While many waited for hours in the blistering sun, 1,729 Jews ascended the ramp for a visit to Judaism’s holiest site – the Temple Mount on Tisha B’av, which is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. The Israeli police on instructions from the government flipped-flopped throughout the day, opening and closing Judaism’s holiest site to Jewish visitors. Muslim rioters had positioned themselves at the site, hanging a Hamas banner, and were vocal in opposing the area being opened for Jews. Yet while certainly not a smooth experience, Jews did in fact make it to the Temple Mount to mourn the loss of both Jewish Temples, and yearn for the rebuilding of the third – speedily in our days.
Photo Credit: Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0
TheLandofIsrael.com
Building Bridges Between the Jewish People
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten, an interview with JJ Sussman International Director of the Gesher Organization. Gesher, Hebrew for “bridge,” tries to close the gaps between Jews from different religious and political backgrounds. This goal is especially relevant as we are in the midst of the nine day mourning period leading up to Tisha B’av which commemorates the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, with our sages teaching that the 2nd Temple was destroyed as a result of baseless hatred and slander between Jews. Sussman says that his organization encourages Jews who might have disagreements to find common ground and should meet each other face to face, as opposed to behind the keyboard, in order to build those bridges.
From The Arugot Farms
From the Arugot Farm in Eastern Gush Etzion, Israel
Truth, Lies, and Video Tape
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten an interview with Ezri Tubi founder of ‘Boomerang fighting for Israel,’ an online video platform sharing the truth about Jewish life in Judea, Samaria, and throughout Israel. Tubi’s videos have gone viral reaching millions to dispel the misinformation often found in mainstream outlets. His latest video series called ‘Boomerang Gives,’ shares the amazing stories of the holy work being carried out by non-profit organizations in Judea and Samaria, and gives the viewer a means to get involved.
Democrats Have Embraced the Racist “Squad”
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten, an interview with Marc Zell Chairman of Republicans Abroad in Israel and VP and General Counsel for Republicans Overseas (worldwide). Zell says that instead of condemning the hate on display by the “squad” – the four freshman Democratic Congresswomen in the news who have repeatedly demonstrated their anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments, the leadership of the party has targeted President Trump. Zell also says it would be a mistake to allow Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib into Israel on their upcoming planned visit, as they are BDS supporters. He feels that nothing good can come from their trip.
Photo Credit: Flickr / Fibonacci Blue
Seeing Israel is Believing
On his fifth trip to Israel this year alone, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee says that he brings groups to Israel regularly, especially those individuals who haven’t been here before, since he feels strongly that seeing is believing when it comes to understanding the values Israel has been able to share with the world. Huckabee went on to touch upon many issues including the plight of Christians living as a persecuted minority under the Palestinian Authority. He also levied praise on President Donald Trump for moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Jews Living Under Military Control
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten an interview with Yisrael “Winkie” Medad Research Fellow at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center and long-time activist for Jewish rights in Judea and Samaria. Medad describes daily life and some of the struggles Jews face as residents of the State of Israel living in an area which is under military government control. He also describes current relations with his Arab neighbors and also outlines his vision for a peaceful future.
The Biblical Superhighway Unearthed
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten an interview with Ze’ev Orenstein Director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation. Yesterday, the City of David opened the “Pilgrimage Road,” the actual road used by Jewish pilgrims to walk up to the Temple in Jerusalem during the High Holidays after purifying themselves in the Shiloah pools down below. Orenstein refers to this new discovery as the ancient ‘Biblical superhighway’ as hundreds of thousands of Jews would use this path to make their way up to the Temple. He also gives his take on the haters who came out to protest yesterday’s ceremony, by saying the discovery isn’t a matter of faith, but rather a matter of “fact” linking ancient Jewish history to our presence here today.
‘Touchdown in Israel III’ in Jerusalem
On a very special edition of Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten, Josh reports from this past Friday’s “Touchdown in Israel III” event at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem. 16 current players and alumni from the New England Patriots were in Israel as part of the third installment of a VIP trip to Israel organized by Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. Over the years Kraft has brought dozens of other NFL players to Israel including many Hall of Fame Players – some of the best to ever play the game. Hear from Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman, and several other Patriots players along with representatives from the American Football in Israel (AFI) league on this week’s unforgettable show.
Surviving a Direct Rocket Hit
On today’s Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten, an interview with Rabbi Dovid Fendel, the head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot. This past Thursday night, terrorists in Gaza launched a rocket, which slammed into one of the Yeshiva’s buildings causing damage. While the students were shaken up, miraculously there were no serious injuries. Rabbi Fendel says that on one hand, his institution is leading the way in growing and thriving and building in Sderot, but on the other hand, he says that the reality under the constant threat of rocket fire is unacceptable. Rabbi Fendel shares some of his thoughts as to what Israel should do to stop the rocket attacks.