Israel Q.A.

[asiepshtain]

They still use illegal weapons on women and childern.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Phosphorous#2008.2F9_Israel.E2.80.93Gaza_conflict

One more time.

White phosphorous is legal when used on military targets, the IDF is currently investigating one occurrence where it is suspected to have been used on a civilian area. If true, the commanding officer who fired the shells, will be punished with considerable jail time.

 

[asiepshtain]

What are your opinions on:

A: One of your officers ordering civilians into a building, then proceeding to shell it.

B: The use of white phosphorus on civilians.

A. Never happened.

B. One contested claim under investigation by the IDF, if true, shooter will be severely punished.

 

[asiepshtain]

How safe is it for non-Israelis to live or work in Israel? I've been curious about this for a little while, and I hope you can help me answer this question. Thanks in advance.

As safe as it is for an Israeli to live and work in Israel. I don't remember a single case a foreigner was a target because of his origin. I could be wrong but it's defnitily not the trend.

The traffic should be your major concern, the roads are VERY dangerous (highest accident mortality rate in the western world).

 

[asiepshtain]

Why don't more of you come to teach Krav Maga in the US? Its so hard to find an instructor here! >.<

Heh, Because we love our country.

 

[O maestre]

i must admit that i have only read three pages of the thread so i may ask something that has been answered.

as you mentioned before israel's self definition from a religious state to a run of the mill republic seems to flip flop according to the situation. if israel once and for all dissolved all connotations to religion in their society, and perhaps suppressed it, what would your personnel sentiments to this be, and how do you think this would have an impact in the conflict or life in israel in general.

to clarify, what if israel ceased to defined as jewish. if those restrictions were removed or lessened.

also what kind of society is israel mentally, doeas it posses a heavy sense of conformity(i.e. japan) or is it a radical place prone to strikes or general discontent(i.e. france)or something else entirely?

my examples are not to be taken as precise parameters.

i hope you can answer these question, i realize that they are a bit pickled

 

[kawligia]

Why don't more of you come to teach Krav Maga in the US? Its so hard to find an instructor here! >.<

Heh, Because we love our country.

That's cool, but we're supposed to be pals! How 'bout sharing the love with some Krav Maga instruction?

 

[beddo]

What are your opinions on:

A: One of your officers ordering civilians into a building, then proceeding to shell it.

B: The use of white phosphorus on civilians.

A. Never happened.

B. One contested claim under investigation by the IDF, if true, shooter will be severely punished.

War Crimes like this did happen and are undeniable, unless you want to stay in denial through propaganda.

[link]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/19/israeli-troops-gaza-shootings-civilians[/link]
[link]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7960824.stm[/link]
[link]http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/un-accuses-israeli-troops-of-using-boy-11-as-human-shield-14240116.html[/link]
[link]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/gaza-human-shields-claim[/link]
[link]http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/03/2009323225126719889.html[/link]
[link]http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/israeli-armys-use-white-phosphorus-gaza-clear-undeniable-20090119[/link]
[link]http://www.amnesty.org/en/gaza-crisis[/link]
[link]http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/F1EC67EF7A498A30C125752D005D17F7?opendocument[/link]
[link]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7818122.stm[/link]

 

[asiepshtain]

1.[link]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/19/israeli-troops-gaza-shootings-civilians[/link]
2.[link]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7960824.stm[/link]
3.[link]http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/un-accuses-israeli-troops-of-using-boy-11-as-human-shield-14240116.html[/link]
4.[link]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/gaza-human-shields-claim[/link]
5.[link]http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/03/2009323225126719889.html[/link]
6.[link]http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/israeli-armys-use-white-phosphorus-gaza-clear-undeniable-20090119[/link]
7.[link]http://www.amnesty.org/en/gaza-crisis[/link]
8.[link]http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/F1EC67EF7A498A30C125752D005D17F7?opendocument[/link]
9.[link]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7818122.stm[/link]

1. The soldiers in question admitted they were talking about rumors two day later. They never actually saw these things happen.
2 + 3 + 4 + 9. All four of these refer to an Illegal action undertaken by a few soldiers, who apparently did use Palestinians captives as shields, they are currently under investigation and will most probably go on trial. I agree that this phenomena is more common then it should, and I hope the guilty will be severely punished.
5. A general article saying we are bad people by al Jazeera. Known for falsifying information.
6. White phosphorus, I addresesd this issue many times here.
7. Amnesty saying we are bad people, Them I believe. But they call EVERYONE bad people.
8. A much better source, the UN. Thou I find it biased as it dosen't take Hamas aggersion into account.

One more time. We are not saints, but we punish our sinners.

 

[asiepshtain]

Why don't more of you come to teach Krav Maga in the US? Its so hard to find an instructor here! >.<

Heh, Because we love our country.

That's cool, but we're supposed to be pals! How 'bout sharing the love with some Krav Maga instruction?

I'm not a Krav Maga instructor, and even if I were, it would be extremely irresponsible to give such instruction in such a careless fashion.

I heartily suggest you locate a group near your residence.

On the general subject of self-defense. Get fit, if you sense trouble, RUN!

 

[asiepshtain]

i must admit that i have only read three pages of the thread so i may ask something that has been answered.

as you mentioned before israel's self definition from a religious state to a run of the mill republic seems to flip flop according to the situation. if israel once and for all dissolved all connotations to religion in their society, and perhaps suppressed it, what would your personnel sentiments to this be, and how do you think this would have an impact in the conflict or life in israel in general.

to clarify, what if israel ceased to defined as jewish. if those restrictions were removed or lessened.

also what kind of society is israel mentally, doeas it posses a heavy sense of conformity(i.e. japan) or is it a radical place prone to strikes or general discontent(i.e. france)or something else entirely?

my examples are not to be taken as precise parameters.

i hope you can answer these question, i realize that they are a bit pickled

A bit pickled, but lets see if I can make Jam.

The balance between Israel the Secular-Democracy and Israel the Jewish-state is one of serious and meaningful debate inside Israel. When we seem to filp-flop, it's because we honestly dis-agree with one another one on what balance is right.

I don't think I can sum up Israel mentality, I'll think about it.

 

[Superlordbasil]

Something i would like to clarify for my understanding is that Palestine has never been a country it was a geographical region originating from roman times. This whole concept of Israelis stealing Palestine is based on a presumption that the country of Palestine actually existed usually.

PS i uphold a two state solution this point is against the concept of Israel being an illegitimate state

 

[Theophenes]

I'm sorry if I sound patronizing or rude here, but this question has bothered me for quite some time.

Why do you stay?

I know this sounds odd, but Israel is far from an easy place to live. You guys are in an almost continual military standoff with at least one or two other countries nearby at any given time, you have horrible infrastructure (those traffic death rates are abominable), and if that dam is built, you may have to talk about drought rationing if you can't blow it up. I live in desert myself, and I know a bit about water disputes. You're living in a country that can barely sustain its population, and I just can't get around why. Seeing as you are not a religious fellow, the "ordained by God" argument isn't keeping you there. So what is? Why don't you move someplace nice, like Tahiti or something?

Again, I'm sorry if this sounded mean or anything. I'm not attempting to insult your country, or anyone else's. I'm just wondering why on earth people stick around an area that doesn't seem all that habitable or safe to me.

Edit: I have one more question. What is the current government's opinion on arms limitation and production, as a whole? I know your country does tend to design and manufacture quite a few weapons other countries use, and I'm curious as to how those kind of matters are handled by your government.

 

[E_nchanted]

A its good to hear from an insider, the media is giving us nothing but lies to spice thinks up a bit. At least that was the case some while ago, haven't watched or paid attention to the media in quite some while now. I do have a question for ye:
You said you LOVE Mr.Obama, as an European could you explain to me why?, as for what I am aware, the only thing changed is, a white dumb ass got replaced by a black dumb ass (not racist). And you said you're relationship with the US is like a Parent/child relation, could you give me an example of a real situation instead of the example you have already given

~Enchanted

Why I love Obama:

A. I'm a very strong believer in welfare policy.

B. I'm a very strong believer in integrating the internet into government.

C. I'm a HUGE believer in the power of hope.


As for the parent/child thing, it's just a metaphor. We know we our existence to the USA and still we want self-definition.

Ok, Mr.Obama is promising a lot of good things, but so did Mr.Bush, and look what he did, what I'm trying to say is. don't follow/or prais someone blindly for his ideals and what he promises to do. I see al those people being so happy we got Mr.Obama as the most powerful person in the world, there praising him to heaven and got knows what, while he didn't do shit. Don't get me wrong, I would love seeing the U.S go well again.

Why do you owe them? Don't you think its kinda there responsibility helping you guys out? I mean common, there the most powerful and fiercem force in the world, if you're government doesn't want the US involved in there decisions etc. it is you're damn right (owing them you're lives or not).

 

[Theophenes]

Why do you owe them? Don't you think its kinda there responsibility helping you guys out? I mean common, there the most powerful and fiercem force in the world, if you're government doesn't want the US involved in there decisions etc. it is you're damn right (owing them you're lives or not).

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I think Israel doesn't want to bite the hand that feeds. Even if this president isn't going to invade or make them pay for not listening to us, the next one might. Again, that parent/child analogy comes up.

 

[asiepshtain]

I'm sorry if I sound patronizing or rude here, but this question has bothered me for quite some time.

Why do you stay?

I know this sounds odd, but Israel is far from an easy place to live. You guys are in an almost continual military standoff with at least one or two other countries nearby at any given time, you have horrible infrastructure (those traffic death rates are abominable), and if that dam is built, you may have to talk about drought rationing if you can't blow it up. I live in desert myself, and I know a bit about water disputes. You're living in a country that can barely sustain its population, and I just can't get around why. Seeing as you are not a religious fellow, the "ordained by God" argument isn't keeping you there. So what is? Why don't you move someplace nice, like Tahiti or something?

Again, I'm sorry if this sounded mean or anything. I'm not attempting to insult your country, or anyone else's. I'm just wondering why on earth people stick around an area that doesn't seem all that habitable or safe to me.

Edit: I have one more question. What is the current government's opinion on arms limitation and production, as a whole? I know your country does tend to design and manufacture quite a few weapons other countries use, and I'm curious as to how those kind of matters are handled by your government.

A very good question. The reason is profoundly simple, The holocaust.

My grandparents came from Poland. My grandma on my father side lived near Lodz, she had three brothers, parents, grand-parents, many cousins, a nice family. by 1945 all of them were dead except her, one cousin, and a second-removed aunt. My grandfather on my father side had an even bigger family, they were orthodox Jews. He had six brothers, and an army of relatives. His family was hit even worse, he was the only survivor, he survived by hiding in the sewers for over a year before he was caught and then pretending he was 18 so he'll be slave-labor( he was 14 ). My grandfather on my mother side was part of a very rich family, they sold everything they had to be able to escape, whatever wasn't taken. They escaped to Russia where they were held in a refugee camp until the end of the war, his father died in that time. My grandmother on my mothers side family managed to escape physically unscathed, however her mother buckled under the emotional strain of what sees seen and killed herself.

I believe that to this day Europe and even America is biased against Jews, and I will not allow my family to go through such a thing again. Here, I see my enemy and I have an army to fight it, and all those who seek me out to kill me know just where to find me. let them come, I will not go quietly into the night.

 

[arcainia]

but I'm one of this pesky antisemites

I'm not saying I'm an antisemite

Nice argument.

I really wonder why you bother posting when you almost always have absolutely nothing of importance to say.

 

[Zykon TheLich]

This is probably a really stupid question...but what's your admissions policy?

Jewish?
Yes
Here's a passport, welcome aboard.

Obviously it's going to be a bit more complex but you get what I'm asking yes?

 

[Xsy]

This is probably a really stupid question...but what's your admissions policy?

Jewish?
Yes
Here's a passport, welcome aboard.

Obviously it's going to be a bit more complex but you get what I'm asking yes?

That's pretty much accurate.
I dont realy remember the details , but when me and my parents came to Israel in 93 we got our passports on spot. Although im sure there were some preparations done in the Israeli embassy in Russia , but how you described is pretty much the truth.

Also i'd like to add that you can get a Passport on spot without being Jewish , the law that was legislated early in the 50's says that you dont have to be Jewish , but if you are married to one (In my case my mother is Jewish but my dad is Russian ) , or you are somehow related to someone Jewish you can get a citizenship , this actually creates a situation when there are quite a few citizens who are not Jewish but still get on - spot citizenship , most of them aren't loyal to the country and some of them even become Neo - nazis (Neo - nazis in Israel , pretty sad actually :| ).

 

[ElephantGuts]

...or you are somehow related to someone Jewish you can get a citizenship , this actually creates a situation when there are quite a few citizens who are not Jewish but still get on - spot citizenship , most of them aren't loyal to the country and some of them even become Neo - nazis (Neo - nazis in Israel , pretty sad actually :| ).

Really? Neo-Nazis in Israel? I have to ask about that, I've never heard of such a thing. How does that even work out? I can't imagine a Neo-Nazi being related to a Jewish person, so how do they get in? Do they purposely try to get in for some reason? Why, does being in Israel help them be more active Neo-Nazis or something? Do they get a lot of publicity?

 

[Jerious1154]

I haven't read through the entire thread so this question may have already been asked.
How much power does the Orthodox Jewish minority hold in the Israeli government, and how are they viewed by the secular Jewish majority?