WEDNESDAY’S ROSH HASHANAH “NEWS IN REVIEW” ROUND-UP

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ROSH HASHANAH: CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGES OF 5776

Isi Leibler

Candidly Speaking, Sept. 12, 2015

The past year, like its predecessors, will once again be viewed by many as an annus horribilis. It has indeed been a bitter year on many fronts. Israel is an oasis surrounded by a sea of savagery which is reminiscent of the Dark Ages, with Islamic barbarians gleefully filming the decapitation of hostages, murdering hundreds of thousands of civilians and creating millions of refugees who are now seeking asylum in Europe.

The relationship with the Obama administration continued to deteriorate and despite the opposition of the majority of Americans and both houses of Congress, the administration consummated a deal empowering the Iranian terrorists, bequeathing a legacy that will impact globally on the next generation. With the Iranians adamantly reiterating that the destruction of Israel remains one of their prime objectives, this has particular negative connotations for us.

Aside from the U.S. where Israel enjoys strong public support, our global standing has continued to erode, especially in Europe, where they are now poised to announce new measures to pressure us to make further unilateral concessions to the Palestinians. This, at a time of mayhem in the region and with the level of incitement against Israel from the Palestinian Authority virtually indistinguishable from that of the openly genocidal Hamas.

A genuine peace settlement with the Palestinians is not even on the horizon and will not be achieved until there are leaders who are genuinely committed to peace and coexistence. While we must continue, on an interim basis, to build bridges with the Palestinian people by enhancing their quality of life, we must also resist international efforts to pressure Israel into making further unilateral concessions which will empower the radical Palestinians committed to ending Jewish sovereignty rather than achieving independence.

The global anti-Semitic tsunami is still raging and Europe is becoming transformed into a cemetery for Jews. Public opinion in Europe, the continent drenched with the blood of Jews from the Shoah, regards the Jewish state as a greater threat to global peace than Iran, Syria or even North Korea and views Israelis as genocidal, their behavior to the Palestinians likened to that of the Nazis toward the Jews.

Acts of terror against Jews by jihadists returning from Syrian killing fields create an atmosphere of fear even within larger European Jewish communities. French Jews were warned by an American pollster that, in addition to avoiding items that would identify them as Jews, they should also avoid ever employing the term “Zionist” because of the hostility it generates. It is not surprising that many European Jews see no future for themselves in countries that regard them as pariahs unless they join the chorus of anti-Israeli demonization and intend to emigrate.

After soul-searching — teshuva — and critically reviewing the past year with a view to improving ourselves, we must also become sensitive to a number of crucial areas which, if ignored, can ultimately cause us immeasurable harm. First and foremost, we need to cultivate a greater sense of unity and civic harmony. To achieve that, we must reform our dysfunctional political system — which will only happen if there is a unity government. While both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog are said to favor such reform, it remains stymied by the radical wings of their respective parties.

We need also to take steps to reverse the tribalization that is polarizing society, by strengthening the Zionist, Jewish and democratic identity of the state and imposing mandatory core curricula in all educational streams, including the haredi and Arab-Israeli sectors. There must also be a concerted effort to create conditions encouraging haredim to become productive segments of society, accelerate their absorption into the work force and share the burdens of citizenship, including the draft. Likewise the state should cease providing salaries to anti-Zionist rabbis who reject prayers for the welfare of the state or agitate against the draft. The Chief Rabbinate must not be permitted to disqualify the new independent Bet Din comprising Orthodox rabbis who seek to ease conversion and marriage processes.

Greater efforts must also be made to integrate the Israeli Arab sector by enhancing their social and economic status but simultaneously adopting a tougher approach against radical elements that seek to undermine the state or provide support to our enemies.

Finally, as we could be on the edge of a new wave of aliyah, it is crucial that we invest major efforts to ensure the smooth integration of immigrants from affluent European countries and stimulate a climate, which will encourage Jews facing oppression to come home to Israel rather than migrating to other Diaspora communities.

For some, the external threats and the internal problems confronting us are considered a depressing background to Rosh Hashana. But truth be told, the Almighty must be watching over us, because despite our internal divisions and ongoing external challenges, decade after decade, we seem blessed to prosper and grow from strength to strength. Polls show that despite the stresses, we Israelis are among the happiest nations in the world.

As we celebrate Rosh Hashana in a turbulent world, those like myself who believe that our continued survival is due to a Divine presence, should give thanks to the Almighty that despite the enormous hatred surrounding us and contrary to all historic precedents and reason, we have never been as powerful as we are today.

One should not be blasé about the fact that that the IDF has the capacity to deter an onslaught from all our adversaries combined. Even our greatest foe, Iran, is aware of the consequences should it seek to implement its threats…   

[To Read the Full Article Click the Following Link—Ed.]

Contents: |  Weekly Quotes |  Short Takes   |  On Topic Links

On Topic Links

The Iran Charade on Capitol Hill: Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post, Sept. 10, 2015

The Iran Nuclear Deal's Islamist Supporters: IPT News, Sept. 11, 2015

Is Putin Planning a Gamble in Syria?: Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg, Sept. 8, 2015

Ending Syria’s Civil War is Now the World’s Business: Konrad Yakabuski, Globe & Mail, Sept. 10, 2015

When Jewish and Islamic Holy Days Coincide: Stephen Schwartz, Huffington Post, Sept. 14, 2015

"I've been doing deals for a long time…I've been making lots of wonderful deals, great deals, that's what I do. Never ever ever in my life have I seen any transaction so incompetently negotiated as our deal with Iran…We are led by very, very stupid people. … We cannot let it continue." — U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump shared a rally stage with fellow Republican candidate Ted Cruz last Wednesday to voice his opposition to the nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers in July. The entire Republican presidential field opposes the Iran deal, under which the United States and five other world powers will lift economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program. He called the deal "incompetent" and poised to fail in the fight against Islamic militants. "We will have so much winning if I'm elected that you may get bored with winning," he added. (Israel Hayom, Sept. 10, 2015)

“The word “disconnect” is the appropriate way to describe the chasm between America’s government and its citizens. We all have our favorite examples, but none can match the events of last week. On the eve of the 14th anniversary of the worst attack ever against our nation, President Obama celebrated a nuclear pact with Iran, an Islamic theocracy whose leader calls the United States “Satan” and joins crowds in chanting “Death to America.” A mere 21 percent of the American public supports the deal and a bipartisan majority of the Senate opposes it. Yet the filibuster rule blocked the Senate from defeating it, allowing Obama to hail the “historic step forward.” His “victory” is a disconnect that will live in infamy.” — Michael Goodwin (New York Post, Sept. 13, 2015)

“The West has focused largely on those fleeing Islamic State and its atrocities, but Mr. Assad’s regime hasn’t relented with the intimidation and force it has used since the start of the conflict more than four years ago: detention, torture and mandatory drafting into the army for military-age men, along with starvation and an aerial bombing campaign of opposition-held areas. The regime’s tactics are pushing out its opponents and those perceived hostile to Mr. Assad, while friendlier groups are rebuilding from the wreckage of war. The cumulative results are broader demographic change designed to tighten Mr. Assad’s hold over the few places he still controls. Many Syrians say the Assad regime, along with the Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, is specifically targeting Syria’s Sunni Arab majority. Syria’s rebels are mostly Sunni, while those defending the regime are mainly members of Mr. Assad’s Shiite-linked Alawite minority and Shiite foreign fighters.” — Sam Dagher (Wall Street Journal, Sept. 11, 2015)

“We are not in a good state. There is a lack of Europe in the EU and there is a lack of union in the European Union. That has to change…Turning a blind eye to poor and helpless people, that is not Europe…We Europeans should remember well that Europe is a continent where nearly everyone has at one time been a refugee. Our common history is marked by millions of Europeans fleeing from religious or political persecution, from war, dictatorship or oppression.” — European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Juncker proposed a compulsory system to share 160,000 new arrivals among member states of the European Union. The planned resettlement of the 160,000 would represent less than 4 per cent of the total number of refugees caused by Syria’s war alone. Germany – the dream destination of many of those travelling to Europe by boat, bus and foot from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia – has said it expects to receive up to 800,000 migrants this year, and another million people over 2016 and 2017. (Globe & Mail, Sept. 10, 2015)

“The tragedy and the horror that are unfolding before our eyes move us, as good, decent people, to welcome these unfortunate fellow human beings. However, at a migrant reception centre in Milan, a reporter was interviewing Syrian refugees. Despite the cruelty of Libyan smugglers and the suffering inflicted by their government, many of them still view Israel as their real enemy. They were surprised their interviewer was Jewish and writing for an Israeli newspaper. They were amazed and shocked to learn current debates in Israel concerned the absorption of refugees from Syria and the Israeli military was treating wounded Syrians in makeshift field hospitals near the border. Other refugees also expressed their strong resentment toward Israel, making it clear they view Israel as a colonial power that stole their land and didn’t think Jews should have a state. God bless Europe for being so willing to take in these people. But when one thinks of Jews being murdered, the desecration of their synagogues and cemeteries, and the raging anti-Semitism that has reared its ugly head across the continent, Europeans should be careful what they wish for.” — Leslie Michael (National Post, Sept. 15, 2015)

“Time and again, the Palestinians use and abuse the U.N…The sad part is that you – you in this chamber – allow them to get away with it…This assembly would vote to declare that the earth is flat if the Palestinians proposed it.” — Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. Prosor slammed the world body Thursday for voting to allow the Palestinian flag to fly at its headquarters, accusing member-states of submitting to the Palestinian leadership’s “every whim and caprice.” Prosor was speaking after the General Assembly voted 119-8 to allow the flags of “non-member observer states” to fly among those of member-states in New York and at other U.N. offices, a decision that was met by enthusiastic applause in the chamber. The U.N. only recognizes two “non-member observer states,” the Palestinian entity and the Holy See. (CNS News, Sept. 11, 2015)

Contents

POLICE, MUSLIM PROTESTERS CLASH ON TEMPLE MOUNT (Jerusalem) — Dozens of Muslim protesters clashed with Israeli security forces at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for a third consecutive day on Tuesday. Young protesters gathered around the mosque threw stones at police who had entered the compound in large numbers and who responded with stun grenades. The protesters also hurled fireworks and blocks at police. The round of violence began Sunday morning, with security forces seizing pipe bombs at the Temple Mount site in an operation carried out hours before Jews prepared to celebrate the new year. Jordan’s king warned Israel on Monday that any further “provocation” in Jerusalem would damage ties between the two countries. (Times of Israel, Sept. 15, 2015)

LEGAL BOMBSHELL COULD BLOCK NUCLEAR IRAN DEAL (Washington) —  After the Senate’s filibuster of the Iran Deal, perhaps the only remaining way for Congressional opponents of the Deal to block the measure is if Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) authorizes the House of Representatives to sue Obama for failing to comply with the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (Corker-Cardin). The legal basis for the potential lawsuit would be the failure of the White House to comply with the requirements laid out in Corker-Cardin. Under that legislation, the White House had to provide Congress with all documents relating to the Nuclear Iran Deal, whether codicils or side agreements. As was discovered, there are two secret side agreements dealing with Iran’s nuclear program, the only parties to which are Iran and the IAEA. (Jewish Press, Sept. 11, 2015)

NETANYAHU MAY MEET OBAMA AT WHITE HOUSE (Washington) —  President Obama will host Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House this fall. The visit will likely occur in early November, the White House press secretary told reporters. Netanyahu's last visit to Washington was not at the President's invitation: When in town to address Congress on the dangers of the pending nuclear deal with Iran on March 3, no Administration officials received him. Nevertheless, Obama often notes he has spoken with Netanyahu more than with any other foreign leader. (Jerusalem Post, Sept. 12, 2015)

RUSSIAN MOVES IN SYRIA WIDEN ROLE IN MIDEAST (Moscow) —  Russia has sent some of its most modern tanks to a new air base in Syria in what U.S. officials said was part of an escalating buildup that could give Moscow its most significant military foothold in the Middle East in decades. Military specialists analyzing satellite photographs said Russia had about half a dozen T-90 tanks, 15 howitzers, 35 armored personnel carriers, 200 marines and housing for as many as 1,500 personnel at an airfield near the Assad family’s ancestral home. And more is on the way as Russia appears to be trying to increase its influence in Syria amid the civil strife there. (New York Times, Sept. 14, 2015)

CRANE COLLAPSES ON MECCA'S GRAND MOSQUE, KILLING MORE THAN 100 (Mecca) —  The head of Saudi Arabia's civil defence directorate says high winds caused a massive crane to topple over and smash into Mecca's Grand Mosque, killing at least 107 people ahead of the start of the annual hajj pilgrimage. The civil defence directorate says 238 people were injured in the accident late Friday afternoon at the mosque, which houses the cube-shaped Kaaba and is ringed by several cranes engaged in ongoing construction work to expand the site. (CBC, Sept. 12, 2015)

TOURISTS IN EGYPT WERE KILLED WITH BOMBS (Cairo) —  Egyptian security forces used planes and helicopters to bomb Mexican tourists and their guides, who Egyptian officials said were mistaken for terrorists, survivors told Mexican officials after the attack that left 12 dead. Egypt’s Foreign Minister said the tourists were in a restricted area where forces were pursuing suspected terrorists. A tourism ministry spokeswoman accused the tour company that organized the trip of procedural violations that she claimed led to the tragedy. However, a representative of the company that organized the excursion, Windows of Egypt, said the group had all necessary permits from authorities and even had a police escort. (Wall Street Journal, Sept. 14, 2015)

U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS I.S. IS CREATING ITS OWN CHEMICAL WEAPONS (Damascus) —  I.S. is increasingly believed to be manufacturing its own crude chemical weapons, according to a U.S. official. The extremist group has used mustard agents on at least four occasions as it fights to expand its self-declared caliphate. It was previously thought that I.S. had seized a stockpile of ready-filled shells. The new claims suggest that the group has developed the capacity to make its own. I.S.’s initial stockpile may have been sourced from the regime of Syrian president Assad. When the government handed over its chemical weapons to inspectors in late 2013, many observers were surprised by the regime’s claim that it possessed only a small volume of mustard agent. (Telegraph, Sept. 12, 2015)

TOPLESS ACTIVISTS DISRUPT MUSLIM MEET ON WOMEN (Paris) —  Two activists from the Femen group, known for its protests by bare-chested women with slogans on their torsos, were arrested at a Muslim conference near Paris. The controversial gathering, in the Muslim Salon at Pontoise, was devoted to the role of women in Islam, and the two protesters stormed on stage when two preachers were discussing whether it was permitted for wives to be beaten or not. When the clerics were debating the question, they ripped off their cloaks and jumped on stage. According to Telegraph, one had the text “Personne ne me soumet” (No one subjugates me) written on her body, while another had “Je suis mon proper prophète” (I am my own prophet.). (Times of Israel, Sept. 15, 2015)

ANTI-ISRAEL CORBYN IS NEW UK LABOUR LEADER (London) —  Jeremy Corbyn, whose far-left credentials have found favor in his party even as his overtures to radical Islamists caused concern among British Jews, became the new head of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party. Corbyn, who has been empathetic to Hamas and Hezbollah, is widely regarded as one of the British MPs most hostile to Israel. And while British Jews have expressed alarm over what they say are his somewhat dubious ties, Corbyn has hit back at criticism for his associations with pro-Palestinian figures who have espoused antisemitic views. Corbyn said last month a pro-Palestinian activist he donated money to had not publicly denied the Holocaust at the time of their meeting 15 years ago. (Times of Israel, Sept. 12, 2015)

AUSTRALIA'S NEW PM HAS 'JEWISH ROOTS' (Canberra) — Australia has a new prime minister – one who claims to have Jewish roots and has also expressed a desire in advancing and increasing relations with Israel. Malcolm Turnbull was sworn in on Tuesday as Australia's latest leader, replacing outgoing prime minister Tony Abbott. In 2013, Turnbull asserted he had Jewish roots, saying his “mother always used to say that her mother’s family was Jewish.” More recently, Turnbull spoke at the Australian Zionist Federation's annual meeting, expressing support for the Jewish state, noting that while Israel and Australia had "very good" ties, more could be done.  Australia was one of seven countries to stand with Israel in opposition last week when the UN General Assembly voted to raise the Palestinian flag at its New York headquarters. (Arutz Sheva, Sept. 15, 2015)

IRAN'S ROUHANI SENDS OUT ROSH HASHANA GREETINGS (Tehran) —  President Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and virtually every other Western leader wished Jews a happy new year. Now we can add a surprise guest to that list – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. On his Twitter feed on Sunday, Rouhani posted a notice celebrating the common ancestry of Jews and Muslims. "May our shared Abrahamic roots deepen respect and bring peace and mutual understanding," Rouhani tweeted. "L'Shanah Tovah." (Jerusalem Post, Sept. 13, 2015)

On Topic Links 

The Iran Charade on Capitol Hill: Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post, Sept. 10, 2015 — Congress is finally having its say on the Iran deal. It will be an elaborate charade, however, because, having first gone to the United Nations, President Obama has largely drained congressional action of relevance.

The Iran Nuclear Deal's Islamist Supporters: IPT News, Sept. 11, 2015— The White House is claiming victory in the fight over the Iranian nuclear deal following Thursday's Senate vote which fell short of cloture on a Democratic filibuster blocking an up or down vote on the deal.

Is Putin Planning a Gamble in Syria?: Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg, Sept. 8, 2015 —Persistent reports in recent days indicate that Russia is increasingly involved in the war in Syria. The involvement is stealthy and apparently not as heavy as in eastern Ukraine, but it creates interesting prospects for U.S.-Russian relations, as well as for the development of both the Syrian and the Ukrainian conflicts. 

Ending Syria’s Civil War is Now the World’s Business: Konrad Yakabuski, Globe & Mail, Sept. 10, 2015—  When reporters descended on the Coquitlam, B.C., home of Alan Kurdi’s distraught aunt last week, she refused to cast blame for her three-year-old nephew’s drowning, which riveted global attention on the plight of Syrians fleeing their country’s civil war.

When Jewish and Islamic Holy Days Coincide: Stephen Schwartz, Huffington Post, Sept. 14, 2015—  This year – 2015 by the common era (C.E.) calendar – includes an alignment at mid-September of the main holy days in the Jewish and Islamic calendars.