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          Tuesday Evening , September 4, 2007
 
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(click on headline below to jump to the story)

Israel and Middle East

Livni, with Solana at side, hints retaliation against Gaza rocket attacks

Olmert orders IDF to 'hit' those
responsible for rocket attacks

Olmert and Blair confer about
Palestinian institutions, economy

Israel's High Court rules security fence must be altered in places

Israel outlines its agenda for the
United Nations:
full participation

Austrian chancellor vows era of good relations with Israel

Italy's Foreign Minister D'Alema en route to Israel for meetings

Israel hosts Red Cross delegations from Botswana, Cyprus and Georgia

Jets, tanks and antiballistic systems on IDF acquisition list

Givati Brigade remembers its fallen in emotional ceremony

Lone soldiers of IDF get a special treat: a day off at the beach

 White House issues statement congratulating Lebanese government 

Voice of America broadcasts Israel's Consul General Ehud Danach to Iran

Europe

Hotel showcasing Nazi bunker
facing possible criminal charges

Magyar Garda chief accuses Hungarian
government of slandering his group


 

United States of America

Cardin welcomes Dr. Haleh Esfrandiari's release from Iran

Schakowsky tells national radio audience U.S. should quit Iraq

Features

Jewish Grapevine

News Sleuths
 

Greater San Diego County


'Do it your-Seff course inpreserving memories at JFS College Senior  Center

Livni, with Solana at side, hints retaliation against Gaza rocket attacks

 JERUSALEM (Press Release)--During a joint news conference with Javier Solana, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni issued a warning to the Hamas government in Gaza, that life in Gaza could not remain the same so long as rockets are being fired at Israel from that territory.   Here is a transcript of their joint appearance:

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni: I would like to welcome a friend, Javier Solana, on his visit to the region again. The situation is complicated as it always is, yet we can see that a dialogue between (Palestinian President) Abu Mazen and (Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert is taking place, and we may be facing new opportunities, while facing the same old threats. As always, there is a need to discuss, to share ideas and to see what the prospects are and what the meaning of the situation is – how we can translate some ideas into more concrete steps.

The role of Javier Solana is, of course, very important to the region. He understands the situation; he understands the players in the region; he understands the Israeli interest as well as the Palestinians' needs. And we discussed, of course, the bilateral relations between Israel and the European Union and the fact that Israel would like to upgrade its relations with the European Union.

Of course, we discussed the situation in the region: the Iranian threat, the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons; the current situation and the ongoing process between Israel and the Palestinians; the need to provide an answer to the rearmament of Hizbullah in Lebanon, and of course, the sad fact that there are three abducted solders who are still being held - two by Hizbullah and one by Hamas.
      
Rocket fragments found today in Sderot— IDF photo

Only today, we saw that the situation in Gaza has deteriorated and that in fact Israel is being targeted on a daily basis. Today a Kassam rocket fell just a few meters from a kindergarten and this is something that leads to an understanding that business is not as usual. We just opened our schools and kindergartens yesterday, and it is part of the responsibility of the Israeli government to provide an answer to attacks of this kind.

High Representative Javier Solana: Thank you very much. For me it is a pleasure to be back here in Jerusalem, in Israel. The last time I was here was in the second half of July, if I recall properly, and I will continue coming regularly because I feel very attached to your country and very attached to the peace process.

 I think that the time now, from the beginning of September until December, is going to be of a certain importance, if we do it properly, and I do hope we will do it properly. This applies basically to the
(Jump to continuation)

Israel and the Middle East

Olmert orders IDF to 'hit' those
responsible for rocket attacks
JERUSALEM (Press Release) – Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared on Monday, September 3:  "Rocket barrages have once again been launched on Sderot. They threatened the wellbeing of kindergarten children in this rocket-battered town, which has been exposed to the terror groups' brutality for over five years. We will not put up with this attack. The IDF has been instructed to destroy all launchers and target anyone involved in the attacks. We will hit all those in the chain of command who harbor terrorists and act against the State of Israel."

IDF soldiers evacuated babies from a day care center in Sderot on Monday (3 September) after a Kassam rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip exploded in its courtyard. The rocket was one of seven fired from the Gaza Strip into the western Negev on Monday, as children started their second day of the new school year. Twelve children suffered from shock and were evacuated to Ashkelon for treatment. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks, calling them "a gift for the opening of the school year."

A Kassam rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip landed directly on the bedroom of a house in Sderot (28 August). The residents had heard the alarm and entered their secure room before the rocket struck. A passerby was moderately wounded in the eye by shrapnel, and several were treated for shock.

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Olmert and Blair confer about
Palestinian institutions, economy

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held a long and friendly meeting this evening, with International Quartet Middle East representative Tony Blair.  The meeting was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere.  
 
The two men discussed at length the Palestinian issue and Mr. Blair’s mission to the Palestinian Authority.  Mr. Blair presented a series of practical issues for progress between Israel and the PA in the fields of administration, the economy, security and the public sector.  Prime Minister Olmert promised to give all necessary assistance to assure the success of Mr. Blair’s mission.
 
The two men agreed to be in continuous contact during Mr. Blair’s mission.

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

 (Return to top)

Israel's High Court rules security fence must be altered in places

JERUSALEM (Press Release)—The Israeli Supreme Court has ordered that the route of the security fence be redrawn in certain areas in order to lessen the impact on Palestinians living near its path, the Associated Press reported.

The judges specified that “this will require destroying the existing fence in certain places and building a new one.” The ruling is not the first time the court has ordered that the fence be altered.

In a previous case, Former Israeli Chief Justice Aharon Barak wrote that Israel’s democratic nature forced it to balance real security concerns with a commitment to due process and human rights, noting that “a democracy must sometimes fight with one arm tied behind her back.”

Since Israel began construction on the fence, it has reduced Palestinian suicide bombings by more than 95 percent.

The preceding story was provided by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee

(Return to top)
 
Israel outlines its agenda for the United Nations: full participation

UNITED NATIONS, NY (Press Release)--Israel's agenda at the United Nations is a function of those subjects with which Israel is dealing in the areas of peace and security, economic and environmental development and human rights. However, its agenda no less stems from Israel's desire to be, just like all the other Member States of the United Nations, integrated into the global agenda as an equal among equals, contributing its knowledge and resources. 

Israel is interested in separating itself from its image in the United Nations as a one-issue country (the Arab-Israel conflict). Instead, it seeks to act within the multilateral diplomatic arena of the United Nations and international organizations, as a state that contributes to the work of the organization, both within the framework of deliberations in the General Assembly and also in the activities of the organization, the Secretariat, and the specialized agencies.

Israel is doing this primarily by creating its own positive agenda vis-à-vis the UN, and by determining those many areas in which Israel has a relative advantage and through which it can contribute to the work of the organization. Such activity is perhaps even ultimately more important than engagement with the traditional political agenda which was fostered by the Arabs and the Palestinians during the 1970s and 1980s, a result of which many one-sided resolutions have since been adopted annually.

Israel will in 2007 pay its share in financing the UN, by paying its membership dues on time and unconditionally, thus being one of only a few dozen countries that do so. Israel's share in funding the organization and in funding the major agencies, whose operations are financed by the membership dues, is 0.419 percent of the budget, some 9 million dollars. Israel's share in funding the separate budget of peacekeeping forces will be this year about 35 million dollars. Israel is in the 27th place among Member States in terms of the level of its dues assessment, and this fact also strengthens our demand for equality in rights in the organization.  (Jump to continuation)

 
Austrian chancellor vows era of good relations with Israel

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--Austria’s Chancellor, Alfred Gusenbauer, began a two-day visit to Israel on Monday, pledging "a new chapter" in his country's emotional and often strained relationship with the Jewish state. Gusenbauer's visit is the first to Israel by an Austrian head of government in almost 10 years and only the third since the country was founded in the wake of the Nazi Holocaust.

Ties have often been strained because of Austria's merger with Germany during World War II. At a meeting with the Isrtaeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, Gusenbauer said "It's true that the relationship between Austria and Israel not always has been an easy one, but I think we are embarking on a new initiative. We are opening up a new chapter in our relationship, a chapter of friendship and cooperation".

Many Austrians enthusiastically supported the Austrian-born Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and about 70,000 Austrian Jews were killed in the Holocaust. For years Austria rejected responsibility for the persecution of Jews on its territory, arguing that it became the first victim of German aggression when Hitler annexed Austria in 1938.

The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress

 (Return to top)

 Italy's Foreign Minister D'Alema en route to Israel for meetings

JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Massimo D'Alema, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, will arrive in Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, 5 September). He will meet senior Israeli officials, and be updated on recent developments in the region.

During his visit, FM D'Alema will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni and with Minster of Defense Ehud Barak. FM D'Alema will also meet with Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair, who is currently in Jerusalem, and with the families of the abducted soldiers.

Upon his return, FM D'Alema will meet with President Shimon Peres, who is currently in Italy.

Prior to his visit to Israel, FM D'Alema visited the Palestinian Authority and Egypt, where he held discussions with the Foreign Ministers of several countries that are members of the Arab League. 

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Israel hosts Red Cross delegations from Botswana, Cyprus and Georgia

JERUSALEM (Press Release) --Israel’s Deputy Director General of the Division for International Organizations and the United Nations, Mr. Ronny Leshno-Yaar, met today (Tuesday, 4 September) with President of the Botswana Red Cross Dr. N. Mbere, the President of the Georgian Red Cross Nana Keinishvili and with the Director General of the Cypriot Red Cross, Takis Neophytou, who are on an official visit to Israel as guests of Magen David Adom.

The heads of these national associations spoke of their wish to strengthen the humanitarian cooperation with Israel, under the auspices of Magen David Adom. The Director General of the Cypriot Red Cross referred to the importance of regional cooperation, expressed by Israeli assistance during the recent fires in Cyprus. Mr. Neophytou expressed his hope that Magen Davis Adom's admission to the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies will set a precedent for the Cypriot Red Cross.

The President of the Georgian Red Cross referred to the bilateral cooperation agreement with Magen David Adom, and the first-aid training courses that Magen David Adom will operate in Georgia. The President of the Botswana Red Cross expressed her country's desire for Israeli assistance in the struggle against AIDS and in coping with emergencies.

The Deputy Director General of the Division for International Organizations and the United Nations stressed the importance Israel places on international humanitarian aid, with special emphasis on regional neighbors. He reiterated Israel's commitment to help Magen David Adom fulfill its role of proffering humanitarian aid.

The three guests agreed that political and humanitarian issues should be separated, and expressed their admiration at Magen David Adom's performance in both the international and regional arenas.

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs 


New tanks will be acquired by the Israel Defense Force—IDF photo
 Jets, tanks and antiballistic systems on IDF acquisition list

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi gave a summation of the IDF military plan for the coming years to the General Staff forum. The plan is known as ‘Tefen’.

“The plan will enforce the IDF and improve its ability to cope with defense challenges in coming years,” said the Chief of Staff. “The plan encourages renewal, building and enhancing a competitive edge, but simultaneously demands an efficiency improvement plan for all branches of the IDF.” The plan analyzed all of the potential threats and possible scenarios which may arise in the region, in order to prepare and implement a solution to any possible future challenges.

As part of the changes which will be implemented in the IDF work plans, by order of the Chief of Staff, the exercises for the ground forces, both in general service and in the reserves will be sped up – alongside large munitions acquisitions. “The improvement of our readiness, focusing on improving exercises and the rules of engagement,” said the deputy to the Chief of Staff Major General Moshe Kaplinski, in a press conference which took place Sunday.

The Ground forces will be reinforced considerably, noted Major General Kaplinski, in order to achieve the ability to decide battles quickly. This is to be done while improving the maneuverability of the ground forces and their firepower. As part of this, the Merkava Mk. 4 tank will continue to be manufactured, as tanks which are currently operating will have numerous upgrades, including ‘active’ defenses. In addition, The Chief of Staff approved the production of hundreds of the ‘Namer’ model of APC, which is based on the platform of the Merkava tanks.

The IAF and Navy will also receive new equipment. Among the new weapons systems will be the Joint Strike Fighter - or F-35 – and additional UAVs. The Navy is to receive multi-purpose amphibious vehicles. Furthermore, the plan dictates that in order to improve defenses against rocket and missile fire, the military will equip itself with early-warning and missile destruction systems. “The plan allows the addressing of a number of the aspects of defense. They include the reinforcement of the Aerospace Branch to ensure the security of the extended arm of the State of Israel, and to ensure air superiority, and also the improvement of our engineering capabilities and our control of the seas. We will improve our home-front defenses with advanced technology which will target the threat of rockets, including short-range rockets, such as the Qassam rockets,” said Major General Kaplinski.

The Chief of Staff also stated that the IDF will invest more in Intelligence and teleprocessing, so that the military’s might will be improved, as well as its operational affectivity. The plan also deals with the predicted decrease in the number of enlistees, and the need to conserve the quality of human resources serving in the IDF. In relation to that, the Chief of Staff dictated that the issue of human resources be listed as of the utmost priority, including the reservists, and the possible benefits to those serving in that capacity. “The source of the greatness of the IDF is our people,” said the Deputy to the Chief of Staff. “The plan answers the need for improving the quality and attending to the needs of those serving in general service, in professional military careers, and most importantly – our reservists, to whom we owe so much. The plan designates a specific roadmap for systematic training for reservist troops through criteria which were set ahead of time, and which we will follow throughout the years in which this plan is valid.”

The plan is to “build the IDF as a strong military, with the power and readiness improved. It will be better trained, better prepared, with improved Intelligence and firepower capabilities, which will enable us to perform better in battle engaging any threat,” concluded Major General Kaplinski.

The ‘Tefen’ plan will be presented as needed to the governmental bodies, and will be relevant as of January 2008.

  The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Force

Givati Brigade remembers its
fallen in emotional ceremony

YOAV, Israel (Press Release) -- An emotional ceremony took place Monday and was presided over by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, the minister of defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, the commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yoav Glant, the commander of IDF Ground Forces, Major General Beni Gantz, the soldiers and commanders of the Givati Brigade, and the families of the fallen.

“Once a year we meet at this location, in the ‘Yoav’ memorial, in the very same place which saw battle and capture by the hands of the Givati Brigade in the War of Independence, on blood-soaked battlefields,” noted the Chief of Staff. ‘We stand here tonight beside the families of the fallen, the parents, companions, brothers and sisters, friends, combat soldiers and commanders of the Givati Brigade throughout the years. We are all one family. A proud and bereaved family. Thanks to these family and others like it, the rebirth of the nation of Israel has begun and continues to strengthen in our land.”

The Chief of Staff further mentioned the glorious battle lore of the brigade. “The Givati Brigade was established together with the IDF in the War of Independence. In the war, the soldiers and commanders of the brigade had many exemplary chapters in battle, and courage worthy of the canon.” He added: ”Its fingerprints, and operational achievements are recognized in every front, and every action arena where it serves. The Givati Brigade of 1948 is associated with the southern front of the war, with the breaching of the Negev, and in the courageous battles with the Egyptian incursion. These engagements defined our southern border,”

“We find ourselves in the Hebrew month of Elul, about to begin the festivals of the coming month of Tishrey, days of festivities, and of personal and national introspection. When we each analyze ourselves, we must all remember the fallen that are not with us today, who will not dine with us on the days of festivity. We will remember what they fought and died for. We will remember their legacy and their courageous deaths. Every day of the year we live their absence, and the pain of loss and the emotion of lacking are with us wherever we are.”

The Chief of Staff concluded his speech as he turned to the families of the fallen, “We are with you, throughout every day of the year. We are with you in the most difficult times for you, where the joy of the festivities is saturated with the grief of your loss. We will offer you a hand for embrace, an embrace which is spirited, feeling pain, and warm. This embrace expresses what we all feel toward you without words. We will remember our fallen brothers in arms until our dying day. We follow the guiding light of their legacy, and way of life. We do all that is in our capacity to make our lives worthy of their sacrifice. We cannot bring them back from the dead. However, if we turn our lives into a living and breathing model of their values, their life path, and their legacy, we will establish a memory and monument in their name.”

  The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces


Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinksi has his photo taken with two lone soldiers
 Lone soldiers of IDF get a special
 treat: a day off at the beach 

SDOT YAM, Israel (Press Release)--Hundreds of lone soldiers from the combat forces of the IDF had the privilege of lying back and enjoying themselves on a day off funded by the Friends of the IDF Foundation. Massages on the beach, beach sports, moon bounces, and various ‘extreme’ boats were there for the soldiers to pilot. The boats included catamarans, rubber dinghies, and kayaks.  These were just some of the activities which were at the disposal of the soldiers. The first to arrive at the scene Monday were the paratroops, who were replaced today by the soldiers of the Golani Brigade, who had a pleasant surprise awaiting them. The deputy to the Chief of Staff, a former member of the Brigade, stopped by for a visit.

Major General Moshe Kaplinski reached the area in Sdot Yam in the afternoon. He made sure to walk among the hundreds of soldiers, shake their hands, and thank them for their service. “Are you a senior soldier of the Golani Reconnaissance Unit?” he asked one of the soldiers. When the soldier confirmed his suspicions, he replied jokingly, ”so this is a worsening of conditions for you, I do not understand why you agreed to come.” A different soldier thanked the Major General for the day off. “I should be thanking you,” he answered.

The day off is taking place for the fourth year running, thanks to the members of the Friends of the IDF Foundation in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are lead by Mike Gross, Avi Oren, and Sammy Bar-Or. “All three of them served as paratroops in their distant past as lone soldiers. Today, they have returned temporarily to their countries of origin, where they were successful, and made the issue of lone soldiers of utmost priority to them. This is their life work. They do this every year, and invest hundreds of thousands of Shekels routinely,” explains Eti Avergil, the manager of social services for the Friends of the IDF Foundation.

“It is important to express the following message to the combat soldiers: we respect and appreciate their service in the IDF. There are approximately 2,000 foreign combat soldiers who came to Israel by themselves, and chose to serve in the military as combat soldiers – that is amazing,” adds Avergil.

"Being a lone soldier is not simple,“ says Sergeant Adir Falah. However, he explains the power of the positive aspect of the situation, “despite the fact that it is difficult, it makes being in the military easier. You know how to cope better than the other soldiers. You return home and personally wash your clothes, iron your uniform, and buy your own food. The experience of being in the army, coupled with being a lone soldier is an experience which stays with you throughout the rest of your life.”

 The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces

White House issues statement
congratulating Lebanese government

WASHINGTON (Press Release) —The White House issued a statement today congratulating the Lebanese government on its defeat of the Fatah al-Islam forces within its country.  Here is the statement:

We congratulate Prime Minister Siniora and the Lebanese Government on its victory over the terrorist organization Fatah al-Islam in the battle for Nahr al-Bared camp in Northern Lebanon. We especially commend the bravery of the Lebanese Armed Forces who fought courageously for over three months to defeat this dangerous enemy. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the 163 Lebanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives to ensure the continued freedom and security of their country.

The United States is pleased to have been able to satisfy the Lebanese Government's request to provide supplies and training to the Lebanese Armed Forces to aid in the defeat of this terrorist threat. We remain committed to assisting the Lebanese Government in building the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces to take on challenges critical to the stability of Lebanon and the region.

The preceding story was provided by the White House

Voice of America broadcasts Israel's Consul General Ehud Danach to Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)-- Voice of America TV in Washington DC aired an unprecedented edition of its political program "Roundtable" on Sunday, September 2nd, with special guest Consul General of Israel Ehud Danoch.

Voice of America is viewed by an estimated 20 million citizens in Iran.  At the same time, the program was aired on Voice of America radio. The Consul General's responses were translated into Farsi for the benefit of the viewers.  Live on air questions were taken from callers and e-mailers in Iran.

The Consul General emphasized the following messages:

  • The issue is not Israel/Iran nor Iran/Israel, but is Iran against the free world.  

  • Israel makes a clear distinction between the people of Iran and the extremist regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran that has taken the people and the rich Persian culture hostage.  

  • Israel respects the historic culture of Iran and the relationship that existed between Israel and Iran prior to 1979.  Israel has always extended its hand to Iran and to all of its neighbors in peace.

 The preceding story was provided by Israel's Consulate General in Los Angeles

Europe

Hotel showcasing Nazi bunker
facing possible criminal charges

OBERSALZBERG, Germany (Press Release)—A German hotel has been criticized for giving guests access to a swastika-covered bunker in its cellar.  The 'Zum Tuerken' hotel in the state of Bavaria near the Austrian border, has been allowing guests into the bunker which was once the headquarters of Adolf Hitler's personal security staff. Critics say the bunker, located in Hitler's favorite vacation spot, Obersalzberg, has become a shrine to neo-Nazis who come to see Nazi propaganda and anti-Semitic statements scrawled and carved on its walls.  

The Bavarian state Finance Ministry has recommended that the state prosecutor file criminal charges. It also said the mayor was investigating whether the hotel's restaurant and alcohol license could be withdrawn.  "There should be no hushing up, but most importantly, no hidden or open glorification of the Nazi regime," Bavarian Finance Minister Kurt Faltlhauser told the Reuters news agency.

 The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress

 Magyar Garda chief accuses Hungarian
government of slandering his group

BUDAPEST (Press Release)—Hungary’s  far-right paramilitary Magyar Garda [Hungarian Guard] has threatened to sue the government for ‘slander.’ Speaking at a news conference, the leader of both the far right Jobbik party and Magyar Garda, Gabor Vona, said "We are neither Nazis nor fascists nor a paramilitary group and reject the slander".

He added that the Guard was legally registered in the courts, operates within a legal framework, and that is what it will continue to do. He called his lawsuit a showcase, because it would require the courts to prove whether there was democracy and an independent justice system in Hungary, claiming that "there is communism in Hungary." 

Guard members wear black uniforms reminiscent of Hitler's SS and carry symbols associated with Hungary's WWII Nazi party, the Arrow Cross, which was directly responsible for the murder of thousands of Jews..  

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson has said that people involved in writing articles that incite others to hatred could be prosecuted under a proposed amendment to current laws. The proposal follows a request by Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany to the Ministry of Justice to seek ways of imposing sanctions on an openly anti-Semitic Internet website.

The Prime Minister has also proposed a Civil Code amendment to allow legal redress through the courts for people who are insulted, hurt, or humiliated because of religious or ethnic affiliation, or sexual orientation.  

The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress

 

United States of America

Cardin welcomes Dr. Haleh Esfrandiari's release from Iran


WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, Maryland) released the following statement regarding Iran’s release of Dr. Haleh Esfrandiari:

 “I am extremely pleased that the Iranian government has bowed to international pressure and released American scholar Haleh Esfrandiari.  Dr. Esfrandiari was detained while visiting her sick 93-year-old mother in Iran.  Her eight-month ordeal is now over and I look forward to her safe return to her family home in Maryland.”

Dr. Esfrandiari, Director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center, had been detained in Iran since December 2006.  On May 8, she was imprisoned in Evin Prison, and on May 21 she was charged with trying to topple the regime. The Iranian government released her from prison on Aug. 21, and she was allowed to leave the country today.  She is now in Austria.

In May, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senators Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski calling on the Iranian government to drop all charges against Dr. Esfandiari.  Dr. Esfandiari, a resident of Potomac, Marylnd, has dual Iranian and U.S. citizenship.

The preceding story was provided by the office of Sen. Benjamin Cardin
 


 



Schakowsky tells national radio audience U.S. should quit Iraq
WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release) --U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (Democrat, Illinois) delivered the Democratic Party's response to President Bush’s Weekly Radio Address to the nation last Saturday  Schakowsky spoke about her recent trip to Iraq and the need for a new direction for the war in Iraq.  Schakowsky, who chaired a six-member Congressional delegation to the region in early August, visited U.S. bases and met with General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, as well as Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih.

Congresswoman Schakowsky delivered the following remarks on Saturday morning to radio station listeners across the country.

"Good morning.  This is Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.

The President’s surge has failed and there is no end in sight for the war in Iraq.  This is what I learned on my summer visit to that ravaged country.

After arriving in Iraq in August, it didn’t take long to see that the surge failed to achieve its main goal – reducing the violence so that progress could be made on key political benchmarks.  At a meeting with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Barham Saleh, our six-member Congressional delegation was informed that the night before, former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi had left the government.  The week before, the Sunnis had pulled out their Cabinet members.  What was left of the Parliament was on vacation, and Dr. Barham said that a political settlement ‘won’t be done this September and it won’t be done next September.’  But he never did say how many Septembers it would take.

Later, while dining on lobster tortellini in the air-conditioned elegance of Ambassador Ryan Crocker’s home in the Green Zone, General David Petraeus, commander of our forces in Iraq, made the case with charts and pointer that the security situation had improved somewhat during the surge.  And yet while we were choosing between coffee, tea, or espresso to go with our dessert, outside in the 120 degree heat on that very day, August 6, four U.S. soldiers were killed by an IED blast in Diyala, one British soldier was shot in Basra, six street cleaners were blown up, 33 Iraqis were killed in a residential neighborhood in Tal Afar, and 17 bodies killed by death squads were discovered. 

Outside in the scorching air, our young men and woman in uniform were sweating under their body armor during, what is in fact, the bloodiest summer of the war, driving on roads that our delegation flew over in Blackhawk helicopters because the driving was too dangerous for us.  There they were, doing their valiant best to carry out a misguided mission, risking and too often losing their lives, while we looked at a chart telling us that in one place, in one month, after four and a half years, there had been a slight drop in violence.  There was no chart showing that overall sectarian attacks around the country had nearly doubled from last year.  And there was no chart that measured the more than 3,700 of our troops that have been killed and the more than 27,660 wounded, many profoundly and for life.

Neither was there a chart showing the enormous cost of the war, now up to $3 billion a week, $12 million every hour – enough to fix all the broken bridges in our country, expand health care coverage for our children, help our students afford college, develop renewable sources of energy, and make our streets safer.

And as we finished our strawberry cake, our troops were out in the real world and not there to hear General Petraeus tell us that the United States would be in Iraq for another nine to 10 years.  That means children who are now 8 years old, who were 4 years old when the war started, could yet serve in Iraq, according to General Petraeus.

Nine to ten years.  That was not the timetable I nor most Americans had in mind, but General Petraeus acknowledged that as a military man, at the end of the day, he takes his direction from the civilian leadership.  If the civilian leadership in this country determines that the war is to end and the troops come home, then that is what will happen.

I took his statement as a challenge.  The Congress of the United States is reconvening on Tuesday.  Most Democrats and a growing number of Republicans have come to the same conclusion – the best way to protect our troops is to end this war in Iraq.

With the President stubbornly continuing to stay the course in Iraq, I urge my Republican colleagues to join with Democrats and the vast majority of Americans who are demanding a new direction in Iraq and refocusing America’s efforts on fighting the real threats of terrorism around the world.

This is Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.  Thank you for listening."

  The preceding story was provided by the office of Congresswoman Schakowsky


 

Jewish Humor




 

The Jewish Grapevine                                                  
                 

CYBER-REFERRALS—San Diego Jewish World appreciates and thanks those individuals and organizations which recommend or post stories of interest to the worldwide Jewish community:

 ● Israel's Consulate General in Los Angeles: A story on YNet News that Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak has put a 48-hour special defense status into effect in the Sderot area, enabling Defense officials to lawfully intervene in certain civilian affairs, in response to the barrage of rockets from Gaza.  Here is the link.

 ● Jay Jacobson: A story in the International Herald Tribune about how parents in Sderot evacuated their babies from a daycare center after rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip on Monday.  Here is the link.

● Hillel Mazansky: A humorous cartoon video in which Israel gets New Year's greetings from some unexpected well-wishers.


Click the ad above to go to the "I'm here for you baby" website

 


 News   Sleuths:

Watching the media gathering  and reporting the news of Jewish interest

Who: Tom Casey
 What: Press Briefing
Where: U.S. State Department
When: Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Subject: U.S and Iran

QUESTION: Tom, there's reports from Pentagon planning that much of what's going on with regard to the various scenarios over an attack on Iran which goes on the whole time as a part of general planning is becoming more intense, more focused. Some -- one person indicated that it's scary, is how he commented on it.

We've also had the statements from the President, from others, talking about the danger of nuclear holocaust with Iran. The rhetoric has been increasing. And I was wondering, are we moving from the diplomatic track towards something more serious or is that diplomatic track with regard particularly to the uranium nuclear weapons still on, still fully on?

MR. CASEY: I'm not sure where that interpretation is coming from, but certainly there's been no change in U.S. policy. The President has made it clear, the Secretary has and others as well, we are dealing with Iran's nuclear program through a diplomatic process, working with our colleagues in the Security Council as well as the Germans. Certainly, as you know, no President ever takes any options off the table, but I can't point you to any information that would lead me or anyone else to conclude that there has been any decision or change made or any decision made to change U.S. policy with regards to Iran's nuclear program.

And that means what we're looking for right now is continued discussions with our friends and allies in the Security Council, moving towards another sanctions resolution on Iran, all the while continuing, again, to hold out the prospect for the Iranians that they have an opportunity to take a different course, engage in negotiations with us if they suspend the uranium enrichment programs and activities, and achieve what they say their stated desire is, which is a civilian nuclear program, even while being able to assure the rest of us that they aren't using that as cover to build a nuclear weapon.

QUESTION: To follow, are we singing essentially from the same song sheet as the IAEA or we have obviously concerns with how they've been dealing with this, or are we happy with them?

MR. CASEY: Well, first of all, the IAEA has a very important role to play in terms of monitoring and providing information on Iran's nuclear program. Part of why we find ourselves in the position we're in is that for several years Iran has steadfastly refused to answer the outstanding questions posed by the IAEA about their nuclear program.

And while we've welcomed the so-called plan of action that's been agreed to between the IAEA and Iran, the fact of the matter is they shouldn't need a plan of action to answer these long outstanding questions. They ought to have been able to answer them some time ago. And the fact that they have been unable or unwilling to do so for several years about a program that they tried to hide from the world for more than two decades certainly leaves open a lot of reason for concern. And I think that's why you've seen some of the actions taken in the Security Council and elsewhere to try and pressure Iran to come clean and to stop what it's doing and engage with the international community in some serious negotiations.
 

Greater San Diego County

'Do it your-Seff course in preserving memories at JFS College Senior  Center

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Marsha Seff, seniors editor and columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune, offers instruction at the Jewish Family Service’s College Avenue Senior Center, 4855 College Avenue, on how to capture and preserve priceless life experiences for your loved ones.

This class will guide participants through the process of creating a beautiful, memorable, rewarding heirloom that will preserve people’s for their future generations.  It is recommended that participants bring a pen and notebook!

In addition to writing “Our Parents/Ourselves and How They Met”, for the newspaper, she also edits the popular San Diego Parents,as well as, www.SanDiegoElderCare.com.




 

Story continuations


 




{Marc Kligman, who combines being a sports agent with his life as an observant Jew, invites you to listen. Click on the ad above for more information}



 Livni and Solana...
(Continued from above)
parties involved but also to the international community that should act in a constructive manner; in other words, it should be helpful.  

We are going to start with a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) which, as you know very well, is an important instrument that was created in Oslo, and it has never met at the level that it is going to in September. It is going to convene at the level of ministers and I will have the opportunity and the privilege to meet with the minister there again. That is a very important event, as I said, and it is the first time that this will take place.

It will be followed on the following day by a meeting of the Quartet and also a Quartet meeting with some Arab League countries. And then we have the General Assembly where, without any doubt, a lot of activity will take place about important issues of a regular nature and a bilateral nature.

After that, we will probably have the conference - we do not yet know exactly when. However, it is our sentiment that the conference has to be a success. We still have to define exactly what we mean by success, but in any case I think that we cannot allow this to fail. And, at the end of that period, we will have an important donors conference about the Palestinians, which will probably be the biggest such conference that has taken place.

So, from now until December we have a very important agenda, and you know that the European Union will be cooperating as much as we can in order to make this period of time as successful a period of time as possible, for all the dreams that we - and particularly the Israelis and Palestinians - have to come true.

I want to thank the minister for her hospitality and for letting me bother her so frequently on the phone, and for hosting me here. I must say she has always treated me in a very, very friendly manner. And I would like also to keep on talking about how to upgrade the relationship between Israel and the European Union.

Before I offer you the floor, I would like to show my solidarity with the people of Sderot. I was there with the minister not long ago and we were welcomed together there, and I know what it means. And to see Sderot again today - once again, seeing the same spirit of the people of Sderot, particularly the kids in the schools. I think that this is something that I have to condemn, and it was important to show my solidarity to Israel and to the people there. Thank you.

Question: You talk about Sderot and the children there, but it seems to me that solidarity is not enough. People are afraid to go out. How strongly will the European Union support Israel in an operation if it decides on an operation in Gaza, to stop the rockets on Sderot?

And a question to the minister, what will be the next step of Israel in that sense, because the Hamas is getting stronger?

Javier Solana: Israel has our solidarity in its fight against terrorism. We have showed our solidarity with Israel. We have continued to search for efficient measures against terrorism and, though sometimes we do not agree one hundred per cent, the basic solidarity exists, and Israel knows that you have it.

FM Tzipi Livni: First I would like to thank you for your solidarity. It is not obvious in some places in Israel, and sometimes there is some frustration in Israel - the feeling that we are facing this type of threat alone, even though the fact is that Israel is, in a way, the front line of the Western world in facing this kind of terror attacks by extremists who represent extreme religious ideology like Hamas. So, first and foremost I would like to thank you on behalf of the people of Sderot and Israel - thank you for this stand.

But of course, part of our responsibility is to provide an answer to the Israeli population and to the life of the children, considering the fact that we just opened the schools and kindergartens and already today they came under attack. This is something that is unbearable, and Israel has the right to defend itself. I do not want to suggest here what kind of steps we can take. Even if some of the steps cannot completely stop terror attacks on Israel, I think that the Palestinians need to understand that business is not as usual.

There is no equation in which Israeli children will be under attack of Kassam rockets on a daily basis and life in the Gaza Strip carries on as usual. This is totally unacceptable. And I do not refer only to military means. We all know that the Gaza Strip is dependent on Israel’s goodwill in several things, and I think that it is about time that we discuss what kind of measures and steps we can take in order to send the message that, if life in Israel is not as usual, as it needs to be, neither will life in the Gaza Strip be as usual.

Question: Foreign Minister Livni, is there a contradiction between the continued process and negotiations between the Israeli government and Abu Mazen, and what is happening in Sderot?

FM Tzipi Livni: First of all, we have to face facts: the situation in Sderot is unbearable from the point of view of Israel's citizens, and for no good reason. The situation in Gaza is one wherein a terror organization has overtaken the Strip. The fact that they are continuing to arm themselves, through the border with Egypt, is also something for which a solution must be found.

At the same time, Israel wishes to promote dialogue with the moderate elements, on the basis of two assumptions. The first is that this dialogue, in the short run, will not bring about a solution for the Gaza issue. The second - which we will also have to consider - is the fact that the parties with which we are conducting the dialogue are not capable of carrying out the commitments that we will be demanding. This dialogue must reflect Israel's security needs, and we must recognize that they will not be able to implement it everywhere. Therefore any dialogue must take these two basic assumptions into account, and its outcome must reflect Israel's interests, including its security interests. This is the purpose of this dialogue, as I see it.

As for Gaza, as I just said, even though we may not have an immediate solution to stop the Kassams, I do think there are other measures, beyond "dramatic" military steps that we can take. Gaza is dependent on Israel and on Israel's willingness to continue letting it lead a certain type of life. I think we can, and should, think of using some of these means in order to convey the message that there is no such formula: we cannot continue to accept a situation wherein kindergarten kids are under daily threat while in Gaza life continues as usual.
 
Question: Mr. Solana, I wanted to know if you see any possibility of having talks with Hamas in the coming future.

Javier Solana: The official policy of the European Union has not changed and continues to be the same. We do not have contact with Hamas and we continue to maintain that policy - as members of the European Union and as members of the Quartet also. The conditions have not changed, and therefore our policy has not changed either.

FM Tzipi Livni: Can I also give an answer to this, because it is important to understand the reasons why the world's international community does not speak with Hamas. It is not even because of the past, but because there is no hope for a future with the Hamas for the Palestinians - neither for Israel nor for the Palestinians - since this is an organization that represents an extreme ideology and which is not willing to meet the requirements of the international community: namely, acceptance of Israel, the renunciation of violence and terrorism, and acceptance of former agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

So, when looking for a better future there is a need to take the right steps, and right now, the policy and the strategy of the international community as well as that of the new Palestinian government is to make a clear distinction. The Palestinians need to understand that there is no hope for them with Hamas, while there is hope with the current, or the new Palestinian government and Abu Mazen. Only a clear distinction between Hamas and Fatah, between Haniyeh and Abu Mazen and Salam Fayyad of course, can bring this message to the Palestinians. Otherwise we might witness a process of Islamization and radical elements not only the in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank. And this is something that not only Israel, but I believe also the Palestinians cannot afford.
 
Question: Minister Livni, I'd like to ask you about the draft agreement currently being formulated about principles to be presented in the international conference. The question is whether the core issues - the issues of Jerusalem, the refugees, the borders, the settlements - will be included in this draft which is to be presented at the international conference.

FM Tzipi Livni: The agreement must reflect the common denominator, and I believe there is a common denominator between Israel and the Palestinians, so long as - as far as I'm concerned - such an agreement reflects Israel's basic interests. I believe that it is possible to reach a common denominator. On the other hand, the question of what will be achieved depends, inter alia, upon the possibility of bridging the gaps. Every agreement has an element of compromise, on the part of the Palestinians too. Therefore from my point of view, the question of whether this is a feasible agreement and whether it is an agreement worth achieving depends, among other things, on its content, and whether it represents the legitimate and basic security interests of the State of Israel. Concurrently, the Palestinians must of course ask themselves the same question.

 The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 (Return to top)

 Israel's U.N. Agenda...
(Continued from above)
Full Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701

A main issue with which Israel will be engaged at the UN, principally at the Security Council, will be the full implementation of the Security Council's resolutions dealing with Lebanon, in particular  Resolution 1559 (2004) and Resolution 1701 (2006).

Resolution 1701 was adopted by the Security Council towards the end of the war in Lebanon on August 11, 2006. The resolution and subsequent Security Council presidential statements called for the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers, established a new UNIFIL force, and determined the need for security and political measures in Lebanon, among them establishing an area free of weapons south of the Litani River, disarming Hezbollah, and forbidding the introduction of arms into Lebanon, except for those needed by the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.

When analyzing the situation regarding implementation of this resolution, one can point to clear accomplishments on the ground, alongside failures and the lack of implementation when it comes to central portions of the resolution. On the positive side, we see measures such as the deployment of 15,000 Lebanese army troops with the assistance of UNIFIL throughout the area down to the Blue Line in the south of the country. Generally, we view in a positive manner also the broadened activity of UNIFIL (some 13,500 troops) in its Area of Operation between the Litani and the Blue Line, in keeping with the limited mandate decided upon in Resolution 1701. UNIFIL's operations today are different from its operations previously, and we see a considerable effort on its part to fulfill its mandate, although there are still many operations that it could carry out, within the context of its present mandate, in order to prevent Hezbollah activity and the transfer of arms into southern Lebanon.

Israel commends the countries that have contributed troops to UNIFIL and also its commander, the Italian Major General Claudio Graziano. On the plus side, one can say that there are limitations on the movement and activity of Hezbollah between the Litani and the Blue Line, due to the massive presence of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL on the ground. However, there is a massive penetration of arms, originating from Syria and Iran, into Lebanon, especially into the area north of the Litani and to a degree also south of it; this constitutes a significant and grave violation of Resolution 1701 as well as Resolution 1747, the latter forbidding the export of weapons by Iran.

Worthy of mention is the fact that the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council adopted, for the first time publicly, the findings regarding the violations of the arms embargo which they received from Israel and another country, and subsequently  established a special survey team to look into the arms smuggling along the border between Syria and Lebanon. The team submitted to the Secretary-General in June 2007 its recommendations for improving the supervision along the border in order to prevent arms smuggling.

An essential element from Israel's point of view that has not been carried out as required by Resolution 1701 is the release of our abducted soldiers. Not only have our soldiers not been released immediately and unconditionally in keeping with the resolution, but no sign whatsoever has been given to Israel regarding their fate, and they have not been allowed to meet with representatives of the International Red Cross. This is in sharp contrast with the situation of members of Hezbollah and other Lebanese detainees held by Israel who receive visits by the IRC and are allowed to send letters to their families.

Another central component in the implementation of Resolution 1701 is the disarmament of all armed militias (principally Hezbollah) in Lebanon. No one expected that the resolution would bring about a process whereby Hezbollah would relinquish its arms to the United Nations, but the resolution does state that the area between the Litani and the Blue Line is an area to be free of all weapons, except for those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL. Among the information given by Israel to the UN, there is clear evidence that Hezbollah is continuing to keep in operation its "nature reserves" in southern Lebanon, closed areas where stockpiles of missiles are hidden underground and ready to be launched against Israel, and is also operating in built-up areas where UNIFIL and the Lebanese army do not sufficiently operate.

Israel maintains, by means of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), direct communications on a daily basis with the commanders and officers of UNIFIL.  Moreover, once every few weeks, joint trilateral meetings are held between the Lebanese army, the IDF and UNIFIL in order to discuss and clarify security issues that are on the agenda.


Iran

The Iranian issue, in all of its different aspects, will continue to be dealt with by Israel during the coming year. Israel is taking many diplomatic measures through various channels regarding the adoption of resolutions in the Security Council (following Resolutions 1737 and 1747), in order to strengthen the existing relevant instruments for sanctions against Iran due to its well documented program to obtain a nuclear arms capability. The Security Council made a direct connection between the implementation of Resolutions 1701 and 1747, thereby pointing a finger of accusation against Iran for smuggling arms into Lebanon.

The State of Israel will not tolerate the statements made by Iran's President Ahmedinajad denying the Holocaust and calling for the destruction of Israel.


The Situation in the Gaza Strip

The internal security situation in the Palestinian Authority, and especially in the Gaza Strip, including the continuing launching of missiles against Israel and the Palestinian violation of the ceasefire which the Palestinians themselves declared following Israel's disengagement from Gaza is a matter of major concern. This is seen not only in terms of the situation in Israel and its response, but only in the reports on the situation in the Middle East which the UN Secretary-General submits to the Security Council on a monthly basis.

Israel reiterates and emphasizes its irrefutable right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, as well as the restraint that it is demonstrating, especially in view of the sensitivity of Israel and the international community to the life of civilians and the need to protect the lives of civilians who are not involved in terrorism. However, we no less emphasize the fundamental right of our citizens to life and the need for the international community to condemn the launching of missiles by Palestinians against innocent Israeli civilians.

Israel is acting to cooperate fully with the United Nations agencies on the ground to help provide humanitarian assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip and  to facilitate access and the entry of goods into the area in spite of the problem of terrorism.


Annual Resolutions Regarding the Middle East

This year, too, Israel diplomacy at the UN will engage in defending Israel's policies in the none-too-few deliberations dealing with the various issues which pertain to the conflict and which at the end are annually raised in one-sided anti-Israel draft resolutions. 


Palestinian Organs in the UN

Of the 21 resolutions which deal with "The Situation in the Middle East," "The Question of Palestine," UNWRA, nature resources, human rights, the Golan Heights, and Jerusalem, five are resolutions which have  budgetary ramifications and which  renew the mandates for 5 Palestinian organs, most of which have been acting within the framework of the UN since the 1970s. Israel and a few other friendly states oppose the renewal of these mandates. Three of them do not even enjoy the support of a significant majority, considering the reservations and abstentions of the EU states and others concerning these organs.

The Palestinian organs are, among others:

  • The Division for Palestinian Rights (in the Secretariat's Department for Political Affairs);

  • The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People;

  • The Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories;

  • Information Activities on the Question of Palestine in the Department for Public Information (DPI);

  • The Office of Register of Damages UNORD (in Vienna).

The budget for the Palestinian organs mentioned above amounts to approximately 12.5 million dollars every two years. Israel strongly opposes the existence of these organs, for their sole purpose is to promote the Palestinian narrative while totally ignoring the Israeli narrative of the conflict. Israel, therefore, does not participate in funding these organs, and neither does the United States. We believe that the voting by Member States for these annual resolutions in general, and for the Palestinian organs in particular, actually harms the Palestinian interests no less than it harms Israeli interests. The states that support these resolutions do so primarily due to considerations of "coalition discipline" in the General Assembly, rather than actual support for the Palestinian cause. They generate among the Palestinians an illusion that the General Assembly and the international community will solve most of their problems. But the Palestinians should realize that only through direct negotiations with Israel and by committing themselves to a sincere effort to solve the conflict will they be able to improve their economic and political situation.

Israel will continue to propose that, in order to promote the interest that has been expressed by the Member States to improve the work of the General Assembly and make it more efficient, the number of the resolutions referred to above will be reduced. This could be done by giving preference to the method of adopting omnibus resolutions which consist of various parts, as was the case until 1996. In this manner, the General Assembly could deliberate and vote on 5-6 resolutions instead of about 20.


Combating Global Terrorism

The topic of global counter-terrorism has engaged the United Nations for several years, although a turning point was reached and impetus was given following the terrorist attack of 9/11. The UN has thus far adopted 13 conventions dealing with various aspects of counter-terrorism (such as funding, nuclear terrorism, etc.), although attempts to reach agreement on a general convention regarding the fight against terrorism have so far not succeeded, primarily due to the failure to agree on a definition of terrorism and its scope.

The Security Council has in recent years adopted important resolutions and has established organs for combating terrorism. Among the key ones:

  • The Committee for Monitoring Sanctions against Persons and Organizations Connected to Al-Qaida and the Taliban;

  • Resolution 1373 which deals with the need to criminalize terrorist acts, including funding, sponsorship, etc. A group of experts was established to oversee the implementation of the resolution.

  • Resolution 1540 which deals with non-conventional terrorism.

A significant step for combating terrorism was taken by the international community in September 2006 when the General Assembly adopted by consensus the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This strategy promotes a series of measures that the Member States need to advance, alongside the utmost coordination between UN agencies. The strategy established a secretarial organ under the Secretary-General to deal with counter-terrorism. Hopefully, the strategy will be carried out in an integrative manner on the international, regional and especially national level.

Israel is closely following this issue and is cooperating with the organs that were established by the United Nations for combating terrorism. Among the steps taken by Israel is the submitting of reports to the organization and the holding of meetings on the subject with representatives of the UN Secretariat. 


The Human Rights Council

Last year the General Assembly established the Human Rights Council which replaced the former Commission on Human Rights, in order to upgrade the UN's handling of this issue - a subject which is gaining increasing importance and attention on the global scale, especially among the western nations - to the level of a Council, alongside the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. Moreover, it was established with the primary intention of establishing a body which would be free of the politicization that had plagued the former Commission and which had found special expression in the negative singling out of Israel.  In reality, however, the international community has established a problematic organ, which does not meet expectations and is essentially more of the same. This view is shared by all western nations as well as by many developing nations.

Israel shared its concerns with the international community and especially the European Member States before the Council's procedures were finally adopted. Now we are witnessing a situation whereby the Council has held three of the first emergency sessions in its history on the subject of alleged human rights violations by Israel, and only the fourth session dealt with Darfur and this only after uncompromising pressure was brought to bear by the western countries. Furthermore, the Council has thus far adopted already 11 anti-Israel resolutions.

Israel believes that this situation, whereby the new Council focuses on matters pertaining to Israel instead of dealing with the many and much graver violations of human rights committed by other countries, some of them members of the Council itself, is totally unacceptable. Even graver is the fact that the Council has adopted a permanent agenda which again contains, just like the old Commission, a separate agenda item dealing exclusively with alleged human rights violations by Israel in the territories; this item exists alongside the one item which covers human rights violations in all the rest of the world.

One of the tools that serve the human rights mechanism of the United Nations is special rapporteurs. One of them is the Special Rapporteur on the Territories, John Dogard (from South Africa) whose mandate  is biased in that it examines only the violation of human rights in the territories committed supposedly  by Israel, while totally ignoring those committed by Palestinians. Notwithstanding all the above, it should be born in mind that Israel's policy on human rights is one of maximum openness. Evidence of this can be seen in the fact that Israel received the rapporteurs concerning housing, "arbitrary killings", displaced persons, and health, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights herself, Louise Arbor, during and following the Second Lebanon War.


Israel's Integration into the UN Development Agenda

Israel is making an effort to be part of UN development activities, among other things through MASHAV (Israel's Center for International Cooperation) projects in conjunction with UN organs and agencies. Moreover, we are holding for the very first time this year awareness-building seminars, in which UN agencies will be presenting their activities to Israelis. Israel intends also to participate this year in programs for developing up-to-date technologies in agriculture for food security.


The UN Secretary-General, the Secretariat, and UN Reform

The new UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon (of the Republic of Korea who entered into office as Secretary-General on 1 January 2007 for a five-year term), made his first visit to Israel and the region in March 2007. That visit was considered to be highly successful and established a new, significant and good relationship with him and his team of closest advisors. The Secretary-General has since then met on a number of occasions with the Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and has also held frequent telephone conversations with her.

Israel commends the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, and former Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for their support and efforts to resolve the case of the abducted Israeli soldiers.

One of the central reforms that have begun in the organization is connected to the need to unify UN offices and its agencies in countries around the world under one roof. The reform, called System Wide Coherence or, in brief, One UN, is one of the most important to ever take place, for currently frictions exist between the many UN offices and agencies operating in various countries. There is a need to subordinate offices and agencies in each country to one director to bring about significant savings in expenses as well as greater efficiency. Israel supports this reform and is closely following the study of its application in Israel's case.

One reform that is encountering difficulties in moving forward is that of Mandate Review. During the 60 years of the UN's existence, the General Assembly created over 9,000 mandates: bodies, organizations, units, Secretary-General reports, etc. The General Assembly decided, upon the recommendation of the previous Secretary-General, to review the need for all these mandates.  Israel is participating in this slow review, and it is a member of the review group in the area of drugs and crime.

Reform of the Security Council: The efforts of countries with an interest in promoting a reform of the Security Council are continuing. Israel recognizes the fact that far-reaching changes have occurred in the geopolitical arena since the establishment of the UN.  However, Israel also believes that a larger Security Council would be cumbersome and would make it more difficult for the Council to operate properly.


Israelis in the UN Secretariat and in Peacekeeping Forces

We are continuing in our efforts to increase the number of Israelis who are working in the UN Secretariat and agencies. As is the case every year, this year as well the UN, at our invitation, held exams for entrance into the organization (for accepting workers are the junior level of P-2). About 150 candidates took part in those exams. In the exams that were held in previous years more than 500 people took part, and 14 Israelis passed them and they are now awaiting their placement in the organization.

This year for the first time ever an awareness and employment seminar took place in Tel Aviv, and we are planning another seminar for October. The purpose of that gathering was to raise the awareness among Israelis of the UN agencies in providing humanitarian and development assistance in the developing countries, with emphasis being given to Africa and increasing the number of Israelis who are employed by these agencies.  Israel has a great interest in cooperating with the assistance activities of the UN organizations in the developing countries, especially in Africa, and we are sure that Israelis have much to offer in this field.

There are currently 12 Israelis working in the UN Secretariat (out of an allotment of 18); there are nine Israelis working in the organizations that provide assistance and which participated in the first seminar (three in UNICEF, one in WFP, one in UNDP, three in FAO); there are no Israelis in UNFPA. The WFP employs 10,000 people, of whom only one is Israeli.

Alongside the above, efforts are continuing for Israel to join the group of countries that contribute troops and officers to UN peacekeeping operations. This year five Israel Defense Forces officers participated in courses to train military observers, and we hope that police officers will also soon take part in peacekeeping missions. By doing so Israel will join the 108 Member States who contribute to what is such an important part of the UN agenda - peacekeeping around the world.

WEOG

Israel is a member for election purposes in the Western European and Others Group, and through it has been elected to various organs and committees in the UN. Israel is currently represented in many UN committees, and has been elected to represent WEOG in various bureaus (as Vice Chairman and Chairman), but Israel is still denied the possibility to participate in most of the informal Western consultation groups. 

Conclusion

This year we are advancing an additional stage in Israel's integration into the UN agenda, through membership in the UN committees and bodies and even in the bureau as deputy chairmen (e.g. in the Committee for Sustainable Development) and even as Chairman, for the first time ever, in the committee which reviews and approves the UN work plan. This year we will act to bring Israelis into the organization and to increase UN procurements from Israel.  All this will take place alongside Israel's continuing diplomatic activities at the UN in response to Arab initiatives to exploit the UN as a forum for anti-Israeli activity.

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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