SULTAN YAAKOV file still TOP SECRET

B"H 

Even thirty years after an Israeli tank unit was ambushed by Syrian troops, details of the tragic battle at  Sultan Yaakov  are still hard, if not impossible, to access. The battle took place in Lebanon during the first Lebanon War. The sad result: 20 killed Israeli soldiers, 30 soldieres were injured and several were kidnapped by the Syrians. One of them Zecharia Baumel whose mother is now searching for unanswered questions. 

Plenty of material on the battle of Sultan Yaakov can be found but the strange thing is: You will never really find all questions answered nor all details given. I am not going to deep into the matter now but in a later article. Nevertheless, I would like to point out that the surviving soldiers of the battle still keep quiet until today. None of them is willing to talk about what really happened during the battle. It seems as if those soldiers don't want to give room for accusations and rather retain their honour. But not only the survivors keep quiet. Also the Israeli government and army don't provide the public with too many information. Usually the government acts very fast by launching investigation committees but not in the case of Sultan Yaakov. Everyone just kept silent and thus it doesn't surprise very much that the file is still treated as "top secret". Or in other words, we don't know what really happened at Sultan Yaakov. 

Two of the kidnapped soldiers were exchanged later on but the three soldiers Zecharia Baumel, Zvi Feldman and Yehudah Katz never returned. Their parents accuse the Syrians of keeping them in jail. Who knows whether they are alive or dead. 

Israel's problem is that army generals retire and then start a political career. From a general into the Knesset. First the general will keep quiet about his actions and failures and, as a politician (lets say as Minister of Defense), he even has better opportunities to get away with former failures. For centuries, the same politicians have been elected into the Knesset and for centuries, the same Israeli journalists have been reporting about politics. The two sides know each other well and, unfortunately, only a few journalists dare to ask questions.  

Let me give you a present example: 

We all know that Gilad Shalit wasn't a hero. He neither suffered in the Hamas jail nor did he prove himself as a great fighter. Instead he was watching "National Geographic" and eating Hummus. There are claims that while Shalit's comrades were fighting Palestinian intruders, Shalit himself was hiding inside a tank. The question is: What did really happen when two of Shalit's comrades were killed and Shalit himself was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists ?  

Gilad Shalit's father Noam has been successfully blocking any meeting between the parents of the two dead soldiers and his son. Apparently there are good reasons for not letting those parents talk to Gilad. It goes without saying that Gilad Shalit was locked up for several years by Hamas but, on the other hand, the family of the two dead soldiers who died in battle have a right knowing what really happened during the last moments of their son's lives. So far, the Shalit family doesn't seem to care and Israeli journalists don't even raise the question.

Link:

The forgotten soldiers: Chanan Barak & Pavel Slutzker

Gilad Shalit is thanking Israelis for their help

B"H

It is the first time that Gilad Shalit spoke to the Israeli public and his speech was broadcasted on Israeli TV. After being released from Hamas captivity, Gilad's parents have done anything to protect their son from the media. Now a private movie was made where Gilad Shalit is thanking the Israeli population for supporting him. In particular all those who were demonstrating in favour of him. 

Palestinian Terrorists who are now walking around free

"Gilad Shalit" versus "Palestinian Terrorists"

Gilad Shalit and the Lubavitcher Rebbe

B"H

The amazing story of how Jerusalem Shlucha Chana Canterman befriended Aviva Shalit and the 20 year old dollar from the Rebbe that resulted in recent blessings. 

By COLlive reporter Aviva Shalit, mother of the now released Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, placed a phone call Monday to Chana Canterman, a Chabad Shlucha in Jerusalem, to update on her son's health. 

"He's fine! He's fine!" Mrs. Shalit joyfully said. 

The connection between the two who live in the same country but spend time in different spheres began when the Shalit family began campaigning for their son outside the prime minister's residence. 

Sgt. Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas terrorists on 25 June 2006 in a cross-border raid via underground tunnels near the border with Gaza. 

Chana and her husband Rabbi Eli Canterman, the Shluchim in the Talbiyeh neighborhood in Israel's capital, were one of the volunteers who provided meals for the Shalits in their protest tent. 

The Cantermans had the Sunday shift and have since become close friends with the Shalit family, visiting them often and praying together for Gilad's release from Hamas captivity. 

Chana would spend hours shopping and cooking beautiful meals for the family, a friend of the Cantermans said. 

"Slowly they had to bring larger amounts of food each week because everyone would visit on Sunday because they loved her cooking," the friend said. 

CLOSE BOND 

Naturally, they became close friends with Aviva and her husband Noam Shalit, providing not only food but emotional and psychological support during this time. 

"When I flew in to New York for the annual Kinus Hashluchos convention on 24 Shvat, I asked Aviva what I could bring her back from the U.S.," recalled Mrs. Canterman in an interview with COLlive.com. 

"She told me, 'All I want is Gilad. I don't need presents.' All she thought about was her son." 

The Cantermans also made sure to come by for holidays, in addition to the Sunday visit. For Purim, they organized a festive meal for family and guests, and brought them Matzah on Pesach. During Lag BaOmer day, children came to the tent to say the 12 pesukim (holy passages). 

On April 17th, the day before last Pesach, Chana Canterman brought a special gift to Aviva Shalit along with her meal: a dollar bill that she had received from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that was to be given to a worthy charity. 

"Take this dollar," said Chana, "and may it be a Segulah (merit) that Gilad be released this year." 

Aviva accepted the dollar gratefully and carried it with her wherever she went. "It was a very depressing period for the family," Canterman recalls. "We wanted to give them an opening of hope and strength to continue waiting for the healthy return of their son." 

SUDDEN PROGRESS 

On the same day the Shalits received the dollar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Shalits he replaced the official mediator from Chagai Hadas to David Medan. 

Miraculously, Medan began to receive messages from the Hamas with signs of Gilad Shalit being alive and in stable condition. 

On Rosh Hashana, Rabbi Canterman came by to blow shofar for them. A week later, they heard that Gilad was going to be released on Tishrei 20 - on Chol Hamoed Sukkos. 

The next day, Mrs. Canterman texted Aviva Shalit asking her if she can check the date written on the dollar from the Rebbe (Chabad chassidim often write on the bill when it was received). 

Mrs. Shalit excitedly replied that the date on the dollar that Canterman received over 20 years before from the Rebbe, was Tuesday, 20 Tishrei, the date that Gilad Shalit was released by the terrorists. 

And the year that dollar was given? 5751 - the Hebrew year chassidim spelled out as "the year we will see wonders."

Watch out ! Terrorists in Town !

B"H

Israel's right - wing has published a warning poster where you can see the photos of those Palestinian terrorists who were released in the Gilad Sgalit prisoner exchange. The terrorist on the poster are now back in East Jerusalem. 

Details on ARUTZ 7 (English) as well as on WALLA (Hebrew).

The Kidnapping of SHMUEL ROSENWASSER

B”H 

Israel, Israelis being kidnapped by Arab terrorists and prisoner exchanges – all this is nothing new in Israel's reality but one difference may be that in the years before, the price of Arab kidnappers such as Fatach, Amal, Hizbollah, Hamas, etc. has been much lower than it is the case today. 1027 Arab terrorists were released in order to free one person: Gilad Shalit. Hamas is planning further kidnappings and we can be sure that the next price will be much higher than 1027 terrorists. 

I have started researching on the Internet as well as going through my private book collection in order to learn more about the entire subject. Who is with whom in the Arab world of terror and why ? How did Israel react and why Israel seems to be loosing ? By the way, I read that some Arabs were twittering (regarding Gilad Shalit) that Israel cares about its citiziens whereas Arab countries don't give a damn about their own people. 

The wider public should know about prisoner exchanges and kidnappings done by Arab terrorist groups who, today, are widely accepted as peace partners. The FATACH with Abu Mazen, for instance. Now Russia even invited representatives of the Lebanese Hizbollah for an official visit.  

Here is a short history about one of the first kidnappings carried out by Arab terrorists: 

On the eve of 1 January 1970, the nightguard Shmuel Rosenwasser (then 58 years old) was kidnapped by Fatach terrorists. This happened near the small Israeli town of Metullah near the border to Lebanon.

Four days later, the Fatach officially announced that the nightguard is in their hands. This is what the Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman writes in his book “By any means necessary” (“Medinat Israel Ta’aseh HaKol”). 

Shortly after the announcement, the Fatach demanded from Israel to release 100 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Shmuel Rosenwasser. The Fatach was particularly interested in two terrorists being released:

1. Fatach Terrorist Mahmoud Hijazi, who was in command of a terror attack against Israel in 1965. Hijazi was the thrid person sentenced to death by an Israeli court (after Adolf Eichmann and Me'ir Tuviansky).

2. The first female terrorist Fatma Barnawi, sentenced to life imprisonement for trying to blow up Jerusalem's “Zion” cinema. The terror attempt took place in 1967. 

Secretly the Fatach was aiming for something higher and not only for a prisoner release. The moment Israel started negotiating with Fatach, it showed that Israel was recognizing the terror group. Until then Israel refused acknowledging Fatach, Palestinians or Yassir Arafat. For many years, it was forbidden to talk to such Arab groups as Fatach (the PLO) and if any Israeli did, he could be punished and end up in jail. 

You need to take a closer look at the time: In 1970, the Prime Minister was Golda Me'ir who had always stated that there was no such thing as a Palestinain people. Golda's Minister of Defence was Moshe Dayan. In those days, Israel refused any official talks with Arafat, the Amal or any Arab terror group. This is why the Fatach was very keen on seeing whether Israel would enter into negotiations with them. Israel, however, understood the hint and found a great way out of the dilemma. Golda Me'ir simply accused the Lebanese government for the kidnapping of Shmuel Rosenwasser. 

Already on January 2, 1970, an elite unit of the Israeli GOLANI force entered the Lebanese village Kila. Why Kila ? Because Shmuel Rosenwasser had been taken there after his kidnapping. 

The Golani soldiers didn't find Rosenwasser but arrested about nine Lebanese soldiers together with a couple of civilians. All of them were taken to Israel. Furthermore, the Golani soldiers confiscated plenty weapons and ammunition. 

The Israeli government was working on an additional plan: An Arab - Israeli prisoner should work as an agent for Israel. Eventually such a guy was found in an Israeli jail. The Arab agreed working as an agent and Israel let him escape from prison. The agent made his way to Lebanon, found some Fatach guys and told them about how evil the Zionists are, that he hates them and that he had just escaped from prison. 

The Fatach went for it and the Israeli government informed the local press about the case: An Arab prisoner had escaped from jail. The truth, of course, was not told to the media. A huge media coverage started and due to Israeli press reports, the Lebanese Fatach was convinced that the Arab (agent) had told them the truth. That he was one of them.

The agent did a great job and even found out where Shmuel Rosenwasser was held in captivity. However, due to the location the Israelis decided not to start a military operation. In the end both sides came to the conclusion that a prisoner exchange would be the best way out. 14 months after Shmuel Rosenwasser's kidnapping, he returned as a free man. The day was also his 59th birthday. 

__________________________

Sources:

10 Million Dollar

"Medinat Israel Ta'aseh HaKol" by Ronen Bergmann

The Halacha on the "Shalit Deal"

B"H 

A reader of this blog sent me a very interesting link to an article describing the pros and cons of the "Shalit Deal" in a Jewish religious manner. 

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/captives.html

The forgotten Soldiers CHANAN BARAK and PAVEL SLUTZKER

B”H 

Gilad Shalit – This is all what we hear. In particular from the media and Gilad Shalit's parents Avivah and Noam. For five years, Noam Shalit has made it very clear to us that we, as Israelis, have the duty to care about Gilad. At any cost.

And this “At any cost” has been causing plenty of criticism. First of all from the bereaved families of terror victims and, secondly, from the bereaved families of the two soldiers who died in the Palestinian attack on 25 June 2006. Four soldiers from Gilad Shalit's unit were injured, two got killed and Shalit himself was kidnapped and imprisoned in Gaza. The Shalit family has neither mentioned nor referred to the two dead companions of their son. In Noam and Avivah Shalit's mind, only Gilad exists. 

 

 Photo right : Pavel Slutzker z"l

Gilad Shalit was serving in a tank and the media falsely refers to the tank as  "the tank of Gilad". However, the officer of the tank was not Shalit himself but Lieutnant Chanan Barak (20) from the Negev town Arad. He was killed by the attacking Palestinian terrorists as well as the driver of the tank,  Sergeant  Pavel Slutzker (20). 

The mother of Chanan Barak would like to talk to Gilad Shalit as soon as possible in order to find out about the last minutes her son was alive. I doubt whether Noam Shalit would agree to such a meeting. 

Photo left: Chanan Barak z"l

Yesterday, Israel's daily “Israel Hayom” chose the gigantic headline "HERO" for its front page. Together with a photo of Gilad Shalit. With all respect to Gilad, I don't see him as a hero but as person who deserves honour because he suffered through a Hamas prison for five years. However, I very much doubt whether Gilad Shalit wants to be seen as a hero but just live his life in peace. 

The Israeli newspaper HAARETZ published a great article about the campaign of Noam and Avivah Shalit regarding the forgotten victims of the tank attack: Pavel Slutzker and Chanan Barak. 

"Amana Muna" or "The Internet Murder"

B”H 

These days, people from abroad love to claim that all those female prisoners who are among the 1027 terrorists being released in the "Shalit Deal" must be innocent. Reason: Because they are women.

Let me tell you one thing: If you met one of those women, they wouldn't hesitate for one second of either cutting your throat or blowing you up and stick your intestines onto the next car antenna. 

 Example: The female killer of 16 - year - old OFIR RACHUM. 

Ofir Rachum

Photo: YNET

In January 2001, the 16 - year - old teenager Ofir Rachum was found dead near Ramallah. A few months before, he had met a young woman in an Internet chatroom and, apparently, fallen in love with her. At least twice, Ofir had made his way from his hometown Ashkelon to Jerusalem where he met the 20 - year - old woman. When he asked her why she spoke Hebrew with an Arab accent, she had a few answers for him. One was that she had just made Aliyah from Morocco.

In January 2001, again Ofir took the bus to Jerusalem where the woman suggested a little trip. Not knowing the area, Ofir didn't realize that the woman took him to Ramallah. On the way, a second car stopped and a Palestinian terrorist killed Ofir. The terrorist was a friend of the young woman whose real name is Amana Muna. It was Amana Muna who had arranged the killing of Ofir Rachum. 

The day before yesterday, Amana Muna was released from jail and sent to Gaza. Gaza was her choice and not a destination called Ramallah. Not only was she responsible for the murder of Ofir Rachum but while being in jail, Amana Muna had harassed and even tortured her Palestinian inmates. Now she was afraid of their revenge and chose being sent to Gaza where not too many people know her. If she had returned to Ramallah she may have ended up with a cut throat and dumped into a trash can. 

Interview with the father of Ofir Rachum regarding the "Shalit - Deal"

Gilad Shalid is back home

B"H

I don't think that the day can end without saying something about the release of Gilad Shalit. It was such a big issue in Israel and the media didn't stop reporting for one minute. Whoever could was watching the live reports about Gilad returning to Israel. Despite all discussions about freeing 1027 terrorists (about 450 today, the rest will follow soon), it was great and heartbreaking seeing Gilad Shalit alive. Israeli officials were already glad seeing him standing on two legs although he looked weak and pale. His father Noam said later on, that Gilad is lacking Vitamin D due to his captivity.

When we watched Gilad Shalit entering Israel, we forgot about all those murderers and terrorists celebrating in Gaza, Ramallah, East Jerusalem or Umm - al - Fachem. Israel is a small country and in certain situations we all feel like a family. Today the lost son came home but we cannot deny the feeling that the future will bring us more terrorists and further victims. The terrorists announced that they will continue their ways of terror and Hamas is ready to kidnap more Israeli soldiers and / or settlers in order to get many more of their murderous companions released.

Nevertheless, after all kinds of official talks and welcoming, this evening, Gilad Shalit landed at his home in Mitzpe Hila (northern Israel). His father, later on, gave a press conference where he stated that his son was held alone and had no one to talk to. At first, he was referred to as an enemy but, as time went by, his Hamas guards behaved towards him in a nicer way. 

Killer - Express

Israel releasing 1027 Arab terrorists due to the "Shalit Deal". A bus load full of terrorists leaving jail.

Source: Arutz 7

AZIZ SALHA - A Murder is being released

B”H

Bibi (Netanyahu) also releases me !

Aziz Salha – One of the participants in the lynch of the two reserve duty soldiers Vadim Nurzhitz und Yossi Avrahami. 

On 12 October 2000, the two Israeli soldiers Vadim Nurzhitz and Yossi Avrahami took the wrong turn and ended up at a Palestinian checkpoint outside Ramallah. They were arrested by Palestinian cops and taken to the local police station where they were brutally murdered by a Palestinian mob.

These days, hundreds of Palestinian terrorists with blood on their hands are being released in the “Gilad Shalit – Deal”. Among those murderers is Aziz Salha. On Tuesday, he will walk away as a free man.

 

A list with all kinds of news report about the lynch in Ramallah, including graphic pictures of the two lynched soldiers.

The HAMAS and its secrecy

Photo: Gaza Graffiti making fun of Gilad Shalit

B”H  

The News Site of the Lebanese terror organization Hizbollah, “Ma’an”, reports that Hamas is not willing to release any details about Gilad Shalit's location and circumstances of capture. Furthermore there are sources indicating that the Hamas wants to avoid any details released about Shalit's prisoner conditions. Everything is going to remain “top secret”. 

How is this going to work when Shalit himself could talk about his conditions and how he was able to survive ?  Unless Hamas is giving a hint here that Shalit is either dead or mentally gone and thus won't be able to provide any information. 

I cannot help myself but something stinks about the whole deal. Does Israel have any proof whether Shalit is alive or not ? The truth is that no one knows anything and only shortly before the actual exchange, the Red Cross will be allowed to meet him.

Terrorists who are going to be released in "Shalit Deal"

B”H 

The Arab press was faster than Israel. The Israeli press was planning to publish the names of the terrorists who are going to be exchanged for Gilad Shalit only by tomorrow. 

There are different opinions in Israel. Although everyone is happy that Gilad is coming home (hopefully alive), no one is happy with all those terrorist going to be relased. I admit that it could have been worse if Marwan Barghouti would be freed but, in the end, he is not. 

Hopefully the Israeli government is making sure beforehand, whether Gilad Shalit is really alive or if only a coffin is coming back. 

Here is the list with some names of terrorists being part of the deal and are going to be free soon:

Abdel Hadi Ghanem, an Islamic Jihad terrorist responsible for the 1989 terror attack on Egged bus 405, in which 16 Israelis were killed. 

Fahad Schludi, a terror operative who took part in the 1993 abduction and murder of IDF soldier Yaron Chen. 

Bassam Abu Sneina and Riyad Asila, who are serving a life sentence for the 1998 murder of yeshiva student Haim Kerman. 

Nael al-Barghouthi, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1978, for murdering an Israeli security officer. 

Yehiya As-Sinwar, who was one of the founders of Hamas' security forces in Gaza and was involved in the abduction and murder of IDF soldier Nachshon Wachsman. He is also the brother of one of the terrorists involved in Gilad Shalit's kidnapping. 

Jihad Yarmur, who was convicted of Nachshon Wachsman's murder. 

Ahmed Najar, former head of the Silwad terror cell, which killed three Israelis in six shooting attacks during the al-Aqsa Intifada. 

Mohammed Hamada, who was convicted of planning a rocket attack on Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. 

Ruhi Musteha, a senior operative with Hamas' military wing. 

The list also includes the names of the six Israeli-Arabs slated to be release: Ali Amira, Muhammad Jabarin, Muhammad Ziada, Wahem Amisha, and Mukhales Braal. 

Source: YNET

28th August 2011: Gilad Shalit is "celebrating" his 25th Birthday

Another Pessach without Gilad Shalid

Not to be Missed

Source: Israel Hayom

Hamas is exhibiting Gilad Shalit's Uniform

B"H

The Hamas in Gaza opened a "special" exhibition due to the second anniversary of Israel's last attack on Gaza.  Then the Israeli army was trying to destroy any rocket launching location used by Hamas in order to attack the Negev town of Sderot. 

Afterwards the Hamas collected all kinds of objects Israeli soldiers had left behind. Now the terror group has started an exhibition and part of it is also the uniform of the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. Typical Hamas: No human behaviour but just a bunch of sadistic creatures.

 

Photo & Article (in Hebrew): ARUTZ 7

Gilad Shalit and the Israel Museum

B"H

I have been around today. In the morning I went to the tent demonstration in Gaza Street / Jerusalem where Avivah and Noam Shalit reside until their son Gilad is being freed. The parents of the kidnapped soldier where not there when I came but somewhere in a meeting. I spoke to a young woman who seemed to be the spokesperson and she told me that they will all stay there until Gilad is back. I asked her whether she is optimistic and she said that she woulnd't be there if she wasn't.

I took plenty of photos and even bought a T - shirt. Cost: A twenty Shekels (5 Dollar) donation.

Afterwards I went to the modernized and re - opened ISRAEL MUSEUM across the Knesset. 48 Shekels entrance fee for an adult (soldiers get free tickets) is a lot but the visit was worth the money. I was able to take pictures outside. For instance of the "Shrine of the Book" with the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as of the mini - model of the Second Temple and Jerusalem during the Temple times.

The museum was packed at 11am. What was missing were more seats and benches. The exhibitins were great and the museum added many more items to see.

However, I will put all details into the blogs tomorrow ! Before I am starting my long Shabbat weekend in Tel Aviv.