to Hatikva~for those who are not familiar with them...Enjoy!

Astrith Baltsan Explains How She Came to Investigate and Reveal Hatikva's Origins

 

Excerpts From Astrith Baltsan's Concert on The Origins of  Israel's National Anthem

Transliteration	התקוה
Kol od balevav p'nimah	כל עוד בלבב פנימה
Nefesh Yehudi homiyah	נפש יהודי הומיה
Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah	ולפאתי מזרח קדימה
Ayin l'tzion tzofiyah	עין לציון צופיה
Od lo avdah tikvatenu	עוד לא אבדה תקותנו
Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim	התקוה בת שנות אלפים
L'hiyot am chofshi b'artzenu	להיות עם חופשי בארצנו
Eretz Tzion v'Yerushalayim	ארץ ציון וירושלים

 

Hatikva (The Hope)

As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

A Muslim Praises Israel vs the Muslim World~Powerful!

Dr. Qanta Ahmed~British-born~Muslim~Based in USA~Physician (English @ 0:44)

* Thanks to Daphne Anson blog for posting this interview

Benjamin Netanyahu at the 68th UN General Assembly

Always a Good Speaker, Bibi Stated that "Israel Will Stand Alone if It Has To"

In Case You Can't Watch the Whole Speech~These are the Highlights

Lt.Col. (ret.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar in Neytanya~Awesome!

This is Exactly What Jews Need to Digest and Serve to the World!

Apartheid and Israel~From a Black South African

There is Nobody Better to Tell the Real Truth About Israeli Apartheid...

* Thanks to Elephant In The Room for posting this!

Have You Shown Loving Kindness to Anyone Lately?

Giving Is The Best Form of Communication~We Should All Strive to Achieve This Goal

The Birth of the Israeli Air Force

The only FOUR (4) Airplanes Israel had when Israel's War of Independence (May 1948) began, were smuggled from Czech Republic. 

They were German "Messerschmitt BF-109's." They were assembled overnight in Tel Aviv and were never flight tested. 

 Contrary to popular perception (by the people who do not know history), the United States' assistance to Israel during the War of Independence was quite different. 

Americans were not allowed to join the fight and an arms embargo had been established and enforced by the FBI. At the same time Arab armies were very well supplied by the same countries who maintained arms embargo against Israel and of course had great advantage in manpower. 

 This is a short video about their pilots. Watch it. You will not be disappointed.

In The Beginning There Was Nothing~Look at Us Now! Gd Bless the IDF!!

Abandoned for Ten Years! Unbelievable...

Yet She is Still Open to Love and Kindness~Now She Finally Has A Caring Home...

9/11~Inside the Twin Towers~As Told by Survivors

Watch~Pray~Remember Who Did This~NEVER Forget!

Beware of the "A" Team...At Least Stay Clear...

Let Me Be Clear:  ALL War is Horrendous~But~This is Just Too Funny...

* Many thanks to Blazing Cat Fur for posting this!

Judge Jeanine Rips Obama a New One~A Must See!!

Obummer Should Never Have Been Put Into A Position of Power...

* Thanks to Blazing Cat Fur for posting this...

Israel~Jews and Arabs in the Middle East

Learn the Truth of the Conflict~Dr. Mordechai Kedar Lecture at Bar-Ilan University

PM Benjamin Netanyahu's 5774 Rosh Hashana Message

Bibi Doing What He Does Best~Great PR~He Should Stick With That...

Pat Condell Shames "Feminists"~As We All Should...

Feminism is A Sick, Politically Correct, Aberration~Wake Up to Their Hypocrisy!

Shanah Tovah~Greetings From The IDF

May Hashem Keep Those Who Protect Us Safe From Harm

Thankfully Israel Did Not Surrender The Golan to Syria!

Words of Wisdom from Dr. Mordechai Kedar~Do Listen Carefully!

The Fastest Ambulance in the World...

When he was six, Eli Beer witnessed a bus bombing in Jerusalem on his way home from school. Right then he decided to take a career that saved lives. At age fifteen, he took an EMT course and began volunteering on an ambulance. Sadly, he discovered that, when someone truly needed fast medical attention, the ambulance just wasn't able to get there in time because of traffic, distance and other delaying factors. 

At age seventeen he organized a group of EMTs who also worried about lives lost through delays. They began to listen to police scanners and rush to the scene when medical help was needed in their neighborhood. Thus began United Hatzalah, which is Hebrew for “Rescue”. Twenty-five years later, the organization has more than 2,000 volunteers and has helped more than 200,000 people in the past year alone. Eli Beer is United Hatzalah’s president.

Beer has responded to some of the worst civil, wartime and terror-related incidents. In 2010, he was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year in Israel by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and, two years later, became a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Married with five children, when Beer is not saving lives or guiding United Hatzalah, he manages the family real estate company, Beer Realty.

This is the Fastest Ambulance in the World!

Smile Time Again...

I Could Not Leave Out Cat Lovers...Eerily, This Is So True!

The Mother of All Demos~Douglas Carl Engelbart

If you are in a certain age group you will remember what it was like before Bill Gates and Steve Jobs came out of their backyard garages. Many can't remember that far back, or for that matter "believe" that there was a "before"  and that there were "others". In the movie Pirates of Silicone Valley the plot is about~and concentrates on~Gates and Jobs as they battle for supremacy.

One of the key scenes is when Gates sees a demo of a working "mouse" at Apple headquarters. Dramatic, but neither of the pair were the true founders of the mouse. 

That honour goes to a man who was among the first to make inroads into computers and communications (and who is almost unknown) Douglas Carl Engelbart (30 January 1925 to  02 July 2013). 

He is not only responsible for the first computer mouse, but many of the concepts that make up our current technological society. You can learn about this amazing man, his inventions and how his legacy continues at the Doug Engelbart Institute.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) funded the development of the Douglas Engelbart's NLS (oN Line System) computer system and The Mother of All Demos.

On 09 December 1968 Douglas Engelbart gave his "demo" in San Francisco, that is now known as The Mother of All Demos. The presentation ran for almost two hours. During that time he introduced experimental computer technologies that are now considered commonplace, but at the time were amazing.

It was a "live" demonstration that featured the introduction of the computer mouse, video conferencing, teleconferencing, hypertext, word processing, hypermedia, object addressing and dynamic file linking, bootstrapping, and a collaborative real-time editor.

It is almost impossible to grasp the enormity of the headway that one man,  Douglas Engelbart made so many years ago. Working with his teams, he was able to see the future possibilities of technology, imagine how they would work, and actually build and put them to use. Here are a few items that came out of his labs...

• The Mouse (1963~Patent 1970)
• 2-Dimensional Display Editing
• In-File Object Addressing, Linking
• Hypermedia
• Outline Processing
• Flexible View Control
• Multiple Windows
• Cross-File Editing
• Integrated Hypermedia Email
• Hypermedia Publishing
• Document Version Control
• Shared-Screen Teleconferencing
• Computer-Aided Meetings
• Formatting Directives
• Context-Sensitive Help
• Distributed Client-Server Architecture
• Uniform Command Syntax
• Universal "User Interface" Front-End Module
• Multi-Tool Integration
• Grammar-Driven Command Language Interpreter
• Protocols for Virtual Terminals
• Remote Procedure Call Protocols
• Compilable "Command Meta Language"
• Founding Member of the First Internet

Below is the full demo, and yes, the first minutes are slow and there are parts that some may not be able to understand. You can watch an annotated version in thirty-five clips, with pictures at the Stanford Mouse Site. For those of us who started out before Windows and Apple, and the plethora of systems programs now available, this is not only nostalgic, but remains amazing! A man far ahead of his time, Engelbart believed the future lay in collaborative, networked, timeshare (client-server) computers. Incredibly, the younger, up and coming programmers rejected his ideas in favor of the personal computer! The brilliant mind of Douglas Engelbart has left us many great things and his institute continues in his footsteps...

 The Mother of All Demos~Douglas Carl Engelbart (30 January 1925 to 02 July 2013)

Time to Smile...

For All of You Who Are Dog Lovers~This is Priceless...

Martin Luther King~I Have a Dream (28 August 1963)

These Words Will Be Heard As Long As There Are People Who Can Hear...

When we let freedom ring,

When we let it ring from every village and every hamlet,

From every state and every city,

We will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children,

Black men and White men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics,

Will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual,

"Free at last! Free at Last! Thank God Almighty, we are Free at Last!"

2 Million Bikers to Ride to DC on 9-11-2013~So Awesome!!

Go To:  2 Million Bikers to DC Facebook Page

I just read this in an old Weasel Zippers post. He said to pass it on and I do so with joy. The story began after the announcement of a 9/11 Million Muslim March to take place this year (What a Chutzpah!). Many people were outraged that the deaths of so many Americans were being sidelined by Muslims crying that they are being picked on.

Enter in "The Bikers". Time and again we have seen many examples of biker club members stepping up to the mark, whether it is to ride alongside the coffin of a returning war hero, or standing in between those who would desecrate funerals and the grieving families. Now, once again, bikers have stepped up to the mark and declared that they will "ride" on DC and stand up for America, the flag and freedom. How awesome is that!!

There is a Facebook Page that you can visit and it looks like many people are doing just that! So, if you are in America at the time, plan to join in, or if not, perhaps you can go to their Facebook Page. I saw that there are people asking how to donate to help bikers without finances make the trip and I'm sure there are other ways to support the cause.

Note: I have shamelessly borrowed the pictures from Weasel Zippers and the 2 Million Bikers to DC Facebook Page. I do so only to promote this great undertaking and urge everyone to do the same!

Please Pass It On!

 Honor The Fallen...

 

Wanna Boycott? Then Boycott Halal!

Say No To Halal!! I've Been Waiting for Pat Condell's Next Video and It Was Worth It!

When Academy Winners Deserved Their Awards...

Still One of the Best Scenes from One of the Best Musicals...

Don't Mess With Little Old Ladies...

This May Be A Hoax But It Is Funny~Too Bad There is No Video!

*Thanks to Bare Naked Islam for Posting This...

Muslim IDF Soldier Watches Over Israel's Gaza Border

Israel is a country that can truly be called a melting pot. At any given time one can walk down a main street and see people from around the world~all are speaking Hebrew, and all are Israeli. Israelis are not only Jews. They are also Arab, Bedouin and Druze~all living together (for the most part) in harmony. In fact, many people are not aware of it, but when Israeli's held a protest on the Gaza border for the release of Gilad Shalit~during Ramadan~on a stifling hot day~there were Bedouins marching with them, carrying huge signs calling for the release of the young Israeli soldier. This is Israel!

The world media portrays only the negative, the horrors that they dig up for their garish headlines. What they fail to perceive and publish is the day to day living of the majority of Israelis who only want to earn a living, raise a family and enjoy life. 

One such example is twenty-four year old Staff Sergeant Ahmed Inaim, a Bedouin soldier who guards the Gaza border for Israel. Staff Sgt. Inaim's IDF service runs in the family. His brother, who was an IDF soldier, was killed in combat several years ago. Then, in 2006, another of Ahmed's brothers was injured when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and kidnapped Gilad Shalit.

Despite his family's sacrifices, Staff Sgt. Inaim is determined to serve his country. This young man is an example of everything that is right. Hopefully, there will come a day when young Israelis will not have to go out each day and risk their lives. One day, the guns will be put away and people will be able to "get on with living".  Kol HaKavod to this brave young man. I keep him in my prayers, because I know that if not for him and his IDF comrades, I would not be able to live my live without fear...

This is an Interview with Staff Sergeant Ahmed Inaim~A Wonderful Young Man!