Bennett Celebrates Capture of Elad Murderers, Announces New Civilian National Guard AND Ariel University Wins First Place in Tactical Robotics Competition and How big is the Milky Way Galaxy compared to others? and All the Jewish Major League Baseball players we’ll see in 2022 BY JACOB GURVIS and Meretz MK supports payments to terrorists' families
Yehuda Lave is an author, journalist, psychologist, rabbi, spiritual teacher, and coach, with degrees in business, psychology and Jewish Law. He works with people from all walks of life and helps them in their search for greater happiness, meaning, business advice on saving money, and spiritual engagement.
The Three are Rabbi Yehuda Glick, famous temple mount activist, and former Israel Mk, and then Robert Weinger, the world's greatest shofar blower and seller of Shofars, and myself after we had gone to the 12 gates of the Temple Mount in 2020 to blow the shofar to ask G-d to heal the world from the Pandemic. It was a highlight to my experience in living in Israel and I put it on my blog each day to remember.
The articles that I include each day are those that I find interesting, so I feel you will find them interesting as well. I don't always agree with all the points of each article but found them interesting or important to share with you, my readers, and friends. It is cathartic for me to share my thoughts and frustrations with you about life in general and in Israel. As a Rabbi, I try to teach and share the Torah of the G-d of Israel as a modern Orthodox Rabbi. I never intend to offend anyone but sometimes people are offended and I apologize in advance for any mistakes. The most important psychological principle I have learned is that once someone's mind is made up, they don't want to be bothered with the facts, so, like Rabbi Akiva, I drip water (Torah is compared to water) on their made-up minds and hope that some of what I have share sinks in. Love Rabbi Yehuda Lave.
Meretz MK supports payments to terrorists' families
MK Gaby Lasky, member of PM Bennett's coalition, expresses support for payments to families of terrorists who murder Jews. 'I know it's hard for people to hear this, but this is the truth.'
Meretz MK Gaby Lasky has expressed support for Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' payments to families of terrorists who murder Israeli civilians.
Speaking to Kan News, Lasky said, "You know my position. We need to look at the rights in a comprehensive fashion. We need to make sure that those same children also have a livelihood. I know it's hard for people to hear this, but this is the truth. I am against collective punishment such as destroying homes and administrative detentions."
Israel traditionally destroys the homes of terrorists who carry out attacks on Israeli civilians. However, many times the demolitions are delayed by repeated appeals or other legal matters, and take place only months or years after the terror attack. In some cases, the terrorist's home is not demolished at all.
The Likud party responded to Lasky, saying, "A few hours after the horrific terror attack in Tel Aviv, a member of [Israeli Prime Minister Naftali] Bennett's coalition has expressed support for the Palestinian Authority's payments to terrorists. If anyone was looking for more proof that Bennett's weak government is not capable of beating terror, they've received it again, today."
Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel (New Hope) responded by calling Lasky's a "hallucinatory statement."
"Anyone who goes out to murder Jews must know that his home will be demolished and his family will suffer."
Channel 12 News analyst Amit Segal tweeted, "Regarding Lasky, for some reason she doesn't care that the children of those killed in Palestinian car crashes do not receive a stipend. It's urgent to her that the children of the murderers receive money from Abbas. There are no limits."
Ariel University Wins First Place in Tactical Robotics Competition
Ariel University won first place on Wednesday in a tactical robotic systems competition, part of a wider event held this week in the southern Israeli town of Yeruham.
Twenty startup companies and other organizations, specializing in robotics and mini-drones, competed in the event, organized by the Israeli Defense Ministry and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as the Merage Institute, which promotes trade as a vehicle for economic growth between Israel and the United States.
The event, the Mobile Standoff Autonomous Indoor Capabilities Challenge (MoSAIC), is the first of its kind.
Israeli companies Shield AI and Combat Ready both received second place in the robotic systems competition.
American company GSI won the object tagging competition.
Another U.S. company, EpiSci, which develops next-generation autonomous technologies for defense, aerospace and commercial applications, came first in the navigation competition, while American company Xanconnect won first place in the competition to detect humans indoors.
The competition incorporates robots and civilian drones in an urban setting in a three-story building in Yeruham, where the systems must overcome a range of obstacles and challenges.
"The winners will receive funding for further product development, gain access to American and Israeli government officials, and will be accepted into the Merge Institute in California's prestigious startup program," the Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Bennett Celebrates Capture of Elad Murderers, Announces New Civilian National Guard
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, after mentioning the names of the three victims in last Thursday night's murderous terrorist attack: "We said that we would apprehend the terrorists and we have done so. This morning, our forces – the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, together with IDF soldiers from the Maglan, Egoz, and Mirol units – captured the murderers. The miserable terrorists, brainwashed with incitement who used axes to commit unimaginably brutal murders, were apprehended near a local quarry. Again, I commend the Shin Bet and its Director, the Israel Police and its Inspector General, and all of the soldiers."
Bennet continued: "Capturing the murderers is not enough. We are at the start of a new phase in the war on terrorism. Those who incite cannot rest easy. Those who throw matches cannot run away."
The above was a clear threat against Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, who has been urging Israeli and PA Arabs to murder Jews wherever and whenever they can. Meanwhile there have been reports that Israel sent a calming message to Sinwar telling him he is safe from assassinations.
Stating that "the supreme mission of the Government of Israel is to restore personal security to the citizens of Israel," Bennet announced "the establishment of a National Guard. I have instructed the National Security Council, in coordination with the Public Security Ministry, to present the government with an orderly and budgeted plan to establish a civilian national guard by the end of the month.
"The urgent need to strengthen the personal security of the citizens of Israel was born a year ago during the events of Operation Guardians of the Walls, mainly in the mixed cities, and it is more urgent than ever in the current wave of terrorism. Time and time again, we see the difference between incidents in which there was a responsible armed civilian in the area and those in which there was not. The need is great, especially in the ultra-orthodox cities, in which fewer people carry weapons. We are taking action.
"The plan will be based on Border Police units, along with the mobilization of trained units of volunteers and reservists, who together will be defined as a national guard. They will be activated in emergencies and disturbances, and in routine times as well, as necessary."
The PM then added that "the Israel Police is also embarking on an operation to deal with those present in Israel illegally, which has become a national blight. An entire industry has developed around the smuggling, transportation, and employment of people present in Israel illegally, as we have seen, unfortunately, in the latest terrorist attack in which the person who drove the terrorists was brutally murdered.
"Over the weekend, I instructed that an effort be coordinated – operational, legal, and regarding infrastructure – against those who transport, provide lodging for and employ people present in Israel illegally. We will use all of the tools at our disposal – including the seizure of vehicles, fines – whatever is needed. All government ministries, but especially the Public Security Ministry and the Justice Ministry, are already working on it."
Over the weekend, some Israeli media speculated that Oren Ben Yiftah, the driver who brought the two terrorists to Elad only to be murdered by them––their first victim of the night––had been involved in transporting illegal PA Arabs into Israel and was familiar with his killers.
Ben Yiftah's family issued a response, saying, "We are shocked by the discussion on social media and in the media, in a heinous attempt to link our beloved son to the criminal attack to which he himself fell victim. Oren worked as an honest and innocent shuttle driver who earned a living. Just as a taxi driver does not check who gets in his cab, so he (Oren) was not required to check work or stay permits, in contrast to a contractor who employs workers."
To which one must say that, unfortunately, taxi drivers who don't inspect who gets into their cab are the ones who get mugged and worse.
How big is the milky way compared to other galaxies?
We're generally pretty average, as spiral galaxies go. And Andromeda (which we're on a collision course with, and we'll 'merge' beginning about 5 billion years from now) is about 50% larger than we are; there are other spirals that are a little smaller.
We're much larger than most irregular galaxies. A number of them are very close to the Milky Way, and a few even orbit our galaxy.
Then, there are Elliptical galaxies - they can contain many trillions of stars, and dwarf the Milky Way:
All the Jewish Major League Baseball players we'll see in 2022
After two pandemic-altered seasons, a three-month lockout and a truncated free agent frenzy, the 2022 Major League Baseball season has finally arrived.
For Jewish fans of America's Pastime, there is plenty to look forward to this season, from Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried starting on Opening Day to the fashionable Joc Pederson playing for reigning National League Manager of the Year Gabe Kapler.
Here is a full rundown of what Jewish fans can look for in 2022, starting with the Jewish players on Opening Day rosters.
Max Fried, Atlanta Braves pitcher: Fried is the ace of the defending champions. He is coming off a 2021 season in which he won his second consecutive Gold Glove award, given to the league's best defensive pitcher, and his first Silver Slugger award for best hitting pitcher — he will likely be the last to ever win that award as a pitcher, as a universal designated hitter will be introduced this season. Fried also pitched his Braves to a World Series win.
Alex Bregman, Houston Astros third baseman: Staying healthy is at the top of this slugger's to-do list in 2022. Bregman played in only 91 games for Houston last year, but he will look to return to form this season — a form that included back-to-back top-five finishes in the American League Most Valuable Player races, in 2018 and 2019, when he hit 31 and 41 home runs, respectively.
Joc Pederson, San Francisco Giants outfielder: The Giants are hoping Pederson's World Series streak continues in 2022 — the flashy outfielder won rings the last two years, for the Dodgers and then the Braves. Pederson will now be playing for Jewish manager Gabe Kapler, who won the National League's top manager award last year after guiding the Giants to a historic 107-win season.
Rowdy Tellez, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman and designated hitter: Tellez is entering his first full season in Milwaukee after being traded by Toronto last July. The lefty has some pop — he hit 21 homers in 2019 — and will look to find a groove in his third full season in the big leagues.
Dean Kremer, Baltimore Orioles pitcher: The first Israeli to sign a MLB contract, the young righthander is starting the season with the club in Baltimore. He only has 17 big-league games under his belt with an earned-run average near 7 — the league leaders hover around 2.5-3 — so Kremer will have to prove himself to keep his spot with the team.
Richard Bleier, Miami Marlins pitcher: Entering his seventh season, Bleier has proven to be a solid relief pitcher, sporting a career 2.96 ERA. The soon-to-be 35-year old signed a two-year extension with Miami during spring training.
Scott Effross, Chicago Cubs pitcher: Effross made his Major League debut last season, and made his first Opening Day roster for the Cubs this season. The 28-year-old righty had a strong spring.
Eli Morgan, Cleveland Guardians pitcher: Morgan is another young reliever who made his debut in 2021, starting 18 games for Cleveland after his call-up in May. Morgan will begin 2022 in the Guardians bullpen.
Garrett Stubbs, Philadelphia Phillies catcher: After appearing in the World Series with Houston last season, Stubbs has moved over to Philly to become the backup to one of the game's better catchers, J.T. Realmuto.
There are also several Jewish players who will look to crack into the big leagues this season — including some familiar faces.
Kevin Pillar, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder: Pillar has bounced around the league a bit since his debut in 2013. After playing for the Mets last year, the outfielder signed a minor league contract with L.A. He's a proven veteran and should see time this year — somewhere — as a fourth outfielder.
Ryan Sherriff, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher: Sherriff is beginning the season on the injured list, but is expected to be in the Philadelphia bullpen once he returns from his left biceps tendinitis.
Ty Kelly, Los Angeles Dodgers utility: A former Team Israel fan favorite, Kelly is the ultimate journeyman — he has played all over the minor leagues, independent ball and in Israel, and even briefly retired. He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers.
Ryan Lavarnway, Detroit Tigers catcher: Another Team Israel alum, Lavarnway signed a minor league contract with Detroit. He has not appeared in more than 10 big league games in a season since 2015.
Jake Kalish, Los Angeles Angels pitcher: The 30-year-old pitcher has yet to make his major league debut despite a long career in the minors. He is starting the season in Triple A with the Salt Lake Bees.
Zack Weiss, Los Angeles Angels pitcher: Weiss made his debut with Cincinnati in 2018 but hasn't broken out of the minor leagues since.
Andy Yerzy, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher and first baseman: The 23-year-old Canadian was drafted in 2018 and has been playing in mostly low-level minors. He's shown some power, with 21 home runs in 94 games last year.
Rob Kaminsky, free agent pitcher: The former first round pick hasn't appeared in a game since 2020.
Finally, there is a special prospect to keep an eye on: Jacob Steinmetz.
And it wouldn't be a Jewish baseball preview without Sandy Koufax. The legendary pitcher will have his own statue unveiled at Dodger Stadium this summer.
