Must Read
The Palestinian Charity Trap
It is well documented that the Palestinians are one of the largest recipients of foreign aid and charitable giving, and yet it is difficult to measure or observe the effect of this aid. A recent Israeli investigation has led to the arrest of a key Gaza employee of World Vision, a leading global charity, alleging that he diverted approximately 60% of the charitable aid provided to Gaza by World Vision to terrorist groups, including Hamas. The investigation has suggested that several charities are in a similar boat, with the majority of their aid being used to feed and clothe Hamas militants and/or build terrorist infrastructure, such as Hamas's terror tunnels.
In this Wall Street Journal article, Gerald Steinberg, founder of NGO Monitor, opines that all charities should be vigilant as they provide, either intentionally or through willful ignorance, support to Palestinian terror.
Fatah Makes Incendiary Facebook Claim of Killing 11,000 Israelis
For many politicians and political parties across the globe, campaigning means attacking your opponents and boasting about your accomplishments, whether that's reducing and reforming taxes, lowering poverty and homelessness, increasing education, etc. If you are Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas, who is 10 years into his 4 year term, and his party, Fatah, you boast as one of your crowning achievements "kill[ing] 11,000 Israelis" and "offer[ing] 170,000 martyrs." This tells everything about Israel's so-called "partner for peace."
News
With bomb covered in poisoned nails, Palestinian tried to attack Jerusalem tram
A young Palestinian crossed into Israel with home-made pipe bombs with nails dipped in rat poison, which he intended to use to carry out a large-scale terrorist attack on the Jerusalem light rail system. Fortunately, he was stopped by a security guard before he could complete the act. Those who would claim that terrorism is the last resort for those who are desperate for opportunity should note that the young Palestinian man was an engineering student at Hebron University. Also, he didn't plan the attack because of some gross injustice by Israelis; rather, his stated reason for planning the attack was "revenge for visits by tourists and Israeli Jews to the Temple Mount."
Israel
REMEMBERING MICHAEL LEVIN: The American-born lone soldier who out-Israelied the Israelis
The Times of Israel commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the death of Michael Levin, an American who joined the IDF and was killed in combat. Following his death, Michael's parents worked to establish a network of support for IDF "lone soldiers" (those without family in Israel) that has changed the face of the IDF.
Jewishpress.com Daily Cartoon: The World Vision Donation System
It was recently discovered that the majority of Palestinian aid from a key charity (possibly many more) has been funneled directly to the Hamas terror infrastructure (covered in this week's newsletter). This cartoon from http://www.jewishpress.com/ perfectly captures the essence of foreign aid to Palestinians.
Israeli Arab: “I Love Our ‘Apartheid’ In Israel”
Aussie Dave at israellycool.com brings us a short account from Israeli Arab Nabil Haalki of the treatment he received at a local Israeli pizza parlor, which was anything but the "apartheid" many claim exists.
A Guide to the Palestinian Lexicon
Khaled Abu Toameh of the Gatestone Institute explains the Palestinian lexicon used to create incendiary hate against Israel. Palestinian civil servants are even instructed by the government not to refer to Israel as "Israel," but rather as the "Occupation" or the "Other Side" so as to not accidentally recognize the very existence of the State of Israel.
Satire: Minister Of Genocide Forced To Resign Over Persistent Failures Minister Of Genocide Forced To Resign Over Persistent Failures
http://www.preoccupiedterritory.com/ publishes a great satirical piece about the resignation of Israel's "Minister of Genocide" for poor performance. Israel often gets accused of genocide of the Palestinians. However, Israel seems to be incredibly bad at genocide, as the Palestinian population has been continuously on the rise, as has their quality of life compared to many in the world.
World
Olympics spat as Lebanese stop Israelis joining them on bus
The Olympics, long a symbol of setting aside differences for sportsman-like competition, commenced in Rio with a bit of a bumpy start. The Israeli and Lebanese delegations were scheduled to share a bus to the opening ceremonies (I'm not sure who thought that was a good idea). As told by Israeli sailing coach Udi Gal, the Lebanese contingent physically blocked the Israelis from boarding the bus.
Egyptian Judo Athlete Refuses Handshake After Losing to Israeli
In another anti-Israel Olympic incident, Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby refused to shake hands with Israeli Or Sasson after losing to Sasson. This was a grave and rare breach of judo etiquette that follows another athlete forfeiting a match just to avoid competition against an Israeli.
Tweets
Kontorovich Tweet Perfectly Criticizes Human Rights Critques
In a short tweet, Eugene Kontorovich elegantly points out the absurdity of listening to "human rights group" critiques of Israel when such organizations don't even know that their aid is being used for terror.