You may call me a conspiracy nut, but I know I am not the only person who believes this present economic disaster was intentional. I believe that many people have had it planned for decades. Good- I have your attention now.
I'm no economic whiz- in fact as far as math goes, I admit I never made it past 10th grade level. I do however, know common sense, and very little of the last year's economic policies and band aid fixes have made absolutely NO sense what so ever. Anything I learned about investments, saving and making money grow, has been largely gained by two sources- My Dad and the Bible. I have not always had the money to "make money", so I have had little by way of making investments- but on the bright side of that, I don't have to worry about the stock market roller coaster. I do pay attention however, because I know a lot of hard working people who invested over the years to put away for retirement who have been having a hard time lately.
I've always tried to be prudent with whatever I have been blessed with. I have never owned a credit card. I have tried to pay cash when I can, but for cars and homes, I always, ALWAYS looked at the fine print, asked questions and put as much down as possible before making any kind of deal. I have never owned a new car or home, and I always made bigger monthly payments to pay off debt early and avoid paying so much on interest. I have never been one to buy fancy clothes or trinkets- even when I had the money to spend, as I find paying anything over what I know something can be made for cost wise is stupid. When I go grocery shopping, I make a list and stick to it. If by chance my counting is off and I don't have enough at the cash register to pay for it- I have no problem giving something back. I've cut back on unnecessary things. I have never been late on a payment for anything. When times were good- I saved the money for bills and emergencies. It was because of this my family and I have been able to survive a car crash (having to buy a newer vehicle) hurricane damage (new roof), forest fire (having to buy another lawnmower and other equipment we lost), and now, these times where my dear husband has no work. The times are getting tighter and I'll admit it is getting harder to tighten more on our belts. I thank God every chance I can for the fact that we have been able to put an extra veggie garden in. I have dusted off my recipe books, learned to make my own bread, make larger casserole type meals so our freezer is full, and am very glad that my husband knows how to hunt, and we all like to fish!
People think things are going to get better now that Obama is taking care of things. I know from the Bible, and from what I have been watching over the past year- things are going to get harder, and I would like to warn folks to get ready for tough times.
So, what has been going on, and where are we headed? It's back to the Bible time folks, and I have a lot to go through, so this will be one of my usual multi part entries. Stay tuned- the next time, we'll look at the things that helped lead up to these economic hard times, and how certain people who helped caused them, are now running the whole show. We'll look to Bible prophecies and see where we are headed. Until then, don't take the nightly news as truth- they have as much stake in where we're headed as the people who have put us in these times. Also, leave some suggestions in your comments, on how you are saving money. Maybe we will able to help each other with our ideas. God Bless
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me Because You died and rose again
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me Because You died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor You In all I do, I honor You
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me Because You died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be That You, my King, should die for me? Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor You In all I do, I honor You
In all I do, I honor You
You are my King You are my King Jesus, You are my King You are my King
Amazing love, how can it be That You, my King, should die for me? Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor You
Amazing love, how can it be That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor You In all I do, to honor You In all I do, to honor You, In all I do, Let me honor You.
The News Boys
Please Lord Jesus, In all I do, Let me be honoring you....
Monday, January 19, 2009
Pray Obama Fails?
I have many things swirling around my mind lately, and I have a few things I will want to write about soon. This time though, I have been thinking more and more about the coming presidency, as my long time friends know I am very politically minded, and I take the state of this Beautiful Country very seriously.
I read an opinion piece by Joseph Farrah this evening on World Net Daily, and at first I was in disagreement with him. The title of his piece is "Pray Obama Fails".
Now I have not agreed with or liked every president of this country since I have been here, and even those I have much respect for, I have not agreed with every idea or program. I am first and foremost, a Christian- therefore, I owe my allegiance to the Lord. Second, I am a raving conservative. This means, for me, I believe in small government, which is accountable to the people of this country. It must be held accountable and to the will of the CITIZENS of this country. I believe in boosting businesses, especially new and smaller mom and pop, then moving up to corporations, for they are truly the ones who stimulate the economy by providing jobs and US made products. I believe in free trade if it is fair trade. This means that I believe trading goods and services with other democracies is good business sense and also builds a sense of pride in being American made. It is only a good thing however if it keeps jobs here, and we export as much at least as we import.
I am a firm believer in COMPASSIONATE conservatism. This means ethics and strong moral values are the core of a company of any size. I'll admit this seems to be a lost quality in this day and age, but there are still many people who operate fairly, pay good wages for good employees, and who put people before profit. It is, as a natural rule, those who practice this way of building business, who are most successful.
The last I am is a Republican. I may have it backwards, because I am still much a Canadian, but to me, being a republican, means I believe in the Constitution as the authors worded it- it is not to be changed on whims of what is politically correct or expedient. It is not to be trifled with because of the political doings of other countries or world courts. What is written simply is. I also believe in a government "owned" by the people. It is to be the people in Washington as is they are the voters employees- not the other way around.
OK. This is who I am. That said, I have always tried to show respect to the person in the White House. I have not always liked or agreed with, as I said, and I did have a big problem with a lot of what went on during the Clinton administration- but I never denied Bill Clinton as my president.
I have to ask myself, however, and admit here now, I can not in good conscience call Barack Obama my president. This may shock some, even those who know my political leanings, but maybe, if anyone even cares, it doesn't surprise at all. What ever you may think, let me state my reasons why. You can agree or not, I am not going to go off the deep end or anything, and I have no problems with people of different beliefs and thoughts as mine, but I do like to be understood and have the right to be heard out before I am ridiculed and labeled as anything.
My Number one reason I can not accept Barack Obama as my president is because I am still not satisfied that he is even eligible to be the president of the United States. In the Constitution, there are stipulations to be eligible, and Barack Obama has not shown proof. In fact, he and his "people" have spent millions of dollars refuting and denying, but not producing the one thing that can prove his eligibility. His birth certificate.
As a Canadian living legally in the US, I have to have certain forms which prove my nationality, my eligibility to reside in the US, and until I can find or obtain another copy of my birth certificate, I can not apply for a passport, and I will not be able to renew my legal status or obtain citizenship. I would say, my birth certificate is an important document, which I can not do things without proof. All I ask from the man who is to run this country, is he do what I and millions of others have to do. Prove it.
My Number two reason is because of my life in Christ Jesus, I can not in good conscience accept Barack Obama as my president. I don't have to know his soul- and I can not judge him. However, the Bible tells me that I can know a person by the fruits they produce whether they are of Christ or not. The Fruits of Barack Obama are not of the Spirit of God.
For his voting record, for his associations, for his own words about his faith, I can not accept him as my president. His voting record and the words on the campaign trail speak volumes to me about his "Faith". He believes in the death of babies over the words of a legal decision made by misuse of the Consitituion. He is willing a child die from a botched abortion than to have a small loophole be made in the right to Choose. He has no problem with partial birth abortion which is infanticide. He would rather his children kill a baby than be punished with a baby should they be promiscuous when they grow up.
He believes in the Homosexual right to marry. He believes in pandering to the Homosexual agendas which, under his administration have a chance of making such things as the federal hate (thoughts) crimes bill a reality. Just a reminder that this is the same bill which would make public expressions of certain Biblical passages illegal. This would make Christian and other religious companies, churches, places of worship and Christian owned businesses and charities etc., have to hire, provide services to, council, marry homosexuals because they will be punished if they don't. Now, not only that, but if it is a perceived thought against someone because of their sexual preferences- you could be sued or jailed or lose your business or home. For more on this, read this.
Before I am again mocked for my Biblical beliefs, I do trust the Bible as the very Word Of God. And no, Jesus says nothing in the Gospels about the actual word Homosexual, but He does outline the God ordained plan of marriage between one man and one woman. It may be that the red letters in the Bible do not say the Word Homosexual, but the fact that Jesus Christ is God, the Word, the Whole Bible is His Word, and there are many references to the sin of Homosexuality found throughout. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3
On to the rest. Barack Obama has stated before that he believes everyone will find their way to heaven without necessarily being a Christian, and he has also stated that he does not believe in a place called hell. He has stated that all religious philosophies lead to the same place. His deeds and words tell me he is not a Bible believing Christian, and since he does not trust in the Words of Jesus Christ, I have to doubt that he is a Christian at all.
Now, again, I will receive flak for this, but the name "christian" is thrown around a lot these days. People call themselves christian without even knowing Christ or His Word. How do I know this? Because recent polls have shown that many people are as confused as Barack Obama on the very Nature of Christ. Many who call themselves Christian do not believe Christ is God, even though there are so many verses in the Bible and many places in the Gospels where Jesus showed and says He is God. Many think Jesus sinned while he was alive. All throughout the Bible, it is known that a sacrifice acceptable to God must be pure, perfect and without blemish. Now, Christ being the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the cross for our sins, would have to be pure, perfect and without blemish. Seeing as He is God, and God can not sin, would prove Jesus was without sin. The Bible even says He was without sin. Many people believe that everyone will go to heaven. I have to ask- then why would it be necessary for Christ to die on the cross as a sacrifice? If everyone would go to heaven without having to acknowledge their sins and ask and receive forgiveness, Jesus' crucifixion would be un necessary and without purpose. If one believes everyone will go to heaven, then they deny His own WORDS- Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.John 14:6,7
Likewise, for one to not believe in a place called hell, they deny the Word of God, the Righteousness of God, and the death of Jesus and the resurrection. Conclusion for me, is if one does not believe the Words of Christ, does not believe the Christ as God, does not know the Word, why bother calling yourself a christian? Why not just say you are a spiritual person and leave it at that. If I was going to call myself anything, I would at least make an effort to get to know that which I am following.
Reason number three I can not accept Barack Obama as my president. Falls into the same category as above. He has decided to start his administration in a way which will bring more judgement on this nation. He has invited prayers not to God, but in the words of the multicultural, multi faith, multi sexual ministers whom he has invited to give prayers, is a mockery and a slap in the face of the Lord God Almighty. God does not hear the prayers said to idols. He does not answer prayers from those who do not know Him or are unrepentant. He will however judge the nation which denies Him - partly by removing His presence and protection, which we have been seeing for the past few decades, but also by leaving people to themselves and following their own corrupt ways. The Bible warns about the times when good is considered evil and evil considered good- and God was removed from societies where this became the norm as it is today.
Reason number four, I will touch on a little more later, but for now, I believe that maybe not Obama himself, but a good number of his colleagues and those he has surrounded himself with were the main reason for the financial mess we are in now. Contrary to what people may believe, it was the democratic party which blocked any moves to regulate the financial institutions and the very laws mandated by the Clinton administration which caused much of the housing collapse in the first place which led to much more of this mess- not to mention doing nothing to heal the hurt at the gas pump which in turn has made the prices of so many necessary things to go up in cost. Obama's stimulus plan will be a disaster. I don't know about y'all, but my family is at the lowest we have ever been and while we are blessed to own our home outright, and we were wise in saving what my husband earned during the better years, our meagre savings will not last much beyond this year if his work does not pick up. I do not look for the economy to grow under an Obama administration- in fact, the only thing I see growing is the government. I do not see any change, because not only has he gone backwards by rehiring much of the Clinton administration, but also in the fact that already he has, in his campaigning and his inauguration parties, spent more money than half the population of America made last year. People say he is for the poor. I ask How? How can he and the democrats in Washington justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of which is tax monies on a party when so many families are hurting?
The only changes I see on the horizon are the movement towards a one world government- where people are waiting and looking forward to their messiah to save the earth. Me, I am waiting for the Blessed Messiah. The One who came the first time to save me from my sinfulness. The One who will come again soon to rescue the faithful- the genuine believers in His Name- Jesus.
I may not pray for Obama to fail, but I will pray he will have a meeting soon with the Real Savior of our world. I will pray that Obama will seek God's wisdom and guidance, but seeing the way he has started his political career, I pray that's where the real change will be. In Obama's heart. Until then, I can not accept Barack Obama as my president.
I read an opinion piece by Joseph Farrah this evening on World Net Daily, and at first I was in disagreement with him. The title of his piece is "Pray Obama Fails".
Now I have not agreed with or liked every president of this country since I have been here, and even those I have much respect for, I have not agreed with every idea or program. I am first and foremost, a Christian- therefore, I owe my allegiance to the Lord. Second, I am a raving conservative. This means, for me, I believe in small government, which is accountable to the people of this country. It must be held accountable and to the will of the CITIZENS of this country. I believe in boosting businesses, especially new and smaller mom and pop, then moving up to corporations, for they are truly the ones who stimulate the economy by providing jobs and US made products. I believe in free trade if it is fair trade. This means that I believe trading goods and services with other democracies is good business sense and also builds a sense of pride in being American made. It is only a good thing however if it keeps jobs here, and we export as much at least as we import.
I am a firm believer in COMPASSIONATE conservatism. This means ethics and strong moral values are the core of a company of any size. I'll admit this seems to be a lost quality in this day and age, but there are still many people who operate fairly, pay good wages for good employees, and who put people before profit. It is, as a natural rule, those who practice this way of building business, who are most successful.
The last I am is a Republican. I may have it backwards, because I am still much a Canadian, but to me, being a republican, means I believe in the Constitution as the authors worded it- it is not to be changed on whims of what is politically correct or expedient. It is not to be trifled with because of the political doings of other countries or world courts. What is written simply is. I also believe in a government "owned" by the people. It is to be the people in Washington as is they are the voters employees- not the other way around.
OK. This is who I am. That said, I have always tried to show respect to the person in the White House. I have not always liked or agreed with, as I said, and I did have a big problem with a lot of what went on during the Clinton administration- but I never denied Bill Clinton as my president.
I have to ask myself, however, and admit here now, I can not in good conscience call Barack Obama my president. This may shock some, even those who know my political leanings, but maybe, if anyone even cares, it doesn't surprise at all. What ever you may think, let me state my reasons why. You can agree or not, I am not going to go off the deep end or anything, and I have no problems with people of different beliefs and thoughts as mine, but I do like to be understood and have the right to be heard out before I am ridiculed and labeled as anything.
My Number one reason I can not accept Barack Obama as my president is because I am still not satisfied that he is even eligible to be the president of the United States. In the Constitution, there are stipulations to be eligible, and Barack Obama has not shown proof. In fact, he and his "people" have spent millions of dollars refuting and denying, but not producing the one thing that can prove his eligibility. His birth certificate.
As a Canadian living legally in the US, I have to have certain forms which prove my nationality, my eligibility to reside in the US, and until I can find or obtain another copy of my birth certificate, I can not apply for a passport, and I will not be able to renew my legal status or obtain citizenship. I would say, my birth certificate is an important document, which I can not do things without proof. All I ask from the man who is to run this country, is he do what I and millions of others have to do. Prove it.
My Number two reason is because of my life in Christ Jesus, I can not in good conscience accept Barack Obama as my president. I don't have to know his soul- and I can not judge him. However, the Bible tells me that I can know a person by the fruits they produce whether they are of Christ or not. The Fruits of Barack Obama are not of the Spirit of God.
For his voting record, for his associations, for his own words about his faith, I can not accept him as my president. His voting record and the words on the campaign trail speak volumes to me about his "Faith". He believes in the death of babies over the words of a legal decision made by misuse of the Consitituion. He is willing a child die from a botched abortion than to have a small loophole be made in the right to Choose. He has no problem with partial birth abortion which is infanticide. He would rather his children kill a baby than be punished with a baby should they be promiscuous when they grow up.
He believes in the Homosexual right to marry. He believes in pandering to the Homosexual agendas which, under his administration have a chance of making such things as the federal hate (thoughts) crimes bill a reality. Just a reminder that this is the same bill which would make public expressions of certain Biblical passages illegal. This would make Christian and other religious companies, churches, places of worship and Christian owned businesses and charities etc., have to hire, provide services to, council, marry homosexuals because they will be punished if they don't. Now, not only that, but if it is a perceived thought against someone because of their sexual preferences- you could be sued or jailed or lose your business or home. For more on this, read this.
Before I am again mocked for my Biblical beliefs, I do trust the Bible as the very Word Of God. And no, Jesus says nothing in the Gospels about the actual word Homosexual, but He does outline the God ordained plan of marriage between one man and one woman. It may be that the red letters in the Bible do not say the Word Homosexual, but the fact that Jesus Christ is God, the Word, the Whole Bible is His Word, and there are many references to the sin of Homosexuality found throughout. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3
On to the rest. Barack Obama has stated before that he believes everyone will find their way to heaven without necessarily being a Christian, and he has also stated that he does not believe in a place called hell. He has stated that all religious philosophies lead to the same place. His deeds and words tell me he is not a Bible believing Christian, and since he does not trust in the Words of Jesus Christ, I have to doubt that he is a Christian at all.
Now, again, I will receive flak for this, but the name "christian" is thrown around a lot these days. People call themselves christian without even knowing Christ or His Word. How do I know this? Because recent polls have shown that many people are as confused as Barack Obama on the very Nature of Christ. Many who call themselves Christian do not believe Christ is God, even though there are so many verses in the Bible and many places in the Gospels where Jesus showed and says He is God. Many think Jesus sinned while he was alive. All throughout the Bible, it is known that a sacrifice acceptable to God must be pure, perfect and without blemish. Now, Christ being the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the cross for our sins, would have to be pure, perfect and without blemish. Seeing as He is God, and God can not sin, would prove Jesus was without sin. The Bible even says He was without sin. Many people believe that everyone will go to heaven. I have to ask- then why would it be necessary for Christ to die on the cross as a sacrifice? If everyone would go to heaven without having to acknowledge their sins and ask and receive forgiveness, Jesus' crucifixion would be un necessary and without purpose. If one believes everyone will go to heaven, then they deny His own WORDS- Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.John 14:6,7
Likewise, for one to not believe in a place called hell, they deny the Word of God, the Righteousness of God, and the death of Jesus and the resurrection. Conclusion for me, is if one does not believe the Words of Christ, does not believe the Christ as God, does not know the Word, why bother calling yourself a christian? Why not just say you are a spiritual person and leave it at that. If I was going to call myself anything, I would at least make an effort to get to know that which I am following.
Reason number three I can not accept Barack Obama as my president. Falls into the same category as above. He has decided to start his administration in a way which will bring more judgement on this nation. He has invited prayers not to God, but in the words of the multicultural, multi faith, multi sexual ministers whom he has invited to give prayers, is a mockery and a slap in the face of the Lord God Almighty. God does not hear the prayers said to idols. He does not answer prayers from those who do not know Him or are unrepentant. He will however judge the nation which denies Him - partly by removing His presence and protection, which we have been seeing for the past few decades, but also by leaving people to themselves and following their own corrupt ways. The Bible warns about the times when good is considered evil and evil considered good- and God was removed from societies where this became the norm as it is today.
Reason number four, I will touch on a little more later, but for now, I believe that maybe not Obama himself, but a good number of his colleagues and those he has surrounded himself with were the main reason for the financial mess we are in now. Contrary to what people may believe, it was the democratic party which blocked any moves to regulate the financial institutions and the very laws mandated by the Clinton administration which caused much of the housing collapse in the first place which led to much more of this mess- not to mention doing nothing to heal the hurt at the gas pump which in turn has made the prices of so many necessary things to go up in cost. Obama's stimulus plan will be a disaster. I don't know about y'all, but my family is at the lowest we have ever been and while we are blessed to own our home outright, and we were wise in saving what my husband earned during the better years, our meagre savings will not last much beyond this year if his work does not pick up. I do not look for the economy to grow under an Obama administration- in fact, the only thing I see growing is the government. I do not see any change, because not only has he gone backwards by rehiring much of the Clinton administration, but also in the fact that already he has, in his campaigning and his inauguration parties, spent more money than half the population of America made last year. People say he is for the poor. I ask How? How can he and the democrats in Washington justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of which is tax monies on a party when so many families are hurting?
The only changes I see on the horizon are the movement towards a one world government- where people are waiting and looking forward to their messiah to save the earth. Me, I am waiting for the Blessed Messiah. The One who came the first time to save me from my sinfulness. The One who will come again soon to rescue the faithful- the genuine believers in His Name- Jesus.
I may not pray for Obama to fail, but I will pray he will have a meeting soon with the Real Savior of our world. I will pray that Obama will seek God's wisdom and guidance, but seeing the way he has started his political career, I pray that's where the real change will be. In Obama's heart. Until then, I can not accept Barack Obama as my president.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Something Very Important and not much talked about
Hi everyone- this is a quick entry, so forgive me if I don't make much sense here.
I was listening to Focus on The Family earlier this evening, and there was a subject which REALLY touched me - more like smacked me upside the head. The guest was talking about child prostitution and sex slavery.
I realize that this is a very uncomfortable and sad subject, but it is one which needs to have as much exposure as possible. There are millions of children all over the world who are either kidnapped, manipulated or sold into the sex trade every year and this has GOT TO STOP! In America alone, there are more kids being brought (or should I say bought) from other countries and sold into horrifying and downright heart breaking conditions.
If you have a child, or know someone who does- you CAN help make a difference. Please visit these sights and read how you can help spot a child victim in your neighborhoods and cities. Please pass this information on.
It is a hard subject that no one wants to talk about- and in the USA alone, there are millions of seeming regular men who have a secret addiction to pornography. Please, it starts off so simple, but can and will hurt loved ones, hurt the perp and eventually will lead to criminal behavior.
I ask you as a friend, a sister in Christ and as a mom- please let's all make this something known, something that those who prey on innocent youngsters and children would want to go away. Let's not go away! God Bless and let's help some kids!
Thank you- love Carolyn
6 Ways to Take Action Against
Child Sex Slavery in America
http://listen.family.org/images/takeactionagainstchildprostitution.pdf
Defenders USA Defending Children against Commercial Sex
http://www.thedefendersusa.org/
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Project
http://www.sharedhope.org/dmst/index.asp
Focus on the family broadcast- http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?LatestDaily=1
I was listening to Focus on The Family earlier this evening, and there was a subject which REALLY touched me - more like smacked me upside the head. The guest was talking about child prostitution and sex slavery.
I realize that this is a very uncomfortable and sad subject, but it is one which needs to have as much exposure as possible. There are millions of children all over the world who are either kidnapped, manipulated or sold into the sex trade every year and this has GOT TO STOP! In America alone, there are more kids being brought (or should I say bought) from other countries and sold into horrifying and downright heart breaking conditions.
If you have a child, or know someone who does- you CAN help make a difference. Please visit these sights and read how you can help spot a child victim in your neighborhoods and cities. Please pass this information on.
It is a hard subject that no one wants to talk about- and in the USA alone, there are millions of seeming regular men who have a secret addiction to pornography. Please, it starts off so simple, but can and will hurt loved ones, hurt the perp and eventually will lead to criminal behavior.
I ask you as a friend, a sister in Christ and as a mom- please let's all make this something known, something that those who prey on innocent youngsters and children would want to go away. Let's not go away! God Bless and let's help some kids!
Thank you- love Carolyn
6 Ways to Take Action Against
Child Sex Slavery in America
http://listen.family.org/images/takeactionagainstchildprostitution.pdf
Defenders USA Defending Children against Commercial Sex
http://www.thedefendersusa.org/
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Project
http://www.sharedhope.org/dmst/index.asp
Focus on the family broadcast- http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?LatestDaily=1
Monday, January 12, 2009
While the World Condemns Israel, Hamas brings in Sharia- Including Crucifixion
So, the religion of peace shows it's compassion and tolerance for others by reinstating Sharia law in Gaza- which includes Crucifixion among other forms of dealing with dissidents.
I read a headline about this a while back, but at the time, I didn't have the time or effort to write anything about it. However, with the Israeli/Gaza situation dominating headlines lately, with most world condemnation of course coming down on Israel- I found it important to post it now. You can read the articles for yourselves, but basically, Hamas, which was elected to government power in Gaza, over Christmas week reinstated penalties included in the Shariah criminal code for the PA (Palestinian Authority).
The report said Hamas endorsed "nailing enemies of Islam to crosses." When it was made known to the Western media, Hamas denied it. The group Palestinian Media Watch however, says the law has passed. It is the same Shariah law which is already in many predominant Muslim countries.
You can read about it Here,
http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/Hamas_bombs_Gaza_Israel/2009/01/09/169756.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84964
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/search?s=hamas+to+crucify+christians&ok=Search&q=quick&m=any&o=score&SX=496c5ea8e89155d10729efa06223475d78fac168
http://www.rightsidenews.com/200812283134/culture-wars/hamas-legalizes-the-crucifixion-of-christians-and-other-enemies.html
Go to other sites as well. See what the MSM is not reporting on the next time they tally up the dead Gazans while blaming Israel.
I read a headline about this a while back, but at the time, I didn't have the time or effort to write anything about it. However, with the Israeli/Gaza situation dominating headlines lately, with most world condemnation of course coming down on Israel- I found it important to post it now. You can read the articles for yourselves, but basically, Hamas, which was elected to government power in Gaza, over Christmas week reinstated penalties included in the Shariah criminal code for the PA (Palestinian Authority).
The report said Hamas endorsed "nailing enemies of Islam to crosses." When it was made known to the Western media, Hamas denied it. The group Palestinian Media Watch however, says the law has passed. It is the same Shariah law which is already in many predominant Muslim countries.
You can read about it Here,
http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/Hamas_bombs_Gaza_Israel/2009/01/09/169756.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84964
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/search?s=hamas+to+crucify+christians&ok=Search&q=quick&m=any&o=score&SX=496c5ea8e89155d10729efa06223475d78fac168
http://www.rightsidenews.com/200812283134/culture-wars/hamas-legalizes-the-crucifixion-of-christians-and-other-enemies.html
Go to other sites as well. See what the MSM is not reporting on the next time they tally up the dead Gazans while blaming Israel.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Truth About Israel and her Enemies
I saw some of this stuff a few years ago on Little Green Footballs and other sites. Things haven't changed much. It's always Israel which gets blamed and forced to stop defending herself, yet no other country on the face of the earth would put up with such from enemies. The Bible talks about this stuff people. Things are getting interesting, and although I haven't read all the accounts of Israel's ground forces going into Gaza today yet, it may open up more, leading to Ezekiel. See my posts earlier on the Ezekiel Prophecies.
Although I pray for a peaceful solution to this latest conflict, I see no end to it from man made plans. There have been so called peace plans and "truces" (Which have always been recognised by Israel, but never for long from her enemies). The only peace will come some day soon when Jesus comes back to reign.
Please read the following e mail I received earlier and below for information on how you can help.
Fiction vs. Fact: Israel and the Situation in Gaza-6 Common Fabrications
Since Israel began “Operation Cast Lead” in Gaza Dec. 27 in an attempt to stop Iran-backed Hamas from its years-long campaign to kill and injure civilians in Israel, some have used the opportunity to spread misinformation about Israel’s actions, intentions and the overall situation in Gaza. Following are examples of fabrications – refuted by factual accounts provided by international aid organizations, Arab leaders, and Palestinian journalists.
"While there is real suffering in Gaza, it is important to sort fact from fiction and understand that Hamas is responsible for this sad situation," said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder and president of The Israel Project. "The important thing now is to defeat terror so that there can be a two-state solution and lasting peace. Both sides need a better future."
1) Fiction: There’s no food in Gaza and people are starving.News reports, including one produced by TV station France 2 on Dec. 29, showed a Gaza resident in a food store saying:“Apparently, there is nothing, as you can see. There are no natural products for the kids. There is no milk. There is nothing here.”[1] Fact: Warehouses in Gaza are filled to capacity, according to international aid groups. In the same France 2 TV clip referenced above, upon closer inspection, shelves filled with food can be seen in the reflection of a refrigerated door in the store. To see clip: click on http://jt.france2.fr/20h/; click on “Lundi 29” – below the small screen; to the right of the new screen, click “Vie dans la bande de Gaza” The World Food Program informed Israel that it would cease shipment of food to Gaza because the warehouses there are at full capacity, with enough food to last two weeks.[2]
During a one-day period alone – Dec. 31– Israel facilitated the transport of 29 truckloads of food, including 15 truckloads of flour, into Gaza.[3] And even as Hamas was firing rockets and mortars during Israel during the ceasefire, Israel facilitated the delivery of 2,500 tons (delivered on 93 trucks) of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication through the Kerem Shalom cargo terminal.[4]
Since the beginning of the operation, about 6,500 tons of aid have been transferred into Gaza at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further shipments.[5]2) Fiction: Gaza has no medical and other aid supplies to help the injured. Fact: During the first 5 days alone of Operation Cast Lead, Israel has facilitated the delivery of 6,500 tons of aid – 179 truckoads -- into Gaza at the request of international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. The deliveries include basic food commodities, medication, medical supplies and blood units. Another 106 truckloads of humanitarian aid are expected to arrive in Gaza on Jan. 31.[6] [7] The crossings to Gaza are open for the transfer of humanitarian aid from all international organizations, in full cooperation with the Israeli authorities and without restriction.[8] In a one-day period – Dec. 31 – Israel enabled the transport of 9 truckloads of medicine and medical supplies, along with 10 ambulances, into Gaza.[9]
3) Fiction: Israel is refusing to allow injured Gazans into Israeli and Egyptian hospitals for treatment.Fact: Israel has allowed a number of Palestinians into Israel for medical treatment they couldn’t receive in Gaza. On Dec. 31, for example, 12 Palestinians accessed Israel for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. Two of those evacuated were injured children; the remaining were chronically sick people, and their escorts, who were allowed into Israel for treatment not available in Gaza.[10] Further, Hamas – in an effort to exploit the suffering of innocent civilians - has refused to allow injured Palestinians to leave Gaza to go to Egypt for treatment.[11] Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu al-Gheit said earlier this week that Hamas was not allowing wounded Palestinians to cross the border into Egypt for treatment: “We are waiting for the wounded Palestinians to cross. They are not being allowed to cross.” Asked who was to blame, he referred to Gaza by saying, “Ask the party in control on the ground in Gaza.”[12]
4) Fiction: Israel is purposely targeting civilians.Fact: While Israel goes out of its way to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas actually places civilians in harm’s way and uses them as shields. Because Hamas is known to use civilian residences to hide their weapons, on Dec. 27, the Israeli military – before launching an attack on such storehouses - called thousands of civilians in Gaza on their cell phones and left Arabic-language messages urging them to leave homes being used for weapons storage.[13]
On Dec. 30, a reformist Iranian newspaper published a statement by a student organization that criticized Hamas for risking civilian lives, including children, by hiding its forces in nurseries and hospitals. The Iranian Culture Ministry shut down the newspaper after it printed the statements.[14]
Israel has publicly stated time and again that it regrets the loss of any civilian life and considers each one a tragedy. However, both Iran-backed Hamas and Iran-backed Hezbollah have a history of faking deaths and funerals. For example, in Spring 2002, Palestinians were filmed as they attempted to stage a fake funeral as part of a gross exaggeration of the number of people killed in Jenin. The film shows Palestinians wrapping, then carrying a ‘corpse’ on a funeral pier; the ‘corpse’ falls off several times and gets back on – including in front of a large and surprised crowd.[15] Click here for video of faked funeral. Although some reports say a quarter of the deaths during “Operation Cast Lead” have been civilians, Palestinian terrorists’ history of deceptions and false claims require reporters to work to verify such information.
During Israel’s defensive war against Hezbollah two years ago, the phenomenon was so common that it became known as “Hezbollywood.”[16] One of the best-known instances was when a man purporting to be a rescue worker at the site of a bombed village appeared in various photos in the international media, repeatedly displaying the same child’s dead body at different times – and in different poses – throughout the day. The man, identified as Salam Daher, wore a green helmet in all of the photos, earning himself the nickname “green helmet guy.” Daher was also found to have directed a camera shooting the scene.[17]
For experts available to comment on these and similar deceptions, please contact: Richard Landes: e-mail: rlandes@bu.eduPhilippe Karsenty: e-mail: pk@M-R.fr
5) Fiction: Israel has cut off electricity to Gaza.Fact: In the past, Hamas officials have committed deceptions such as pulling dark curtains in mid-day while holding a meeting to make it look as though they were being forced to work by candlelight – a sham exposed by journalists who showed that it was actually daylight outside at the time.[18] The ruse was carried out with the complicity of some Arab satellite TV stations. More recent such deceptions have come to light as recently as November 2008, when Palestinian Authority officials said Hamas staged new blackouts to try to get sympathy from the international community and provoke civilian violence against the Palestinian Authority and Israel.[19] Further, terrorists in Gaza have fired rockets at – and hit - the power station in the Israeli city of Ashkelon that provides Gaza the majority of its electricity.[20] The terrorists also have fired on Israeli workers at a depot that provides fuel to Gaza and a suicide bomber destroyed lines providing electricity from Israel into Gaza. [21]
"There's no shortage of fuel in the Gaza Strip and the Electricity Company is continuing to function normally," a PA official said in November. "Our people in the Gaza Strip have told us that the blackouts are all staged as part of the Hamas propaganda…There's enough fuel in the Gaza Strip,” he said. "Even when Israel reduces the fuel supplies, Hamas continues to smuggle tens of thousands of liters through the underground tunnels."[22]
6) Fiction: Palestinian journalists are unbiased and show what’s ‘really’ happening in Gaza.Fact: Some Palestinian journalists are manipulating and exploiting unintended victims of the Israeli strikes. Said one Palestinian journalist, members of the Palestinian media are ‘directing’ civilians to cry and telling them what to say in interviews: "A mother of one of the martyrs stood by the door of the intensive care unit while crying... relatives and those around her were telling her what she should say to the television cameras: 'Say your son [before he died] prayed and went out.' Another tells her: 'Curse the Arab leaders'... The journalists [in the hospitals] are going overboard in their insensitivity and taking advantage of the [difficult] moments, with the explanation that they are showing this to the world. One cameraman told a mourning mother: 'Hit your face, cry, do some action.'"[23]
Footnotes:
[1] “Vie dans la bande de Gaza,” France 2, Dec. 29, http://jt.france2.fr/20h/ [to see clip: click on http://jt.france2.fr/20h/; click on “Lundi 29” – below the small screen; to the right of the new screen, click “Vie dans la bande de Gaza”)
[2] “12 Palestinians from Gaza transferred to Israeli hospitals for assistance and 2500 tons of humanitarian aid transferred to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008
[3] “Presentation to Military Attaches,” Ministry of Defense, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, December 2008
[4] “12 Palestinians from Gaza transferred to Israeli hospitals for assistance and 2500 tons of humanitarian aid transferred to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008
[5] Ibid.
[6] Martin, Patrick, “Israel shoots down ceasefire proposal,” Globeandmail.com, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081230.wgaza_main31/BNStory/International/home; “FACTBOX-Countries pledge aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” Reuters, Dec. 31, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLV538165; “Israel increases humanitarian effort to the Gaza Strip,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2008/Israel_increases_humanitarian_effort_Gaza_Strip_30-Dec-2008.htm
[7] “FACTBOX-Countries pledge aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” Reuters, Dec. 31, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLV538165; “Israel increases humanitarian effort to the Gaza Strip,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2008/Israel_increases_humanitarian_effort_Gaza_Strip_30-Dec-2008.htm
[8] "Humanitarian aid to Gaza following the 6-month calm," Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jan. 1, 2009, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Hamas+war+against+Israel/Humanitarian_aid_to_Gaza_following_6_month_calm.htm
[9] “Presentation to Military Attaches,” Ministry of Defense, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, December 2008
[10] “Israeli Humanitarian Aid to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008, Communicated by the Ministry of Defense - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories
[11] Shahine, Alaa, "Egypt: Hamas denying Gaza wounded treatment in Egypt,“ Reuters, Dec. 28, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4BR0QP20081228
[12] Ibid.
[13] Barzak, Ibrahim and Teibel, Amy, “Israeli assault on Hamas kills more than 200,” Associated Press, Dec. 27, 2008. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ioi_0jtO9RjMwPNRoXNCndRPRq3gD95BFQCG0
[14] Al-Ayyam, Jan. 1, 2009 via Palestinian Media Watch: Gaza Update 8, Jan. 1, 2009, “Hamas hiding forces in nurseries and hospitals.”
[15] Lerner, Aaron, “Israel screens fake Palestinian funeral for reporters,” Independent Media Review Analysis (IMRA), May 2, 2002, http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=11784
[16] Lyons, Andrew Ford, “Digitally Erasing a Massacre: Why Hezbollywood Was Born,” Counterpunch, Aug. 15, 2006, http://www.counterpunch.org/lyons08152006.html
[17] Kalb, Marvin and Saivetz, Carol, “THE ISRAELI-HEZBOLLAH WAR OF 2006: The Media as a Weapon in Asymmetrical Conflict,” research paper prepared at the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, for presentation at the U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar on Feb. 18, 2007, http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/events/2007/0217islamic%20world/2007islamforum_israel%20hezb%20war.pdf; "'Green Helmet Man' accused of staging pix," Fox News Channel, Aug. 15, 2006
[18] Soltis, Andy, “Hamas Dim Bulbs in Fake-Blackout Ruse,” The New York Post, Jan. 30, 2008, http://www.nypost.com/seven/01302008/news/worldnews/it_was_obvious_that_the_whole_thing_was__688294.htm
[19] Abu Toameh, Khaled, “PA: ‘Hamas is staging Gaza blackouts,’ The Jerusalem Post, Nov. 19, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404771503&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
[20] Coughlin, Con, “Gazans should make the most of their liberation – it won’t last,” The Daily Telegraph, Jan. 25, 2008
[21] “Terror in Gaza: 12 months since the Hamas takeover,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 16, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Palestinian+terror+since+2000/Terror+in+Gaza-+Two+months+since+the+Hamas+takeover+16-Aug-2007.htm
[22]Abu Toameh, Khaled, “PA: ‘Hamas is staging Gaza blackouts,’ The Jerusalem Post, Nov. 19, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404771503&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull.
[23] "A Palestinian girl whose family members were killed yesterday in Gaza," Palestinian Media Watch Bulletin, Dec. 2008, http://www.pmw.org.il/Bulletins_Dec2008.htm#b2912083
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
The Israel Project cordially invites you to a Briefing on Current Israeli-Anti Terror Operations in Gaza with
Danny Gillerman Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Public Diplomacy Director - Operation Cast Lead
Monday, January 5, 2009
Los Angeles- 8 a.m.Washington/ New York- 11 a.m.London- 4 p.m.Paris/Berlin- 5 p.m.Jerusalem- 6 p.m.Moscow/Doha- 7 p.m.
RSVP Required:*
To listen by phone, please RSVP online here to receive call-in informationFor more information, contact Shiri Shapira at shiris@theisraelproject.org or 972-054-8079042
About Danny Gillerman, Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Public Diplomacy Director - Operation Cast Lead
The Israeli Mission has, on Amb. Gillerman's watch, had very impressive achievements, culminating in November 2005 when Amb. Gillerman became the first Israeli representative to successfully introduce a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly. In a unanimous decision, the General Assembly designated January 27 as an annual international Holocaust Remembrance day.In June 2005, Amb. Gillerman was elected to serve as the Vice-President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. He is the first Israeli representative to serve as Vice-President of the General Assembly in the past 53 years, since Abba Eban served in this position in 1952.During his tenure, Amb. Gillerman has worked closely with members of the European Union and is in constant negotiation with the Secretary General and other delegations in order to help improve Israel's standing in the international community and acceptance as a full member of the United Nations.Amb. Gillerman has brought the voice of Israel to many world stages, ranging from the Security Council and the General Assembly to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and major gatherings across the globe, from Berlin to South America and Washington D.C. to Cambridge, England.Prior to his appointment, Amb. Gillerman was CEO of several Israeli companies in the chemical, food ingredient, agricultural, and technological sectors. From 1985, he served as Chairman of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. He also served as a member of the board of the First International Bank of Israel, a Director of Bank Leumi, and the Central Bank of Israel, as well as numerous other boards of private and public entities.Amb. Gillerman has also served on the Prime Minister's National Economic and Social Council, the President's Committee of the Coordinating Council of Israel's Economic Organizations, and as Chairman of the Israel-British Business Council, as well as being a member of the executive board of the ICC (The International Chamber of Commerce - the World Business Organization).Amb. Gillerman's appointment as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on January 1, 2003 marked the first time that Israel had appointed someone from the private sector to this post.Amb. Gillerman has played a prominent role in helping to steer Israel towards economic liberalization and a free market economy. He was also been deeply involved in the economic aspects of the peace process and has been intensively engaged in talks with Palestinian and Arab leaders trying to further economic cooperation within the region.Ambassador Gillerman was born in Israel and educated at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He and his wife Janice have two children, Karen and David, and four grandchildren, Ron, Jonathan, Lia, and Gaia.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
The Israel Project is an international non-profit organization devoted to educating the press and the public about Israel while promoting security, freedom and peace. The Israel Project provides journalists, leaders and opinion-makers accurate information about Israel. The Israel Project is not related to any government or government agency.
Send An Email To Your Newspapers And Elected Officials To Help Stop The Rockets Being Fired Into Israel
Help TIP get out the facts about Israel
Send A Letter To Your Editor
Some of the media acts as if Hamas was a peace organization. They should ask Hamas if they want peace with Israel! Hamas won't even say Israel's name. To Hamas, Israel doesn't exist. Hamas doesn't want peace - they want to destroy Israel.For eight years Iran-backed Hamas fired rockets into Israel. 3,000 rockets in 2008 alone. After eight years of shelling almost every day and every night, Israel finally said enough is enough. What kind of terrorist government uses people as human shields? What kind of Iran-backed Hamas government forces families to house rockets in their homes? What kind of government would allow its people to go hungry so that it can build rockets to attack its neighbors? Please -- send letters to the editor of your local papers and to your local and national leaders to get them the facts they need about the conflict. Please - you may not be in Israel but you can help Israel now! Click here to go to facts/talking points that you can use in our automated system to help you get the facts out to your local media outlets and leaders today!Act now to help protect Israel by waking up the media and leaders today! Let's make 2009 a year without rockets for Israel.
Sincerely,Jennifer Laszlo MizrahiFounder and PresidentThe Israel Project
Although I pray for a peaceful solution to this latest conflict, I see no end to it from man made plans. There have been so called peace plans and "truces" (Which have always been recognised by Israel, but never for long from her enemies). The only peace will come some day soon when Jesus comes back to reign.
Please read the following e mail I received earlier and below for information on how you can help.
Fiction vs. Fact: Israel and the Situation in Gaza-6 Common Fabrications
Since Israel began “Operation Cast Lead” in Gaza Dec. 27 in an attempt to stop Iran-backed Hamas from its years-long campaign to kill and injure civilians in Israel, some have used the opportunity to spread misinformation about Israel’s actions, intentions and the overall situation in Gaza. Following are examples of fabrications – refuted by factual accounts provided by international aid organizations, Arab leaders, and Palestinian journalists.
"While there is real suffering in Gaza, it is important to sort fact from fiction and understand that Hamas is responsible for this sad situation," said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder and president of The Israel Project. "The important thing now is to defeat terror so that there can be a two-state solution and lasting peace. Both sides need a better future."
1) Fiction: There’s no food in Gaza and people are starving.News reports, including one produced by TV station France 2 on Dec. 29, showed a Gaza resident in a food store saying:“Apparently, there is nothing, as you can see. There are no natural products for the kids. There is no milk. There is nothing here.”[1] Fact: Warehouses in Gaza are filled to capacity, according to international aid groups. In the same France 2 TV clip referenced above, upon closer inspection, shelves filled with food can be seen in the reflection of a refrigerated door in the store. To see clip: click on http://jt.france2.fr/20h/; click on “Lundi 29” – below the small screen; to the right of the new screen, click “Vie dans la bande de Gaza” The World Food Program informed Israel that it would cease shipment of food to Gaza because the warehouses there are at full capacity, with enough food to last two weeks.[2]
During a one-day period alone – Dec. 31– Israel facilitated the transport of 29 truckloads of food, including 15 truckloads of flour, into Gaza.[3] And even as Hamas was firing rockets and mortars during Israel during the ceasefire, Israel facilitated the delivery of 2,500 tons (delivered on 93 trucks) of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication through the Kerem Shalom cargo terminal.[4]
Since the beginning of the operation, about 6,500 tons of aid have been transferred into Gaza at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further shipments.[5]2) Fiction: Gaza has no medical and other aid supplies to help the injured. Fact: During the first 5 days alone of Operation Cast Lead, Israel has facilitated the delivery of 6,500 tons of aid – 179 truckoads -- into Gaza at the request of international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. The deliveries include basic food commodities, medication, medical supplies and blood units. Another 106 truckloads of humanitarian aid are expected to arrive in Gaza on Jan. 31.[6] [7] The crossings to Gaza are open for the transfer of humanitarian aid from all international organizations, in full cooperation with the Israeli authorities and without restriction.[8] In a one-day period – Dec. 31 – Israel enabled the transport of 9 truckloads of medicine and medical supplies, along with 10 ambulances, into Gaza.[9]
3) Fiction: Israel is refusing to allow injured Gazans into Israeli and Egyptian hospitals for treatment.Fact: Israel has allowed a number of Palestinians into Israel for medical treatment they couldn’t receive in Gaza. On Dec. 31, for example, 12 Palestinians accessed Israel for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. Two of those evacuated were injured children; the remaining were chronically sick people, and their escorts, who were allowed into Israel for treatment not available in Gaza.[10] Further, Hamas – in an effort to exploit the suffering of innocent civilians - has refused to allow injured Palestinians to leave Gaza to go to Egypt for treatment.[11] Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu al-Gheit said earlier this week that Hamas was not allowing wounded Palestinians to cross the border into Egypt for treatment: “We are waiting for the wounded Palestinians to cross. They are not being allowed to cross.” Asked who was to blame, he referred to Gaza by saying, “Ask the party in control on the ground in Gaza.”[12]
4) Fiction: Israel is purposely targeting civilians.Fact: While Israel goes out of its way to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas actually places civilians in harm’s way and uses them as shields. Because Hamas is known to use civilian residences to hide their weapons, on Dec. 27, the Israeli military – before launching an attack on such storehouses - called thousands of civilians in Gaza on their cell phones and left Arabic-language messages urging them to leave homes being used for weapons storage.[13]
On Dec. 30, a reformist Iranian newspaper published a statement by a student organization that criticized Hamas for risking civilian lives, including children, by hiding its forces in nurseries and hospitals. The Iranian Culture Ministry shut down the newspaper after it printed the statements.[14]
Israel has publicly stated time and again that it regrets the loss of any civilian life and considers each one a tragedy. However, both Iran-backed Hamas and Iran-backed Hezbollah have a history of faking deaths and funerals. For example, in Spring 2002, Palestinians were filmed as they attempted to stage a fake funeral as part of a gross exaggeration of the number of people killed in Jenin. The film shows Palestinians wrapping, then carrying a ‘corpse’ on a funeral pier; the ‘corpse’ falls off several times and gets back on – including in front of a large and surprised crowd.[15] Click here for video of faked funeral. Although some reports say a quarter of the deaths during “Operation Cast Lead” have been civilians, Palestinian terrorists’ history of deceptions and false claims require reporters to work to verify such information.
During Israel’s defensive war against Hezbollah two years ago, the phenomenon was so common that it became known as “Hezbollywood.”[16] One of the best-known instances was when a man purporting to be a rescue worker at the site of a bombed village appeared in various photos in the international media, repeatedly displaying the same child’s dead body at different times – and in different poses – throughout the day. The man, identified as Salam Daher, wore a green helmet in all of the photos, earning himself the nickname “green helmet guy.” Daher was also found to have directed a camera shooting the scene.[17]
For experts available to comment on these and similar deceptions, please contact: Richard Landes: e-mail: rlandes@bu.eduPhilippe Karsenty: e-mail: pk@M-R.fr
5) Fiction: Israel has cut off electricity to Gaza.Fact: In the past, Hamas officials have committed deceptions such as pulling dark curtains in mid-day while holding a meeting to make it look as though they were being forced to work by candlelight – a sham exposed by journalists who showed that it was actually daylight outside at the time.[18] The ruse was carried out with the complicity of some Arab satellite TV stations. More recent such deceptions have come to light as recently as November 2008, when Palestinian Authority officials said Hamas staged new blackouts to try to get sympathy from the international community and provoke civilian violence against the Palestinian Authority and Israel.[19] Further, terrorists in Gaza have fired rockets at – and hit - the power station in the Israeli city of Ashkelon that provides Gaza the majority of its electricity.[20] The terrorists also have fired on Israeli workers at a depot that provides fuel to Gaza and a suicide bomber destroyed lines providing electricity from Israel into Gaza. [21]
"There's no shortage of fuel in the Gaza Strip and the Electricity Company is continuing to function normally," a PA official said in November. "Our people in the Gaza Strip have told us that the blackouts are all staged as part of the Hamas propaganda…There's enough fuel in the Gaza Strip,” he said. "Even when Israel reduces the fuel supplies, Hamas continues to smuggle tens of thousands of liters through the underground tunnels."[22]
6) Fiction: Palestinian journalists are unbiased and show what’s ‘really’ happening in Gaza.Fact: Some Palestinian journalists are manipulating and exploiting unintended victims of the Israeli strikes. Said one Palestinian journalist, members of the Palestinian media are ‘directing’ civilians to cry and telling them what to say in interviews: "A mother of one of the martyrs stood by the door of the intensive care unit while crying... relatives and those around her were telling her what she should say to the television cameras: 'Say your son [before he died] prayed and went out.' Another tells her: 'Curse the Arab leaders'... The journalists [in the hospitals] are going overboard in their insensitivity and taking advantage of the [difficult] moments, with the explanation that they are showing this to the world. One cameraman told a mourning mother: 'Hit your face, cry, do some action.'"[23]
Footnotes:
[1] “Vie dans la bande de Gaza,” France 2, Dec. 29, http://jt.france2.fr/20h/ [to see clip: click on http://jt.france2.fr/20h/; click on “Lundi 29” – below the small screen; to the right of the new screen, click “Vie dans la bande de Gaza”)
[2] “12 Palestinians from Gaza transferred to Israeli hospitals for assistance and 2500 tons of humanitarian aid transferred to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008
[3] “Presentation to Military Attaches,” Ministry of Defense, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, December 2008
[4] “12 Palestinians from Gaza transferred to Israeli hospitals for assistance and 2500 tons of humanitarian aid transferred to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008
[5] Ibid.
[6] Martin, Patrick, “Israel shoots down ceasefire proposal,” Globeandmail.com, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081230.wgaza_main31/BNStory/International/home; “FACTBOX-Countries pledge aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” Reuters, Dec. 31, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLV538165; “Israel increases humanitarian effort to the Gaza Strip,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2008/Israel_increases_humanitarian_effort_Gaza_Strip_30-Dec-2008.htm
[7] “FACTBOX-Countries pledge aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” Reuters, Dec. 31, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLV538165; “Israel increases humanitarian effort to the Gaza Strip,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 30, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2008/Israel_increases_humanitarian_effort_Gaza_Strip_30-Dec-2008.htm
[8] "Humanitarian aid to Gaza following the 6-month calm," Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jan. 1, 2009, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Hamas+war+against+Israel/Humanitarian_aid_to_Gaza_following_6_month_calm.htm
[9] “Presentation to Military Attaches,” Ministry of Defense, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, December 2008
[10] “Israeli Humanitarian Aid to Gaza,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 31, 2008, Communicated by the Ministry of Defense - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories
[11] Shahine, Alaa, "Egypt: Hamas denying Gaza wounded treatment in Egypt,“ Reuters, Dec. 28, 2008, http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4BR0QP20081228
[12] Ibid.
[13] Barzak, Ibrahim and Teibel, Amy, “Israeli assault on Hamas kills more than 200,” Associated Press, Dec. 27, 2008. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ioi_0jtO9RjMwPNRoXNCndRPRq3gD95BFQCG0
[14] Al-Ayyam, Jan. 1, 2009 via Palestinian Media Watch: Gaza Update 8, Jan. 1, 2009, “Hamas hiding forces in nurseries and hospitals.”
[15] Lerner, Aaron, “Israel screens fake Palestinian funeral for reporters,” Independent Media Review Analysis (IMRA), May 2, 2002, http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=11784
[16] Lyons, Andrew Ford, “Digitally Erasing a Massacre: Why Hezbollywood Was Born,” Counterpunch, Aug. 15, 2006, http://www.counterpunch.org/lyons08152006.html
[17] Kalb, Marvin and Saivetz, Carol, “THE ISRAELI-HEZBOLLAH WAR OF 2006: The Media as a Weapon in Asymmetrical Conflict,” research paper prepared at the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, for presentation at the U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar on Feb. 18, 2007, http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/events/2007/0217islamic%20world/2007islamforum_israel%20hezb%20war.pdf; "'Green Helmet Man' accused of staging pix," Fox News Channel, Aug. 15, 2006
[18] Soltis, Andy, “Hamas Dim Bulbs in Fake-Blackout Ruse,” The New York Post, Jan. 30, 2008, http://www.nypost.com/seven/01302008/news/worldnews/it_was_obvious_that_the_whole_thing_was__688294.htm
[19] Abu Toameh, Khaled, “PA: ‘Hamas is staging Gaza blackouts,’ The Jerusalem Post, Nov. 19, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404771503&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
[20] Coughlin, Con, “Gazans should make the most of their liberation – it won’t last,” The Daily Telegraph, Jan. 25, 2008
[21] “Terror in Gaza: 12 months since the Hamas takeover,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 16, 2008, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Palestinian+terror+since+2000/Terror+in+Gaza-+Two+months+since+the+Hamas+takeover+16-Aug-2007.htm
[22]Abu Toameh, Khaled, “PA: ‘Hamas is staging Gaza blackouts,’ The Jerusalem Post, Nov. 19, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404771503&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull.
[23] "A Palestinian girl whose family members were killed yesterday in Gaza," Palestinian Media Watch Bulletin, Dec. 2008, http://www.pmw.org.il/Bulletins_Dec2008.htm#b2912083
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The Israel Project cordially invites you to a Briefing on Current Israeli-Anti Terror Operations in Gaza with
Danny Gillerman Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Public Diplomacy Director - Operation Cast Lead
Monday, January 5, 2009
Los Angeles- 8 a.m.Washington/ New York- 11 a.m.London- 4 p.m.Paris/Berlin- 5 p.m.Jerusalem- 6 p.m.Moscow/Doha- 7 p.m.
RSVP Required:*
To listen by phone, please RSVP online here to receive call-in informationFor more information, contact Shiri Shapira at shiris@theisraelproject.org or 972-054-8079042
About Danny Gillerman, Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Interim Public Diplomacy Director - Operation Cast Lead
The Israeli Mission has, on Amb. Gillerman's watch, had very impressive achievements, culminating in November 2005 when Amb. Gillerman became the first Israeli representative to successfully introduce a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly. In a unanimous decision, the General Assembly designated January 27 as an annual international Holocaust Remembrance day.In June 2005, Amb. Gillerman was elected to serve as the Vice-President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. He is the first Israeli representative to serve as Vice-President of the General Assembly in the past 53 years, since Abba Eban served in this position in 1952.During his tenure, Amb. Gillerman has worked closely with members of the European Union and is in constant negotiation with the Secretary General and other delegations in order to help improve Israel's standing in the international community and acceptance as a full member of the United Nations.Amb. Gillerman has brought the voice of Israel to many world stages, ranging from the Security Council and the General Assembly to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and major gatherings across the globe, from Berlin to South America and Washington D.C. to Cambridge, England.Prior to his appointment, Amb. Gillerman was CEO of several Israeli companies in the chemical, food ingredient, agricultural, and technological sectors. From 1985, he served as Chairman of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. He also served as a member of the board of the First International Bank of Israel, a Director of Bank Leumi, and the Central Bank of Israel, as well as numerous other boards of private and public entities.Amb. Gillerman has also served on the Prime Minister's National Economic and Social Council, the President's Committee of the Coordinating Council of Israel's Economic Organizations, and as Chairman of the Israel-British Business Council, as well as being a member of the executive board of the ICC (The International Chamber of Commerce - the World Business Organization).Amb. Gillerman's appointment as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on January 1, 2003 marked the first time that Israel had appointed someone from the private sector to this post.Amb. Gillerman has played a prominent role in helping to steer Israel towards economic liberalization and a free market economy. He was also been deeply involved in the economic aspects of the peace process and has been intensively engaged in talks with Palestinian and Arab leaders trying to further economic cooperation within the region.Ambassador Gillerman was born in Israel and educated at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He and his wife Janice have two children, Karen and David, and four grandchildren, Ron, Jonathan, Lia, and Gaia.
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The Israel Project is an international non-profit organization devoted to educating the press and the public about Israel while promoting security, freedom and peace. The Israel Project provides journalists, leaders and opinion-makers accurate information about Israel. The Israel Project is not related to any government or government agency.
Send An Email To Your Newspapers And Elected Officials To Help Stop The Rockets Being Fired Into Israel
Help TIP get out the facts about Israel
Send A Letter To Your Editor
Some of the media acts as if Hamas was a peace organization. They should ask Hamas if they want peace with Israel! Hamas won't even say Israel's name. To Hamas, Israel doesn't exist. Hamas doesn't want peace - they want to destroy Israel.For eight years Iran-backed Hamas fired rockets into Israel. 3,000 rockets in 2008 alone. After eight years of shelling almost every day and every night, Israel finally said enough is enough. What kind of terrorist government uses people as human shields? What kind of Iran-backed Hamas government forces families to house rockets in their homes? What kind of government would allow its people to go hungry so that it can build rockets to attack its neighbors? Please -- send letters to the editor of your local papers and to your local and national leaders to get them the facts they need about the conflict. Please - you may not be in Israel but you can help Israel now! Click here to go to facts/talking points that you can use in our automated system to help you get the facts out to your local media outlets and leaders today!Act now to help protect Israel by waking up the media and leaders today! Let's make 2009 a year without rockets for Israel.
Sincerely,Jennifer Laszlo MizrahiFounder and PresidentThe Israel Project
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