Minister of Science, Rabbi Daniel Hershkovitz, was quoted today as saying that the Rabbis who were encouraging their followers not to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces lest they hear women''s voices (ie so that they compromise their religious lifestyles) were fanning the flames of controversy and indicating educational failure and the spread of Haredism and anti-Zionism. (25/1/2012)

The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum mourns the passing of our colleague Chana Brom and extends its sincerest condolences to her family and friends. (9/1/2012)

Arab building workers reported that the windshields of three vehicles were smashed on Saturday night last in the neighborhood of Kiryat Moshe, Jerusalem. The Forum asks: has the police department dealing with Jewish terror been shut down for budget reasons? (9/1/2012)

Yod Bet B''Heshvan is proud to announce a campaign called "Tag Meir" in English: a symbol of light to counter all incidents of "Tag Machir" in English: Price Tag - acts of incitement and racism which have taken place in the recent past. During the nights of Hannukah, we will light special memorial lamps at the site of each violent act. We invite everyone to join the members of organizations, youth movements, schools and non-profit organizations from all sections of Israeli society who have pledged to protest and end the despicable acts of "Tag Machir". "Tag Meir" will bring light to the dark acts of "Tag Machir" and help to ensure that the democratic character of Israeli society, its values and institutions, are preserved. (11/12/2011)

It was reported in Haaretz that the extreme right has taken the step of marking shops that employ Arab workers. (23/11/2011)

ON Tuesday night, 8 November, corresponding to Yod Bet B''''Heshvan - the annual memorial ceremony for Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin took place in the only synagogue named after him. The Memorial Ceremony began with evening prayers led by Yehuda Wachsman, father of slain IDF soldier, Nachshon Wachsman. The essentially religious ceremony consisted of the learning of Mishnaic texts dealing with issues of unity, mutual respect and communal responsibility. Speakers included, the Mayor of Rehovot, Rahamim Malal, the Chief Rabbi of Rehovot, Rabbi Simcha HaCohen-Kook, MK Zevulun Orlev, Minister for Home Defense, Matan Vilnai, delegates of religious and secular youth movements. The ceremony was attended by civic dignatories, Rabbanim and members of the wider community. (9/11/2011)

The members of the Yod Bet Heshvan Forum extend their deepest condolences to Dr. Gadi Gvaryahu and the Gvaryahu Family on the passing of Mrs. Hassida Gvaryahu-Gottesman z"l. (8/11/2011)

The holy grave of Elazar HaCohen in the Samarian town of Evrata was desecrated on Monday last. The grave was sprayed with grafitti including a picture of a missile. Bratzlav Hassidim, who frequently pray at the holy site, were the first to discover the desecration. (5/11/2011)

The public is invted to the annual memorial prayer and study session to mark the anniversary of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin z"l. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday November 8, 2011 at 7.30 pm at the Yitzhak Rabin Synagogue, 42 Lehi Street, Rehovot in the presence of Rabbanim and public dignatories. (29/10/2011)

The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum expresses its joy and happiness at the release of Gilad Shalit and his safe return to his family and people. (19/10/2011)

A man was arrested opposite the High Court in Jerusalem on Monday while protesting the release of convicted terrorists in the Shalit Exchange after he held a sign "Bibi is a Murderer". The man was later identified as the orphaned son of a family killed in the infamous attack in the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem. (19/10/2011)

Knesset member for the rightist party, Ichud Leumi, Dr Michael Ben Ari was quoted as saying that the person who daubed graffitti on the memorial to Yitzhak Rabin was gently expressing the rage felt by the families of the victims of terror at the release of the perpetrators of the attacks that killed their loved ones as part of the exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit. "The release of these murderers has led us to anarchy and in a period of anarchy even the grave of Rabin has lost its sanctity" he said. (17/10/2011)

Racist slogans were found daubed at the Arab cemetery in Jaffa yesterday. In response, an incendiary bomb was thrown near a synagogue. The security forces have managed to track down the murderers of Asher and Yonatan Palmor and we are grateful for this but the Forum asks how it is possible for these racist acts to continue daily with no significant police intervention? (9/10/2011)

On the night of October 2, the mosque at Toba-Zangariyya - next to Rosh Pina - was desecrated. The slogan of "Tag Machir" was daubed on the walls. Since December 2009, seven mosques have been desecrated, two within the boundaries of the State of Israel and five within Judah and Samaria. (Tag Machir is a fanatical extremist group within the Religious Zionist sector who have turned to violence to achieve their anti-Arab goals). (4/10/2011)

A new publication by Micha Regev "Intoxication of Redemption" (Yediyot Aharonot) has come to our attention. Writing as a Religious Zionist, the author describes his fears over the escalating extremism within the Religious Zionist sector which are endangering our very existence. The book calls for a responsible return to the path of enlightenment and vision and an end to the Messianic fervour that is leading to discord and distruction. (4/10/2011)

Rabbi Dov Lior decreed tonight, that IDF personnel may refuse to carry out a command if they believe it to conflict with their religious beliefs. "It is impossible for a soldier to be forced to carry out a command that is against his beliefs and conscience. " The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum deplores this announcement which seeks to undermine the IDF based on the misuse of religious authority amongst young soldiers. (1/10/2011)

The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum sends its warmest wishes for a very Happy Peaceful New Year. (1/10/2011)

The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum condemns the murder of Asher Palmor and his infant son, Yonatan of Kiryat Arba. The Forum expresses its deepest condolences to the family, to the settlement of Kiryat Arba and to all citizens of the State of Israel at this terrible deed. The Forum appeals to the State of Israel to track down the perpetrators. At this difficult time, it is essential that we support the security forces to ensure the safety of all Israel''s citizens. (1/10/2011)

Last Thursday night yet another mosque was defaced by grafitti bringing the total number to six mosques that have been desecrated in this way by extremists. The mosque is situated in Kfar Yatma, south-east of Nablus. (11/9/2011)

Since December 2009, five mosques have been desecrated in Israel. In December 2009 the mosque in Kfar Yasuf in Samaria. In June 2010 the mosque in Ibtin in northern Israel, in October 2010 in Beit Paajar, in June 2011 the mosque in Al-Moreer and this week in Kfar Kuzra. This week, twenty vehicles from the IDF base next to Ramallah were damaged and grafitti by extremist Jewish youths was scralled on walls of the base. This is not acceptable! (10/9/2011)

The President of Haifa University, Prof. Aaron ben Zev announced the cancellation of the upcoming academic conference on the controversial religious work, Torat Hamelech to which Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, one of the authors, had accepted to appear as a keynote speaker. The cancellation came as a result of pressure on the university from Brit Hoshech LeGaresh, a coalition of nineteen non-profit organizations chaired by Yod Bet B''Heshvan with Dror Yisrael. (31/8/2011)

This is a synopsis of the speech by Rabbi Dr. Benny Lau at the demonstration in Tel Aviv on the Shabbat before the fast of the Ninth of Av: As we stand two days before the fast commemorating the distruction of the Temple, it is clear that our right to live in this land is dependent on social justice. We cannot allow these terrible social inequalities to continue. This is not the meaning of the Jewish State. It is impossible that people who work honorably to make a living are unable to buy themselves a home to live in. (27/8/2011)

The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum expresses its sorrow and shock at the brutal murder of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzera, of blessed memory. The Forum sends condolences to the Abuhatzera Family, their community and to Klal Yisrael. (31/7/2011)

The civil protest against exhorbitant house prices and the low pay of training doctors reflects the real hardship of Israeli society - young, Haredi, Arabs and students. This is not a political battle between left and right. We call upon all Forum members to support this protest in every possible way. "When Israel is troubled, I will support them," Taanit, 11A. (31/7/2011)

The arrest of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef - son of reverred spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef - on charges of incitement took place on July 3 in Jerusalem. As in the case of Rabbi Dov Lior, he had refused to cooperate in the police investigation of the extremist tract, Torat Hamelech. His arrest provoked disturbances by his followers. (3/7/2011)

Rabbi Dov Lior was arrested today as he travelled to Jerusalem. The Rabbi was taken to police headquarters in Lod where he was questioned for about an hour. Rabbi Lior was arrested in connection with his enthusiastic support for the controversial extremist Halachic work, Torat Hamelech, which condones the killing of non-Jews. His arrest provoked demonstrations by hundreds of his followers in Jerusalem where they blocked the entrance to the city and tried to storm the High Court Building. (27/6/2011)

Extremist hilltop youth have taken over the traditional grave of Shimon the Righteous in Jerusalem. Haredi women in modest clothing visiting the grave recently were verbally and physically abused by the youths. One proudly described how he had emptied garbage on the head of one Haredi woman visiting the religious site. (27/6/2011)

Beit Knesset "Ra''anan" in Raanana was the target of extremists. Community members were shocked to discover broken windows and the slogan "This is just the beginning!" daubed on the wall. One member reported "These were not stones - but rocks". Members arriving on Thursday morning (April 28) discovered damage to the synagogue and to the adjoining pre-school facility. This is the third time the Reform synagogue has sustained damage in the recent past. (29/4/2011)

Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu, renowned spiritual leader, holds by the accepted Halachic opinion that sacrifice is no longer allowed following the destruction of the Second Temple. His son, Rabbi Shmuel Eliahu considers that it is permissible and obligatory to set up an altar and offer the Pesach sacrifice. "We must break the spiritual taboo that prevents us considering this" he was quoted as saying. (8/4/2011)

The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum expresses its deepest shock and outrage at the barbaric murders of Uri and Ruth Fogel and their children Yoav, Elad and Hadass from Itamar. The Forum sends its heartfelt condolences to the Fogel Family, to the settlement of Itamar and to the people of the State of Israel. The Forum appeals to the State of Israel and to the Palestinian Authority to hunt down the perpetrators of these hideous murders. (16/3/2011)

In the wake of different initatives to circumvent and intervene in the judicial process through letters signed by Rabbinic authorities, the Forum asks its supporters to protest these actions and to seek ways to uphold the rule of law. In regard to the latest letter relating to the impending sentence of former President, Moshe Katzav, the Forum sends messages of support to the plaintiffs, the Judges and the Attorney General, Adv. Shai Nitzan. (27/2/2011)

Protecting Democracy is the title of a conference to be held on Sunday February 27, 2011 at 5.30 pm at the Yitzhak Rabin Center for Democracy in Tel Aviv. Program includes: Opening remarks by the Director of the Center, Ms. Dalia Rabin, opening lecture by Speaker of the Knesset, MK Reuven Rivlin followed by a panel of speakers comprising Adv. Eliakim Haetzni, Yaakov Peri, Rabbi Yuval Sherlo and Adv. Talia Sasson. Registration on tel. 03-7453322. (20/2/2011)

Lehava - a right wing extremist movement seeking to prevent assimilation of Jews in Eretz Yisrael - has initiated a campaign to award a Kashrut certificate to companies who do not employ Arab workers. Yod Bet B''Heshvan and the Coalition of Brit Hoshech LeGaresh have mounted a counter-campaign and intend to distribute leaflets at the site of these companies describing why this certification violates human rights, defies Jewish law and comprises an illegal act. (20/2/2011)

The public is invited to a Conference “Planting Tolerance Uprooting Racism” where social welfare organizations together with leading figures in the community will meet in a bid to strengthen the values of Jewish-Israeli tolerance. The conference will take place on Thursday, 15th Shvat (Tu B’Shvat – New Year for Trees) 20.1.11 at the Hartman Institute, 11 Gedalyahu Street, Jerusalem from 3 pm – 8.30 pm. (16/1/2011)

The Coalition of seventeen non-profit organizations, Brit Hoshech Le''Garesh (Banish the Darkness) held a protest conference yesterday (Dec. 20) at the Gerard Bechar Center in Jerusalem with a turnout of over 650 participants from all religious and political sectors in Israel. The protest was held against the continuing incitement, hatred and racism against minorities including the desecration of holy places of worship, some, taking place in the name of religion and with its support. Speakers at the conference included : Rabbi Dr. Benny Lau, Professor Danny Gutwein, HaRabba Tamar Elad Applebaum, the poet Eliraz Cohen and Ari Elon. (23/12/2010)

The Yod Bet B"Heshvan Forum extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the fire in the Carmel. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion. (5/12/2010)

Brit Hoshech LeGaresh announces a conference to be held on Monday, 15 Tevet, Dec. 20, 2010 at the Gerard Bechar Center, Bezalel St. Jerusalem at 19.00. The conference is being held in protest against the continued hatred, discrimination, racism and desecration of holy places of worship taking place in the name of religion. Keynote speakers include: Rabbi Dr. Benny Lau, Dr. Ari Elon, Rabba Tamar Elad-Applebaum and Professor Danny Gutwin. (30/11/2010)

During the last week, an envelope was received at the office of Deputy Minister for Education, Rabbi Meir Porush containing a threatening letter and an unidentified white powder. The Security Officer dealt with the envelope and an official complaint was lodged with the Security Department at the Knesset. Radio Kol Hai has reported that similar letters were recently received by Haredi ministers at other government departments. (30/11/2010)

The word "Traitor" was found daubed on the house of the Chief Army Prosecuter, Major General Mandelblitt. The slogan "Mandelblitt and Goldstone are traitors" was found on the fence of the Chief Army Prosecuter in Petach Tikvah. It is believed that this protest comes as a reaction to the decision to prosecute IDF soldiers for possible illegal acts during the "Cast Lead" campaign in Gaza in 2009. IDF sources condemned the act as crossing "a red line". The IDF spokesman said "the Chief of Staff supports the decision and actions of the Chief Army Prosecuter" (6/11/2010)

Dozens of supporters of Brit Hoshech LeGaresh - both religious and secular (including the youth movements of Dror Yisrael and Ha''am Haoved v''Halomed)- demonstrated tonight in Petach Tikva against the book Torat Hamelech, its authors and supporters. The demonstration took place opposite the "Munkatch" Synagogue during the time that Rabbis Yitzhak Shapira and Dov Lior were speaking about the ethical "dilemmas" involved as reflected in their book, Torat Hamelech. (24/10/2010)

The memorial service and evening of learning on the anniversary of the murder of Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Yitzhak Rabin z"l will take place at the Yitzhak Rabin Synagogue, 36 Lehi Street, Rehovot on 12 Heshvan 5771, 19 October 2010 at 7.30 pm (3/10/2010)

We will continue the tradition of our beloved colleague, Professor Gerald Cromer, of blessed memory, and gather at the graveside of Yitzhak Rabin, of blessed memory, on the eve of the Fast of Tisha B''''Av at 8.15 pm. Evening service will be followed by the reading of Eicha (Lamentations) and Kinot. (27/8/2011)

Eliraz Cohen writes: On the morning of October 4, the mosque at Kfar Beit Fa’jar in Gush Etzion was set alight by religious fanatics. Today, October 5, settlers and Palestinians who, over the past year have met together to make every effort to find a way to live together in harmony and mutual respect, will meet to protest this desecration of a House of Prayer and this attempt to sabotage our continued existence side by side. As a man, an Israeli Jew, as a second generation settler of Yehuda and Samaria (as a member of the Council of Yehuda and Samaria) I refuse to hesitate in my reaction to incidents of this kind : the persons who started the fire, those who sent them on this mission and those who support their actions must be cast out. This country must not tolerate attacks on the innocent, the desecration of the name of God and the honor of man. These are not my brothers! (Oct. 5, 2010) (10/10/2010)

The film "Derech Hadasha" - A New Way - by the film elective of twelfth grade students at the Ruth Z. Korman School in Kiryat Ekron won first place in the nationwide schools'' category for documentary films at the Haifa Film Festival this week. (24/9/2010)

The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum wishes Klal Yisrael a Shana Tova - a year of peace and happiness, tolerance and moderation, creativity and commitment to the values we seek to safeguard for a better future for all. (7/9/2010)

(23/8/2010)

Reaction to the Rabbis'' conference of last week supporting the refusal of Rabbis Dov Lior and Yaacov Yosef to submit to police investigation for incitement to violence and racism, continues. In particular, the public condemnations of the conference by Rabbi Yoel Bin Nun and Rabbi Benny Lau have drawn widespread interest. In a communication to Ynet Hebrew edition, Rabbi Bin Nun was sceptical that the Rabbis participating in the conference including Rabbi Shaar Yashuv HaCohen, Chief Rabbi of Haifa and Rabbi Haim Druckman, head of Yeshivot Bnei Akiva, had even read the vengeful material contained in “Torat Hamelech”. Rabbi Lau recalled, how, as an IDF soldier in the First Lebanon War in 1982, he had listened with horror to Rabbi Lior’s fiery speeches, full of hate for non-Jews. With regard to the presence of major Zionist Rabbis at the conference he adds: “There is no way that these radical Piskei Halacha should be legitimized. The leaders of the National Zionist movement should not have attended this conference, supporting the refusal of the (police) investigation into Torat Hamelech.” (22/8/2010)

At the emergency conference of Rabbis convened yesterday in Jerusalem, it was unanimously decided to support the right of Rabbis to create new Halachic rulings dealing with capital issues affecting Jews and non-Jews alike. The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum/ Yod Bet Heshvan movement and the Coalition of Hoshech LeGaresh comprising fifteen non-profit organizations condemns this decision and will continue the struggle to safeguard both the moral fiber and humanity of the State of Israel. (19/8/2010)

Rabbi Dov Lior Ignores Police Enquiry. Rabbi Dov Lior has not complied with a court order to report to the police to undergo investigation for possible incitement for his authorship of the book: “Torat Hamelech”. (11/8/2010)