Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

An Israeli soldier directs a tank during an exercise in Golan Heights. Photograph: Baz Ratner/Reuters

Israel has said it killed four Palestinian militants in an air strike on the Syrian Golan Heights, after rocket fire from Syria prompted the heaviest Israeli bombardment since the start of Syrias four-year-old civil war.

An Israeli defence official said the four people killed in Fridays air strike were Palestinian militants from the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad. We know of at least four of them who were killed, the official said.

A Syrian army source said the strike, at 10.30am local time, hit a car in a village, killing five civilians.

Related: Israel hit by rockets fired from Syria amid confusion over who is to blame

State television quoted the source as saying the strike took place near Quneitra, close to the Israeli-occupied section of the Golan region.

Fridays attack came after Israel launched heavy overnight strikes against Syrian army posts in the border area in retaliation for what Israel said were rockets fired from Syria into Israel by Islamic Jihad.

The rocket fire into Israel set off fires but caused no casualties. Islamic Jihad denied it was involved.

The overnight Israeli bombardment killed one Syrian soldier killed and wounded seven, the Syrian military source said.

See original here:
Israel fires missiles at Syrian Golan Heights after rocket ...

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Israel fires missiles at Syrian Golan Heights after rocket …
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

Israel has pounded with artillery and launched airstrikes against 14 Syrian military positions in Golan Heights, holding Damascus responsible for failing to prevent a rocket attack on Israeli territory which the IDF pinned on an Iran funded Islamic Jihad group.

According to IDF sources, the air force and artillery struck five or six times in the Syrian Golan, hitting Damascuss military facilities in the area. Two of the rockets allegedly struck open areas in the Golan Heights and two others landed in the Upper Galilee far from the border with Syria. In addition to Golan airstrikes by the Israeli military, unconfirmed reports emerged that the IDF also targeted Syrian 137th Regiment near Damascus.

We attacked with tanks, artillery, and one target from the air... We attacked several kilometers into Syria, five or six sites with multiple targets within each site. Our attacks are much more severe this time around, in order to send a message and underscore the severity of this incident, Israeli military said, as quoted by Ynetnews.

The [Israeli] army sees Syria as responsible for the fire, and it will pay the price for it, the IDF statement said. The Israeli army also said that the rockets were fired by the Islamic Jihad movement with Iranian funding and direction.

Thursday assault on Israel caused no injuries or damages and came several hours after Israel deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries in Ashdod and Beersheba.

According to the IDF, earlier rockets came to Israel from the central part of the Golan Heights controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assads forces, and were fired by the Islamic Jihad militants.

However, despite their previous threats of retaliation against Israel for the detention of Mohammed Allan an alleged member of the group, who had been on hunger strike since June the Islamic Jihad denied the Israeli claims of their responsibility.

Israel is trying to divert attention from the defeat that it suffered in the face of the determination of the hero prisoner, Mohammed Allan, Dawoud Shehab, an Islamic Jihad spokesman in Gaza told Reuters. Allan ended his strike on Wednesday after an intervention by the Israeli court system.

READ MORE: Palestinian detainee ends 65-day hunger strike as arrest warrant suspended by Israeli court

The statement by Islamic Jihad, which has previously acknowledged receiving funds from Tehran, seems to hold ground, as Thursday nights strikes are the first major assault of that frontier on Assad controlled territory, which has been largely quiet for almost a decade.

The IDF claims, according to Haaretz, that the rocket assault on Israel was premeditated and planned by the chief of the Palestinian department in the Iranian Quds Force, Sayyid Izdias, who is accused of being involved with arms smuggling in Syrian and Lebanon.

The Iranians want to heat up the front against us in the northern and southern Golan, a military source told Ynetnews, adding that the retaliatory strikes by the IDF were part of a newly organized large scale attack plan against targets in Syrian Golan, which was prepared by the Northern Command.

Since the start of the Syrian conflict, Israel has concentrated their efforts on protecting the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, about 16 km (10 miles) to the east, which has witnessed a number of rocket attacks from within Syrian territory.

Excerpt from:
Israeli strikes on Golan confirmed by Syrian state TV RT News

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Israeli strikes on Golan confirmed by Syrian state TV RT News
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

The IDF positions on the Golan Heights provide strategic and tactical parity with Syrian army.

Strategic parity is created by the presence of the Israeli army only 60 km from Damascus, a constant deterrent to any Syrian aggression. The peace and serenity of the Israeli-Syrian border since 1974 testify to this.

Tactical parity is created by the topographical structure of the Golan. In the south, the deep canyons of the Yarmuch and the Rakad rivers form an impassible natural barrier to armored vehicles, and a formidable shield against infantry. Therefore a relatively small number of troops in a few outposts can secure this front.

In the east and north the defense line is formed by a mountain range stretching from Mt. Saki to Mt. Hermon in the north. There are a limited number of natural passes, which Syria would have to use in the case of invading Israel.

Due to this topography, the Israeli soldiers posted on mountain peaks routinely monitor the Syrian side for any military buildup, enabling a swift IDF response to any such development.

Gamla, built in 81 BCE by the Hasmonean king Alexander Yannai, was the capital of the Golan for 150 years. In 66 CE, during the Great Revolt against Rome, Gamla joined Jerusalem. In his book, The Wars of the Jews, Josephus Flavius writes about the heroic fight of the Jews during a month long siege. The end was tragic: the Romans killed 4,000 Jews and another 5,000 were killed fleeing from the slope. Only two women survived.

One of the coins found in the archeological excavations here is imprinted in ancient Hebrew: "For the Redemption of Jerusalem the Holy".

Gamla fell in the year 67. Since 1967 the Golan has been Jewish once again.

Um el-Kanatir was a wealthy Jewish village based on the industry of whitening linen in a nearby spring, where 3 monumental arcs adorn the pools. The synagogue, built in the 5th century AD and destroyed in the earthquake in 749, was excavated using a computerized crane, and is now under careful restoration. A genuine Holy Ark Bimah (platform for Torah reading), made of smooth basalt stones, was found at the site.

Ancient Qatzrin in the central Golan was a large Jewish village spread over 5 acres during the Talmudic Period. An authentic basalt lintel found at the site prompted archeological excavations, which uncovered a magnificent synagogue, built entirely of hewn stones. Jewish life thrived in the village for 350-400 years until it was destroyed by the earthquake of 749 AD.

The modern town established in 1977 near the old city, chose the name Qatzrin as a tribute to the ancestors, and the continuation of Jewish life in the Golan.

Syria became an independent state in 1946, inheriting its borders from the French Mandate. In May 1948, with the establishment of Israel, Syria was the first to attack the newborn state from the Golan Heights. Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, Syria's constant aggression against Israelis living in the Galilee resulted in a generation of children who grew up sleeping in bomb shelters. During the six day war, Israel, in response to Syria's massive artillery attacks, captured the Golan Heights. After the war the Syrians rejected the Israeli offer to return the Golan in exchange for peace.

In 1970 Hafez al-Assad seized the Baath Party, which has controlled Syria since 1963. Under his leadership Syria invaded Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and was defeated. In June 2000 Hafez appointed his son Bashar as his successor. Bashar supports militant terror groups that carry out attacks against Israel.

Syria is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Alawite Shias and Druze, as wall as Arab Sunnis who comprise 70% of the population. The Assad Dynasty belongs to the Alawites (11% of Syrian population). The majority Sunni Muslims feel that they are not represented. They will never forget 1982, when Hafez al-Assad gave the order to use all force against the uprising in the city of Hama. The Syrian army brutally killed 20,000-40,000 men, women and children, and completely destroyed the old city.

View original post here:
Golan Heights - History of the Golan

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Golan Heights – History of the Golan
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

The Golan Heights rises up to the east of the Sea of Galileein the far north east of Israel. Home to some of Israels most spectacular landscapes, and funnest adventures, the Golan Heights are a land of beauty, far removed from the cities of the center of the country.Eagles nest at Gamla, deer roam at Odem, whilst man gazes at the spectacular landscape from Mount Bental. In Hamat Gader, natural hot springs have been used by man for thousands of years, whilst man has recently used the snow at Mount Hermon as Israels only ski resort. Explore by driving off-road in an ATV, with a guide in a jeep, by foot on the hiking trails, biking on the tracks, or in a more extreme way, canyoning or rafting. The Golan Heights are truly remarkable!

Grape vines in the Golan by Flickr user Gaspa

The Golan Heights are a green rocky plateau located to the east of the Sea of Galileein the far north of Israel. About 40 miles from north to south, and an average of 12 mils from east to west, it is a relatively small region. Despite its size, the Golan Heights is very important, supplying Israel with over one third of its water, and, historically as the site of many important battles.

View from Mount Bental by Flickr user mockstar

The Golan Heights contains some of Israels most beautiful spots, shaped by the rugged and in places lunar landscape. Its great resource water has created green landscapes, and some beautiful water-features. The Saar Falls are arguably Israels most spectacular waterfalls, competing for the honor with the Banias Waterfall, the most iconic and largest waterfall in Israel set within the Banias Nature Reserve, with a great selection of hikes as well as some important history. Mount Bentaloffers literally breathtaking views across both Israels Galilee and the flat plains of Syria. A cafe here called Koffee Anan is a clever pun it means Coffee in the Clouds in Hebrew, and is the name of the past head of the UN youll see the significance of this if you visit.

Meanwhile, theGamla Nature Reserve,a rocky camel-shaped outcrop, is the site of a Jewish city founded 2000 years ago. Dubbed the Masada of the North by some, the site is one of Israels many gems not so much for its antiquities but for something else. Its stunning views, and observatory attract bird enthusiasts from around the world coming to see the Griffon Vulture (as well as the view of course!).

In the southern part of the Golan Heights, Hamat Gader is home to natural hot springs, used by man for over 2,000 years which draw people from far away due to the beautiful water and stunning surroundings (and, of course, thecrocodile farm the only one in the Middle East.)

Of course, one of the most popular attractions of the Golan Heights is theMount Hermon Ski Resort, Israels only ski resort. With 50 days of skiing a year in the winter months it might not be a world-class resort, it is pretty cool to be able to ski less than three hours away from the desert. The resort is also open in the summer months and is really popular for its diversity of plant life and magnificent views. The lifts are open all year round so if youre there in summer, you can hike andswim in the many streams. In spring the plains are at their most beautiful, carpeted with multi-colored flowers. In autumn the cooler weather attracts hikers to the many wooded trails. Another popular hiking route is the Golan Trail. Nearby, is the spectacular Nimrod Fortress, thebiggest Crusader fortress in Israel, beautifully preserved and mighty impressive.

Eagles from Gamla by Flickr user karen horton

Due to its location, the easiest way to explore the Golan Heights is by car or joining a tour, although our guide about how to get to the Golan could help. Its about a two to two and a half hour drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to the southern-part of the Golan Heights, and whilst it is possible to travel around by bus, it can be difficult as schedules can be infrequent. Group tours to the Golan Heights operate every week, whilst a private tour is a great option if you do not have a car.

Once youre in the Golan, the range of activities is awesome. Some of the highlights:

Excerpt from:
Golan Heights - Tourist Israel

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Golan Heights – Tourist Israel
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

If you've ever wanted a laffa as big as your head, well, you won't get it here. You'll get one that's about twice the size!

While waiting for a meeting at YU, the boyfriend and I asked friends on Twitter where to go and this Israeli grill got several mentions, so we decided to give it a go. Luckily, we arrived just before the peak lunch time, so we got our food, a seat, and got to enjoy it before the real crowd showed up (and boy was there a crowd!).

I ordered the falafel on laffa (falafalaffa), not knowing how gigantic it would come. I got the regular chips and chummus, and threw on tahini, Israeli salad, pickles, and some spicy sauce. They wrapped it, threw it into some foil, chopped it in half, and served it up. I only ate half of it because it was, well, HUGE. But it was so, so tasty. A serious nosh of a serious Israeli kind. It reminded me of eating falafel on the streets in Israel, and that was such a comfort.

The boyfriend got his very first schwarma with chips, and although I want him to write his own review, he scarfed that thing down without thinking about it. And? He loved it.

The crew here is quick, attentive, and knows how to run a busy business. Most importantly? They know how to keep all the Yeshiva boys in check when they're crowding the counter. The prices aren't great, but I really can't bring myself to complain when it comes to kosher food. My falafalaffa ran $9, if that gives you any idea.

Bravo Golan. I just wish there was a joint like this in Connecticut! Rest assured, we'll be back.

Go here to read the rest:
Golan Heights - 11 Photos - Middle Eastern - Washington ...

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Golan Heights – 11 Photos – Middle Eastern – Washington …
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

The Israeli army has begun preparing for a possible ground invasion of Syria, Israel's Channel 2 news reported Sunday. The Israeli military began large division-scale training in the occupied Golan Heights over the weekend, preparing for how Israel would react if attacked by rocket fire from Islamic State group militants in Syria.

The group also known as ISIShas taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria as Syria has been devastated by acivil war between PresidentBashar Assad's regime and various rebel groups. The group is trying to establish a theocratic Sunni Islamic caliphate across the region.

Exercises in the GolanHeights, occupied byIsrael since 1967, in preparation for a possible ISIS attackalso includedefenseagainst chemical weapons, given ISIS'reported stockpile of chemical weapons. Israeli defense officials have said the odds of a chemical attack by ISIS on Israel are very low, though they want to be prepared for anything.

A Kurdish fighter in position near the Iraq-Syria border in 2013. Kurdish fighters have been a large presence in the fight against ISIS, and recent reports state that they may have been attacked with mustard gas, fueling fears that ISIS has chemical weapons. AFP/Getty Images

New reportsof chemical attacks by ISIS began appearing Thursday afterKurdish fighters returning from an artillery barrage in thevillage of Sultan Abdullah, south of Mosul, Iraq, showed symptoms consistent with the use of mustard gas. The chemical, made infamous inWorld War I, is a blisteragent that works by liquefying the skin.

Israel has been targeting ISIS through airstrikes acrossthe Syrian border since April. The offensive being prepared in the Golan would be the first Israeli ground invasion in the fight against ISIS.

Israeli military officials said that whilethe border area is relatively quiet, that could change very quickly and they want to be prepared for all possibilities. Israeli authorities estimate that near the demarcation line with Syria in the Golan Heightsthere are hundreds of militants ofHezbollah, a U.S.-designated terror group that is allied with the Assad regime andIran.

Excerpt from:
Will Israel Invade Syria? Amid Rocket Attack Fears, Israeli ...

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Will Israel Invade Syria? Amid Rocket Attack Fears, Israeli …
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

Plateau in northern Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Known for its beautiful scenery and vineyards.

Golan Heights Related Images

Golan Heights Related Articles

Fires break out in the area as a result of the projectile fire; no injuries reported.

By BEN HARTMAN,JPOST.COM STAFF

Dayan said that it is Israels duty to help them since it is in the countrys interest that southern Syria is dominated by an entity supportive of Israel and not jihadist groups.

By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON

"This is not our way" said the leader of Druse community in Israel, while a Druse MK claimed that his community would not "attack or harm even a fly."

By JPOST.COM STAFF

The IDF was checking if spillover fire from the Syrian infighting caused the alarms and if any projectiles landed on the Israeli side of the border.

By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON,REUTERS,YAAKOV LAPPIN

Israel Radio cited Syrian rebel sources as reporting Tuesday that some opposition forces had taken over several hills near Mount Hermon on the Golan Heights.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,ARIEL BEN SOLOMON,LAHAV HARKOV

The 46th Armored Battalion completes war training in Golan Heights, Jordan Valley

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

If conflict were to break out, artillery units will have to accompany maneuvering forces over the border rather than provide supporting fire, as they did last summer.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

Israel is tracking the events beyond the border, but IDF refuses to respond to foreign reports it has reinforced its presence in the area.

By NOAM AMIR/MAARIV HASHAVUA,KARINE ROZKOVSKY

Kuwaiti daily quotes Western diplomatic source as saying IDF struck targets in Qalamun Mountain region to prevent a plan that aimed to draw Israel into a war with Syria.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Officer was part of force attempting to evacuate a bulldozer that was stuck; IDF does not return fire following the incident.

By BEN HARTMAN,NOAM AMIR/MAARIV HASHAVUA

"The goal is to prepare for a transition from one front to another, and from routine to emergency," a senior source in the 7th Armored Brigade says.

By NOAM AMIR/MAARIV HASHAVUA

The offensive now under way is unlikely to fundamentally alter the picture on the southern front where Israels goal is to keep both the Iranians and Islamic State as far away as possible.

By JONATHAN SPYER

A senior security source said Hezbollah was behind Tuesday's rocket attacks.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,JPOST.COM STAFF

Security sources say Hezbollah behind attack; Iran tells US that Israel crossed red line, vows response

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,JPOST.COM STAFF

The frontier between Israel and Syria has been administered by the United Nations since 1974, a year after the last war between them.

By REUTERS

Lebanese MP asserts that Israel has been trying to establish strategic links with rebel factions fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Contradicting speculations that alleged Israeli strike was politically timed, Yaakov Peri says attack too significant for cynical exploitation.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Jet was 800 meters into Israeli air space when the IAF took the decision to shoot it down, a senior air force official says.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,JPOST.COM STAFF

UN representative says Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey supporting terrorist groups in order to create a buffer zone in the Golan.

By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON

Although war is unlikely now, small incidents can quickly escalate, officer warns; IDF will defeat Hezbollah, but conflict could drag out for as long as four months, he says.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

Small arms fire originates from battles between Assad regime and rebels near the Israeli border; IDF says it is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

The IDF said the mortar was most likely accidental fallout from the Syrian civil war.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

Islamist fighters overran a crossing point in the line that has separated Israelis from Syrians in the Golan Heights since 1973.

By REUTERS

Syrian army forces and rebels battle near border; both sides seek to control Quneitra border crossing; UN peacekeepers held captive by Islamists still missing.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,REUTERS

Israeli forces took up positions at Quneitra barely 400 meters from Nusra Front militants who attacked a UN base on the Syrian side of the border and seized the 43 Fijians.

By REUTERS

In one video, rebels are shown firing on Syrian government forces from a UN border post in the Golan Heights.

By JOANNA PARASZCZUK

In one video, rebels are shown firing on Syrian government forces from a UN border post in the Golan Heights.

By JOANNA PARASZCZUK

Spokesman for rebel group operating in area, says at least six rebels killed in latest fighting near Golan Heights.

By REUTERS

Dr. Yair Margalit has been a constant and reassuring figure of the Israeli wine scene during the last 25 or more years.

By ADAM MONTEFIORE

Preliminary results from the company's Ness-3 at which initial analyses indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in the vertical drilling sections.

By SHARON UDASIN

Comprehensive scientific evaluations required to determine whether the hydrocarbons indicate oil, gas, condensate or none of the above.

By SHARON UDASIN

Defense minister warns forces loyal to Assad, Syrian opposition forces and terrorist elements operating in country against attempts to harm Israel.

By JPOST.COM STAFF,YAAKOV LAPPIN

Jerusalem will likely respond forcefully against those responsible for cross-order missile attack.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

Victim named as Muhammad Karaka from Galilee village of Arraba; IDF returns fire for what it believes was a deliberate attack.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,Ariel Ben Solomon

For first time Israeli official says who perpetrated the attack that took the life of 13-year-old Mohammed Qaraqara.

By REUTERS

Mme si la situation au Nord est complique par limplication de plusieurs acteurs hostiles lEtat hbreu, Isral aurait intrt viter lescalade des violences

By NACHMAN SHAI

La tension monte la frontire Nord, aprs la mort de six agents du Hezbollah et six gardiens de la Rvolution dans le Golan syrien

By YOSSI MELMAN

Les propritaires des vergers et vignobles des hauteurs du Golan craignent de voir les villes et villages de la rgion vivre bientt la mme situation que ceux des abords de Gaza

By NOAM AMIR

Avec lEtat islamique qui progresse rsolument, Isral pourrait bien se retrouver dans le camp de lIran sur au moins un front moyen-oriental

By YOSSI MELMAN

Lawmakers against drilling in Golan Heights while energy and water officials contend it won't cause environmental damage.

By SHARON UDASIN

The project involves three years of exploration for conventional oil, north of Nahal El Al near Moshav Natur, a former kibbutz on the southern Golan Heights.

By SHARON UDASIN

As many as 100,000 landmines laid during the 1950s and 1960s are estimated to be found in the Golan Heights; officer's condition unknown.

By JPOST.COM STAFF,YAAKOV LAPPIN

13% of respondents say they were "definitely sure" the upcoming Israeli election was considered when authorizing the attack.

By GIL HOFFMAN

The American government has also barred its employees from riding the bus in light of Wednesday's stabbing attack in Tel Aviv.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Foreign media reports move is in light of possible retaliation for purported Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah members, Iranian soldiers.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN,JPOST.COM STAFF,REUTERS

Project being conducted by Afek Oil and Gas, involves three years of exploration for conventional oil using up to 10 wells.

By SHARON UDASIN

The absence of an order meant that the NGO did not have a total victory over Ofek in a petition, which had demanded fully revoking the drilling licenses they were granted.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB

Commander of Tamuz missile company provided precision-guided fire during Gaza war.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

IDF says no military response to latest apparent incident of fallout from fighting in Syrian civil war.

See the original post:
The Jpost Index Golan Heights

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Jpost Index Golan Heights
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Viva Palestine Malaysia and Rowad Society signed an agreement for implementing project No. (39/2015) "Poor Families Box" in Gaza Strip.

Poor Families Box project aims to help Palestinian poor families in providing some of their urgent needs, since the economic situation for thousands of Palestinian families in Gaza Strip is very bad, and there no incomes sources for them, so as a result for that the poor families are prevented from paying for Renting their homes, Buying medicine, Providing babys needs, Providing gas cans for cooking, Providing food or transporting costs for their students to go school and universities , so by this project VPM in cooperation with Rowad Society will try to solve some of these problems by providing for poor families some of what they need from the poor families box which will be Implemented by Rowad Society and funded by VPM office in Malaysia.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Aljamal of Dar Alquraan AL Kriam had suggested we hold the first ever competition in Gaza for blind people to memorize the Quran. We had expected children and youth to participate but Alhamdulillah many blind senior citizens also came forward after hearing the announcement on the radio.

The competition was funded by private donations channeled through Viva Palestina Malaysia.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Project No: (16/2015) Project Name: Providing 2 units of Halothane Vaporizer Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By:Palestinian Orphans house association In cooperation with:Yafa charity hospital Project Description: the project aims to provide two units of Halothane Vaporizer to add for Anesthesia device in surgery operating room in Yafa hospital, this gas used in anesthetic children during the surgery operations. Yafa hospital is a charity hospital works on serving poor and needy families in middle of Gaza Strip governorate at medical sector, and it running costs depends on the donation from kind people, and the medical treatment give to beneficiaries in discounted prices reach to 100%.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Alhamdulillah, Great Thank to Viva Palestina Donors, May Allah accept from them, and bless their kind work.

Project No: (35/2015) Project Name: Collective Iftar in Al Aqsa area. Targeted Group: 500 of Al Aqsa visitors and prayers. Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Al Aqsa association for protecting and Maintenance of Islamic Waqf - Jerusalem.

1 July 2015

Project No: (33/2015) Project Name: Ramadan Food Vouchers. Targeted Group: 500 Families. Targeted area: Ramallah & Hebron - West Bank. Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Islamic charitable society - Hebron. In cooperation with: Ramallah Zakat committee.

1 July 2015

Project No: (37/2015) Project Name: Distribution of Ramadan Food Baskets. Targeted Group: 250 Families of Palestinian refugees in South of Turkey. Implemented By: Hayat Yolu - Turkey.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Viva Palestina Malaysia and Doctors worldwide Turkey signed two agreements for Implementing new projects in order to help and support wounded persons and persons with disability in Gaza Strip, since DWWT will establish new center for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for wounded persons in khannunes governorate - south of Gaza Strip - which will give medical and physical treatment for wounded persons, also DWWT will start Medical Home Services for Gaza wounded persons in all Gaza Strip which will provide the wounded persons health rehabilitation services at their homes, since Viva Palestina Malaysia will contribute by donating to cover part of salaries for projects staff for 24 months to start serving the wounded persons and providing for them the needy medical and health care.

Meanwhile Dr. Kerem kinik the chairman of DWWT thanked VPM and their Malaysian donors who contributed for these projects even they are Malaysian organizations or individual kind persons.

And in the same context the VPM representative in Palestine Mr. Hani Thraya welcomed of this invested cooperation between DWWT and VPM which will support the withstanding of Palestinian wounded persons to enable them get their needy care.

Mr. Thraya thanked DWWT staff in Turkey represented by Dr. Kerem Kinik and their office staff in Gaza Strip represented by Dr. Mohamed Al Khatieb for their great work in Palestine in supporting Medical sector.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Project No: (27/2015) Project Name: Light Camp (IV) for blind children to memorize Al Qur'an Al Karim. Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Dar Al Quran Al Karim Wa Sunnah. Targeted Area: North of Gaza, Gaza and Khanunness governorates. Targeted Group: 61 of blind children and youth. In cooperation with: Ministry of Education

Posted in Fund Disbursement

For first time in Gaza Strip,Ramadan Competition for memorizing Surah Al Bakarah for Palestinian blind persons.

Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Dar Al Quran Al Karim Wa Sunnah. In cooperation with: Visually impaired Graduates League. Targeted Area: Gaza Strip - Palestine

Posted in Fund Disbursement

And also we appreciate your efforts and your distinctive work in the implementing the project activities.

Thank you for Rowad Society.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Project No: (18/2015) Project Name: Light A Home in Gaza Strip - Phase one Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Construction & Relief Charity Society. Targeted Area: Gaza City. Targeted Group: 260 of needy families . Project Description: Providing LED system for lighting poor families homes in Gaza city during electricity power off, the LED system consists of (Battery, thin wires, 5 switches, 5 LED lights for 4 rooms and 1 for kitchen).

We ask Allah acceptance for all who donated for this project, May Allah bless their good deeds.

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Project No: (15/2015) Project Name: Developing and Rehabilitation small mosque in AL Ummah university. Funded By: Viva Palestina Malaysia. Implemented By: Dar A/l Quran Al Karim Wa Sunnah. In cooperation with: Engineering office in Al Ummah university Targeted Area: Middle of Gaza Strip - Al Zahra city. Targeted Group: Prayers from students and academic staff.

We ask Allah acceptance for all who donated for this project, May Allah bless their good deeds.

Posted in Fund Raising

Our annual campaign is back: "RAMADAN FOOD BASKETS for PALESTINE" @RM150 (+/- US$40) per family.

You may contribute ANY amount to:

"PERTUBUHAN VIVA PALESTINA MALAYSIA" Account no : 5-64324-601324 Bank : Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) Swift Code : MBBEMYKL Bank address : Block C, Damansara Offices Complex, Jalan Dungun, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For e-receipt, please email your name and amount donated to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campaign ends on 10 July 2015

Posted in Fund Disbursement

Posted in VPM In The News

USD 1,500 was given as Islamic loan to this widow in Gaza Strip It has changed her life. She is highly skilled in knitting woollen garments. With theloan she bought some wool balls, and started knitting kids clothes. She promoted it to Palestinian families in Gaza Strip who bought them for their babies. After 3 months she attracted a lot of customers who bought her woollen clothing selection. She now makes USD 300-350 per month. Alhamdulillah! This is one of 50 micro-credit project funded by VPM in collaboration with Rowad Society for social development.

Below is a link to an article that was published in Al Monitor The Pulse of the Middles East newslatter on VPMs Islamic loans given to women in Gaza to help them to survive poverty:

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/05/palestine-female-headed-families-good-loans-poverty.html#

Posted in Events

Viva Palestina Malaysiais working with University Malaya and Humanitarian Care to organise a conference on BDS at University Malaya in September. The purpose of the conference is to galvanise support for the worldwide BDS movement as a way to force Israel to recognise the rights of Palestinians to freedom, equality and self determination, and ultimately to end the brutal oppressive occupation of Palestine.

Ali Abunimah, Anna Baltzer and Samah Sabawi have confimed their participation, and we hope as many people as possible will join us to learn how all of us here in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region can play our part in this cause.

Here's the event page, keep checking for updates! ttps://www.facebook.com/events/418207771637502/

Read the original:
Viva Palestina Malaysia

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Viva Palestina Malaysia
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

Jews have lived in Atlanta since its founding. Their businesses met important economic needs, and they contributed substantially to the cultural, educational, and political well-being of the society. Their history also reflects a rich cultural diversity not typically recorded in southern history. Most of Atlanta's Jews were immigrants, having lived in other areas of America before migrating to the city. Yet theirs was not necessarily a random movement. They tended to travel in chains of migration following earlier relatives or landsmenpeople from the same areas of Europeto locations that offered the greatest likelihood of mercantile success and, ultimately, in which they could establish Jewish community institutions. Atlanta's Jews epitomized the New South creed four decades before Henry Grady proclaimed it. Starting as peddlers or in partnerships with relatives and friends, they obtained dry goods on credit from northern wholesalers (especially those in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City). Often selling cheaply and on credit, the Jewish community opened a consumer window and thus filled a critical economic niche as merchants. Economic and Religious Beginnings From the mid-1800s Atlanta proved to be one of the best locations in the South for Jews. In 1850 twenty-six Jews lived in Atlanta. Though they constituted just 1 percent of the city's total population of 2,572, they owned more than 10 percent of its retail businesses. Almost all of the people were immigrants from central Europe, mostly the Germanic states. Although by the eve of the Civil War (1861-65) the Jewish population in Atlanta had doubled, their small numbers still precluded the establishment of formal religious institutions. Religious services were held intermittently, and women offered religious classes for children. The Hebrew Benevolent Society, which was started in 1860 and provided insurance, aid, and burial benefits, served as the first formal Jewish religious organization and the forerunner of things to come. The Jews of Atlanta had been welcomed with little prejudice and had fit into society. A few owned slaves as servants, some employed slaves in their business pursuits, and most supported the Confederacy. David Mayer, the most noteworthy of the Confederacy supporters, served as Georgia governor Joseph E. Brown's commissary officer. Yet Reconstruction affected Jews differently than most southerners. As merchants, the Jewish community reestablished ties with northern businesses and quickly recovered. Their numbers also dramatically increased with the arrival of numerous immigrants who had previously resided elsewhere in the South or North. From Cleveland, Ohio, for example, came Morris Rich, who, with his brothers, built the retail business that became Rich's Department Store. By 1880 Atlanta was home to 600 Jews.

The rapid influx of Jews contributed to the creation of religious institutions. On January 1, 1867, the Reverend Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, presided over the first Jewish wedding in Atlanta, that of Emilie Baer to Abraham Rosenfeld, and used the occasion to encourage the creation of a congregation to replace the short-lived one begun in 1862. The Hebrew Benevolent Congregation received a charter four months later and began constructing a synagogue in 1875.

Beginning in 1881 Atlanta lured Jewish immigrants from eastern Europe and, after 1906, a small enclave from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. The newcomers obtained assistance from their predecessors and created their own institutions. Congregation Ahavath Achim was founded in 1887 followed by Shearith Israel (1902), Anshi S'fard (1913), and Or VeShalom (1914), a Sephardic synagogue.

Intragroup relations were often divisive. The old-timers were frequently condescending toward the greenhorns who spoke Yiddish or Ladino, followed traditional religion, supported Zionism, and began in the lower class. Besides the differences, the newcomers were also concerned with the possibility of an anti-Semitic backlash that could undercut their acceptance.

During the nineteenth century Atlanta's Jews created social clubs as well as self-help organizations, including men's and women's Hebrew Benevolent Societies. The Concordia Society, forerunner of the present Standard Club, was a Jewish social organization founded in 1866. A local chapter of the Jewish fraternity B'nai B'rith opened its doors in 1870.

The arrival of the new immigrants, coupled with the declining needs of the earlier immigrants, contributed to the transformation of Jewish social services and club life. David Marx had encouraged his women congregants to form a local section of the National Council of Jewish Women (1895). This organization aided Jewish immigrants and nurtured their Americanization through classes, particularly under the auspices of the Free Kindergarten and Social Settlement (1903). The Federation of Jewish Charities, later a charter member of the Community Chest (United Way), started as an umbrella organization in 1905 to rationalize fund-raising and the delivery of assistance and then reorganized in 1912. It included the women's organizations as well as the Jewish Educational Alliance (1909), a settlement-type entity, and the Free Loan Association. The federation board included women and representatives of the eastern European and Sephardic communities.

Gradually this interaction, along with the rise and acculturation of the newer immigrants, especially after the closing of America's doors to immigrants during the 1920s, contributed to the decline of animosity. Nonetheless, the eastern Europeans, refused acceptance into the Standard Club, organized the Progressive Club (1913). In 1917 a local chapter of Hadassah, the women's Zionist organization geared toward medical and educational assistance, began. Although each of a series of rabbisfrom Marx to Harry Epstein, Tobias Geffen, and Joseph I. Cohenserved Atlanta's major congregations for decades, and Marx and Victor Kriegshaber, the most influential Jewish layman after David Mayer, led in the formation of these organizations, the federation ushered in a power shift to the executive directors, starting with Edward M. Kahn in 1928.

Read this article:
Jewish Community of Atlanta | New Georgia Encyclopedia

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Jewish Community of Atlanta | New Georgia Encyclopedia
Tags:

Posted By admin on August 22, 2015

Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When learning about a religion one of the first questions people ask is: What do members of that religion believe? Although it is difficult to capture the beliefs of every single member of a faith, usually there are overarching tenets that most members of the group adhere to in some fashion. The same can be said of Judaism. However, it is important to note that Judaism does not have an official credo that all Jews must accept in order to be Jewish.

Judaism is not a religion of absolutes.

While individual Jews have different views about things like kashrut and halahkah, in general most Jews believe in some form of the following:

Judaism is a monotheistic faith, meaning that Jews believe there is only One God. Often this God is beyond our ability to comprehend, but God is nevertheless present in our everyday lives. How individual Jews choose to understand this manifestation of the divine varies. Some connect with God through prayer, others see the divine in the majesty of the natural world, others may not think about God on a daily basis. Each individual's relationship with God is unique and personal.

Judaism teaches that every person (Jewish and non-Jewish) was created "b'tzelem Elohim," which is Hebrew for "in the image of God." For this reason every person is equally important and has an infinite potential to do good in the world. People have the freewill to make choices in their lives and each of us is responsible for the consequences of those choices.

Judaism believes that Jews are uniquely connected with each other. Regardless of where we live in the world, all Jews are part of a global Jewish community.

The Torah is Judaism's most important text. It contains stories and commandments that teach us about life and death. It contains the 10 Commandments as well as the 613 commandments (mitzvot). All Jews consider the 10 Commandments to be the most important commandments in the Torah, though not all Jews adhere to the 613 mitzvot (one of the main differences between the different branches of Judaism).

The Ten Commandments:

The Torah tells us that the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) was part of the covenant made between God and the Jewish People at Mount Sinai. However, there is no one view of Israel among modern day Jews. Some strongly support Israel, while others feel conflicted by the politics of the region. The only thing that can be said across the board is that Israel is part of every Jew's worldview, in one way or another.

Judaism teaches that one day a Messiah (a person from God) will unite the world and bring peace to humanity. The concept of the Messiah is not a central part of every Jew's belief system, but tradition does teach that the Messiah will be descended from the family of King David.

There is a story in the Talmud that is often told when someone is asked to summarize the essence of Judaism. During the first century B.C.E. a great rabbi named Hillel was asked to sum up Judaism while standing on one foot. He replied: "Certainly! What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the Torah. The rest is commentary, now go and study." (Talmud Shabbat 31A.) Hence, at its core Judaism is concerned with the well-being of humanity. The particulars of every Jew's individual belief system is the commentary.

Go here to see the original:
What Do Jews Believe? - Jewish Beliefs

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off on What Do Jews Believe? – Jewish Beliefs
Tags: