Who Are Palestinians? by Yashiko Sagamori

Here is an excellent article written by a Japanese writer about two years ago. It is as relevant today as it was 24 months ago. Please add this to your personal facts file and please share the link to this post with your friends. gs
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Who Are Palestinians?
by Yashiko Sagamori

If you are so sure that "Palestine, the country, goes back through most of recorded history", I expect you to be able to answer a few basic questions about that country of Palestine:

When was it founded and by whom?

What were its borders?

What was its capital?

What were its major cities?

What constituted the basis of its economy?

What was its form of government?

Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat?

Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation?

What was the language of the country of Palestine?

What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine?

What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan on that date.

Have they left any artifacts behind?

Do you know of a library where one could find a work of Palestinian literature produced before 1967?

And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur?

You are lamenting the "low sinking" of a "once proud" nation. Please tell me, when exactly was that "nation" proud and what was it so proud of?

And here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people you mistakenly call "Palestinians" are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over -- or thrown out of -- the Arab world, if they really have a genuine ethnic identity that gives them right for self-determination, why did they never try to become independent until Arabs suffered their devastating defeat in the Six Day War?

I hope you avoid the temptation to trace the modern day "Palestinians" to the Biblical Philistines: substituting etymology for history won't work here.

The truth should be obvious to everyone who wants to know it. Arab countries have never abandoned the dream of destroying Israel; they still cherish it today. Having time and again failed to achieve their evil goal with military means, they decided to fight Israel by proxy. For that purpose, they created a terrorist organization, cynically called it "Palestinian people" and installed it in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. How else can you explain the refusal by Jordan and Egypt to unconditionally accept back the "West Bank" and Gaza, respectively?

The fact is, Arabs populating Gaza, Judea, and Samaria have much less claim to nationhood than that Indian tribe that successfully emerged in Connecticut with the purpose of starting a tax-exempt casino: at least that tribe had a constructive goal that motivated them. The so called "Palestinians" have only one motivation: the destruction of Israel, and in my book that is not sufficient to consider them a "nation" -- or anything else except what they really are: a terrorist organization that will one day be dismantled.

In fact, there is only one way to achieve piece in the Middle East. Arab countries must acknowledge and accept their defeat in their war against Israel and, as the losing side should, pay Israel reparations for the more than 50 years of devastation they have visited on it. The most appropriate form of such reparations would be the removal of their terrorist organization from the land of Israel and accepting Israel's ancient sovereignty over Gaza, Judea, and Samaria.

That will mark the end of the Palestinian people. What are you saying again was its beginning?

You are absolutely correct in your understanding of the "Palestinians'" murderous motives. I am afraid however that you, along with 99% of the population of this planet have missed the beginning of WWIII (the enemy call it Jihad) quite a few years ago. The siege of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, an event to which the latest Nobel Peace Prize winner had so miserably failed to respond, can be very well used as the day WWIII stepped out of the pages of the Koran and into the current events. I pray the United States and Israel lead the world to victory in this war. Come to think of it, there is no choice, be you a Christian, a Jew, or even, believe it or not, a Muslim.

26 Reasons Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus

For nearly ten years, my friend Asher Norman, an attorney from Los Angeles, has been working assiduously to complete his compelling new book "26 Reasons Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus". It is a very well researched volume and, distinct from most other books in this genre, it is not combative or polemical.

The book will be released in the early part of '06. It will likely be 8 1/2 x 11, 189 pp, with a hidden spiral binding. The price will be around $22.00, I believe.

There is not another book on the market quite like this one. It contains the least a Jew should know when confronted by a missionary. One of the most remarkable endorsements Asher Norman received came from the Reverend Doctor John Goldingay, Professor of Old Testament Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA. He said, “Obviously, I disagree with Asher Norman’s interpretation of the facts that feature in this book, but he has worked hard to get the facts right, and as far as I can tell, his facts are correct.”

If you'd like to add your name to an advance notification list when the book will be available, please send an email to: 26reasons@gavrielsanders.com.

If You Enjoy Israeli Music, Here's A Commercial Free Streaming Site

I've always been a fan of Israeli music, particularly the more classic "Eretz Yisrael" related songs. I found a site last night that has numerous commercial-free streams. I'm not a big fan of "heep hop Tzioni" but it's there if you want it, along with a full complement of other channels. I personally like "Emtza HaDerekh" - which is MOR (middle of the road) music. Goes with middle age, I suppose! Click HERE to access the portal. Oh yeah - ya sorta gotta be able to read Hebrew!

Aussie Rabbi Shows the Way Home to a Fulfilling Jewish Life (Click here to hear 18 min audio interview)

Rabbi Mordechai Becher, senior lecturer for Gateways Seminars, has written a phenomenal new book on Judaism that is destined to become a classic. Spread the word on this one. The book is scheduled to release from ArtScroll Shaar Press on Novemeber 1. Click on the banner to preview the book. You can even download a PDF sampler of the book.

You can hear an 18 minute audio interview with Rabbi Becher by clicking on the title above.

Messianic madness of Nuclear Osama

Read this short article from WorldNetDaily.com to learn about the apocalyptic expectations in the Islamic world this month vis-a-vis America's nuclear destruction by Bin Laden and clan, with the blessings of a fatwa from a leading Muslim cleric.

Click here to read.

Uman Beings! Hear the latest Mah Nishmah session!

I'm back from the Ukraine and the latest broadcast of Mah Nishmah with Gavriel is available now! Featuring a rare monologue on my trip to Uman, with a focus on the philosophy and influence of Breslov thought. Enjoy! To access the program, click here.

Why Peace with the Palestinians is Unachievable

Under the present climate, there is no partner for peace on the other side of the diplomatic table. The truth is, there never has been. The long stated, unchanging objective of these people is for the total end of Israel and the presence of Jews in the Jewish homeland.

Do not be fooled by statements made in English. The Arabic says it all, and in this posting, you can see the visual element.

I have lived amongst Muslims, particularly the two and a half years I spent in Saudi Arabia. One theme unites them more than any other - a pan Arab hatred of Jews.

There is no room in the Muslim world for a Jewish state. It's about as tenable as seeing Abdullah eating a pork sandwich at high noon on the street in Mecca during Ramadan. In other words, not gonna happen!

I wish things were otherwise - I really do. But I know too much on this subject. Any talk of peace by the Palestinians is to be interpreted as "a temporary peace to obtain a tactical advantage".

Liberals like Yossi Beilin, who lives for a noble "world without borders", thinks you can charm the savage beasts that destroyed Jewish holy places this week. Yossi, wake up. You can't.

Click HERE to read the article and view a video clip from Palestine TV.

Kabbalist Urges Jews to Israel Ahead of Upcoming Disasters

Click on title to read article.

Video of Expulsion Day - See It, Feel It, Share It

Click here to watch. (Windows Media required)

Approx. 15 min run time

Images of the Expulsion - by Shlomo Wollins, Israelreporter.com

Photojournalist Shlomo Wollins assembled this 127-picture gallery of the expulsion. See it, feel it, share it.

Many of the people you see here are now homeless, with no money, no schools for their children, and surviving with very few of this world's goods.

To access the gallery, click HERE.

Anti-Christian Pogrom in the West Bank

Today's action item:

The subject Muslim wrath against Christians is receiving negligible coverage in the press, but it is alarming and increasing. Please use your contacts to spread awareness of this serious problem.

Click here to read the story.

Redeem A Jewish Captive - from Imprisonment by the Jewish State!

Today's action item: Send this notice to ten others.

The case of Shimon Cytryn is disturbingly reminiscent of communist regimes - but it's happening in "the only Middle Eastern democracy". Click the the title to read the latest in this ongoing story of twisted justice. Respond to the simple request to help via the email campaign. Am Yisrael Chai!

Rescue & Relief for Southern Jews Affected by Hurricane Katrina

Today's action item:

Click on the title to read the posting.

Help the Victims of Expulsion Now -
The Israeli Government Isn't

The state controlled Israeli media wants you and me to believe that each expelled family has received up to $500,000 in compensation and will enjoy hotel accommodations or "caravillas" till new residences are readied. That is patently false. No one is receiving any money. We know this from regular contact with expulsion victims. And many families who were put up in hotels are being told they must leave now. Those "caravillas" are tiny two room sweat boxes compared to the normal homes the people had just a few days ago. Furthermore, most families with children have no idea where to send their kids as the new school year opens.

When the Jerusalem zoo was moved recently due to agitation of the animals by shelling from Beit Jallah near Bethlehem, the process took a year. When fish ponds in Eilat were relocated, the process took two years so as not to overly excite the fish. The government of Israel has had over 18 months to prepare for for the relocation of 10,000 people. It appears that monkeys and trout have greater value to the government than the brave Jews that endured over 5,000 rocket and mortar attacks in the last four years. Mind you, these are the people that Mr. Sharon recently called "the heroes of Israel".

On my Internet radio program tonight, I called for financial assistance, no matter how small, to be sent immediately to help families in need. Here are two addresses to which you can send funds. 100% of the monies go to aid these distressed people. I know both agencies personally.

1. Zo Artzeinu, PO Box 244, Cedarhurst NY 11516 (Check memo: Relief Fund)

2. American Friends of Torat Hachayim, c/o Dov Hikind, 1310 48th Street, Brooklyn NY 11219 (This fund supports two hundred families from the yeshiva in Neve Dekalim.)

This is an extreme emergency. Please respond kindly and quickly.

How Do You Recognize A Beginning?

by Gavriel Aryeh Sanders

The great sage and commentator Rashi remarks on Exodus 19:5: "Kol hatchalah qashah" - every beginning is difficult. I heard a marvelous commentary on this famous phrase, though I can't recall who said it and regret I'm not able to credit the speaker, but here 'tis: "Keyn, kol hatchalah qashah, v'im einah qashah eiynah hatchalah!" (Yes, every beginning is difficult - and if it's not difficult, it's not really a beginning!)

Help! I'm A Hollywood Republican!

A must read article by Hollywood
screenwriter Robert Avrech. Click here.

A Tale of Two Tragedies -


By: Eli E. Hertzeli@mythsandFacts.org
August 18 2005

On April 2, 2002 armed Palestinian terrorists forced their way into the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

On August 18, 2005 unarmed Jews entered peacefully into N'evi Dekalim's synagogue in Gush Katif.

On April 2, 2002 the world was watching a group of Palestinian terrorists desecrating the Holy Church and refusing to surrender their positions and arms.

On August 18, 2005 the world was watching a group of unarmed Jewish pioneers pay respect to their synagogue refusing to surrender their legal rights, homes, liberty and freedom.

On April 2, 2002, Israel Defense Forces, for a period of 39 days, prevented the destruction of the Christian shrine.

On August 18, 2005, Israel Defense Forces desecrated and destroyed the synagogues in Gush Katif - in just 1 day.

By May 10, 2002, 39 days after the Nativity siege, 39 terrorists were set free; 26 where bused to a Gaza hotel, and 13 were flown to Cyprus and settled at the Larnaca hotel.

By end of day on August 18, 2005, after just one day of siege, thousands of Israeli heroes became the new Jewish refugees in the State of Israel.

Spiritual Response to A Physical Dilemma
by Gavriel Aryeh Sanders

Much has been written on the unfolding drama, pain, and conundrum of Ariel Sharon's unilateral expulsion of Jews from their homeland. There is no precedent for this in any other democratic country.

It is not my place to do an analysis of all the issues. I actually went to Gush Katif in early June and I can simply say that the part of my heart I left there is in unquenchable agony. I know many people there. I hurt for and with them.

It's not a sad news day. It's a black day in Jewish history as democratic principles prized in the West are trampled underfoot in the only "democratic" country in the Middle East. And that's only a piece of this bizarre puzzle.

How to respond? Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu asks that we repeat Tehillim (Psalms) 20 and 91 as often as possible, especially with a group. Fasting is recommended tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 17). There are many other suggestions as well as up to the moment news at www.israelnn.com.

G-d help us to learn what we must, to change what we can, and to humbly trust in His guidance.

HaShem oz l'amo yiten - HaShem y'varekh et amo b'shalom.

My Network Is My Net Worth
by Gavriel Aryeh Sanders

Years ago, a friend told me "In five years, your income will be the average of your five closest friends." I was startled. Then I remembered that people are creatures of affiliation. Our lives reflect our social associations - in attitudes, values, habits, speech patterns, and lifestyles. So, my net worth will be a direct reflection of my network. I realized it was time to make some changes. Today I enjoy the wealth of a wonderful new network of friends and influence brokers. They challenge me to grow, to strive for greater good and greater achievement. I'm not the same person I was when my friend shared this principle. It has helped me at many significant levels.

Another nuance of this principle is that one's net worth is proportionate to one's net work. There is a baseline of measureable, cumulative activity which produces a financially fruitful outcome. Steady, regular plodding toward a goal will bring better and more consistent results than fleeting heat-of-the-moment bursts of inspiration.

Musings from My Mentor #1
by Gavriel Aryeh Sanders

(Note: A wise soul has patiently poured his insights into me for over 12 years. I've seen him only three times; yet we've shared hundreds of hours on the phone. Companies reward him well for his time. Money cannot measure the worth of what he's invested in me. In gratitude, I freely offer you what he's freely given.)

Knowing Your Real Competition

What if you could discover that your real competition is not the person, shop, or website that offers your product or service for less somewhere else? What if you could grasp the key to obtaining marketshare? Consider this.

Before attaining marketshare, a purveyor of goods and services must obtain mindshare. Mindshare enables marketshare. That's your real competition.

So - how does a business obtain mindshare? What three elements inhibit a customer or client from becoming your customer or client?

1. Ignorance - You may sell the best whatever; you may be the finest healer in your specialty; you may be an awesome forensic accountant. But if no one knows how you provide benefit, no one benefits - least of all you. People today are overwhelmed by weapons of mass distraction. The first step in sales and service is the elimination of ignorance, the greatest of all distractors. Become aware. Knowledge of your product or service is a small part of the awareness quotient. Knowledge of how you can enrich another through it is the main element. Eliminate ignorance for your prospect by focusing on what's in it for him or how she will benefit.

2. Habitual behavior - People practice patterns. These patterns may be inefficient, unconcious, and even costly. People need help to assess the balance sheet of their actions. Much of what passes for laziness is really the tenacious grip of fear of change. Touch the emotions. Help people feel the positive benefits they'll acquire through the new patterns you suggest.

"People buy on emotions, and justify on the numbers." - my mentor says

3. Change management - Have you ever resolved to stop smoking, lose weight, clean out the basement, pay off the debts, save for a vacation, or get back to the gym you joined four months ago? What happened? You started in earnest, right? But change resistance (unconcious habit) cancelled out the new behavior. While this quirk of character helps sports clubs and weight loss clinics profit handsomely, it's a prescription for personal and corporate impoverishment. People need help to evolve from not knowing, to desiring to know, to actively working to know, and finally to knowing. It's in the process of change that most fail. Managing that process, whether integrating a new software package , adopting a new personnel policy, or integrating a new habit, is what makes the difference.