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Speculation deepens that Israel struck terrorist-related target in Syria raid

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—It now appears that the Israel Air Force hit something in Syria last week. What it was remains unclear, but the U.S. government confirmed to The New York Times that it was, indeed, something. Take a deep breath here because it may be the beginning of a scary, but ultimately important change in the way the West deals with terrorists with territory.

Bryen is director of special projects for the Jewish Institute of Public Affairs

Israel's military celebrates its heroes in 2nd Lebanon War

HERZLIYA, Israel (Press Release)--A festive ceremony yesterday was held Monday evening, honoring the IAF squadrons and combat soldiers who fought with extraordinary courage during the Second Lebanon War. "It is an honor for me to stand in front of you, to embrace you and to thank you in my name, in the name of the IAF and in the name of the nation," said the commander of the IAF, Major General Eliezer Shkedy during the ceremony held in the IAF base in Herziliya.

One by one, the combat soldiers of the IAF ascended the stage to accept the citations and certificates of excellence from Major General Shkedy: The pilot of the "Owl" helicopter, Colonel Sharon, who put his life in jeopardy and flew under falling mortars in order to evacuate fellow soldiers; Captain Dr. Dovid, the force's evacuation doctor, who risked his life in order to save a combat soldier during heavy battle in Ita- A Shab; Staff Sergeant Michael Droznodovsky, who commanded the squadron that evacuated the wounded from the INS Hanit, saving the life of Staff Sergeant Yehuda Schayuk at the start of the evacuation. A number of other soldiers were rewarded citations for saving the lives of their fellow soldiers during dangerous and extreme situations in the battle.

"The capabilities of a man and a combat soldier are tested during moments of truth. Their actions during those times go far beyond what is asked from them or what their rank or positions demands. It shows what type of a personality they have, how they were raised and educated which ultimately shapes a man's character." said Major General Shkedy.

He added: "I chose to award citations to all the commanders of the IAF because when your friends needed you most, you withstood the greatest test any soldier could face, and in the best way possible. The next generation, our future, will look to you to hear the stories of your great actions on the battlefield. These stories, just like the stories told to us by our fathers, will provide the youth with the strength and education needed to continue down the path you set."

The night continued with the opening of the "Battlefield Photo Exhibition" an exhibition of photographs shot by IAF reporters and other men of the force. The pictures tell the story of the force's actions during the 32 days of war and of their special operations and rescuing of the wounded. The photographs can be seen on the IAF official website:

Separate ceremonies were held elsewhere in Israel for IDF soldiers assigned to the Central and Northern commands

Citations were awarded to the combat soldiers of the Central Command who fought with extraordinary bravery and courage in the Second Lebanon war, during a ceremony held in Jerusalem's Binunai Ha'uma and in the presence of the GOC of the Central Command, Major General Gadi Shamni. The soldiers, who were accompanied by their families, were also given the Second Lebanon War Ribbon.

"Following the kidnapping of three IDF soldiers in September 2000, it was clear that a stronger reaction was needed in order to allow the IDF to freely operate in the northern border, to combat Hezbollah and to make it clear that the blood of the IDF solders and citizens of Israel does not come cheap," said the Major General during the ceremony.

He addedL "The first and foremost obligation of the Israel Defense Force is to ensure the existence and security of the state of Israel, our home. To ensure that the nation will flourish and prosper, its citizens will be secure, its farmers can plant their fields near the borders in peace, and its cities and towns can live a quiet life like any other nation that seeks peace as much as we do."

The Major General then addressed the heroes saying, "The brave actions of you, the IDF warriors, during these times where ugliness and evil pervade, stand out for their beauty and greatness and are worthy of citations of excellence and our appreciation."

The heroes who served on the northern border during last summer’s war were awarded certificates of appreciation and citations by the Northern Command during a ceremony held this week, Monday. The ceremony was presided over by the GOC of the Northern Command, Major General Gadi Eizenkot, the Head of the Northern Command Staff, Brigadier General Alon Friedman and all the commanders of the command.

Sixty-one certificates and citations were awarded during the ceremony. "The Northern Command is in the process of improving operational training, in order to be fully prepared for any mission. The courage of the heroes of the IDF set an example for us and outline how our command must operate in the future", said Major General Eizenkot. "Heroes of the Northen Command- I salute you!"

The preceding combined materials provided by the IDF and IAF

Mizrahi to retire as head of Israel's
National Security Council in November

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--National Security Council Chairman Ilan Mizrahi has asked to conclude his duties in early November 2007.

During his 1.5 years in office, Mr. Mizrahi greatly contributed to upgrading the status of the NSC and was involved in a series of measures designed to improve its abilities and its functioning.

He was also involved in the work of the Lipkin-Shahak committee on implementing the Winograd Committee interim report. He participated in security and diplomatic consultations held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and oversaw the agenda of the Security Cabinet.

Prime Minister Olmert expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Mizrahi for his significant contributions and noted that the processes he began regarding the implementation of the Winograd report will continue.

Recently Mizrahi led a National Security Council group that met with the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS; attached to the Chinese Defense Ministry) September 2-8.

The talks focused on Middle Eastern and Asian regional issues, including Iran. CIISS Director and former Chinese People’s Liberation Army Deputy Chief-of-Staff Xiong Guangkai said that the CIISS-NSC dialogue would be held at least once a year, alternating between Israel and China. The next round of talks will be held in Israel.

The preceding was provided by the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

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ZOA urges Israel to investigate 'illegal Palestinian housing'

NEW YORK (Press Release)-- The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is supporting the call made in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by Deputy Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman to establish a committee to examine illegal Palestinian housing construction in Area C, those parts of Judea and Samaria that are under full Israeli control, not that of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Lieberman argues that such a committee should also be set up to examine the "illegal construction by Bedouins in the Negev and Israeli-Arabs in the Galilee region.” His demand followed by a few hours the decision made by the Vice Premier, Chaim Ramon, chairman of the ministerial committee responsible for unauthorized outposts, that only the Prime Minister or the Defense Minister possess authority to order the evacuation of 26 unauthorized outposts in Judea and Samaria that were set up under former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

In his letter, Lieberman wrote, "According to certain reports, Palestinian construction in Area C is far greater in scope than the unauthorized [Jewish] outposts" and recommends that the new committee should be headed by Talia Sasson, who wrote the Sasson Report on unauthorized outposts. Lieberman added that he regrets the fact that those who wish to evacuate the outposts "are preoccupying themselves with an issue that pertains to Jews only while ignoring the war on terror which is a core issue that has not been dealt with" (Yediot Ahronot, September 2).

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, "The ZOA has long argued that the large amount of illegal Arab housing construction in Judea and Samaria and in other parts of Israel including Jerusalem, is a problem that the Israeli government has ignored but must confront.

“Much of this illegal housing is funded by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and other Arab states in an effort to move towards de-Judaizing Israel and Jerusalem. We are concerned that the Olmert government has focused only on unauthorized Jewish dwellings but taken no action over literally tens of thousands of cases of Arabs living illegally in houses built without permits and frequently without even applying for permits.

"Already in 2002, then-Israeli cabinet minister Natan Sharansky said that, in recent years, Arabs had illegally built at least 40,000 homes in Jerusalem, many of which are empty. Sharansky said that the homes are 'built for political reasons, in strategic areas of the city, along side roads and in areas where they can help split Jerusalem apart.' He said that the homes are 'built by wealthy Arab contractors, paid for by Saudi Arabia.' The ZOA has in the past urged Israel to deal with this issue and also urged the Bush Administration to use its influence with Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority to halt this illegal construction activity, but so far nothing to our knowledge has been done. We renew our call now, as the problem of illegal Arab housing construction is clearly worsening and not going away."

The preceding was provided by the Zionist Organization of America

Boxer invokes memory of two Op-Ed writing soldiers to call for Iraq change

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer today released a copy of a letter she sent to President George W. Bush calling for him to change course in Iraq in light of the deaths of Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora:

The body of her letter follows:

"I have just learned the heartbreaking news that Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora– two of the seven American soldiers who authored the August 19th New York Times Op-Ed “The War as We Saw It”– were killed near Baghdad this week.

"The tragic irony is that before their deaths, these two soldiers were not only trying to give us direction on how to end this war honorably, but they were also calling on us for help.

"At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing yesterday, I read General David Petraeus this passage from their Op-Ed:

            “'…we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are – an army of occupation – and force our withdrawal… Until that happens, it would be prudent for us to increasingly let Iraqis take center stage in all matters, to come up with a nuanced policy in which we assist them from the margins but let them resolve their differences as they see fit.'”

"I hope you will follow this advice and institute a new policy in which the Iraqis take center stage in defending their own country, thus avoiding the stigma of occupation that is now attached to our troops. This would allow for the immediate redeployment of the vast majority of our soldiers.

"I also ask that you reconsider your decision to extend the surge for one more year. If you insist on extending the surge, it should be done with Iraqi security forces. The U.S. taxpayers have spent $20 billion to train more than 350,000 Iraqi Security Forces in counterinsurgency– surely, there are 30,000 Iraqis that are up to the task of securing their own country.

"Mr. President, you didn’t listen to Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora while they were alive. I hope that you will listen to them now, as they have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country."

The preceding was provided by the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer

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BERLIN (Press Release)—The German television network NDR has sacked a prominent talk show host after she praised the family model promoted by the Nazis. Eva Herman, 48, a former newsreader who hosted a quiz and chat show, promoting family values was removed after comments made at the launch of her latest book ‘The Noah's Ark Principle - Why we must save the Family.'

Discusing the Nazi era, the presenter said "There were the good things, too, that is to say the values, the children, the mothers, the families, the solidarity ..." NDR's programme director, Volker Herres, issued a statement saying that "Herman's authorial activities are, in our view, no longer compatible with her role as a television moderator and talk show host".

Herman said that her comments were taken out of context and that "Whoever knows me and reads the book will be aware how deeply I reject left- and right-wing extremism." She said that her central thesis is that women have been forced to deny their true nurturing nature by the social pressure to succeed in the workplace. This in turn has robbed men of their sense of manhood and is contributing to Germany's very low birthrate.

MOSCOW (Press Release)—Five men from a Moscow suburb have gone on trial for shouting anti-Semitic slogans during a soccer match. The incident took place in April when the men, all in their early to mid-20s, noticed a poster advertising a match between Alliance, a local soccer team, and Moscow’s Jewish team, Maccabi. They showed up at the stadium wearing masks and waving a handmade banner reading ‘Happy Holocaust’ and at one point during the match shouted “Go to Auschwitz!” They face up to two years in jail for inciting racial hatred. The case represents the first time that fans at a sporting event, and not just the teams at play, have been prosecuted in Russia for a hate crime. In this case, one of the teams may be fined as well.

Pavel Feldblyum, president of the Maccabi club, appeared as a witness when the defendants were questioned. “I was stunned when I spoke to them,” Feldblyum said. “When I asked them about the Holocaust and Auschwitz, they appeared to have very little knowledge about either one. One of them bluntly admitted they just knew ‘these words were offensive for the Jews in some way.’ ”

Feldblyum noted that prosecutors and investigators rarely use Article 282-1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which prohibits the incitement of racial hatred or humiliation, “because it is rather difficult to collect evidence and to prove the offender’s intentions."

He credited the authorities' strong response to the incident to the direct intervention of Moscow’s mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, saying that "Yuri Luzhkov intervened personally because he not only knows our soccer club pretty well, but he is committed not to allow the expression of nationalistic sentiments in a megapolis where more than 100 ethnic groups reside."

The Jews 'Down Under'

                           By Garry Fabian

● EJAJ Supports Terror Listing

CANBERRA —The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has welcomed the re-listing of three terrorist organisations by the Australian Government.

This follows Attorney General Phillip Ruddock's announcement that the government will relist Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Quassam Brigades (Hamas Brigades), the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PU) and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code for another two years.

The re-listing means it will continue to be an offence to be a member of, associate with, train with, provide training for, receive funds from, make funds available to, direct or recruit for
these organisations, Ruddock said.

ECAJ President Grahame Leonard said "All peace-loving Australians will support Mr. Ruddock's decision. Clearly the three organisations re-listed by the Australian Government have violent terrorist objectives"

The Hamas Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are committed to the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel. To this end Islamic Jihad has carried out suicide attacks and indiscriminate bombings that
target civilians. Hamas has conducted rocket attacks from Gaza, also against innocents, despite Israel's withdrawal from there more than three years ago, Leonard said.

●New Package to Benefit Survivors

MELBOURNE--Hundreds of Australian Holocaust survivors are
set to benefit from an additional US$250 million in restitution payments from the Conference for Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Up to 6,000 survivors worldwide could receive payments over 10 years. Australian survivors whose applications are successful will receive around $1,500 per quarter.

Under the new guidelines, survivors who are not currently receiving any restitution payments and were previously ineligible for Article 2 pension because their income exceeded the cut-off could now receive payments. Until recently, those with an annual income above US$16,000 were excluded.

Nina Bassat, a Claims Conference and Jewish Care Board member, said payments from the German and Austrian governments "are not only about the money. They're about having missed out on an education and not having the same start in life and having your entire life shattered".

"It is damn well time that the Holocaust survivors are getting as much as they can, particularly in their old age," Shmuel Rosenkranz, a survivor of Kristalnacht and past president of Melbourne's Jewish Holocaust Museum and Research Centre, said.

●Jews respond to Darfur Crisis

MELBOURNE—A packed forum to provide a better understanding of the background and history of the current conflict in Darfur triggered contributions for refugee relief from many B’nai B’rith members who attended.

A panel chaired by Mr. Michael Danby, M.P., Member for Melbourne Ports, consisted of Abdenhadi Matar, President of the Darfur Community Association of Australia; Brendan Ross,
The Human Advocacy Co-coordinator of Oxfam Australia; and David Manne, Solicitor from the Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre.

Abdenhadi Matar in his opening remarks commended the world Jewish community for being among the first to raise attention to the humanitarian crisis. He stressed that the conflict, that has seen 4.5 million displaced, and some 400,000 killed, was
not based on tribal rivalries, but along ethnic lines.

Historically at the end of the 19th century Arabs had been welcomed to settle by the four African Sultans, but over time they became more dominant, with the area eventually being annexed by Arab/Egyptian forces and the Darfur region being neglected as a backwater.

In the 1960's two political movements emerged to raise the issue of neglect to the Darfur region, along peaceful lines. But as they could not influence the central government, their efforts evolved into an armed movement to press their aims. This was crushed by an Arab militia supported by the central government, who supplied them with arms, in the main sourced from China and Russia.

The Sudan government as an Arab state regards the African, non Arabic speaking population as second class citizens, according to Matar. Villages have been destroyed, land taken over and African culture suppressed.

"In short a systematic program of ethnic cleansing has been in progress, leading a refugee crisis of massive proportions" he concluded.

Brendan Ross, who worked on the ground in Darfur for over 12 months, said the critical issue was the protection of both the refugees crowded into the camps, and the staff carrying out
humanitarian operations. While there was a presence of some 8,000 from the African Union, they were ineffective due to the lack of trucks, helicopters and equipment to provide protection
from the militias, who carried out raids, rapes and killings.

"Even if we can stem the violence, there will be huge reconstruction issues to be implemented. The destruction of villages has seen a large segment of the population move from
self-sufficiency to being reliant on aid".

David Manne outlined the five levels of visa classes currently applying to entry into Australia. One of the problems facing the Darfur refugees under UNHCR guidelines is that they
favour refugees outside their country of origin, while some 2.5 million of the Darfur refugees are in camps inside their country.

"Australia admits some 13,000 per annum, 6,000 refugees, and 7,000 under humanitarian guidelines, such as family reunions. While we cannot increase these numbers dramatically, and Australia can only take a small segment of the Darfur refugees,
we need to call on other countries to also render assistance in the resettlement issues"

Panel members said countries such as Australia, Germany, France and others need to provide a peace keeping force that would intervene, and put a stop to the killings and displacements, allowing the local population to be able to resume some normalcy in their own country.

The hall was packed to overflowing, a proof that there is a real concern in our community when it comes to humanitarian issues, not only locally, but in other parts of the world. The proceeds of the evening have been donated to relief funding for Darfur refugees.

Democratic chairman Howard Dean sends Rosh Hashanah greetings

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)— Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement today marking Rosh Hashanah:

"This Wednesday at sundown marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. Jews from around the world will gather to celebrate this new beginning. This is a time not only to reflect on the past, but also to recognize the promise of the upcoming year.

"Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, between the New Year and Yom Kippur. We use this special time to reflect on how we can improve ourselves and the world around us. We rededicate ourselves to combating poverty, hunger, genocide and the horrors of war. As we recognize these challenges we have faith that the upcoming year brings unlimited opportunity to continue to work for a better world.

"From my entire family, we wish all those who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, a happy and sweet new year. L'Shana Tovah."

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NJDC urges Stevens removal from Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)--The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) called on the Senate Republican Leadership today to remove Senator Ted Stevens from his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee until investigation into corruption charges is complete. As USA Today pointed out in its September 6 editorial, Stevens’ “senior position on the Senate Appropriations Committee means that he helps set the budget for the Justice Department, the FBI and the IRS – all of which are investigating him.” [USA Today, 9/6/07]

“Again we see a double standard on the part of the Senate Republican leadership,” said NJDC Vice Chairman Marc R. Stanley. “They were swift to punish Senator Larry Craig for his involvement in a gay sex scandal. But when homosexuality is not involved, GOP Leaders are slow to hold their own Senators accountable.”

Writes USA Today in its editorial, “Particularly troubling is the case of Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who has been swept up in a major corruption investigation. Associates, including an Alaska businessman who oversaw the renovation of a home Stevens owns in Alaska, have been convicted or pleaded guilty. The FBI searched Stevens’ home in July.”

“Senator Stevens is entitled to due process, and if he is cleared of these most serious charges, NJDC would support Stevens’ reinstatement to the Appropriations Committee. However, while he is under investigation Stevens should not have special say in the funding of the very agencies conducting the investigation,” continued Stanley.

NJDC criticized Senate GOP Leadership for immediately penalizing Senator Craig for a homosexual sex scandal, while dragging their feet on holding Senator Vitter accountable for a prostitution scandal.

The preceding was provided by the National Jewish Democratic Council