TYPHOON MAN-YI IN JAPAN

WE SEE THE SEA AND WAVES ROARING.

Typhoon Man-yi lashes southern Japan
Sat Jul 14, 7:47 AM

TOKYO (Reuters) - A strong typhoon lashed southern Japan with high winds and heavy rain on Saturday, killing a boy, injuring dozens and forcing thousands of people to evacuate homes.Man-yi struck the southernmost main island of Kyushu after storming through the islands of Okinawa on Friday, moving northeast at 35 km per hour (22 mph), the Meteorological Agency said.With winds blowing at up to 216 km per hour (134 mph), forecasters expected the typhoon to move along the coast of the southeastern island of Shikoku and the country's central region later in the day.
The typhoon was expected to brush by Tokyo late on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and winds, before veering off into the Pacific Ocean on Monday.

A 11-year-old boy died after he was swept along by a fast-moving river while trying to pick up a ball, a police official in southern Kagoshima prefecture said.Public broadcaster NHK earlier said 56 people, including the boy, had been injured. Television footage showed heavy rain pounding on empty streets and workers mopping floors of train stations.NHK said several houses and a post office collapsed under a landslide in Kagoshima, while strong winds and landslides damaged dozens of homes in other areas.Local officials advised over 15,000 households to evacuate as they warned of more flooding and landslides. Around 12,000 people fled to evacuation centers on their own.We're worried. We don't want to stay home, one elderly evacuee told NHK television.Train services in Kyushu were halted, highways closed and more than 590 flights cancelled, Kyodo news agency said, disrupting travel for many during a three-day holiday weekend.Around 29,700 homes in Kyushu suffered power blackouts, an official at Kyushu Electric Power said.The storm was classified as a category 1 typhoon by British-based Web site Tropical Storm Risk (www.tropicalstormrisk.com), down from category 4 on Friday.

Russia suspends application of arms control treaty Sat Jul 14, 5:50 AM ET

MOSCOW (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree suspending Russia's application of the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) arms control treaty, the Kremlin said Saturday. Russia has threatened several times to pull out of the treaty because of the US military encroachment into territory once part of the former Soviet Union, including Washington's plans to develop a missile defense shield in Europe.Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree 'on the suspension of the application by the Russian Federation of the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe and the international accords linked with it, the presidential press office said in a statement.It said the suspension would take effect from the day of the signing.

But the move does not mean that we have closed the door on dialogue, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.The suspension is motivated by some points of the initial 1990 accord concerning the security of the Russian Federation, it said.
The CFE treaty, which came into force in 1992, is one of the key post-Cold War security accords in Europe.It limits deployments of tanks and troops in countries belonging to NATO and the former Warsaw Pact in eastern Europe and lays down measures aimed at confidence-building, transparency and cooperation between member states.Putin had threatened three months ago to pull Russia out of the CFE until all of NATO's current members ratified it.

It would be appropriate to announce a moratorium on Russian adherence to this treaty until it has been ratified by all NATO countries without exception, he had said in a state of the nation speech in April.The CFE was signed in Paris in 1990 by the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the former Warsaw Pact.But it was adapted in Istanbul in 1999 following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact in order to limit deployments on a country-by-country basis.NATO states have refused to ratify the new pact on the grounds that Moscow has failed to honor commitments made in Istanbul to withdraw Russian forces from the ex-Soviet republics of Georgia and Moldova.Putin's insistence that all countries ratify the CFE appeared particularly aimed at the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which were once part of the Soviet Union and are not part of the treaty.The three are all now members of NATO.

China, Russia seek multi-polar world JULY 13,07
Associated Press Friday, July 13, 2007 (Moscow)

Russia and China on Friday stressed their common desire for a multi-polar world one not dominated by the United States - and vowed to keep improving economic ties that President Vladimir Putin said are already improving fast.Putin met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, a former ambassador to the United States who suggested the trip to Moscow less than three months after his appointment, underscoring Russia's importance for Beijing.In the past few years, thanks to great contributions by our leaders and our governments, great positive changes have occurred in bilateral relations, taking our strategic partnership further, Yang told Putin in talks at the Russian leader's residence outside Moscow.Relations have reached an especially high level, Putin said, adding the volume of bilateral trade was increasing by up to 43 per cent annually.

Still, trade between Russia and China remains far outstripped by China's commercial ties to the United States, Japan and South Korea, and Moscow and Beijing have been pushing to add more economic substance amid burgeoning political ties.Communist rivals through much of the Soviet era, Russia and China have found common ground in their opposition to what they perceive to be US dominance of world affairs.They have used their clout as veto-wielding permanent UN Security Council members to counter US moves, for example, forcing proposed sanctions against Iran to be watered down.
Following his meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Yang said close relations between Russia and China help foster the creation of a multi-polar world and the democratization of international relations, which he said both countries believe are the most important trends in history.

Efforts to create a new, more fair world order were at the forefront of cooperation between Russian and China in international affairs, Lavrov said.Lavrov said they agreed to work faster toward agreement on water resources shared by the two countries, and he stressed the need to update migration regulations.With Russia's population declining, residents of its sparsely populated eastern regions are concerned about the expanding presence of Chinese migrants.A 2005 chemical spill in northern China sent poisoned water flowing into the Amur River - which divides the two countries - and into Russian territory, straining bilateral relations.The two countries are slated to participate in major military exercises in central Russia next month, along with other members of loose political and military groups called the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Friday, July 13, 2007 by Staff Writer
Muslims rip up Temple Mount, archeologists protest

The Muslim overlords of Jerusalem's Temple Mount began hacking a deep trench into the holy hill earlier this week as a prelude to more extensive infrastructure work on the mosques that currently occupy the compound. The Islamic Trust (Waqf) gained the approval of the Israeli police to proceed with the work, but leading archeologists note that digging with heavy machinery at such a sensitive historical site also requires, by law, the approval of archeological authorities. The use of tractors and other heavy machinery in construction at the Temple Mount requires real, professional and careful archaeological supervision involving meticulous documentation, stated the Committee for the Prevention of Destruction of Antiquities on the Temple Mount, an apolitical group that includes Israelis archeologists and intellectuals from across the political spectrum.

Committee member Dr. Eilat Mazar of the Hebrew University accused the government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of giving a green light to the work without going through the proper channels out of fear of the Muslims. As a result, said Mazar, even more of the history of Israel's temples to the Almighty will be destroyed, further erasing the historical and biblical connection of the Jewish people to the Temple Mount and Jerusalem. Mazar and the committee previously protested extensive construction work done by the Muslims under the Temple Mount, which resulted in a huge amount of dirt and debris being deposited unceremoniously in the Kidron Valley below. The mounds of debris were later found to contain shattered pieces of Jewish temple history. By contrast, the Muslim world erupted in outrage and violence earlier this year when Israel tried to repair a walking bridge leading to one of the Temple Mount's gates.

WELL THE BIBLE CLEARLY SAYS THE EU WILL HAVE ITS OWN ARMY, SARKOZY IS MAKING IT COME TO PASS.

France stages pan-European Bastille Day bash
Associated Press - Published July 15, 2007

PARIS -- Troops from all 27 European Union nations marched in France's Bastille Day parade for the first time Saturday, part of a revamped celebration enacted by new President Nicolas Sarkozy.It's a party. It's Europe's party, Sarkozy said of the holiday. It was a parade of armies, but it is peace that we want to celebrate.
Sarkozy, who has pushed for a united European military, stood in the back of a military vehicle to lead the procession. It circled the Arc de Triomphe before continuing down the Champs-Elysees escorted by mounted regiments of the Republic Guards.

He got out of the vehicle briefly to talk with spectators, an unplanned move that took guards by surprise.On the eve of the Bastille celebrations, Sarkozy reiterated his push for Europe-wide defense.The basis for a European defense exists. We must make it grow, he said in a speech to European defense ministers and French officers. I want Europe to be capable of ensuring its security autonomously.Chicago Tribune

Sons of Aaron - The Priestly Tribe - Convene in Jerusalem
by Hana Levi Julian (JULY 15,07 INN)

A four-day International Conference of Descendants of the biblical figure Aaron, the Priestly Tribe (Kohanim) and the whole Tribe of Levi to which the Kohanim are a part, begins on Sunday, July 15.Bring forth Aharon’s sons….Then anoint them, just as you anointed their father, so that they will be Kohanim (priests) to Me. It will be done so that their anointing will make them an eternal [hereditary] priesthood for all generations. Moses proceeded to do exactly as G-d had commanded him.(Exodus 40:14, 15) Throughout Jewish history and to this day, Jews are careful to note which families belong to the tribe of Levi and the priestly family of Aaron. At the special gathering this week in Jerusalem, they will learn more about their roots and discuss the latest research proving their genetic ties.

The International Conference of Kohanim and the Tribe of Levi falls on the first day of the Hebrew month of Av and the beginning of the nine-day period leading up to Tisha B’Av, the second-most solemn fast day in the Jewish calendar.It is also the date on which Aharon the High Priest, brother of Moses left this world to enter the World to Come.Recent scientific research and DNA testing has allegedly proven a genetic connection between the descendants of the Tribe of Levi, the biblical priests and their assistants who began with the sons of Aharon.Project director Professor Karl Skorecki, one of the main researchers in the seminal Kohen Genetic Signature study, is scheduled to present the findings Monday, July 16 at 11:30 a.m. in HaKotel Hall auditorium, near the Western Wall Plaza .

This is not only the first family reunion of the Jewish priestly dynasty in nearly 2,000 years, said conference organizer Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman in a statement sent to the media. The research and information we will share will play an important role in appreciating and maintaining our unique and precious heritage. Rabbi Kleiman is the director of The Center for Kohanim in Jerusalem and the author of DNA & Tradition.
Molecular geneticists have recently discovered the Kohen Modal Haplotype, a Y-chromosome DNA lineage signature shared by a majority of both Ashkenazic and Sephardic Kohanim.This indicates direct patrilineal descent of present-day Kohanim from an ancient ancestor, genetically dated to have lived approximately 3,000 years ago, corresponding to the time of the Exodus from Egypt.Kohanim and other members of the tribe, the Levi’im (Levites), are being invited to participate in what has been billed as the first family reunion held since the days of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Four days of seminars, touring, presentations of the latest research and lectures by leading rabbis and scientists on such topics as genetic genealogy, biblical history and contemporary issues in the Jewish legal arena will be offered in English as well as Hebrew.

This Week with Rabbi Eckstein - July 12, 2007

Dear Friend of The Fellowship,

One year ago, on July 12, 2006, the Second Lebanon War began when Hezbollah terrorists attacked Israel Defense Forces patrolling the Lebanon border. Eight Israeli soldiers were killed, and two were kidnapped and continue to be held to this day.

This act of aggression plunged Israel into war. By the time a United Nations-brokered ceasefire was in place a month later, Hezbollah had fired nearly four thousand rockets at Israel, causing great suffering and widespread devastation in the northern part of the country. One hundred and fifty-nine Israelis were killed. Over four thousand were injured, and hundreds of thousands displaced. More than one million Israelis were forced to live in bomb shelters that had been unused for years and were terribly run-down. Conditions in many were nearly unbearable.

Thankfully, Fellowship supporters responded quickly and generously to our calls for emergency assistance. Contributions to our Israel Emergency Fund allowed us to send help within 24 hours of the first Hezbollah attack, to continue helping throughout the war and assist in rebuilding efforts afterward. Thousands signed our petition of support for the Israeli people, and joined us in prayer for Israel’s peace and security. Despite the terrible pain of that time, this incredible display of love for Israel and her people was a great blessing.

Today, there is again the possibility of war. Gaza is now a radical Islamic state, ruled by Hamas. Iran continues to provide arms to radical Palestinian and Islamist groups and persists in its aggressive and hostile rhetoric against Israel. Syria is positioning its military for a possible strike. In Lebanon, the United Nations’ peacekeeping force has proved utterly ineffective in preventing Hezbollah from rearming. Clearly, there is now much more than just a remote chance of war erupting it is a real possibility.

As I reflected on the devastation of last year’s war during a recent trip to northern Israel, I was reminded of the importance of being prepared. During the past year, the Israel Defense Forces has been working hard to prepare itself to defend Israel in the event of war. And through our campaign to renovate and equip Israel’s bomb shelters to supply them with essentials such as food, water and sanitation, and to ensure that they are in good repair friends of The Fellowship have been helping to ensure that Israel’s people will have safe, comfortable places to take refuge if Israel is attacked.

While physical preparation is essential, spiritual preparation is also important. War unleashes chaos, destruction and suffering. It is precisely at this time that we need to recommit ourselves to pray daily for Israel and her people, and to remind ourselves that we can always trust in God. The Bible says, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-2). Thus we are assured that, even in times of greatest crisis, when the world seems to be falling apart around us, God is present, and hears His people’s cries for help.

Keeping this in mind, I ask you today to do two things. First, contribute as best you can to our campaign to repair and equip Israel’s bomb shelters. Given the current circumstances in the Middle East, this is an urgent need. We must ensure that Israel is never again faced with the situation she had to deal with last year, when thousands of Israelis were crowded for weeks into shelters that lacked even basic infrastructure and supplies. Second, continue praying daily for the peace of Jerusalem, for Israel’s protection and for the safe return of Israel’s soldiers who have now spent a year in the hands of terrorists. These soliders Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, as well as Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas several weeks before last year’s war began have endured much, and greatly need as much prayer support as we can give them.

On behalf of everyone at The Fellowship, and the people of Israel, I want to thank you for your support. May you be blessed, even as you have blessed the Jewish people.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIANS AND JEWS.