JEWISH KING JESUS IS COMING AT THE RAPTURE FOR US IN THE CLOUDS-DON'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.THE BIBLE TAKEN LITERALLY- WHEN THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES GOOD SENSE-SEEK NO OTHER SENSE-LEST YOU END UP IN NONSENSE.GET SAVED NOW- CALL ON JESUS TODAY.THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE EARTH - NO OTHER.
1 COR 15:23-JESUS THE FIRST FRUITS-CHRISTIANS RAPTURED TO JESUS-FIRST FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT-23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.ROMANS 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.(THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE)
LUKE 21:28-29
28 And when these things begin to come to pass,(ALL THE PROPHECY SIGNS FROM THE BIBLE) then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption (RAPTURE) draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree,(ISRAEL) and all the trees;(ALL INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES)
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.(ISRAEL LITERALLY BECAME AND INDEPENDENT COUNTRY JUST BEFORE SUMMER IN MAY 14,1948.)
JOEL 2:3,30
3 A fire devoureth (ATOMIC BOMB) before them;(RUSSIAN-ARAB-MUSLIM ARMIES AGAINST ISRAEL) and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.(ATOMIC BOMB AFFECT)
ZECHARIAH 14:12-13
12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet,(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB) and their eyes shall consume away in their holes,(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB) and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB)(BECAUSE NUKES HAVE BEEN USED ON ISRAELS ENEMIES)(GOD PROTECTS ISRAEL AND ALWAYS WILL)
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.(1/2-3 BILLION DIE IN WW3)(THIS IS AN ATOMIC BOMB EFFECT)
EZEKIEL 20:47
47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.
ZEPHANIAH 1:18
18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
MALACHI 4:1
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven;(FROM ATOMIC BOMBS) and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
And here are the bounderies of the land that Israel will inherit either through war or peace or God in the future. God says its Israels land and only Israels land. They will have every inch God promised them of this land in the future.
Egypt east of the Nile River, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, The southern part of Turkey and the Western Half of Iraq west of the Euphrates. Gen 13:14-15, Psm 105:9,11, Gen 15:18, Exe 23:31, Num 34:1-12, Josh 1:4.ALL THIS LAND ISRAEL WILL DEFINATELY OWN IN THE FUTURE, ITS ISRAELS NOT ISHMAELS LAND.12 TRIBES INHERIT LAND IN THE FUTURE
Don’t quit over Jerusalem vote, Israel urged Mexico’s UNESCO envoy-Andres Roemer, who is Jewish, walked out of last week’s session, in protest at his country’s support for anti-Israel resolution. His Israeli counterpart implored him to reconsider resigning-By Times of Israel staff October 17, 2016, 3:10 pm
In an extraordinary sequence of diplomatic events, Mexico’s ambassador to UNESCO walked out of last week’s vote in Paris on a resolution effectively denying Judaism’s historic ties to Jerusalem, in what appears to have been a personal protest against his country’s decision to vote in favor of the text. The ambassador, who is Jewish, then apparently contemplated resigning his post, but was urged not to by Israel’s ambassador, who wrote him a personal letter praising him as a friend of the Jewish state.UNESCO’s resolution, sponsored by several Arab countries, referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, and condemned Israel as “the occupying power” for various actions taken in both places. Approved at the cultural body’s committee stage in Paris on Thursday, the resolution must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets Tuesday, but the wording is unlikely to change.Mexico was one of the 24 countries that voted in favor of the resolution. Six nations (including the US, Germany and Britain) voted against and another 26 abstained.Mexico’s ambassador Andres Roemer walked out of the session, and considered resigning. However, Israel’s ambassador Carmel Shama HaCohen wrote him a letter the next day, urging him not to do so.In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Times of Israel, Shama HaCohen wrote that he found it “personally moving” when Roemer exited the session on Jerusalem, “to actively avoid the vote against your conscience.” HaCohen urged Roemer to remain in his post as ambassador, noting that he would continue to be “a great asset to Mexico and a friend to Israel.”HaCohen wrote: “I would like to express my deepest appreciation to your assistance in advice and insight. Your presence as a friend is highly appreciated and welcomed. I am looking forward to continue working together with you in the future.“Furthermore, it was personally moving to see you leave the room during the vote in order to actively avoid the vote against your conscience.“Moreover, I found your consideration to resign from your post as pre-matured and rushed [sic]. I am sure that you will be a great asset to Mexico and a friend to Israel.”The letter, on official Israeli government stationary, is dated October 14, 2016 and signed by HaCohen.Roemer, who is also a lawyer, economist and playwright, is the grandson of Viennese orchestra conductor Ernesto Roemer, who fled Europe before World War II. A self-described “atheist Jew,” he grew up in Mexico City, and had previously served as Mexico’s consul-general in San Francisco.Both UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and chairman of the UNESCO Executive Board Michael Worbs have expressed displeasure at the outcome of Thursday’s vote.In an interview to Israeli television on Friday, Worbs apologized for the resolution, shortly after expressing the hope that the Board’s Tuesday meeting could be delayed, in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote.Bokova, meanwhile, told MK Tzipi Livni that her organization would battle the delegitimization of Israel, as well as continue to promote Jewish heritage around the world and fight against Holocaust denial.Responding to a letter sent on the eve of the vote by the former Israeli foreign minister, Bokova said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.In her initial letter, Livni had warned that the resolution could spark religious conflict and violations of the decades-long status quo at Jerusalem’s flashpoint holy sites.Bokova also signaled her dismay at the resolution on Friday, saying efforts to deny history and the city’s complex multi-faith character harm UNESCO.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israelis and many Jews around the world view the move as the latest example of an ingrained anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, where Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Education Minister Naftali Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”
Palestinians rebuke UNESCO chief for opposing Jerusalem resolution-PA, Hamas accuse Irina Bokova of capitulating to Israeli pressure after she expresses disapproval of motion ignoring Jewish links to holy sites-By Times of Israel staff October 15, 2016, 7:31 pm
Palestinian leaders over the weekend leveled harsh criticism at UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova for distancing herself from the UN cultural body’s resolution that rejects Jewish ties to Jerusalem’s holy sites.Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki charged that Bokova had overstepped her authority by speaking out against the resolution adopted by the organization on Thursday and accused her of capitulating to Israeli pressure.Maliki said Bokova’s statements “undermine” the work and authority of UNESCO’s member states “and are thus completely unacceptable.”He went on to accuse Bokova of choosing to appease Israel’s “bullying campaign” against the resolution. He called on Bokova to focus her efforts on “addressing the ongoing colonial policies in Palestine, which systematically assault and target our rich heritage, cultural and religious sites, undermining coexistence and tolerance.”A spokesman for the Hamas terror group similarly denounced Bokova’s opposition to the resolution, accusing the director-general of “giving in to Israeli pressure,” according to Walla News.Jordan — who co-sponsored the resolution along with UNESCO’s Palestinian delegation — said it intended to employ any diplomatic and legal means to establish the historical status of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said Saturday: “Jordan is proud to lead the world, Muslims and all Arabs in this matter, and urges to continue these measures,” he said according to Israel’s Ynet news website.Bokova on Friday signaled her opposition to the UNESCO resolution that referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, condemned Israel as “the occupying power” and called to “safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem.”Though she did not explicitly mention the resolution, Bokova made her disapproval of the motion clear. “The heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible, and each of its communities has a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city,” she said in a statement.“To deny, conceal or erase any of the Jewish, Christian or Muslim traditions undermines the integrity of the site, and runs counter to the reasons that justified its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list,” Bokova said. “When these divisions carry over into UNESCO, an organization dedicated to dialogue and peace, they prevent us from carrying out our mission.”The resolution was approved Thursday at UNESCO’s committee stage. It must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets early next week, but the wording is unlikely to change.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution Thursday, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Education Minister Naftali Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”In response to a letter from MK Tzipi Livni, Bokova on Saturday said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.Bennett called Bokova’s criticism of the resolution “insufficient,” and urged her to back up her words with action.The chairman of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Michael Worbs, said Friday that he hoped to delay Tuesday’s board meeting in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote. He also apologized for the resolution in an interview aired Friday night on Israeli television.
UNESCO chief to Livni: We will fight delegitimization of Israel-Though its committee has approved anti-Israel text, Irina Bokova vows UN body will promote Jewish heritage around the world, combat Holocaust denial-By Times of Israel staff October 15, 2016, 12:51 pm
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova told MK Tzipi Livni that her organization would battle the delegitimization of Israel, as well as continue to promote Jewish heritage around the world and fight against Holocaust denial.Bokova made the comments in a response to a letter that the Zionist Union lawmaker and former foreign minister sent ahead of Thursday’s UNESCO vote on a resolution that effectively rejects Jewish ties to Jerusalem’s holy sites.UNESCO’s resolution, sponsored by several Arab countries, referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, and condemned Israel as “the occupying power” for various actions taken in both places. Approved at UNESCO’s committee stage on Thursday, the resolution must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets Tuesday, but the wording is unlikely to change.In her initial letter sent on the eve of Thursday’s vote, Livni warned that the resolution could spark religious conflict and violations of the decades-long status quo at Jerusalem’s flashpoint holy sites.Bokova’s response, which apparently came after the motion was passed, said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.“For more than 70 years UNESCO has worked to preserve world Jewish heritage in order to fight anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial,” Bokova wrote, according to a report on the Ynet website Saturday. “UNESCO is the sole UN organization that has educational programs on the lessons of the Holocaust, with the aim of combating modern anti-Semitism including the delegitimization of Israel.”Bokova also mentioned UNESCO’s joint projects to fight anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of Israel, as well as those aimed at preserving sites in Israel that show the connection of the Jewish people to the land, including Jerusalem. Among those projects, she said, was work with the Simon Wiesenthal Center on Holocaust studies.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution Thursday, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israelis and many Jews around the world view the move as the latest example of an ingrained anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, where Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters.The chairman of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Michael Worbs, said Friday that he hoped to delay Tuesday’s board meeting in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote. He also apologized for the resolution in an interview aired Friday night on Israeli television.Bokova also signaled her dismay at the resolution on Friday, saying efforts to deny history and the city’s complex multi-faith character harm UNESCO.“The heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible, and each of its communities has a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city,” the UNESCO chief said in a statement.Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in response Friday that Bokova’s criticism was insufficient, and she must follow up her words with actions.“The announcement by UNESCO’s Director-General about the importance of the Temple Mount to the Jews is not enough,” said a statement from Bennett, who is also president of Israel’s National Commission for UNESCO.“The moral support provided by UNESCO to terror will end only when the organization cancels yesterday’s outrageous decision, which denies history to please Israel haters,” he said. “Words are important, but they are not a replacement to the actions of the organization she heads.”It was not immediately clear what steps, if any, Bokova intended to take in light of her statement.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”Bennett said all meetings with UNESCO officials, participation in international forums and professional cooperation would be suspended until further notice.A total of 24 countries voted in favor of Thursday’s resolution, while six (including the US and Britain) voted against and another 26 abstained. Israel’s Ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-HaCohen praised the diplomatic effort that had changed several “no” votes in a similar resolution in April into abstentions this time.
Hamas test-fires long-range rocket into sea off Gaza-Terror group often conducts trial launches to improve range, accuracy; latest comes less than 2 weeks after twin strikes on southern Israel-By Times of Israel staff October 17, 2016, 10:54 am
The Palestinian terror group Hamas fired at least one long-range missile into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Monday morning, in what appeared to be a weapons test.The booms of detonations could be heard in communities in southern Israel that border the Hamas-ruled territory, Channel 2 reported.The jihadist group regularly fires rockets as it works to improve its rocket range and accuracy, a little over two years after it last fought Israel. In June, it test-fired dozens of short-range rockets inside Gaza, with Israeli sources estimating that at least 30 projectiles were launched.Monday’s test comes some 10 days after two projectile strikes in two days from Gaza on nearby Israeli population centers. The first attack — in which a rocket hit a street in the city of Sderot — caused some damage to nearby homes and cars, but no injuries. Three people were hospitalized for anxiety following the strike.The following day, a mortar shell fired from the Strip landed in an open area in the southern Eshkol region. There were no injuries or damage reported from the shell, according to the IDF.The army responded with a massive bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, targeting strategic Hamas positions in the north and south of the enclave.While Hamas initially warned that it would not “sit idly by” if Israel continued airstrikes on its installations, the group reportedly sent a message to Israel calling for calm and saying the terrorist group was not interested in a further escalation of tensions.Israel says it holds Hamas responsible for any attacks emanating from Gaza and routinely responds to such launches with strikes against Hamas targets.
Danish airport, square, shopping center evacuated due to bomb threats-Police give no more details on alert, urge public to stay away from area, but note that no one has been hurt-By AP October 17, 2016, 4:43 pm-THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
STOCKHOLM — Danish police say they have evacuated an airport, public square and shopping center due to a string of bomb threats.Police in Roskilde, just west of the Danish capital, Copenhagen, said they evacuated the local airport and a square in the city. They didn’t give any details about the threats Monday but said no one was injured.Meanwhile, police in Slagelse, about 35 miles southwest of Copenhagen, said they had evacuated a shopping center there after a similar threat. Police urged people to stay away from the downtown area near the shopping center.
Russian broadcaster RT says UK bank suspends its accounts-No reason given for the move, though London has promised to pressure Moscow over Syrian impasse-By AP October 17, 2016, 4:03 pm-THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
LONDON — Russian broadcaster RT says Britain’s NatWest bank has shut down its accounts without explanation.The editor of the government-funded television channel, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted Monday: “They’ve closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. ‘The decision is not subject to review.’ Praise be to freedom of speech!”RT, formerly known as Russia Today, published what appears to be a letter from NatWest informing the broadcaster that “we have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities.”Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which owns NatWest, had no immediate comment. Neither did Britain’s Treasury.On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he wanted to increase pressure on Russia over its military campaign in Syria.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass,(ALL THE PROPHECY SIGNS FROM THE BIBLE) then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption (RAPTURE) draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree,(ISRAEL) and all the trees;(ALL INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES)
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.(ISRAEL LITERALLY BECAME AND INDEPENDENT COUNTRY JUST BEFORE SUMMER IN MAY 14,1948.)
JOEL 2:3,30
3 A fire devoureth (ATOMIC BOMB) before them;(RUSSIAN-ARAB-MUSLIM ARMIES AGAINST ISRAEL) and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.(ATOMIC BOMB AFFECT)
ZECHARIAH 14:12-13
12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet,(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB) and their eyes shall consume away in their holes,(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB) and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.(DISOLVED FROM ATOMIC BOMB)(BECAUSE NUKES HAVE BEEN USED ON ISRAELS ENEMIES)(GOD PROTECTS ISRAEL AND ALWAYS WILL)
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.(1/2-3 BILLION DIE IN WW3)(THIS IS AN ATOMIC BOMB EFFECT)
EZEKIEL 20:47
47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.
ZEPHANIAH 1:18
18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
MALACHI 4:1
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven;(FROM ATOMIC BOMBS) and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
And here are the bounderies of the land that Israel will inherit either through war or peace or God in the future. God says its Israels land and only Israels land. They will have every inch God promised them of this land in the future.
Egypt east of the Nile River, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, The southern part of Turkey and the Western Half of Iraq west of the Euphrates. Gen 13:14-15, Psm 105:9,11, Gen 15:18, Exe 23:31, Num 34:1-12, Josh 1:4.ALL THIS LAND ISRAEL WILL DEFINATELY OWN IN THE FUTURE, ITS ISRAELS NOT ISHMAELS LAND.12 TRIBES INHERIT LAND IN THE FUTURE
Don’t quit over Jerusalem vote, Israel urged Mexico’s UNESCO envoy-Andres Roemer, who is Jewish, walked out of last week’s session, in protest at his country’s support for anti-Israel resolution. His Israeli counterpart implored him to reconsider resigning-By Times of Israel staff October 17, 2016, 3:10 pm
In an extraordinary sequence of diplomatic events, Mexico’s ambassador to UNESCO walked out of last week’s vote in Paris on a resolution effectively denying Judaism’s historic ties to Jerusalem, in what appears to have been a personal protest against his country’s decision to vote in favor of the text. The ambassador, who is Jewish, then apparently contemplated resigning his post, but was urged not to by Israel’s ambassador, who wrote him a personal letter praising him as a friend of the Jewish state.UNESCO’s resolution, sponsored by several Arab countries, referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, and condemned Israel as “the occupying power” for various actions taken in both places. Approved at the cultural body’s committee stage in Paris on Thursday, the resolution must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets Tuesday, but the wording is unlikely to change.Mexico was one of the 24 countries that voted in favor of the resolution. Six nations (including the US, Germany and Britain) voted against and another 26 abstained.Mexico’s ambassador Andres Roemer walked out of the session, and considered resigning. However, Israel’s ambassador Carmel Shama HaCohen wrote him a letter the next day, urging him not to do so.In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Times of Israel, Shama HaCohen wrote that he found it “personally moving” when Roemer exited the session on Jerusalem, “to actively avoid the vote against your conscience.” HaCohen urged Roemer to remain in his post as ambassador, noting that he would continue to be “a great asset to Mexico and a friend to Israel.”HaCohen wrote: “I would like to express my deepest appreciation to your assistance in advice and insight. Your presence as a friend is highly appreciated and welcomed. I am looking forward to continue working together with you in the future.“Furthermore, it was personally moving to see you leave the room during the vote in order to actively avoid the vote against your conscience.“Moreover, I found your consideration to resign from your post as pre-matured and rushed [sic]. I am sure that you will be a great asset to Mexico and a friend to Israel.”The letter, on official Israeli government stationary, is dated October 14, 2016 and signed by HaCohen.Roemer, who is also a lawyer, economist and playwright, is the grandson of Viennese orchestra conductor Ernesto Roemer, who fled Europe before World War II. A self-described “atheist Jew,” he grew up in Mexico City, and had previously served as Mexico’s consul-general in San Francisco.Both UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and chairman of the UNESCO Executive Board Michael Worbs have expressed displeasure at the outcome of Thursday’s vote.In an interview to Israeli television on Friday, Worbs apologized for the resolution, shortly after expressing the hope that the Board’s Tuesday meeting could be delayed, in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote.Bokova, meanwhile, told MK Tzipi Livni that her organization would battle the delegitimization of Israel, as well as continue to promote Jewish heritage around the world and fight against Holocaust denial.Responding to a letter sent on the eve of the vote by the former Israeli foreign minister, Bokova said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.In her initial letter, Livni had warned that the resolution could spark religious conflict and violations of the decades-long status quo at Jerusalem’s flashpoint holy sites.Bokova also signaled her dismay at the resolution on Friday, saying efforts to deny history and the city’s complex multi-faith character harm UNESCO.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israelis and many Jews around the world view the move as the latest example of an ingrained anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, where Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Education Minister Naftali Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”
Palestinians rebuke UNESCO chief for opposing Jerusalem resolution-PA, Hamas accuse Irina Bokova of capitulating to Israeli pressure after she expresses disapproval of motion ignoring Jewish links to holy sites-By Times of Israel staff October 15, 2016, 7:31 pm
Palestinian leaders over the weekend leveled harsh criticism at UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova for distancing herself from the UN cultural body’s resolution that rejects Jewish ties to Jerusalem’s holy sites.Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki charged that Bokova had overstepped her authority by speaking out against the resolution adopted by the organization on Thursday and accused her of capitulating to Israeli pressure.Maliki said Bokova’s statements “undermine” the work and authority of UNESCO’s member states “and are thus completely unacceptable.”He went on to accuse Bokova of choosing to appease Israel’s “bullying campaign” against the resolution. He called on Bokova to focus her efforts on “addressing the ongoing colonial policies in Palestine, which systematically assault and target our rich heritage, cultural and religious sites, undermining coexistence and tolerance.”A spokesman for the Hamas terror group similarly denounced Bokova’s opposition to the resolution, accusing the director-general of “giving in to Israeli pressure,” according to Walla News.Jordan — who co-sponsored the resolution along with UNESCO’s Palestinian delegation — said it intended to employ any diplomatic and legal means to establish the historical status of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said Saturday: “Jordan is proud to lead the world, Muslims and all Arabs in this matter, and urges to continue these measures,” he said according to Israel’s Ynet news website.Bokova on Friday signaled her opposition to the UNESCO resolution that referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, condemned Israel as “the occupying power” and called to “safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem.”Though she did not explicitly mention the resolution, Bokova made her disapproval of the motion clear. “The heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible, and each of its communities has a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city,” she said in a statement.“To deny, conceal or erase any of the Jewish, Christian or Muslim traditions undermines the integrity of the site, and runs counter to the reasons that justified its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list,” Bokova said. “When these divisions carry over into UNESCO, an organization dedicated to dialogue and peace, they prevent us from carrying out our mission.”The resolution was approved Thursday at UNESCO’s committee stage. It must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets early next week, but the wording is unlikely to change.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution Thursday, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Education Minister Naftali Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”In response to a letter from MK Tzipi Livni, Bokova on Saturday said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.Bennett called Bokova’s criticism of the resolution “insufficient,” and urged her to back up her words with action.The chairman of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Michael Worbs, said Friday that he hoped to delay Tuesday’s board meeting in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote. He also apologized for the resolution in an interview aired Friday night on Israeli television.
UNESCO chief to Livni: We will fight delegitimization of Israel-Though its committee has approved anti-Israel text, Irina Bokova vows UN body will promote Jewish heritage around the world, combat Holocaust denial-By Times of Israel staff October 15, 2016, 12:51 pm
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova told MK Tzipi Livni that her organization would battle the delegitimization of Israel, as well as continue to promote Jewish heritage around the world and fight against Holocaust denial.Bokova made the comments in a response to a letter that the Zionist Union lawmaker and former foreign minister sent ahead of Thursday’s UNESCO vote on a resolution that effectively rejects Jewish ties to Jerusalem’s holy sites.UNESCO’s resolution, sponsored by several Arab countries, referred to the Temple Mount and Western Wall — Judaism’s holiest sites — only by their Muslim names, and condemned Israel as “the occupying power” for various actions taken in both places. Approved at UNESCO’s committee stage on Thursday, the resolution must still be validated by the Executive Board of UNESCO when it meets Tuesday, but the wording is unlikely to change.In her initial letter sent on the eve of Thursday’s vote, Livni warned that the resolution could spark religious conflict and violations of the decades-long status quo at Jerusalem’s flashpoint holy sites.Bokova’s response, which apparently came after the motion was passed, said that she herself recognizes the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall to the Jewish people, and highlighted various UNESCO activities aimed at upholding Judaism’s connection to the land of Israel.“For more than 70 years UNESCO has worked to preserve world Jewish heritage in order to fight anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial,” Bokova wrote, according to a report on the Ynet website Saturday. “UNESCO is the sole UN organization that has educational programs on the lessons of the Holocaust, with the aim of combating modern anti-Semitism including the delegitimization of Israel.”Bokova also mentioned UNESCO’s joint projects to fight anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of Israel, as well as those aimed at preserving sites in Israel that show the connection of the Jewish people to the land, including Jerusalem. Among those projects, she said, was work with the Simon Wiesenthal Center on Holocaust studies.The Israeli leadership reacted furiously to the resolution Thursday, with some accusing UNESCO of anti-Semitism. Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision was ill-befitting of the cultural body.Israelis and many Jews around the world view the move as the latest example of an ingrained anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, where Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters.The chairman of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Michael Worbs, said Friday that he hoped to delay Tuesday’s board meeting in order to reach a consensus on the resolution before a formal vote. He also apologized for the resolution in an interview aired Friday night on Israeli television.Bokova also signaled her dismay at the resolution on Friday, saying efforts to deny history and the city’s complex multi-faith character harm UNESCO.“The heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible, and each of its communities has a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city,” the UNESCO chief said in a statement.Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in response Friday that Bokova’s criticism was insufficient, and she must follow up her words with actions.“The announcement by UNESCO’s Director-General about the importance of the Temple Mount to the Jews is not enough,” said a statement from Bennett, who is also president of Israel’s National Commission for UNESCO.“The moral support provided by UNESCO to terror will end only when the organization cancels yesterday’s outrageous decision, which denies history to please Israel haters,” he said. “Words are important, but they are not a replacement to the actions of the organization she heads.”It was not immediately clear what steps, if any, Bokova intended to take in light of her statement.Israel informed Bokova on Friday that it was suspending its cooperation with UNESCO over the vote, with Bennett calling the motion a denial of history that “gives a boost to terrorism.”Bennett said all meetings with UNESCO officials, participation in international forums and professional cooperation would be suspended until further notice.A total of 24 countries voted in favor of Thursday’s resolution, while six (including the US and Britain) voted against and another 26 abstained. Israel’s Ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-HaCohen praised the diplomatic effort that had changed several “no” votes in a similar resolution in April into abstentions this time.
Hamas test-fires long-range rocket into sea off Gaza-Terror group often conducts trial launches to improve range, accuracy; latest comes less than 2 weeks after twin strikes on southern Israel-By Times of Israel staff October 17, 2016, 10:54 am
The Palestinian terror group Hamas fired at least one long-range missile into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Monday morning, in what appeared to be a weapons test.The booms of detonations could be heard in communities in southern Israel that border the Hamas-ruled territory, Channel 2 reported.The jihadist group regularly fires rockets as it works to improve its rocket range and accuracy, a little over two years after it last fought Israel. In June, it test-fired dozens of short-range rockets inside Gaza, with Israeli sources estimating that at least 30 projectiles were launched.Monday’s test comes some 10 days after two projectile strikes in two days from Gaza on nearby Israeli population centers. The first attack — in which a rocket hit a street in the city of Sderot — caused some damage to nearby homes and cars, but no injuries. Three people were hospitalized for anxiety following the strike.The following day, a mortar shell fired from the Strip landed in an open area in the southern Eshkol region. There were no injuries or damage reported from the shell, according to the IDF.The army responded with a massive bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, targeting strategic Hamas positions in the north and south of the enclave.While Hamas initially warned that it would not “sit idly by” if Israel continued airstrikes on its installations, the group reportedly sent a message to Israel calling for calm and saying the terrorist group was not interested in a further escalation of tensions.Israel says it holds Hamas responsible for any attacks emanating from Gaza and routinely responds to such launches with strikes against Hamas targets.
Danish airport, square, shopping center evacuated due to bomb threats-Police give no more details on alert, urge public to stay away from area, but note that no one has been hurt-By AP October 17, 2016, 4:43 pm-THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
STOCKHOLM — Danish police say they have evacuated an airport, public square and shopping center due to a string of bomb threats.Police in Roskilde, just west of the Danish capital, Copenhagen, said they evacuated the local airport and a square in the city. They didn’t give any details about the threats Monday but said no one was injured.Meanwhile, police in Slagelse, about 35 miles southwest of Copenhagen, said they had evacuated a shopping center there after a similar threat. Police urged people to stay away from the downtown area near the shopping center.
Russian broadcaster RT says UK bank suspends its accounts-No reason given for the move, though London has promised to pressure Moscow over Syrian impasse-By AP October 17, 2016, 4:03 pm-THE TIMES OF ISRAEL
LONDON — Russian broadcaster RT says Britain’s NatWest bank has shut down its accounts without explanation.The editor of the government-funded television channel, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted Monday: “They’ve closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. ‘The decision is not subject to review.’ Praise be to freedom of speech!”RT, formerly known as Russia Today, published what appears to be a letter from NatWest informing the broadcaster that “we have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities.”Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which owns NatWest, had no immediate comment. Neither did Britain’s Treasury.On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he wanted to increase pressure on Russia over its military campaign in Syria.
