05/19/11

Conquering America

By: AJ

Have you ever watched “House,” the TV series about a team of brilliant doctors who take on the most perplexing, complex and life-threatening medical cases?

In every episode, the known symptoms of the patient are written on a white-board and the doctors need to determine the diagnosis/disease causing those symptoms so that they can administer the proper treatment. Based on the known symptoms, a diagnosis is determined and treatment ensues… but – for dramatic purposes – invariably the treatment brings on more problems for the patient. The doctors return to the drawing board with additional knowledge about the patient’s condition and, ultimately, they’re able to determine the cause and proper treatment to save the patient’s life.

“Problem Solving” is what the team of doctors do in each episode of “House.” They know that multiple components can, and most often do, relate. Looking at all of it together helps them define what’s really going on.

In fact, we employ this problem-solving strategy nearly everyday. Think of all the times you do this with your kids; piecing together related facts, issues and information to determine what’s really going on at school, with friends, when they’re sick, etc.

Now let’s problem-solve this set of related components to determine what’s really going on…

  • ACLU warns about legislation that could authorize military force within the U.S.;
  • Obama and Soros’ “Responsibility To Protect” doctrine is used against Libya under UN authority, which means it can be used by the UN against any country, including the U.S., for whatever they consider to be “humanitarian violations”;
  • The Soros-supported RAND Corporation devises a method to institute a Stability Police Force within the U.S. that gets around the constraints imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act;
  • The Supreme Court upholds a lower court decision which violates the 4th Amendment by allowing police to enter anyone’s home without a warrant;
  • Obama’s Executive Orders grant full immunity to International Police (Interpol) when on U.S. soil;
  • Obama enacts a DoD Directive and legislation to create Civilian Forces and Commissioned/Ready Reserve Corps;
  • Obama’s DHS defines patriotic Americans as terrorists.

Perhaps we need a little more information about each of the above items because it appears our own President – our own government – has laid the groundwork to attack Americans now or in the future and that just can’t possibly be the case, right? Here are brief descriptions of each with links:

ACLU: National Defense Authorization Act permits ‘worldwide war without end’

“A little noticed provision in the House Armed Services Committee’s National Defense Authorization Act would authorize the United States to use military force anywhere there are terrorism suspects, including within the U.S. itself, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Section 1034 was added to the bill [PDF] by the committee’s chairman, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA).

“Congress may soon vote on a new declaration of worldwide war without end, and without clear enemies,” the ACLU warned in a statement. “A ’sleeper provision’ deep inside defense bills pending before Congress could become the single biggest hand-over of unchecked war authority from Congress to the executive branch in modern American history.”…”

THE GLOBALISTS’ TAKEOVER OF AMERICA: Part 3 – WEAKEN MILITARY & CIVILIAN DEFENSE

“President Obama placed our soldiers under UN NATO control for his war in Libya without consulting the United States Congress. Using our soldiers and our military assets according to what the “international community” global elites decide is clearly what Obama is interested in doing…

The “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) doctrine employed by the UN and advanced by Obama is beyond dangerous. Within the globalist’s charter is the ability to deem civil rights violations an offense warranting military action against the offending country.

No U.S. President in their right mind would ever condone R2P because of the simple realization that, at any time, R2P could be used against America . Obama is well aware that America is hated by other countries and their intent is to destroy our free market system and our way of life; numerous videos provide irrefutable evidence of this, as well as Middle East countries calling for “Death to America !” What would stop the UN global elites from claiming U.S. violations to warrant international military action?…”

RAND Corp Report – A Stability Police Force for the U.S. [text excerpt from report “Conclusions”]

“Weighing all considerations, the researchers concluded that the best option would be a 6,000-person hybrid force headquartered in the U.S. Marshals Service. The personnel in reserve status could be employed in state and local police forces so they would be able to exercise police functions in a civilian population daily and could be called up as needed. The Marshals Service was deemed to have many of the requisite skills. However, its training and management capabilities would need to be expanded to take on this large mission, and it would have to recruit additional personnel as well. The annual cost, $637 million, is reasonable given the capability it buys. The cost savings in relieving military forces of these duties could be greater than required to create the SPF.

The Military Police option was attractive for a number of reasons, especially its capacity, training, and logistical capabilities, but its inability to engage in policing activities when not deployed was a major stumbling block. The Posse Comitatus Act precludes military personnel from exercising police functions in a civilian setting, and legislative relief might be difficult to get. Even if such relief were forthcoming, it is unclear where and how routine police skills might be honed.

Creation of a civilian SPF would not affect the roles that other elements of the U.S. government would play. Rather, it would complement other agencies such as the departments of Defense and State. But the SPF would provide a necessary capability, and the U.S. Army should support its creation.

Evil Precedent – Indiana Invalidates Fourth Amendment

“So, now a policeman can just enter your home for any reason or no reason at all and you cannot protest it? Legality be damned, you must submit? You are kidding right? And if you just happened to be shot by the officer who just committed an unlawful entry, no one can hold the officer liable I presume. You’ll still be dead of course. Oopsie… Or how about this: the ruling creates a reasonable expectation on the part of false flag home invaders that they will not receive resistance when they assert they are the police. Feel safer now?

Incompatible with modern Fourth Amendment jurisprudence? Excuse me, but the Constitution is not a “living, breathing document.” It says what it means and means what it says, just as the founding fathers intended – period. No judge or other person of authority has the right to interpret the Constitution in light of what they consider to be “modern” jurisprudence. And telling the victim of the illegal entry that they have plenty of opportunities to protest said illegal entry in the court system is not only arrogant and asinine, it borders on the judicial form of ‘let them eat cake.’

This not only is judicial activism at its horrific worst, it sets a really evil precedent for other states. Let’s look at the Fourth Amendment, shall we:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”…

Supreme Court gives police leeway in home searches

“In her dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said she feared the ruling gave police an easy way to ignore 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. She said the amendment’s “core requirement” is that officers have probable cause and a search warrant before they break into a house.

“How ‘secure’ do our homes remain if police, armed with no warrant, can pound on doors at will and …forcibly enter?” Ginsburg asked.

An expert on criminal searches said the decision would encourage the police to undertake “knock and talk” raids.

“I’m surprised the Supreme Court would condone this, that if the police hear suspicious noises inside, they can break in. I’m even more surprised that nearly all of them went along,” said John Wesley Hall, a criminal defense lawyer in Little Rock , Ark …”

EO 12425

An international police force is authorized to act within the U.S. and is no longer subject to 4th Amendment Search and Seizure.

EO 13524

Gives International Police privileges, exemptions and immunities on US soil.

DoD Directive 1404.10: “DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce”

This Directive builds and authorizes a civilian force to operate within the DoD. The 1992 directive mentions the term “overseas” no fewer than 33 times. Obama’s 2009 directive does not mention the term “overseas” even once.

HR 1388: Recruit youth for the “National Civilian Community Corps”

Creation of a Commissioned Corps and Ready Reserve Corps is in the Healthcare Reform legislation.

On page 1,311 of the healthcare legislation a new army is created – a Commissioned Corps and Ready Reserve Corps.

DHS Report defines church goers, ex-military, gun owners, tea party protesters as the terrorists

If Obama, Soros and their comrades haven’t laid the groundwork to enable international and civilian forces to take action against Americans, then why have they put these legal instruments in place and recruited kids at public schools to build the ranks of Obama’s Civilian Force?

Does anyone have answers as to why these things have been put in place? Why they’re directed specifically at and against the American people? Where is the media!? Why isn’t Obama being held to account (i.e. impeached) for establishing a framework to conquer America whenever he may choose to do so?

05/19/11

“This is throwing Israel into the woodchipper” – Ann Barnhardt

By: Andrea Shea King
The Radio Patriot

The Israelis detest him. We do too. Obama may not have thrown the Jews into the oven… yet. But he’s opened the oven door and told the Arabs to push them in.

“Where are the Jewish members of Congress?” Mark Levin asks. “They are self destructive and they are self-loathing.“

Obama Trying His Damndest to Start WW3

Posted by Ann Barnhardt – May 19, AD 2011 11:57 AM MST

Okay. Here’s what you need to understand about what Obama just did. He said that there needs to be a Palestinian State based upon the pre-1967 borders. This isn’t just throwing Israel under the bus, this is throwing Israel into the woodchipper. This is like saying that the U.S. needs to return to the 1802 borders. Wait . . . no one give him any ideas about that. I’m sure Obama would be tickled to death with that.

Benjamin Netanyahu is en route to the U.S. and is scheduled to give a speech to a joint session of Congress. Obama has just chop-blocked one of our staunchest allies. Further, what Obama is really doing is inciting and inflaming anti-Israel sentiment on the Muslim street, which is already wildly destabilized. He is throwing gas on the fire.

Here is what they are trying to do. If Israel does not now FULLY surrender to the pre-1967 borders, the muslims will use this as an excuse to riot and eventually attack – because they now have the EXPLICIT BLESSING of the POTUS to do so. Obama/Soros has given the Caliphate a central rallying point. In the name of “human rights”, Obama/Soros is setting up a chessboard whereby a U.S./U.N. occupation of Israel will be “needed” to “enforce” the 1967 borders. If Israel tries to defend itself against muslim aggression – which remember has been agitated by Obama himself – or defend its sovereign territory, Obama/Soros will cast these actions of Israeli self-defense and self-preservation as “human rights violations” and move in. DO WE NOW FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THE LIBYAN ACTION WAS? It was simply to establish a precedent. Bishop to e6.

If I may be so bold, Netanyahu needs to take a page out of my playbook. He needs to give Obama the @$$kicking of a lifetime in his address to Congress. These Obama/Soros people are common gutter-scum street thugs, and need to be treated accordingly. TAKE OFF THE GLOVES AND BRING THE BEAT-DOWN. Because it is either that, or World War 3.

05/19/11

Fundamentally Freund: God bless Glenn Beck

By: MICHAEL FREUND
Jerusalem Post

The ‘Fox News’ personality’s “Restoring Courage” event is as refreshing as it is inspiring, coming as it does when the Jewish state is under siege in the international arena.

In a week filled with drama for Israel and its supporters, there was one event which stands out.

In a Manhattan studio, a popular radio and television host made an announcement on Monday that could be a watershed in the battle for truth.

Speaking to millions of viewers and listeners, Glenn Beck declared that he was organizing “Restoring Courage” – to be held in Jerusalem this August.

The aim is simple: to persuade as many people as possible from all faiths that the time has come to show support for Israel and the Jews.

“I believe I’ve been asked to stand – in Jerusalem,” Beck said, noting that “many in the history of man have had the opportunity to stand with the Jewish people. Time and time again they have had the opportunity, and they have failed. I choose to stand and be counted.”

And just what does standing with Israel have to do with courage? Coming as it does when the Jewish state is under siege in the international arena, and is often unfairly portrayed in the mainstream press, Beck’s message is as refreshing as it is inspiring.

He refuses to be cowed by the elites, many of whom have embraced the Palestinian and Arab narrative regarding the Middle East.

Beck sees through their muddled notions of truth and justice, pointing out their bewildering refusal to recognize the threat to Western civilization posed by Islamic extremism.

And that is what makes the “Restoring Courage” event so important. Though many details have yet to be disclosed, it will clearly be far more than just another rally. It promises to be an expression of faith, a call to defy the prevailing notion that Good and Evil are purely subjective terms.

Nowadays, it takes courage – and lots of it – to stand and declare that Israel and the West are right, just and moral, and that our foes are simply wrong.

It takes nerve and daring to challenge ourselves, to heed the voice of God and recognize the righteousness of our cause.

For far too long, Israelis have been battered by criticism and disapproval – so much so that we have begun to internalize it, with many coming to see themselves as the aggressor and occupier.

Slogans such as “a two-state solution” have become standard fare, and anyone opposed to the idea is quickly labeled a reactionary extremist.

Beck’s event offers us all an opportunity to come to our senses.

As he put it, “things in Israel are going to get bad… it’s only a matter of time. They are going to attack the center of our faith – our common faith – and that is Jerusalem. And it won’t be with bullets or bombs.”

The timing of this message could not be more crucial.

THE PALESTINIAN threat to seek UN recognition in September hovers ominously, as does the possibility of a third intifada. Hamas has joined the Palestinian government, and Iran continues working to build nuclear weapons.

Yet despite the turmoil sweeping the Arab world, Israel is under increasing pressure to make additional concessions.

If it succeeds, “Restoring Courage” will be a boon to the beleaguered Jewish state, and provide a much-needed shot in the arm.

In calling on people to join him, Beck is openly invoking crucial values such as faith, reminding us that every person will ultimately be called to account for their actions – and inactions – by the Creator. He has forthrightly reminded humanity that we can’t stand and do nothing in the face of evil. Israel, he made clear, matters.

Now, I know what some of you are probably thinking: Glenn Beck? Isn’t he an eccentric purveyor of conspiracy theories, outlandish assertions and brash conservatism? What can Israel and the Jewish people possibly gain from his backing? The answer is: quite a lot.

You don’t have to agree with Beck on everything, or even much at all, to see the inherent and overwhelming value in his latest initiative.

For a country that doesn’t have all that many friends out there in the world, Israel should be grateful for those willing to stand behind us, even if they are not necessarily your cup of tea It will be particularly interesting to see how American Jewish organizations react. In the past, various liberal Jewish groups have denounced Beck, with whom they have little in common politically.

How easy it would have been for the television host to say to himself: “After the way some Jews have treated me, why should I speak out for them?” But in rising above the pettiness of his critics, the Fox News personality has taught us all a lesson in not losing sight of what really matters.

As a man of faith, I was especially moved when Beck read on air from the Book of Ruth.

He choked up when he quoted Ruth the Moabite’s appeal to her mother-in-law Naomi: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”

This, he said, had helped inspire him to stand with the Jews.

This brings to mind a verse in Genesis (12:3), where God made a promise to Abraham and all of mankind: “I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you shall be cursed.”

Notice how there is no middle ground. Each person is presented with a clear and unequivocal choice: You either bless Abraham’s descendants, the Jews, or you curse them.

Glenn Beck has courageously chosen to bless them, and to bring Jews, Christians and others together to take a stand.

Here’s hoping that many heed his call.

The writer serves as chairman of Shavei Israel (www.shavei.org), a Jerusalem-based organization that assists ‘lost Jews’ seeking to return to the Jewish people.

05/19/11

Hitler’s Germany, Israel, America’s Borders and Obama’s “Arab Spring” Speech – (A Must a Read) Updated

From: Knowledge Creates Power

Beck Fear of Failure–Need to Stand-Up Show

Video: Fear of Failure – Need to Stand-Up (Part 1 of 5)

· Soros Builds on Petrobras Holdings in First Quarter… But, but we were told Soros sold Petrobras!

America, mark your calendars and get ready to gather around your radio and television sets just like the good old days. Tomorrow, the President is going to grace us with his words as he gives a VERY important speech… He is going to address the nation on the historic moment for opportunity that we have in the Middle East. He will briefly touch on the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, but his main focus will be to talk about what our values and principles are relating to the Middle East. Yeah. Maybe he will even talk about this ‘Arab Spring’ thing. Plus, what did The New York Times say about Hitler back in 1933? You might be surprised. And what is the difference between a radical Muslim cleric and Adolph Hitler? Absolutely nothing. We must wake up and realize that if we do not act now, history could repeat itself.

Beck: Fear of Failure Show – Need to Stand-Up Show 2

Video: Beck – Arab Spring (Part 2 0f 5)

Beck read part of the New York Times’ article on Hitler from 1933

Video: Anti Semitic Socialist Meeting Speech Claims Racist, White Supremacist Israel And America – Beck was right!

President Obama: Palestinian State Must Be Based on 1967 Borders… in Speech Today

President Obama, in a sweeping address tackling the uprisings in the Middle East and the stalled peace process, on Thursday endorsed Palestinians’ demand for their own state based on the borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war.

The break with longstanding U.S. policy is likely to aggravate the Israelis, who want the borders of any future Palestinian state determined through negotiations. The declaration comes ahead of a meeting in Washington between Obama and visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The status quo is unsustainable,” Obama said. “A lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples.”

Though the president endorsed the call for a Palestinian state with permanent pre-1967 borders, including mutually agreed land swaps, the president sought to assure that the United States’ commitment to Israeli security is “unshakable.” He said Israeli’s right to defend itself will remain paramount, and suggested the recent unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas, which the U.S. deems a terrorist group, is problematic for negotiations. He also publicly rejected attempts by the Palestinians to gain recognition for their own state before the United Nations.

The border announcement, which came toward the end of the president’s 50-minute speech, was arguably the most significant statement in an address otherwise devoted to underscoring U.S. support for the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. Speaking at the State Department, the president sought Thursday to squarely align the U.S. with the ambitions of protesters pushing for economic and political reform, while warning heads of state who resist this wave that the U.S. is losing patience.

Obama, in his strongest words to date, offered an ultimatum to Syrian President Bashar Assad. “President Assad now has a choice. He can lead that transition or get out of the way,” Obama said.

He said Assad’s regime, which has killed hundreds in an effort to quell the unrest in Syria, must stop shooting and arresting its people.

Obama also called Al Qaeda and Usama bin Laden, who was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan, a “dead end,” suggesting the push for reform will represent the future of the region. He sought to connect the death of bin Laden to the wave of protests, arguing that anti-western rhetoric and attacks are losing their audience. “The slaughter of innocents did not answer their cry for a better life,” he said.

Rather, Obama said: “A new generation has emerged and their voices tell us that change cannot be denied.”

The president is taking a carrot-and-stick approach as the Arab Spring turns to summer and protesters’ demands across the region are met with repression.

After sending U.S. forces into Libya two months ago to halt strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi’s advances against his people, the Obama administration sent a message Wednesday to Assad by slapping him and top officials in Damascus with financial sanctions over his regime’s brutal crackdown.

Obama, in his speech Thursday, addressed the standoff in these two countries, staunchly defending U.S. military involvement in Libya. But he also offered new levels of support to Egypt and Tunisia, countries where demonstrations ousted entrenched leaders and which the administration is holding up as a “beacon” in the region, according to one official.

He outlined specific dollar support for Egypt, where the nation’s tourism-fueled economy has fallen into a slump in the wake of the upheaval, in turn increasing the country’s projected deficit. Obama said Thursday the U.S. would forgive roughly $1 billion in debt owed by Egypt to free up money for job-creation efforts there. Plus he plans to guarantee up to $1 billion in loans for Egypt through the Overseas Private Investment Corp., a U.S. government institution that mobilizes private capital.

Obama is pushing other steps to bolster loans, trade and international support in Egypt and in Tunisia. Protesters in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and other nations have endured brutal setbacks. He said the changes in the region mark a “new chapter” for U.S. diplomacy and argued that America has an important role to play.

A new poll out of the Pew Research Center, though, found that the shifting political sands in the Middle East have not generally led to an improvement in the U.S. image in the region.

Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report on Fox News

Sources say Netanyahu looked like someone who has been punched in the gut! This speech, if acted upon, could changed the world… and not in a good way! Remember the Muslim world considers Israel the little Satan and America the Great Satan… and present day created situations are our borders can be mirrored!

(Image: The Blaze)

Wake-up America, Israel, Jews, Christians People of True Faith… It is almost too late!

Text of Obama’s Arab Spring Speech

For more on the Restoring Courage event, check out the Facebook page here.

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05/19/11

Standing Tall For Jerusalem

By: Fern Sidman

A conversation with Ateret Cohanim 2011 awardees

On Wednesday evening June 1st, American Friends of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai will celebrate Yom Yerushalayim (jerusalem Day) at their 32nd annual dinner at Terrace On The Park in Queens. This year outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to the re-building of a Jewish presence in the Old City of Jerusalem will be accorded honors as will those known as “Jerusalem’s Heroes”; the intrepid residents of the Old City, Kidmat Zion, Maalei HaZeitim and the Yemenite Village, without whom none of this could be possible.

Founded by Matityahu HaCohen Dan, a young, idealistic veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, Ateret Cohanim’s mission is predicated upon the fulfillment of a generations old dream of rebuilding and securing Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel. Bringing this inspiring vision to fruition through a unique program of strengthening Jewish roots, Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai has succeeded in re-establishing vibrant Jewish communities that are centered around yeshivos and other educational institution in the Kotel Quarter, also known as the Moslim and Christian quarters of the holy city.

Representing the Jewish residents of the Old City of Jerusalem at this year’s dinner is Chaya Shira (Frimer) Tanami who lives in the Yemenite Village. A shining paradigm of exceptional courage, Mrs. Tanami and others like her exemplify a pioneering spirit that serves as a beacon of light and hope for the future of Jerusalem. The recipients of the auspicious Bonei Yerushalayim (Builders of Jerusalem) award include Shlomo and Naomi Min-Ha Har Gottfried of Maalot Dafna, Jerusalem, Henoch and Tova Messner of Monsey, New York and Nessem and Lynne Tammam of Great Neck, New York.

Always reluctant to accept public honors, Nessim and Lynne were kind enough to present their views on the vital work of Ateret Cohanim and the future of Jerusalem. “Jerusalem holds a special significance for me because I was born in Libya and grew up in a neighborhood that was very similar to the Old City of Jerusalem but needless to say, things were very different. The Arabs controlled every facet of our lives and we accepted subjugation in order to avoid suffering their wrath”, intoned Mr. Tammam.

Explaining the etymological basis of the word Jerusalem, Mr. Tammam said, “The first part of the word in Hebrew is ‘yerusha’, meaning inheritance and the last part of the word is ‘shalom’. We have come to the city of our inheritance in peace and by claiming our inheritance, given to us by G-d, we will earn the respect of the world and the Arabs and in the end, peace will follow.”

While attending his nephew’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem over 10 years ago, Mr. Tammam witnessed what he termed, “the most amazing work” that Ateret Cohanim was doing for the restoration of Jerusalem and has been an avid supporter ever since. “I saw with my own eyes the tremendous efforts that the people in Ateret Cohanim were putting in to rebuild the Old City; the long hours of research and the time they spent negotiating with Arabs to legally acquire properties. What impressed me most was the genuine love they hold for Jerusalem and their willingness to devote their entire lives to ensuring its future”, he said.

Speaking of the myriad services that Ateret Cohanim provides to the residents of the Old City, Mr. Tammam said, “Every community must have their basic needs met and Ateret Cohanim works assiduously to provide playgrounds for the children as well as schools and community centers. They provide tuition assistance to those who wish to learn at the yeshivos there as well as providing housing for them. You cannot imagine just how much work is entailed in renovating homes and buildings and Ateret Cohanim does just that as they make housing space habitable.”

Addressing the ever present need for security in the Old City, Mr. Tammam ruefully observed, “The 70 or more Jewish families in the Old City must live with 24 hour heavy security. What kind of life is that? They risk their lives every single day in order to make it possible for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live there, one day, please G-d, in peace.” With a sense of optimism and hope, Mr. Tammam added, “Ateret Cohanim has stepped in and sponsored the installation and maintenance of state-of-the-art security systems and has initiated educational programs so that people can live in safety, both physically and emotionally, and for that we should all be deeply indebted.”

Exhorting those who “care about Israel’s right to exist and are concerned about the future of Jerusalem” to take a larger role in assisting their brethren who live there, Mr. Tamman said in a tone of profound conviction, “Because I am so incredibly impressed by the valiant work of Ateret Cohanim, I implore every Jew, every decent person, to lend their support to this organization. If we will not stand up for Jerusalem, if we will not speak out, if we do not take any action, then who will? We must guarantee that future generations will live in peace and security and the only way that’s going to happen is for us to throw our wholehearted support behind the one organization that is inherently interwoven in the fabric of the our beloved capital.”

Having purchased a property in the Old City called Beit Schechter, Henoch and Tova Messner, also recipients of the Bonei Yerushalayim award, recall its glorious past. “This property was named after its original owners who lived there from the 1880s until the 1930s when they were driven out by Arab rioters during the infamous pogroms”, said Mr. Messner.

Prior to making the purchase they sought the counsel of HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, shlita. “When we asked Rav Elyashiv if he thought this cause was important enough for us to become involved with, he was surprised that a Jew could even ask this question. He felt that it was such an imperative thing to do that he gave us his full endorsement and encouraged us to get others involved”, said Mr. Messner, adding that, “there is nothing more natural than a Jew buying a house in Jerusalem. The students of the Vilna Gaon did the same 200 years ago and Ateret Cohanim is at the forefront of continuing this special work today.”

Mr. Messner said that, “The designation of ‘East’ and ‘West’ Jerusalem was created for the purpose of removing Jews from half of the city which they once owned and inhabited before they were forcefully removed. In fact, when the Schechter family lived in their home which we redeemed, the Jews were the predominant majority in that part of the city.”

“The vision of Ateret Cohanim is to bring back the glory of Jerusalem, to rebuild and re-establish the kind of pulsating Jewish communities that were once the hallmark of the Old City,” said Dr. Joseph Frager, Chairman of the Board of Ateret Cohanim. Speaking of the upcoming summit between President Obama and Prime Miniister Benjamin Netanyahu, Dr. Frager added, “Undue pressure will be placed upon Netanyahu by President Obama to begin negotiations with Hamas and now is the time for all of us to stand tall and united for Jerusalem. As Ateret Cohanim is the leader of all the Jerusalem-based organizations, there can be no better response by the Jewish community to world pressure on Israel than by supporting our goals of redeeming Jerusalem, now and forever.”

Shani Hikind, the Executive Vice President of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim said, “I stand in complete awe of the courageous residents of the Old City, Kidmat Zion, Maalei HaZeitim and the Yemenite Village known as Silwan. I don’t know how many of us have the kind of mettle it takes to stand in their shoes. Jerusalem belongs to every single Jew, irrespective of where he or she may be living at the moment. Because of the unbreakable bond between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, each of has a vital stake in its future.”

“The last ten years has seen significant change in Jerusalem”, said Danel Luria, the Executive Director of Ateret Cohanim in Israel. Commenting on the burgeoning Jewish presence in Jerusalem, Mr. Luria said, “Currently there are 110 families living on the Mount of Olives. Eight brave families are now living in Silwan or the Yemenite village as it is known. Recently, Arabs began rioting in the neighborhood, blocking the road with huge boulders and setting tires on fire. Despite these dangers, we are telling the world by our presence there that Jews will not be intimidated, Jews will remain vigilant about preserving their homeland.”

Heaping accolades on this year’s honorees, Mr. Luria said, “The Tammams The Messners, and the Gottfrieds are exceptionally magnanimous people who are quite cognizant of the paramount importance of investing in the future of Jerusalem and have devoted themselves to helping others live there and for that, we are extremely appreciative.”

For information on the upcoming Ateret Cohanim dinner and to make reservations or to place a journal ad please contact Shani Hikind at 212-216-9270 or e-mail: [email protected]. For further information, please visit the Ateret Cohanim web site at: www.jerusalemchai.com