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Full Text Israel Political Brief July 30, 2015: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Statement in Wake of the Stabbing at the Pride Parade in Jerusalem Transcript

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

Statement by PM Netanyahu in Wake of the Stabbing at the Pride Parade in Jerusalem

Source: PMO, 7-30-15
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening issued the following statement:

“A despicable hate crime was committed this evening in Jerusalem. In Israel everyone, including the gay community, has the right to live in peace, and we will defend that right. I welcome the Israeli religious leadership’s condemnation of this terrible crime, and I call on all those in positions of leadership to denounce this contemptible act. In the name of all of Israelis, I wish the wounded a full and speedy recovery.”

 

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by bonniekgoodman on July 30, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Haredi Orthodox, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Prime Minister, Violence
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on July 30, 2015

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/full-text-israel-political-brief-july-30-2015-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-statement-in-wake-of-the-stabbing-at-the-pride-parade-in-jerusalem-transcript/

Full Text Israel Political Brief May 17, 2015: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Remarks at the Official Jerusalem Day Ceremony Marking 48 Years since the Unification of Jerusalem

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

Excerpt from PM Netanyahu’s Remarks at the Official Jerusalem Day Ceremony Marking 48 Years since the Unification of Jerusalem

Source: PMO, 5-17-15

“Islamic fanaticism threatens Jerusalem, the Middle East and the entire world: Sunni fanaticism, such as that of Islamic State, and the Shi’ite extremists led by the Ayatollahs in Tehran. Extremist Sunni and Shi’ites are fighting each other but they have a common enemy – the West and the culture of freedom and progress that it represents. Only last night, after vigorous action by the US against the terrorism of Islamic State, the leader of Iran, Khamenei, attacked the US and said: It is the United States, so said the man who is heading the negotiations between Iran and the major powers, that is causing and supports terrorism. These words were said when Iran still does not have nuclear weapons and it is still not too late to go back on the plan to give Iran a deal that would pave for it a certain path to nuclear weapons. We oppose this deal and we are not the only ones who do so. It is both necessary and possible to achieve a better deal because extremists cannot be allowed to achieve their aims, not in Iran, not in Yemen and not in Jerusalem.”

דברי ראש הממשלה נתניהו בעצרת הממלכתית בגבעת התחמושת לציון 48 שנים לאיחוד ירושלים

17/05/2015
יום ראשון כ”ח אייר תשע”ה
צילום: קובי גדעון, לע”מ לחץ להגדלה

– הטקסט עבר התאמת עריכה –

נשיאנו, ראובן ריבלין ורעייתו נחמה,
סגן יו”ר הכנסת, חבר הכנסת נחמן שי,
המשנה לנשיאת בית המשפט העליון, השופט אליקים רובינשטיין, גם הוא איש ירושלים,
שרים, חברי כנסת,
ראש עיריית ירושלים, ניר ברקת,
יו”ר הסוכנות היהודית, נתן שרנסקי,
המפכ”ל, יוחנן דנינו,
מפקד פיקוד המרכז, האלוף רוני נומה,
מפקדים ולוחמי צה”ל,
משפחות יקרות,

לפני 48 שנים נתאחו קרעיה של בירתנו ירושלים, והיא שבה להיות עיר שחוברה לה יחדיו. חלוקתה גרמה לניוונה – איחודה הביא לפריחתה. ועל כן ירושלים לא תהפוך עוד לעיר פצועה ומבותרת; אנחנו נשמור לעד על ירושלים מאוחדת בריבונות ישראל.

במעמד זה אנו מרכינים ראש לזכרם של חללי צה”ל במלחמת ששת הימים, ובתוכם הנופלים בקרבות להגנת ירושלים ולשחרורה. אין עתיד בלי תקווה, ואין תוחלת לאומה בלי הנכונות להקרבה. וההקרבה שהייתה בעיר הזאת, בגבעה הזאת, השאירו חותם של מופת לדורות של לוחמים. לא בכדי המתגייסים הטריים לצבא הגנה לישראל מירושלים באים למקום הזה. הייתה לי הזכות לפני כמה חודשים, יחד עם רעייתי, ללוות את בננו שהתגייס להיות לוחם בצה”ל והתרגשנו מאוד, מטבע הדברים – כמו שאר ההורים שהיו כאן – מהיום, אבל גם התרגשנו מהמקום.

אני רוצה לומר לכם, בני המשפחות השכולות, שאני יודע את עומק כאבכם ואני שותף ליגונכם. פצעי האובדן חתומים בבשרכם. אם יש גמול ונחמה על הקורבן היקר – הם טמונים בהכרה של העם כולו לגיבורינו שבזכותם נחלצה ישראל מסכנה קיומית. בני דורי זוכרים היטב את שש היממות שהסירו את לולאת החנק מצווארה של המדינה. אבל לא פחות מכך חקוקים בנו ימי החרדה וההמתנה הדרוכה שקדמו למלחמה.

כולנו ידענו שגורלה של ישראל מונח על כפות המאזניים. קמנו כאיש אחד, התלכדנו, אזרנו עוז, והדפנו את אויבינו שסגרו עלינו בשלוש חזיתות. אין מלחמה צודקת ומוסרית מהמערכה הזאת, שבה התגלה רצון-החיים של עם ישראל במלוא עוצמתו. גולת הכותרת של הניצחון המזהיר הייתה ירושלים. במשך 19 שנים, מאז מלחמת העצמאות, היא הייתה עיר שסועה, סגורה מכל עבר, חנוקה.
יש פה הרבה צעירים, אז אני מזמין אתכם לדבר עם ותיקי ירושלים, בראשם הנשיא ריבלין וגם אנוכי, מי כמונו זוכרים זאת. תשמעו מאיתנו על שטחי ההפקר, על סכנת צליפה מצלפי הלגיון שעל החומות, על קירות הבטון שהגנו על עוברים ושבים בלב העיר מסכנת הירי, על גדרות תיל, ביצורים, מכשולים ושלטים שעליהם כתוב: “עצור, גבול לפניך”.

אני זוכר את זה היטב משכונת ממילא, ששם היה משרדו של אבי ז”ל. ואני זוכר גם את מעבר מנדלבאום. על נגישות לעיר העתיקה בכלל לא היה על מה לדבר. מעמדות התצפית שסמוכות לקו שחצה את הבירה – בהר ציון, באבו תור, על גג מנזר נוטרדם, ניסינו להביט במשקפות מאולתרות על “העיר האסורה”. תמיד הרגשנו שמשהו חסר, תמיד הייתה עננה בלתי-נראית תלויה מעל ראשינו.
כך הייתה ירושלים, וכל זה השתנה בבת אחת לפני 48 שנים. כאן, בגבעת התחמושת, התחולל קרב גבורה מכונן בין תעלות קשר, מחסני נשק ובונקרים. שני דורות לפני שחיילינו התמודדו בגבורה עם איום המנהרות של החמאס במבצע “צוק איתן”, היו התעלות הללו כאן סמל לנחישות ולהקרבה של לוחמי ישראל. ובמרחק של כשני קילומטרים מכאן התהווה הסמל האחר של הלחימה בירושלים, ואני זוכר את הרגעים ששמענו: ‘נכנסנו לעיר העתיקה’.

אני זוכר את הדברים של מוטה גור שהרטיטו את נימי הנפש של כולנו, אני זוכר צנחנים קשוחים שהתרפקו בדמעות על אבני הכותל המערבי. כל אחד מהם הרגיש שהוא נושא על גופו לא רק נשק וקסדה – אלא גם מטען היסטורי עצום של כיסופי הדורות לציון. ביום שחרור ירושלים הגיעה האחדות בעם לפסגות חדשות – בארץ ובתפוצות. המחיצות שנפלו בלבה של ירושלים, נפלו גם בתוכנו. גלים עצומים של הזדהות ושל רגש עמוק שטפו אותנו. הם הביאו להתעוררות ציונית אדירה בכל העולם, גם מעבר למסך הברזל, ולזינוק משמעותי בשיעורי העלייה לארץ.
ואכן, “היום השביעי” שלאחר המלחמה היה מסעיר לא פחות מקודמיו: שחררנו את ירושלים, ירושלים שחררה אותנו. מעיר מכווצת שהקיום בה מנוגד לחיים נורמליים – ירושלים נפתחה למרחב. היא הולכת ונבנית בתנופת פיתוח אדירה, וצדקת הנשיא כשאמרת: תנופת הפיתוח הזו חייבת לכלול גם את מזרח העיר.

אמר הנביא ישעיהו: “הִנְנִי יִסַד בְּצִיוֹן אָבֶן, אֶבֶן בֹּחַן”. ירושלים היא אכן אבן בוחן. היא מעמידה אותנו במבחן – עד כמה אנחנו נכונים להיאחז בה ולשמור עליה. בשנה האחרונה ידענו מעשי טרור חמורים בירושלים – בראשם הטבח המזעזע במתפללי בית-הכנסת בשכונת הר נוף, פיגועי דריסה קטלניים, דקירות בסכינים וידויי אבנים שנועדו לפצוע ולהרוג. גם ביום הזה יש מי שמנסה לאתגר אותנו בירושלים, ואני שולח מכאן איחולי החלמה לשוטרים, ואני משבח את שוטרי משטרת ישראל על כל פעולתה לשמור על ביטחון ירושלים, על ביטחוננו. לא נשלים עם הטרור. נרדוף את מחולליו עד חורמה. נילחם בהסתה שנובעת מהתכחשות אויבינו לזיקה ההיסטורית שלנו לירושלים, לעומק שורשינו, למורשתנו. הם מבינים שירושלים היא נקודת המוקד של הזהות שלנו. יש לנו איתה ברית בת אלפי שנים. כשיהודי אומר “ירושלים” – במלה הזאת מקופלים כל תולדותינו, חלומותינו וערכינו.
ומי מתנגד להימצאותנו בירושלים? מי שמסרב להכיר בזכותנו להתקיים כעם ריבוני במדינתנו. הם רואים בנו נטע זר שצריך לעקור אותו מכאן. אנחנו נטע זר? ציטטתי לפני כמה דקות את הנביא ישעיהו, איש ירושלים, הוא ונביאי ישראל ניבאו בירושלים, מלכי ישראל, מלכי יהודה מלכו בירושלים. צריך לומר את האמת, בלי מורא: ירושלים הייתה מאז ומעולם בירתו של העם היהודי בלבד, ולא של שום עם אחר. כאן החלה דרכנו כאומה, זהו ביתנו ופה נישאר. בד בבד, אנחנו דואגים לכך שירושלים תישאר עיר פתוחה וסובלנית. רק תחת שלטון ישראל נשמר בירושלים חופש הפולחן של בני הדתות, כל הדתות. מאמיניהם מתפללים במקומות הקדושים להם – לא חרף שליטתנו בעיר, אלא דווקא בגלל שליטתנו בעיר.

הקנאות האיסלאמית מאיימת על ירושלים, על המזרח-התיכון, על העולם כולו. הקנאות של הסונים הקיצוניים דוגמת דאע”ש, ושל השיעים הקיצוניים בהנהגת האייתוללות בטהראן. הסונים והשיעים הקיצוניים נלחמים זה בזה, אבל יש להם אויב משותף – המערב ותרבות החופש והקדמה שהוא מייצג. רק אמש, אחרי פעולתה הנחושה של ארצות-הברית נגד הטרור של דאע”ש, תקף מנהיג איראן חמינאי את ארצות הברית ואמר: ארצות הברית – כך אומר האיש שעומד בראש המשא ומתן בין איראן למעצמות – היא-היא המחוללת והתומכת טרור. הדברים הללו נאמרים כשעדיין אין לאיראן נשק גרעיני, ועדיין לא מאוחר לחזור מהתוכנית לתת לאיראן עסקה שתסלול עבורה דרך בטוחה לגרעין.

אנחנו מתנגדים לעסקה הזאת, ואנחנו לא היחידים שמתנגדים לה. צריך ואפשר להשיג עסקה טובה יותר, כי אסור לתת לקיצונים להשיג את מבוקשם, לא באיראן, לא בתימן, לא בירושלים. ירושלים נמצאת באחת מתקופות הזוהר הגדולות שלה. אנחנו מוסיפים לבנות ולטפח אותה, להרחיב את שכונותיה, ויש לנו עוד הרבה מה לעשות ולשפר בכל חלקי העיר למען כל תושביה. אנו מקימים בה פנינות חן תרבותיות, ואדוני ראש העיר, אתה עושה כאן עבודת קודש. אנחנו מקימים בה את הספרייה הלאומית החדשה והקריה לארכיאולוגיה של ארץ-ישראל.

תסתכלו סביבכם, ירושלים – מנופים סביב לה. כל מי שמגיע משער הגיא לבירה רואה שאנחנו חוצבים באבן, מרחיבים את כביש 1, משדרגים נתיבים, מניחים מסילות רכבת. המהפכה שמתחוללת במעמד ירושלים – בתוך העיר ובסביבתה – רק תלך ותגבר בשנים הבאות. יותר מאשר בכל זמן אחר, ביום המיוחד הזה ברור לנו שירושלים המחולקת היא זיכְרון עבר. העתיד שייך לירושלים השלמה שלא תחולק עוד – עיר שהיא “כְּלִילַת יֹפִי, מָשׂוֹשׂ לְכָל הָאָרֶץ”.
חג שמח לתושבי ירושלים, חג שמח לכל עם ישראל.

 

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by bonniekgoodman on May 17, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Jerusalem, Prime Minister, Yom Yerushalayim
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 17, 2015

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-17-2015-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-official-jerusalem-day-ceremony-marking-48-years-since-the-unification-of-jerusalem/

Full Text Israel Political Brief January 13, 2015: President Reuven Rivlin eulogizes victims of Paris attack at Jerusalem Funeral — Transcript

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

President Rivlin eulogizes victims of Paris attack

Source: MFA, 1-13-15
MFASummaryNew

Regardless of what may be the sick motives of terrorists, it is beholden upon the leaders of Europe to act, and commit to firm measures to return a sense of security and safety to the Jews of Europe.

At the funeral ceremony today (13 January 2015) in Jerusalem, President Rivlin eulogized the victims of the terror attack on the kosher market in Paris:
“Dear families, Yoav, Yohan, Philippe, Francois-Michel, this is not how we wanted to welcome you to Israel. This is not how we wanted you to arrive in the Land of Israel, this is not how we wanted to see you come home, to the State of Israel, and to Jerusalem, its capital. We wanted you alive, we wanted for you, life.
At moments such as these, I stand before you, brokenhearted, shaken and in pain, and with me stands an entire nation.
Phillipe, you wanted to shop for the Sabbath, and what is more Jewish than preparing, shopping on a Friday, for the holy Sabbath day.
“My father is a hero”, wept Rafael, your son. “He was murdered, simply because he was a Jew.” What can we say to your dear wife Philippe? What can we say to your three young children, whose cries of ‘Daddy’ will be met with silence?
Francois-Michel, the apartment that you bought here in Israel, was ready for your arrival. You so wanted to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel), to live here with us. But you will never now be able to affix a mezuzah upon the doorpost of your home in Israel. “What man is there, who has built a new house and has not yet inaugurated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle,” as it is written in the Torah. But for you, the war came to you, and the murderer’s hand destroyed everything.
Yoav, you were here, just two weeks ago in Jerusalem, for the first time. You stood at the Western Wall, you were photographed wrapped in the Israeli flag. Today, you are here for the second, and the final time. As a Jewish hero, at one with us.
Yohan, you could have got away, escaped, you could have run – but you did not surrender. You fought with the murderer, to save the life a three year old boy. You succeeded in that, but paid with your life. Just twenty years old, and already a hero.
Dear families, people of Israel. Philippe Braham, Yoav Hattab, Yohan Cohen and Francois-Michel Saada, were murdered on the eve of the Sabbath, in a kosher supermarket in Paris, in cold blood, because they were Jewish. The murderer made sure to be in a Jewish shop, and only then did he carry out the massacre. This was pure, venomous evil, which stirs the very worst of memories. This is sheer hatred of Jews; abhorrent, dark and premeditated, which seeks to strike, wherever there is Jewish life. In Paris, in Jerusalem, in Toulouse, and in Tel Aviv. In Brussels, and in Mumbai. In the streets, and in the synagogues. In the schools, and in the local market. In the train stations, and in the museums.
Like many, I watched the millions who marched in the streets of France. It was a demonstration of deep solidarity which warmed my heart. While the last weeks and months have proven, that terror does not discriminate between blood, we cannot escape the fact that this terrorism, explicitly targets the Jewish people. Those wearing tzitzit (the tasseled four cornered garment), those wearing kippot (skullcaps), those eating kosher food, praying in synagogues, ‘students of the Torah’.
It would be dangerous to deny that we are talking about anti-Semitism, whether old or new. Regardless of what may be the sick motives of terrorists, it is beholden upon the leaders of Europe to act, and commit to firm measures to return a sense of security and safety to the Jews of Europe; in Toulouse, in Paris, in Brussels, or in Burgas.
We cannot allow it to be the case, that in the year 2015, seventy years since the end of the Second World War, Jews are afraid to walk in the streets of Europe with skullcaps and tzitzit. It cannot be allowed, that we should see in the news, frequent vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, of Jews being beaten, and of synagogues and communities under attack. It is no longer possible to ignore or remain ambiguous, or to act weakly or with leniency against the rabid anti-Semitic incitement. Ignorance and violence will not simply go away on their own.
My brothers and sisters, members of the French Jewish community, we have in recent years witnessed a strengthening and a tightening of the vibrant and strong connection between the Jewish community of France, and the State and citizens of Israel. This strong and close bond finds expression in times of joy and grief, in good times and in bad.
We stood here together, and accompanied on their final journey, Miriam Monsonego, Rabbi Yonatan Sandler, and his infant children, Gavriel and Ariyeh. And just last summer, the people of Israel stood as one, as they laid to rest Jordan Ben-Simon, a ‘lone soldier’ from France. I met his parents, and his sisters. Special people, a family committed to a love for Israel, Jewish tradition, and a love for the State of Israel.
At these difficult times, I have learned how much we truly are one people. I understand how important it is that we stay together, close together, regardless of geographical distance. And today too, we are brothers, members of one family, with heads bowed, with tears of sorrow. A bond which cannot be unraveled by time or distance. A bond of spirit and blood.
Much has been said since the murders, on the issue of the immigration to Israel of French Jewry. My dear brothers and sisters, Jewish citizens of France, you are welcome. Our land is your land, our home is your home, and we yearn to see you settle in Zion.
However, returning to your ancestral home need not be due to distress, out of desperation, because of destruction, or in the throes of terror and fear. Terror has never kept us down, and we do not want terror to subdue you. The Land of Israel is the land of choice. We want you to choose Israel, because of a love for Israel.
Dear families, aside the graves of your loved ones, we promise that we will continue to fight for your right to live as Jews – wherever you may be. We will continue to fight for your right to open up proudly the synagogues, to educate your children in the study of Torah, a love for Israel, and a responsibility to the world around them.
Jewish blood is not worthless. Human blood is not worthless. The earth will not cover the blood, nothing will cure the pain. Here, between Jerusalem’s mountains, upon Har HaMenuchot, we lay to rest our brothers who have come from afar, our brothers, sons of France, but also sons of Jerusalem. May they be of blessed memory.”

PM Netanyahu’s remarks at the funeral
(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s media Advisor)
[Translation]
We see the extent of your grief, the depth of your sorrow. When I embraced you in Paris, I told you that I am familiar with your agony, the anguish of partners, parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who lost their beloved. On this day, when four new graves have been dug in the soil of Jerusalem, the entire State of Israel embraces you with love. These graves are the final resting place of Philippe, Yoav, Yohan and François-Michel.
Four dear, upstanding people who loved their fellows. Four people who, like the victims from Toulouse who are buried here, were murdered only because they were Jewish. Their lives were cut short in a frenzy of hatred by a despised murderer. But we shall not waste words on the contemptible killer, nor on those who slaughtered other innocents on French soil, as it is their actions that provide testimony of their murderous zeal, the poisonous fanaticism of the radical Islamic terrorist organizations that serves as the motivation for carrying out horrific acts around the world.
I have been saying this for many years, and I will say it again here today: they are not the enemies only of the Jewish people. They are the enemies of all humanity, and the time has come for all civilized people to unite and eliminate them from our midst.
I returned from Paris yesterday. I marched with leaders who came from all over the world. I think that most of them understand, or are beginning to, that radical Islamist terrorism is a real and present danger to the peace of the world we live in.
And there, in Paris, I witnessed once again the strength of spirit and the warmth of the Jewish community in France, a community that has made a great contribution to France, and is connected with every fiber of its being to the people of Israel, the Torah of Israel and the Land of Israel – the three-ply cord that has never been severed, which has ensured our existence and is the secret of our resurrection.
Therefore, at this time, we should focus on the great spirit that is present here, the spirit of Israel which is saying: you will never, ever defeat us. The secret of our nation’s strength is our internal unity, our faith and the mutual responsibility that binds us together. This is the source of our power, our resilience – the resilience of an ancient people that has overcome every obstacle and adversity, and has risen from the dirt.
Look around here in the mountains of Jerusalem. Today, thankfully, we have a state of our own – a thriving, modern state; a state that shines a bright light, like a moral beacon for the world; a state that takes responsibility for its own fate. And our President was right when he said that Jews have the right to live in many countries, and it is their right to live in perfect safety. But I believe that they know deep in their hearts that they have only one country, the State of Israel, the historic homeland that will accept them with open arms, like beloved children.
Today more than ever, Israel is our true home, and the more numerous we are, and the more united we are in our country, the stronger we are in our one and only state – and that is the hope of the entire Jewish nation.
May the souls of Philippe, Yoav, Yohan and François-Michel be bound in the bond of life.
May we be comforted by the prosperity of our people and the building of our country.

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by bonniekgoodman on January 13, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Europe-Jewish Relations, France, Israel News, Israeli Politics, President, Reuven Rivlin, Speeches & Transcripts, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 13, 2015

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/full-text-israel-political-brief-january-13-2015-president-reuven-rivlin-eulogizes-victims-of-paris-attack-at-jerusalem-funeral-transcript/

Israel Musings November 19, 2014: Netanyahu looks for condemnation, unity after Jerusalem synagogue terror attack

ISRAEL MUSINGS

ISRAEL MUSINGS: OP-EDS & ARTICLES

Netanyahu looks for condemnation, unity after Jerusalem synagogue terror attack

By Bonnie K. Goodman

After a terrorist attack at a Jerusalem synagogue killed five and injured six and carried out by two Palestinians that occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an evening press conference called for world condemnation…READ MORE
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by bonniekgoodman on November 19, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Barack Obama, Benjamin Netanyahu, Canada-Israel Relations, Europe-Israel Relations, Foreign Policy, Israel Musings, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Obama Presidency, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks, US-Israel Relations
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 19, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/israel-musings-november-19-2014-netanyahu-looks-for-condemnation-unity-after-jerusalem-synagogue-terror-attack/

Full Text Israel Political Brief November 18, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Statement on Jerusalem Synagogue Terror Attack — Transcript

ISRAEL BRIEF

ISRAEL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Statement on Jerusalem Synagogue Terror Attack

 Source: PMO, 11-18-14

“This is the direct result of the incitement being led by Hamas and Abu Mazen, incitement which the international community is irresponsibly ignoring. We will respond with a heavy hand to the brutal murder of Jews who came to pray and were met by reprehensible murderers.”

PM Netanyahu’s Statement to the Media

Source: PMO, 11-18-14
יום שלישי כ”ה חשון תשע”ה

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening at his Jerusalem office, issued the following statement to the media:

“We are in the midst of a terrorist assault focused on Jerusalem. Today, during morning prayers, as they were wrapped in prayer shawls and tefillin, four rabbis were slaughtered, four innocent and pure Jews – Rabbi Avraham Goldberg, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Kalman Ze’ev Levine and Rabbi Moshe Twersky. May their memories be blessed.

We send our condolences to their families. We send our best wishes for a recovery to the wounded and to the heroic policemen whose action prevented a greater disaster. The human animals who perpetrated this slaughter were full of hatred and incitement, deep hatred and terrible incitement against the Jewish People and its state. Hamas, the Islamic Movement and the Palestinian Authority are disseminating countless lies and falsehoods against the State of Israel. They are saying that the Jews are contaminating the Temple Mount. They are saying that we are planning to destroy the Holy Places, that we intend to change the order of prayer there – this is all lies. These lies have already claimed a very heavy price. They took the life of a three-month-old baby, Chaya Zissel Braun, who had been taken for her first visit to the Western Wall, along with her parents, who wanted to thank G-d for giving them a baby. They also claimed the lives of Karen Jemima Mosquera, Jidan Assad, Aharon Badani, Sgt. Almog Shilony and Dalia Lemkus. All of them were pure souls. All of them were victims of this mendacious incitement. Today they are joined by additional victims of the same wild blood libel of the kind that is etched in the memory of our people.

Yesterday a bus driver from eastern Jerusalem committed suicide. He committed suicide. The findings of the pathology report have been published and they prove this unequivocally. He committed suicide. But this has not prevented those same elements from inciting and disseminating the blood libel to the effect that he was murdered by Jews. This incitement contributed its part to the shocking slaughter that was perpetrated this morning in a holy place during prayers. But what is outrageous is not only the brutality of the murder but the shouts of joy in Gaza, in Bethlehem and in other places. They are giving out candies, waving axes in the air and praising the shahidim. True, this time Abu Mazen condemned the slaughter and it is good that he did. I remember that he also condemned the murder of the three youths but it is not enough because in the same sentence in which he condemned today’s slaughter, he linked it to imaginary actions – which have no basis in reality – that Israel is purportedly planning to carry out on the Temple Mount. There is daily, even hourly, incitement on the streets of the Palestinian Authority. There, not only do the most reprehensible murderers become the heroes of Palestinian culture, but there is unending, constant incitement against the very existence of the State of Israel, against the security of Israel’s citizens, in schools, the media, mosques, everywhere, and this is the root of the conflict: The refusal to recognize – and educate for – the existence of the state of the Jews.

Last week I traveled to Jordan and held a very important meeting in Amman with King Abdullah and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Together, we called to calm the situation and for the restoration of quiet. To my regret, the answer that we received from the Palestinian Authority was to declare a day or rage in Jerusalem. And today we all saw the result. The world sees this slaughter but, to our regret, does not demand that the Palestinians stop the wild incitement against Israel that is the root of the conflict. I call on all heads of state in the civilized world – I want to see outrage. I want to see condemnation, a deep and uncompromising condemnation of these murders of Israelis, of Jews. Do not discriminate between blood and blood. When there are other acts of murder you express the same outrage and condemn them. But when I see a three-month-old baby being murdered, when I see these Jews at prayer in a synagogue, our holy place, just as a church is holy for Christians and a mosque is holy for Muslims, I expect to at least hear the same condemnation, in an uncompromising and unreserved tone. To my regret, there are those who currently insist on giving the Palestinians a prize in the form of unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that does not recognize the state of the Jews. We will not tolerate this reality; we will fight terrorism and we will defeat it. We will restore law, order and security to the streets of Jerusalem.

This evening I ordered the demolition of the homes of the terrorists who perpetrated the massacre and the hastening of the demolition of the homes of the terrorists who perpetrated the earlier attacks. I ordered stepped-up enforcement against – and stiffer punishments for – those engaged in incitement, as well as the banning of organizations engaged in incitement, and increased security on the streets of Jerusalem. Alongside offensive actions there are also defensive actions.

Citizens of Israel, I call on you to show maximum alert and to respect the law. As a state, we will settle accounts with all of the terrorists and those who dispatched them. We have already proven that we do this, but let nobody take the law into his hands, even if tempers flare and blood boils. We are in a lengthy war against abhorrent terrorism which did not start today. Terrorism has followed us through all the years of the Zionist enterprise. We have always withstood it and we will do so this time as well.

There are those who would like to uproot us from our land and from our capital. They will not achieve their aim. We are in a battle for Jerusalem, our eternal capital. In this battle we must be united; this is the order of the day. We have always known to unite in times of trial. We must put aside all of the little differences and unite around one major issue – defending Jerusalem, defending the security of Israel’s citizens. I think that this is what the citizens of Israel expect of us at this time – to stand together as one, unified and united. What is called for at this time is national unity.”

דברי ראש הממשלה נתניהו בהצהרה לתקשורת

Source: PMO, 11-18-14
יום שלישי כ”ה חשון תשע”ה
סגור
צילום: חיים צח, לע”מ לחץ להגדלה
צילום: חיים צח, לע”מ

“אנחנו בעיצומה של מתקפת טרור שממוקדת בירושלים. היום באמצע תפילת שחרית, כשהם עטופים בטליתות ותפילין, נטבחו ארבעה רבנים, ארבעה יהודים תמימים וטהורים – אברהם שמואל גולדברג, משה טברסקי, ארי קופינסקי, קלמן זאב לוין. יהי זכרם ברוך.

אנחנו שולחים תנחומים למשפחות שלהם, אנחנו שולחים איחולי החלמה לפצועים ובהם שוטרים גיבורים שבפעולתם מנעו אסון גדול יותר. חיות האדם שביצעו את הטבח הזה באו טעונים בשנאה ובהסתה, שנאה תהומית והסתה תהומית נגד העם היהודי ונגד מדינתו. החמאס, התנועה האסלאמית והרשות הפלסטינית מפיצים אין ספור של עלילות ובדותות נגד מדינת ישראל. הם אומרים שהיהודים מטמאים את הר הבית, הם אומרים שאנחנו מתכוונים להרוס את המקומות הקדושים, שאנחנו מתכוונים לשנות את סדרי התפילה בו – הכול שקר, והשקרים הללו גבר גבו מחיר יקר מאוד. הם גבו את חייה של תינוקת בת שלושה חדשים, חיה זיסל בראון, תינוקת שהגיעה מהכותל לביקור ראשון עם ההורים שלה שרצו להודות לאלוהים על זה שהוא נתן להם אותה, הם גבו את החיים של חיה זיסל בראון, של קארן ימימה מוסקרה, של רב פקד ג’דעאן אסעד, של הנער אהרון בעדני, של סמ”ר אלמוג שילוני, של דליה למקוס. כולם נשמות טהורות, כולם קורבנות של ההסתה הכוזבת הזאת, והיום הצטרפו אליהם קורבנות נוספים כתוצאה מעלילת דם פרועה, מסוג עלילות הדם שצרובות בזיכרון עמנו.

אתמול התאבד נהג אוטובוס ממזרח ירושלים. הוא התאבד. ממצאי הדוח הפתולוגי שפורסמו ברבים מוכיחים זאת חד משמעית, הוא התאבד. אבל זה לא מונע מאותם גורמים מסיתים להפיץ את עלילת הדם כאילו הוא נרצח בידי יהודים. ההסתה הזאת תרמה את חלקה לטבח המזעזע שבוצע הבוקר במקום קדוש בזמן תפילה. אבל מה שמזעזע זה לא רק האכזריות של הטבח, אלא גם צהלות השמחה בעזה, בבית לחם ובמקומות אחרים, שם מחלקים ממתקים, מניפים גרזנים באוויר, משבחים את השהידים. אמנם, הפעם אבו-מאזן גינה את מעשה הטבח, וטוב שכך. אני זוכר שהוא גם גינה את רצח שלושת הנערים, אבל זה לא מספיק, כי בהמשך של אותו משפט גינוי על הטבח היום, הוא קשר את זה למעשים דמיוניים שאין להם שום שחר, שישראל כביכול מבצעת בהר הבית. ברחבי הרשות הפלסטינית יש הסתה יום-יומית, שעה-שעה. שם לא רק הופכים את הרוצחים השפלים ביותר לגיבורי התרבות הפלסטינית – יש הסתה בלתי פוסקת נגד עצם קיומה של מדינת ישראל, נגד ביטחונם של אזרחי ישראל, כל הזמן, בבתי הספר, בתקשורת, במסגדים, בכל מקום וזה שורש הסכסוך. הסירוב להכיר ולחנך לקיומה של מדינת היהודים.

בשבוע שעבר אני נסעתי לירדן ונפגשתי שם בפגישה חשובה מאוד בעמאן, עם מלך ירדן עבדאללה ועם מזכיר המדינה ג’ון קרי. אנחנו קראנו יחד להרגעת הרוחות ולהשבת השקט. לצערי, התשובה שקיבלנו מהרשות הפלסטינית היא הכרזה על יום זעם בירושלים. והנה היום כולנו ראינו את התוצאה. העולם מביט בטבח הזה, אבל לצערנו אינו דורש מהפלסטינים להפסיק את ההסתה הפרועה נגד ישראל שהיא שורש הסכסוך. אני קורא לכל ראשי המדינות של העולם התרבותי – אני רוצה לראות זעזוע, אני רוצה לראות הוקעה, הוקעה עמוקה ובלתי מתפשרת של מעשי הרצח הללו של ישראלים, של יהודים.

אל תפלו בין דם לדם – כשיש מעשי רצח אחרים אתם מביעים את אותו זעזוע, אתם מוקיעים את זה ומגנים את זה. אבל כשאני רואה תינוקת קטנה בת שלושה חודשים נרצחת, כשאני רואה את היהודים הללו מתפללים בטליתות בבית כנסת, מקום קדוש לנו, כשם שכנסייה קדושה לנוצרים, כשם שמסגד קדוש למוסלמים, אני מצפה לשמוע לפחות את אותה הוקעה, בעוצמה בלתי מתפשרת ובלתי מסויגת. לצערי, יש כאלה שעוד מתעקשים בימים אלה להעניק לפלסטינים פרס בדמות הכרה חד צדדית במדינה פלסטינית שכלל אינה מכירה במדינת היהודים. אנחנו לא נסבול את המציאות הזאת, נילחם בטרור וננצח אותו. אנחנו נחזיר את החוק, הסדר, והביטחון לכל רחובותיה של ירושלים.

הנחיתי הערב להרוס את בתי המחבלים שביצעו את הטבח ולזרז את הריסת בתי המחבלים שביצעו את הפיגועים הקודמים. הנחיתי להגביר את האכיפה ולהחמיר את הענישה נגד המסיתים וכן להוציא אל מחוץ לחוק ארגונים מתסיסים, וכן הנחיתי להגביר את האבטחה ברחבי ירושלים. לצד הפעולות ההתקפיות, יש גם פעולות הגנתיות.

אזרחי ישראל, אני קורא לכם לגלות ערנות מרבית ולכבד את החוק. כמדינה, נבוא חשבון עם כל הטרוריסטים ועם משלחיהם. אנחנו כבר הוכחנו שאנחנו עושים זאת, אבל אסור לאף אחד לקחת את החוק לידיו, גם אם הרוחות סוערות וגם אם הדם בוער. אנחנו במערכה ממושכת במלחמה נגד הטרור השפל שלא התחיל נגדנו היום. הטרור מלווה אותנו לאורך כל שנות המפעל הציוני. תמיד יכולנו לו, וכך יהיה גם הפעם.

יש מי שמבקש לעקור אותנו מארצנו ומבירתנו. הם לא ישיגו את מבוקשם. אנחנו בקרב על ירושלים בירתנו הנצחית. בקרב הזה צריך לאחד כוחות, זהו צו השעה, ותמיד ידענו להתאחד ברגעי מבחן. צריך לשים בצד את כל המחלוקות הקטנות ולהתאחד סביב הדבר הגדול – הגנה על ירושלים, הגנה על ביטחון אזרחי ישראל. אני חושב שזה מה שאזרחי ישראל מצפים מאיתנו ברגע זה. לעמוד יחד, כאיש אחד, מלוכדים, מאוחדים. מה שנדרש בעת הזאת זה אחדות לאומית.”

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Press Releases -- Statements, Prime Minister, Speeches & Transcripts, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-18-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-statement-on-jerusalem-synagogue-terror-attack-transcript/

Israel Brief November 18, 2014: At funerals for synagogue terror victims, mourners grieve with ’24 orphans from one street’

ISRAEL BRIEF

ISRAEL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

At funerals for synagogue terror victims, mourners grieve with ’24 orphans from one street’

Source: Times of Israel, 11-18-14

Thousands attend funerals of Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, Rabbi Kalman Levine, and Rabbi Moshe Twersky, killed at prayer in Jerusalem Tuesday morning…READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Israel News, Israeli Population, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/israel-brief-november-18-2014-at-funerals-for-synagogue-terror-victims-mourners-grieve-with-24-orphans-from-one-street/

Israel Political Brief November 18, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu demands world ‘denunciation’ of Palestinian terror attack on Jerusalem Synagogue

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

Netanyahu demands world ‘denunciation’ of Palestinian terror

Source: Times of Israel, 11-18-14

Four Israelis with UK, US citizenship killed, several injured as 2 East Jerusalem terrorists storm morning prayers before being shot dead by police; Abbas, Western diplomats condemn assault; PM says Israel to ‘settle score’ with killers….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/israel-political-brief-november-18-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-demands-world-denunciation-of-palestinian-terror-attack-on-jerusalem-synagogue/

Full Text Israel Political Brief November 18, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Holds Security Consultation after Jerusalem Synagogue Terror Attack

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

PM Netanyahu Holds Security Consultation

Source: PMO, 11-18-14

יום שלישי כ”ה חשון תשע”ה
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon at his Jerusalem office, held a security consultation. Among the participants were: Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, ISA Director Yoram Cohen, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, State Attorney Shai Nitzan, Jerusalem District Police Commander Moshe Edri and Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai.

Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the demolition of the homes of the terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks and directed that enforcement against those who incite toward terrorist attacks be significantly increased. The foregoing is in addition to the series of additional decisions that have been made in order to strengthen security throughout the country.

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Cabinet, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Press Releases -- Statements, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-18-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-holds-security-consultation-after-jerusalem-synagogue-terror-attack/

Full Text Israel Political Brief November 18, 2014: President Barack Obama’s Statement on Attack in Jerusalem

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF

ISRAEL POLITICAL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

Statement by President Barack Obama on Attack in Jerusalem

Source: WH, 11-18-14

I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack on worshipers at a synagogue in Jerusalem, which killed four innocent people, including U.S. citizens Aryeh Kupinsky, Cary William Levine, and Mosheh Twersky, and injured several more.  There is and can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians.  The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this horrific attack and in other recent violence.  At this sensitive moment in Jerusalem, it is all the more important for Israeli and Palestinian leaders and ordinary citizens to work cooperatively together to lower tensions, reject violence, and seek a path forward towards peace.

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in American Politics, Barack Obama, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Obama Presidency, Palestinians -- UN, Terror Attacks, US-Israel Relations
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-18-2014-president-barack-obamas-statement-on-attack-in-jerusalem/

Israel Brief November 18, 2014: Four killed in terror attack at Jerusalem synagogue

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Four killed in terror attack at Jerusalem synagogue

Source: Times of Israel, 11-18-14

East Jerusalem men armed with pistol and axes target worshipers at prayer in Har Nof yeshiva complex; 6 injured, including two police; assailants killed…READ MORE

 

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by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 18, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/israel-brief-november-18-2014-four-killed-in-terror-attack-at-jerusalem-synagogue/

Israel Brief October 22, 2014: US condemns ‘despicable’ Jerusalem terror attack

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US condemns ‘despicable’ Jerusalem terror attack

Source: Times of Israel, 10-22-14

State Department still will not confirm that 3-month-old Chaya Zissel Braun was an American citizen…READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in American Politics, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Obama Presidency, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks, US Secretary of State
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/israel-brief-october-22-2014-us-condemns-despicable-jerusalem-terror-attack/

Full Text Israel Political Brief October 22, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Response to Jerusalem Terrorist Attack — Transcript

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PM Netanyahu Holds Security Consultation

Source: PMO, 10-22-14 

22/10/2014
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, held a security consultation in conjunction with Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, Israel Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Yohanan Danino and ISA Director Yoram Cohen.

In the telephone consultation, the Prime Minister was updated on the details of vehicular terrorist attack in Jerusalem; he ordered that security forces in Jerusalem be reinforced. “This is how Abu Mazen’s partners in government act, the same Abu Mazen who – only a few days ago – incited toward a terrorist attack in Jerusalem,” the Prime Minister said.

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by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Palestinians -- UN, Press Releases -- Statements, Prime Minister, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/full-text-israel-political-brief-october-22-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-response-to-jerusalem-terrorist-attack-transcript/

Israel Brief October 22, 2014: Infant killed, 8 hurt in suspected terror attack on Jerusalem light rail

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Infant killed, 8 hurt in suspected terror attack on Jerusalem light rail

Source: JTA, 10-22-14

The driver of the car that crashed into a train station attempted to flee the scene on foot and was shot by police. READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Israel Brief, Israel News, Jerusalem, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/israel-brief-october-22-2014-infant-killed-8-hurt-in-suspected-terror-attack-on-jerusalem-light-rail/

Full Text Israel Political Brief October 22, 2014: US Condemns Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem — Transcript

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Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem

Source: State.gov, 10-22-14

Press Statement

Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC
October 22, 2014
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack in Jerusalem. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the baby, reportedly an American citizen, who was killed in this despicable attack, and extend our prayers for a full recovery to those injured. We urge all sides to maintain calm and avoid escalating tensions in the wake of this incident.

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by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in American Politics, Israel Brief, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Obama Presidency, Press Releases -- Statements, Terror Attacks, US Secretary of State, US-Israel Topics
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/full-text-israel-political-brief-october-22-2014-us-condemns-terrorist-attack-in-jerusalem-transcript/

Israel Brief October 22, 2014: Three reported injured in possible Jerusalem terror attack

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ISRAEL BRIEF: ISRAEL NEWS

Three reported injured in possible Jerusalem terror attack

Source: Times of Israel, 10-22-14

Police shoot suspect who attempted to flee the scene; car collided with pedestrians at Ammunition Hill light rail station…READ MORE

 

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by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Israel News, Jerusalem, Terror Attacks
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 22, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/israel-brief-october-22-2014-three-reported-injured-in-possible-jerusalem-terror-attack/

Israel Musings October 8, 2014: Netanyahu, Obama Administration fight over Jerusalem building, American values

ISRAEL MUSINGS

ISRAEL MUSINGS: OP-EDS & ARTICLES

Netanyahu, Obama Administration fight over Jerusalem building, American values

By Bonnie K. Goodman

President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s friendly White House meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014 was too good to be true considering their track record. It was not destined to last long, within hours Obama…READ MORE
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by bonniekgoodman on October 8, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in American Politics, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Musings, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem Building, Obama Presidency, Prime Minister, US-Israel Relations
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on October 8, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/israel-musings-october-8-2014-netanyahu-obama-administration-fight-over-jerusalem-building-american-values/

Full Text Israel Political Brief May 27, 2014: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech at the Yom Yerushalayim Ceremony Marking the 47th Anniversary of the Unification of Jerusalem

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Address by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ceremony Marking the 47th Anniversary of the Unification of Jerusalem

Source: PMO, 5-27-14 
יום שלישי כ”ז אייר תשע”ד
Photo by GPO

Translation

47 years ago, Jerusalem – the unified city – was joined together again. This is the way it has always been, and this is the way it always will be. We mark this date – the 28th of Iyar 1967. It is a significant date, particularly in this place, because on the 28th of Iyar 1904, 63 years earlier, Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook, founder of this important yeshiva, the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva, immigrated to Israel.

I feel at home here because Rabbi Kook had a tremendous impact on my grandfather, Nathan Mileikowsky. He derived endless strength and inspiration from the Rabbi. Rabbi Kook delivered a beautiful eulogy for my grandfather. Another connection is your beloved father, Rabbi Avraham Shapira, who used to tell me how, as a small child in Jerusalem, he would often listen to my grandfather talk about Zionism, the Land of Israel, Jerusalem, the Return to Zion. He told me that my grandfather was a great orator. I feel at home here. This is my home.

There was something unique about the spirit of Rabbi Kook which beats inside us. Rabbi Kook was a great Zionist. He saw Herzl as a messenger of history. I see him as the personification of a modern-day biblical prophet who emerged from the pages of the Bible. But Rabbi Kook also believed that Zionism must not disengage from Judaism as he believed that nationalism alone, disconnected from the eternal sources of the people of Israel, has neither justification nor viability. There is no spirit without substance. There is no flour without the Torah. This is the essence of the connection between the “spiritual Jerusalem” and the “profane Jerusalem”.

As the Prime Minister of Israel, I am occupied with the “profane Jerusalem”. We dig tunnels and pave roads and build bridges. You see the tremendous work on the path to Zion. All you see in Mevasseret Zion today are the bulldozers paving the paths to and inside our capital city. We are responsible for the building, development and prosperity of Jerusalem, and there is still great work to be done. Jerusalem has developed remarkably. Jerusalem after the Six Day War was not a small village, but it was not exactly a big metropolis either. Today, Jerusalem is a big metropolis. It stands out in all its glory. Jerusalem is Beit Hakerem, Kiryat Yovel and Har Homa, our “southern gate”, which I was privileged to establish during my first term as Prime Minister.

Jerusalem is factories, including advanced hi-tech factories, “From Zion will the software come forth”, and it will come forth to the entire world. Jerusalem is all of these things, but it is also Yad Vashem and Herzl’s Tomb and the Mount of Olives, where my grandfather and grandmother, Menachem Begin and many of our forefathers are buried. Jerusalem is also Mount Zion and Moriah Mountain and the Western Wall and “Eternal Israel”. We preserve our heart, the heart of our nation.

We will never divide our heart – never. As we believe that our capital is the heart of our nation, it must be united, as the Rabbi just said, it must be connected to the great soul of Eternal Israel, to the Torah and to the intellectual assets created by our Sages throughout the generations.

Each Shabbat, I draw strength from reading one book, one portion, uncovering one surprise. Most of the time there is a wise student, more or less your age, to help me, and from time to time we surf the net. The amount of strength we draw from the Bible is tremendous. Never have I read it without discovering how relevant it is to our situation today, both spiritually and practically.

The Rabbi spoke of inner strengths. Let me tell you, you need strength to be Prime Minister of Israel. It is not the easiest job in the world. From where do we draw our strength? Where does this nation – which rose from the ashes and made miracles, a nation revered throughout the world – find its strength? This is my responsibility.

I was in China where Israel is admired. I was also in Japan  where Israel is also admired. I spoke with the Prime Minister of India (I’m talking about the small countries) who respects Israel and wants to have ties with us, and many others. There is also a great deal of hatred, anti-Semitism and slander directed at us, but there is also great admiration because many among the nations of the world know that there is something special here, a spiritual spark, an eternal spark, a people that survived for thousands of years against all odds, returned to their homeland, rebuilt their homeland, established their state and built an unprecedented military force.

There is a unique spirit here, and it all concentrated in one place – Jerusalem. It is concentrated in the Book of Books, in studying it and nurturing it. Every child in our country should know this book, Judaic studies. I am telling you this with a deep conviction. Simply put, I believe it is necessary to ensure our people’s eternity.

This is the reason I am here this evening. I am here to celebrate the joy of Jerusalem with you. “Be glad with Jerusalem and rejoice in her”, said the Prophet Isaiah. I am here to encourage you to keep studying the Torah. I congratulate you on this festive day, the festive day of Jerusalem. Happy holiday to all the people of Israel. Blessings.

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by bonniekgoodman on May 27, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Jerusalem, Prime Minister, Speeches & Transcripts, Yom Yerushalayim
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 27, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-27-2014-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-at-the-yom-yerushalayim-ceremony-marking-the-47th-anniversary-of-the-unification-of-jerusalem/

Israel Musings January 11, 2013: Netanyahu opposes any peace deal framework dividing Jerusalem

ISRAEL MUSINGS

ISRAEL MUSINGS: OP-EDS & ARTICLES

Netanyahu opposes any peace deal framework dividing Jerusalem

By Bonnie K. Goodman

According to a news report from Haaretz released early Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his senior cabinet ministers that he absolutely will not agree to dividing of Jerusalem in any framework for a peace agreement…READ MORE
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by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in 1967 Borders, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Musings, Israel News, Jerusalem, Jerusalem Building, Palestinians -- UN, Peace Process, US Secretary of State, US-Israel Relations, West Bank Settlements
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/israel-musings-january-11-2013-netanyahu-opposes-any-peace-deal-framework-dividing-jerusalem/

Israel Musings January 11, 2013: Israeli leaders oppose Kerry’s framework proposals as he is set to return

ISRAEL MUSINGS

ISRAEL MUSINGS: OP-EDS & ARTICLES

Israeli leaders oppose Kerry’s framework proposals as he is set to return

By Bonnie K. Goodman

United States Secretary of State John Kerry might have just left Israel and the Middle East region this past Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, but he is planning to return for the second time in a week on Monday, Jan. 13…READ MORE
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by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in 1967 Borders, American Politics, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Musings, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Peace Process, US Secretary of State, West Bank Settlements
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/israel-musings-january-11-2013-israeli-leaders-oppose-kerrys-framework-proposals-as-he-is-set-to-return/

Israel Musings January 11, 2013: Kerry’s 10th trip to Israel ends without peace framework agreement

ISRAEL MUSINGS

ISRAEL MUSINGS: OP-EDS & ARTICLES

Kerry’s 10th trip to Israel ends without peace framework agreement

By Bonnie K. Goodman

Secretary of State John Kerry returned to Israel for his 10th visit to Israel since March 2013 and the first of 2014 on Jan. 1, 2014 determined on creating a peace agreement framework between Israel and the Palestinians. Despite whirlwind…READ MORE
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by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in 1967 Borders, American Politics, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Musings, Israel News, Israeli Politics, Palestinians -- UN, Peace Process, US Secretary of State, US-Israel Relations, West Bank Settlements
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 11, 2014

https://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/israel-musings-january-11-2013-kerrys-10th-trip-to-israel-ends-without-peace-framework-agreement/

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