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Increase in Aliyah from English-Speaking Countries in 2008
In a year-end report on Aliyah (immigration to Israel) for 2008, the Jewish Agency reported an increase in immigration from English-speaking countries, even though there was a 16 percent drop in Aliyah overall. A major factor in the decrease, the Agency said, was the change in government policy regarding the Falash Mura community in Ethiopia.
Israel Hamas Rocket Arsenal Doubles to 10,000
The Israeli intelligence community has determined that the Hamas regime accumulated about 10,000 missiles and rockets. Officials said Hamas has doubled its missile, mortar and rocket arsenal from about 5,000 to up to 10,000 since June 2008. They said the Islamic regime used the ceasefire with Israel to smuggle and produce thousands of projectiles and other weapons.
The Sanhedrin’s Peace Initiative
Jewish group devoted to rebuilding Temple in Jerusalem to send letters to all world leaders, including Arab ones, inviting them to take part in project, attend conference on Temple Mount in Israel. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has been gearing up for an Israeli offensive in recent months, is bound to be surprised by the peace feelers he is set to receive from Jerusalem soon.
Amsterdam’s Gay Christmas Features Mary in Drag
Amsterdam hosted a Christmas celebration for its gay community on Sunday featuring a nativity tableau with a male Mary in drag that church organizations denounced as an affront to traditional values. Organizers said the event was meant to raise Amsterdam’s profile as a gay capital at a time when homosexuals feel threatened. Christians for Truth, an independent religious group, had asked the city council to cancel the “Pink Christmas,” event, saying it made a mockery of Christian tenets. The city did not comment.
Hamas is at war with Israel, but tries to portray itself as a victim of “Israeli aggression” to its Moslem and leftist allies around the world. Inside Gaza, Hamas lets its pro-war propaganda run full bore in Arabic. A more nuanced message is broadcast in non-Arabic media. Every day, Hamas undertakes military operations. Along the security fence, snipers and bomb planting teams operate.