Tag Meir at Latrun
The protest demonstration organized by the Tag Meir (Bright Tag) Coalition at the Latrun monastery in response to the daubing of graffiti by Tag Machir (Price Tag) was attended by hundreds of people from a broad consensus. Rabbi Benny Lau and Rabbi Naphtali Rotenberg were amongst the Rabbis who expressed their horror at the desecration of this holy place.

Tag Machir at Latrun
The Forum announces a demonstration for world peace and harmony at 6 pm on Wednesday August 5 at the monastry of Latrun. This is a protest at the despicable attack of Tag Machir (Price Tag) at this holy site.

The Danger of Mutual Responsibility
Hundreds of Tag Machir (Price Tag) attacks have followed Rabbi Yosef Elizur''s article in 2010 on Mutual Responsibility. "It is the non-Jews living in Israel who seek to destroy Judaism from within. If there is no peace for the Jews - there will be no peace for the Arabs.If the Arabs succeed through violence against Jews - we will also succeed through violence. " The Coalition of Tag Meir (Bright Tag) was established to lead the fight against all manifesttions of incitement and violence against citizens in Israel.

Rabin''s Granddaughter - A Target
Incitement against Noa Ben Artzi-Rotman - Yitzhak Rabin''''''''s granddaughter - has reached new levels. She has been cynically asked to join the Tag Machir - Price Tag - attacks, or help right wing MK Michael Ben Ari, or give her approbation to the infamous tract "Torat Hamelech". Make no mistake, these suggestions through the media constitute threatening incitement and will not be tolerated.

Dialogue without Price Tag
The Tag Meir (Bright Tag) Forum will hold an important meeting with representatives of Bnei Akiva this Wednesday July 25. A number of lectures will be held on the dangers of Price Tag and its effects on the democratic fiber of Israeli society. This dialogue has been organized following the ongoing attacks on peace activists most prominently, Hagit Ofran and other members of the peace movement. The meeting will be held in Independence Park, near Kikar Hachatulot in Jerusalem today, Wednesday July 25 starting at 6 pm. Speakers include: Hagit Ofran, Uri Ofran, educators and Bnei Akiva members. The public is invited.

Eitan Melchior Z"L
The Forum of Yod Bet B''Heshvan extends its sincerest condolences to the Melchior Family on the recent tragic passing of Eitan.

Tenth Mosque Torched
The mosque that was torched in Geba on Thursday night is the tenth mosque to have been desecrated over the past two years by religious extremists.

Letter to the Prime Minister
The following text is included in a letter sent to PM Binyamin Netanyanu on behalf of the Tag Meir (Bright Tag) Coalition of thirty non-profit organizations : Mr. Prime Minister: Past experience has proven that "Tag Machir" activists, bolstered by "Halachic" manuals and "learned" articles, will continue to attack innocent victims to revenge the disengagement/withdrawal from settlements and homes. Warning of "Tag Machir" attacks has been given: the writing is on the wall.

Slogans Daubed at Yad Vashem
We deplore and denounce the anti-Zionist graffiti daubed on the walls of Yad Vashem this week. One of these included: If Hitler had not existed the Zionists would have invented him. We urge the police to find and punish the vandals who perpetrated this without lame excuses such as: the words refer to a Halachic source and are misunderstood; or the words refer to an esoteric source and are not connected to inciteful violence.

Yoska Achituv Z"L
The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum and the Yod Bet B''Heshvan movement express their deepest sympathy to the Achituv Family, Kibbutz Ein Zurim and the Yaakov Herzog Center at the passing of Yoska Achituv. Yoska Achituv was a primary force within Modern Orthodoxy seeking the values of pluralism, tolerance and peace.

Support for the Refugees
A demonstration of support for the refugees and illegal immigrants was held last Friday morning, May 25 in front of the Prime Minister''s Residence in Jerusalem under the title: Refugees Support Refugees. We are all acutely aware of the problems associated with illegal immigration into Israel, particularly in the areas they congregate in South Tel Aviv and Eilat. This has led to a wave of xenophobic hatred, racism and violence and, we believe, it is only a question of time before this results in murder and catastrophe. We urge the Government of Israel to deal with the problem of refugees and illegal immigration according to the laws of the constitution and with humane sympathy as a people who have known this suffering. We will seek to protest all manifestations of racism and hatred in the same way as we protest other causes. At the same time, we will urge the Government of Israel to deal with the very real problems that exist in south Tel Aviv and Eilat.

Jerusalem Day Without Incitement
The Forum "Tag Meir" coordinated by Yod Bet B''''Heshvan comprising over thirty non-profits, has made an official request to Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem and to the Jerusalem police commissioner to supervise the route of the Jerusalem Day March, taking place on Sunday May 20. Last year''s March with flags, went through the Arab neighborhood of Sheikh Jarra on the way to the Western Wall, with participants chanting racist slogans which quickly deteriorated into physical fights. The Forum requested that the day be commemorated in a respectful way and the route be directed through neighborhoods that will not cause controversy or physical harm to anyone.

They Also Put Rabin in a Kafiya
MK Michael Ben Ari (from the right wing party Israel Beitenu) published photographs of Israel''s High Court judges dressed in kafiyot (traditional Arab headscarves). The photograph was published in the wake of the High Court decision to demolish the settlement of Ulpana in Beit El. MK Ben Ari is sending us back to Kikar Zion (ie the demonstrations of incitement that led to the murder of Yitzhak Rabin).

Quiz : My Jerusalem
An official teaching guide to Jerusalem does not mention the name of Yitzhak Rabin as commander of the Harel Brigade during the War of Independence nor as the Chief of Staff during the Six Day War. A forthcoming quiz to be held on Jerusalem Day, on May 20, includes a question on this subject. Is it surprising that children in the fifth grade were unable to provide the correct answer to these questions?

Book in Honor of Prof. Avi Ravitzky
An evening to mark the publication of the book " Public Opinion: Religion and Politics within Jewish Philosophy" in honor of Professor Aviezer Ravitzky was held on Thursday evening, April 24 at Mishkenot Sha''ananim in Jerusalem. Hundreds of people were present at this special event to pay tribute to Professor Ravitzky.

Litigating Against Torat Hamelech
Yod Bet B''Heshvan, The Center for Pluralistic Judaism, Kolech, Tzionut Datit Realit, The Yaakov Herzog Center, The Conservative Movement, The Shittim Institute, The Eliayahu School for the Wisdom of Religion, Shomrei Mishpat Rabbanim for Human Rights, Professore Asa Kasher and Ms. Rachel Rabin petitioned the High Court to press criminal charges against the authors of the book Torat Hamelech and the Rabbis who gave it their approbation for incitement to racism, violence and insurgence. They also requested that the book be removed from circulation.

Bright Tag at Malha Mall Jerusalem
As a reaction to the violent racist attack of Beitar Jerusalem football supporters on Arab workers at Jerusalem Malha Mall yesterday, we hereby announce a Bright Tag rally. We will meet at the Malha Mall on Wednesday March 28 at 6 pm. The exact meeting point will be announced in due course.

Terrorist Attack in Toulouse
The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum expresses its shock and outrage at the brutal murder of Yonatan Sandler, his two sons, Arieh and Gabriel and Miriam Mononego at the Oztar Torah School in Toulouse. The Forum extends its sincerest condolences to the Sandler and Monsonego Families, to the Jewish community in Toulouse and in France.

Settlers Refuse Women Soldiers
The settlement of Horsha in western Binyamin sent an official request to the IDF not to send women soldiers to guard them. The IDF spokesperson replied: Guard duty of all settlements under the Central Command is carried out by men and women soldiers unilaterally.

Road Accident Kills School Children
Five schoolchildren and their teacher from Shuafat were killed in a horrific traffic accident in north Jerusalem. The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum sends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and sincerest wishes for the recovery of the wounded.

Subaru Campaign
The Subaru Company in Israel has come out with a new sales campaign called "Tag Machiron" (a play on the words Tag Machir - the Price Tag attacks and Machiron - the national car price guide). The organizations of Brit Hoshech LeGaresh have lodged an official complaint to the import company - Gad Zeevi - on the grounds that use of this sales slogan is in bad taste and offensive to all victims of the Price Tag attacks. We urge all readers of this site to go into the Subaru website and send a complaint.

Religious Extremism and the IDF
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.

Chana Brom z"l
The Yod Bet B''Heshvan Forum mourns the passing of our colleague Chana Brom and extends its sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Price Tag in Kiryat Moshe
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?

Campaign:Tag Meir:Symbol of Light
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.

Arab Employees Marked
It was reported in Haaretz that the extreme right has taken the step of marking shops that employ Arab workers.

Ceremony at the Rabin Synagogue
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.

Hassida Gvaryahu-Gottesman
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.

Holy Grave Desecrated
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.

Memorial Prayers for Yitzhak Rabin
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.

Welcome Home Gilad
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.

Protesting the Shalit Exchange
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.

Rabin Memorial Targeted
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.

Arab Cemetery in Jaffa Daubed
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?

Mosque Desecrated - Toba-Zangariyya
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).

The Intoxication of Redemption
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.

When Religion is above the Law
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.

A Happy Peaceful New Year
The Yod Bet Heshvan Forum sends its warmest wishes for a very Happy Peaceful New Year.

Murder Near Kiryat Arba
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.

Another Mosque is Defaced
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.

Desecration of Five Mosques
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!

Torat Hamelech Conference Cancelled
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.

The Fast of the Ninth of Av
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.

The People Demand Social Justice
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.

Murder of Rav Elazar Abuhatzera
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.

Protest of the Middle Class
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.

Arrest of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef
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.

Rabbi Dov Lior is Arrested
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.

Hilltop Youth Battle Haredim
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.

Reform Beit Knesset Attacked
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.

The Pesach Sacrifice at Har Habayit
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.

Terror in Itamar
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.

Forum Reaction to Rabbis Letter
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.

Protecting Democracy
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.

Anti Arab Employment Campaign
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.

Planting Tolerance Uprooting Racism
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.

No More Incitement, Hatred & Racism
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.

The Carmel Tragedy
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.

Conference Brit Hoshech LeGaresh
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.

No To Incitement against Haredim
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.

It all began with the word Traitor
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"

Demo against Torat Hamelech Rabbis
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.

Desecration Mosque in Beit Fa''jar
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)

Memorial Service for Yitzhak Rabin
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

Film Prize for Pelech Kiryat Ekron
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.

Shana Tova
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.

Photos - conference of rabbis

Reaction to Conference continues
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.”

Conference of Rabbis:Forum Reaction
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.

Rabbi Dov Lior & Torat Hamelech
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”.

Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet
Shmuel Gvaryahu z"l, the father of Gadi Gvaryahu, passed away on Shabbat.

The funeral will be held tonight (Sunday, 21.12) at the Rehovot cemetery at 8:30pm.

Shiva will be at 12 Rehov HaEgoz (4th floor), Rehovot until Sunday morning after Shacharit. The schedule for tefillot has not yet been announced.

Yehi Zichro Barach.