 |
 |
|
|
||
Newsletter : 9fax1029.txt
Directory | Previous file | Next file
>PD
>Israel Faxx
>JN Oct. 29, 1999, Vol. 7, No. 201
Israeli Robot Detects Breast Growths
By IsraelWire
A special robot that very exactingly locates and takes biopsy samples from breast growths has been designed and developed by an Israeli company in Ranaana. The robot will be presented at the "Medix '99" exhibition, to be held next week as part of "Medical Week". The exhibition will feature new technologies, equipment, and medical instruments.
Pilgrims March to Reported Site of Jesus' Baptism
By Meredith Buel (VOA at the Jordan River)
More than 1,000 Franciscan monks and Christian pilgrims from around the world joined in a procession Thursday to the Jordan River where tradition says Jesus was baptized. The site, surrounded by Israeli military outposts and minefields, is only open to the public a few times each year.
The monks, clad in long, brown robes, and Christian pilgrims of many nationalities walked from a nearby monastery - past Israeli military bunkers and vehicles armed with heavy machine guns - to a small chapel overlooking the banks of the Jordan River.
This is a desolate place, just north of the area where the Judaean Desert meets the Dead Sea. There are windswept sand dunes as far as the eye can see, broken only by a winding ribbon of green reeds and grass marking the path of the Jordan River. Signs attached to large fences topped with barbed wire warn visitors of minefields.
The remains of seven monasteries - most badly damaged during the 1967 Middle East war - serve as reminders that this place is considered one of holiest sites in Christianity.
Tradition says this is the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Christians believe the baptism marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry. A Franciscan Monk read the story from the New Testament.
"After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly the sky opened and he saw the spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over him. With that, a voice from heaven said this is my beloved son, my favor rest on him."
More than 1,000 pilgrims joined the Franciscans for a religious service next to the river. Readings and prayers were said in many languages including Latin, Arabic, Russian, Greek, Spanish and English.
After the service, hundreds climbed down the banks of the Jordan River to be baptized. Many poured water over their heads. Others collected samples of water or mud from the edge of the river to take home.
After a few hours most of the monks and pilgrims left the area and Israeli soldiers resumed their patrols of the border. The baptism site will open again in January, and once more people can come and worship at one of Christianity's most important sites and celebrate an event that happened nearly 2,000.
Syria Unwilling to Accept Unilateral Withdrawal from Lebanon
By IsraelWire
Syrian officials have indicated that a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the security zone of southern Lebanon would end chances of a peace treaty between Damascus and Jerusalem. A Lebanese daily has reported a unilateral Israeli withdrawal of forces from southern Lebanon would place a "deep freeze" on peace efforts between Israel and Syria.
Physician's Wife Claims She Was Beaten For 16 Years
By IsraelWire
The wife of a prominent physician, Wednesday, arrived at a local police station to submit an official complaint. She told police she has been a victim of domestic violence and regular beatings for 16 years.
The unidentified woman gave detailed information to Chief Superintendent Yaakov Zigdon as to how her husband beats her, at times with a closed fist, over her entire body. She explained how she has lived in fear for many years. She told investigators that her husband threatened to harm her if she ever reported his actions.
The husband, a prominent physician in the Tiberias area, was promptly placed under arrest. During his questioning, he admitted to the allegations against him.
Justice Ministry Moves to End "State of Emergency"
By IsraelWire
The Justice Ministry has completed its preparation for legislation intended to end the legal "state of emergency" that has existed in Israel since the state's establishment in 1948.The formal bill will be presented next month to the Knesset.
Some of the emergency laws will remain in effect even if the bill is passed, and they will be eliminated gradually, permitting the government to introduce legislation to replace the antiquated laws. Once example of an emergency law to remain in effect is the ability of security officials to place one under administrative detention. This law will remain active until June 30, 2002.
| Home My Account Search Contact Us |
by Electronic World Communications, Inc.)
