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June 29, 2007
Quick Cuts or Robert Goes ADD
Authorities just defused a huge and viable terrorist bomb in London. This comes after Tony Blair leaves office and an anti-Iraq war government moves into 10 Downing Street.
Can anyone spell: Neville Chamberlain?
What else?
An ex-Gitmo detainee has been shot down by Russian FSB, near Chechnya. I'll bet the ACLU is preparing a case at this very moment. The chutzpah of those mean Russians to kill a peace-loving detainee.
What else?
The Abu Sayaaf, a small but truly lunatic and deadly Muslim terrorist group in the Philippines has appointed, get this, a Syrian trained Islamic Scholar, as its new leader. Three cheers for the learned cut-throat, Yasser Igasan.
You want more?
Hizbullah, really Iran, are busy little beavers preparing for war. Those U.N. troops Tzipi Livni was so hot to put in place? Well, they are, surprise, less than useless—and, duh, French. Hizbullah have built up their positions north of the Litani River, with intricate and powerful bunkers. Ehud Olmert has said that Israel's security on the Lebanon border is now historically better than ever before. This is an infamous lie. Olmert is the most incompetent and corrupt leader of Israel in her entire history. It is a national disgrace that Olmert is still Prime Minister.
Speaking of national disgraces: The Democrats at Howard University.
Talk about a panderfest. The only people who spend more time talking about race are the Ku Klux Klan. Edwards, Obama, Clinton: people running for President of these United States.
1. Not one word about national security.
2. Not one word about Islamic Terrorism.
3. Not one word about world-wide Jihad.
You wanna hear the really funny part? They slammed the Supreme Court for it's decision against school race-based preferences.
The Democrats called for integration.
Howard University is, hellooo, all black.
The only way the Democrats can get in office and stay there is by keeping blacks down on the plantation. And Liberal, um, excuse me, Progressive Jews who are in the power structure of the Democratic party are some of the worst offenders, essentially a bunch of rascists bent on convincing blacks that without the largesse of their greater wisdom, blacks are too dumb, too downtrodden by The Man, to get anywhere by themselves.
Let's talk about guns.
Seraphic Friend John at that great Mil Blog Op For just sent this over to me. Here's a man who understands that only he is responsible for his own life. This is why those dopey do-gooders who want to ban weapons are, well, evil.
Let's check out my backyard, Hollywood:
A Mighty Heart is a mighty bomb at the box office and I think I know why: it gives a Mighty Pass to Terrorism. The fact is that Americans can smell fraud a mile away. They don't want some fuzzy, feel good, multi-cultural clap-trap approach to Arab/Muslim terrorism They want to fight the jihadists. They want to kill the bastards.
Hat Tip: Seraphic Chaver Joel Weisz for the film review.
My good friend Toronto Pearl sends word of a film I'm actually looking forward to seeing:
You know, I haven't put up a Jane Austen quote in a long time. So, it's time. Here's some down to earth advice for widows from Mansfield Park.
She consoled herself for the loss of her husband by considering that she could do very well without him.
By the way, Mansfield Park is probably Jane's least popular book. I know some people who absolutely hate it. As for me, I'm parve on this volume.
Jane Austen sipped tea. So does Karen. Not your humble scribe.
I don't do this very often, kitchen stuff, I mean, but when it comes to coffee, well, that's something I feel strongly about. Karen makes coffee for me in a cold brew, a Toddy, and it is the best coffee in the world. I cannot drink anything else. Really, I taste Starbucks, and feh, it's soooo acidic: people actually pay for such stuff?
Anywhoo, Offspring #2 just shot me an article from The N.Y. Times. Normally, half of what that paper prints is lies and the other half isn't true—but this article is, well, short, sweet, and just right.
Karen comments: “The article only talks about the Toddy for ice-coffee, it should discuss the Toddy for all coffee.”
You see, I'm married to the perfect woman; she even finds fault with the N.Y. Times when yours truly does not.
Okay, time for some shameless self-promotion:
Soccer Dad nominated my article The Rupture to Watcher of Weasels Council (don't ask) and what do you know, it won in the non-member category. I'd like to thank The Watcher of Weasels, Soccer Dad, my agent, my manager, my wife, my Girlses, Akira Kurosaw, and of course: Gong Li.
My fortress in New York, Jason Maoz, has even seen fit print The Rupture in The Jewish Press.
What else, let's see, iM racking my ibrain.
Oh, yeah.
iSn't today the day some new electronic product iS going to be released?
iThink iNeed iNtervention.
Karen and I wish all our Seraphic friend a lovely and meaningful Shabbos.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 10:07 AM | Comments (21)
June 28, 2007
i Phone Therefore i Shop
Okay, okay, I'm driving you crazy with my iPhone mishigas. What can I say? I'm single-handedly trying to artificially drive up the price of the stock.
I wish.
And you think it's easy coming up with these dopey headlines?
No really, Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal is one of the, ahem, rebbeim of high-tech reviewers. Get the nod from him, and oh boy, that is good news.
Anywhoo.
Walt likes iPhone: "Breakthrough Handheld Computer"
i like Walt.
i want iPhone.
Tomorrow, 6 PM: iPhone goes on sale.
iWill be in shul welcoming Shabbos.
iS this getting tedious?
Let us read, and politely salivate:
We have been testing the iPhone for two weeks, in multiple usage scenarios, in cities across the country. Our verdict is that, despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer. Its software, especially, sets a new bar for the smart-phone industry, and its clever finger-touch interface, which dispenses with a stylus and most buttons, works well, though it sometimes adds steps to common functions.
The Apple phone combines intelligent voice calling, and a full-blown iPod, with a beautiful new interface for music and video playback. It offers the best Web browser we have seen on a smart phone, and robust email software. And it synchronizes easily and well with both Windows and Macintosh computers using Apple’s iTunes software.
It has the largest and highest-resolution screen of any smart phone we’ve seen, and the most internal memory by far. Yet it is one of the thinnest smart phones available and offers impressive battery life, better than its key competitors claim.
To read the complete review and view Walt's five minute demonstration video, please click here.
Meanwhile, Seraphic Friend, Michael Jennings, visiting Los Angeles, and recovering from a huge and delicious meal at our favorite restaurant Pico Kosher Deli, has sent me this fear-inducing i-link.
Oh, while he was here, Michael picked up a quick Emmy Award. Bravo, Michael!
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 02:12 PM | Comments (9)
Grand Slam
The Jewish people have been waiting 5,000 years for this transcendental experience.
Click here to view a true miracle from Israel.
I'm not kidding, this video will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. If not, check chest for presence of heartbeat—or wallet for Hamas membership card.
Hat Tip: Seraphic Brother-in-Law, Rabbi David Singer
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 10:28 AM | Comments (13)
June 27, 2007
i Phone Therefore i Exist
We make no secret of being huge Apple enthusiasts here at Seraphic Secret. We have also revealed that we invested in Apple stock several years ago as it was languishing at about $13 per share. It was then that we noticed Apple's new music playing device, the iPod. Actually, we noticed the adoration that trendy teenagers in Beverly Hills lavished upon that cool, snow white little brick. We thought it was a magnificent item that could change the way people related to music.
Thankfully for the health of our portfolio, we made the right call.
(Wiping a layer of sweat from brow.)
Anywhoo!
We feel the same enthusiasm for Apple's iPhone. It's a brilliant electronic device that also exists as an ultimate insider fashion statement, an item that begs, no demands to be owned and displayed.
Clearly, the iPhone, like the iPod, will only improve in further generations of refinements.
We have been tracking the hyper-sexy machine for quite a while.
David Pogue has an early review of the sleek iPhone, and he finds that except for some small reservations, the phone, really a computer, an iPod, an internet browser, lives up to its enormous hype.
I can see Apple stock going to 160 this year.
Talk about hype. In the last six months, Apple’s iPhone has been the subject of 11,000 print articles, and it turns up about 69 million hits on Google. Cultists are camping out in front of Apple stores; bloggers call it the “Jesus phone.” All of this before a single consumer has even touched the thing.
So, how is it?
To read David Pogue's entire review, please click here.
Here's a little iPhone Jewish humor. I admit, the video is, well, a little dopey, but it'll probably make you chuckle; okay, it'll probably make you grin.
Hat Tip: About a hundred Seraphic Secret Friends.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 04:52 PM | Comments (19)
Tip of my Tongue
Okay, try and make a coherent sentence using these three words:
agelast
n. one who never laughs
misodoctakleidist
n. one who hates practicing the piano
nelipot
one who is walking barefoot
Hat Tip: Futility Closet
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 12:27 PM | Comments (14)
June 26, 2007
Stalked
“He's going to kill me.”
“Have you gone to the police?”
Scowling like a child who's just tasted nasty medicine, she says:
“Yes, of course I have.”
“And what happened?”
She shakes her head from side to side, wraps her arms protectively around her chest.
“I got a restraining order against Ned, that's my ex-boyfriend. But you know what good that is, don't you?”
“Tell me.”
She inscribes a big zero in the air.
Five Minutes Earlier
It's crowded in the gun shop. There's the usual cross-section of customers: two elderly black women who have been robbed countless times by drug-addicts. Ignored by the LAPD, they have no choice but to buy a gun for self-defense. The black women are sisters and wear colorful bonnets. Yup, they dressed up to shop for a weapon.
There are a couple of hunters buying high-powered, high-tech ammunition; they sound like Los Alamos scientists as they discuss the exquisite physics of various exotic slugs. It's way beyond my comprehension.
Two Marines on leave are supplementing their regulation M16's with a couple of high-capacity Glocks. Semper Fi.
There's also a young Hispanic apartment manager who lives in a high-crime area, his wife just had a baby and he wants to protect his family from the local "desperados."
I'm waiting my turn and so is a young, nervous girl. She's wearing a cream colored linen baby doll with blue grosgrain trim; on her feet, pink flip-flops that just pop off her white skin; her hair is the color of Kansas corn. Mid-twenties, she's the iconic all-American beauty.
Looking as if she's on the edge of a meltdown, she paces, glances at the display cases lined with gleaming rows of pistols and revolvers. She makes a move to exit the gun shop, then returns, as if yanked by a fishing reel.
“Excuse me, do you, do you know about guns?”
She's talking to me.
“A bit.”
“I'm terrified of guns.”
I hold out my hands as if checking for rain.
“Sounds crazy, I know, thing is—do you think the salesman is going to be much longer?”
“There's tons of paperwork if you buy a gun. Tons.”
Her eyes dart about, then she just looks at me straight-on:
“Thing is, he's going to kill me.”
That's when she tells me about Ned; the inevitable, the bad, the obsessive ex-boyfriend.
Ned is a stalker, a human virus who has infected every aspect of her life.
She speaks of restraining orders: “The thing about them is that people like Ned always find a way around them. He's there on my computer. He's a computer guy, for Chrissakes. He knows when I start going out with a new dude and he makes sure to tell the new guy all sorts of trash about me. And d'you think the guy sticks around? No man wants that level of drama. I've moved twice already and he always finds me. Ned's always there. Sometimes I wake up at night, go to my window and I'm telling you he's watching me. Hey, I'm sorry for unloading on you. You must think I'm such a loser chick.”
“It's fine. I feel awful for you. But it's good you're taking steps to protect yourself. It's admirable. Men like Ned count on women being defenseless.”
She pauses. Looks down at the display of guns.
“I can't believe I'm here. I've been against guns and violence my whole life.”
“Did Ned threaten you, physically, I mean?”
“Said I belong to him and no one else. That's about it. But I know what he means.”
“What did the police say?”
“The last cop, as he was leaving, whispered for me to get a gun.”
I tell her that owning a gun isn't sufficient. She has to take safety classes, self-defense classes. She has to know what she's doing. From the counter, I grab a handful of NRA brochures and press them into her hands. I make her promise that she'll sign up as soon as she gets her gun in ten days.
“Ten days?” she cries.
Nodding, I explain: “First you have to take a test, here in the store, a written test. They'll give you a booklet to study. Then you get a certificate making you eligible to buy a weapon in California. After you purchase the gun there's a ten-day waiting period until you take possession.”
“But why?”
“Background check. To make sure you're not a felon, a psychopath, an illegal immigrant, a terrorist, a drug addict; it's the law.”
Once again, she wraps her arms around her chest, as if trying to keep her heart inside her body.
“Ned's really clever — and a creep like you wouldn't believe.”
I do not ask her why she went out with Ned in the first place. The answer is obvious: psychopaths are clever at disguising their pathologies. Evil is seductive.
“You're going to be okay. I know you are.”
Bird-like, she shrugs, scans a row of pistols.
“Are those good?”
“Those are .45 automatics. Probably too much gun for you. I'd recommend a simple revolver. Probably a Smith & Wesson J frame, a .38. But we'll see what the salesman have to say, they are really experts here, okay?”
She smiles, her first since I've met her.
“Cool.”
“One piece of advice, even before you buy a gun, and this is important.”
“Yeah?”
“Lose the flip-flops.”
She looks down at her feet. Curls her toes, lacquered a hot psychedelic pink.
“Huh?”
“You can't run or maneuver in those things. Get in the habit of wearing a good solid pair of running shoes.”
“Oh, right,right. What was I thinking?”
I lead her to the glass case that holds the wheel guns, weapons that are simple to load, easy to handle, never jam. Fool-proof. She scans the display.
Finally she looks up at me and says: “What's to stop Ned from killing me in the next ten days?”
Hours later, I tell Karen about the conversation. In the background FOX Cable News is reporting the brutal murder of a pregnant woman. The chief suspect is her ex-boyfriend, a man with a history of stalking women.
“I'm terrified I'm going to wake up one day and see that she's been murdered. Maybe I should have done more.”
“What more could you have done?”
Shrugging, I admit I have no idea.
But Ned is out there, obsessively dreaming, watching, waiting for the right moment — to make her his own.
Seraphic Friend Shrink Wrapped links to "Stalked" with a fine piece titled: Levaraging Suppressed Aggression.
As Shrink Wrapped explains:" I linked to "Stalked" as an example of what happens to a pacifist when reality intrudes."
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 11:48 PM | Comments (61)
June 25, 2007
Ariel Avrech ZT'L Yahrtzeit Lecture Summary '07
Here are Karen's opening remarks, delivered on June 17, 2007, at the Young Israel of Century City.
Last year I spoke of the bittersweet joy of hearing new anecdotes about Ariel. A recounting of the briefest of interactions, gaining the perspective of someone Ariel knew but was unknown to me, seeing a photo I had never seen before, are all heaven sent gifts.
For a few seconds I can stop pressing rewind. I can defy memory.
It is important for our family that as we gather to memorialize Ariel, we describe his character in detail. In The Book of Ariel many have spoken of his piety, his courage in the face of illness, his determination, and his kindness. Recently I heard a story from his friend that shed some light on an area of his life that was new to me.
I always knew that Ariel did not have the concept of being “cool.” He had many friends and was well liked, but he seemed to have been born with a sense of self, of knowing who he was without a need to be like anyone else. He was his own person. What I didn’t know was how he could influence others.
In the doldrums of summer the yeshiva boys were restless after a long hot Shabbos. They were letting their tzizzit down so to speak, the closest to a yeshiva bocher, Saturday night " break out party". A few games of poker, using chips instead of money, sending out for pizza. Really wild. .
After the game some of the boys lit up cigarettes. Without the slightest hint of condemnation, but with real sincerity, Ariel asked his friend, “ I don’t understand why you guys do that.” From that day on, Ariel’s friend told us, he never picked up another cigarette.
Ariel was not cowed by peer pressure. He did not condemn his friends, or fall into their disfavor by being a “goody goody.” Instead of submitting to peer pressure — he became a Peer Treasure. He gained their respect, and became a positive role model. They looked up to him and marveled at his patience and perseverance. He never said a bad word about any of his peers, never told us of any one giving him a bad time, although that must have happened at some point.
When Ariel got sick he knew how to deal with evil. He confronted it head on, with equanimity, courage, and when he didn’t understand it, he asked the right questions.
Today we are honoring his memory with a lecture that addresses the perennial struggle of reconciling a merciful god with the reality of evil in this world.
Dr. David Shatz, our featured speaker, is Professor of Philosophy at Yeshiva University and Adjunct Professor of Religion at Columbia University. He received semikhah, rabbinical ordination, from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. with distinction from Columbia University.
The following is Karen's summary of Dr. Shatz's lecture. In the interests of fairness and accuracy, we asked Dr. Shatz to check and correct the summary before publication—which Dr. Shatz kindly agreed to do. Dr. Shatz found no major or minor errors and has endorsed Karen's summary for publication. Once again, the Avrech family would like to express our deep appreciation to Rabbi, Dr. David Shatz for a thought-provoking lecture that was truly a fitting way to memorialize our beloved son, Ariel Chaim, may his name forever be a blessing.
Dr. Shatz chose to speak about Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s approach to how a religious Jew should understand suffering in this world. The readings he presented were predominantly from Rabbi Soloveitchik’s work, Out of the Whirlwind.
In the course of his lecture, Dr. Shatz mentioned that some talmudic sources reject the idea that all suffering is punishment for sin. Besides citing such passages, he referenced the prototypical biblical case of the suffering man, Job. The latter was advised by his friends that he must have sinned, for there could be no other explanation for his suffering. Dr. Shatz pointed out that the conclusion of the book of Job contradicts the friends’ position, as G-d chastises those who blamed Job for his fate.
Indeed, Talmudic and Midrashic sources present other ways to resolve the eternal question of why good people suffer in this world. Rabbi Shatz reviewed some of these schemas, for example the idea that some righteous people suffer more in this world in order to increase their reward in the next, and the idea that the suffering of the righteous atones for sin.
Rabbi Soloveitchik discusses the concept of evil from two perspectives.
The first is the perspective of what he calls "Thematic Halakhah." Thematic Halakhah refers to the philosophical and metaphysical motifs of Judaism. (Dr. Shatz suggested it is in effect Aggadah, the theological dimension of Judaism.) When evil is viewed from this perspective, it is held to be justified and explicable by reference to a larger picture. The subjective experience of evil disappears and there is no contradiction in the statement that a perfectly good G-d created all things, including evil. From the perspective of Thematic Halakhah, the concept of evil is in the realm of metaphysical ideas that we might understand in the idealized future. Evil makes sense even if we cannot understand why it exists.
The second approach to evil is not metaphysical, but ethical. It is the approach of “Topical Halakhah”—that is, Halakhah conceived as a set of directives that human decisionmakers must follow. For the Topical Halakhah, the question is not “why does evil happen?” but rather “How do we handle evil, how do we confront it?” Here the Halakhah is very clear. We fight evil and bring all the resources and creative energies of man to banish it. Rabbi Soloveitchik calls this approach an “ethic of suffering” as opposed to a “metaphysic of suffering”.
Dr. Shatz suggested that in contrast to many issues where Rabbi Soloveitchik maintained that two opposing approaches remain in an unresolvable dialectic, here the Rav appears to favor Topical Halakhah. He believes that having a “thematic” explanation detracts from the urgency of the fight against evil, and therefore he stresses the demands of Topical Halakhah.
Professor Shatz cited the tangible passion of the Rav’s words. Here is one quote from Out of the Whirlwind:
Halakhah always preached active opposition to evil. That is why the Halakhah could not understand — and not only Halakhah but we Jews cannot understand — a philosophy of passive resistance to evil.
Certainly this topic addressed serious issues that might weigh heavily for those not enrolled in a university philosophy class. The wonder was that Professor Shatz infused his delivery with humor and enlivened what would seem to be abstract concepts with a freshness and accessibility that was inclusive but not patronizing. He simultaneously stimulated and challenged the intellectuals and rabbis in the audience as well.
Professor Shatz is truly a master conductor. Every tone was correct and well balanced, the lecture’s themes were interwoven seamlessly, and brought to a resounding conclusion. The lecture was an appropriate tribute to Ariel A’H who certainly undertook the battle against evil, but also maintained his faith, Emunah, that there would ultimately be a metaphysical revelation.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 10:55 AM | Comments (7)
Killer Fashion Accessories
Our friends at Libertas report that Hollywood dim-star Cameron Diaz was trekking in Peru carrying a "fashionable" Mao tote bag emblazoned with the Communist Red Star, and one of Chairman Mao's cuter sayings: Serve the People. During the Cultural Revolution this was not-so-subtle code for: Inform on your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your neighbor, or you'll be sent for re-education.
Um, Cameron, The Shining Path, a Mao Communist terrorist group in Peru has slaughtered some 70,000 people. No wonder the good people of Peru got kind of upset at your groovy fashion choice.
Ugly American anyone?
And let us say this: even if you're not in Peru, Cameron, decent people are offended that you carry a Mao bag as a fashion accessory. This is a man who was responsibe for slaughtering over 50 million people.
Has this body count not penetrated the gates of Beverly Hills?
Or are you so fixated on that mean President Bush.
Cameron, Cameron: I officially nominate you for: What Not to Wear. Accessories that celebrate mass murderers are, ahem, a fashion faux pax, big time.
Cameron, a little advice: If ever you go to Israel do not carry shoulder bag stamped with a Swatztika.
Though that same bag will be a huge hit in Gaza.
Be aware, in Gaza, in spite of the great Nazi bag, you will be kidnapped anyway. And you'll just have to be tolerant; multiculturalism, y'know? That's their culture. And all cultures are equally valid and beautiful, right?
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:12 AM | Comments (13)
June 24, 2007
Best of the Jewish Blogosphere #122
Sunday morning. I'm on deadline. I have to get to work on my script. Oh, but wait, look what's just popped into my e-mail: Haveil Havelim.
Baruch HaShem.
Now I have the perfect excuse not to work. I've got hours and hours of reading I just have to get through. Why? Well, Karen, it's a matter of, um, national security.
And this collection is huge. And from a random sampling, the quality might be the best ever.
And I do not say that every week.
And oh boy, there's an extra surprise at the very end: a photo of, well, I'll let you discover it all by yourself.
No, sorry, not Gong Li.
Oh, the title? Haveil Havelim #122 Summer Vacation for Me, Maybe Not for You, hosted by Me-Ander.
I'll bet you're wondering about my rewrite of the title.
That's easy.
Haveil Havelim #122 Do I Have to Leave My Office to go on Vacation?
This really is an amazing collection of personal articles, analysis, commentary, and news. The MSM is, now more than ever, irrelevant.
We'd like to thank Me-Ander for including Seraphic Secret's analysis of the Gaza intercine warfare, The Rupture, in this round-up, and our Kesher with Kesher, wherein I try to give directions from LAX to Casa Avrech to fellow blogger Judith Weiss—in spite of a tragic geographic disability.
Enjoy.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:41 AM | Comments (5)
Call for Community Prayer
I have just been informed that a very young child from our community nearly drowned on Thursday. She is now on life support at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Obviously, her medical condition is dire.
Please daven, pray, for Batya Rafaela bat Hadassah.
Thank you.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:00 AM | Comments (4)
June 22, 2007
Mighty Jihad Propaganda
The mighty Debbie Schlussel goes to the movies and, gee what a shock, discovers that A Mighty Heart, panders to Muslim terrorists, enables jihadists—and is a mighty piece of junk.
And I thought Hollywood was going to be, y' know honest and show what a hateful, anti-Semitic bunch of barbarians our enemies truly are.
Just kidding.
Long ago, before this film even went into production, I predicted that this would be a love song to, ahem, tolerance and multi-culturalism. In short: a film that CAIR will love. And any film that CAIR loves, is bad news for America, for Jews, for Israel, for western civilization.
Libertas reports that Paramount, cowards to the bone, never spoke to Daniel Pearl's father, but they did set up a special "inter-faith screening" for, yup, you guessed it CAIR, and some far left Jewish nobody.
Look, the studios make not a dime in Muslim countries, so they're not thinking fiscally.
This is about not getting blown to smithereens.
The studio people remember 9-11. They know who the killers are. And like all appeasers, they, um, appease.
Let me just say this to my collegues:
See: Neville Chamberlain. Body count: approximately thirty-million.
See: Israel who expelled every single Jew from Gaza (apartheid anyone?) — and received Quassam rockets in return.
See: The Native Americans who traded, yup, land for peace. And Hollywood makes weepy, self-righteous movies about that atrocity all the time.
Appeasement invites even more aggression. That's pretty much an iron-clad rule of interpersonal and global relations.
Think about the last Hollywood contract you negotiated.
You're smiling because you know I'm dead right.
The rent-a-cop at the studio gates? He's really putting the fear of Allah into our local jihadists—who despise Hollywood because they know that Hollywood is run by Jews and Zionists and nothing the studios say or do will change that loony-tunes jihad fact. It's taught in every madrassa across the Arab/Muslim world, preached in every Mosque from Gaza to Los Angeles; just as they believe that it was really the Mossad who engineered 9-11, and that 4,000 Jews were given notice not to show up for work in the twin towers on that day. They believe all this with perfect certainty, and that's how they live their grubby, violent little lives.
Hollywood should, must, start fighting back, just as Hollywood courageously fought the Nazis and the Japanese during World War Two—by making excellent, pro-American movies. If Hollywood fails to fight, America will lose her war against the jihadists, for Hollywood movies are vital to America's message of freedom and democracy.
Now to poor Debbie Schlussel who had to sit through this mighty dreck:
In other words, don't judge the Muslims. Don't judge the people who barbaricly killed Pearl because he was a Jew. Don't even think that's why they killed him. Understand the murderers. Understand that it's not right for us to keep murderous terrorists in detention with three gourmet halal meals a day and every religious article they'd ever want. Understand that the Wall Street Journal should never help the CIA with intelligence to counter terrorists.
Click here to read the rest of the review, guaranteed more enjoyable than the movie.
May Daniel Pearl's memory be a blessing.
Hat Tip: Seraphic Cholent Friend, Michael Makiri.
Karen and I wish all our readers a lovely and meaningful Shabbat.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:25 AM | Comments (5)
U.N. Workers Murdered by Hamas
During the final hours of Hamas' military conquest of the Gaza Strip last Thursday, two peace activists and a pair of UN aid workers were gunned down by members of the terror group.
The first incident occurred when some 1,000 unarmed Palestinian demonstrators marched in Gaza City demanding that Hamas end its murderous rampage, reported Ha'aretz. As the protesters approached a Hamas position, militants opened fire, killing two people and sending the rest scattering in fear.
Shortly after, two employees of the UN refugee relief agency operating in Gaza were shot dead by Hamas gumen, prompting the world body to suspend its aid work in the blood-soaked coastal strip. Neither slaying of innocent, unarmed civilians by Gaza's new Islamic overlords was deemed headline news by the mainstream international press. Commentators noted that had the victims been killed by Israeli soldiers, their deaths would have been front page news for days, as well as triggering a special session of every relevant UN council.
Hat Tip: Terrorism Update
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:12 AM | Comments (1)
Surrender or Die
A big fight seems to be brewing. As of about noon in Baqubah on the 22nd, there seems to be a lull in the fighting. A calm. This is about to get wet. At the going rate, al Qaeda in Baqubah will soon have two choices: Surrender, or die.
America's greatest war correspondent, Michael Yon, reports from Baquabah.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
Jake Wins!
Mazal Tov to Seraphic Friend Jake Novak for winning the LA Press Club Award for his comic strip "Shmooze or Lose."
Click here for the link, scroll down to "D$ Editorial Cartoon" for the citation and comments.
Jake is a frequent Seraphic Secret commenter and contributor; his words always provide a unique perspective on all things social, and political.
Most of all, Jake's insights into the connection between Jane Austen and Kabbalah have been nothing short of ground-breaking.
Just kidding.
Truly, this award is well deserved. We are proud that Jake is our collegue, our friend. And as we all know JIASF.*
*Jake Is Always So Funny
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 07:48 AM | Comments (5)
June 21, 2007
The Kesher with Kesher
Honestly, I expected her to be John Wayne tall.
Reading her posts all these years I've been really, really, really intimidated by her incandescent intelligence and serene ability to cut to the heart of the matter in all things.
“This is one smart woman,” Karen said after reading a Kesher post that dealt with Israel and the rather complex history of the Ottoman Empire.
When Karen labels another person smart, I know that person is like beyond brilliant.
And so when Judith Weiss of Kesher, possibly the oldest Jewish political blog, informed me that she was going to attend the Ariel Avrech Yahrtzeit Lecture I was honored, excited—and terrified.
I mean she might start talking to me and figure out pretty quickly that I'm, y'know, not so smart. That really, like I always say, it's Karen who's the brains and beauty of the outfit.
I'm just the whacky sidekick in this relationship.
Anywhoo.
Judith calls me from the car rental place to get directions.
Oh man, hasn't she read my blog? Doesn't she know that I'm geographically challenged?
I'm sweating bullets, and Karen's at work, so I have to do this.
Judith says: “I'm usually very good with directions.”
No kidding, you're like this uber-brain.
“But I just want to make sure.”
By asking the one person in the world who is guaranteed to send you to the cheerful Republic of Belarus.
Taking a deep breath I plunge headlong into the black hole of cartography: “Okay, this time of day, on Friday, you do not want to get on the LA Freeway. Very bad idea. Take the streets. Get on La Cienega, do you see it on your map?”
“Um, give me a minute... yeah, there it is.”
“Okay, take La Cienega to Pico, do you see Pico?”
“Yup.”
“Great, go all the way on La Cienega until Pico, then make a left on Pico and head east.”
“Okay.”
“No, west on Pico, sorry. Wait, I need to get oriented.”
Standing in the middle of my office, I turn round and round like a dreidel; extend my arms like a Japanese traffic cop, trying to imagine the left, right turns Judith will have to make. I must look like I've taken way too much medication. I'll bet Fernando, my UPS man, is going to walk right in and witness your humble scribe in this, um, rather odd configuration. He's already puzzled by my professional existence, wonders how I make a living staring at a gigantic poster of The Seven Samurai. Every time Fernando delivers a package, dontcha know, that's exactly what I'm doing.
Rotating as if on a turntable, I can feel a major migraine blooming in my cortex as I try morphing my analog brain into a digital GPS.
East, west, left, right, up, down; oh my gosh, I'm going to send this poor woman straight into the ocean or, gulp, Compton.
PC Disclaimer: Not that there's anything wrong with Compton.
“Okay, that looks easy enough.”
“Go east, I mean west on Pico until you get to my block, make a left. Wait, is it left? Yeah left, go down three blocks, I think that's south, um, yeah north is Beverly Hills. So definitely go south three blocks and you can't miss Casa Avrech, it's the only house on the block with an American flag on the front lawn.”
“Cool, the flag must be really big.”
“Medium, still, you can't miss it.”
“Great, see you soon.”
“Call me on your cell if you get in any trouble.”
“Oh, I'm good with directions.”
I'm not.
Head back into my office which is in back of Casa Avrech.
In my latest screenplay, the weirdest thing happens, my heroine, a crack sniper, gets lost as she drives to her latest assignment. Huh, wonder how that happened? It's kind of funny, but stupid and pointless. I've just wasted one and a half pages.
Hit the delete button.
Rewrite.
Head back into the house, peek out the window, a white compact cruises to halt in front of the house. She is good with directions, and Belarus has missed out on a great tourist.
Oh my gosh.
Judith is not John Wayne tall.
she
is
petite.
I actually feel better. I thought was going to be craning my neck, looking up at a skyscraper of an uber-woman. Instead I'm going to be craning my neck downward looking at an uber-woman.
Judith smiles and says: “I found it.”
“Thanks so much for coming.”
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 11:58 AM | Comments (12)
June 20, 2007
The Rupture
Gaza, The Brotherhood, The Dogs of War
Until 1967, Gaza was part of of Egypt. The Arabs who lived in Gaza considered themselves, get this, Egyptians. The Muslim Brotherhood was active and quite popular in Gaza—and outlawed by the Egyptian government.
It's important to be aware of The Muslim Brotherhood for they paved the way for today's brew of transnational Islamic jihadists. The Brotherhood laid the basic groundwork in Gaza for today's popular and genocidal Hamas.
In fact, Al Quada's number two man Ayman Muhammad Rabaie al-Zawahiri, got his murderous start with the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood are dead serious about overthrowing Hosni Mubarak's regime, and will do everything in their power to make sure that Hosni's son Gamal, 41, does not get daddy's job.
Apparently Hosni's wife Suzanne wields considerable power behind the throne—an Egyptian Lady Macbeth—and she's making brass-knuckle moves to make sure that junior inherits the Presidency: for life. Gee willikers, if those crude gangsters in Syria can pull it off surely it should be easy as pie for the glorious Egyptians.
The only real competition are Defense Minister Field Marshal Muhammad Hussein Tantawi and intelligence chief Omar Suleiman. Look for The Brotherhood to throw their support, provisionally, behind either of these two men. It's a toxic brew, a deal with the devil, but that's business as usual in Arab/Muslim countries.
Egyptian President for Life (in the Arab world is there any other kind?) Mubarak is 79-years old. He's sick, has just returned from Germany for a "medical review." In short, he's fading fast. The shake-out should be, um, interesting—and bloody. The Brotherhood will be major players when Mubarak kicks the bucket, and the dogs of war will be let loose.
Jordan, Mini-skirts, and Big Lies
Judea & Samaria, known as The West Bank, were part of Jordan until five Arab nations launched and lost the 1967 Six Day War.
Pop Quiz
Pre 1967, what did the Arabs in Judea & Samaria call themselves?
1. Brooklynites
2. Klingons
3. Jordanians
4. Palestinians
5. Ron Paul
Okay, time's up, please put down your Number Two pencil.
If you answered #4, that means you probably read the N.Y. Times far too often—and believe what you read. Or you watch Hizbullah's Al Manar TV and believe what you see. Not a lot of difference between the two organizations at this point.
The correct answer is, what a shock, #3.
Anywhoo!
The Muslim Brotherhood was not big in Judea & Samaria.
Three reasons:
1. The Jordanian security services, staffed exclusively by officers loyal to the Hashemite Kingdom are brutal beyond words. They did not and do not tolerate The Brotherhood; nope, don't give a single inch.
2. The Hashemite kingdom has a much smaller population than Egypt, thus it's easier for the ruthless Jordanian security services to penetrate and smash any dissenting organizations.
3. And let's be honest, the Hashemites have always been far more comfortable in western society than in the sands of Arabia. The Jordanian fellahin, peasants, secretly mock the current king's funny Arab accent. His cool Oxford English is far better.
We need to take this into account: Jordanian society has recently morphed into a far more open and secular culture than any other in Arab society, even rivaling Beirut, the Paris of the middle east. Hang out in Amman and you'll see babes in mini-skirts, and men in coffee shops, hunched over sleek lapstops surfing blogsites from Israel. They may hate Jews, but they are endlessly curious about these blood-thirsty creatures. And oh boy, do they love pictures of IDF female soldiers, it's all the rage.
With all that, Jordan does have a budding jihadist insurgency in The Islamic Action Front, an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood. It remains to be seen if this group will gain traction in the tightly controlled Hashemite kingdom.
The notion that so-called Palestinian society is one united culture has always been a big lie perpetuated by the chimera of a society built on big lies. The gulf between Gaza and Judea & Samaria is vast and unbridgeable.
It was always just a matter of time before they started executing each other in the streets of Gaza before wailing wives and children, torturing each other to death in filthy basements, flinging one another off high-rise buildings.
It was always just a matter of time before the Christian Arab minority would be mercilessly persecuted, their churches plundered, torched, and their congregations forced into perpetual exile.
Well aware of this, ahem, cultural divide, Egyptian-born terrorist leader Yassir Arafat binded so-called Palestinian society together through a false narrative based on victimhood and malignant Jew-hatred. There is no great or minor literature, no art, no music, no common history—only a vast tissue of lies, and denial of Jewish history.
Persia in Gaza, Jihad Everywhere
Now, the pot has finally boiled over, ruptured, and this will continue as Gaza fractures into even smaller cantons as clans vie for their slice of the pie, and crime families battle for their share of the drug and smuggling operations; and of course don't forget the U.N. and their endless corruptions—the heart and soul of the welfare state that the world has so carefully structured.
This rupture will, I guarantee, spill over into Judea & Samaria. There are too many state and non-state actors in the volatile mix—each with their own strategic goals.
Iran has been financing Hamas in Gaza. Most of the Hamas leadership have gone to the mattresses in Tehran, terrified of being kidnapped, tortured horribly and then maybe put out of their misery by "the moderate Fatah," or assassinated by an Israeli drone.
Make no mistake about it, Gaza is now a proxy Iranian state.
The Shia Persians want to be big players in the region, push out the hated Sunni/Wahaabi Saudis and humble the big boys on the block—the Egyptians.
Iranian agents are now making their way, thanks to Nancy Pelosi's buddy Puppy Assad, into Judea & Samaria. The Persians are setting up shop with lots of cash (much of it counterfeit American dollars) and making it known that they are ready to do business, push the Zionist dogs into the sea.
Besides, people conveniently forget that it was not just Gaza that elected Hamas, it was also Judea & Samaria. And so, while Judea & Samaria might be a bit more "moderate" than Gaza, it's really silly measuring one Jew-hater against another.
At this stage, it's no longer a regional conflict, an Arab-Israeli war, it's a world-wide conflagration pitting western values against Islamic jihadists who wish to impose a 7th century caliphite—everywhere.
As one Marine wisely said to me: “In the future there's gonna be only two types of folks: them that recognize the jihadists—and them that are dead.”
Semper Fi.
Here's the equation Israelis and Americans have to keep in mind:
Fatah is Hamas.
Hamas is Fatah.
It's that simple, that complex.
And policy should be based on that satanic equation.
Meanwhile: The Syrians are low-level thugs. This is a regime that stays in power through the perpetuation of conflict with Israel and Lebanon. The last thing they want is peace with Israel, or the return of the Golan Heights. Their army is crap. The Syrian air force is a poor joke. One Israeli jet in a dog-fight with ten Syrian jets is considered a fair fight—by the Israeli pilots. For Syrian pilots; suicide.
An Israeli pilot told me privately that watching Syrian fighters was like watching “grapes on a vine.” Grape is the worst insult one pilot can hurl at another—grapes are there to be plucked. Syrian tanks are rusting Russian hulks lacking minimal spare parts. But the Syrians are spoilers and mischief-makers of the worst sort, and Soprano-like murderers, knocking off their enemies in Lebanon, thereby reminding the regional players that they are willing to play hard ball.
What do they want? To stay in power. Drink fine Scotch. Fill their Swiss bank accounts, keep their pliant non Muslim mistresses in their Paris apartments.
Yup, it's on that level.
At some point, Israel will have to send a squadron of jets over Damascus and drop a considerable payload on Assad's palace, remind the assassin that he can and will be taken out if he doesn't behave. That's the only language this gangster understands.
In fact, it's the only language spoken in the neighborhood.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:04 AM | Comments (22)
June 19, 2007
Two Tales of the Past
The continuing story of the author's love for his wife, Karen. It began when Robert was 9-years old, in the fourth grade in Yeshiva Flatbush. It's a long, story complicated story.
“Look at the body on that woman.”
I have just asked the famous director about his Jewish father, and his Catholic mother's death in Auschwitz.
The famous and incredibly talented director hesitated for a long moment; he was not expecting this opening gambit from a geeky film journalist. We are sitting in the tea room of the luxurious Hotel Pierre in New York. Fashionable women, thin as carrot sticks, float past our table with the regularity of a metronome.
Note to self: When you are a famous director, beautiful women shamelessly parade before you as if it's the most natural thing in the world. To paraphrase Mel Brooks: “It's good to be a famous director.”
"Can you discuss the tension, if there was any, growing up with a Jewish father and Catholic mother in Poland?"
The famous director smiles at a stunningly beautiful woman at another table. She crosses her legs, dangles a Gucci stiletto from a perfectly pedicured toe.
“Look at her ankles. How utterly perfect they are. I loathe fat ankles, don't you?”
"As a child you were forced into the Krakow ghetto for a while; but you managed to escape and took refuge with a Polish family, hid in their barn. Your latest film has numerous images of an isolated figure in a barn-like structure. Were you drawing on your own experiences?"
“I would die for that derriere. I mean really. Look at at that shape, like sculpture. It is a scrumptuous work of art.”
The famous director gestures to one of the women on parade: a Claudia Cardinale look-a-like who, I'm pretty sure, is making her third circuit past our table.
“I get the feeling you don't want to talk about your personal life.”
The famous director pins me with a dark look.
“Did you like my film?”
“It was, um, okay.”
Good natured, he laughs.
“That means you did not. You should be honest.”
“I didn't really like it.”
“Explain, please.”
“It didn't go anywhere. You set up a compelling situation, there's great imagery, but it lacks internal coherence. Sorry.”
Knitting his brows together, the famous director ponders for a long moment. The grimly tedious pageant of beautiful women continues to unspool, but he no longer pays any heed. He is deep in thought, and after a few moments of silence he now appears as if he's in physical pain.
“I might have lost focus. In the script stage sometimes we forget what the film is about, forget why we wanted to make the film; still, I am proud of this work, in spite of the flaws. Of course you cannot print this in the interview because the studio would kill me. Remember: if it is not in the script, it will never be in the movie.”
He looks sad.
I mention his first movie. He waves his hand as if swatting away a fly.
“I cannot even look at that film now. All I see is the mistakes.”
“It's great, really great. The scene when they struggle over the knife, and then the wife dives in the water. It's a beautifully realized sequence. Every angle is just perfect.”
“The work of a gifted amateur. It is not mature film art.”
“Whom do you admire—as a mature film artist, I mean?”
With no hesitation at all he responds: “Akira Kurosawa.”
A moment later he adds: “And of course, the great Andrzej Wajda.”
Later, Karen asks: “How was the interview?”
I shrug. Like so many of the interviews I do for the film magazine the best material cannot be published. But I am learning about the film business, I am learning how the business works — and does not work.
I took Karen with me to the screening of the famous director's film. Karen really hated it. She would have walked out, but the studio people were there and I couldn't leave, it would have been very bad form.
I'm not sure how it happens, but Karen is now telling me about a singles Shabbos she spent at Grossinger's. Like most singles weekends there was a fair amount of misery involved for far too many people—mostly the hopeful, vulnerable young Jewish women.
“There was a guy who I was sort of seeing and we sat together at one meal; we had a really nice conversation. And I thought everything was fine. But then at the next meal he changed his seat and I suddenly realized that things were not what I thought they were. And he just kept avoiding me the whole Shabbos. And I just felt awful, confused, clueless — and so humiliated.”
“Creep.”
Karen shrugs, sits up straight, flashes a smile and says: “ I am much better off now.”
Oh
My
Gosh
Doe Karen mean little ol' me?
The famous director refused to acknowledge his past. Karen has just narrated a miserable chapter from her history, squared her shoulders, ready to move ahead.
I have to marry this woman.
If I don't, I really really really will die.
Happy 30th anniversary Karen.
I have had two dreams my entire life: to love and be loved by you, and to work in Hollywood. Baruch HaShem I have achieved both dreams.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 08:25 AM | Comments (36)
June 18, 2007
Scenes from the Weekend: One
The lecture is over.
Everyone is enjoying the brunch.
In the community room, I'm weak from hunger; haven't had a chance to eat for hours and hours because I've been so keyed up about the lecture, the whole weekend.
Now, I'm sitting at a table and shoveling a cheese blintze into my mouth. A shadow, like a sword, falls over me. I look up, it's my Persian buddy.
He extends his hand.
“I am sorry,” he says, “I could not make it to the lecture but I wanted to come and make a b'racha on Ariel's holy neshama.”
“Thank you, thank you so much.”
My Persian buddy looks absolutely frazzled.
“Is everything okay?”
He frowns.
“I come from the hospital. My son, his lung collapsed. That is why I could not come to Ariel's lecture.”
I jump to my feet.
”Oh my gosh, is your son okay?”
“Baruch HaShem, he is doing fine. I will make a b'racha for Ariel's holy neshama and go back to Cedars-Sinai.”
My Persian buddy turns around, walks off, disappears.
For a long moment I sit and catch my breath.
Finally, I rise, and on a hunch, head into the main sanctuary of the shul. It is cool and the shadows are deep. When I was a child I was told that shaydim, ghosts, haunt empty shuls. I have always been absolutely terrified of vacant sanctuaries. And even now I hesitate to step into my shul.
But it is not deserted.
There stands my Persian buddy, at the ark, shuckling, swaying back and forth, davening, praying, eyes tightly clenched; he says Ariel's name, then kisses the parochet, the curtain that covers the ark that contain the Torah scrolls.
I choke back a sob because I don't want my friend to know that I'm spying on him. This dialogue with HaShem that I have witnessed deserves the dignity of solitude.
b'racha = blessing
neshama = soul
Baruch HaShem = Thank G-d
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:15 PM | Comments (18)
June 15, 2007
Ariel Avrech Memorial Lecture 2007
This weekend:
The Fourth Annual Ariel Avrech ZT'L Yahrtzeit Lecture will take place, AY”H, on Sunday June 17, 2007, at 10 AM at the Young Israel of Century City, to be followed by a brunch.
Young Israel of Century City
9317 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 273 - 6954
We are pleased to announce that we have engaged Professor David Shatz to present this year’s lecture.
David Shatz is Professor of Philosophy at Yeshiva University, Adjunct Professor of Religion at Columbia University, editor of the Torah u-Madda Journal and series editor of MeOtzar HoRav; Selected Essays of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. He has published eleven books and over fifty articles and reviews dealing with both general and Jewish philosophy.
Dr. Shatz received semicha, rabbinic ordination, from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and his Ph.D with distinction from Columbia University. He is a member of the Orthodox Forum Steering Committee, a board member of the Orthodox Caucus, a member of the Editorial Board of Tradition, and a Fellow of the Academy for Jewish Philosophy.
The title of Dr. Shatz’s lecture is: Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik on the Problem of Evil.
We look forward to seeing all our Seraphic Friends and relatives at the lecture. Learning Torah was Ariel's greatest joy. There is no better way of honoring Ariel's memory than by participating in this lecture series. We thank you all in advance.
May Ariel's neshama have an aliyah.
You do not have to RSVP to attend. The lecture and brunch are courtesy of the Avrech Family and Friends.
Karen and I would like to welcome all our relatives and friends who are in Los Angeles to attend the lecture. There is no better way of honoring Ariel's blessed memory.
Karen and I wish you all a lovely and meaningful Shabbat.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 02:20 PM | Comments (18)
Waldheim: Nazi War Criminal
You have to admit, Waldheim found the perfect job: Secretary General of the U.N. Talk about typecasting.
Kurt Waldheim’s record of direct involvement in Nazi slaughter of Jews and of others who resisted or were deemed threats in the Balkans was ignored by both the Russians and the United States, who both had evidence in their possession immediately after the war.
By early 1948, the United Nations War Crimes Commission listed him as a suspected war criminal subject to trial. Yet no government pressed to bring Mr. Waldheim to account or even to disclose his history.
It was not until these and additional records were revealed in 1985, first by rival politicians in Austria and then further investigated and publicized by the World Jewish Congress, that the world woke up. But, On June 8, 1986, in a two-round election, Mr. Waldheim won the run-off for Austria’s presidency with 53.9 percent of the 4.7 million votes cast.
To read Bruce Kesler's entire article, please click here.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:41 PM | Comments (5)
Jews with Guns
"We can fix all the houses up. We can plant trees. But if we cannot walk our streets securely, all our efforts are for naught," [Rabbi] Greer said. Rather than be victims or depend any longer on the police department, he said, the group is determined to tackle crime head on.
Yeshiva students are packing heat and taking back the dangerous streets.
Look for the gun-ban lobby to go ballistic at the sight of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews carrying guns, even if they are completely legal. The chutzpah, nerve, of these Jews, defending themselves against threats of murder and robbery.
Read the entire story at Kesher.
Hat Tip: Seraphic Friend, Maurice Sonnenworth, M.D.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
Tolerance in Indonesia
Karen and I are outraged, and saddened that this story has not received more play in the mainstream media. This is signifigant and timely, and it is a measure of the MSM's addiction to jihadist propaganda that they willfully ignore news of truly moderate Muslims. We should also add that Mr. Sol Teichman, the Holocaust survivor in this story is a close friend of the Avrech family and one of the finest people we have the honor of knowing. Mr. Teichman is a unbelievably generous Baa'l Chesed, a charitable man, and dedicates a good portion of his valuable time to educating people about the Shoah.
BALI, Indonesia (AP) - A Jewish Holocaust survivor made a plea for tolerance Tuesday at a conference in the world's most populous Muslim nation that also brought together religious leaders and victims of attacks by Islamic extremists.
One of the goals of the meeting was to counter a December conference hosted by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that tried to cast doubt on the killing of an estimated 6 million Jews during World War II.
"I hope people will learn from the past," said Sol Teichman, 79, who was a teenager living in Czechoslovakia when his city was occupied first by the Hungarian army and then the Germans. "We should try to improve life instead of destroying it."
The daylong gathering on Bali island was attended by high-profile moderate Indonesian Muslim leaders, including former President Abdurraham Wahid, and Hindu spiritual head Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as well as Buddhist teachers, a Jesuit priest and rabbis — a rarity in a country that does not recognize Israel or the Jewish faith.
"All too often, hatred and violence replace peace as religion is manipulated for political purposes," the conference wrote in a final statement.
It said religious leaders have a special obligation to reject such manipulation and to "mobilize their communities to not only respect, but also defend the rights of others to live and worship differently."
Indonesia earlier this week refused to sign a U.N. Security Council agreement condemning Iran's president for making statements that encouraged the destruction of Israel. But that did not stop Wahid, who was president from 1999 to 2001, from offering his own objections to claims the Holocaust was a myth.
"Although I'm a good friend of Ahmadinejad, I have to say that he is wrong," he said. "I visited Auschwitz's Museum of Holocaust and I saw many shoes of dead people. Because of this, I believe the Holocaust happened."
His daughter, Yenny Wahid, who is a prominent supporter of liberal Islam, said it was up to Muslims "to bring religion back to its original intention ... to underline the importance of finding shared values."
"We have to find ways to promote tolerance and understanding for mankind," she said. Also participating in the conference were victims of a terrorist attack in Israel and of suicide bombings by Muslim militants on Bali in 2005. More than 220 people have died from two attacks in Bali. "It has been difficult for me to excuse in my heart those who committed this act," said Tumini, a Balinese woman who was severely burned when al-Qaida-linked militants targeted two nightclubs in 2002. She said she still has not recovered emotionally, physically or financially.
Bali is a mostly Hindu enclave in Indonesia, which has some 190 million Muslims, more than any other nation in the world. Its government is secular and most people are moderate, although a vocal militant fringe has grown louder in recent years.
The conference was sponsored by the Libforall Foundation, a U.S. based non-governmental organization that seeks to counter Muslim extremism in the Islamic world by supporting religious moderates, and the Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance.
Teichman said he lost 70 family members to the Nazis, including his sister, brothers and grandparents, and was taken to Auschwitz, Warsaw, Dachau, Kaufering and Landsberg concentration camps before allied forces liberated them in 1945.
He said Ahmadinejad's decision to host a conference in December questioning whether the Holocaust took place made him want to "push a little harder to meet Muslim leaders."
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:01 AM | Comments (4)
June 14, 2007
Gazastan
It's over.
Gaza has been overrun by Hamas. Fatah has been soundly defeated, and some serious slaughter will now commence.
But fear not, Muslims killing Muslims is, well, okey-dokey. It's their culture, y'know. Now, if the Jooz had racked up such a mighty Muslim body count there would be marches in the streets of Paris, London, Beirut and Beirut-light: Berkeley. The N.Y. Times would be runnning Op-Ed pieces up-the- kazoo damning Israel for their aggression, and there would be fiery resolutions in the U.N. from the Organization of Islamic States.
By the way, does this, ahem, peace-loving Islamic gang, bother no liberals out there? I mean what would happen if there was an Organization of, um, Jewish States?
You have to ask?
Is it possible that Muslims get preferential treatment over Jews in the world politic?
Anywhoo: The slaughter in Gaza
What's that I hear?
Nothing.
What a shock.
Could it be that there's one standard for Jooz and another for, um, everyone else?
I, for one, welcome the fall of Fatah. I kind of chuckle ever time the MSM refers to Abbas as a moderate. This is a man whose Ph.D is a dopey, barely literate, Holocaust denial document. This is a man who says one thing to the western media and quite another to his own people. In short: like Arafat, he's a gold-plated liar; Abbas just wears better clothing than the dead terrorist.
I welcome the clarity of Hamas' genocidal charter.
They hate Jews.
They hate Israel.
They hate America.
They hate Christians.
They hate women.
They, y'know, hate.
The so-called Palestinians elected Hamas. The so-called Palestinians are responsible for their choices. This is called: taking political responsibility.
Further, a national movement is always judged by the leaders they choose.
Hamas and those who elected them have set their own fate in motion.
Here's the absurd part of the equation: even now there are voices in the West and in Israel (who said Jews are smart?) urging that Israel surrender Judea and Samarai (The West Bank) to... well, to whom? Fatah? Not likely. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Al Queda? Which of these Islamic cut throats would you like to see running Judea and Samaria?
I can only conclude that those who view this as a political solution are either fools or simply blood-thirsty. For the only counter-weight to Hamas, Fatah, Al Queda and Hizbullah in Judea and Samaria are Jews and the IDF. Without their presence, we would have Gaza a hundred-fold, slaughter on an unimaginable scale—and make no mistake about it, Jordan would invade rather than see her borders destabilized by jihadists who hate the Hashemites as much as they hate Jews.
And I'm not even going to start plumbing the depths of the Shia/Sunni warfare (genuine Islamophobia) that would explode in Judea and Samaria if Israel were to withdraw. It would make Iraq look about as violent as a Girls Gone Wild video.
Here's the latest from the Arab/Muslim paradise that is Gaza now that it is Judenrein:
Fatah gunmen out of the building, some shirtless or in their underwear, holding their arms in the air. Several of the Fatah men flinched as the crack of gunfire split the air.
A witness, who identified himself only as Amjad, said men were killed as their wives and children watched.
"They are executing them one by one," Amjad, who lives in a building overlooking the Preventive Security complex, said by telephone. "They are carrying one of them on their shoulders, putting him on a sand dune, turning him around and shooting."
The killers ignored appeals from residents to spare the men's lives, said Amjad, who declined to give his full name, fearing reprisal.
To get the full body-count, please click here.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 12:22 PM | Comments (13)
June 13, 2007
Home
My eyes pop open. No need for an alarm clock this morning. Gray light presses against the window panes. The sun is not yet risen. I sit up and heave a deep sigh. Looking about the room, I promise myself—once again—to find a proper place for all the DVDs the Academy sends this time of year. The discs, in their vote-for-me decadent packaging, sprawl on the floor by the TV like some high-end virus.
I tell Karen that it's time.
Somewhere under the comforter Karen says: “I'm going to have a headache all day getting up this early.”
“Well, you don't have to come. I can do it alone. It's okay.”
Karen breathes: “Five more minutes.”
Downstairs, I daven, pray, make a quick breakfast, scan the front pages of the newspaper and notice that though the body count in Gaza is approaching pretty horrific levels, and though men are being hurled from high roof tops, and though people are regularly being kidnapped, tortured and murdered, and though children cannot go to school for fear of being shot down by their beloved Arab brothers, and though mortars are being lobbed all over Gaza City—the N.Y. Times still insists: "Civil War Feared."
Gee willikers, if this isn't civil war the N.Y. Times sure are a callous, blood-thirsty pack. I mean what does Fatah and Hamas have to do to get a proper "Civil War in Gaza" headline?
Sheesh, talk about the death of language.
Karen comes downstairs, prepares her tea. I can't help but smile. She dresses like a chic sun-kissed Cali lady even for this little errand. A great A-line dress, kicky gold and black-toned flats that have a nice Chanel feel. As an accessory, Karen is now wearing my old Swiss Army watch with the very broken-in leather band. It's such a cool look because the watch face appears so big and military on Karen's little wrist; it's an effortless touch—thus ultra-fashionable by virtue of not trying to be fashionable. Observe: No flip-flops, no shlumpy over-sized sweats for Karen. The love of my life knows What Not to Wear. What can I say, after thirty years of marriage the woman brings me to my knees—and she doesn't even know it.
I drive. Karen and I chat, wondering out loud if she's changed a great deal since last we saw her.
Whoa. I cruise into a great parking spot on the first level. Perfect.
We make small talk with the other anxious parents; we sit, we pace, we wait.
Observe: Lots of flip-flops and massive, baggy sweat shirts. Hmm, maybe I should nominate them for What Not to Wear. They need Stacy and Clinton—badly.
And there she is, trudging up the ramp like a Jewish peddlar from generations past; Offspring #3 is bent over, pushing her luggage cart, heavily laden with bags and suitcases.
Abruptly, Karen bursts past the No Entry Gate, right past the astonished Homeland Security Guard.
“Yo, lady!”
Karen sobs, embraces Offspring #3; holds her so tight I can see the azure veins pulsing in Karen's ivory throat.
Moving to join them, the Guard, a big burly slab, vigorously waves me back. However, he dares not interrupt mother and daughter. No doubt he senses that petite Karen will instantly deck him.
Gazing at my wife and daughter, I feel a thick lump swelling in my throat.
Offspring #3 has been studying Torah in Jerusalem for a year. She is utterly changed—and yet completely herself.
I am happy. I am proud.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:57 PM | Comments (16)
June 12, 2007
Gaza: Cease Fire Watch
Let's summarize the situation in Gaza, past and present:
1. Two years ago, Israel surrendered Gaza to the so-called Palestinians. Gaza became another Judenrein Arab state after 9,000 Jewish residents were forcibly expelled by other Jews.
2. The Arab residents of Gaza immediately celebrated their apartheid victory by burning the Jewish synagogues, looting every former Jewish home, and trashing the Jewish green-houses. Bye-bye potential commerce.
3. Naturally everyone blamed Israel for "unilateral withdrawl." As if there was a lot to negotiate.
“Um, let's see Muhammed, when exactly do you want us to commit national suicide?”
But y'know, it's Israel's fault when Arabs loot and burn. They're angry, frustrated, or maybe the poor babies just lack self-esteem.
4. Gaza is pretty much an independent State. Do the peaceful Arabs who only yearn to sit under their olive trees and recite poetry build an infrastucture? Do they pick up the garbage, set up minimal public transporation, provide ordinary municipal services? Do they even sit under their olive trees and recite poetry?
5. No, they do not. Instead they lob Qassam missles into Israel. Much more fun.
6. And that's Israel's fault too.
7. Why? Because those peaceful homicide bombers in Gaza are not allowed to step freely into Israel. The chutzpah of those Jooz. Gaza, the jihadists claim, is locked up like a prison, there is no hope.
8. Hellooo! Egypt? What's the deal with the Egyptian border? Oh, that's closed also? Wonder why? Could it be because the Egyptians are not so anxious to host their peaceful Gazan brothers who have a tendency to, um, sow violence and destruction wherever they go? See: Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, and natch Israel. By the way, there are 21 additional Arab countries that theoretically should be open to Gazans, so what's the problem? Oh, right, no infratsructure, thus no travel. Besides, let's be honest, if Gazans show up at these other Arab countries they will be shot on sight.
9. By the way, Israel is really locked up like a prison. Of the 22 Arab nations that surround Israel, only two quietly allow Israelis/Jews to enter their country. Very quietly. In limited numbers. Did you know that Jews are banned from stepping foot on Saudi Arabian soil. Henry Kissinger had to get special dispensation for his shuttle diplomacy. Whew, lucky us.
10. Finally: Fatah and Hamas form a unity government. In the Arab world that means torturing and murdering each other at an astonishing rate. But guess what?
11. It's Israel's fault.
12. It's always Israel's fault.
13. Jooz.
Anyway, here's the latest from Gaza after about a kazillion cease-fires. And everyone keeps telling Israel to negotiate with the very people who can't even respect a cease fire for more than 45 seconds.
Hundreds of Hamas fighters firing rockets and mortar shells captured the headquarters of the Fatah-allied security forces in northern Gaza on Tuesday, scoring a key victory in the bloody battle for control of the seaside strip.
Both sides said Gaza had descended into civil war, as the death toll from two days of Palestinian fighting reached 37.
Tuesday's battles marked a turning point, with Hamas moving systematically to seize Fatah positions in what some in the Islamic militant group said would be a decisive phase in the yearlong power struggle. The confrontations became increasingly brutal in recent days, with some killed execution-style in the streets, others in hospital shootouts or thrown off rooftops.
The conflict escalated further when the Fatah central committee decided to suspend the activities of its ministers in the government it shares with Hamas. In an emergency meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Fatah decided on a full withdrawal if the fighting doesn't stop, said government spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeneh.
President Mahmoud Abbas accused the Islamic militants of Hamas of trying to stage a coup.
A survivor of the Hamas assault on the northern security headquarters said the Fatah forces were outgunned and reinforcements never arrived. "We were pounded with mortar, mortar, mortar," the Fatah fighter, who only gave his first name, Amjad, said, breathing heavily. "They had no mercy. It was boom, boom. They had rockets that could reach almost half of the compound."
Battles raged across the Gaza Strip during the day. The staccato of gunfire echoed across Gaza City, plumes of smoke rose into the air from far-flung neighborhoods and one firefight sent a dozen preschoolers scrambling for cover.
In a sign of the heightened hostilities, both sides threatened to kill each other's leaders. A rocket-propelled grenade damaged the home of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and four mortar shells slammed into Abbas' Gaza City office. Neither attack caused any injuries.
Desperately trying to boost morale, disorganized Fatah forces attacked Hamas' main TV station, but were repelled after a heavy battle. The station later showed a group of captured men it said were among the attackers, blood streaming down their faces.
Many Gazans, pinned down in their homes, were furious with the combatants. "Both Fatah and Hamas are leading us to death and destruction," said Ayya Khalil, 29, whose husband serves as an intelligence officer. "They don't care about us."
No kidding.
To get the rest of the gruesome details, please click here
Also:
Fierce fighting spread in Gaza as raging street battles between warring Palestinian movements left 28 people dead on Tuesday, driving the territory closer to all-out civil war.
Alarm that the conflict would topple the Palestinian unity government sparked international calls for restraint in the latest bout of clashes between Islamist Hamas and the secular Fatah of president Mahmud Abbas.
In the northern town of Jabaliya, Hamas fighters stormed the base of the pro-Fatah security services, spraying the legs of fighters inside with bullets and taking control of the facility, witnesses and security sources said.
Earlier, Hamas's armed wing unilaterally declared "the northern Gaza Strip a closed military zone" under control of the Islamists who have been locked in a months-long bitter power struggle with Fatah.
For the rest of the body count, please click here.
Hamas and Fatah accused each other of starting the latest round of violence, and the Egyptian mediators said it was difficult to determine who was to blame. The deaths on Sunday were marked by their brutality, with two Palestinians thrown from the roofs of high-rise buildings in Gaza City. One was an officer of the Presidential Guard, loyal to Fatah, and the other a member of the Executive Force, which was set up by Hamas to counter the official, Fatah-dominated security services.
Oh yeah, give these people their own state.
Why not the Kurds? They've been double-crossed by everybody. How come nobody marches for them demanding a Kurdish state? Oh yeah, Turkey, Syria and Iran would quietly send out their agents and murder any pro-Kurdish protestors. Murder them horribly.
The Tamils of Sri Lanka? They invented homicide bombing. Surely that should get them some respect. I have yet to see one leftie going to bat for the Tamil Tigers. And the Tamils even have brigades of ice-in-their-veins female homicide bombers. I can see Berkley getting very hot for these twisted babes.
Tibet, surely the poor non-violent Tibetans deserve to have their state restored from the genocidal clutches of China? Oh wait, they're non-violent, forget them, if they won't fight for themselves do you actually think the left will? No way. The left worships "revolutionary violence."
What about the Basque people? Hey, they have great loony leftist credentials? They commit "political assasinations" and every few years set off a few bombs. What about their independent state? Surely the left wants to preserve their unique language? It's at least as important as, say, the Hoot Owl?
And let's not forget the Chechens. They want a separate state. Have wanted one for, let's see, hundreds of years. Before the Syrian Arabs started calling themselves Palestinians way back in the 60's. The Chechens are serious nationalists: Muslim, tribal, clannish, brutal beyond words. The ordinary Russian soldier would gladly offer up his you know whats rather than have to fight Chechen separatists. Why don't you ever hear about them? Oh, wait there is the Beslan Massacre. Other than the occasional atrocity no journalist is crazy enough to actually go to Chechneya. The Chechens have this curious little custom of kidnapping foreigners and then trading the poor shlubs like baseball cards. If no trade is possible, they just torture and kill the unfortunate victim. Nope, no one's marching for these guys. Not even other Muslims.
But no, not a peep about these other separatist movements; the world is mysteriously fixated on the earth's most dysfunctional society.
I wonder why?
Is it because their enemies are, um, Jooz?
Impossible. How crude.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:25 PM | Comments (17)
Words in Excess
abligurition
n. excessive spending on food and drink
gambrinous
adj. full of beer
Hat Tip: Futility Closet
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 12:52 PM | Comments (4)
June 11, 2007
Bollywood in Shul
“Robert, what are you doing?”
“Copying the source sheets?”
Rebekah, office manager of my shul, looks in horror at the neat piles of paper at my feet. Originally from India, Rebekah speaks the King's English; she sounds very BBC. In fact, I'm so intimidated by Rebekah's sophisticated speech that my Brooklyn accent mysteriously grows thicker, my vowels even more tortured when I'm in Rebekah's presence.
“But Robert, what are you planning on doing with all that paper?”
“Uh, you know, collating and then stapling them together.”
Rebekah studies me for a moment; she looks at the neat wedge of pages at my feet; studies me as if I'm some dumb colonial officer in the British Raj and she's some fabulously wise and patient Indian princess.
In her best clipped manner Rebekah says:
“Robert, the copying machine does all that automatically: collates and staples.”
Stunned, I look at Rebekah.
“Really?”
“Really and truly, Robert.”
Now I look at the copying machine as if it might actually sit up and say, “Yup, that's what I do, the lady does not lie.”
And I was so proud of my neat bricks of paper. I was prepared to sit on the floor, collate hundreds of pages, and staple them together—all afternoon.
“Whoops.”
Rebekah lets out a shallow sigh.
“Really Robert, what a massive waste of your valuable time.”
I shrug, hang my head and stare at the threads in the carpet. Hmm, nice abstract patterns emerge, float about like some Mark Rothko canvas.
I feel like melting into the carpet.
Efficient, no-nonsense Rebekah runs out to the supply store, purchases more paper, comes back and sets up the machine. In a blur she punches buttons: beep! beep! beep!
She's like the Indian/Jewish version of Chloe in "24."
Oh my gosh!
Rebekah even knows how to use the zoom function, which is like tosfos on copying machines. Really, I've seen grown men reduced to tears trying to figure out the proper zoom ratios.
Well, this man anyway.
Like a Harley Davidson, the copying machine kicks into motion, boom! whap! boom! whap! And I actually rear back, the machine's powerful action so sudden so percussive.
“See what a clever machine it is, Robert?”
“Yes Rebekah, I'm in awe—of you and the machine.”
Modest Rebekah waves away my compliment.
Normally, Rebekah and I shmooze about what life was like for Jews in India. I find her stories fascinating. Oh, the endless archeology of ordinary Jewish life. Often we end up discussing the latest Bollywood films. We both adore the vibrant color and turbo-energy of Bollywood. Rebekah offers personal insights into these films that are cultural gems.
Now that I think about it, this whole episode: Rebekah, clueless me, and the fierce copying machine, it's like a magical sequence in some grand Bollywood musical—minus the song and dance.
I remember how Rebekah used to chat with Ariel ZT'L; he too was fascinated with her Indian heritage. Once Ariel and I looked at a picture book of Indian synagogues on Rebekah's recommendation. We oohd and aahd at every page.
As I leave shul with my mountain of source sheets for the Ariel Avrech Yahrtzeit Lecture, I feel grateful for Rebekah's generosity and decency, an unbelievably busy woman who cares enough about my time to rescue me from my own dopey, analog ignorance.
It's true that I'm something of a hermit, but I am a recluse with a talent for friendship.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:43 PM | Comments (18)
June 10, 2007
Best of the Jewish Blogosphere #120
6:45 AM Roll out of bed. I'm in a great mood. Dreamed that Gong Li agreed to star in my next movie. Life is good.
7:00 Have trouble davening with true spiritual awareness. Yup, still thinking about you know who.
7:40 Whip up a plate of yummy scrambled eggs, just as Alton Brown, the Rebbe of Good Eats, teaches. Hmm, wonder if my leading lady enjoys awesome scrambled eggs for breakfast.
7:45 My eyeballs are bleeding. Happens every time I read the N.Y. Times. Jihadist propaganda does that to me.
7:50 Does the N.Y. Times ever run a story about Gong Li and the Jewish people?
7:51 No, it does not.
7:52 anti-Semites.
8:00 Work on latest script. I've changed my main female character from a beautiful but tragic backwoods Tennessee girl, to a beautiful but tragic peasant Chinese woman who ends up in, um, Tennessee.
8:24 Hunh, wonder how that happened? Must figure out this unexpected revision by Act III—or I'm officially in script-hell.
9:00 Stuck.
9:01 I know, I'll check my e-mail. Anything not to work.
9:02 Baruch Hashem. Haveil Havelim #120 The 6/12 Edition is here.
But—and you know this is coming right—I have to rewrite the title; it's minhag, tradition.
This is great, I'm so proud of my rewrite:
Haveil Havelim #120: Gong Li and the Six Day War Edition.
We'd like to thank Aluf (General) Soccer Dad for including Seraphic Secret's Sounds of Liberation in this round-up.
Oh yeah, almost forgot: Here's a picture of Gong Li with yours truly. Yup. Some dreams are more true than others.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:10 AM | Comments (22)
June 08, 2007
Israel Defends United Kingdom, I'm Not Kidding
File this under, oh, I dunno, irony.
While Jew-hating British academics are boycotting Israeli Academics (BTW, does that include Arab/Israeli academics?) Elbit, an Israeli company that "develops, manufactures and integrates advanced defense electronic and electro-optic systems," has just signed a contract to, well, protect the British Isles.
Gee, I guess the British government isn't aware of the boycott. Or maybe the Elbit defense systems are developed, designed and built by, um, peaceful desert nomads.
Uh-huh.
And yes, full disclosure, we do own stock in Elbit and, oh boy, are we thrilled. We wrote about this wonderful company a few weeks ago when we were not giving financial advice and since then the stock has gone only up.
Israel's Elbit Systems keeps the United Kingdom safe.
Jun. 07 - Israel's Elbit System's British arm, Thales UK - UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (U-TacS) has been awarded a $110 million contract to provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) support for the UK armed forces. The contract includes the supplying of Hermes® 450 UAV systems, as well as training the UK Ministry of Defense how to use and maintain the system. The President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman said: "Once again, we are proud to be a part of a winning team together with Thales UK in a project based on the High End tactical Hermes® 450 UAV, globally recognized as a brand name for UAV customers worldwide."
Via:Israel 21c
Along with all of you, Karen and I are definitely going to have a lovely and meaningful Shabbat.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 04:06 PM | Comments (2)
The Six Day War: Forty Years On
This is an excellent, succinct article about the origins of the Six Day War and the subsequent Israeli administration of Gaza, Judea and Samaria. The unvarnished facts will not make an iota of difference to the legions of Jew-haters who masquerade as "intellectual anti-Zionists" but it's good to remind those who value truth of the facts of history, and how the Arab states have consistently waged war against Israel, and rejected offers of peace at every single turn.
Forty years have now passed since the "Six Day War" which resulted in Israeli control over the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Some media reports already refer to the fortieth anniversary of the "occupation."
The goal of this special report is to remind HonestReporting subscribers of the events of 1967 and Israel's administration of the disputed territories.
How Did the War Begin?
While June 5 marks the day that Israel initiated its military operation, it is important to note that the immediate Arab threats to wipe out Israel began in the preceding months. It is also critical to take the causes of the Six Day War into account before analyzing the resulting status of land taken as a result. International Law makes a clear distinction between land "occupied" during a war of aggression and land taken as a result of a defensive war.
This distinction explains why so many enemies of Israel are using this anniversary to rewrite history and falsely claim that the Six Day War was initiated by Israel in order to illegally capture land.
To read this fine article in its entirety, please click here.
Karen and I wish you all a lovely and meaningful Shabbat.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
Raid on the Reactor
Thursday June 7 was the 26th anniversary of the Israel Air Force’s stunning attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak. The Military Channel’s “Raid on the Reactor” is an excellent documentary on this historic air strike, featuring interviews with the IAF pilots who flew the mission.
Click here to view the entire video.
Hat Tip: Little Green Footballs
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)
Ariel Avrech ZT'L Memorial Lecture 2007
The Fourth Annual Ariel Avrech ZT'L Yahrtzeit Lecture will take place, AY”H, on Sunday June 17, 2007, at 10 AM at the Young Israel of Century City, to be followed by a brunch.
Young Israel of Century City
9317 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 273 - 6954
We are pleased to announce that we have engaged Professor David Shatz to present this year’s lecture.
David Shatz is Professor of Philosophy at Yeshiva University, Adjunct Professor of Religion at Columbia University, editor of the Torah u-Madda Journal and series editor of MeOtzar HoRav; Selected Essays of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. He has published eleven books and over fifty articles and reviews dealing with both general and Jewish philosophy.
Dr. Shatz received semicha, rabbinic ordination, from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and his Ph.D with distinction from Columbia University. He is a member of the Orthodox Forum Steering Committee, a board member of the Orthodox Caucus, a member of the Editorial Board of Tradition, and a Fellow of the Academy for Jewish Philosophy.
The title of Dr. Shatz’s lecture is: Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik on the Problem of Evil.
We look forward to seeing all our Seraphic Friends and relatives at the lecture. Learning Torah was Ariel's greatest joy. There is no better way of honoring Ariel's memory than by participating in this lecture series. We thank you all in advance.
May Ariel's neshama have an aliyah.
RSVP in the comments section of Seraphic Secret.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 11:09 AM | Comments (10)
Moderate anti-Semitism?
Seraphic Friend Shrink Wrapped wraps his fine mind around questions of: tolerating anti-Semitic speech, moderate anti-Semitism, and Jews who need anti-Semites—yup that's the theory—and unlike most shrinks, comes to a common sense conclusion.
The more refined and elegant anti-Semites, so many of whom reside within the left wing elites, unknowingly adopt the structure of the paranoid narrative, but cover its core with rationalizations and intellectualizations (the hallmark of the out of touch academic.) Once having set foot on such a path, the incremental movement from mild or moderate anti-Semitism to overt genocidal anti-Semitism is merely a matter of time and degree. This does not mean reasoned and rational criticism of Israel is impossible but it does mean that once a person accepts the paranoid structure of Palestinian innocence and victimization and Israeli intransigence and oppression, the inevitable result is excusing and rationalizing (usually by omission, as is the common habit of the MSM) behavior and speech that can only lead to mass murder.
To read this entire post, and I hope you do, please click here.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:47 AM | Comments (1)
Death or Glory
Here's another brilliant photo/essay from Iraq by America's greatest combat journalist, Michael Yon.
In Iraq, I was allowed to accompany a British Army unit called “The Queen’s Royal Lancers,” whose motto is “Death or Glory.” It seems appropriate to tribute this dispatch to Her Majesty. And so I will take special care in the writing, on the chance that Her Majesty might read about her soldiers at war, as viewed through the eyes of an American.
British soldiers truly are fighting in Iraq. On three consecutive missions with three different British units, their soldiers killed roughly 40 enemy in combat action that also saw two British soldiers killed in action, and three wounded. The enemy apparently is attempting to paint a perception that the long-planned draw down of British soldiers in southern Iraq is actually the result of a successful “rout,” and they are stepping up the tempo of attacks.
To read the entire dispatch, please click here for Death or Glory: Part One.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2007
40 Years Later
Israeli Paratroopers in the famous picture from June 1967 return 40 years later.
 6 day War and 40 Years Later |
This picture has been all over the web, and no doubt you've received it by e-mail, but in the off-chance that one or two of you has not seen this wonderful photo, well, we too are doing our civic duty and posting it.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 09:50 PM | Comments (12)
No Peace Without Surrender
“Do you know those old paintings from Europe of ruffled officers offering their swords in surrender?”
“Sure, I've seen a few.”
“Did you ever wonder why the paintings were made, the moment immortalized?”
It is 1973. I'm talking with my friend Amos. He's a kibbutznik, a short, stocky fireplug of a man who has just returned from the furnace of the Sinai front where he participated in history's greatest tank battle. An officer and a natural leader of men, Amos is something of a minor celebrity since the wire services ran a picture of his handsome face, grinning from the hatch of his tank, his skin filthy with grime, but the light in his eyes absolutely fierce.
“Why were you smiling?” I asked.
“Because we were alive and the Egyptian tanks were dead.”
“How many did you kill?”
Amos shrugged. He did not want to go there.
“The Egyptians were brave, don't let anyone say otherwise, but they just hunker down and use their tanks as firing platforms. That's all wrong. They have no idea how to fire and manuever, how to flank a position, and not the vaguest notion how to withdraw tactically without getting slaughtered. They died bravely—but stupidly.”
Back to the art of war, more specifically, the art of surrender.
Amos has aspirations to study art history, with a deep focus on military imagery in European art.
“Ceremonies in war are important indicators. Wars begin with formal declarations between two countries, and ideally they should end in formal surrenders. They were highly ritualized where opposing generals often shared multi-course meals, they toasted each other and complimented one another's armies on their bravery and honor. The losing general would surrender his sword to the winning general. This signaled total defeat. It was a historic moment and it had to be immortalized so that everyone knew who won and who lost.
“That's how the American Civil War ended, at that place called Applemattox.”
“Appomattox.”
“And look at World War II, Germany and Japan signing forms of unconditional surrender. It was public and therefore everyone knew the outcome. There was no ambiguity. It was spectacle, necessary theatre.”
Amos pauses, slowly, sadly shakes his head.
“We did not properly win the Six Day War. Oh, we won it, but the world stepped in and declared a ceasefire. Do you realize what a disaster that was? That's why we just fought this war. Back in '67 the Arabs were able to walk away and lie to their people about the nature of the war—even though they were decisively beaten. And we just crushed them again. In some ways even worse. But again the world allows them to escape defeat without surrendering. These ceasefires are killing us. Let me tell you this: until we defeat the Arabs, until they are made to surrender, hand over their swords—we will never have peace.”
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 08:56 AM | Comments (11)
June 06, 2007
FDR D-Day Prayer
Please read this incredibly powerful prayer by President Roosevelt. Can you imagine an American President delivering such a G-d centered invocation in this day and age? He'd be sued by the ACLU, and whole legions of citizens would be wailing about the separation of Church and State. Roosevelt is so not multi-cultural; he actually prays for our civilization, a defacto recognition that some civilizations are better than others.
Especially stirring is Roosevelt's phrase: “...we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances.” Today our leaders tip-toe around branding the Arab/Muslim fanatics what they are: Islamofacists. The Democrats have banished the words Islamic Radicals from their vocabulary. If you watched the Democrats debate you must have been struck by this Orwellian misuse of language. It is a sign of the times that so many are more afraid of labeling evil, than evil itself.
This prayer was read to the American people on radio on the evening of D-Day, June 6, 1944, as American, British and Canadian troops fought their way up the beaches of Normandy.
My Fellow Americans:
Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.
And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:
Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.
Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.
They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.
They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest — until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.
Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.
And for us at home — fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them — help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.
Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.
Give us strength, too — strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.
And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.
And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment — let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.
With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace — a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.
Thy will be done, Almighty God.
Amen.
Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:57 PM | Comments (14)
D-Day Proclamation
D-Day National Remembrance Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Released by the White House, Office of the Press Secretary, June 5, 2004
Sixty years ago, the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force invaded Normandy in northern France to open a new front in our war against Nazism and tyranny. The courage of these troops turned the tide of World War II and changed the fate of the world forever. Their extraordinary service in the face of great danger demonstrated the finest qualities of our Nation and of our Allies, and millions around the world today live in freedom because of their sacrifice. By remembering the heroic actions of our Armed Forces at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches in 1944, we honor a generation who served this country and saved liberty for people everywhere.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 6, 2004, as D-Day National Remembrance Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this occasion with appropriate activities, ceremonies and programs designed to honor those who served and sacrificed to liberate Europe and defend America's freedom and security.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at 01:49 PM | Comments (2)
Fighting the Boycott
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#2184 Name: Robert J. Avrech
Title: Emmy Award Winning Screenwriter
Hometown: Los Angeles CA, USA
Comment: Follo