-
Home
- frontpage
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan
Braving the hailstorm of Gazan rocket fire, Dr. Mike Evans leads delegation of pro-Israel Christian supporters to demonstrate their solidarity with Israel
The delegation led by Dr. Mike Evans, best-selling author, award-winning journalist and American commentator, who founded the Jerusalem Prayer Team in 2002 and Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem in 2015 with the goal of highlighting religious tolerance and investing in dialogue between Christian Zionism, the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Evans has also written a number of books and has provided analysis and commentary on Middle East affairs for a variety of media.
Yesterday Tuesday, Evans and his team toured capital Jerusalem, and then proceeded to Ashkelon and Sderot, both of which have been battered throughout the past week by Hamas rocket fire and suffered heavy damage. Early in the morning, the delegation met with a number of families who were evacuated from their homes in Israel’s south and took refuge over the weekend in new apartments recently added to the Holocaust Survivor Guest House, a 10 million NIS project initiated by Evans that includes 7 apartments adapted and accessible to survivors with facilities and features resembling those of a five-star hotel.
One of the families they met and spoke to were the Senders*. Danny Sender, 12, who was evacuated from his home along with his parents and three siblings ages 9, 5 and 2 and offered temporary lodgings in the Guest House after their apartment building was hit by a rocket, shares, “It was terrifying hearing the sirens all the time. We could be anywhere, but we’d have to drop everything and just run. The last time was a blur. I barely remember grabbing Ofer’s hand. He was playing with his train set and didn’t want to let go. But I just yanked him and pulled him inside. Mom slammed the door behind us, and seconds later, we heard the loudest noise I ever imagined. I can still hear it. The building shook like it was going to fall; we were all screaming. And then, it was eerily quiet for a minute.”
“It’s tough. It’s really, really tough,” expresses Danny’s mom, Adi. “Our apartment was damaged, and the kids are traumatized—but thank G-d, we’re all alive and well and safe here. The opportunity to stay in these apartments after all we endured was a lifesaver. It’s so comforting to know that there are people out there—not just in Israel, but also around the world—who care and want to help.”
From Jerusalem, the delegation proceeded to Ashkelon, Israel’s largest city on the Gazan border, which has been pelted by rocket fire and suffered several casualties since the beginning of this mini-war. They met with police officers who patrolled with them around the city. The visit continued with a tour of Sderot and a meeting with residents in the shelters who were deeply moved by the show of American support of Israel, and culminated with a meeting with Sderot’s mayor Mr. Alon Davidi.
In the course of the visit, Evans repeatedly offered his encouragement to Israeli citizens and expressed his disappointment and appall by the skewed media presentation of the true state of affairs. “The media portrays Israel to look like the aggressor and Hamas like the victim, when the opposite is true,” he said. “It’s a media war and a physical war.”
Evans’ relates that his pro-Israel prayer page, which boasts some 78 million followers, was pulled from Facebook after radical Islamists flooded it with extreme anti-Semitic hate speech. Evans had been hosting a daily global prayer event to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. On Thursday, May 13th alone he had one million engagements and 43 million impressions along with a huge number of people posting anti-Israel statements and anti-Semitic pictures and attacking the site, which caused Facebook to close the page.
He explains that Iran is fueling the conflagration, using the Hamas terrorist group as a proxy to fight its war against Israel and the West. “The media throughout the world is buying into the lie, publishing stories that equate Hamas and Israel with moral equivalency, claiming that Hamas is the victim, beaten up by Israeli storm troopers, but it’s a lie.”
Evans shares that he’s planning a Facebook event that will connect world leaders with 78 million followers in the Jerusalem Prayer Team, “But it’s difficult because these devils are trying to win many wars—media war, social network war and a physical war—all with lies.”
Photos & Video credit Perry Mandelbaum
- Details
- Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office
In light of the recent rise in violence, President Rivlin held an emergency briefing for ambassadors of European Union member states in Israel
President Rivlin:
“We will not allow violence and disruption. Palestinian extremists have turned the Temple Mount into a cache for weapons, and a base for attacks. We cannot allow this holy site to be used for violent disorder that threatens both Jewish and Muslim worshippers.”
“The men and women of the Israel Police have acted heroically to restore order and to allow all Jerusalemites to live and pray safely.”
“Yesterday, our capital city, Jerusalem, was attacked. Since then, hundreds of rockets have been fired on our cities and thousands of children have been taken by their parents to the bomb shelters. No country in the world would accept a situation like this. We will never accept this reality. We will protect our citizens by all means necessary.”
President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Tuesday 11 May / 29 Iyyar, held an emergency briefing in light of the recent rise in violence for ambassadors of European Union member states in Israel. The briefing was attended by the EU states’ ambassadors, headed by European Union Ambassador to Israel Emmanuele Giaufret and ambassadors of Germany, Italy, Spain, France and others.
“I wanted to talk with you today about the winds of peace blowing in our region, but you are aware of the provocations, the terrorist attacks and Hamas violence that has turned Ramadan into a nightmare,” said the president to the ambassadors. “Last week, I hosted an Iftar meal at Beit HaNasi for Muslim ambassadors and leaders. They all know that Jerusalem is an open city where people of all religions pray freely. During the month of Ramadan, tens of thousands of Muslims have prayed safely on the Temple Mount, as they do throughout the year. We will always protect and preserve freedom of religion and of worship, but we will not allow violence and disruption that threaten the safety of all Jerusalemites – Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. In recent weeks, we have seen a rise in Palestinian violence against Jews across Jerusalem. Many of these attacks were shared on social media. They have led to outbreaks of violence where Palestinian extremists have turned the Temple Mount into a cache for weapons, and a base for attacks. We cannot allow this holy site to be used for violent disorder that threatens both Jewish and Muslim worshippers. The men and women of the Israel Police have acted heroically to restore order and to allow all Jerusalemites to live and pray safely. As you all know, without any precursor violence, yesterday afternoon our capital city, Jerusalem, was attacked in a barrage of Hamas rockets. Since then, hundreds of rockets have been fired on our cities and thousands of children have been taken by their parents to the bomb shelters. No country in the world would accept a situation like this. We will never accept this reality. We will protect our citizens by all means necessary.”
“As I have said many times before, Arabs and Jews are not doomed to live together. We are destined to do so. The path to peace depends on regional partnerships, developing initiatives that bring benefits to all sides, and building mutual trust and understanding. These are the foundations of peace,” said the president. “In the Middle East as in Europe, there are no short cuts. Peace cannot be based on a piece of paper. Peace cannot develop by attacking Israel in UN bodies or by harming Israel’s right to defend itself through the International Criminal Court. The European Union can play a vital role in promoting Israeli-Palestinian cooperation to the benefit of all sides.”
“The Israeli-Palestinian arena is very important, but there is no reason for EU-Israel relations to be held hostage to the relations between Jerusalem, Ramallah and Gaza. Conditions of this sort damage our future relations, contribute nothing to the Palestinians and do not advance our shared goal of peace. I know that many of you have visited our borders. You have seen for yourselves the threats we face from Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah. I know that your governments are committed to Israel’s security, and that is why it is crucial to act decisively against terrorism, against Iran’s threats and nuclear ambitions and to put Hezbollah and its various branches beyond the law,” he said in conclusion.
Photo credit: Mark Neyman (GPO)
- Details
- Written by Silvia
* Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cameri Theater * Special ceremony to remember gay victims of the Holocaust * 'Zikaron B'Salon' and Holocaust survivor testimonials across Tel Aviv-Yafo *
Tel Aviv-Yafo, April 6 – Tel Aviv-Yafo will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah), commencing tomorrow evening (Wednesday, April 7). For event coverage, please coordinate in advance with Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality.
Central Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cameri Theater
Wednesday, April 7, 8 p.m., Cameri Theater, 19 Shaul HaMelech Blvd.
The central Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cameri Theater will be attended by Mayor Ron Huldai, hosted by Dvir Benedek and feature a series of songs and performances.
The ceremony will be held in accordance with Green Pass regulations. More details here: https://bit.ly/3sSS3Ph
Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony in memory of gay community victims
Wednesday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., Beit Ariela, 25 Shaul HaMelech Blvd.
Alternative reading excerpts, acting and singing performances, and a puppet show hosted by the "Proud Ensemble" and featuring an opera singer.
The ceremony will be held in accordance with Green Pass regulations. More details here (Hebrew): https://lgbtqcenter.org.il/yumhashoa/
Holocaust survivor testimonials: "Zikaron B'Salon" across Tel Aviv-Yafo
Commencing Wednesday, April 7, from 6 p.m., at community centers across the city (advance registration required)
- Zikaron B'Salon in Florentin (Hebrew): Join Dani Sheraf at the Florentin Community Center (74 Abarnabel St., 6:30 p.m.) and learn his mother’s story - the family’s sole survivor: https://bit.ly/3rQWnNJ
- Zikaron B'Salon at Gordon Pool (Hebrew): Join Italian Holocaust survivor Ada Bolotin at Gordon Pool (14 Eliezer Peri St., 6:30 p.m.), and learn her inspiring story at this open-air event: https://bit.ly/3wB98jl
- Zikaron B'Salon in Neve Tzedek (French): French speakers are invited to join an evening of remembrance with Clara Brodesh at the Neve Tsedek Community Center (22 Shabazi St., 7 p.m.): https://bit.ly/3rNBTW9
* Reminder: A two-minute siren will be sounded at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 8 *
Picture of the memorial statue in Rabin Square. Credit to Barak Brinker
- Details
- Written by Israel Ministry of Defense
Israel Ministry of Defense and Hellenic Ministry of National Defense Sign Expansive Agreement
The agreement amounts to approximately NIS 5.4 billion and includes the establishment and operation of an International Flight Training Center for the Hellenic Air Force, by Elbit Systems over a period of 22 years.
Defense Minister, Benny Gantz: “This cooperation agreement rests on the excellence of Israel’s defense industry and the strong relations between the defense establishments of Greece and Israel. I thank the Greek Minister of Defense, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos for promoting the agreement, which we had discussed at the last trilateral meeting held in Cyprus. I am certain that [this program] will upgrade the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece and thus the partnership between our two countries will deepen on the defense, economic and political levels.”
On Friday (16.04.2021), Head of the Directorate for International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT), in the Israel Ministry of Defense, Brig. Gen. (Res.), Yair Kulas signed the biggest defense agreement to date, between the State of Israel and Greece. As part of the agreement, the Israel Ministry of Defense and Elbit Systems will lead the establishment of an International Flight Training Center for the Hellenic Air Force. Modeled after the Israel Air Force (IAF) flight academy, the Greek International Flight Training Center will be equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft produced by Italian company, Leonardo.
The G-to-G agreement amounts to around NIS 5.4 billion and will span over 22 years. Within the framework of the agreement, Elbit Systems will provide kits to upgrade and operate the Hellenic Air Force's T-6 aircraft. Elbit will also provide training, simulators and logistical support. In the future, the parties will also consider areas of cooperation between the Israeli flight academy and Hellenic Airforce Academy.
SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas: "The strategic partnership between the Israel Ministry of Defense and Hellenic Ministry of National Defense is further cemented today, via the signing of the most expansive and one of the most significant defense agreements to date. I would like to thank the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense for choosing Israel and we look forward to future opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis: “We are honored to have been awarded this contract to provide such an important capability to the Hellenic Air Force. This contract award attests to the leading position we hold in the area of training, providing tested know-how and proven technologies that improve readiness while reducing costs.”
Photo credit: Hellenic Ministry of Defense
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan
The only Yom HaShoah event dedicated annually to commemorating the heroism of Jews who rescued fellow Jews during the Holocaust
The B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF) on Thursday, April 8, will hold, for the 20th consecutive year, a joint Holocaust commemoration ceremony on Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day.
This is the only Yom HaShoah event dedicated annually to commemorating the heroism of Jews who rescued fellow Jews during the Holocaust. The ceremony will take place at the B’nai B’rith Martyr’s Forest “Scroll of Fire” Plaza at 10 a.m. Israel time.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions this year's ceremony will be held at the forest with limited attendance and will be broadcast live on YouTube.
The B'nai B'rith Martyr’s Forest is the largest joint B’nai B’rith and KKL-JNF project, which memorializes the victims of the Holocaust with six million trees planted in the picturesque Jerusalem mountains near Moshav Kesalon.
At the pinnacle of the forest stands the “Scroll of Fire,” created by renowned sculptor Nathan Rapoport, which invokes the destruction of the Jewish people in the Holocaust and their redemption in the State of Israel.
The event will commence with personal testimonies by Holocaust survivors and rescuers.
This year's ceremony honors Wilhelm Filderman and Itschak Artzi (Romania), José Aboulker (Algiers) and 10 other rescuers who operated in Poland, France and Belgium.
For the first time, two rescuers from Mandatory Palestine – paratrooper Hannah Szenes and WZO official Moshe Shapiro – will be recognized with the Jewish Rescuers Citation.
Photo Andarta Courtesy: Yossi Zamir.
Hannah Senesh picture: Courtesy: Senesh family.
