Israel News for May 3, 2017
UNESCO Gift
UNESCO gave Israel an unwanted gift on Yom Ha’atzmaut. The organization passed a resolution calling on Israel (the “occupying power”) to cease “persistent excavations, tunneling, works and projects in east Jerusalem.” The UNESCO resolution did reaffirm “the importance of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls for the three monotheistic religions,” though it accused Israel of taking actions that have “altered, or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City.”
The countries that voted in support of the resolution were: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Sudan; Iran, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Sweden, Russia, China, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Chad.
Ten countries opposed the resolution: the US, Ukraine, Italy , Germany, Great Britain, Paraguay, Lithuania, Greece, Togo, and the Netherlands.
The countries that abstained were: France, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, Albania, Cameroon, Estonia, the Ivory Coast, Slovenia, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, Argentina, India, El Salvador, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
On the bright side, the number of nations that voted against the resolution or abstained was greater than those who voted for it.
No more gifts, please.
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Jew Stabs
In an unusual (and tragic) twist of the news, a 19 year old Jewish man from Pisgat Ze’ev tried to stab a soldier at the Him checkpoint north of Jerusalem in an apparent attempt to commit suicide. The man was known to be mentally unbalanced and had left behind a suicide note. He worked as part of the kitchen staff at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Soldiers shot and seriously wounded him. No soldiers were harmed.
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Head Shot
In a conversation with an wounded soldier, the IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot recounted his own injury, which took place about two years after he enlisted in the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion in 1980. He was shot in the head during a training exercise. Eisenkot said, “I was in a very difficult situation, but since then I have had an open mind. It’s a benefit in life. As somebody who took a bullet to the head in Golani, it’s a benefit. Ever since, I’ve had an open mind.”
So a bullet to the head can help open your mind. If you survive. Interesting.
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Bible Winner
For the first time in 30 years, a secular (non-religious) student has won the World Bible Quiz. The 59th edition of the renown contest, held in Jerusalem, was won by 15 year old Sagiv Lugasi of Maalot. He defeated 18 year old Naomi Cohen of Tzfat by two points in the final round.
Maria Shpilowitz, a resident of Grodno, Belarus, reached third place. Shpilowitz, who does not study in a Jewish school, said that she had taught herself in preparation for the quiz.
Shlomo Helfgot of Teaneck, New Jersey, came in fourth place.
PM Netanyahu and Education Minister Bennett were there to congratulate the winners.
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