At the beginning of the Oslo war (on Rosh HaShanna), a 'Palestinian' mob attacked Joseph's
tomb and destroyed it. An IDF soldier, Mahdat Yusuf, bled to death in
that attack. Ehud Barak was
the Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) then and refused to let the IDF go in to rescue the soldiers who were trapped there. Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz was the Judea and Samaria commander at the time. The tomb was closed for nearly ten years after that incident, and was officially reopened in 2010.
Around 5:00 am on Friday, 'Palestinian' terrorists torched the tomb - now under 'Palestinian' control with access supposedly guaranteed to Jews - once again.
According to available details about the Joseph's Tomb
incident, at around 5 a.m. Friday some 100 Palestinians rioted outside
the compound and at some point began hurling firebombs onto the
premises, setting the main access to the tomb, its courtyard and part of
the building on fire.
Defense officials told Channel 2 News that Palestinian
security forces were able to extinguish the flames and disperse the riot
by the time Israeli forces had arrived.
A second, smaller riot, erupted when Israeli
security forces arrived at the holy site.
Rioters pelted the troops with
rocks and threw firebombs at their vehicles. The soldiers use crowd
control measures to disperse the riot.
Security forces have remained on the premises to prevent Palestinian rioters from vandalizing the site further.
Joseph's Tomb is under the Palestinian
security forces' control. Jewish prayer in the compound is allowed, but
worshippers are required to coordinate their visits with the military,
which escorts them in and out of the area.
Jewish access to the compound is often restricted for security reasons.
Following the incident, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner
of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, tweeted, "IDF will bring perpetrators to
justice, restore the site & ensure that freedom of worship returns
to Joseph's Tomb."
Even UPI's headline said that the tomb had been set on fire by 'Palestinians.' But not CNN's. Their headline reads:Joseph's Tomb site catches fire in spate of Palestinian-Israeli violence. That's right, it just 'caught fire' (was it reaching up to catch it?) spontaneously. And it was in a spate of 'Palestinian'-Israeli violence - note that in the Yisrael HaYom account quoted above, there were no Israelis at the tomb when the 'Palestinians' set it on fire - the IDF arrived later.
Here's CNN's report, which is only slightly better.
Let's go to the videotape.
And the written report is not much better.
Fire broke out at the compound housing Joseph's Tomb overnight, a
religious site venerated by Jews, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Palestinian forces dispersed alleged Palestinian arsonists and put out
the fire.
Unless you get to the second sentence, you might think there was a gas leak or an electrical failure. The initial report is 'fire broke out.' I have to wonder whether the words 'dispersed illegal Palestinian arsonists' were added later because other people saw the report.
CNN lies.
UPDATE 3:49 PM
I meant to add this, which I received by email:
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council: "As a Jew I must
voice my deep shock over this terrible act. I believe that there's
nobody from the free world who would not see this act as barbaric
and criminal. To set on fire one of the holiest sites of the Jewish
people - A historical asset to the whole world!
"This is the barbarity of the Palestinian Authority and the person
heading it. Another act that proves that we cannot rely on this
'partner'. I call on the Prime Minister to immediately bring back
IDF forces to Joseph's Tomb, because it's clear that if he doesn't,
there will be nobody to guard this inalienable asset for us. Again,
the responsibility belongs to Abu Mazen, the Holocaust denier, and
he has to answer for it.
"Leaders of the enlightened world: Where are your condemnations???
John Kerry, Ban Ki Moon, Mogrini - such a gang of hypocrites! What
would you have done if an important Islamic mosque were burned down?
You should be ashamed of yourselves!!!
"In the face of such Arab barbarity in Shechem and the political
hypocrisy overseas, I call on the Prime Minister to order IDF forces
to return Israeli control to Joseph's Tomb (something that is called
for even in the accursed Oslo accords).
The cat cannot guard the cream! He'll burn it!
Only the IDF can protect this holy site. We must put an end to this
disgrace. This is the only real and correct response - THIS VERY
MORNING is the time!
Three 'Palestinian police officers' indicted for murder at Joseph's tomb
Just days after they were released from a 'Palestinian prison' for 'shooting in the air,' three 'Palestinian police officers' have been indicted for murdering Ben Yosef Livnat HY"D (May God Avenge his blood) and wounding five others at Joseph's tomb in 2011.
Ben Yosef Livnat was killed and five Israelis were shot and wounded at Joseph’s Tomb at Nablus two years ago.
Security
forces at the time named the three West Bank residents in custody as
Nuaf Auda, 24, Wael Dauod, 24 – both armed PA patrol officers at the
time of the incident – and Tarki Zuara’a, 23, who was an unarmed
driver.On May 22, the IDF and Shin Bet arrested three men after they
were released from the PA’s custody. They had been incarcerated for two
years after being convicted only of firing in the air during the
shootings.
The Shin Bet said two additional Palestinians – a
patrol unit commander and an additional patrol officer – were involved
in the shooting. The commander is still in a PA jail for his role in the
shooting, while the officer has gone into hiding in a PA security
building.
“During questioning, the suspects confessed to firing on
Israeli vehicles despite the fact that their lives were not at risk,”
the Shin Bet said.
The investigation found that one of the bullets
fired by the patrol officers killed Livnat. Livnat was a father of four
from Elon Moreh and a nephew of Culture and Sports Minister Limor
Livnat.
Before their questioning by the PA, the suspects
coordinated their accounts of the incident to give the impression that
they were under attack, the Shin Bet said.
After the shooting, the
suspects placed rocks on the road leading to the tomb, to back up their
testimony that they had come under a rock attack and that they fired in
self-defense, it added.
The cover-up continued inside a PA prison, where the suspects were held after the shooting, the Shin Bet said.
The
prison’s chief injured one of the suspect’s leg, with the suspect’s
consent, to provide further “evidence” that the Palestinian officers had
been wounded by the Israelis.
“The investigation is still
ongoing. After its completion, the investigation’s findings will be sent
to Judea and Samaria District prosecutors for an indictment against the
suspects,” the Shin Bet said.
According to the report, it is still unclear when a final hearing will be held to remand the suspects until the end of the proceedings. The sooner the better. If these guys are released, we will never see them again.
A particularly heinous attack of vandalism against a religious site near Shchem (Nablus) is being ignored. If an attack like this one, which included the spreading of human and animal waste on the floor of a holy site, had been perpetrated against a mosque, you would have read about it in every mainstream publication, and it might have even been mentioned in the daily White House or State Department briefings. But this attack was perpetrated against a Jewish site, Joseph's tomb (the picture above is from a previous instance), and so the closest it gets to the mainstream media - let alone the White House or the State Department - is Arutz Sheva (Hat Tip: MFS - The Other News).
Visitors to the Tomb of Yosef in Shechem were shocked to discover
Wednesday night yet another instance of major Arab vandalism to the holy
site. Arabs trashed furniture, destroyed books, and defaced the site
with anti-Semitic graffiti, and there was evidence that they had tried
to burn the structure down. In addition, human and animal waste was
found all over the floor of the site.
Mesika joined with more than 2,500 other
people Wednesday night who visited the site. The visit was organized by
the Samaria Regional Council and the Shechem Echad organization, and the
visitors were accompanied by IDF soldiers and police. Accompanying
Mesika to the site was the Admor m'Rachlov.
Samaria Council Chairman Gershon Mesika
called IDF officials to express his shock at the damage. “Only
barbarians are capable of doing terrible things like this, destroying a
holy place,” said Mesika. The State of Israel must reclaim the Tomb of
Yosef, as described in the Oslo Accords. We must return with strength
and faith and reestablish our presence, and that yeshiva, at the Tomb,”
he said.
Deputy Council Director Yossi Dagan
pointed a finger of blame at the PA police who are supposed to be
guarding the site. “The Palestinian terrorist police are responsible for
the site when IDF soldiers are not present. They have proven a long
time ago that they have lost all semblance of humanity. These are the
terrorists in uniforms who murdered Yosef Ben Livnat h”yd, and now they
dump their waste and try to burn down the Tomb.”
The large crowd of Jews that had arrived
to worship were forced to wait outside for long minutes as soldiers and
police cleaned up the site.
Aren't you glad that Israel turned over control of Jewish holy sites to the kind, caring 'Palestinians'? Doesn't this encourage you to want to do it again?
To prevent the hassidim form infiltrating the tomb, the Palestinian Authority has stationed cameras on the road leading up to the compound, as well as inside it.
A fence has been erected around the compound and bars have been installed on all windows.
So far, the measures have proven effective: "We had to turn back, we had no choice, we didn’t want to get caught," a Breslover told the newspaper.
In an attempt to reach a peaceful compromise, the Breslovers distributed Arabic and Hebrew flyers in the area, reading: "To the Palestinian security forces: In the name of God almighty, to whom we all pray, we come in peace to pray at the holy tomb of Joseph the righteous.
"We do not seek war and we do not seek to provoke you. We respect you and have nothing against you. We ask that you allow us to pray here in a safe and free manner."
For the record, under the 'Oslo Accords,' designated Jewish Holy sites, including Joseph's tomb, are supposed to remain under Israeli control. That has not been the case since defenseless defense minister Ehud Barak - who was Prime Minister at the time - ordered an IDF soldier to be abandoned to bleed to death rather than offend the 'Palestinians.' That incident took place on the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanna, 5761 (in the fall of 2000).
It's bad enough that we make one-sided deals in favor of these beasts, we could at least keep the few things in the deals that are in our favor.
For video of a large number of Jews at Joseph's tomb, go here.
'Palestinians' to gain control of Joseph's tomb and other Judea and Samaria sites
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that now that the 'Palestinians' have joined UNESCO, they will seek control of Joseph's tomb, the Church of the Nativity and other religious sites in Judea and Samaria.
Significant religious sites throughout the West Bank, including the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem and Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, will be among the first to be pushed forward for world heritage status now Palestine has been granted membership of UNESCO.
A Palestinian Authority spokesman there were many sites and shrines in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip that until now had been unprotected because of a lack of recognition and funding.
''Now we will be able to protect them and make sure they are known around the world,'' he said. ''We believe that becoming a member of the UNESCO is an overdue right for a country that has such a significant amount of heritage sites.'' Advertisement: Story continues below
Tourism - particularly religious tourism - is a hotly contested issue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The authority claims agreements such as the 1994 Paris Protocol severely restrict tourism and therefore economic development in the Palestinian territories.
I guess the 'Palestinians' aren't worried too much about abrogating the Oslo Accords, which govern the current arrangements. Hmmm.
Here's Soccer Dad's Middle East Media Sampler for Sunday, October 9.
1) Find the real headlines a) Imams stand in solidarity with burned shrine
And yet, during the "tunnel" riots of two weeks ago, there were incidents of murder and sacrilege. One occurred in Nablus, an Arab town under P.L.O. control. There is in Nablus a Jewish religious site, Joseph's Tomb. Under the P.L.O.-Israeli peace accords, it remained a tiny enclave peopled by devout Jews and, for protection, a few Israeli soldiers. On Sept. 26, it was attacked by a Palestinian mob throwing firebombs. Six Israelis were killed. Many prayer books were burned.This is the Middle Eastern equivalent of a mob of whites torching a black church, killing parishioners and burning its holy objects. Yet, while the tunnel received enormous coverage complete with diagrams, the desecration at Joseph's Tomb, if reported at all, merited at most a few sentences. And a similar Palestinian attempt to firebomb Judaism's third holiest shrine, Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, received in the major American press no mention at all, save one in the New York Times--in a picture caption on page 12!
Bullets were fired at Rachel's Tomb as soon as the riots began, from the Aida refugee camp between Beit Jala and Bethlehem, and from the roofs of buildings located to the west, south and east. Palestinian Authority security forces, who were responsible for keeping order, not only failed to prevent the violence, they actively participated in it. When the gunfire at soldiers and visitors increased, the Israeli army took to the neighboring roofs. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the battles, Shahar Vekret and Danny Darai. Darai was murdered by Atef Abayat, a Tanzim operative who headed the main terrorist network in Bethlehem at the time.17 In his book Permission Given, Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman revealed that not only was Abayat not arrested, as Israel demanded from the Palestinian Authority, but Yasser Arafat personally instructed that he be paid.
More than a thousand rabbis from around the world have signed a statement denouncing the burning of an Israeli mosque as police arrested a suspect who is alleged to be a Jewish extremist. “We condemn those in Israel who exacerbate conflict and strife, and who insist that only one people or religion belongs to this land,” said the statement, which organizers say was overwhelmingly signed by U.S. rabbis.
Regarding those who insist "...only one people or religion belongs to this land," Palestinian Media Watch recently observed:
The day after PA Chairman Abbas delivered the Palestinian Authority's request for statehood to the UN, PA TV, which is controlled directly by Abbas' office, broadcast a map that erases Israel and envisions Palestinian sovereignty over all of Israel. The map includes both the PA areas and all of Israel (excluding the Golan Heights) wrapped in the Palestinian flag - a symbol of Palestinian sovereignty over the whole area - and has a key through it, symbolizing ownership.
The key I believe is a symbol of the homes the Palestinians claimed to have left while fleeing the Jews. What's frustrating about the Rabbis who stand with the mosque is that they don't acknowledge that he is a fringe character in Israeli society. Every major politician spoke out against the arson. The Israeli police investigated and arrested a suspect. He will be tried and if found guilty, will be punished. He will not be celebrated. Contrast that with Mother of 4 terrorist murderers chosen by the PA to launch statehood campaign:
The Palestinian Authority chose the mother of 4 terrorist murderers, one of whom killed seven Israeli civilians and attempted to kill twelve others, as the person to launch their statehood campaign with the UN. In a widely publicized event, the PA had Latifa Abu Hmeid lead the procession to the UN offices in Ramallah and to hand over a letter for the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
Among the Palestinians, even moderate Fatah celebrates terror.
2) A headline that you wouldn't have seen 30 years ago.
As the end to the American military presence in Iraq is approaching, the United States is embarking on an a "Marshall Plan" for Iraq.
The State Department will take over operations in Iraq from the U.S. military by the end of the year, in its biggest overseas operation since the effort to rebuild Europe after WWII. The Washington Postreports that some 16,000 civilians eventually will work under the American ambassador to Iraq, the scale of which has raised concerns among lawmakers and others.
More than six months after the start of the Syrian uprising, Iraq is offering key moral and financial support to the country’s embattled president, undermining a central U.S. policy objective and raising fresh concerns that Iraq is drifting further into the orbit of an American arch rival — Iran.Iraq’s stance has dealt an embarrassing setback to the Obama administration, which has sought to enlist Muslim allies in its campaign to isolate Syrian autocrat Bashar al-Assad. While other Arab states have downgraded ties with Assad, Iraq has moved in the opposite direction, hosting official visits by Syrians, signing pacts to expand business ties and offering political support.
The first article also reported:
U.S. military officials have said Iraq’s security forces are“good enough”to contain violence after the drawdown.
But the Washington Post reports that there will a delay in the pullback of Iraqi troops from cities:
The delay is an acknowledgment that even after four years of declining violence, Iraq’s police force is not capable of maintaining security on its own. The other worry is that violence will increase when American troops complete their own withdrawal from the country at year’s end.
I believed that deposing Saddam Hussein would remove a threat to the Middle East and open the door to a stable pro-Western Iraq. I guess that was overly optimistic.
A holy site in Israel has been defaced. Worshipers discovered that the site had graffiti scrawled all over it, including swastikas, when they went there to pray Slichoth prayers on Wednesday night. But this time, not one Israeli politician has condemned the damage. The only religious leaders who have condemned the damage have been the country's two chief rabbis - Yona Metzger and Joseph Amar - and local rabbis in the area. No clergy from other religions have apologized. No Binyamin Netanyahu and no Shimon Peres. No foreign politicians either. That's because this time, the site that was defaced was Joseph's tomb in Shchem, and it was probably defaced by 'Palestinians.'
Unknown assailants have scrawled graffiti, including swastikas, on the walks of Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. Soldiers and worshippers arriving at the holy site on Wednesday night, exactly one year after the completion of its renovation, rushed to erase the graffiti.
Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika placed responsibility on the "Palestinian police terrorists."
Some 1,500 people visited Joseph's Tomb in a special prayer organized by the Shomron Regional Council and the Shechem Echad organization in coordination with the security forces, ahead of Yom Kippur.
When the first soldiers and worshippers arrived at the site, they immediately painted the graffiti in white and the prayer began.
Selichot were said throughout the night in different Jewish versions, and the sounds of the shofar were heard across the West Bank city. Participants included Samaria Rabbi Elyakim Levanon and Rabbi David Dudkevitch of Yitzhar, who hosted the Rebbe of Volbroz, visiting from the United States.
...
Israel's Chief Rabbis Yona Metzger and Shlomo Amar expressed their shock and disgust over the damage caused to the holy tomb. "It's unthinkable that the holiest sites serve as a target of revenge between religions," they said in a statement.
The two called on all religious clerics to strongly condemn the incident and "instill in their followers feelings of respect for the values sacred to members of other religions."
Fat chance. Does anyone smell a double standard?
By the way, the government announced on Thursday that it arrested an 18-year old yeshiva student from the north in connection with the alleged Tuba Zanghariya mosque arson. The arrest was made within a few hours of the fire, but there's a gag order on the case. More details here.
This morning 15 MKs from 5 different political parties came together in an historic visit to Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem. This cross-party visit was arranged by Gershon Mesika, the Governor of the Shomron Region and a long-time advocate of Jewish rights of worship at holy sites across Judea and Samaria, and in coordination with Israeli and PA security forces. This momentous occasion – the first such visit during daytime hours in many years (since 2000) – has only been made possible through Mr. Mesika’s tireless efforts to secure the right of worship for Jews at Joseph’s Tomb since taking office 3 years ago.
Yaakov David Ha'ivri - Director of the Shomron Liaison Office said: "Today’s visit is made all the more significant in that it comes merely a month and a half after the murder of Yoseph Livnat, a religious Jew who was killed by Palestinian Authority forces whilst making his way to the Tomb, unarmed, with the intent to peacefully worship at the site. Today’s event sends a clear message that the Jewish people clings fiercely to its Holy Sites and will continue to do so in spite of the violent and often murderous attempts of our enemies to break the bond between the people of Israel and their land."
Video: Celebrating the liberation of Judea and Samaria
Earlier, I posted an invitation to an event celebrating Jerusalem Day on Mount Gerizim. The event marked the liberation of Judea and Samaria, which took place the same week as the liberation of Jerusalem.
I now have video of that event, which drew more than 5,000 people. Let's go to the videotape.
Some 200 Jews 'infiltrated' the town of Shchem (Nablus) on Sunday night and went to pray at Joseph's tomb. 50 of them attempted to stay in the tomb and clashed with the IDF.
According to Army Radio, the infiltrators called for Israel to retake control over the area.
"This behavior risks lives and leads to the unnecessary risking of soldiers' lives who were forced to act even in daylight in the center of Nablus," the statement added.
Overnight Sunday, Palestinian filed complaints about property damage which will be looked into.
"The IDF sees the behavior of the infiltrators as severely irresponsible and it will be examined in cooperation with various security forces, who will also check the nature of the security over the entrance to Joseph's Tomb for the future," the IDF spokesperson said.
In related news, about 1600 worshippers entered Joseph's Tomb Sunday night under the approval of the IDF. Due to high demand to visit the Tomb, the number of buses to the destination were doubled.
But Arutz Sheva writes that the real story was the 1,600 Jews who entered with the IDF's permission.
The IDF approved the pilgrimage in honor of the special "Yesod she'byesod" day of the Omer counting, which is considered to be a special "Joseph" day. It was held five weeks after Palestinian Authority soldiers intentionally shot at Jewish worshipers at the holy site, killing Ben Yosef Livnat.
Let's go to the videotape.
For the record, under the 'Oslo Accords,' designated Jewish Holy sites, including Joseph's tomb, are supposed to remain under Israeli control. That has not been the case since defenseless defense minister Ehud Barak - who was Prime Minister at the time - ordered an IDF soldier to be abandoned to bleed to death rather than offend the 'Palestinians.' That incident took place on the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanna, 5761 (in the fall of 2000).
It's bad enough that we make one-sided deals in favor of these beasts, we could at least keep the few things in the deals that are in our favor.
IDF probe concludes 'Palestinian police' tried to murder Jewish worshipers but may not have planned in advance
An IDF probe has concluded that 'Palestinian police' purposely tried to murder Jewish worshipers outside Joseph's tomb in Shchem (Nablus) last month, although they may not have planned to do so in advance. The incident, in which Ben Yosef Livnat HY"D (may God avenge his blood) was murdered, has been classified as a terror attack.
The group illegally entered Nablus without firstly coordinating the visit with the IDF as stipulated by law. Nablus is Area A territory, under Palestinian control and therefore off limits to Israeli citizens. The four Palestinian policemen were immediately placed under arrest by the Palestinian Authority which is continuing to investigate the shooting.
Last week, the Defense Ministry official recognized Livnat as the victim of a terrorist attack enabling his family to receive compensation from the state.
The results of the IDF probe, released on Sunday, did not find evidence that the Palestinian policemen had planned the attack but did conclude that the gunfire was intentional and aimed at killing the group of Jews who had infiltrated into the area near the tomb. The PA policemen opened fire, Gantz said, without justification and when their lives were not in danger.
And you can bet that the PA policemen will soon have town squares in 'Palestine' named after them.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Defenseless defense minister Ehud Barak has surrendered to terror again.
On Tuesday, Barack canceled a scheduled visit to Joseph's tomb by MK's from the Land of Israel lobby. The visit was to have marked the end of the Shloshim (30-day mourning period) for Ben Yosef Livnat HY"D (may God avenge his blood), who was murdered by 'Palestinian policemen' outside the tomb during Passover. It was to have been the first visit to the tomb by Jews during the day - and not like thieves in the night - since an IDF soldier was left to bleed to death at the tomb on Ehud Barak's orders rather than confronting 'Palestinian' rioters in 2000. The reason that was given for the cancellation was fear of 'Palestinian' violence.
MKs Ze’ev Elkin and Aryeh Eldad, who head the Land of Israel Lobby, responded with derision to the decision. “Defense Minister Barak and the defense establishment have proven that they cannot stand behind their words and enable a visit to the Tomb of Joseph on the 30th day after a PA policeman murdered Ben Yosef Livnat there,” the stated. Noting that the Tomb of Joseph was supposed to be in Israeli control according to the Oslo Accords. They called the decision “a surrender to the terror threats of the PA, which incited the PA public to violently oppose the visit.”
Political sources attacked Judea and Samaria Division Commander Nitzan Alon, who they said had been “trying to torpedo the visit from day one.”
It's time for the cowardly Ehud Barak to go home. Permanently.
IDF investigation: 'PA police' including 'former' terrorist shot 44 bullets at unarmed Israelis
An IDF investigation has concluded that 'Palestinian police' shot 44 bullets at mostly unarmed Israeli civilians in the April 24 incident in which Ben Yosef Livnat was murdered. The investigation has also concluded that at least one of the 'Palestinian police' was a terrorist who had been released from an Israeli jail.
A probe by the Judea and Samaria division of the IDF stated the attack at Joseph's Tomb was unwarranted, and the report did not rule out the possibility that it may have been a terrorist attack, Voice of Israel government radio reported. The soldiers shot with the intention to kill, according to the IDF.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and police are conducting a further investigation to determine whether the shooting and murder were pre-meditated.
Israel National News reported last week that an internal Palestinian Authority probe contradicted initial claims that the PA soldiers shot at the worshippers because they allegedly broke through a PA checkpoint on their way home from the holy site.
The IDF report confirmed that the PA troops shot 44 bullets without any provocation and that there was no danger to their lives. Most, if not all, of the Jews were unarmed, contrary to claims disseminated by Palestinian Authority media.
At least two of the PA soldiers, commonly called “police” by mainstream media, were trained by American officers at an American-funded training base in Jordan.
The IDF report concluded the attack is a ”warning” of what may await Jews this summer and also serves as a caution sign concerning further cooperation with the PA security forces.
The IDF has stopped a group of 30 Jews from praying at Joseph's tomb, which was the site of a terror attack last week.
Some 30 members of a group that has made it its goal to promote Jewish settlement in and around Shechem (Nablus) attempted to enter Joseph’s Tomb in the city last night. They announced their intentions beforehand, and demanded that the holy site be freely open to Jewish worship – as stipulated by the Oslo Accords (Interim Agreement, September 1995, Annex I, Article V, clause 2b).
At present, Jewish worshipers are allowed to enter once a month – under heavy IDF guard.
The IDF fired flare bombs in the air in an attempt to locate the group, which was engaged in finding ways to detour the IDF checkpoints in the area. Ultimately, Border Guard forces arrested the entire group and returned them to area that is under full Israeli control.
Correspondent Haggai Huberman reports that in any event, Joseph’s Tomb is surrounded by PA police forces.
But let's enter into more agreements with the 'Palestinians.' What could go wrong?
Four days before Ben Yosef Livnat HY"D (May God avenge his blood) was murdered outside of Joseph's tomb in Shchem (Nablus), he led a group of 30 Breslov Hasidim to the tomb. Tagging along was YNet reporter Akiva Novick, who filed this report.
The fear kicked in a few moments after crossing Hawara checkpoint. The dogs barking behind you and the green lights of the mosques ahead indicated we were on our way to Nablus, the so-called "terror capital."
Everything in this city makes you feel unwelcomed. The graffiti on the walls, Shahid ("martyr") posters hanging in the streets. You are frightened even when driving with five other people in a small car, singing aloud.
...
Around 30 Breslov Hasidim met in a spring located south of Nablus, in the West Bank. This is their semi-secret meeting place where they gather to bathe before the journey begins.
It was nearly 2 am on Thursday. The group's last visit to Nablus before the fatal shooting incident which claimed Livnat's life – and I was along for the ride. We stood by the spring with our six vehicles. In the valley below us we spotted an IDF force at Hawara checkpoint, in charge of preventing worshipers from entering the holy city.
Our group leaders, including Livnat, huddled around and came up with a plan to mislead the soldiers. It was decided that one car would attempt to pass the checkpoint with its lights turned off, to see whether the IDF actually blocked off the entrance. It was now 2:55 am.
...
Livnat broke the law when he entered Joseph's Tomb without authorization, but that is not the reason he was killed. It is deeper than that. Joseph's Tomb is a sensitive subject in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Livnat was killed because he was part of the battle to control the holy site. Everybody wants to renovate it, preserve it – but those who try the hardest are the Breslov Hasidim, and Livnat was one of their most vigorous standouts.
On our way to Jerusalem we passed by the Palestinian town of Awarta, where the Fogel family killers came from. We entered. It turned out this is where Aaron's sons, Ithamar and Eleazar, are buried as well as the seventy Elders.
Let me remind you that I only have one day of holiday because I live in Israel.
Here's a background video which will tell you about Joseph's tomb and what is so significant about it. Perhaps this will explain why so many people want to visit the grave.
One of the Breslovers who was in the second car in the convoy and was lightly wounded told Ynet: "We arrived at the tomb like on many occasions in the past. Near the tomb we saw a spikes chain. One of the guys jumped out of the car and moved it aside.
"At this point a uniformed Palestinian police officer with a Kalashnikov in a jeep woke his colleagues up and they started firing into the air…I was in the front seat. We started driving fast in the direction of the tomb; we got out of the vehicles and kissed the tomb.
"When we got back to the vehicles the police shot at the vehicles, they were screaming 'Allahu Akbar'. It was crazy, they were shooting to kill. I screamed at the driver to drive out of there quickly. When we got to Har Bracha we attended to the wounded."
...
Meanwhile the brother of the 17 year-old injured in the incident told Ynet that his brother and his friends went into Nablus without first coordinating the visit and knew that what they were doing was dangerous.
"When the entries are coordinated nothing happens, this time they entered without coordinating, it was criminal on their part," he explained. "To them this is all about the action and these are the consequences when you run wild."
Chairman of the 'Yesod Olam' association Haim Reicher who is responsible for arranging entries to holy gravesites in the West Bank also visited the injured in hospital. Reicher said that Sunday's foray into Joseph's Tomb was done without his coordination.
Reicher added that usually the visits are coordinated with Palestinian elements and then entry to the tomb is done without any difficulty, as with other holy sites in the West Bank.
"The problems start" Reicher notes, "once every month or two months we enter after first coordinating the visit with the IDF, they give us 10 buses, each one has up to 50 passengers but there are over 500,000 that want to pray at the tomb and the numbers approved by the IDF are insufficient. I can safely say that people go there to pray every night."
That certainly seems to back up the IDF claim that the visit was not coordinated.
But the 'Palestinian police' ought to be capable of doing something besides shooting to kill. The investigation is still pending, but there is no indication that these people were a threat to the 'Palestinian police' or that they were attempting to do anything other than pray at the grave. There is no indication that they were armed. Surely, there must be another method of police action aside from shooting to kill.
And the idea that they were shooting to kill and screaming Allahu Akhbar while doing so has to make every Israeli fear an encounter with the 'Palestinian police.' As if we didn't already.
UPDATE 4:42 PM
Haaretz claims to have results of the investigation. They claim that the Hasidim tried to run a roadblock.
A senior Israel Defense Forces termed the incident "a serious mishap caused by both sides." The army is refraining from referring to the shooting as a terror attack, but has called it an unjustified attack against civilians.
The Palestinian Authority opened its own investigation into the matter, and reported that that the officer on duty began shooting in the air in response to the Israelis' "suspicious movement".
Defense Minister Ehud Barak condemned the incident as "murder" and ordered the IDF to carry out an investigation of its own. He also demanded the Palestinians probe the incident quickly and take every step necessary to perpetrate those responsible.
"No problem of coordination can justify an incident like this and the shooting of innocent people," he said.
The officers on duty during the shooting were detained for questioning by the Palestinian Authority, but it is not yet clear whether they will be taken in for investigation by Israeli forces as well.
Livnat and the other three casualties were part of a group of some 15 worshipers who entered the site in three separate cars without military authorization. A Palestinian Authority representative said that the officer fired into the air because he believed that the group was acting suspiciously, but did not aim at the car.
Then how did they 'happen' to shoot the people in the car?
And even if they ran a roadblock and you were suspicious that they had committed a crime, you could shoot the tires out of the car, and demand they come out with their hands behind their heads. There's no need to shoot to kill.
UPDATE 4:47 PM
The police have arrested three of the victims (Hat Tip: Shy Guy).
UPDATE 4:53 PM
Joshuapundit reports that Joseph's tomb was desecrated again before Sunday morning's visit.
Here's a briefing by Brigadier General Nitzan Alon regarding Sunday morning's murder at Joseph's tomb.
Let's go to the videotape.
I've had emails claiming that the visit on Sunday morning was coordinated with the IDF. As you can see, the IDF denies that (you can also see that on their blog here).
My understanding is that the IDF will have no further comments about the incident until after their investigation is complete, which will not happen before the holiday starts at sundown.
Breaking: 'Palestinian police' attack Jewish worshippers at Joseph's tomb
'Palestinian' terrorists policemen (from the so-called Dayton forces) have attacked Jewish worshipers at Joseph's tomb in Shchem (Nablus). One Jew has been killed and five have been wounded. The 'Palestinians' are claiming it was an 'accident' resulting from a visit to the tomb that was not coordinated with the authorities, and - according to Israel Radio - that the Jews (who were in their cars) threw stones at a 'Palestinian' checkpoint.
According to initial investigations, the Israelis were traveling in the area without coordinating their visit to Joseph's Tomb and were reportedly shot at by Palestinian police.
Three vehicles with 15 Breslev hasidim entered the city in the early morning hours for prayer services. On the way back, around 6 a.m. they encountered a surprise checkpoint and were met with a hail of gunfire from a Palestinian jeep. The fire continued even after the vehicle turned back in an attempt to escape. Two of the three vehicles were hit.
The worshipers were able to evacuate themselves to the IDF Samaria district brigade base which was near by and received initial emergency medical care.
The death of a 30-year-old male was pronounced at the scene. A 20-year-old man was injured in serious condition, suffering of an abdominal wound. He was airlifted to Bellinson Hospital in Petah Tikva where he underwent surgery. A 17-year-old youth was evacuated by a Magen David Adom Yarkon crew in moderate condition, suffering a wound to his shoulder. Another youth was injured and evacuated for medical treatment after he was questioned by authorities. Another two were in light condition and were treated on scene.
In February, Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein (Likud) called on Defense Minister Ehud Barak to increase access to Joseph’s Tomb, located on the southern edge of Nablus, which has a waiting list of thousands of Jews wanting to make the pilgrimage.
At present, access to the tomb is limited to one nightly trip a month.
Israel Radio reports one person seriously wounded, two moderately wounded and two lightly wounded.
The Muqata has the story slightly differently and reports that the person who was killed - whose name has not yet been released - is a nephew of cabinet minister Limor Livnat (Likud):
Originally 3 carloads of Jews arrived at the tomb to pray, but PA policemen waiting there shot in the air and 2 of the cars immediately left. The third carload of Breslevers stayed to pray.
After the prayers, when the Hassidim were driving out, the Palestinian policemen (trained and funded by the US) drove their PA police jeep up to the car with the Hassidim in it and opened fire.
One Israeli, Ben-Yosef Livnat (age 30) was killed and 3 more injured. Livnat is the nephew of Minister Limor Livnat.
Nablus/Shechem Governor Jibril al-Bakri admits his policemen did the attack, calling it a "security incident" not a "terrorist attack". He also confirms the witness report that they first shot in the air when they saw the Breslev Hassidim who arrive there every week.
Here's what the Oslo accords say about Joseph's tomb, which is supposed to be under Israeli control with free access to Jews.
Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Annex I: Protocol Concerning Redeployment and Security Arrangements 2. Area A
a. The Council will, upon completion of the redeployment of Israeli military forces it each district, as set out in Appendix 1 to this Annex, assume the powers and responsibilities for internal security and public order in Area A in that district.
b. Jewish Holy Sites
(1) The following provisions will apply with respect to the security arrangements in Jewish holy sites in Area A which are listed in Appendix 4 to this Annex:
(a) While the protection of these sites, as well as of persons visiting them, will be under the responsibility of the Palestinian Police, a JMU shall function in the vicinity of, and on the access routes to, each such site, as directed by the relevant DCO.
(b) The functions of each such JMU shall be as follows:
(i) to ensure free, unimpeded and secure access to the relevant Jewish holy site; and
(ii) to ensure the peaceful use of such site, to prevent any potential instances of disorder and to respond to any incident.
(c) Given the Jewish religious nature of such sites, Israeli plainclothes guards may be present inside such sites.
(2) The present situation and the existing religious practices shall be preserved. Appendix 4 Jewish Holy Sites
Pursuant to Article V of this Annex the Jewish Holy Sites are as follows:
1. Joseph's Tomb (Nablus)
JMU is "Joint Mobile Units." Here's the provision that deals with them:
5. Joint Mobile Units
a. The mission of the Joint Mobile Units (hereinafter "JMUs") is to provide rapid response in the event of incidents and emergency situations, in order to ensure free, unimpeded and secure movement along their designated routes of activity, or in their areas of activity. b. The composition of the JMUs will be similar to that of the Joint Patrols.
c. In areas under Israeli security responsibility, the Israeli vehicle will be the leading vehicle. In areas under Palestinian security responsibility, the Palestinian vehicle will be the leading vehicle. The Joint Mobile Units will be under the direction of the relevant DCO.
d. The functions of the JMUs are:
(1) to monitor movement along their designated routes of activity from their stationary locations, from where they may patrol on agreed roads as directed by the relevant DCO, in which case their duties will be the same as those of the Joint Patrols;
(2) in the event of an incident involving both Israelis and Palestinians, to reach the site of the incident in order to provide assistance and to investigate; and
(3) any other function determined by the relevant DCO.
As I am writing this, Israel Radio is interviewing one of the Breslev Hasidim who says that the shooting started while they were inside the gravesite. The 'Palestinians' also stoned the cars according to the person being interviewed by Israel Radio. The man who was killed took a bullet in the head that exited through his mouth.
The PA security forces continued to fire at the cars as they fled.
The IDF hurriedly issued a statement that the trip to Kever Yosef was not coordinated with Israeli security forces.
Kever Yosef is a Jewish holy site that was supposed to be under Israeli control and open to worshippers as stated in previous agreements. However, the government has surrendered the area to Palestinian Authority control, and local Arabs have desecrated it several times.
The Breslov group was known to Palestinian Authority authorities as people who frequently prayed at Kever Yosef without any other intentions, according to Gershon Mesika, chairman of the Shomron (Samaria) Regional Council. He called the shooting attack a “massacre at close range.
National Union Knesset Member Dr. Michael Ben-Ari indirectly blamed the American government for having “trained and armed the enemy army that is called the ‘Palestinian Authority police’ [also known as the Dayton forces after US General Keith Dayton. CiJ] and is directly responsible for the murder at Kever Yosef.”
He called on the Israeli government to restore the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva to Kever Yosef and to confiscate weapons from the Palestinian Authority.
Of course, it will be claimed that the Jews had no right to be there, and therefore it was their fault. But if you read the agreements as I posted them above, you can plainly see that's a lie.
The picture at the top of this post is of Joseph's tomb in October 2000. As you may recall, at the beginning of the Oslo war, a 'Palestinian' mob attacked Joseph's tomb and destroyed it. An IDF soldier, Mahdat Yusuf, bled to death in that attack. The current defenseless defense minister, Ehud Barak, was the Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) then and refused to let the IDF go in to rescue the soldiers who were trapped there. Current IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz was the Judea and Samaria commander at the time. The tomb was closed for nearly ten years after that incident, and was officially reopened a few months ago. The Bresolov Hasidim have tried bribing the 'Palestinian Authority in the past for additional access to the tomb. I guess that didn't work out too well.
Could this be the start of the Dayton forces' war on Israel?
I am an Orthodox Jew - some would even call me 'ultra-Orthodox.' Born in Boston, I was a corporate and securities attorney in New York City for seven years before making aliya to Israel in 1991 (I don't look it but I really am that old :-). I have been happily married to the same woman for thirty-five years, and we have eight children (bli ayin hara) ranging in age from 13 to 33 years and nine grandchildren. Four of our children are married! Before I started blogging I was a heavy contributor on a number of email lists and ran an email list called the Matzav from 2000-2004. You can contact me at: IsraelMatzav at gmail dot com
