Name:     Michael L. S.   [E-Mail]
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      Website:  Middle East Resource Center


 

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Shalom shalom!

Hehe. Arutz 7 have for weeks loudly boasted that not a single settler had requested compensation from the Disengagement Authority (a couple of examples: "No-One Signed Up" and "Self-Expulsion Offer Sees No Takers"). However, it turned out a couple of days ago that not only had quite a few settlers sought specific information about the compensation, but, indeed, that: "The residents of three settlements in the northern Gaza Strip have asked the Disengagement Administration to relocate them in their entirety." (Read the full article.) Naturally, I endeavored to bring this fact to A7's attention, in my ever-tactful way. But for some reason, Arutz Sheva did not publish the comment in which I publicized this fact. This is even more peculiar, since they have so far ALWAYS printed my comments, regardless how "off-message" they may have been. One can only conclude that, quite apart from A7's well known agenda, they are actually positively seeking to suppress news which does not conform with the spiel they're plugging there. And when we survey another glaring omission, that of the "confirmed kill" case, this doubt is further confirmed. Arutz Sheva is also the outlet from which a great many American Jews (and so-called Xian Zionists, whatever they're supposed to be) obtain their information. Now, these people are by and large extreme enough already and this managed inculcation of propaganda (for censored news is exactly that: propaganda) only aggravates things further, as can be readily adjudged by glancing at the comments appended to the posted articles. It is also sad because even non-mainstream agenda can be promulgated without resorting to such underhand tactics as selective reporting. Arutz Sheva, this is a big thumbs-down for you.

And two pieces of good news!! Firstly, a Yesha rabi has made known a request which is in line with the kind of solution to the ME conflict which I would find ideal. To wit, he has said that he would prefer even to deal with the PA, rather than be evacuated, per the 2005 Disengagement plan. That is precisely what I would hope would happen. There is no need to kick 300,000 people out of their homes just because they're Jews. The settlers should have the choice to stay in Yesha--to say, the new Palestinian state--, lose the State's protection and catering, and arrange all their affairs directly with the Palestinians. But we'll see...

And the best for last. Azam Azam, the Israeli businessman who spent seven years in Egyptian prison on "spying" charges was released Monday. Mr. Azam is back in Israel. Upon his arrival in his homeland, Azzam said to our Rosh haMemshalah: "I love you very much. I told my brothers that if I don't get out when Arik Sharon is prime minister, I never will. I am lucky to have been born in Israel and I'm proud of it." !ברוך הבא לבית שלך Oh yeah, just a tangential note: Mr. Azam is an Israeli Arab! In your face, Cliffy and the rest of you Israel-haters. Seriously though, I am personally thrilled Azam is free and back with us.

Well, I'm having my birthday tomorrow so I won't be around for a few days. Have a shabat shalom and a shavua tov in the meantime. Kol tuv!!

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