Current News - Chabad of Great Neck

IDF Soldier Killed by Arab Sniper in Hebron, City Placed Under Lockdown

Monday, September 23, 2013 - 11:26 AM

The scene in Hebron following the sniper attack. Photo: Yerach Rapp / Tazpit News Agency.

An Israeli Defense Force soldier was killed on Sunday by an Arab sniper in Hebron, Israeli media reported.

The name of the fallen IDF solider was not released, but his family were notified of their loss.

Tazpit News Agency reported that snipers fired on a military post under guard by the IDF soldier, who was shot in the neck. The soldier was evacuated by Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom to a Jerusalem hospital where he later died from the bullet wound.

After the soldier was evacuated, Hebron was placed under a complete lockdown, with security forces surrounding the area to locate and apprehend the shooter.

&nb… Read More »

Israel Demands Explanation After French Diplomat Punches Israeli Soldier in the Face

Monday, September 23, 2013 - 11:23 AM

French diplomat Marion Fesneau-Castaing throwing a punch at an IDF soldier at Khirbet al-Makhul, in the Jordan Valley, on Friday, September 20, 2013. Photo: Screenshot.

French diplomat Marion Fesneau-Castaing punched an Israeli soldier in the face at the weekend prompting Israel’s Foreign Ministry to demand “an explanation of this blatant violation of diplomatic codes of conduct,” according to reports from AFP and Israel Hayom on Sunday.

Israel Hayom published footage of Fesneau-Castaing striking a helmeted border policeman on the chin with her fist. The punch was thrown on Friday, when IDF troops arrived to disperse a group of European diplomats as they tried to hand out tents and other eq… Read More »

Israel’s Economic Growth Slows, But Remains Far Ahead of Global Average

Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - 1:43 AM

A view of Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics published bearish economic numbers Monday, forecasting growth at 3.4%, down from the 3.8% the Bank of Israel forecasted for this year.

According to Globes, the numbers are worrying and indicate the Israeli economy’s weakening growth. The Central Bureau of Statistics saw no growth in exports (excluding diamonds), due to the recession in the Eurozone and weaker economic growth in the U.S.

The only positive development in the Central Bureau of Statistics data is the 4% growth in private consumption, which is accelerating faster than in both of the two previous years. Also of note, the standard of living is forecast to … Read More »

ISRAELI POLL: AFTER SYRIA, JEWISH STATE CAN’T TRUST OBAMA ON IRAN

Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 5:41 AM

President Obama addresses the nation. Photo: Screenshot.

JNS.org - In a new Israel Hayom poll, a majority of Israeli Jews—66.7 percent—characterized U.S. President Barack Obama’s handling of the Syria crisis as “not successful.” Meanwhile, 65.3 percent said that given Obama’s conduct regarding Syria, he would not be able to successfully deal with the Iran nuclear program.

A plurality of Israeli Jews—49.7 percent—said Obama’s decision to delay a military strike against Syria was wrong, while 32.8 percent said he made the right choice.

Poll respondents were asked who won the current round of events in Syria—… Read More »

Prince Charles Wears Unique Kippah to UK Chief Rabbi’s Induction Ceremony

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 6:16 PM

Prince Charles enthusiastically celebrates the induction of the UK's new chief rabbi, September 1, 2013. Photo: Screen shot.

Britain’s Prince Charles celebrated the official induction of the UK’s new chief rabbi, Ephraim Mervis, Sunday by wearing a personalized yarmalke bearing his official crest.

The Prince of Wales –who was the ceremony’s guest of honor– is the first member of the royal family to attend an installation of a chief rabbi, and he did so in style, with his blue velvet ceremonial skullcap adorned with the Prince of Wales’ feathers.

During his induction speech, Mervis addressed the Prince’s presence directly, saying, “It is not just an honor for me personal… Read More »

Netanyahu: ‘While They Shoot at Each Other, We Build for Each Other’

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 6:14 PM

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu speaking after laying the cornerstone for the new Golani Interchange, on Mach 28, 2012. Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu speaking after laying the cornerstone for the new Golani Interchange, on Mach 28, 2012. Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Golani interchange in Israel’s Lower Galilee on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while the country’s neighbors, Syria, to the north, and Egypt, to the south, are engulfed in civil unrest and war, Israel continues to develop its land.

“We have very great tasks in light of what is occurring throughout our region both near and far. While they shoot at each other, we build for each other,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our state is peaceful, certain of the strength of the IDF and sure in its… Read More »