Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

Ya'alon: We Share a Deep Relationship With the U.S.
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;The Nation Of Israel

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Defense Minister Ya'alon

Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon reiterated on Sunday that Israel and the United States share an important relationship which Israel appreciates.

Ya’alon, who is visiting the U.S., met with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"We greatly appreciate your personal support for Israel; in your statements and in your attitude you give us moral and ethical support which are very important,” he told de Blasio.

"The performance of Iron Dome, which was developed with the important assistance of the United States, was simply amazing during Operation Protective Edge. It was very impressive,” continued Ya’alon.

"We plan to improve the system and to reinforce it, so it can cover more territory in Israel, and also to develop additional layers of active defense, with the support of the United States," he added.

Ya'alon said that "Israel has a deep relationship with the United States, we really appreciate this connection. Differences of opinion must not overshadow the deeper relationship between the United States and Israel. We greatly appreciate the deep connection between the two defense establishments. We have shared values ​​and common interests.”

The Defense Minister’s visit to the U.S. comes amid tensions over remarks by Secretary of State John Kerry, who last week blamed Israel for the rise in global jihadism, insisting that Israel "humiliated" the Palestinian Arabs and that it has led to a "loss of dignity," leading to a recruitment draw toward ISIS. 

In response, Economy Minister Naftali Bennett fired back at Kerry, saying, "Even when a British Muslim beheads a British Christian, there will always be those who blame the Jews.”

"We don't justify terror; we fight terror," he added. "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict statement encourages ISIS, and is a boost to terrorism worldwide."

Bennett’s remarks, however, were met with criticism within Israel. Among those who criticized Bennett was Ya’alon, who said Saturday night that Bennett's criticism lacks respect for the financial and diplomatic support the U.S. has provided for Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism.

Another critic of Bennett was Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, who said Bennett’s remarks were harmful and did little more than gaining him a few more votes.

U.S., Four European Countries Call for End to Violence in Libya
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

WASHINGTON - The United States and four European countries jointly called on Saturday for an end to violence in Libya.

The governments of France, Italy, Germany, Britain and the United States said in a statement that they "agree that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis" and expressed dismay that calls for a ceasefire had not been respected.

Dozens of people have been killed in Benghazi in days of fighting between Islamic militant groups, including Ansar al-Sharia, and pro-government forces led by former General Khalifa Haftar, who began an offensive on Wednesday.

The joint statement voiced concern over Haftar's offensive and said Libya's "fight against terrorist organizations can only be sustainably addressed by regular armed forces under the control of a central authority."

Libya has failed to build up state security forces and disarm former rebels who helped remove Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled the country for 42 years until his downfall in 2011.

The United States and its four European allies also condemned Ansar al-Sharia and said "Libya's hard fought freedom is at risk if Libyan and international terrorist groups are allowed to use Libya as a safe haven."

The statement threatened sanctions against individuals who "threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya or obstruct or undermine the political process."

Libya also is struggling with two competing governments vying for control after armed groups from the western city of Misrata seized the capital of Tripoli in August, forcing the government of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni to withdraw to the east.

Spain to Begin Training Iraqi Troops to Fight ISIS
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

A fighter of the Islamic State (ISIS)

Reuters

Spain will begin training Iraqi forces later this year to battle Islamic State (ISIS) forces, Associated Press reported. However, Spain has ruled out taking part in ground operations in Syria, officials said Saturday.

Defense Minister Pedro Morenes made the announcement in Washington, after meeting Friday with US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

"We could be starting up by the end of this year because the whole operation is evolving fast, all the time, every day; we have to adjust our abilities and what we are offering, in response to that evolution," Morenes told reporters.

During his trip, Morenes also visited US Central Command in Florida, where he discussed military operations with Iraq and against ISIS terrorists. 

In Washington, Hagel and Morenes said the two allies would be cooperating together on the fight against ISIS.

Ebola Aid

Hagel and Morenes also vowed to cooperate in regard to the prevention and treatment of Ebola, which has killed more than 4,500 people, mainly in West Africa.

"The two leaders discussed how each of their nations is addressing the virus, focusing on the importance of strict protocols to protect the American and Spanish people," Pentagon spokesman, Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement.

Spain will allow US planes to use its bases in Moron and Rota in southern Spain to facilitate the transfer of material and personnel to badly hit West Africa, Morenes said.

The bases will also serve American troops being deployed to northern Iraq.

Netanyahu: Threat of Iran Retaining Nuclear Breakout Capability More Dangerous Than ISIS
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that world powers were about to sign a deal with Iran that would allow the Islamic Republic to retain "nuclear breakout" capability.

Speaking at a ground breaking ceremony for the Jerusalem roadway named after former prime minister Yitzhak Shamir, Netanyahu said that the deal would leave Tehran with "thousands of centrifuges with which Iran can create material for a nuclear bomb in a short amount of time."

The prime minister said that this would be "a threat to the world as a whole and to Israel in particular, much more serious than the threat posed by ISIS."

Majority of Israelis Oppose Palestinian State, Dividing J'lem
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;The Nation Of Israel

Israeli flag in Jordan Valley

Flash 90

A survey by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs demonstrates the resistance of a vast majority of Israelis to Palestinian statehood, the division of Jerusalem and giving up the Jordan Valley, Israel Hayom reports Sunday. 

The newspaper reported that in response to the question of whether the spread of Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq altered one's position on Israeli concessions of land in Judea and Samaria, 70.1 percent answered that this phenomenon did not change their opinions.

16.8 percent of respondents said that because of ISIS, they are now less willing to concede land than before. In contrast, 4.8 percent of respondents answered that because of regional changes, now is especially the time to offer political concessions. 

As to the question of supporting or opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders, 74.3 percent answered that they oppose the establishment of such a state, while 18.2 percent said they support it. 7.5 percent of those surveyed did not respond. 

Regarding the possibility of an Israeli withdrawal from the Jordan Valley, 74.9 percent said they oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state which requires Israeli withdrawal from the Jordan Valley. 11.5 percent support such a withdrawal and 13.7 percent chose not to answer this question.  

The newspaper also reported on the controversial issue of the division of Jerusalem. If such a division were to occur, part of the city would serve as the capital for the State of Israel, with the other part representing the capital for a potential future Palestinian state. 

76.2 percent of respondents oppose the division of Jerusalem. 16.2 percent support the division of Jerusalem and 7.5 percent did not answer. 

The survey was conducted by the research institute Shavakim Panorama, under the direction of Yossef Vadana. The survey questioned a representative sample of 505 residents of Israel, not including Israeli Arabs.

Let the Headlines Speak
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsFrom the internet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Thousands of children orphaned by Ebola outbreak
Thousands of children across West Africa have been left orphaned by the Ebola outbreak, with friends and neighbours too fearful of the disease to take them into their homes. As the outbreak sweeps across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the children of many of the virus’s victims have been left destitute and alone.  

Catholic synod: Gay rights groups 'disappointed'
Catholic gay rights groups say they are disappointed after bishops rejected proposals for wider acceptance of gay people, which had the Pope's backing. The call to "accept and value" homosexuals was in a draft report, but failed to win the backing of two-thirds of the bishops at a synod in Rome. The final report says only that anti-gay discrimination is "to be avoided".  

Nicaragua rains: Downpours leave 22 dead
Twenty-two people have died in Nicaragua during several days of heavy rains. Nine of them were killed in the capital Managua when a wall collapsed during a torrential downpour. In other areas of the city, emergency crews evacuated families from areas at risk from mudslides.  

Seeking the annihilation of a UN member: Initiators and accomplices
The announcement by Sweden’s new prime minister that his government plans to extend recognition to a “Palestinian” state raises major questions in both international and United Nations law. ...By stamping Israel as an apartheid state akin to South Africa, Israel could be prevented from successfully defending itself.  

Sweden Appoints First Muslim Minister
Aida Hadzialic, a 27-year-old Bosnian Muslim immigrant, was elected as the new Swedish minister of education, the youngest person ever to serve as a minister in Sweden.  

Mortar Shells Fired From Kobani Land Turkish Soil
At least seven mortar shells landed in Turkey's southern Sanliurfa province Saturday during an intense battle between two militant groups in the Syrian town of Kobani. According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent near the Turkish-Syrian border, the shells landed inside the Turkish territory when the battle for Kobani waged on between the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, or the PYD, and the ISIS.  

Chinese coastguard vessels patrol disputed waters
China has sent coastguard vessels to disputed waters in the East China Sea after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe angered Beijing by sending a ritual offering to a Tokyo shrine that honors the dead from Japan's wars.  

Slumping price of oil has Iran worried about paying its bills
Iranian officials are expressing new worry over the global oil price slump, which is threatening the country’s budget and could undermine its strategy in international nuclear negotiations.  

Bermuda clears trees, power lines hit by Gonzalo
Crews cleared away downed trees and power lines Saturday after Hurricane Gonzalo battered this tiny, wealthy British territory for several hours but caused no deaths or serious injuries.  

Pennsylvania ambush suspect spotted carrying gun, police say
The survivalist charged with murdering a Pennsylvania trooper and wounding another was spotted near his old high school carrying a rifle and with mud smeared on his face, police said on Saturday, five weeks after a manhunt for the suspect began.  

Amid Frequent Earthquakes, USGS Installs 4 Seismographs Around Cushing
Cushing is the 'Pipeline Crossroads of the World.' “It's kind of the Grand Central station of the big oil,” . But more recently, Cushing has been making headlines for its earthquakes. “This is a potential catastrophe,”. Jackman says the small town can store up to 46 million barrels of crude oil. There were ten earthquakes in Cushing last week, the two largest at 4.0 and 4.3 magnitude. And the U.S. Geological Survey says the 4.3 was centered directly under a Cushing tank farm and across the street from the Cushing Municipal Airport.  

Knowledge Shall Increase
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily Newswayoflife.org
Categories: Contemporary Issues;Prophecy

About 2,500 years ago, during the Persian Empire, an angel told the prophet Daniel, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" (Daniel 12:4). We are seeing a dramatic fulfillment of this in our day. Recent inventions include the following: A new device beams movies and video games directly into the wearer's eyeballs ("Meet Glyph," CNN, Feb. 5, 2014). The Glyph headset, which plugs into any mobile or entertainment device, uses a set of 2 million microscopic mirrors -- 1 million per eye -- that reflect visuals, including 3D, into the user's eye. A new diving suit will allow men to descend to a depth of 1,000 feet, compared to the 200 feet currently allowed by scuba diving gear ("This 500-Pound Metal Suit," Business Insider, Mar. 3, 2014). The 530-pound Exosuit can operate underwater for up to 50 hours, has thrusters on the feet for propulsion and maneuvering, and can transmit high-definition video to a surface vehicle. A new music system learns what music you like and when you like it ("Cone: A Speaker that Knows What You Want to Hear Before You Do," Gizmodo, Mar. 3, 2014). Called Cone, the system uses sophisticated artificial intelligence software to learn your listening tastes. "If you listen to NPR in the mornings in the kitchen, Cone will know to play that rather than music. If you're particularly prone to instrumental electronic tracks while you work every afternoon, it'll learn that too. It might suggest something else if it's raining, say, or if you turn up a particular song. The more you use it, the smarter it gets." An Israeli company founded by a former special forces officer has invented a device to get water out of air ("Israeli Company Produces Water," The Blaze, Mar. 29, 2014). Water-Gen, which has sold its Atmospheric Water Generator Units to seven militaries, including the U.S. and Israel, was recently named one of the world's 10 most innovative Israel-based companies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first bionic arm controlled by signals from the brain. Funded by DARPA, the research branch of the Pentagon, "the DEKA can perform such delicate tasks as zipping up a coat, unlocking a door with a key or handling an egg without breaking it" ("FDA Approves 'Star Wars' Bionic Arm," CNN, May 13, 2014). A heart surgeon at New York-Presbyterian Hospital used a 3D-printed heart model to plan a surgery on a two-week-old infant ("NY Doctor Uses 3D-Printed Heart," Business Insider, Oct. 8, 2014). By means of the model, Dr. Emile Bacha could see the actual condition of the heart before surgery and thus plan exactly what he needed to do. The 3D heart was fashioned by a company called Materialise using the baby's MRI data.

German Biker Gang Joins Fight Against Isis in Kobane
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;War

Motorcycle biker

Thinkstock

The phenomenon of biker gangs joining the fight against Islamic State (ISIS) has become international, the British Daily Mail reports Sunday, after a German motorcycle club has pledged to go to Kobane, Syria, to fend off the Islamist invasion. 

The Cologne-based Median Empire Motorcycle Club has strong Kurdish links, according to the daily, and have recently posted images of their riders in the besieged city. Some bear weapons. 

"Our boys were in Kobane today and told me today they were shot at but nothing happened," a caption, posted along with a photo on official social media pages for the group, reads. "They are okay."

The gang's official page said that the riders have entered Kobane on an aid mission, not to fight ISIS directly, however. Additional photos posted show them handing out food at what appears to be a Yazidi refugee camp. 

This is the second biker gang to enter the battle for Kobane.

Earlier this month, Dutch motorcycle gang No Surrender joined Kurdish forces battling ISIS, and a Dutch public prosecutor confirmed last week that the bikers will not be charged. 

"Joining a foreign armed force was previously punishable, now it's no longer forbidden," public prosecutor spokesman Wim de Bruin told AFP.

"You just can't join a fight against the Netherlands," he clarified. 

Foreign nationals have been flocking to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, but a movement to join the Kurdish fighters and opposition forces against Islamists appears to be an up-and-coming trend as well. 

Several weeks ago, three US citizens and veterans were revealed to have joined Kurdish Pashmerga troops in Syria, and it is unclear whether or not the US State Department would place them under the same scrutiny as US-based jihadists in the event the three return.

Canadian Intelligence Asks for Wider Powers in Fight Against Terror
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Canadian Minister of Public Safety, Steven Blaney, recently announced the government's intention to introduce changes in the law relating to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) operations. Blaney said that the situation has greatly changed since the original law's inception in 1984, now that the threat of terror has become more complex and more widespread. 

The amended law will include the powers to initiate an investigation of potential terrorists when they leave the country, which include surveillance, investigation, and the eventual filing of an indictment, where indicated. At present, Canadian intelligence is aware of at least 130 Canadians who have left Canada for the purpose of taking part in terror activities.

Anti - Semitic Jobbik Party Gains Power; Hungarian Jews Frantic
Oct 19th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Antisemitism

Jews in Hungary

Yoni Kempinski

The Jewish community of Hungary has expressed great concern in recent days, following the results of local elections, where far-right party Jobbik has become the second largest party in Hungary, after winning control of fourteen cities and towns.

This represents a significant achievement for the party - which, in the previous local elections four years ago, received control of only 3 cities.

Just two months ago, during Operation Protective Edge, Mihaly Zoltan Orosz, mayor of Erpatak in eastern Hungary, held an anti-Semitic ceremony in the city's main square. 

During the ceremony, effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former president Shimon Peres were "hung" in a mock execution.

One week later, police raided the home and offices of the anti-Semitic mayor and brought him in for questioning.

Another Jobbik party member and parliament representative caused an uproar when he called on the government to make a registry of all of Hungary's Jews.  

The Conference of European Rabbis sees these election results as further proof of the rise of anti-Semitism in Hungary.

"We are concerned and we expressed our concerns to the heads of the European Union (EU) as well as to the leaders of European governments, who see eye to eye with us on the need for a war to eradicate rising anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic manifestations. We will continue our activities to increase and glorify Torah and Israel in Europe, because we all believe that Light rejects Darkness." 

In Hungary's last parliamentary elections, which took place in April, Jobbik already showed a marked increase in power. The party won 20.3% of the vote, with most of the support coming from poor areas in the east of the country. 

Jobbik's biggest achievement during last week's elections was recorded in the northeast city of Ozd, which holds 35 thousand inhabitants. The new mayor of Ozd, David Janiczak, 27, took a victory lap around the city, shaking the hands of cheering residents.