Dispatch Articles Archive - Page 107 of 188 - Bridges for PeaceBridges for Peace

Propaganda – The Palestinians’ Political Warfare

{image_1}There is a word in Hebrew that is used often in certain segments of Israeli society that denotes a very important but strangely illusive concept for the modern state. The word is hasbara, and it refers to Israel’s public diplomacy efforts. It is a noun that actually means “explanation,” and many from Israel, including her Christian friends, are engaged in what is called “doing hasbara.” It is traditionally one of the few things that the nation of Israel has not excelled at.

Hamas: No Recognition of Israel

{image_1} A key official with Hamas told the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency that they would be willing to accept a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines—regarding the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip—but that they would not recognize Israel. Comments by Mahmoud al-Zahar, cofounder of Hamas, to Ma’an radio imply that, for Hamas, the creation of a Palestinian state could result in a long-term truce with Israel, but would not lead to permanent peace with Israel. Zahar said that formally recognizing Israel would threaten to prevent millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants from coming to Israel as well as “cancel the right of the next generations to liberate the lands [presumably the rest of Israel].”

Gearing Up for September

{image_1} Iran said it has successfully tested a new ballistic missile that is harder to detect and will now start mass-producing them. The missile, called Qiyam, is reportedly designed without stabilizer fins and was delivered to the aerospace wing of the Revolutionary Guards. Iran’s state television, Al-Alam, said the surface-to-surface missile was a pure Iranian project. The missile’s range wasn’t disclosed, but experts believe it is similar to Russian-designed Scud rockets, which can reach several-hundred kilometers. They make up the core of Syria’s arsenal, and reports said the new Iranian missile could find its way to Hizbullah in Lebanon.

Hidden Treasure: Beetroot and Pomegranate Salad

{image_1} Have you ever opened a pomegranate and marveled at the mass of sparkling rubies one finds? Almost like opening a treasure chest with great expectation, and there—glistening in the light—are tiny clusters of gems. One can only be in awe of the intricacy of God’s creation. Quite regal in appearance with its crown prominently displayed, the pomegranate is one of the seven species of the land of Israel (Deut. 8:8). It is the fruit that ripens in September, heralding in Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year. Pomegranate trees throughout the Holy Land are laden, and there is an expectancy of hope and joyous celebrations.

Toothpaste that Saves Kangaroos

{image_1} Kangaroos in captivity often develop a contagious and sometimes fatal gum condition called lumpy jaw disease. Now, veterinarians at Jerusalem's Biblical Zoo and the northern Gan Garoo Park have teamed up with dentists and pharmacists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to create a tooth varnish that successfully prevents the condition.

Building Up Jerusalem

{image_1} The Israeli government has pledged to continue building up Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the heart of the nation” would receive more than US $115 million in investment. The Cabinet approved the Merom Development Plan, an economic plan to strengthen Jerusalem through tourism and high-tech, during a meeting in Jerusalem.

Massive Desalination Plant Gets Go Ahead

{image_1} Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz signed an agreement in May approving the construction and operation of a massive new desalination facility near Ashdod. The plant, which will be one of the largest in the world, will, on completion, mean that almost 70% of Israel's water needs will be met by desalinated water.

Vote for the Dead Sea!

{image_1} The Israeli government is promoting a plan to have the Dead Sea named as one of the natural wonders of the world in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, which finishes worldwide voting on November 11 of this year.

Christian Hiking Trail Unveiled

{image_1} A new 40-mile (64-kilometer) hiking trail that passes through Christian landmarks and holy sites in northern Israel was inaugurated by Israeli tourism authorities in April and opened to the public in May. The new trail reaches out to more than 1 million of the country’s 3.75 million tourists that visited last year who identify themselves as “religious pilgrims,” according to Israeli sources.

The Ugly Truth about Genocide

{image_1} In recent years, the concept of genocide has found its way into the Palestinian propaganda machine with dozens of such accusations being leveled against Israel from journalists, politicians, and clerics. Israel has been called a Nazi, or genocidal, state that kills children, thrives on the blood of its enemies, and is bent on the destruction of the Palestinian people. The gravity of such charges requires a closer look at the context of the allegations as well as a clear understanding of exactly how the international community has defined genocide.

Breakthrough in Cancer Care

{image_1} Israel is breaking new ground in the field of complementary medical treatment for cancer patients, and the Yuri Shtern Holistic Center has initiated the breakthrough. If you were among Israel’s 200,000 cancer patients, you might be on a long waiting list for the Jerusalem Center’s much sought-after services: Swedish massage, reflexology, and other alternative treatments.

Breakthrough in Cancer Care

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