The Crossing~Washington and The Delaware

For any who may not know, General George Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas Day in the year 1776, and won a victory at the Battle of Trenton. 

I cannot say if this series is totally "true to fact" as movies generally embellish and omit for the sake of entertainment.  All that aside, this story reminds us of the indomitable spirit that resides in the people who made America the great country it is. A hodge-podge made up primarily of  ordinary, working, men and women who were willing to  stand, and die, for the freedoms they desired and believed in. 

The media and news outlets like to push the view that the "once great country" is on a down hill slide. All I can say to that is, Look back to the past~Remember America is not just a mass of land, it is a "people" with that indefinable inner spark that burns and will not die. I pray, that this never changes.

The Crossing Part 1~Long Retreat From New York

The Crossing Part 2~Colonel Rall and 1200 Hessians

The Crossing Part 3~They Will Follow Me Into Hell

The Crossing Part 4~Crossing The Delaware

The Crossing Part 5~Just a Few More Miles

The Crossing Part 6~Battle of Trenton

The Crossing Part 7~The Beginning of a War

Clean Shaven Matisyahu Perfoms~He's Still Great!

On December 19th, Matisyahu performed at the Williamsburg Music hall. He was clean shaven, but still wearing his kippa and tzitzit~and the audience loved him. Of course they did~talent does not come from hair and clothes!! Happy Chanukah Matisyahu !

This is What You Get When Terrorists Are Released!

Wafa al-Biss

At the end of this rather long post is an open letter written by a Gaza doctor and published in the Jerusalem Post on 24 June 2005. Do take the time to read it. 

The video interview is with Wafa Samir Ibrahim al-Biss. She was one of the 1,027 prisoners released for the return of a single soldier~Gilad Shalit. These pictures of Wafa, (who is already back in University, studying to be a journalist) and Gilad Shalit (who is still recovering from his ordeal) were taken on their "release". Do note that Wafa  appears to have survived quite well in Israel, while Gilad Shalit came home looking like a Holocaust survivor. The pictures you usually see of Wafa are from the day she failed to detonate herself, and she was indeed pathetic and crying. There was no brave face then, but now that she is fat and free, and being paid a salary in addition to the $2,000 each terrorist received from Hamas, she is very bold indeed. The PA is also heavily rewarding their terrorists and of course the re-naming of schools and streets will soon start. *Note: PA terrorists in Israeli jails are paid a monthly salary that is incrementally higher based on the number of Jews killed and the amount of time they are in jail. Their families are also looked after with stipends, housing, medical, etc.. This is possible thanks to the endless aid flowing from the UN,  EU and USA.

Gilad Shalit

On the day after her release, Wafa told cheering schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip that she hoped they would follow her example... 

“I hope you will walk the same path we took
and God willing,  we will see some of you as martyrs” 

History: Wafa was admitted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva between December 2004 and January 2005 for treatment of massive burns. Some reports indicate she received them as a result of a gas-tank explosion while others indicate she was burned by her family for having an illicit affair, but there is no proof of this.

When she was released as an outpatient, she was given personal medical authorization documents, allowing her to cross through into Israel to receive medical treatment. She was arrested on 21 June 2005 with ten kilograms of explosives in her underwear~her intent was to kill as many Jews as possible~including children...

Chilling Interview~This is the Palestinian Mindset !

An Open Letter by a Gaza doctor, published in The Jerusalem Post on 24 June 2005

As a Palestinian doctor who has worked at Soroka hospital in Beersheva for eight years, I was outraged at the cynical and potentially deadly suicide bombing attempt by Wafa Samir Ibrahim al-Biss. On Monday she was caught at the Erez crossing from the Gaza strip wearing explosives stitched to her underwear and admitted that her goal was to kill dozens of people at the hospital including as many children as possible.

I conduct research at the hospital’s Genetic Institute, and Soroka has become my home away from home. I have built warm professional relations with my colleagues in the obstetrics and gynaecology department and other units. I make a point, whenever I’m at the hospital, of visiting Palestinian patients. I also schedule appointments for other Gaza residents, and even bring medication from Soroka to needy patients in the Strip.

I have nothing but praise for the doctors, nurses and other medical staff at Soroka hospital. They show compassion, sympathy and kindness. I was therefore extremely shocked and upset to hear that Wafa Biss, from the Jabalya refugee camp, was wired with explosives to blow herself up at Soroka, a place where she had been treated with kindness and mercy.

On the very day she planned to detonate her bomb, two Palestinians in critical condition were waiting in Gaza to be taken for urgent medical treatment to Soroka. Wafa was sent to kill the very people in Israel who are healing Palestinians from the Gaza strip and West Bank. What if Israeli hospitals now decide to bar Palestinians seeking treatment? How would those who sent Biss feel if their own relatives, in need of medical care in Israel, are refused treatment?

Wafa Attempting to Detonate~Crossing

As for Biss herself, she should have been a messenger for peace among her people, and should have been bringing flowers and appreciation to the Soroka doctors for healing her burns. Instead, she targeted the very people who treated her with such compassion. Israeli hospitals extend humanitarian treatment to Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and West Bank. These efforts continued when all other cooperation between Palestinians and Israelis came to a halt during the most recent intifada.

To plan an operation of this kind against a hospital is an act of evil. Children, women, patients, doctors and nurses were the target. Is this a reward for kindness? Is this an advertisement for Islam, a religion which respects and sanctifies human life? This is aggression and a violation of humanity.

What are we going to say if Israel now clamps down on Palestinian patients seeking medical treatment inside Israel? All of us know that we are suffering from collective punishments imposed by the Israelis. We now risk imposing additional suffering on Palestinians in need of medical care.

Soroka is a hospital that has opened its doors to treat Palestinians without discrimination, offering the best care available. I want to tell my friends and colleagues at Soroka that all the Gaza residents I have spoken to have expressed their condemnation for this evil and brainless act. At a time when we badly need to build bridges of trust and tolerance, Soroka is the only door left open when other hospitals are closed to Gaza residents.

We should all denounce any attempts to attack hospitals and harm their patients. The Biss family members have, themselves, issued a statement condemning the use of their daughter. I hope that despite this incident Soroka hospital will continue to be an oasis of peace and coexistence. That is the correct message to defeat the enemies of peace.

Unbelievable! They're Supposed to "Secure" America!

After the horror of 9/11, and the following years that saw thousands of US troops fighting and dying, one would think the powers that be in the USA would at least know who the enemy is~apparently not!

The man being questioned in the first video is Paul Stockton, the Assistant Defense Secretary for Homeland Defense. Just what is it about radical Islam that the Obama government is trying to protect? Why can they "Not" even say the words Radical Islam? The full story is at Atlas Shrugs...

The second video is of US Attorney General Eric Holder (with his knickers in a twist) when he was asked a similar question. If these two weren't in high positions, they could be a Saturday Night Live Comedy Skit...

There are those (particularly Muslims) around the world who would like nothing better than to see America fall~if the current government has it's way, the fall may come sooner than anyone thinks..

All I can say is God Bless and Save America (from guys like this~Please!)...

Paul Stockton~Can't Answer a Simple Question

Eric Holder~Can't Say "Radical Islam"

A Song for the First Night of Chanukah

Chabad Menorah in Kikar Zion

I just found this song and decided to post it. The tune is catchy~the singer is very good. What is somewhat different is the composer~he is a Senior Senator from Utah, Orrin Hatch...who incidentally happens to be Mormon.

This description is from Bare Naked Islam's Blog~where I found the video (do visit their site and read the full story)

Some of the world’s most popular Christmas songs, including ‘White Christmas’ by Irving Berlin, were written by Jews, so it’s only fitting that a Mormon would write what has become my all time favorite Chanukah song...

Maybe not my all time favorite, but well worth listening to! The producer is Peter Bliss, the singer is Rasheeda Azar, a back-up vocalist for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson and, incidentally, a Syrian-American from Terre Haute, Indiana. Happy Chanukah!

America At Risk:

This is not a new film. I have not seen the whole thing, but this trailer does look interesting..

Islamic Indoctrination in German schools

Showing the Quran

I think Germany may be heading down a dangerous path from which there may be no return. I don't know what the German School Board policy is regarding teaching religion in schools, but it appears there are no qualms about shoving Islam at little children.

Do they also teach about Christianity? Judaism? Buddhism? or any other religion with the same fervor? Do they realize that, unlike other religions where people are free to choose whether or not they will participate, Islam has a clear rule--once you check in you can never leave?!

Women wearing scarves give the little ones a liquid that they can use for cleaning to prepare for Muslim prayer. A Muslim (likely Ömer Akbulut, speaker of the Islamic community for the building of a mosque with minaret in Wertheim), shows the children the Koran and tells them how Muslims pray.

Do go to Bare Naked Islam's site to read more. The blog Politically Incorrect also covers this story. Meanwhile, here are two clips you may find interesting. The first is from the kindergarten, and the second shows high-school students. I know sub-titles are a bit tedious to read, but this is something you need to be educated about. How will these kids ever learn tolerance, or for that matter, integrate into society?

Chanukah~Bring on the Music...

Jerusalemites Usually Place Chanukiot Outdoors...

There are many, many songs being released for Chanukah and everyone has their favorites. 

As in most things of this world, the music of Chanukah is taking on a "modern" twist. The story is the same, but now it is being told in a manner that resonates with the younger generation of today.

I decided to post some of them for your enjoyment.

My first choice is one of the most current.  It is  called All of the Lights and is performed by a young Israeli, Amitzur Nachshoni.

 

I have never heard of him, but he does have a Website, a YouTube Channel, and of course, he is on Facebook. The information I could find states that he was born in Israel, then spent his early years in the USA. He is now back in Israel,  and is serving (served?) in the IDF. Not yet twenty years old he is already well on his way to being an entertainer~film maker.  I wish him all the best. His song is catchy and the video itself is very good, with some great scenes from Israel. Enjoy!

All of the Lights~Amitzur Nachshoni

My second pick is one I posted last year~Candlelight by The Maccabeats. I still like the tune~which they based on an a-cappella cover of a song (also a-cappella) by Mike Tompkins called Dynamite...which was originally released by Taio Cruz (correct me if I am wrong!) The Maccabeats are a group of Yeshiva students who began singing a-cappella in 2007. They are popular guests for Shabbat and Holidays as they don't need musical instruments or microphones / electronics to entertain!

Candlelight~The Maccabeats

My third clip is third "only" because it is a bit older. The song is called Miracle by Matisyahu. Yes, I am a true fan of Matisyahu and for me, this video is fun (I also love hockey!) Yesterday I saw in the news, a new picture of Matisyahu, cleanly shaven, along with a statement saying:

...all you get is me...no alias (You can read the rest on his site).

Then and Now...

I looked on his site and spotted the following message from his Twitter account:   

For all of those who are being awesome, you are awesome. For all those who are confused: today I went to the Mikva and Shul just like yesterday...

To Matisyahu (PS): 
I don't care what you are wearing. whether or not you have a beard or if you do or don't want to be Chasidic~those who truly like you and/or your music will not feel any different about you either~Just keep on being...
 

Miracle~Matisyahu

The fourth video is a new one from the Ein Prat Fountainheads. They are from the Israel Academy for Leadership, located fifteen minutes from Jerusalem, in the Judean Desert (on the way to the Dead Sea). For those who may be concerned about such things--there are women in the chorus...

Light Up The Night~Ein Prat Fountainheads

Israeli Dan Shechtman~2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry!

Prof. Dan Shechtman

Israel has another Nobel Prize winner! Dan Schectman was awarded the 2011 prize in Chemistry for his discovery of quasicrystals, ordered crystalline materials lacking repeating structures. This explanation is taken from an article in the Jerusalem Post:

His realization that atoms in rigid crystals can be packed together in unusual ways led to the development of extremely strong materials. He thus changed the way chemists look at solid matter, and his discovery has many practical applications: from metal surgical tools and razor blades to diesel engines and as protective coatings and metal alloys.

"Quasiperiodic, or quasicrystals, do not rust or become oxidized and have almost no surface friction", Shechtman said.

It should be noted that when he first made his claims he experienced hostility, and was told that there was no such thing as quasicrystals, only quasi-scientists and that he should go back to his text books. He persevered...

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 24 January 1941, Prof. Shechtman earned all of his degrees at the Technion in Haifa (that's also in Israel). He is the father of four, and grandfather of nine. When asked who influenced his career he candidly answers, "Jules Vern...in his book, Mystery Island  (which he read in Hebrew) was a character named Cyrus Smith~he was an engineer and he could do everything~I wanted to be just like him"...

Mazel Tov Prof. Dan Shechtman!

The Truth~From a Politician!!

I'm not taking sides~but it is the first time I have heard a politician speak so truthfully. I'd say this  one goes to Newt...

Chanukah from Aish HaTorah

Once again Aish Ha Torah has a musical treat for the holidays...Enjoy!

Palestinians~The Truth About the Refugees

Pearl Harbor~Never Forget!

Signing War Declaration

Last year I wrote an article on the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This year, I note with sadness the passing of many of the remaining survivors. In his speech the day after the bombing,  President Franklin D. Roosevelt began his speech to congress with "yesterday, December 7th, 1941 is a day that will live in infamy". At 4:00pm that same afternoon, President Roosevelt signed the declaration of war. That speech, with his annotations can be viewed at the National Archives.

Seventy years on, one has to reflect on where the world is now. That attack on Americans brought about a declaration of war. There were no "politically correct, multicultural" protests and no "sensitivity training". The president of the United States of America signed a declaration of war, and the American armed forces fought the enemy until they surrendered. Yes, many innocent Japanese Americans were treated terribly, that is the ugliness of war. But what was the end result? Japan and America, as well as the rest of the world have worked out a peaceful co-existence and Japanese Americans today are an integral part of society. 

Compare that to the horror of September 11th~where a mere ten years on, the day is being turned into a day of "service"? The remains of those who died are to be housed in a private area some seventy feet underground in the museum complex?

Police are forced to take sensitivity training and the US Administration has removed references to Islam  from terror training material. It beggars the question, just who (or what) do they think they are fighting??

 

Christmas Holidays are now just "holidays", and the brightly decorated trees are to be called "holiday trees"--so as not to offend (Muslims). 

I grew up with the tinsel and  bright lights. As a Jew, it does not bother me because it is part of the history and heritage of where I grew up and the people around me. Forcing "politically correct" naming conventions has gotten out of hand. Meanwhile, Ramadan and other Muslim days are taking front row, children being taught about Islam in school, halal forced upon everyone and of course the ever-present Muslim associations demanding special prayer-rooms, special washrooms, work accommodations, and women should wear a bag over their heads. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and every other religion (other than Islam) are slowly being eradicated~or given dhimmi status.

The Armed Forces of the United States, and other western countries did indeed go after the terrorists, but the politically correct agendas of appeasement, ties their hands and makes it almost impossible to ever win against an enemy that laughs at the weak policies of the west~believing they will soon have us all on our knees.

As the last of the survivors of Pearl Harbor leave us, we must never forget the sacrifices they went through, or the tens of thousands of men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. We must support and honor the Armed Forces who, today, must not only fight against terror, but against the sickness of political correctness that tries to demoralize them in favor of the enemy. I for one remain in awe of, and indebted to, every one of the brave people who have made it possible for me to sit at my keyboard and voice my opinions. I thank Hashem that their sacrifice allows me to live, worship, dress and speak freely.

USS Arizona Memorial

It is time to remove the rose colored glasses and realize that the mentality of appeasement is  slowly eating away at our rights and freedoms. By diminishing our heritage and treating it as if it is something shameful we are destroying our future. Look closely, we have not become better or more liberated~we have become afraid...afraid to offend those who would destroy us! Remember the past, or surely we will be doomed to repeat it!

        

At the end of the report below, they state that the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is paying its last visit to the memorial. There are few survivors left, and at the end of the year they will disband. Will history, and our educational systems keep their memories alive? Let's hope so...Never, Never Forget !

Obama~The Anti-Israel President

There are no words needed~Just Watch and Learn...

Freedom...

Next time time you reach for that creme, lotion or "beauty product", think about what actually happens during research and production. Be aware that many companies have test labs that subject innocent, animals, such as chimps, rabbits and dogs~especially Beagles~to cruel tests and a truly appalling existence.

According to the Beagle Freedom Project: 
Beagles are the most popular breed for lab use because of their friendly, docile, trusting, forgiving, people-pleasing personalities...they adapt well to living in a cage, and are inexpensive to feed. Research beagles are usually obtained directly from commercial breeders who specifically breed dogs to sell to scientific institutions.

These dogs (from birth) live in a tiny metal cage, never to know fresh air, rain or even run and roll in grass. Oh yes, if the lab closes, their usefulness is over, and the dogs are usually killed~unless someone like the freedom project steps in. In most countries, animal testing is legal as long as it is deemed "humane". Well, I don't give a horse's patoot what the labs claim~it is cruel and disgusting. What does this say about us as a society that we would breed helpless animals for the sole purpose of being subjected to this type of abuse~all in the name of vanity??? It gives a whole new perspective to the plastic people we ogle at in the magazines and TV...

Those who are thinking of buying a pet, give some thought to adopting animals that have had a bad start in life. Guarantee you they will give you more love and loyalty than you can imagine. If you need a calendar or just feel like doing something nice, visit the Beagle Freedom Project (and be sure to look at the pictures!)

I am a lover of "large" dogs, and there are those who dislike animals altogether, but I dare anyone to watch this video to the end and not have to reach for a tissue...

And Here are Forty More Just Rescued from Spain (Slow Loading...)