1. Papal Kotel Visit May Bar Jews
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The planned visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the Western Wall (Kotel) may force a ban on Jews from praying there for the first time since the holy site was restored to Israel after 2,000 years. Pope Benedict has said his visit to Israel in mid-May is devoted to “unity’ and “peace.”
Security officials have been discussing the issue with Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who said he is vehemently opposed to the idea. Government authorities responsible for the safety of the Pope want to clear the area from the evening before his visit until he leaves.
“The Kotel must be open during the entire visit for every person who wants to pray,” Rabbi Rabinowitz said. “Jews have been praying at the Kotel for almost 42 years. There is no preference of one person over another.”
Jews were banned from visiting the Western Wall during the Jordanian occupation of eastern Jerusalem. Jordan also closed off all of the Christian churches, and Israel re-opened all religious sites to all faiths after recovering all of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War in 1967.
Pope John Paul II visited the Western Wall in March 2000 and followed the tradition of placing a prayer between the cracks of the Wall. It stated, “God of our fathers, you chose Abraham and his descendants to bring your Name to the Nations. We are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer. And asking Your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant.”
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The planned visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the Western Wall (Kotel) may force a ban on Jews from praying there for the first time since the holy site was restored to Israel after 2,000 years. Pope Benedict has said his visit to Israel in mid-May is devoted to “unity’ and “peace.”
Security officials have been discussing the issue with Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who said he is vehemently opposed to the idea. Government authorities responsible for the safety of the Pope want to clear the area from the evening before his visit until he leaves.
“The Kotel must be open during the entire visit for every person who wants to pray,” Rabbi Rabinowitz said. “Jews have been praying at the Kotel for almost 42 years. There is no preference of one person over another.”
Jews were banned from visiting the Western Wall during the Jordanian occupation of eastern Jerusalem. Jordan also closed off all of the Christian churches, and Israel re-opened all religious sites to all faiths after recovering all of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War in 1967.
Pope John Paul II visited the Western Wall in March 2000 and followed the tradition of placing a prayer between the cracks of the Wall. It stated, “God of our fathers, you chose Abraham and his descendants to bring your Name to the Nations. We are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer. And asking Your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant.”
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2. EU Warns Netanyahu over PA State
by Hana Levi Julian
The European Union (EU) issued an oblique threat on Sunday to the incoming government of Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu over the issue of a new Palestinian Authority (PA) state.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana told reporters that the European body of nations would change its relationship significantly with the Jewish State if the Netanyahu government does not back the establishment of a new Arab state within Israel's current borders.
PA and Egyptian officials met with Solana and other EU representatives in an attempt to find ways to form a unity government between the Fatah faction and the Hamas terrorist organization.
Numerous attempts by Egyptian and Saudi Arabian leaders to achieve that goal have failed thus far, leaving the PA government split between Hamas ruling Gaza, and Fatah ruling parts of Judea and Samaria.
"Let me say very clearly that the way the European Union will relate to a government that is not committed to a two-state solution will be very, very different," Solana said.
Late Sunday night, Netanyahu's Likud party signed a coalition agreement with the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, who is set to become Foreign Minister.
Although Lieberman is seen by some as a right-wing conservative, he has expressed support for the idea of Israel giving up blocs of land and swapping Jewish and Arab populations in areas of Judea and Samaria. The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman has backed the plan as the best option to maximize Jewish demographics in Israel while providing the Palestinian Authority with land for a new state.
International media has in some respects demonized Lieberman and the prospect of his installation as Israel's next Foreign Minister.
According to the Associated Press, "Lieberman has said Palestinian prisoners should be drowned in the Dead Sea, that Israeli-Arab lawmakers meeting with Palestinian militants should be executed and that the president of Egypt could 'go to hell.'"
The news agency also reported that Lieberman's party, which is now the third-largest party in the Knesset, calls for legislation to "require members of Israel's Arab minority to swear loyalty to the Jewish state or lose their citizenship."
In fact, the party's platform calls for the establishment of a pledge of allegiance to be administered to every citizen and prospective citizen in the country, regardless of ethnicity or religious background.
Meanwhile, the EU has yet to keep the promise it made at an Egyptian-hosted summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in January to help prevent arms smuggling into Gaza.
Israel ended its counterterrorist Operation Cast Lead on January 18, partly on the strength of commitments by Western nations to prevent Hamas terrorists from replenishing their weapons supplies. Nevertheless, Hamas has succeeded in smuggling in new weapons, according to the latest intelligence reports by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).
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by Hana Levi Julian
The European Union (EU) issued an oblique threat on Sunday to the incoming government of Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu over the issue of a new Palestinian Authority (PA) state.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana told reporters that the European body of nations would change its relationship significantly with the Jewish State if the Netanyahu government does not back the establishment of a new Arab state within Israel's current borders.
PA and Egyptian officials met with Solana and other EU representatives in an attempt to find ways to form a unity government between the Fatah faction and the Hamas terrorist organization.
Numerous attempts by Egyptian and Saudi Arabian leaders to achieve that goal have failed thus far, leaving the PA government split between Hamas ruling Gaza, and Fatah ruling parts of Judea and Samaria.
"Let me say very clearly that the way the European Union will relate to a government that is not committed to a two-state solution will be very, very different," Solana said.
Late Sunday night, Netanyahu's Likud party signed a coalition agreement with the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, who is set to become Foreign Minister.
Although Lieberman is seen by some as a right-wing conservative, he has expressed support for the idea of Israel giving up blocs of land and swapping Jewish and Arab populations in areas of Judea and Samaria. The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman has backed the plan as the best option to maximize Jewish demographics in Israel while providing the Palestinian Authority with land for a new state.
International media has in some respects demonized Lieberman and the prospect of his installation as Israel's next Foreign Minister.
According to the Associated Press, "Lieberman has said Palestinian prisoners should be drowned in the Dead Sea, that Israeli-Arab lawmakers meeting with Palestinian militants should be executed and that the president of Egypt could 'go to hell.'"
The news agency also reported that Lieberman's party, which is now the third-largest party in the Knesset, calls for legislation to "require members of Israel's Arab minority to swear loyalty to the Jewish state or lose their citizenship."
In fact, the party's platform calls for the establishment of a pledge of allegiance to be administered to every citizen and prospective citizen in the country, regardless of ethnicity or religious background.
Meanwhile, the EU has yet to keep the promise it made at an Egyptian-hosted summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in January to help prevent arms smuggling into Gaza.
Israel ended its counterterrorist Operation Cast Lead on January 18, partly on the strength of commitments by Western nations to prevent Hamas terrorists from replenishing their weapons supplies. Nevertheless, Hamas has succeeded in smuggling in new weapons, according to the latest intelligence reports by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).
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Israel: 'Nuke Ban? Not Yet'
by Gil Ronen
Israel would agree to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, but only when there is peace between the region's nations, an official Israeli representative to disarmament talks said this weekend. Such an agreement had to be reached on the basis of free consent, he added.
"We would need peace, reconciliation and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace," Meir Yitzchaki, the Israeli representative to the United Nations-linked Conference on Disarmament, told Deutsche Press- Agentur.
While Israel favors the establishment of a region free of non-conventional weapons 'eventually', it would have to be part of the process and the other nations in the area would have to recognize its right to exist, Yitzchaki added.
Yitzchaki addressed the conference at the United Nations offices in Geneva Thursday and said that ongoing threats against the Jewish state, and the fact that other Middle Eastern states were actively engaged in proliferation and support of terrorism, did not allow for the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone at this time.
He added that Israel supports the convening of a multilateral regional forum for discussing the subject of nuclear arms.
Israel has not signed the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is widely believed to possess a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, as well as the ability to deliver them by various means.
Nations including Turkey, China, Egypt and Algeria voiced their support of a nuclear weapons-free Middle East at the Geneva conference. Their delegates said that linkage between the establishment of a nuke-free zone and the peace process would undermine the non-proliferation system.
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by Gil Ronen
Israel would agree to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, but only when there is peace between the region's nations, an official Israeli representative to disarmament talks said this weekend. Such an agreement had to be reached on the basis of free consent, he added.
"We would need peace, reconciliation and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace," Meir Yitzchaki, the Israeli representative to the United Nations-linked Conference on Disarmament, told Deutsche Press- Agentur.
While Israel favors the establishment of a region free of non-conventional weapons 'eventually', it would have to be part of the process and the other nations in the area would have to recognize its right to exist, Yitzchaki added.
Yitzchaki addressed the conference at the United Nations offices in Geneva Thursday and said that ongoing threats against the Jewish state, and the fact that other Middle Eastern states were actively engaged in proliferation and support of terrorism, did not allow for the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone at this time.
He added that Israel supports the convening of a multilateral regional forum for discussing the subject of nuclear arms.
Israel has not signed the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is widely believed to possess a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, as well as the ability to deliver them by various means.
Nations including Turkey, China, Egypt and Algeria voiced their support of a nuclear weapons-free Middle East at the Geneva conference. Their delegates said that linkage between the establishment of a nuke-free zone and the peace process would undermine the non-proliferation system.
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4. Shalit's Jailer Joins Talks
by Hana Levi Julian
Hamas military head Ahmed Jabari has joined the negotiations in Cairo for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Jabari is directly responsible for the physical well-being of the captive soldier, according to a report published in the London-based Arabic-language al-Hayat newspaper, which says it is Jabari's group that is holding Shalit.
Jabari, who reportedly has never left Gaza before, has been in Cairo for the past three days, as has Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's special envoy, Ofer Dekel, and the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Yuval Diskin.
The Israeli and Hamas delegations are staying in adjacent rooms, with an Egyptian mediator shuttling back and forth between the two, according to Palestinian Authority sources quoted by the newspaper.
Rafi Eitan Optimistic, Olmert Not So Sure
Pensioners Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan, a former member of the international Mossad intelligence agency, expressed optimism on Monday that the two Israeli emissaries would return with a deal for Shalit's release, albeit later than expected.
Prime Minister Olmert had given Hamas until Sunday night to make a decision on Israel's proposal for a prisoner swap deal in exchange for the captive soldier.
The deadline passed without comment, however, and Olmert told Dekel and Diskin to remain in Cairo pending further developments. He also postponed a special Cabinet session that had been scheduled for Monday to discuss whatever results they were to bring back from the discussions. The meeting is now scheduled for Tuesday instead.
"After this everyone can express remorse and say 'I told you so,' but let's just wait another day and see what the results are," the Cabinet minister said in an interview on IDF Army Radio.
"I assume that the results will be positive. If an agreement is brought before the Cabinet for approval, I have no doubt we will pass it," he added.
The Prime Minister's Office continued to caution, however, that "there is no sign that indicates a result in any particular direction in the negotiations."
A source close to the prime minister told Israel's Channel 10 TV on Sunday that "we will be surprised if a deal to release Gilad Shalit comes through in the next few days." Olmert confidantes were reportedly pessimistic about the chances of a last-minute deal being completed before his term in office ends.
In either case, on Tuesday Olmert will brief Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, about the results of the discussions in Cairo, and then will convene the Cabinet to either approve a deal for a prisoner exchange or report on the failure to reach an agreement with Hamas.
Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to step into office on Thursday.
Details on Sticking Points
According to sources quoted by the Hebrew-language Yediot Acharonot, "Israel totally objects to the release of prisoners who had been directly involved in attacks that led to the mass killing of Israelis, and also refuses to free [easter Jerusalemite or Israeli Arab prisoners, whom it considers to be Israeli citizens."
Israel is reportedly willing to free more than 300 of the 450 terrorists whose release has been demanded by Hamas, the sources said, estimating that when that number nears 400, Hamas may be more inclined to close the deal.
Another sticking point centers on the issue of expulsions: Israel is bent on deporting 90 of the freed terrorists out of the country, and transferring another 30 from Judea and Samaria, into Gaza.
According to the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat, Hamas has rejected the expulsion demand outright. However, the terror group reportedly is willing to consider the transfer based on concerns that it reduced the risk that Israel might later be able to carry out targeted assassinations.
Ultimately, however, Hamas is still holding out for the release of all of the terrorists whose freedom it has demanded, according to the sources quoted by Yediot Acharonot. The Damascus-connected political arm of Hamas "is adamant on the release of all prisoners whose names are on the list, and its representatives have already stated they were willing to wait another year for the release of all prisoners," the sources said.
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by Hana Levi Julian
Hamas military head Ahmed Jabari has joined the negotiations in Cairo for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Jabari is directly responsible for the physical well-being of the captive soldier, according to a report published in the London-based Arabic-language al-Hayat newspaper, which says it is Jabari's group that is holding Shalit.
Jabari, who reportedly has never left Gaza before, has been in Cairo for the past three days, as has Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's special envoy, Ofer Dekel, and the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Yuval Diskin.
The Israeli and Hamas delegations are staying in adjacent rooms, with an Egyptian mediator shuttling back and forth between the two, according to Palestinian Authority sources quoted by the newspaper.
Rafi Eitan Optimistic, Olmert Not So Sure
Pensioners Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan, a former member of the international Mossad intelligence agency, expressed optimism on Monday that the two Israeli emissaries would return with a deal for Shalit's release, albeit later than expected.
Prime Minister Olmert had given Hamas until Sunday night to make a decision on Israel's proposal for a prisoner swap deal in exchange for the captive soldier.
The deadline passed without comment, however, and Olmert told Dekel and Diskin to remain in Cairo pending further developments. He also postponed a special Cabinet session that had been scheduled for Monday to discuss whatever results they were to bring back from the discussions. The meeting is now scheduled for Tuesday instead.
"After this everyone can express remorse and say 'I told you so,' but let's just wait another day and see what the results are," the Cabinet minister said in an interview on IDF Army Radio.
"I assume that the results will be positive. If an agreement is brought before the Cabinet for approval, I have no doubt we will pass it," he added.
The Prime Minister's Office continued to caution, however, that "there is no sign that indicates a result in any particular direction in the negotiations."
A source close to the prime minister told Israel's Channel 10 TV on Sunday that "we will be surprised if a deal to release Gilad Shalit comes through in the next few days." Olmert confidantes were reportedly pessimistic about the chances of a last-minute deal being completed before his term in office ends.
In either case, on Tuesday Olmert will brief Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, about the results of the discussions in Cairo, and then will convene the Cabinet to either approve a deal for a prisoner exchange or report on the failure to reach an agreement with Hamas.
Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to step into office on Thursday.
Details on Sticking Points
According to sources quoted by the Hebrew-language Yediot Acharonot, "Israel totally objects to the release of prisoners who had been directly involved in attacks that led to the mass killing of Israelis, and also refuses to free [easter Jerusalemite or Israeli Arab prisoners, whom it considers to be Israeli citizens."
Israel is reportedly willing to free more than 300 of the 450 terrorists whose release has been demanded by Hamas, the sources said, estimating that when that number nears 400, Hamas may be more inclined to close the deal.
Another sticking point centers on the issue of expulsions: Israel is bent on deporting 90 of the freed terrorists out of the country, and transferring another 30 from Judea and Samaria, into Gaza.
According to the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat, Hamas has rejected the expulsion demand outright. However, the terror group reportedly is willing to consider the transfer based on concerns that it reduced the risk that Israel might later be able to carry out targeted assassinations.
Ultimately, however, Hamas is still holding out for the release of all of the terrorists whose freedom it has demanded, according to the sources quoted by Yediot Acharonot. The Damascus-connected political arm of Hamas "is adamant on the release of all prisoners whose names are on the list, and its representatives have already stated they were willing to wait another year for the release of all prisoners," the sources said.
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5. Police Checking, But Certain
by Hillel Fendel
While the Jewish population of the Shomron is still reeling from the removal of a multi-lane, anti-terrorism checkpoint outside Shechem on Sunday, questions are being asked as to whether the removal may have aided the terrorists who murdered two policemen in the Jordan Valley on Sunday night.
Samaria/Judea District Police Commander Shlomi Ka’atabi told IDF Army Radio that very little is known about the terror attack, and that it is still under “a complex investigation.” However, when asked if the terrorists might have utilized the removal of the west-of-Shechem checkpoint to travel freely back and forth from the murder, Ka’atabi said categorically, “No. There was no connection.”
Veteran Army Radio broadcaster Razi Barkai did not ask the simple follow-up question, “How do you know that?”
Prior to Ka’atabi’s remarks, Army Radio correspondent Guy Veron had raised the possibility that the terrorists might have been aided by the removal of the checkpoint – but he was not given the opportunity to challenge Ka’atabi’s categorical denial.
Shomron Regional Council Chairman Gershon Mesika said, “It's very interesting that while the army says it has no idea where the terrorists came from, the police already know exactly where he didn't come from. In any event, it doesn't matter if they came via there or not; the very day that the encirclement around Shechem was removed [see belo for the first time since Operation Defensive Shield, a terrorist attack happens right then."
The checkpoint removed by the IDF just a few hours before the murderous attack was located west of Shechem (Nablus), near Beit Iba. Some 100 security incidents have been recorded at that checkpoint in the past three years – an average of one attempted or potential terrorist attack every ten days.
Names of Victims
The names of the two policemen killed in the attack were released on Monday morning: David Rabinowitz, 42, from Rosh HaAyin, whose funeral is scheduled in Haifa for 12 noon, and Yechezkel Ramzarker, 50, from Maaleh Ephraim, who will be buried in Yavneh at 4 p.m.
Ramzarker brought up his three children, aged 27, 21 and 16, on his own, while Rabinowitz is survived by eight brothers and sisters.
The attack occurred near Masuah, some 25 kilometers north of Jericho and 65 kilometers due east of Tel Aviv. Shortly after 8 PM, civilians reported seeing a police car stuck suspiciously on the side of the road. Initial findings showed that the two policemen apparently stopped to help what they thought was a motorist stuck with a flat tire; the terrorists took advantage of their willingness to help by shooting them at point-blank range. Ramzarker was killed on the spot, while Rabinowitz died after brief resuscitation efforts. Their weapons were not taken, but a jack for fixing flats was found nearby – about 20-30 meters from the police car.
The Price Has Been Exacted
Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria, said in response to the attack, “Every person with any understanding knows that the Olmert government’s policy of removing checkpoints and releasing terrorists will exact a price. Unfortunately, all our warning calls did not help, and we have now already paid a high price in blood.”The IDF announced that removal is “intended to improve Palestinian mobility throughout northern Samaria,” and that the villages of Qusin and Sarra will now be connected to the Nablus area. The IDF announcement continued: “The removal of the crossing will also ease passage from Nablus to Jenin and Tulkarm. This step is in addition to the imminent removal of a roadblock which was placed in the village of Sarra, west of Nablus. In order to ensure the security of the region, a small checkpoint will be placed near the Palestinian village of Deir Sharaf, northwest of Nablus. Vehicles will only be checked at random at the checkpoint.”
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by Hillel Fendel
While the Jewish population of the Shomron is still reeling from the removal of a multi-lane, anti-terrorism checkpoint outside Shechem on Sunday, questions are being asked as to whether the removal may have aided the terrorists who murdered two policemen in the Jordan Valley on Sunday night.
Samaria/Judea District Police Commander Shlomi Ka’atabi told IDF Army Radio that very little is known about the terror attack, and that it is still under “a complex investigation.” However, when asked if the terrorists might have utilized the removal of the west-of-Shechem checkpoint to travel freely back and forth from the murder, Ka’atabi said categorically, “No. There was no connection.”
Veteran Army Radio broadcaster Razi Barkai did not ask the simple follow-up question, “How do you know that?”
Prior to Ka’atabi’s remarks, Army Radio correspondent Guy Veron had raised the possibility that the terrorists might have been aided by the removal of the checkpoint – but he was not given the opportunity to challenge Ka’atabi’s categorical denial.
Shomron Regional Council Chairman Gershon Mesika said, “It's very interesting that while the army says it has no idea where the terrorists came from, the police already know exactly where he didn't come from. In any event, it doesn't matter if they came via there or not; the very day that the encirclement around Shechem was removed [see belo for the first time since Operation Defensive Shield, a terrorist attack happens right then."
The checkpoint removed by the IDF just a few hours before the murderous attack was located west of Shechem (Nablus), near Beit Iba. Some 100 security incidents have been recorded at that checkpoint in the past three years – an average of one attempted or potential terrorist attack every ten days.
Names of Victims
The names of the two policemen killed in the attack were released on Monday morning: David Rabinowitz, 42, from Rosh HaAyin, whose funeral is scheduled in Haifa for 12 noon, and Yechezkel Ramzarker, 50, from Maaleh Ephraim, who will be buried in Yavneh at 4 p.m.
Ramzarker brought up his three children, aged 27, 21 and 16, on his own, while Rabinowitz is survived by eight brothers and sisters.
The attack occurred near Masuah, some 25 kilometers north of Jericho and 65 kilometers due east of Tel Aviv. Shortly after 8 PM, civilians reported seeing a police car stuck suspiciously on the side of the road. Initial findings showed that the two policemen apparently stopped to help what they thought was a motorist stuck with a flat tire; the terrorists took advantage of their willingness to help by shooting them at point-blank range. Ramzarker was killed on the spot, while Rabinowitz died after brief resuscitation efforts. Their weapons were not taken, but a jack for fixing flats was found nearby – about 20-30 meters from the police car.
The Price Has Been Exacted
Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria, said in response to the attack, “Every person with any understanding knows that the Olmert government’s policy of removing checkpoints and releasing terrorists will exact a price. Unfortunately, all our warning calls did not help, and we have now already paid a high price in blood.”The IDF announced that removal is “intended to improve Palestinian mobility throughout northern Samaria,” and that the villages of Qusin and Sarra will now be connected to the Nablus area. The IDF announcement continued: “The removal of the crossing will also ease passage from Nablus to Jenin and Tulkarm. This step is in addition to the imminent removal of a roadblock which was placed in the village of Sarra, west of Nablus. In order to ensure the security of the region, a small checkpoint will be placed near the Palestinian village of Deir Sharaf, northwest of Nablus. Vehicles will only be checked at random at the checkpoint.”
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6. World’s Largest Kosher Matzah
by Gil Ronen
The “Matzot Orenstein” matzah factory in the port city of Ashdod claims it has produced the largest kosher matzah on earth. The matzah measures 4.2 meters (almost 14 feet) across and is on display in the factory’s visitor center.
According to Aryeh Goldberg, who runs the visitor center, the plant’s manager came up with idea of baking the matzah as a means of raising the employees’ morale during the Cast Lead military operation in Gaza.
The baking of the mega-matzah required special arrangements. Twelve employees, in six pairs, kneaded the dough, and four others were in charge of making the holes in the matzah.
Making holes in the center of the matzah posed a particular challenge, and the hole-makers used rappelling equipment to reach the center of the matzah.
Giant burners were used to bake the matzah.
Goldberg said that children who visit the factory will see the various stages of matzah-baking and other special attractions.
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by Gil Ronen
The “Matzot Orenstein” matzah factory in the port city of Ashdod claims it has produced the largest kosher matzah on earth. The matzah measures 4.2 meters (almost 14 feet) across and is on display in the factory’s visitor center.
According to Aryeh Goldberg, who runs the visitor center, the plant’s manager came up with idea of baking the matzah as a means of raising the employees’ morale during the Cast Lead military operation in Gaza.
The baking of the mega-matzah required special arrangements. Twelve employees, in six pairs, kneaded the dough, and four others were in charge of making the holes in the matzah.
Making holes in the center of the matzah posed a particular challenge, and the hole-makers used rappelling equipment to reach the center of the matzah.
Giant burners were used to bake the matzah.
Goldberg said that children who visit the factory will see the various stages of matzah-baking and other special attractions.
Comment on this story
7. Likud, Lieberman Clinch Deal
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Likud party took the first official step towards a new coalition government shortly after midnight Sunday and signed up the Israel Is Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) party. Its chairman, Avigdor Lieberman, will be Foreign Minister, but both parties left the door open for Kadima leader Tzipi Livni to join a national unity government.
The 14-page agreement was signed with the understanding that there would be changes if Livni were to change her stance and complete a unity government. The three parties together would have a total of 70 Knesset seats, far more than the absolute majority of 61 needed to defeat a no-confidence motion and remain in power.
Despite reports of behind-the-scenes contacts between Livni and Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu, there are no indications that she is about to back down from her demands that the Likud accept a “two-state solution.”
The agreement with the Likud gives Yisrael Beiteinu five ministries in total, in addition to Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Public Security will be headed by Yitzchak Aharonovitch, and the Tourism Ministry will be operated by Stas Misezhnikov. Uzi Landau, who switched to Yisrael Beiteinu from the Likud, will be Minister of Infrastructures, and Sofa Landver will be Minister of Absorption and Immigration.
Yisrael Beiteinu agreed to settle for legislation to allow civil marriages between two non-Jews, leaving the issue of civil marriages in general to be discussed in a special committee.
The Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu previously agreed that Yaakov Ne'eman, who is not a Knesset Member, will be Justice Minister. The Defense Ministry will be headed by first-time Likud MK Moshe ("Bogie") Ya’alon, former IDF Chief of Staff.
Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu and his top aides are scheduled to meet with representatives of the Sephardic religious Shas party on Monday. Other coalition partners, assuming Kadima does not join, are United Torah Judaism (UTJ), Ichud Leumi (National Union) and the Jewish Home parties.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Likud party took the first official step towards a new coalition government shortly after midnight Sunday and signed up the Israel Is Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) party. Its chairman, Avigdor Lieberman, will be Foreign Minister, but both parties left the door open for Kadima leader Tzipi Livni to join a national unity government.
The 14-page agreement was signed with the understanding that there would be changes if Livni were to change her stance and complete a unity government. The three parties together would have a total of 70 Knesset seats, far more than the absolute majority of 61 needed to defeat a no-confidence motion and remain in power.
Despite reports of behind-the-scenes contacts between Livni and Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu, there are no indications that she is about to back down from her demands that the Likud accept a “two-state solution.”
The agreement with the Likud gives Yisrael Beiteinu five ministries in total, in addition to Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Public Security will be headed by Yitzchak Aharonovitch, and the Tourism Ministry will be operated by Stas Misezhnikov. Uzi Landau, who switched to Yisrael Beiteinu from the Likud, will be Minister of Infrastructures, and Sofa Landver will be Minister of Absorption and Immigration.
Yisrael Beiteinu agreed to settle for legislation to allow civil marriages between two non-Jews, leaving the issue of civil marriages in general to be discussed in a special committee.
The Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu previously agreed that Yaakov Ne'eman, who is not a Knesset Member, will be Justice Minister. The Defense Ministry will be headed by first-time Likud MK Moshe ("Bogie") Ya’alon, former IDF Chief of Staff.
Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu and his top aides are scheduled to meet with representatives of the Sephardic religious Shas party on Monday. Other coalition partners, assuming Kadima does not join, are United Torah Judaism (UTJ), Ichud Leumi (National Union) and the Jewish Home parties.
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