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Newsletter : 8fax1130.txt
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>JN Nov. 30, 1998, Vol. 6 No. 215
ICEJ: Chareidim Attack Messianic Congregation
By ICEJ News Service
A mob of several hundred haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) attacked and besieged a Messianic Jewish congregation meeting in Beersheva Saturday, trapping 30 worshippers inside for about four hours.
The angry Orthodox men gathered outside the meeting hall used by
the Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus), located in the Old City of
Beersheva, only moments before the 10:30 a.m. Shabbat service was
due to begin.
According to eyewitnesses, as speakers incited the crowd, the
protestors began to shout threats and curses at those inside, which
included at least a dozen children, ranging from infants to young
teenagers.
Ten Israeli policemen arrived at the scene, but were not able to
disperse the demonstrators, some of whom began to throw stones and
spit at the Messianic believers who ventured outside. One policeman
was injured as they attempted to control the haredi efforts to
storm the building compound.
The haredim repeatedly demanded of the police that the children
inside be brought out and handed over to them, according to one
mother caught inside, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Eventually, the police escorted the trapped worshippers past the
demonstrators and took them to the Beersheva police station for
their safety.
Arafat Maintains Jerusalem will be Capital
By Challis McDonough (VOA-Washington)
Palestinian Authority chief Yasir Arafat has renewed his vow to
establish an independent Palestinian state in the next six months.
Arafat is in Washington for a conference to drum up economic aid
for the Palestinian territories in support of the Middle East peace
process. He is also expected to meet with President Clinton and
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Palestinian leader spoke
to a gathering of Arab-Americans just outside Washington.
"On the fourth of May 1999, the interim period will end and we
should by that time be prepared to declare our independent
Palestinian state and its capital, Jerusalem -- the holy city."
The Palestinian leader said Israel could have its capital in west
Jerusalem, a statement apparently aimed at stemming Israeli anger
over his claim to the disputed city. He said east Jerusalem would
respect all of the religions that consider the city holy.
"We are not going to erect a Berlin Wall between the two parts of
Jerusalem. Based on the principles of peace and the spirit of
peace, the two parts of Jerusalem ought to be open to each other."
Arafat has long vowed to declare a Palestinian state when the
interim period is over, whether there is progress in the peace
process with Israel or not. But last week tensions grew after
Israel accused the Palestinian leader of calling for renewed
violence if Israel delays implementing a new peace agreement.
Arafat also urged the audience to join him for a year-long
celebration in Bethlehem to ring in the new millennium. He says
he looks forward to a new Middle East in which all children could
live together in peace freedom, safety and security.
Police Called After Student Arrives in School Wearing an Earring
By IsraelWire
A student who arrived at a state-run Orthodox school with an earring in his ear, was removed from the premises by order of the principal, who called police to escort the student out of the building.
According to classmates of the expelled student, he normally wears
the earring which he removes when arriving in school to avoid
conflict with his teachers, but he was said to have forgotten to
remove it.
The student pleaded with the assistant principal to permit him to
remain, but to no avail. The student decided to remain on the
school premises anyway, prompting the assistant principal to phone
police and order his expulsion.
The parents of the student expressed their outrage at school
officials for involving police. The assistant principal apologized,
as did the student after being admonished. He was permitted to
return to class later in the day, and the parents were urged by
school officials not to make an event of the incident in the media.
According to the Ministry of Education spokesperson, the student was warned in the past concerning his inappropriate behavior and that was the reason police were summoned.
In addition, every school has the right to set dress codes for its
student population. Nevertheless, the spokesman stated the
particular incident was being looked into.
