Israeli Settlers Attack West Bank Mosque and burn Qurans

[zepp]

Suspected Jewish settlers today attacked a mosque in the northern West Bank, burning holy books and spraying threatening graffiti in Hebrew on the building, Palestinian officials and Israeli police said.

Extremists broke into the mosque in the village of Yasuf, near the city of Nablus, and burned Muslim holy books and prayers carpets, while sprayed slogans on the floor reading “Price tag - greetings from Effi.”
The so-called price tag is the Jewish settlers’ policy of attacking Palestinians and their property in retribution for any Israeli government curb on settlement expansion. Effi is a Jewish name.

The dawn attack appeared to be the work of hardline settlers furious that the right-wing government of Binyamin Netanyahu has given in to US pressure to try and enforce a temporary freeze on the construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, where some 300,000 settlers live.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6953281.ece

[m.i.t]

Disgusting scumbags . l wish Israel state punish those bastards .

[BorisA]

Suspected Jewish settlers today attacked a mosque in the northern West Bank,

If they are suspected how you can write that they attacked it? Ok the indices are pointing on them but the case is still hot...

[The_Android]

Edit...

x1234

[RoyB]

it doesn't have a direct connection to the case in this topic
Than why posting it here?

Anyway, hope they catch those idiots.

[The_Android]

Than why posting it here?


Well, there seem to be some concerns lately about more violence from extremist Jewish groups, and it fits the picture. Just thought it wasn't "big" enough to make a whole new topic for...

[Player]

Well, there seem to be some concerns lately about more violence from extremist Jewish groups, and it fits the picture. Just thought it wasn't "big" enough to make a whole new topic for...

Such accusations shouldn't be published unless there is a clear evidence that the criminals in question are in fact the same ones as pointed out in this article. Not that I don't believe that the Jewish extremists would be capable of committing such crimes, but pointing a finger at somebody whilst lacking evidence could create even more of unnecessary violence, considering how easily people over there could be manipulated by the media.

I've got nothing against reporting such incidents, actually it's good because it often prevents crimes from taking place because of the fact that somebody is watching. But when the report publishes the religion, race or nationality to which the 'suspects' in question belong, this leads to exact the opposite effect and would only make the things even worse, especially for the troubled propaganda/media sensitive regions like the West Bank.

But of course the problem is still there. No matter whose fault it is, it was a successful attempt to stir up even further hatred and violence between the two sides. It seems that these guys get never enough of trouble.

This incident is just one of the many examples as to why I do my best to avoid reading the newspapers. When it comes to the politics the news here are always disappointing, and this shyt will probably stay here for another good hundred of years...

[The_Android]

Such accusations shouldn't be published unless there is a clear evidence that the criminals in question are in fact the same ones as pointed out in this article. Not that I don't believe that the Jewish extremists wouldn't be capable of committing such crimes, but pointing a finger at somebody whilst lacking evidence could create even more of unnecessary violence, considering how easily people over there could be manipulated by the media.


I think I was very unclear regarding why I posted the article. My intention was not to imply that the same people were behind it as in this settler attack. I edited my message as to avoid further confusion.

What I wanted to imply was that it seems as if extremist Jewish violence is on the rise. Whether this is the case I don't know, as my knowledge is mostly based on what I read (and since I don't know any Israelis personally, I guess you can't blaim me for that...). I am fully aware of the sensationalist nature of most media outlets, and hence what I was hoping for were comments from Israelis who have a better insight into the whole thing. Has there been a rise in violence from extremist Jews and are there any explanations for this? The article in Haaretz regarding the WB attack states:



Israel Defense Forces officers in the West Bank have expressed concerned that settlers may escalate their acts of opposition to the temporary freeze on settlement construction by targeting the Palestinian population.


Could this be a possible explanation? I am genuinely interested in the problematic, I have no hidden agenda against anyone.

[Player]

I think I was very unclear regarding why I posted the article. My intention was not to imply that the same people were behind it as in this settler attack. I edited my message as to avoid further confusion.

Sorry, my response wasn't directed at your article, but at the news piece posted by zepp.


What I wanted to imply was that it seems as if extremist Jewish violence is on the rise. Whether this is the case I don't know, as my knowledge is mostly based on what I read (and since I don't know any Israelis personally, I guess you can't blaim me for that...).

I don't know if it's on the rise or not, but certainly it was always there throughout the last 100 years, it is there now and will probably continue for at least another 100 years, and I say that optimistically speaking.



I am fully aware of the sensationalist nature of most media outlets, and hence what I was hoping for were comments from Israelis who have a better insight into the whole thing. Has there been a rise in violence from extremist Jews and are there any explanations for this? The article in Haaretz regarding the WB attack states:

Well, basically it says that the IDF has warned the settlers about the consequences they may face if the things get out of hand, nothing more.


Could this be a possible explanation?

It could, but I doubt the extremist settlers would be stupid enough to go too far, they are aware of the consequences. But that's just my opinion.


I am genuinely interested in the problematic, I have no hidden agenda against anyone.

I didn't even think of that, but thanks for raising up my situational awareness...

Nah, just kidding. :p

[Connaught Ranger]

Suspected Jewish settlers or done by the Yasufians to create tensions?

[Ulytau]

Yesterday i seen pictures etc. too i hope Israel laws will give what they deserve to this fags,as i read some people from IDF and ministers show reaction too.

[hulaku]

or done by the Yasufians to create tensions?

Who are the Yasufians?

PS: I googled nothing on it.

[RoyB]

Who are the Yasufians?

PS: I googled nothing on it.
He's referring to the residents of the village in question, where the incident took place, named Yasuf.

[hurvicka]

i heard already about incident like this. /irony/ That was when polish commandos attacked german radio station in 1939 /irony/.

[dudski]

oh boohoo anytime the pallis get there hands on a jew or synagogue they burn it to the ground destroy it do the most horrible things imaginable, if its a person they rip his/her heart out, literarily so guys calm down, besides if they are caught they will get treated just like any common criminal.

[the_Wicked]

Very regrettable, but unlike their Palestinian peers - at least they didn't kill anyone, and at least they're not in control of the government.

[alexz]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6953281.ece

Why does the title say Israeli settlers butnt the mosque if the first sentence says "Suspected Jewish settlers".

Do they have a suspect? a confession? arrested someone? What if it turns out to be an electrical fire?

I'm saying it becasue there were many cases in Israel papers were huge healine read
"Settlers murder boy" which a week later were burried in page 17 with the title "PA arrest uncle in Palestinian boy murder". Or the famous headlines of "settlers cut plive trees"
Later to be repalce with "Plaestinian tream olive tree, use shrubs for heating"

[dudski]

Why does the title say Israeli settlers butnt the mosque if the first sentence says "Suspected Jewish settlers".

Do they have a suspect? a confession? arrested someone? What if it turns out to be an electrical fire?

I'm saying it becasue there were many cases in Israel papers were huge healine read
"Settlers murder boy" which a week later were burried in page 17 with the title "PA arrest uncle in Palestinian boy murder". Or the famous headlines of "settlers cut plive trees"
Later to be repalce with "Plaestinian tream olive tree, use shrubs for heating"

Yeah the media war against settlers :-*$:bash:

[RoyB]

Why does the title say Israeli settlers butnt the mosque if the first sentence says "Suspected Jewish settlers".

Do they have a suspect? a confession? arrested someone? What if it turns out to be an electrical fire?
Well, I doubt the fire managed to get spray paint and write messages on the floor.. but I get your point and I agree.

[gilgoul]

I have been witness to inter- Palestinian violences being blamed on the Jews
could it be such a case?
Also, this story of desecrated Koran books have been used previously both in israel and abroad (abu grain, gitmo(
so why jump to conclusions?
One thing is for sure thought, every time Arabs got their hands on a Jewish holy place, they distroyed it ( neve dekalim, Joseph tomb, hurva synagogue etc...)

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

oh boohoo anytime the pallis get there hands on a jew or synagogue they burn it to the ground destroy it do the most horrible things imaginable, if its a person they rip his/her heart out, literarily so guys calm down, besides if they are caught they will get treated just like any common criminal.If this is the kind of sentiment you guys show to the desecration of each others temples then there is no hope for the region. Oh wait a minute your not an Israeli your an American so your opinion has no substance in this matter. p-)

[tanks_alot]

I would wait until the police's investigation was complete before pointing fingers and grabbing the pitchforks, but honestly, it wouldn't really be a major shock to me if it will turn out to be indeed settlers.

Plus, when the Arabs try to use Hebrew for thier propaganda, it's usually horribly illiterate.

[I can't think of a name]

Where is the outrage when a Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu etc. etc. gets attacked by Muslims?

[dudski]

If this is the kind of sentiment you guys show to the desecration of each others temples then there is no hope for the region. Oh wait a minute your not an Israeli your an American so your opinion has no substance in this matter. p-)
I am Israeli, and its not that i have no respect for THEIR holy places its that the media blows up such a isolated stupid thing and when they get their hands on a Jewish holy place they do disgusting things to it..

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

Where is the outrage when a Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu etc. etc. gets attacked by Muslims?There is plenty of outrage but some folks choose to ignore it.

[dudski]

^no theres no outrage^

[SilverBoy]

It seems their is a very circular argument going on here...

"A Mosque get's burned"...." What about when Muslims burn Jewish Buildings"...

Etc etc.

IMHO thinking in that manner doesn't achieve much. There has been outrage at crimes committed by the hands of Muslims. One can see by what is written on this
site alone.

I don't think the us and them mentality does much to aid the situation. The ME
and especially Isreal is a very volatile place, and acts such as these do nothing at all to help heal it.

Scum are scum, regardless of their personal beliefs, the only thing that changes are the targets.

I hope whoever did this get's caught, and suffer the wrath of justice

[the_Wicked]

It seems their is a very circular argument going on here...

"A Mosque get's burned"...." What about when Muslims burn Jewish Buildings"...

Etc etc.

IMHO thinking in that manner doesn't achieve much. There has been outrage at crimes committed by the hands of Muslims. One can see by what is written on this
site alone.


Yes, but when you compare the crimes of muslims against other religions, they're waaaay more prevalent and bigger than those of any other religion against Islam (at least in modern times).

[hulaku]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=1315&pictureid=16743

[djman]

.....
The ME
and especially Isreal is a very volatile place, and acts such as these do nothing at all to help heal it.

Scum are scum, regardless of their personal beliefs, the only thing that changes are the targets.
......



I agree with you 100%.

Of course this sort of attack is horrible (burning a carpet and koran in a mosque, and graffiti). Whoever did this was a criminal.


What's so maddening is when Arabs kill and burn how Western media ignores or excuses it.

I know it's off topic, but who seriously things that this will be reported in the times? :

Woman moderately wounded in Gush Etzion stabbing attack
A woman was moderately wounded after a Palestinian terrorist stabbed her in the back while she stood at a bus stop at the Gush Etzion Junction on Saturday night.
The woman was evacuated to Jerusalem's Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. Security forces were searching for the perpetrator, who was seen fleeing the scene on foot.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1260447422135&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull


If this were an Arab victim, there would be articles, analyses, interviews with his family, pictures of his donkey, calls for 'global intervention'.

Instead something like this (a 22 year old Jewish woman) passes under the radar.



Why would this never be reported? Because it doesn't fit into the European media and academia's world view.
So it's ignored, or downplayed, or reduced to a statistic. (The age and name of a Jewish victim is never reported as a rule).

So when things get to a ridiculous level like before Cast Lead (60 rockets a day), or Defence Shield (mass terrorist attacks every few days) most of the world think we respond disproportionately, or simply for fun.

This is what pisses most of us off about a report on an isolated event like this.

[HGRazorR]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3dO066Tev8

Where's Islam's or rather Pali's Mandella?

[ggk]

oh boohoo anytime the pallis get there hands on a jew or synagogue they burn it to the ground destroy it do the most horrible things imaginable, if its a person they rip his/her heart out, literarily so guys calm down, besides if they are caught they will get treated just like any common criminal.

when this happen? where? ..please provide link.

[djman]

when this happen? where? ..please provide link.


Lynches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1kglhluz1U

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_Ramallah_lynching

http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/palestinian-savages-showing-off-israeli-body-parts/


in Gaza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3krWHWUWLg


http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3140767,00.html

in Shechem (Nablus)
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56238

[ggk]

Lynches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1kglhluz1U

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_Ramallah_lynching

http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/palestinian-savages-showing-off-israeli-body-parts/




my englis are probably rusty today... there no mention of any synagouge here...



in Gaza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3krWHWUWLg


http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3140767,00.html


this one says the synagouge was abandoned when the setlers move out...and there is no lynching.






in Shechem (Nablus)
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56238


this one have no death and lyncing either,... and prophet yusuf are a respected figure...some one need to hit those idiot head with a hammer.

so my fren..what the hell you are talking about?

[I'mOnlyHalfPolish]

I see we take an eye for an eye approach...let the details play out to see who is responsible.

To me a Jew who burns a Mosque is no better than a Muslim who burns a Synagogue.

I fail to see the difference and think it is ridiculous to make the comparison...

[Zarak]

I think its somewhat funny that when 'suspected Israeli settlers' do something everyone is all about waiting for an investigation. But when someone who might be Muslim does something, everyone jumps straight to the pitchforks.

Honestly though, I don't give two ****s either way. Just making an observation.

[zepp]

good to see the posters didnt jump on the "but the mooslims do it to"
and instead condemn this attack




I think its somewhat funny that when 'suspected Israeli settlers' do something everyone is all about waiting for an investigation. But when someone who might be Muslim does something, everyone jumps straight to the pitchforks.

Honestly though, I don't give two ****s either way. Just making an observation.


:bash:

[Octavariable]

I'll bet someone will protest even on this (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3819018,00.html)



Rabbis to assist rebuilding of torched mosque
Published: 12.13.09, 10:50 / Israel News
Dozens of religious-Zionist rabbis are scheduled to visit the West Bank village of Yasuf in order to protest the torching of a mosque there and convey a message of peace to the residents. The rabbis plan to assist the cleanup and rebuilding of the mosque and to donate new Koran books.

Founder of the Ma'ale Gilboa yeshiva, Rabbi Yehuda Gilad, initiated the visit and condemned the injuring of "our Muslim brothers". He said the residents would "welcome us with a blessing". (Kobi Nahshoni)

[break]

, besides if they are caught they will get treated just like any common criminal.
Doubt it..

[RoyB]

I'll bet someone will protest even on this (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3819018,00.html)
Wanted to post it but couldn't find it on Ynet's English site.

Anyway, again.. there is no difference between an Arab/Muslim who burns a Synagogue and a Jewish guy that burns a Mosque, both are scumbags.
Hope they catch them.
Oh and stop derailing the thread with unnecessary and stupid argument.

[the_Wicked]

my englis are probably rusty today... there no mention of any synagouge here...



this one says the synagouge was abandoned when the setlers move out...and there is no lynching.






this one have no death and lyncing either,... and prophet yusuf are a respected figure...some one need to hit those idiot head with a hammer.

so my fren..what the hell you are talking about?

ROFL so he presents a case of a lynch, and a case of a synagogue burning, and you "refute" them on the ground that they didn't happen simultaneously? Oh ok I guess the Pallies are nice people then :roll:

[the_Wicked]

Doubt it..

Then you have no idea what you're talking about. They most definitely will. It has happened before.

[ting]

I think its somewhat funny that when 'suspected Israeli settlers' do something everyone is all about waiting for an investigation. But when someone who might be Muslim does something, everyone jumps straight to the pitchforks.

Honestly though, I don't give two ****s either way. Just making an observation.

Yep I have noticed this in this thread as well, but have refrained from comments because I don't want to have endless arguments about this stuff.

[ggk]

ROFL so he presents a case of a lynch, and a case of a synagogue burning, and you "refute" them on the ground that they didn't happen simultaneously? Oh ok I guess the Pallies are nice people then :roll:

i didnt refute anything..see my previous post ..i humbly ask for a link or source if such thing (and i meant simultaneously lynching of israeli citizen inside a synagougue and the burning of the synagougue as he claim) ever happen..and the boy post multiple unrelated event.

[~Berdan]

This attitude of some guys here is immature,donates nothing to debate create animosity,sounds just rediculous from the side.It doesn't contribute any points to Israeli state,which some posters here represent(whether they like it or not).

I'm talking about "but them,but,but them,they do it much worse!!at list we aren't that savage".There is no at list while taking high moral stand.At list has circular motion,and it can go on and on and on.It all begins with "we are better,because we don't do x".Then it becomes "at list we don't do x intentionally"."At list it happens once a year".At list,at list..There are infinites at lists.I lived in a place where two nations massacred each other,while pointing fingers on the other side and shouting "at list".

If you guys insist on taking high moral stand,then please don't use "look at them" arguement.You can't explain the dids of settlers (yes,investigation still ongoing,but with hand on a hearth,what Arab desecrate mosque and Quran books just to make a point?) from a moral point of view.Ordinary people don't act on morals,specialy in this part of the world.Ordinary people tie their emotions to their dids in this part of the world.Let's be honest to ourself,to other people,and lets not make fools of other people.

Ok,now someone will read what I wrote,highlight to himself one passage that he didn't like,and flame me away cause of it.So,flame away :).

[hulaku]

what Arab desecrate mosque and Quran books just to make a point?)

Just a point. Wahaabi and Arab influenced Taliban terrorists recently killed almost 50 people worshipping in a mosque in Rawalpindi including children. Is killing people in a mosque a desecration of the mosque? I would think so.

So your statement as to what Arab/ and by analogy what Muslim would desecrate a mosque doesnt quite hold water.

This is not intended as a flame just an observation:)

[JBH22]

people need to open their eyes its the islamic terrorist who claim they fight islam are the one who commits the most vile acts of desecration.
Politics and religion are not good ideologies to combine

[The_Android]

And so the discussion again turns to Islamic terrorists. Because they're worse.

Should we ignore theft because murder is worse? How hard is it to just condemn a despicable act without bringing in the Islamic terrorists? It's starting to get strange if Islamic terrorists are the standard against which all other wrongdoings are compared. If we go down that way then heck, just about all crimes are pretty minor. Except mass murder and genocide maybe. Stealing a car, no big deal, it's the islamists who are the bad boys. Beating down an innocent guy, not nice but just look at what Hamas are doing. Rape, well it's bad but see Al-Qaida are much worse.

[the_Wicked]

i didnt refute anything..see my previous post ..i humbly ask for a link or source if such thing (and i meant simultaneously lynching of israeli citizen inside a synagougue and the burning of the synagougue as he claim) ever happen..and the boy post multiple unrelated event.

You asked for cases of lynching and burning. The fact that his posts were not about simultaneous events sure as hell don't make them "unrelated", in fact it makes you seem like you're nitpicking to excuse the Palestinian behavior.

[the_Wicked]

By the way I like it how the terrorist apologists conveniently ignore the fact that EVERY SINGLE ISRAELI POSTER here has CONDEMNED this attack on a mosque by Jewish settlers, and keep rambling about arguments nobody ever made.

Please show me a post that approves of this settler attack just because the arabs are worse? No such claim has been made by ANYONE in this thread. All people were saying is that its extremely hypocritical to obsessively focus on Jewish crimes when there are much much more and much more brutal Muslim crimes going on being virtually ignored, and they're absolutely right.

[The_Android]

By the way I like it how the terrorist apologists conveniently ignore the fact that EVERY SINGLE ISRAELI POSTER here has CONDEMNED this attack on a mosque by Jewish settlers, and keep rambling about arguments nobody ever made.


Terrorist apologetic. That's a pretty nasty label. How many posters in this topic do you actually believe to be supporters of terrorist groups?

About the "arguments nobody ever made". They are examples. Examples trying to illustrate how absurd it becomes if we use the worst crimes as a yardstick. Yes Islamic terrorism is worse, it's more brutal, it kills more people, it is a bigger threat to the world. It's just so self-evident it seems strange that it even has to be mentioned. Especially as no one has implied that Jewish crimes are at the same level.



Please show me a post that approves of this settler attack just because the arabs are worse? No such claim has been made by ANYONE in this thread.
And no one has claimed that anyone is approving it.



All people were saying is that its extremely hypocritical to obsessively focus on Jewish crimes when there are much much more and much more brutal Muslim crimes going on being virtually ignored, and they're absolutely right.Sure. But those who obsessively focus on Jewish crimes are relatively few, especially on this forum. Usually they don't last very long here because of their agenda.

[~Berdan]

Terrorist apologetic. That's a pretty nasty label. How many posters in this topic do you actually believe to be supporters of terrorist groups?

About the "arguments nobody ever made". They are examples. Examples trying to illustrate how absurd it becomes if we use the worst crimes as a yardstick. Yes Islamic terrorism is worse, it's more brutal, it kills more people, it is a bigger threat to the world. It's just so self-evident it seems strange that it even has to be mentioned. Especially as no one has implied that Jewish crimes are at the same level.

And no one has claimed that anyone is approving it.

Sure. But those who obsessively focus on Jewish crimes are relatively few, especially on this forum. Usually they don't last very long here because of their agenda.

An example,of how hard it is to convey ideas in written form over the web.Person only reads and understands what he wants to understand (and usually in a form of a personal attack).The last sentence I've wrote in my last post clearly isn't a miss :).

[Spliffer]

Extremism is bad, jewish or moslem.
Whoever it is, eventually they'll get what's coming to them. That's karma for you...

[GiladS]

Rabbis, Yasuf elders meet at junction

By JPOST.COM STAFF AND YAAKOV KATZ (editors@jpost.com)

Dozens of rabbis who had planned to visit the Palestinian village of Yasuf - where a mosque was vandalized on Friday - met with the village elders at the Tapuah junction on Sunday afternoon after being held up for several hours by the IDF.


The Jewish leaders presented the Palestinian group with Koran books to replace those burnt in the fire. Representatives of the group of rabbis told Army Radio that the aim of the meeting in Yasuf was to present the view of the "sane majority which condemns acts of extremism."

At the meeting, Tekoa Rabbi Menahem Fruman told the Muslim leaders that Friday's arson attack contradicted halacha (Jewish law), and said that those who vandalized the mosque were trying to further aggravate the situation in the West Bank.


In a Channel 2 interview on Sunday evening, Fruman said, "I want to work for peace - the peace of God." The rabbi added that he expects "every man with a mouth, especially if he represents religion, to use it to add peace in the world."
Fruman concluded the interview by saying "Peace will prevail."


Munir Abushi, the Palestinian governor of Salfit, the district where the village is located, thanked the rabbis for the Koran books and for their gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians against the arson attack.
"I thank you for coming here to identify with us against this violent act, which undermines peace in the area," Abushi said.

"This act was racist. We support real peace," he said.
Earlier in the day, it had been reported that the IDF was preventing dozens of Gush Etzion residents from entering Yasuf, due to "tensions" in the northern West Bank village.

According to the IDF Spokesman Unit, the army did not intend to prevent the group "from entering the area of the mosque that was burned last weekend, but security must be coordinated before their entrance."
At Sunday's cabinet meeting, meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Friday's arson attack "especially severe - a crime against religion." He added that the attack "goes against every human value, against Jewish values and the heritage of the state of Israel."

The prime minister said that the government is taking the offense very seriously. "I requested that security services make a special effort in catching the guilty parties and bringing them to justice. The weight of the entire justice system must be brought against those guilty," he said.
Assailants vandalized the Yasuf mosque early Friday morning, burning prayer carpets and holy books, and leaving behind Hebrew graffiti indicating the rampage was the work of settlers angry over the government's plan to curb settlement construction.
The assailants entered the village before dawn, according to Israeli police and Munir Abushi.

They burned prayer carpets and a book stand with Muslim holy texts, and left graffiti on the floor reading, "Price tag - greetings from Effi."
"Price tag" is a term used by settlers either to denote retaliation for government decisions which curb settlement activity or in response to Palestinian attacks.

No arrests were made, security officials said Saturday night, but the police and IDF were continuing to search for the perpetrators, suspected of being from nearby Israeli settlements, including Tapuah.
After sweeping condemnations by Israeli, Palestinian and settler leaders on Saturday, ministers continued to denounce the attack on ahead of Sunday's cabinet meeting.

Science Minister Prof. Daniel Herschkowitz told reporters that the act "deserves severe condemnation" and that "every faith must be respected."

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz said the attack risked the "legitimacy of Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria" as well as "Israel's global standing."

National Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau said the arson "must be condemned with full force," urging law enforcement authorities to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

However, Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein said that while he "definitely condemns the act," it shouldn't be "taken out of proportion."
"Not a day passes when a synagogue around the world isn't firebombed or sprayed with swastikas, and I don't hear condemnations on the same level," he said.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy sites in Israel, said that holy sites must be "off limits" when it comes to the regional conflict, adding that "the severe attack" must be investigated and its perpetrators caught swiftly.

"We were all shocked by the attack on the synagogue in Gush Katif and other places in the world when people of no faith and values found a way to attack our holiest ways," he said in a statement on Sunday. "We must not replicate those vandals."

Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger also issued a condemnation of the attack.

Speaking to Army Radio on Sunday morning, Metzger said the act was "not the proper way" for settlers to fight for their cause.
"I am shocked by the attack," he said. "People cannot take the law into their own hands."

The Anti-Defamation League also issued a statement of condemnation.
"We are horrified and outraged by the acts of vandalism early this morning at a mosque in the West Bank that are believed to have been perpetrated by Jewish extremists. As Jews, we know all too well what it is like to have our houses of worship targeted by violence and hate," read the statement from the group's Israel office.

"That Jewish extremists may have used such despicable methods to express political opposition is beyond the pale. We join with Israel's political, military and religious leadership in condemning this disgraceful assault," the statement added.

The IDF said it would be on a heightened state of alert over the coming week in an effort to curb what some officers fear could turn into a spate of settler violence.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1260447426113&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[ggk]

You asked for cases of lynching and burning. The fact that his posts were not about simultaneous events sure as hell don't make them "unrelated", in fact it makes you seem like you're nitpicking to excuse the Palestinian behavior.


oh boohoo anytime the pallis get there hands on a jew or synagogue they burn it to the ground destroy it do the most horrible things imaginable, if its a person they rip his/her heart out, literarily so guys calm down, besides if they are caught they will get treated just like any common criminal.

it seems he implies it as a case of burnng of synagougue and lynching people inside it...and it happen many times.

[kahn267]

I would just like to raise this as a thought for all of you...

When Israel "disengaged" from Gaza in 2005, withdrawing thousands of Israeli settlers in the pursuit of peace with the Palestinians, they pleaded with them not to burn down the Synagogues and other holy building that were left behind. They pleaded to use such buildings as schools, hospitals instead. Obviously the Palestinians knowing that the UN would foot the bill for such buildings to be made, chose to burn down these buildings as shown in pictures below... Mahmoud Abbas, the Fatah and PA President who is constantly seen as Israel's only partner in peace with the Palestinians commented these actions as an "expression of emotions". So the next time you wish to raise comment about Israel disengaging from settlements as a solution for peace, think of these photos and the 5 years since such disengagement of rocket fire and unrest.

Before
http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/55382967.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6C7CC74DD69A055D78311D4CE3AE77CED

After
http://bokertov.typepad.com/btb/images/neve_dekalim_synagogue_in_ruins_3.jpg

Before
http://www.paulasays.com/articles/netzarim1.jpg

After
http://www.israeluniverse.com/images/arabs_destroy_shul.jpg

[LineDoggie]

If this is the kind of sentiment you guys show to the desecration of each others temples then there is no hope for the region. Oh wait a minute your not an Israeli your an American so your opinion has no substance in this matter. p-) Yet yours is supposed to?

[ggk]

I would just like to raise this as a thought for all of you...

. They pleaded to use such buildings as schools, hospitals instead. Before
http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/55382967.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6C7CC74DD69A055D78311D4CE3AE77CED



After


uhuh and you do realise this building looks like a HUGE STAR OF DAVID right?

...and if i post the gajjilion picture building bombed into dust in both gaza and palestine... .....

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

Yet yours is supposed to?No opinion as yet passed on the desecration of temples in the region.

[dttk0009]

The fact that some people are trying to somehow put icing on this and wrap it up to make it seem 'not as bad' is somewhat depressing. Burning down places of worship is a sign of ignorance and hate, and should not be tolerated, defended or excused by any rational human being.
And I think a couple of pages back someone said that western media never reports it when Muslims carry out acts of terrorism. That's just...wow.

[BafuD]

dttk, lets not forget all the nonreported riots started by muslims and so on, I readed some "news" that the muslims in France would have gone so far, that they've started kidnapping jewish people, dont know if its true. But yeah, its a fact that the governments dont want news about their failured immigration program.

+they're everyday burning cars in malmö, latest new was that they were throwing hand grenades (homemade or something) trough the windows to some random houses.

[dttk0009]

dttk, lets not forget all the nonreported riots started by muslims and so on, I readed some "news" that the muslims in France would have gone so far, that they've started kidnapping jewish people, dont know if its true. But yeah, its a fact that the governments dont want news about their failured immigration program.

+they're everyday burning cars in malmö, latest new was that they were throwing hand grenades (homemade or something) trough the windows to some random houses.
Fair enough, but I can't see any reason for that to be brought up in this thread other than to somehow justify what happened in the OP's article, because in my eyes it's violent bigotry no matter which angle you look at it. The same goes for your example, well your example is worse because people's lives are endangered. But my point stands. Why is this being brought up in this thread?

[Henry's Fork]

@ the pics above. What a waste. I can see wanting to take down the star of david building, thats a no-brainer, but that other building with the dome, just need a few minarets and the crescent on top the dome, presto...new mosque. Oh well.

[Fat Lazy American]

@ the pics above. What a waste. I can see wanting to take down the star of david building, thats a no-brainer, but that other building with the dome, just need a few minarets and the crescent on top the dome, presto...new mosque. Oh well.

So destroying Jewish religious symbols is a no brainer?

[GiladS]

So destroying Jewish religious symbols is a no brainer?

Imagine Israel tearing down the Al Aqsa Mosque after it took east Jerusalem in 1967 and people saying that it is a no brainer... p-)

Anyway, the attack on the Yasuf mosque is a despicable act and I hope the criminals will be cought soon.

As eveyone can see in the article I posted in my previous post, the majority in the settler communiy don't condone such acts.

[Henry's Fork]

:roll:

I meant to say that Israel should have taken down the star, to expect it to stay standing once the Palis took over, is like expecting a snowstorm in hell. Thats the no brainer part about it. It was coming down one way or another. To think otherwise is pure naivety.

[GiladS]

:roll:

I meant to say that Israel should have taken down the star, to expect it to stay standing once the Palis took over, is like expecting a snowstorm in hell. Thats the no brainer part about it. It was coming down one way or another. To think otherwise is pure naivety.

I understood your point mate and I agree.

However I was simply emphasizing the fact that Israel wouldn't act in the same manner and that this isn't expected of us.

Says a lot about the Palestinians...

[ting]

dttk, lets not forget all the nonreported riots started by muslims and so on, I readed some "news" that the muslims in France would have gone so far, that they've started kidnapping jewish people, dont know if its true. But yeah, its a fact that the governments dont want news about their failured immigration program.

+they're everyday burning cars in malmö, latest new was that they were throwing hand grenades (homemade or something) trough the windows to some random houses.
rofl
You appear to know a lot about how western governments make the media wright what they want.rofl

[RoyB]

What are people here arguing about?
Vandalizing somebody's religious and holy places is wrong, and the people who commit these acts are extreme douche-bags, no matter from which side they come from. They should be caught and trialed. That's it.

[ggk]

dttk, lets not forget all the nonreported riots started by muslims and so on, I readed some "news" that the muslims in France would have gone so far, that they've started kidnapping jewish people, dont know if its true. But yeah, its a fact that the governments dont want news about their failured immigration program.

+they're everyday burning cars in malmö, latest new was that they were throwing hand grenades (homemade or something) trough the windows to some random houses.

its true........

[ting]

I understood your point mate and I agree.

However I was simply emphasizing the fact that Israel wouldn't act in the same manner and that this isn't expected of us.

Says a lot about the Palestinians...

Yes the Palestinians are obviously much more evil than the Jews.:roll:

hint: I recommend Berdan and Androids posts.

[the_Wicked]

:roll:

I meant to say that Israel should have taken down the star, to expect it to stay standing once the Palis took over, is like expecting a snowstorm in hell. Thats the no brainer part about it. It was coming down one way or another. To think otherwise is pure naivety.

So now because we "expect" the Palestinians to act like barbarians, it's "OK" for them to do so, and we apply different standards to them than to other groups in the world that do, did, or would love to do the same, like Nazi's, KKK, etc? Or even Israeli settlers? That's pure bull****.

[the_Wicked]

Yes the Palestinians are obviously much more evil than the Jews.:roll:

hint: I recommend Berdan and Androids posts.

Actually yes, and their posts are entirely irrelevant. We're not using the lowest crime as a yardstick, we're not excusing Jewish crimes by pointing out Palestinian crimes (as a Palestinian probably would have, "resistance" and all), we're simply pointing out:

1) the hypocrisy of the WESTERN MEDIA for not reporting similar cases on the other side

2) While Jewish extremists exist, they're criminals in Israel, while Palestinian extremists are leaders in their communities. Thus - f*ck yes the Palestinian society is much more evil than Jewish society.

I know I can't convince you since you're apparently on a holy crusade against the state of Israel, I'm just making sure you don't confuse people who read this thread and happen to have their heads screwed right.

[Henry's Fork]

Nobody said its ok. Chill Winston.

[The_Android]

1) the hypocrisy of the WESTERN MEDIA for not reporting similar cases on the other side


It may be hypocrisy to some degree, but as we all know the scope of Islamic terrorism is such that if a Muslim stabs a Jew or burns a few copies of the Torah, in the context of Islamic terrorism it's unfortunately peanuts. The media reports when 100's of people are slaughtered in bomb attacks in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan etc. I mean there are bomb attacks in those countries every day, but only the really big ones make it to the news. If newspapers were to write about every single attack done by muslims, they wouldn't have time to write about much else.

On the other hand we are not as used to read about Jewish extremism. It's more "exotic" and since many medias are quite senstationalistic even quite minor attacks by Jewish extremists are hence likely to make the news.

[GB_FXST]

uhuh and you do realise this building looks like a HUGE STAR OF DAVID right?

...and if i post the gajjilion picture building bombed into dust in both gaza and palestine... .....

There is a difference between 1) buidlings destroyed during the course of a war, and 2) buildings destroyed for no other reason of their Jewish signifcance.



Yes the Palestinians are obviously much more evil than the Jews.:roll:

hint: I recommend Berdan and Androids posts.

I consider the Palestinian leadership, particularly Hamas, to be fundamentally corrupted by a sort of fascism, or totalitarianism, and, so yes, the leadership is evil.

The alleged actions of these settlers is obviously not the official policy of the Israeli government and the descration of the mosque has been unequivocally condemned by both the government and the settler community.

Israel's respect for the places of worship of all faith is clear for all to see. Anyone who has visited Jerusalem since 1967 knows this to be true.

The same cannot be said for Palestinian or Jordanian policies.

[ggk]

well im just pointing out that since the building looks like a HUGE Star of David... makes me wonder in what way the palestinian could have use it.....

[Octavariable]

well im just pointing out that since the building looks like a HUGE Star of David... makes me wonder in what way the palestinian could have use it.....

To launch rockets of course rofl

[Atlantic Friend]

I love it when it all turns to

"ah, but when it's *my people* being killed it's never reported, and here's the proof, Mr A/Mrs B have been attacked last week and, outrage, outrage, the European media didn't report it in full detail while they would have done it if it an been an Israeli/an Arab, now you can see the double standard".

As this kind of rant has generally nothing to do with the issue being discussed, and often serves as a red herring to derail any debate venturing into uncomfortable territory, I think I have to make it clear for everybody :

No, the European media do not cover every story about an Arab being killed or wounded by Israelis.

No, the European media do not cover every story about an Israeli being killed or wounded by Arabs either.

Actually, no, the European media do not cover every story about an European being killed or wounded by his fellow man, regardless of gender, religion, or political beliefs of the victim or the assassin.

And no, the coverage/non-coverage does not change the fact murders, rapes, assaults, arson and gratuitous destruction of public buildings included religious ones all fall into the "Bad things" lists, regardless of who commits them and in what holy name/supposedly noble ideal he does it.

[Octavariable]

I'll bet someone will protest even on this (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3819018,00.html)

Wow, I'm a freaking Psychic!



Rabbi Metzger brings peaceful message to Yasuf village
Amidst protest by local residents, Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger visits Palestinian village, says 'places of prayer must not be attacked, but must also not pose as breeding grounds for incitement or as hiding places of terrorists, weapons'
Kobi Nahshoni
Published: 12.14.09, 15:18 / Israel News (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3819790,00.html)
Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger on Monday visited the Palestinian village Yasuf to protest the torching of the village's mosque. Dozens of residents of the village received the rabbi in protest.

They waved Palestinian and PLO flags and signs against the West Bank settlements written in Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

The visit was arranged by Salfit Governor Munir al-Abushy, and was coordinated with the IDF. In addition, dozens of Palestinian police officers secured the rabbi's entourage.

"I hope this visit calms the spirits in the village," said al-Abushy, "the local residents will understand that there are good people in Israeli society, and that even religious figures condemn this action – it's sending a good message."

The governor noted that he believes "the land belongs to two peoples, who will live on it in two states once the Palestinian one is established – with the help of god."

Rabbi Metzger stressed that his visit was not meant to disturb the rehabilitation of the mosque, and that quite the contrary he was there to encourage the locals and expressed hope the renovation work will be completed in time for Friday prayers.

While standing at the doorstep of the burned down mosque, Rabbi Metzger condemned the arson and said, "We, the people of Israel, have a trauma from 70 years ago when the greatest destruction we have ever known, the Holocaust, started with the burning of synagogues on Kristallnacht."

The Rabbi further added that according to his views, holy places do not belong to people, but are rather ex-territorial places, which he dubbed "god's embassies."


In accordance with his stance, Rabbi Metzger said that "places of prayer must not be attacked, but must also not pose as breeding grounds for incitement or as hiding places of terrorists and weapons."

At the end of his speech, the Rabbi thanked al-Abushy for his "reception and hospitality". He also thanked the Palestinian officers for their escort.

[Isaac Kasabian]

Not much to say really besides the obvious it's a crime and as such those responsible should be caught and held responsible for what they did.

But calling Jews living in Judea and Samaria Settler's that's a joke.

[wigon]

Even if these "Settlers" came from Europe and America to live in Israel? Regardless, forcefully taking someone else's land without their consent is not a very nice thing to do even if money is thrown at the people who's land they're taking. If it's sold by the Palestinian land owner with his consent then that is different. If the policy is just to take the land, then Israel should do it all at once in one war rather then this slow, creeping, and extremely painful policy of gradual expansion.
So Israel I think needs to make up its mind regarding territorial expansion.

[RoyB]

forcefully taking someone else's land without their consent is not a very nice thing to do
I don't want to ignite anything around here, but just wanted to let people know that I giggled a bit reading this, considering it comes from an American.;)

Now, you're of course right.
But the fact is that A LOT of the ground where the settlers build their homes is actually owned by nobody, other than the state than conquered in a defensive war, which is Israel.
Another thing.. a lot of Arabs actually sell grounds to the settlers. Such cases happen quite often, in Hebron for example.

[Isaac Kasabian]

Even if these "Settlers" came from Europe and America to live in Israel? Regardless, forcefully taking someone else's land without their consent is not a very nice thing to do even if money is thrown at the people who's land they're taking. If it's sold by the Palestinian land owner with his consent then that is different. If the policy is just to take the land, then Israel should do it all at once in one war rather then this slow, creeping, and extremely painful policy of gradual expansion.
So Israel I think needs to make up its mind regarding territorial expansion.

They are not Settler's! It's Israeli Jewish people that decide to live in their own land.
First the "Palestinians" when they sell sometimes they do this trick that they sell the same property (house,land) to both Arabs and Jews, so you can see how that goes.
Secondly most of the land didn't had any private owner, it was state controlled from the times of the Ottomans, and just because there's people living there doesn't make it yours.
If you go to some place and build a house without paying both land and permit/house don't cry when they evict you and replace by people who actually buy the stuff.

[wigon]

Well in many countries there are laws regarding ownership of land when no official claim is held by the person using the land. Generally if a person can show that the land has been in continous for at least 3 generations (through old photographs with recognizable landmarks, and other forms of verifiable records that provide at least some form of evidence) then they have a certain legal claim to the land.

I'm assuming that Israel doesn't have such laws. However regardless of that, it is still a case of two states (if you except the idea of a Palestinian state) with one state gradually taking up land from another state.
So again, it just is painful for everyone that Israel is slowly expanding when it should have one quick brutal war to take it all or simply halt expansion and work out permanent borders with the PLA. (Gaza and Hamas being a seperate issue).
However the main problem with this is that it is impossible to do given the fact that the West Bank is filled with Jewish settlements (if you accept the 2 state idea). So there is no simple border that could be drawn without pulling back the vast majority of those settlements in the West Bank or leaving them to become part of the Palestinian state.

The alternative is to launch a full invasion and to destroy all homes and businesses to drive out all civilians from the land on the penalty of death or detention and deportation. In essence, ethnic cleansing...something I know most Israelis are not comfortable with giving recent Jewish history.
The other radical solution is removing all walls and making Palestinians on the West Bank, Israeli citizens. But that's something neither side seems willing to accept.

Whatever the case, to allow it to continue to fester is constant pain and suffering not only for both sides but for the entire world that is drawn into the conflict.

[GB_FXST]

Well in many countries there are laws regarding ownership of land when no official claim is held by the person using the land. Generally if a person can show that the land has been in continous for at least 3 generations (through old photographs with recognizable landmarks, and other forms of verifiable records that provide at least some form of evidence) then they have a certain legal claim to the land.

I'm assuming that Israel doesn't have such laws. However regardless of that, it is still a case of two states (if you except the idea of a Palestinian state) with one state gradually taking up land from another state.
So again, it just is painful for everyone that Israel is slowly expanding when it should have one quick brutal war to take it all or simply halt expansion and work out permanent borders with the PLA. (Gaza and Hamas being a seperate issue).
However the main problem with this is that it is impossible to do given the fact that the West Bank is filled with Jewish settlements (if you accept the 2 state idea). So there is no simple border that could be drawn without pulling back the vast majority of those settlements in the West Bank or leaving them to become part of the Palestinian state.

The alternative is to launch a full invasion and to destroy all homes and businesses to drive out all civilians from the land on the penalty of death or detention and deportation. In essence, ethnic cleansing...something I know most Israelis are not comfortable with giving recent Jewish history.
The other radical solution is removing all walls and making Palestinians on the West Bank, Israeli citizens. But that's something neither side seems willing to accept.

Whatever the case, to allow it to continue to fester is constant pain and suffering not only for both sides but for the entire world that is drawn into the conflict.

The status qou may be unavoidable as no reasonable alternative exists.

Despite media hype and hyperbole, the situation in the West Bank is not a crisis that threatens world peace by any means.

The situation in the WB is not even the human tragedy portrayed by the media. Tibet, Darfur and Somalia immediately come to mind:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_2003%E2%80%93current (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_2003%E2%80%93current)

[wigon]

I definitely agree with you there. I think it's funny how the Arab media especially makes the Israeli/Palestinian conflict to be this awful genocide while ignoring the real genocide in Sudan that included thousands of fellow Muslims being slaughtered by the ruling "Arab" (if you can call them that) Muslims simply because some of the black Muslims are the wrong race or wrong tribe and living in the wrong part of Sudan (with rebels on their side attacking government forces). That I guess is too shameful for them to accept as true. However it also may have something to do with the fact that its black people dying as this racism also effects the Western Media's scarce coverage of the entire mess in Sudan even though the evidence of genocide is irrefutable. One of the world's worst "hidden wars" is probably in Colombia. The Colombian civil war is almostly totally ignored by the American media unless Americans are killed or captured in the covert war going on there.

So yeah... all things considered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is definitely blown out of porportion. But the Arabs make a big deal out of it and as long as America is Israel's #1 supplier of weapons and the conflict continues (even with Iraq and Afghanistan pull-outs) America will remain a primary target for terrorists.

[alexz]

So yeah... all things considered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is definitely blown out of porportion. But the Arabs make a big deal out of it and as long as America is Israel's #1 supplier of weapons and the conflict continues (even with Iraq and Afghanistan pull-outs) America will remain a primary target for terrorists.

America is the No 1 supplier of weapons to many Arab countrie such as Egypt and the KSA.
Those weapons, killed dozens of fellow Yemani citizzens in recent days.

[wigon]

America is the No 1 supplier of weapons to many Arab countrie such as Egypt and the KSA.
Those weapons, killed dozens of fellow Yemani citizzens in recent days.


Yup...something Al-Qaeda and similar groups also note...and use as rationale to support the overthrow of the governments of those countries.

[dttk0009]

This has gotten off-topic in a bad, yet predictable way.

[m.i.t]

Are there any arrest for burning attack now by Israel police ?

[Spliffer]

Oh yay. I so love it when these threads break down and everyone takes sides :(
Emotion and all that other crap apart, both sides are overly-politicised, both sides break all the rules imposed on them by themselves, each other and the outside world, everyone has way too many guns.

Seriously? Is Israel really worth dying over?
I've been there. It's not all that great. Hot in summer, freezing in winter. Not much arable land. Pitiful amounts of other resources. Most major rivers in the area give it a miss.
To quote Golda Meir "the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil"

And if I had to die for some place, it'd be some tropical island with hot chicks wearing grass skirts.

If it weren't for all the G~d stuff, likely there'd be peace there by now...

[Fat Lazy American]

Oh yay. I so love it when these threads break down and everyone takes sides :(
Emotion and all that other crap apart, both sides are overly-politicised, both sides break all the rules imposed on them by themselves, each other and the outside world, everyone has way too many guns.

Seriously? Is Israel really worth dying over?
I've been there. It's not all that great. Hot in summer, freezing in winter. Not much arable land. Pitiful amounts of other resources. Most major rivers in the area give it a miss.
To quote Golda Meir "the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil"

And if I had to die for some place, it'd be some tropical island with hot chicks wearing grass skirts.

If it weren't for all the G~d stuff, likely there'd be peace there by now...

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/199/melgibsonbeard.jpg

Is that you, Mel?

[RoyB]

Eghh, who fvcking cares if most of its land is a desert, etc etc..
This is my homeland, and as a non believer, I think I'm willing to fight for the real, true, most important reasons. Rather than what the religious nut-cases believe.

[Spliffer]

Is that you, Mel?
Really dude? I say my opinion without taking a side and you compare me to Mel the Stormtrooper?

RoyB: My apologies for inadvertantly insulting your country. You have the right to self-defence and if any person or group of people infringe on your right to peace, then you not only have the right but the moral obligation to react.

More people die annually from criminal violence in South Africa than in the continuous Arab-Israeli conflict. AIDS way more.
The Arab-Israeli conflict always seems to get a disproportionate amount of news coverage.
I just don't think it's that important.

[GiladS]

Seriously? Is Israel really worth dying over?


Guess you never passed by the military cemetaries while you were here if you ask this question.



I've been there. It's not all that great. Hot in summer, freezing in winter. Not much arable land. Pitiful amounts of other resources. Most major rivers in the area give it a miss.
To quote Golda Meir "the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil"


Israel was founded due to reasons that surpass any ambition for material gain.

And there is one resource Israel has in great amount and that is human capital.

[OrangeWolf]

Oh yay. I so love it when these threads break down and everyone takes sides :(
Emotion and all that other crap apart, both sides are overly-politicised, both sides break all the rules imposed on them by themselves, each other and the outside world, everyone has way too many guns.

Seriously? Is Israel really worth dying over?
I've been there. It's not all that great. Hot in summer, freezing in winter. Not much arable land. Pitiful amounts of other resources. Most major rivers in the area give it a miss.
To quote Golda Meir "the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil"

And if I had to die for some place, it'd be some tropical island with hot chicks wearing grass skirts.

If it weren't for all the G~d stuff, likely there'd be peace there by now...

For those who have no other home? Of course. You could ask this question to many people about their own country. Your opinion about Israel's landscape or capabilities are completely irrelevant. I could give you my opinion, I believe Israel's a great and beautiful land. But it is neither mine nor yours so it is foolish for us to judge whether Israel is worth fighting for. You have a different home, so do I.

Fine take god and religion away, you still have millions of Israelis who have no other home and neighbors who will continue their fight for the same reasons: clan power, money and pure hatred and jealousy of the Jewish people: religious or not.

[OrangeWolf]

Really dude? I say my opinion without taking a side and you compare me to Mel the Stormtrooper?

RoyB: My apologies for inadvertantly insulting your country. You have the right to self-defence and if any person or group of people infringe on your right to peace, then you not only have the right but the moral obligation to react.

More people die annually from criminal violence in South Africa than in the continuous Arab-Israeli conflict. AIDS way more.
The Arab-Israeli conflict always seems to get a disproportionate amount of news coverage.
I just don't think it's that important.

Even if a million people die each year in Africa it doesn't make the threat of terrorism and the Mullah regime in Iran with its proxies a less dangerous reality for Israelis.

And if you believe the Israel-terrorist conflict is in the news too much, then why don't you take the initiative by stop bothering with it and leave this and other related threads? Nobody forces you to click on this topic, nobody asks you to be interested.

ON TOPIC: has she recovered yet?

[Spliffer]

Even if a million people die each year in Africa it doesn't make the threat of terrorism and the Mullah regime in Iran with its proxies a less dangerous reality for Israelis.

And if you believe the Israel-terrorist conflict is in the news too much, then why don't you take the initiative by stop bothering with it and leave this and other related threads? Nobody forces you to click on this topic, nobody asks you to be interested.

ON TOPIC: has she recovered yet?
Point taken

[RoyB]

RoyB: My apologies for inadvertantly insulting your country.
No need. I didn't think you insulted anything or anyone.
My apologies for making it look like you did.

The Arab-Israeli conflict always seems to get a disproportionate amount of news coverage.
Yep. Tremendously.

Now..
Actually I find myself asking the same question quite often, "Is it worth it?".
And then I immediately convince myself with statements like "We don't have an other option", "This is our only home", "My family fought and built this place just so I can live here", etc etc..
That's just putting it simple 'cause I have no time nor will to start digging and digging. Maybe later.
Don't let the more recent events and moves blind you.. This country was built by quite a bunch of secularists, rather than religious "We are the chosen and this is the land given to us by God and we need no other justification" people.

[GiladS]

Are there any arrest for burning attack now by Israel police ?

Kahane relative suspected of torching Yasuf mosque

By YAAKOV KATZ (yaakovk@jpost.com)

A relative of Kach founder Rabbi Meir Kahane was arrested Thursday in connection with the arson attack on a mosque in the village of Yasuf (http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1260447421277&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull) earlier this month.


The suspect, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was reportedly arrested by undercover police officers while he was traveling with a family member.

Authorities suspected extreme-right wing elements attacked the mosque as a "price tag" for the decision to freeze housing starts in the settlements, and raised concern in Jerusalem that it would trigger violent responses.

Kahane was an MK from 1984 until his party was declared racist and banned from the Knesset in 1988. He was assassinated in New York on November 5, 1990.

In the December 11 incident in the northern West Bank village, assailants burned prayer carpets and holy books, and left behind Hebrew graffiti indicating the rampage was the work of settlers angry over the government's plan to curb settlement construction.
The assailants entered the village before dawn, according to police.

They burned prayer carpets and a book stand with Muslim holy texts, and left graffiti on the floor reading, 'Price tag - greetings from Effi.'
'Price tag' is a term used by settlers either to denote retaliation for government decisions which curb settlement activity or in response to Palestinian attacks.

Clashes erupted between IDF troops and residents of Yasuf following the incident.

Rebecca Baskin and Herb Keinon contributed to this report

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1261364558943&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Isaac Kasabian]

Perhaps an Apology is Due?

The arrest of a youngster from the Kahane family made news waves, but his release after proving his alibi was true made hardly a ripple.

A short time ago the main story on nearly every Israeli news site was the possible involvement of a teenage relative of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane in the arson attack last month on a mosque in the Palestinian village of Yasuf. (ed. note: INN, as opposed to other news outlets, did not publicize the minor's name) Not surprisingly this story generated much interest and many reactions.

As I browsed from site to site, both in Hebrew and in English, I was amazed to see reactions that were simply seething with hatred. No one remembered the fact that the youngster denied all involvement in the incident, that he claimed he had an alibi as to where he was at the time of the attack, that according to his lawyer he had a clean record, or that he was being investigated without a family member present despite being a minor. His family name was enough for him to be tried and judged in the media.

Where was the compassion for an adolescent whose mother and father were both murdered in a terrorist attack nearly ten years ago when he was just a child? Does his family name evoke such hatred that it obliterates his right to be considered innocent until proven guilty?

For many there was a sinking feeling of déjà vu when this story made the news. In light of the recent freeze on building in Judea and Samaria and the near warlike preparation to enforce the freeze, it appeared that this was simply another irresistible attempt to incite against a particular population.

Although no one knows for certain what is being planned for the future of the Jews living in Judea and Samaria, the gut feeling of many is that it is something in the direction of what was done to the Jews formerly living in Gaza. Of course following the Lebanon War, the Gaza War, and the overall horrendous treatment of the Jews who formerly lived in Gaza, removing even part of the Jews from their homes in Judea and Samaria will not be an easy sell to the Israeli public. For this reason it does not seem so far fetched that the defamation strategy employed then is being used once again. The more the settlers are made to look extreme, the easier the sell to the Israeli public.

Although such a tactic is despicable in and of itself since it results in turning Jew against Jew, it is even worse if this boy was a suspect because his family name is recognizable instantly. Once again we’re talking about someone who, along with his five sisters, lost his parents when they were all just children and whose grandfather was murdered as well.

The youngster was released after seven hours of investigation due to lack of any evidence and after verification of his alibi, a chain of events which only strengthened the belief amongst many that this was an attempt to besmirch and incite. The long term effects of enduring this experience during formative teen years make it an especially insensitive mistake.

Whatever the case, both those responsible for arresting him as well as all those who spewed such hatred towards him, should do some soul searching and offer him a public apology.

Such internal hatred only brings more calamities upon us.

Source: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/9251

[LineDoggie]

as much as the jews had the right to live in peace away from the terror of WWII the manner which they did so made most of them no different than the nazis themselves. Quoted for its sheer insanity. You honestly believe there is NO difference between the Israelis' and the Nazi's?

How about Naming when the Nazis arrested a German for burning a Jewish Synagogue?

Name one of the Israeli's Death Camps?

Name an IDF Einsatzgruppen?

Whats todays Zyklon B?

[kamaz]

as usual, any Israel/Pali threads break down into sheer stupidity and Godwin's law.

the kahane nutjobs who torched a mosque will be found and will be in jail, just like the religious crackpots before them. Israel is a country of laws and these scumbags will be brought under the law.

[Connaught Ranger]

as much as the jews had the right to live in peace away from the terror of WWII the manner which they did so made most of them no different than the nazis themselves.
jews have been living in arabia for centuries, in yemen, in saudi arabia in iraq in jordan, in syria and also palestine. all this conflict between the two faiths had mainly come from the creation of the state of israel over palestine.
in reality, its not worth it, if the jewish people bought land fairly in palestine then why would they have to make their own country out of it? why not live alongside the original inhabitants? it doesnt add up, the reasons where policitcal, just as the idea of a jewish state is. the word jewish goes fine, but it fails epicly when state is added besides it.
the real solution should have happened 60 years ago with jews living in palestine alongside the christian, jewish & muslim palestinians. it would have been gain for all.

this attack would have been equally bad no matter who did it and to whomever argues that the palestinians demolished two synagogues in gaza after the israeli withdrawn but you didnt to al aqsa. lets consider this, al-aqsa is old, its ancient its as much importantly historically as it is for religious reasons, one cannot compare it to a building made 30 years ago.
besides do you really expect muslims to use a giant star of david (with all respect to it)? would the jews accept a building made like a huge cross, i doubt it. an unoccupied building is fine to demolish, as long as there is no cultural or historical loss there. even muslims demolish mosques at times, only to have them rebuild but to leave a giant star of david in a tiny strip of land with a huge populace is quite stupid when no one is using it.
to add, israel consists also of non-muslim arabs & muslim arabs so destroying al-aqsa mosque is also out of respect to its own population.

Somebody is going to have a very short stay here with that mentality.:roll:

[Maschinengewehrschutze]

Somebody is going to have a very short stay here with that mentality.:roll:

if he was making the connection between Arabs and the Nazis you would've ignored his post
apparently democracy is absent here

[Hollis]

if he was making the connection between Arabs and the Nazis you would've ignored his post
apparently democracy is absent here


Apparently you will have a short stay here too.

[wigon]

If this mosque was a synagogue, the Palestinians would have been celebrating the young men who did it as great heroes of Palestine and who did it for Allah. Laws are man made, but the laws of G_d are not. Perhaps these young Jewish men believed they were doing this for a higher power then the old men who give away land to their enemies in return for more terrorism?

[GiladS]

Police raid Yitzhar yeshiva, arrest 7

By JPOST.COM STAFF (updates@jpost.com)

Police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) raided the living quarters of two yeshivot in Yitzhar, arresting three 20-year-old men and detaining two minors overnight Sunday for their alleged involvement in vandalism and arson in the Kafr Yasuf mosque last month. Four other minors were arrested for various recent acts of disruption in the Samaria region. An additional person wanted for questioning was also detained.


One of the minors was released after questioning, but three men and a minor were transferred on Monday afternoon to the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court to extend their remand, police said.
A search of the personal items of those arrested revealed stylets and color flares. According to Yitzhar residents, the police and Shin Bet donned masks, used excessive force and confiscated residents' cameras that were used to document the events.
In mid December, assailants vandalized the Yasuf mosque, and the civil administration launched an investigation. The vandals fled the scene.


The attack took place in the village of Yasuf, south of Nablus. The assailants entered the village before dawn Friday, according to police and Munir Abushi, the Palestinian governor of the district of Salfit, where the village is located.
The perpetrators set fire to a carpet and to a library in the mosque's second floor, destroying holy books.


They also sprayed abusive statements in Hebrew on the walls and floor. Graffiti messages included "Price tag - greetings from Effi" and "We will burn the lot of you."
Some linked the attack to the so-called "price tag policy," often used to denote retaliation for government decisions which curb settlement activity.

The IDF said it views the incident "gravely" and is investigating along with the police. After villagers discovered the damage, they briefly threw stones at IDF troops that entered Yasuf, Abushi said. He said two villagers were hurt in the skirmish.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147917300&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Isaac Kasabian]

Judge Releases Rabbi Shapira of Yitzhar


(IsraelNN.com) Judge Anat Singer of the jerusalem Magistrates' Court released Rabbi Yitzchak Shapira of Yitzhar and sharply critcized the law enforcement authorities over the way he was treated. "There is not even the beginning of a justification for remanding [the rabbi] into custody," she said at the court proceeding.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/static/blogs/20100127080844.jpg
The rabbi is brought to court in handcuffs / Flash 90

Rabbi Shapira, Dean of the Od Yosef Chai (Joseph Still Lives) Yeshiva in the Shomron (Samaria), was arrested on Tuesday night, with police insinuating that he may have been involved in the torching of a mosque in Kafr Yassuf, near Tapuach, last month. Rabbi Shapira emphatically denies all involvement in the incident.

Rabbi Shapira’s lawyer, Moti Grossman of the Honenu Civil Rights Organization, said that he met with his client after midnight in the Petach Tikvah police station, and said he was shocked to see the rabbi “with his eyes blindfolded as if he were a terrorist. It was very difficult to see this, especially as he is a respected rabbi.”

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/static/blogs/20100127085308.jpg

"The Shabak (General Security Service) is exerting all sorts of heavy pressure on him," Grossman said. "They didn’t even allow him to keep his tefillin and prayerbook after he finished praying. This is a clear to attempt to pressure someone under interrogation.”

The police announced that Rabbi Shapira would be held overnight, if not longer, and students from his yeshiva arrived at the Petach Tikvah police station in solidarity with their rabbi. They sang and danced to show their support.

Rabbi Shapira lives in the Shomron community of Yitzhar, where several students were arrested in recent overnight raids on similar suspicions.

MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (National Union), who took part in the impromptu rally outside the police station, said he was shocked at the rabbi’s arrest. "I condemn the police for its methods,” he said, “which have been taken from the darkest, most oppressive regimes. The agenda of the police against residents of Yitzhar smacks of attempts to conduct a 'lynch' against them.”

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/135731