בקרוב באל על: "טיסת מהדרין" לחרדים
This means:
1. Separate seating (men in the front women in the back)
2. No stewardesses only male stewards
3. No movies
I am sure the wives are going to love this. They are now going to have take care of the kids for the whole 12 hour flight with little or no help from their husbands. After all, he can't go back to the women's section and she can't come to the men's section.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Tzippi, what happened to the UN?
Tzippi Livni was the chief architect of the Resolution 1701 which ended the Lebanon war. She listed that as one of her big achievements. It was great that the UN was involved. Yet, as time passed, it became patently clear that it was a disaster (see Security Council resolution 1701 has completely failed).
She still refuses to admit it however, it is interesting to see her stance this time towards the UN. Now, she is adamantly opposed to any UN resolution regarding the Gaza conflict. If she were a different type of politician as she claims she would admit her mistake.
In any case, she failed again as the UN passed a completely one sided cease fire resolution against Israel.
She still refuses to admit it however, it is interesting to see her stance this time towards the UN. Now, she is adamantly opposed to any UN resolution regarding the Gaza conflict. If she were a different type of politician as she claims she would admit her mistake.
In any case, she failed again as the UN passed a completely one sided cease fire resolution against Israel.
The government fiddles while Rome burns
Last night the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for an immediate cease fire. This is going to make it very difficult for Israel to embark on phase 3 of the ground operation.
The government has been acting as if Israel has all the time in the world. Everyone knew that the time window for an operation would be limited and that relatively quickly the world would intervene and impose a cease fire. yet, the government has dithered and dathered about making decisions. For example, on Wednesday the cabinet met to discuss phase 3 and didn't come to any decision. Well now it may be too late. If the operation had already started then it might have been possible to continue.
The government has been acting as if Israel has all the time in the world. Everyone knew that the time window for an operation would be limited and that relatively quickly the world would intervene and impose a cease fire. yet, the government has dithered and dathered about making decisions. For example, on Wednesday the cabinet met to discuss phase 3 and didn't come to any decision. Well now it may be too late. If the operation had already started then it might have been possible to continue.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Torah scholars don't need protection - does this apply now during a war?
The Gemara in Bava Basra 7b discusses the need for building walls around a settlement. Since walls are for communal protection, all residents have to share in the cost of erecting them. However, the Gemara rules that Torah scholars are exempt from this expense, since they are protected by virtue of the Torah they learn.
Does this apply in a time of war?
R' Zevin in a famous essay says no.
When actual lives are at stake, may we rely on miracles? In 1929 at Hebron... didn't young students of the yeshiva, whose holiness shone like stars in the sky, fall before the malicious enemy? Please, did these martyrs need protection or not?... If you understand that the scholars don't need protection in relatively peaceful times and are exempt from building the protective walls, what consequence has this when compared to a life-and-death struggle, a war which is a mitzvah and in which all are obligated? The defense authorities ordered everyone to cover all windows as protection against shattering glass in case of an air raid. Would anyone think that some rabbis will not do so, claiming, "Rabbis do not need protection?" ...Why did rabbis leave areas under enemy fire along with the rest of the general population? Why did they not rely on this maxim?
R' Aharon Lichtenstein makes a similar statement:
It may be stated... that such a claim (that since rabbis "don't need protection" they should be exempt from military service) raises a very serious moral issue. Can anyone whose life is not otherwise patterned after this degree of trust and bitahon argues for exemption on this ground? Is it possible to worry about one's economic future - in evident disregard of Rabbi Eliezer's statement that "whoever has bread in his basket and says 'What shall I eat tomorrow?' is but of little faith" - and yet not enter the army because one is presumably safe without it?
Does this apply in a time of war?
R' Zevin in a famous essay says no.
When actual lives are at stake, may we rely on miracles? In 1929 at Hebron... didn't young students of the yeshiva, whose holiness shone like stars in the sky, fall before the malicious enemy? Please, did these martyrs need protection or not?... If you understand that the scholars don't need protection in relatively peaceful times and are exempt from building the protective walls, what consequence has this when compared to a life-and-death struggle, a war which is a mitzvah and in which all are obligated? The defense authorities ordered everyone to cover all windows as protection against shattering glass in case of an air raid. Would anyone think that some rabbis will not do so, claiming, "Rabbis do not need protection?" ...Why did rabbis leave areas under enemy fire along with the rest of the general population? Why did they not rely on this maxim?
R' Aharon Lichtenstein makes a similar statement:
It may be stated... that such a claim (that since rabbis "don't need protection" they should be exempt from military service) raises a very serious moral issue. Can anyone whose life is not otherwise patterned after this degree of trust and bitahon argues for exemption on this ground? Is it possible to worry about one's economic future - in evident disregard of Rabbi Eliezer's statement that "whoever has bread in his basket and says 'What shall I eat tomorrow?' is but of little faith" - and yet not enter the army because one is presumably safe without it?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Yeshivas are moving north out of danger, what about the protection of Torah learning? - Updated
Many of the yeshivas in the South (Ashdod and other places) have temporarily moved to Yerushalayim or Bnei Brak.
On one hand the move is understandable, with rockets landing in Ashdod they wanted to move to a safer place. However, on the other hand, this raises some serious questions. The Charedi world justifies the draft exemption for yeshiva students based on the following:
1. Torah learning protects everyone
2. The boys are engaged in מלחמתה של תורה
3. Talmidie Chachamim don't need protection
Based on these it would seem that the Yeshivas should stay where they are. If the boys who are learning are engaged in war just like the soldiers why should they abandon their posts? In addition if Torah learning protects, let them stay where they are and be protected by their Torah. Their move undermines the claim for draft exemptions and looks very bad. The soldiers are entering Gaza to fight while the yeshiva bachurim are fleeing to safer havens.
The Yeshivos that I am talking about are Charedi Yeshivos. I took the information from last week's Mishpacha magazine. Here are some of the Yeshivas that left Ashdod:
Grodna, Petersburg,Belz,Ger.
Here is how the Roshei Yeshiva explained the move:
תורה מגנא ומצלא, אבל ככה קשה לבחורים להתרכז
Torah protects and saves, however, the boys found it hard to concentrate
On one hand the move is understandable, with rockets landing in Ashdod they wanted to move to a safer place. However, on the other hand, this raises some serious questions. The Charedi world justifies the draft exemption for yeshiva students based on the following:
1. Torah learning protects everyone
2. The boys are engaged in מלחמתה של תורה
3. Talmidie Chachamim don't need protection
Based on these it would seem that the Yeshivas should stay where they are. If the boys who are learning are engaged in war just like the soldiers why should they abandon their posts? In addition if Torah learning protects, let them stay where they are and be protected by their Torah. Their move undermines the claim for draft exemptions and looks very bad. The soldiers are entering Gaza to fight while the yeshiva bachurim are fleeing to safer havens.
Update 1/6
The Yeshivos that I am talking about are Charedi Yeshivos. I took the information from last week's Mishpacha magazine. Here are some of the Yeshivas that left Ashdod:
Grodna, Petersburg,Belz,Ger.
Here is how the Roshei Yeshiva explained the move:
תורה מגנא ומצלא, אבל ככה קשה לבחורים להתרכז
Torah protects and saves, however, the boys found it hard to concentrate
Monday, January 05, 2009
The 3 State Option
John Bolton in the Washington Post rightfully buries the idea of a Palestinian state. The solution that he advocates is I believe similar to what Benny Elon has been saying for years. Basically he is proposing that Egypt take control of Gaza and Jordan in some way shape or form the West Bank (details about the West Bank need to be worked out). This is a much more realistic solution then the current failed 2 state model.
The biggest problem is that the Arabs will never agree for a lot of reasons.
In any case this is a good thing because the more people dispute the current 2 state orthodoxy the better.
The biggest problem is that the Arabs will never agree for a lot of reasons.
In any case this is a good thing because the more people dispute the current 2 state orthodoxy the better.
Winning the war and losing the peace
The government is looking to end the war with a political agreement based on a new monitoring system for the prevention of smuggling along the Egypt-Gaza border. The system would rely on an existing security committee comprising representatives from Israel, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and the United States.
Does anyone really believe that this will work? We see how well it worked in Lebanon with Unifil. Does anyone believe that Egypt has the political will to stop Hamas smuggling? The fact is that for the past 6 months they have done nothing to stop smuggling, why should things change?
When will the leadership here realize that Israel cannot rely on the UN or any other group for it's security?
Does anyone really believe that this will work? We see how well it worked in Lebanon with Unifil. Does anyone believe that Egypt has the political will to stop Hamas smuggling? The fact is that for the past 6 months they have done nothing to stop smuggling, why should things change?
When will the leadership here realize that Israel cannot rely on the UN or any other group for it's security?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
3 years ago today Sharon went into a coma
How ironic that exactly 3 years later we are back in Gaza.
Anyone with half a brain can see that the disengagement was a bad idea and has been disastrous for Israel.
What is amazing is that Dov Weisglass who was his chief of staff has the gall to say today that the disengagement was the right thing to do. Anyone with any integrity would get up today and say we made a mistake.
Anyone with half a brain can see that the disengagement was a bad idea and has been disastrous for Israel.
What is amazing is that Dov Weisglass who was his chief of staff has the gall to say today that the disengagement was the right thing to do. Anyone with any integrity would get up today and say we made a mistake.
The final nail in the disengagement coffin?
Now that we are back in Gaza where we were 3.5 years ago, is there anyone who can possibly think that the disengagement was a good idea? I really want to hear the press ask people like Tzippi Livni, Chaim Ramon, Shaul Mofaz, etc. (all the big disengagement supporters) what their view is today.
What is amazing to me is that Kadima, the party founded on the idea of disengagement, still has 27 seats in the poll. How blind are the people? Don't they realize that the current war is a direct result of Kadima's failed policies for the last 3 years?
What is amazing to me is that Kadima, the party founded on the idea of disengagement, still has 27 seats in the poll. How blind are the people? Don't they realize that the current war is a direct result of Kadima's failed policies for the last 3 years?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Top Barak Aide: IDF not aiming to crush Hamas
Why not????? This is pathetic leadership. Barak (and Livni and Olmert) are just setting us up for the next round in the not so distant future. Crushing Hamas is exactly what needs to happen.
Top aide to Barak: IDF aiming to stop Gaza rocket fire, not crush Hamas
Top aide to Barak: IDF aiming to stop Gaza rocket fire, not crush Hamas
Deja Vu - Is this the Lebanon war redux?
Unfortunately I believe so. Again, the government has no clear cut goal and is clearly hesitant to commit ground forces. There is no political will to win the war.
Here are 2 articles that say it better then I can.
Analysis: Disturbing echoes of 2006
...And yet, as Day Five of Operation Cast Lead drew to a close, dismaying comparisons with 2006 were multiplying.
As happened then, there was a developing lack of clarity about the goal of the operation. Initially clearly defined as being aimed at restoring security to the South, it was being exaggerated by some Israeli officials as extending to the destruction of Hamas, and minimized by others as merely seeking a better version of the failed cease-fire.
...
The willingness to even begin to consider a time-out implicitly amounted to Israel starting a stopwatch toward a cease-fire - an approach that, at this stage, flies in the face of the relentless determination promised by the Israeli leadership at the outset.
As with 2006, the hesitancy has extended to the use of ground forces - or rather the non-use of ground forces
Like in Lebanon, in Gaza Israel blinked first
...The declared goal of Operation Cast Lead ("the creation of a new security reality") is minimalist and reveals Israel's unwillingness to fight for a long-term resolution that will create a comprehensive new reality, not only a new security reality.
What is worse, the way the battle is being waged after the impressive air strikes raises concerns that the operation's leaders do not intend to achieve even its modest aims, among other reasons because Israel once again blinked first. The blinking did not begin on Tuesday with Barak's announcement that Israel was considering a "humanitarian" 48-hour cease-fire. It began when the first air strikes were not immediately accompanied by a ground operation. Israel showed, as in Lebanon, that it does not want to reach a strategic resolution and does not have the will, determination or self-confidence to lead a military operation beyond reprisal and punitive action.
This is a major and painful operation, but despite its ambitious intentions it is not a military action that will end the eight-year nightmare of the people of the Negev.
...
If the concealed goal is not resolution but another cease-fire, then it is a pity to use ground forces because the enemy will revive once again and smuggle in rockets, which this time will be able to hit Dimona, and perhaps even Tel Aviv. And once again the air force will be sent in. And again, after every red line is crossed, there will be an amazing air strike. And what then? And until when?
The more days go by with the main component aerial bombardment, which, like in Lebanon, cannot stop the rockets, the public begins to feel (our leaders' arguments show this) that the operation is losing momentum.
Here are 2 articles that say it better then I can.
Analysis: Disturbing echoes of 2006
...And yet, as Day Five of Operation Cast Lead drew to a close, dismaying comparisons with 2006 were multiplying.
As happened then, there was a developing lack of clarity about the goal of the operation. Initially clearly defined as being aimed at restoring security to the South, it was being exaggerated by some Israeli officials as extending to the destruction of Hamas, and minimized by others as merely seeking a better version of the failed cease-fire.
...
The willingness to even begin to consider a time-out implicitly amounted to Israel starting a stopwatch toward a cease-fire - an approach that, at this stage, flies in the face of the relentless determination promised by the Israeli leadership at the outset.
As with 2006, the hesitancy has extended to the use of ground forces - or rather the non-use of ground forces
Like in Lebanon, in Gaza Israel blinked first
...The declared goal of Operation Cast Lead ("the creation of a new security reality") is minimalist and reveals Israel's unwillingness to fight for a long-term resolution that will create a comprehensive new reality, not only a new security reality.
What is worse, the way the battle is being waged after the impressive air strikes raises concerns that the operation's leaders do not intend to achieve even its modest aims, among other reasons because Israel once again blinked first. The blinking did not begin on Tuesday with Barak's announcement that Israel was considering a "humanitarian" 48-hour cease-fire. It began when the first air strikes were not immediately accompanied by a ground operation. Israel showed, as in Lebanon, that it does not want to reach a strategic resolution and does not have the will, determination or self-confidence to lead a military operation beyond reprisal and punitive action.
This is a major and painful operation, but despite its ambitious intentions it is not a military action that will end the eight-year nightmare of the people of the Negev.
...
If the concealed goal is not resolution but another cease-fire, then it is a pity to use ground forces because the enemy will revive once again and smuggle in rockets, which this time will be able to hit Dimona, and perhaps even Tel Aviv. And once again the air force will be sent in. And again, after every red line is crossed, there will be an amazing air strike. And what then? And until when?
The more days go by with the main component aerial bombardment, which, like in Lebanon, cannot stop the rockets, the public begins to feel (our leaders' arguments show this) that the operation is losing momentum.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The war was lost before it started
All the talk about a ceasefire yesterday just confirms this.
It pains me to say this but the war had no chance to succeed for a very simple reason. The government does not want to win. Again, the government has no clear objective for the war. They have stated explicitly that they have no intention of reconquering Gaza or deposing Hamas. A lot of damage will be done, a lot of Palestinians will be killed, but, whenever the war ends Hamas will still be in charge of Gaza and the day after, they will be back smuggling more rockets back into Gaza.
It pains me to say this but the war had no chance to succeed for a very simple reason. The government does not want to win. Again, the government has no clear objective for the war. They have stated explicitly that they have no intention of reconquering Gaza or deposing Hamas. A lot of damage will be done, a lot of Palestinians will be killed, but, whenever the war ends Hamas will still be in charge of Gaza and the day after, they will be back smuggling more rockets back into Gaza.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Shaul Mofaz - Another wasted year as Transport Minister
YNET has an article which details how public transportation went nowhere in 2008 and all of the promises (train line to Eilat, bus competition, etc.) have not been fulfilled.
Why is this very important? The answer is that the Transport Minister is none other then Shaul Mofaz who wants to be Prime Minister and is currently number 2 in Kadima. He has been Transport Minister for 3 years and he has absolutely nothing to show for it. In fact, just recently the FAA downgraded Ben Gurion Airport to category 2. This put us in the elite company of countries like Honduras, Indonesia, Ukraine, Haiti and Bulgaria. Given his track record of no accomplishment as Transport Minister why would anyone want him as Prime Minister?
This emphasizes again the problem with the Israeli system of government where the ministers are appointed for political/coalition reasons. You end up with ministers who have no interest and know nothing about their ministry.
Why is this very important? The answer is that the Transport Minister is none other then Shaul Mofaz who wants to be Prime Minister and is currently number 2 in Kadima. He has been Transport Minister for 3 years and he has absolutely nothing to show for it. In fact, just recently the FAA downgraded Ben Gurion Airport to category 2. This put us in the elite company of countries like Honduras, Indonesia, Ukraine, Haiti and Bulgaria. Given his track record of no accomplishment as Transport Minister why would anyone want him as Prime Minister?
This emphasizes again the problem with the Israeli system of government where the ministers are appointed for political/coalition reasons. You end up with ministers who have no interest and know nothing about their ministry.
The left is calling for a ceasefire
I am actually surprised it took so long, but today all of the leftist icons (Amos Oz, AB Yehoshua, David Grossman, Shulamit Aloni) called for a ceasefire.
A ceasefire now would be a colossal mistake. Hamas would declare victory and in a very short period of time would start firing rockets again. Nothing will have been gained except the feeling in Hamas that Israel is a paper tiger afraid of real war.
Here is David Grossman's idiotic suggestion:
We should in no way strike them so violently, even if Hamas, for years, has made life intolerably miserable for the people of southern Israel, and even if their leaders have refused every Israeli and Egyptian attempt to reach a compromise to prevent this lastest flare-up.
What these people don't understand is that peace cannot be one sided. You can't make peace with yourself.
I am positive that in 1941 all of these idiots would have been calling for a ceasefire with Hitler, after all war solves nothing and you make peace with enemies. Luckily, the world was saner then and the Allies pressed on for unconditional surrender. Israel needs to take a similar tack here.
A ceasefire now would be a colossal mistake. Hamas would declare victory and in a very short period of time would start firing rockets again. Nothing will have been gained except the feeling in Hamas that Israel is a paper tiger afraid of real war.
Here is David Grossman's idiotic suggestion:
We should in no way strike them so violently, even if Hamas, for years, has made life intolerably miserable for the people of southern Israel, and even if their leaders have refused every Israeli and Egyptian attempt to reach a compromise to prevent this lastest flare-up.
What these people don't understand is that peace cannot be one sided. You can't make peace with yourself.
I am positive that in 1941 all of these idiots would have been calling for a ceasefire with Hitler, after all war solves nothing and you make peace with enemies. Luckily, the world was saner then and the Allies pressed on for unconditional surrender. Israel needs to take a similar tack here.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Degel and Aguda are running together
Last weeks Charedi newspapers were very pessimistic and predicted that they would run separately. However, yesterday in marathon negotiations they came to agreement and are running together.
It will be interesting to see how things play out as Litzman is again number 1 one on the list and he is a very controversial figure in the non-Ger world. Porush is number 3 on the list another controversial figure who many blame for running for Mayor of Yerushalayim and losing. Many people may find it hard to vote for such a list and we may see some Haredim voting for other parties.
It will be interesting to see how things play out as Litzman is again number 1 one on the list and he is a very controversial figure in the non-Ger world. Porush is number 3 on the list another controversial figure who many blame for running for Mayor of Yerushalayim and losing. Many people may find it hard to vote for such a list and we may see some Haredim voting for other parties.
So far so good, but how will it end?
So far Israel has landed some big blows on Hamas. However, the question is what is next and how will it end? The second Lebanon war started out fine also but the governments indecision and failure to apply overwhelming force led to disaster. The big question is will history repeat itself?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Ehud Barak is Crazy Eddie - His prices are insane
80 rockets buys the Palestinians 40 trucks with "humanitarian aid".
This really is just insane. There is no other way to describe this. No sane leader would allow this situation to continue let alone aid and abet those who are firing the rockets.
This really is just insane. There is no other way to describe this. No sane leader would allow this situation to continue let alone aid and abet those who are firing the rockets.
Is Kadima in the opposition?
If you were out of touch for the past 3 years and just returning to Israel, after listening to Kasima leaders like Tzipi Livni, Chaim Ramon, Mofaz, etc. you would be sure that Kadima is in the opposition. They get on the radio every day and say the situation is unbearable, we need to take action, the ceasefire with Hamas was a mistake, etc. without ever acknowledging that they are responsible for the situation because of their past actions and they are in charge of the government that is doing nothing. The fact is that the situation is unbearable because of them. They were the ones who executed the disengagement, they were the ones who voted for the ceasefire, they are the ones running the government now.
What is amazing (or maybe not so amazing) is that no one and I mean no one in the press calls them on this. The Likud needs to keep hammering away with this. I heard Benny Begin on the radio this morning make exactly these points and the host tried to shut him up and move on.
What is amazing (or maybe not so amazing) is that no one and I mean no one in the press calls them on this. The Likud needs to keep hammering away with this. I heard Benny Begin on the radio this morning make exactly these points and the host tried to shut him up and move on.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
הוציאוה ותשרף
All of the mefarshim are bothered by this, why was Tamar chayav שריפה? Rashi says that she was the daughter of שם and therefore a בת כהן (against the Gemara in סוטה), but in any case even so the din of שריפה should not apply.
The בעל הטורים quotes a fascinating pshat in the name of R' Yehuda Hachassid. He says that they were not going to kill her, rather they were going to burn a mark on her forehead to mark her as a prostitute.
The בעל הטורים quotes a fascinating pshat in the name of R' Yehuda Hachassid. He says that they were not going to kill her, rather they were going to burn a mark on her forehead to mark her as a prostitute.
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